...(inspired verse)...
Rubin continues singing. Blondie needs some help over there, but I've got a better chance against these lackies over on this side.
Rubin follows Chef's lead and fires at the spellcaster.
Finding his brain muddled by a spell, Kraull believes it's a good idea to attack Chef.
Whoa! Kraull what are you doing?
Round 5
22 Marcelo: done (16 damage)
--
16 Chef: go (5 damage)
(IC) 16 Rubin: go (7 damage)
11 Kraull: go (10 damage)
--
9 Goodie: DOWN (28 damage)
9 Kräcktar: DED
----
Chef throws a bomb which explodes over the spell caster. Even if scorched by fire, his magical protection thwarts the bolt fired at him by Rubin. Kraull feels his thoughts and emotions muddle into surprise hate and malice as he takes a swing at Chef. Luckily Chef dodged the bloodied and destructive blade aimed for his chest.
The cleric of the hero moves forward, and begrudgingly channels in hopes to heal their leader.
All the crossbow man fire upon each other in hopes to reduce each other's numbers in the fight. All the shots fired are horrible, a blind man could probably shoot better.
The enemy spell caster moves back 30' (now 60' from group), and casts a spell. A tiny ball of force slams into Chef's chest v
The blonde hero opens his eyes, only to see he is in a very bad position. He takes a swing from the ground, hoping his blade gets through Marcelo's defenses. His swing is wild.
---
Marcelo is quite angered that the gnat is back awake and takes two swings at the know prone man. The first swing whiffs, but the second catches his shoulder. He falls to the ground again, blood dripping and pooling on the ground.
Marcelo's bodyguard turns in his heels, and stares at Kraull. He doesn't move, as he sees what Kraull did to the poor shmuck Kräcktar with a single swing. He changes his stance, readying to strike should the next threat approach.
AC 23/15/120
Dex 20 Cha 8
+2 ranged bab
Resources
Bombs 3/5
Chef chucks a bomb at the bodyguard
We've all had some fun
But now we're nearly done
So it's time to say goodbye
And time for you to die.
My crossbow seems entirely inefficacious against that wizard. I guess I'll try to put down these archers. Rubin continues singing while he casts Sleep (Will DC 14) towards the two crossbowmen allied with Kracktar.
"Eh, sorry about that Chef. I think I need to get a stronger cloak." Kraull says apologetically before charging the bodyguard.
Round 6
22 Marcelo+ bg: done (16 damage/0) maybe more if Kraullhits with AOO
--
16 Chef: go (5 damage)
(IC) 16 Rubin: go (7 damage)
11 Kraull: go (17 damage)
--
-------
Chef lobs a bomb at Marcelo's bodyguard, who is quite agile and twirls away from the volatile cocktail. Rubin continues to sing, inspiring those with him. He starts to cast a very complex spell that will take a bit to find bush, while Kraull charges forward, hoping to draw first blood of the bodyguard.
The bodyguard is prepared though, and strikes out at Kraull, but slices only air. Kraul swings hard, and very accurately. To bad he hits the blurred outline of the bodyguard, causing no damage other than to his ego.
The bowman continuing firing at each other. Each pair takes a swing bake grazing by bolt shot.
The enemy spellcsster casts a final spell, and he leaves the group to find ht amongst themselves.
The bladed duo continues their assault, the bodyguard takes two swipes at Kraull, but not before Marcelo tries to gain an upper hand. He looses his footing, giving Kraull an exposed shot at Marcelo's ribs.
Still singing, Rubin finishes casting his spell on the crossbowmen, then turns his attention, and his crossbow, to Marcelo.
Grimacing as he takes more injuries, Kraull takes advantage of Marcelo leaving himself open for an attack.
If Marcelo is still up, Kraull continues attacking him, otherwise he moves his attack to the bodyguard.
Kraull takes a swing, which would have decapitated Marcelo, if it weren't for his protective spell. He isn't as lucky on Kraull's backswing which connects. Marcelo grunts, as he falls to the ground. His injuries continue to bleed, blood slowly pooling on the ground.
AC 23/15/120
Dex 20 Cha 8
+2 ranged bab
Resources
Bombs 2/5
Time to run fella! You arn't getting paid anymore. Chef bombs the bodyguards
One of Kräcktar's lackies falls asleep. Chef tosses a bomb, which explodes in the face of Marcelo's guard. The Tiefling smiles as his fiendish heritage soaks up some of the fiery inferno.
Hmm, you don't know much about Tiefling's do you?!
