Nightfiend's Before the Dawn, Part 2: (Table-B Invite Only) (Inactive)

Game Master Nightfiend

Assuming Girzog has the funds since he mentioned them recently. I had forgotten we had them. First character to respond after this post was the one who took the key and scroll case?

Jinny takes in this new information thoughtfully.

I am informed that Master Scevola has had five pints this night. I judge that enough to account for his slurred speech and general drunkenness. But... she turns her gaze to Elanzo ...for the record, sir: do you deny that you slipped something into his drink?

Sense Motive on his response: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2 Sounds legit, whatever he's gonna say.

She turns to the tengu.

Girzog, I believe you have the company purse. Give me a rough estimate, if you please.

Appraise might be helpful. Don't know a way I can Assist Other without spilling it all the table and counting with you. Roll well!

She glares grimly at Scevola.

We will have words when this is done.

I assume Appraise as well. I would probably have been the one to grab the pouch, and likely the other items with it. I rolled a natural 20 on my Hindsight Perception lol

Appraise: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Sense Motive on Elanzo: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Elanzo glances down at an empty glass mug lying on the ground next to Scevola, and then smiles. "Of course I haven't placed anything in the drunken fools drink. That would be unsavory and bad form." As Girzog pulls out the heavy laden pouch and tries to evaluate the value of its contents. Elanzo's eyes open wide with excitement. "Well now, look at that. It seems Scevola has some well off hired help!"

Kardiv and Jinhong are finding it very difficult to read Elanzo. Kardiv feels something is off, but he just can't put a finger on it.

Jinny snaps her attention back to Elanzo.

If we are well paid, it is because we are very good at what we do. You would be wise to remember that.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Jinhong's glare leaves no doubt to her deadly intent. Elanzo glances over the entire group a second time, then sits back down to his table. "Well little lady, I have no doubt about you and your organizations ability. I'm sure you are undeniably worth those spoils. Truth of the matter is that this poor sap shouldn't have been gambling in his current condition. Because of that, am willing to part with the horses for 150 gold. That's assuming your pouch there is full of gold and not copper."

The barkeeper looks very nervous about his establishment being wrecked. You also notice that the lady, who has been serving the room, has busied herself collecting up as many breakables as she carry.

What does Girzog estimate we have in the pouch?

He gives it a very uncertain guesstimate and determines the pouch holds about 1,000 coins.

Jinny's demeanor softens.

Have your men sit down and we may be able to come to an agreement without the customary breaking of glasses, tables,... she glances meaningfully at the goons ...and skulls.

Girzog, with me. Kardiv, Dumm, watch the door. Butharn, keep an eye on our new friends here.

She attempts to push her way past Blue and take a seat across from Scevola.

Is Kardiv really outside the tavern as the map suggests? It works either way, but it would be good to know.

Scevola nods and sits back down quietly next to Elanzo, who waves a hand at his two men. The two thugs quietly sit down and listen to what Jinhong has to say. Jinhong move unimpeded to Elanzo's table and takes a seat. Elanzo places both of his hands on the table and leans forward. "OK lass, what did you have in mind?"

Just this. We will pay your 150 gold, and Master Scevola will increase the fee he is paying to us by fifty percent, and we all go home to a restful sleep tonight.

She glares at Scevola to stay quiet.

Intimidate, in case it's necessary: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Girzog, if you please. She motions to the table top.

As attention shifts to the tengu and his bulging purse, she palms the switchblade in her boot into her hand and hides it there.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Girzog dumps some coins out, estimating about 150 of what is there.

I'm glad you understand the value of our... services. Now, why don't you just be on your way and we'll make sure neither you nor Scevola bother each other again.

Girzog subtly demonstrates the sharpness of claws by slowly driving one into a weak spot in the table.

Keeping his claw in the wood and pointing to Scevola, Girzog yells to the man behind the bar

Barkeep, any chance you have a drunkard's miracle cure back there somewhere for our friend?

