Sounds good. Bring on the test. I hope it's open-book.
No more questions.
So, in two days, Marcelo will be coming from our head city of our business. He will be bringing two packages with him, which you will verify and deliver to myself at the office. Should any issues arise, handle it, but there should be none. Questions?
What about the Mr.Do gooder in the mysterious cloak? I wouldn't be surprised if he show sup again.
"Yeah, sure. That sounds a bit easy for a test though. What's in the packages?" Kraull asks with minor disinterest.
Mr. "Do-Good", I suppose is only interested in the living trade goods. If he interferes, than make him regret it with his life. As to what's in the packages, I will tell you when you bring it to me. Nothing alive though. As I said, I want you to test its quality first, as I am picky about these type of goods. The real boss says "it will sell well down here", but I am hesitant. It's a new drug, alchemically fused Pesh and Whip I was told.
He thinks more for a moment than looks to Chef, I expect good work from you
Well thank you, I guess I am all set.
"Yeah, we'll get it done." Kraull says with a smirk.
This test sounds like fun. I trust there will be enough product for a full battery of testing. Merely to assure the local market of the quality of their purchase, of course.
Rubin takes some mental notes.
Marcelo...from the "head city" (which could it be?)...the "real boss"...more threads of investigation to follow.
Two days go by, no other messages are delivered to you. The day comes for you to meet Marcelo at the docks after nightfall. You gather whatever purchases you make in preparation, and head towards the docks at your meeting place.
The hustle and bustle is winding down, and the only people on the docks are late night crewman, trying to finish the last of their cargo load for the day. A man, with slick black hair, high cheekbones and a elegant cloak seems to be approaching your group. He is accompanied by a single man, or rather Tiefling. The "bodyguard", has ruby red eyes, and he doesn't speak, but assesses you as he walks.
Shall we head indoors
You head into a local bar called the Fuzzy Unicorn. The bartender looks at you as you enter than nods at the two who follow after you. The Tiefling, heads into the back room, and nods for you to follow. He locks the door once you are all inside. The well groomed man speaks quietly and very precisely once all are accounted for.
I am surprised Sampson sent new people, but no matter.[b] He opens a sack, that appears to hold much more than what it should. He pulls out three airtight containers, each full to the brim with a rosy red powder. All combined, there is approximately 5 pounds of product.
[b]So, are you prepared to test its quality, as I know Sampson is anal-retentive about his quaint little area Marcelo chuckles at this thought. He is clearly mocking Sampson.
Chef buys 3 potions of CLW
Indeed, I will do a few tests. Chef brings out his alchemy kit and does an examination of the powder.
Kraull crosses his beefy arms and attempts to look intimidating while the others do their business.
Rubin keeps his eyes open but doesn't speak too much.
Rubin takes a tiny pinch of powder. Not knowing the proper method of ingestion, and not wanting to display his ignorance, he turns his back and licks it off his finger.
Nothing strikes the group as odd. Chef takes a small sample of the red powder and runs a few alchemical tests on it with the few instruments he has. He can tell the product is very pure, and very well crafted. It is indeed a mixture of drugs. It is in theory Pesh and Whip, but there would be no definitive way to tell unless using a proper dose.
When Rubin licks a sample, he gets a slight sour and bitter taste, but isn't hooked or anything. Rubin's tongue tingles after he tastes it.
So, where is Sampson anyway? You got my coin?
This is indeed the product, very nice stuff as well.
Thanx, now about my coin. Sampson knows I get paid after delivery, it my delivery charge. Where's the smug bastard?!
We got sent by Sampson to break us in. Chef pays him the coin.
"Yeah, we're his, uh, substitutes. Is that a problem?" Kraull asks with a raised eyebrow.
So Sampson trusted you with my fee of 2000 gold?! He's smug, and brash not a complete IDIOT!?! Marcelo exclaims at the initial response.
He puts his hand on his chin, thinking for a moment. The angry Tiefling speaks up in Infernal.
Marcelo responds in kind, and than looks at you three.
Take me to him
Woah there, let us calm down a bit here.
He didn't tell us his plans, but I assume if he's not here, it's because he has important business to attend to elsewhere. And yes, he did trust us. We've got our goods, you've got your coins, if you have any other message for Sampson we'll be happy to relay it. Otherwise I believe our transaction here is concluded.
Marcelo's eyes narrow as Rubin speaks. The bodyguard steps forward, hand on hilt, but Marcelo stops him with the wave of his hand.
Dont forget, I'm the shark in the room and you're the guppy. I respect the fact your balls are the size of coconuts, but I will cut them off to prove a point. Take a message back to your punk ass b!@%! of a boss, as he punches you in the gut.