Marcelo's bodyguard sees what Kraull is capable of, and decides that discretion is the better option. He carefully withdraws from the hulking brute, glaring at the three of you.
The cleric of the blonde hero goes to aid his leader. After a spell, the man awakens. He looks around, seeing the death, and carnage and you can see him slightly saddened.
He stands up, nods at you three in aiding in riding the streets of a bad man. Kräcktar may have been a mercenary, but he was often hired by bad men.
On Kräcktar's corpse, you find a cold iron battleaxe, masterwork chain shirt, a pair of normal hand axes, a potion of CLW. On his only dead cronie, you find a normal crossbow with 7 bolts.
On Marcelo's dead body, you find much more. You find a masterwork long sword and shortsword combo; masterwork chain shirt, a potion of CLW, and small velvet coin pouch with 240 gold coins.
About a minute later, off in the distance you see a quartet of town guard coming your way. The blonde hero has long since left, and you head down some back alleyways and avoid whatever questions the guard may have had for you.
You head back to report in to Sampson, who has an unhappy look on his face. It's clear he has already heard the news.
I had a simple job, to get the new product. How did "get product", become "kill Marcelo"?
Being the most injured, Kraull claims one of the healing potions and slams it down. He then kicks Kräcktar's body a few times for good measure.
Upon arriving back at Sampson's place, Kraull waits for someone else to explain the story, although prepared if things go poorly.
Well we met with him and tested the drugs and they were fine and we paid him. Marcelo wanted to know why we were there and not you and we said we were there by you as as test to show how we could handle stuff. He got rather angry and wanted to see you. Rubin managed to calm him down a bit and he punched Rubin in the gut as a 'message' to you. He left and then we heard yelling from him abut 'Die traitors!
We went out and saw that the 'goodie goodie' was there along with another guy in a cape who was on the other side. Marcello started yelling that you betrayed him and he was going to kill us. The cloaked guy was Kräcktar who wanted to kill us and there was a huge fight where Kräcktar and Marcello got killed while attacking us and the 'hero'. The watch showed up from all the noise and we had to run.
Rubin uses his healing wand once on each person on the way back to home base.
They were on us before we knew what was happening; we didn't have much choice but to defend ourselves. Here is your merchandise, I hope it's worth it.
Rubin takes the extra crossbow bolts and his share of the gold (80gp). I already have a good shortsword and chain mail will just slow me down. You guys take what you like, maybe we can find someone to buy the rest.
This is going to be a problem, as Sampson lets out a sigh. The prick was paranoid, but he was still higher up than me. He always thought I wanted his gig. Truth be told, the only way I was gonna move up was if my sister moved up along side me. Family after all. Please tell me you SQUASHED the annoying heroic gnat that keeps interfering once again
Sampson looks at the product.
Well, you got the product, and I am a man of my word. You will be given rank in my side. You can have the next two days off as there is nothing going on other than imported rugs coming in. You each have a credit line of 1000 coins, enjoy. If you need something, let me know. I will be in touch
Chef speaks to Rubin and Kraull. Want me to brew some potions? I got cash for it.
Kraull merely nods at Sampson's words, wondering perhaps how much longer until their luck runs out.
Afterwards, "Eh, I think I need to buy some stuff."
Chef purchases a Wand of Cure Light Wounds (750)
Kraull spends a large portion of his gold on one of those fancy rings that make you harder to hit.
The rest of your day goes by uneventful. With Kräcktar very much dead, the immediate threat of pain and death seems to not reer its head. You each get a good night sleep...which is refreshing.
The next day, Rubin you get a not from your old friend Jack. You head over and he points you to the back corner, dimly lit. A man with a five o'clock shadow, dark brown hair, dressed in studded leather armor, a plethora of dagger (about 10 or so) sits there. He looks up and gives Rubin a nod as you three take a seat.
Long time no see old buddy. How come you never told me you left for the big time outside of Jasper
He seems to be talking funny...especially for a man you have never met. He could be your back-up...or could be an enemy trying to catch you off guard.
Chef fidgets.
After roaming through the shops in town, Rubin finds a set of studded leather +1 that fits him nicely (1175 gp).
It's been a long time indeed
So long, in fact, as to exceed
My memory span; though you're familiar
I can't place your name or face.
Rubin makes up some light verse to try to gauge the stranger's motives.
Seriously man?! It's me, Jason from Jasper, we ran the streets back in the day?
You get the feeling he is the "back-up" that was sent to help out in town.
What else do I gotta do to job your memory?