Jin, don't worry about the spotlight. The only one here I really expect to be able keep up with a Swashbuckler is the Paladin and he doesn't seem to mind :). I'm intentionally going for the quiet, menacing, bodyguard type for the time being. You'll know that's done when you start seeing 50 Intimidate rolls every time I post lol

Dumm stands dutifully by the door, making sure no patrons or newcomers interrupt or threaten the transaction taking place. He can only make out some of what Jinny and the man are saying from here, but it sounds like his assertive companion has things under control.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Butharn walks over to the table with the thugs and calls out for three ales from the barkeep.

Barkeep, three ales for me and my new friends here!

One of the crewmen sitting next to the hearth calmly gets up, walks over to Captain Elanzo and wsipers something in the man's ear.

Perception checks (DC 17+1 for every 10’ away) for anyone trying to listen in.

Captain Elanzo begins laughing. “Its ok my boy, go ahead and have a seat. Everything will be fine.” After the captain’s response, the crewman heads back to his table and sits back down.

Captain Elanzo looks back over to Jinhong. "Well now my der, that blade you just pulled won’t be necessary.”
The captain’s eyes shift to the gold being poured out. “I believe what we have here, is a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

The bartender shots back, in responce to Girzog's question. "No."

During the corse of the conversation, Dumm turns away at least (6) patrons. He thinks six, but isn't sure.

The thugs accept the free ale from Butharn, but look to be drinking it very slowly. When the lady drops the mugs off she says in a low voice. " The barkeep says these be free, if nothing gets broken tonight.

(Let me know if you pay the captain the 150 gold.)

Yes I was paying him

Ostrogard is perched on a stool at the end of the bar, keeping an eye out for any sudden movements in the common room.

Elanzo accepts the coin. After collecting the 150 gold, he has his men count it and bag it up. With a tip of his hat, the Captain and his men excuse themselves and exit the establishment. You can hear the beginning of a poorly sang shipmates song fade off into the evening.

Scevola begins thanking you profusely for intervening. Although you can tell the man has been drinking, he still insists that the captain slipped something into his drink. “My lady, plesh esccept my a pap, apologies! I needs shome rest. I’ms goinna shleep and I’ll be ready shoon.” Scevola begins heading to his room to recover for the upcoming trip.

Because the barkeep is astatic about not having his place busted up. He orders a free round of drinks on the house.

Girzog eyeballs the remaining gold and wonders if there is going to be enough for the supplies.

Congratulations on circumventing this encounter using political skills. You have now successfully secured transportation. Let me know what you would like to do from here.

Jinny breathes a huge sigh of relief.

Well done, everyone. Well done.

She places a hand on Girzog's exposed claw.

You're strong and silent, but when you speak you make it count. I like that.

She turns to the Brotherhood.

What say we have some dinner, then look into our next task?

It's my impression that it's early evening at the latest, so we have some time before bedtime.

She discreetly asks the serving girl if there is lodging nearby.

I think it is in our best interest to stay here for tonight in order to keep an eye out for (on) our "employer."

The sun slowly begins to set leaving in its wake an orange glow. As the sun slowly gives way to the oncoming evening, many of the shop owners begin to close up shop.

Early evening is correct.

The bar keep has rooms available that fall somewhere between good and average. The cost for each room is (1) gold pr. night. Each room will accommodate up to two people and includes an evening meal. The free meal includes duck with a side of green-beans and cornbread. Anything to drink is extra. The aroma of the duck is starting to fill the main dinning area, as the group considers what to do next.

It's getting late, and a duck-and-cornbread meal is right up my alley.

Speaking of which, will you share my room tonight, Kardiv?

Of course you choose the paladin to embarrass. His answer should be simply delicious.

She looks expectantly at Kardiv.

Assuming nothing ill befalls us in the night, we set off to the western border and begin asking around after Senzer Rulkep's shop.

Diplomacy, Gather Information: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Of course, as a rule it's always funnier to embarrass the paladin. I'm playing him as a somewhat innocent young man, so it's unlikely that he's been in this situation before, or that he'd say no.
Kardiv face reddens for a moment as he looks around the room for something else to focus on before turning back to Jinny, Ah. Um, if you'd like.

Dumm breathes a sigh of relief when the business is concluded, and accepts the prospect of a duck dinner eagerly.