The pain stings, as you hear your ribs get punched, but it was just a closed fist, no gauntlet.
He turns around and begins to walk out, bodyguard looking at you three until Marcelo is out the door. You are left with the three containers, and a bruised ego.
About a minute after the two leave you can hear Marcelo down the pier yell out. You can vaguely make out a few of the words,
Chef goes to look what is happening.
Oooof...Pleasure...doing...business...
Rubin remains doubled over as Marcelo leaves, fighting for breath.
When he hears the commotion on the waterfront, he manages to stand up and follow Chef to see what the hubbub is about. He keeps his distance, trying to remain in the shadows.
Chef does drink his mutagen.
"You know, if he is getting killed right now, it kind of serves him right, don't it?" Kraull observes later after the commotion starts outside. As the others start to go out the door, he sighs heavily as he draws his falchion and follows.
Chef chugs his mutagen, after Rubin gets some air back in his lungs. You head out after you hear Marcelo yell. You see a sight to behold, he is trapped between two groups of men. One one side, is a group led by a blonde haired man, the "goodie-goodie" whom you encountered on the docks. One the other side, a person is cloaked in a cape, and speaks Infernal. Marcelo is 60 feet away from you, and 45 feet from either group.
He spots you three, exit the warehouse, and yells to you.
YOU TRAITOROUS BASTARDS. SAMPSOM THINKS HE CAN DOUBLE-CROSS !! YOU WILL ALL PAY FOR THIS!!
Marcelo and his bodyguard both drink a potion. Their bodies start to shimmer like the sand dunes in Osiriin.
----------
Initiative:
Chef
Rubin
Kraull
Goodie + guards
?? Cloak + guards
Marcelo + guard
Round 1:
22 Marcelo: done
--
16 Chef: go
16 Rubin: go
11 Kraull: go
--
9 Goodie
9 Cloak
Marcelo gives a command in Infernal. Marcelo draws his long sword and short sword; while his Tiefling guard draws his pair of short swords.
Uh, I'm not sure who I'm supposed to be beating on here." Kraull says, admitting his befuddlement.
Me neither, but I am not favorably inclined towards Marcelo. Chef shrugs. What a tragic loss of human life?
Round 1:
22 Marcelo: done
--
16 Chef: delay
16 Rubin: go
11 Kraull: delay
--
9 Goodie
9 Cloak
Seems like a good time for a battle hymn.
Confusion and mayhem
What are we supposed to do?
Slash 'em beat 'em belay 'em
But who?
Don't be a loser
Attack the Accuser!
(That's Marcelo)
Rubin moves into range and prepares to fire his crossbow next round.
Works for me, let us go get them.
Through his singing, Rubin attempts to pass a message to the blonde guy without the other groups knowing, offering an alliance with him.
Round 1:
22 Marcelo: done (10 damage)
--
16 Chef: go
(IC) 16 Rubin:
11 Kraull: go
--
9 Goodie - 1 bow: done -- next to Marcelo
9 Kräcktar: done -- next to Kraull
-----
Rubin starts to inspire his allies, while trying to let the blonde guy know they are planning to attack Marcelo. The blonde guy and his allies get ready for battle. One casts a spell on their leader, while the other two shoot crossbows at Marcelo. The first arrow lands harmlessly a few feet from Marcelo. The second arrow pierces his studded leather, or at least is the thought when you see the arrow pass through his space. The blonde leader than rushes forward, blade and shield at the ready and takes a swing at Marcelo. The blade connects with Marcelo's rib cage, and a wound is opened. Marcelo growls in anger.
You will all feel my anger and wrath!
--
The other man, drops his hood. It's your local pissed off mercenary, Kräcktar, who lets his wicked smile creep over his face. He draws his great axe and charges Kraull, while two crossbow bolts fly at the two crossbow users on the blonde guys side. Both bolts slam into the same bow user. The first causes a puncture to the man's leg, and the second puts him on the ground as it punctures the lung.
---
Marcelo and his bodyguard attack the blonde haired man in unison. Marcelo catches nothing but air as both his long and short sword whiff. His bodyguard does much the same, as his blades clang against his armor.
"Who were you again?" Kraull asked Kräcktar with a mock look of confusion, "I kinda get all you little guys with grudges confused."
With a chuckle to himself, the half-orc then slashes his weapon at the man.
Chef drinks an extract of Adhesive Spittle(Move) and them horks some Phlegm at Krackter(standard)
Once during this spell’s duration, you can spit a viscous liquid as a standard action. This liquid functions as a tanglefoot bag, except you do not have to make a successful attack roll to hit your target. The DCs to counteract this adhesive (to avoid being stuck to the floor, to fly, to break the adhesive, or to cast a spell) use the spell’s DC rather than a tanglefoot bag’s normal DCs. The adhesive persists for 2d4 rounds after you spit it.