It has been a pretty rough time here so we've gotten kinda confused, But things are better, right?
Jason, Jason, of course, it's Jason. I was just testing you, y'know. The longer we spend on the "inside", the less I trust the people around me. I'll probably need a psychologist after we get through with all of this mess. Or at least a mind-wiping potion. So anyway, how are things getting along in Jasper? Does the Captain have any news or helpful information to send our way? Or better yet, an army. We're kind of spinning our wheels here and we need some assistance to get things "wrapped up", so to speak.
Shhhhh you idiot. You trying to get us all killed?!
As he responds to Rubin's outward statement.
No man, same old same old down there. Nothing is changing, cept for the weather. My boss said he was busy with his workload. It ain't easy keeping pace with all the new wannabe upstarts, as he lets out a chuckle.
Boss gave me a few weeks to myself, for doing such a good job. Thought I'd look ya up, see if you could maybe introduce me to some of your 'friends' up here. I ain't never met a gold coin or a broad I didn't like
He leans in really close to whisper in Rubin's ear to ensure nobody is listening.
Only me, no army. Boss said he has a guy up here he sent to help. Name was Nico, member of some anti-slavery group. Never met the guy though.
You go back to swapping stories and cold ale. After a couple hours you all leave the bar to give Jason a tour of the city.
As you leave you notice a nicely dressed woman, on the corner outside the bar.
Good afternoon boys, you look lonely. Interested in a good time?
You proceed to ignore her and continue on. You show Jason the various shops, vendor stalls, sights and sounds of the city including the docks. You give a brief story about the exploits of the docks. The day goes by easy enough, nightfall comes and Jason bunks with you three at Jack's Bar...safety in numbers.
About halfway through the night, you hear a loud crash from downstairs. The bar has been closed for hours, and locked up tighter than Kraull's sense of humor.
Umm..No, we are already having fun. Chef tells the lady
Later on, when the crash is heard, Chef gets his mithril shirt on. Looks like we might have trouble. Anyone want a LOng Arm extract if there is a fight?
"Damn it, we never get a break around here." Kraull growls as he grabs his falchion and heads downstairs, forgoing his breastplate and ignoring Chef's offer.
[i]Hmmm, Nico, eh? Does he have long golden hair and an overdeveloped sense of moral justice? We may have run into him.[/b]
Rubin hurriedly throws on his studded leather, grabs his crossbow and shortsword, and heads down the stairs after Kraull.
You head downstairs to see a very unusual sight, a pair of wolves gnawing on furniture legs, and causing much distraction. They see you and actually flee from the bar as Jack comes out from the back with a pair of firearms oddly enough.
What in the blue hell is going on here?!?
Somehow wolves got in. That door is supposed to be locked, right?
Upon closer inspection it appears the lock to the door was picked. There doesn't appear to be any signs of forced entry.
Yeah, I locked it myself. At least I am 99% sure I did?
The door closes easily enough, and you all witness Jack lock the door and head back to bed. The rest of the night goes by uneventful.
The next morning you meet back up with Jason in the corner.
So, I met up with the guy my boss told me 'bout. His name is Elrich, and he said he's met y'all before. He's got a plan to help get the big score. He just needs you to be ready to help him out after he gets everything ready. You got my back should your boss got questions 'bout me? I'm sure he or she has already got wind...
His thought ends in silence as he sees a true tree sized half-orc walk in. His skin is red, like he's been baking in the sun. He carries a great club over his shoulder, and walks over to your table.
You three, with me, as he flashes a look at Kraull that even unsettled him a bit. He has a faint tattoo of The Authority on his inner bicep.
---
The three of you exit the bar with the red hulk, and head down the back ally of Jack's bar.
Sampson know you with a stranger? Sampson doesn't like strangers!
As he speaks you hear a commotion from the inside of Jack's Bar. You hear people fleeing the scene as you can hear Jason yelling,
HEY! BACK THE F!%* OFF ME!!
True enough, Sampson didn't like us much when we were strangers, but now he's relying on us daily to get his jobs done. And now this job can wait for 30 seconds while we go see what this commotion is about.
Rubin heads back into the bar to survey the situation, ready to come to Jason's aid if he needs it.
Um..Yea! Let us make sure there is no brawl, ok? Um...It wouldn't be good if the guard caught us, so please just wit a little? Chef follows Rubin
You head back inside to see Jason, surrounded on almost all sides by equally hulking brutes. Three guys, all human, are converging on him in the back corner.
He sees you enter, So, this is how you treat an old friend!?
You see Jack grab a pair of pistols and ready them.
No fighting in my bar!
From around the corner you see the red hulking brute.
Boss just wants to talk to him is all. If boss wanted him dead, I would have done it myself
Let's all ease up here. No shooting or stabbing and everyone just calm down so Jack doesn't need a new bar,MmmKay?
Unless Chef's words calm the situation, Kraull takes a difference tact, "Yo, this is our area of expertise here. If the boss wants this joker to go in to talk to 'em, we'll bring him in. You guys need to back the eff off. You're stepping on our toes here."
The hulking brute looks at Kraull, but doesn't even flinch.
Fine, have it your way. He bails, it's your ass on the line, he gives a quick whistle and the three men back down.
Once things settle down, Jason looks to you three.
Well, so much for staying out of sight. It was bound to happen sooner rather than later. Ready when you are
You gather your supplies, and head to Sampson's office. You find him in his his chair, going over paperwork. You see the same hulking brute with his great club, standing next to the door. Sampson tells you to close the door as the four of you stand before him.
He takes a sip of whiskey, than addresses you.
I don't like surprises, let alone new people that hang around someone that I have a slight amount of trust as I have for you three. Who are you, how do you know them?
Jason clears his threat, a tinge of fear is swallowed.
The name is Jason, sir. I know Rubin from down south, we used to work together on the streets. Nothing big like what he's doing here, but we got by. My current boss, Pat, gave me some time off for doing such a good job recently, and I heard that Rubin traveled up here
Sampson glares at him, judging him by every word.
Hmm, your story sounds like an interesting one...Jason, his eyebrow raises at the story.
I know Rubin sir, if he says that Jason here is reliable than I trust him.
"He's a cool guy. I'd vouch for him. Besides, he knows if he does anything wrong I'll just split his head open."
Sampson listens to your words of "trusting him", and his eyebrow relaxes. He eyes Jason up and down, still trying to figure his motivations out.
I didn't get where I am today by not trusting my instincts. He pulls out a dagger, and starts cleansing ng gunk from under his fingernails. So, you say you are only here to seek potential employment. Then I shall put you to the ultimate test. Test my new batch of drugs, he takes his dagger and slices open a small pouch that seemed to blend in on the desk.
Out spills the same red hued powdery substance you just took from Marcelo.
Jason's eyes go wide at the proposition, he just stares at the drugs blankly.
If you truly are a man of your intentions, than one hit won't be a problem, Sampson retorts.
But sir, what good will I be...
Sampson stabs his dagger into the table, leaving it stick there.
I grow irritated and upset. Either drugs, or die
Hey Jason, we all have to prove ourselves here. I know about alchemy and can help ya out of you take a bad hit.
Jason looks at you Chef, than eyes Sampson and his feel his general frustration and tension filled air.
He bends over, and looks to begin to take a hit of the new product, when you hear a loud commotion outside. You hear multiple screaming and yelling individuals. Seconds later, Sampson's door flies open, and you can see his left eye twitch at the interruption.
You insolent.. Sampson's words are cut short by the guy who barged in.
Boss we are under attack. Some blonde guy, and about twenty other guys are with him. We need your help, and the help of Kraull and his muscle.
HIM! Finally, we can rid ourselves of that pesky gnat buzzing around our organization. Kraull, bring your anger and let it fuel the decimation of the little blonde hero. Rubin, take your friend Jason, and Miles and grab my sister from her shop in the business district. It should take you about 3 minutes round trip. I will aid you Kraull. Go, NOW!
Miles, the guy who barged in looks at Rubin and nods, Lets get going
He turns on his heels, heads out a side entrance you didn't really notice before and heads down an alleyway.
Sampson grabs a pouch, and his dagger from the table and walks past you while giving Kraull a pat on the back.
Lets go as he gives a sinister chuckle.
-----------
You head out to see quite the sight indeed. The blonde hero is indeed there with could almost be characterized as a "small army". There are small battles going on all around the street side. You can easily tell who is Authority and who is opposing them.
The blonde hero looks at your group as it leaves the safe house, You have ruined my streets long enough. Time for your and your kind to pay for bringing drugs into my beloved home. My name is Kain, and I will end this business.
He draws his long sword, throws his cape back and glares at Sampson. You see a duo of men flanking Kain, both wielding long swords.
Behind Sampson, you see two guards with him, the red half-orc with his great club, and a human clad in a chain shirt, wielding a sap in each hand.
Sampson looks at Kraull, Squash that bug before you!, as he points a finger at Kain