(Round 2)
Kraull the Mighty
Our own Master Chef
And Rubin the Bard
Epic legendary heroes
Putting our enemies
On their guard!
Rubin continues his encouraging anthem and keeps his distance from the fray. He takes aim at Marcelo, then changes his mind and fires at Kracktar. This guy seems like a more immediate threat and an easier shot. Wait, where did those other crossbow bolts come from?
Round 2:
22 Marcelo: done (10 damage)
--
16 Chef: spittle vs Kräcktar
(IC) 16 Rubin: attack Kräcktar??
11 Kraull: sliced Kräcktar
--
9 Goodie - 1 bow: done -- next to Marcelo
9 Kräcktar: done -- next to Kraull (17 damage, stuck??)
Round 3:
22 Marcelo: done (13 damage)
--
16 Chef: go
(IC) 16 Rubin: (7 damage)
11 Kraull: (10 damage)
--
9 Goodie: done -- next to Marcelo, flanked by duo (17 damage)
9 Kräcktar: done -- next to Kraull (20 damage, stuck??)
------
Kräcktar avoids being stuck to the ground via the gooey spittle spit at him by Chef. He growls at Chef, but turns his attention back to Kraull who seems like the bigger threat.
The blonde haired man once again takes a swing at Marcelo. The blade gets through the haze, but the blade barely cuts Marcelo.
The allies of the blonde heroine, aid him. One casts a curative spell on the fallen bowman, while the bowmen both fire shots at the bowmen of Kräcktar. One shot lands right at his own feet as the bolt slides out of its groove. The other, lightly graves one of Kräcktar's men.
--------
Kräcktar and his men retaliate. Kräcktar takes another violent swing at Kraull. His men than launch two shots at Kraull's allies, one at Rubin and the other at Chef. Kräcktar's blade cuts deep into Kraull's chest. Blood gushes from his abdomen. The first bolt catches Rubin in the shoulder, while the one aimed at Chef his the side of the building.
------
Marcelo grunts at the nick to him. Him and his bodyguard put the blonde hero in a pincer attack, and unleash a barrage of attacks.
"Is that the best you got, ya whiny baby?" Kraull taunts despite his injuries as he swings his falchion at Kräcktar again.
As he strikes the man critically, Kraull adds, "Well I guess your best ain't good enough, wuss."
AC 23/15/120
Dex 20 Cha 8
+2 ranged bab
Resources
Bombs 4/5
Chef tosses a bomb at one of Krak's sidekicks
Kraull kills Kräcktar will a single strike of his blade. The falchion cuts Kräcktar in the waist, whose inside are no longer inside of him. He falls, blood pooling greatly at Kraull's feet. The crossbowmen look visibly shaken, as neither of them have seen ANYONE do to Kräcktar like Kraull did. Despite being shaken, Chef's bomb misses and only burns the ground around the cronies.
Rubin watches in shock as Kracktar's body instantly explodes into a sluice of gore. He nearly forgets his own wound, or to keep singing.
Holy Gods Kraull!
A few more swings like that
And we'll be rid of them all!
Rubin reloads and fires back at the archer who hit him.
Round 4:
22 Marcelo: done (21 damage)
--
16 Chef: go
(IC) 16 Rubin: go (7 damage)
11 Kraull: go (10 damage) + DC 13 will save or attack Rubin or Chef
--
9 Goodie: DOWN (27 damage)
9 Kräcktar: DED
---
Rubin's bolt catches one of Kräcktar's bowman in the shoulder. He grunts in pain, but refuses to leave...despite Kraull's disembowlment of their leader. The three look to each other and decide that they are a little to close to Kraull for their liking. They reload their crossbows then back up a ways, while the third casts a spell at Kraull.
The goodie goodie takes another hack at Marcelo. His blade cuts deep. The bowmen continue to lob bolt after bolt at the other bowmen. The first bolt pierces the shoulder, missing a major artery. It's enough to put the already injured bowman down.
--
Marcelo and guard continue to attack the blonde hero, hoping to take him down before Kraull get involved. Marcelo lands a small cut, but that provides enough of a distraction to allow the Tiefling bodyguard to land a solid cut above the mans eyebrow. The blonde haired heroine falls to the ground. His breathing is heavy, but the blood continues to trickle from his forehead.
AC 23/15/120
Dex 20 Cha 8
+2 ranged bab
Resources
Bombs 3
Chef chucks a bomb at the spellcaster