He chuckles at Jinny's proposition to Kardiv. "Pathfinders mate also? Is no against rules?" He tries to hide his disappointment at being passed up.

-Posted with Wayfinder

The rooms are comfortable, outside the humidity. The night crew brings fresh water and Lenin. Most of you are awaken early the following morning by the smell of bacon being prepared. After gathering your gear and cleaning up you check in on Scevola. Outside of a headache, the caravan driver seems ready to depart upon your request.

The rooms come to (3) gold. If you eat breakfast the total comes to (4) gold. You can take that from the provided pouch or your personal pocket. Your choice.

After finishing up with your business, the group sets out towards the western part of Bloodcove.

I will require Everyone to make another Disguise or Intimidate check to maintain the mercenary ruse.

After approaching a couple of the local merchant shops, you find that Senzer’s alchemy is not that hard to locate. A Middle aged man named Minard Longwell, who runs the nearby tobacco shop, gives you instructions on how to reach Senzer's place of business. “I have been doing business with Senzer for a long time, and I have to say that he has been lacking in customer service lately. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him go out of business soon.”

The alchemy shop has been marked on your Bloodcove map.

After navigating through the rat’s nest of streets that make up Bloodcove, you manage to locate the small alchemy shop that borders the western edge of the city. The building is in disrepair with many of its windows boarded up. Even in its current state, the shop looks open for business. Without delay you approach the establishment.

Rulkep Tonics

A small bell rings as the door opens into Rulkep Tonics. Colorful bottles and bags of powder decorate the shelves, while curious, twisted roots and larger bottles lie securely beneath a glass counter-top. Several disinterested customers mill about, eyeing newcomers suspiciously before pointedly examining the shelves once again. A gaunt half-elven man steps out from a doorway behind the counter-top, his dusky skin gleaming slightly from perspiration. He smiles crookedly from behind the counter. “Welcome to Rulkep Tonics, friends. What can I do for you today?”

The shopkeeper eyes the other customers uneasily for a moment, (Customer 1), (Customer 2), (Customer 3), before his expression shifts distinctly to fear. Silently but clearly, he mouths a single word: “Help.”

Jinny wakes early, as is her wont, and enjoys a leisurely breakfast. Using my own funds.

When Kardiv appears, she kisses him lightly on the cheek, saying,

Thank you for a very pleasant night. A sly grin accompanies the comment, her finger tracing his jawline as she leaves.

Kardiv, please tell me you're a late sleeper so there's an audience for this. ;-)

***

As they pass through the rough and tumble city, Jinny does her best to appear the strong, menacing leader of a mercenary band instead of a frightened young woman on her first mission ever.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Whether successful or not, she tries again to help Butharn with his disguise, taking the opportunity to squeeze his bicep surreptitiously.

Disguise, Aid Another: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Her mind is distracted by thoughts of the handsome young paladin.

***

I'll hold off on actions in the shop until everyone's had a chance to post their Disguise/Intimidate checks.

Girzog starts pulling coins from the pouch to pay for his room and board the next morning

After the party is together, he asks

I assume your stay comes from this fund as well?

And pulls out enough coin for everyone who agrees.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

As he sees the store owner's plea after entering the store, Girzog steps up, shaking his hand and nodding in understanding. As he walks by Customers 1 & 2 he takes a glance at what they're doing and looking at.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Once he is with the shopkeeper

Ah, hello again old friend. Sorry we're late, I had to resharpen a few claws after a... near-scuffle, last night.

Girzog nods again to reassure the shopkeeper he's on his side.

Dumm rises with the sun as usual, and eats breakfast with the others. Jinny must really be in heat, he observes as he watches her behavior. Spent the night with one and seems unsatisfied. I didn't think people mated that way; maybe she's part cat? I'd prefer to take my share out of the Society's funds.

During the day, he tries to support the notion that the lithe woman is their group's "leader" and he's part of the enforcement.

Aid another (Intimidate): 1d20 ⇒ 6
Son of a...

In the store, when he sees the shop owner's silent call for help, he looks at the others uncertainly. Is this a time for diplomacy, or action?

Butharn does his best to look inconspicuous again.

disguise: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Amazingly he does so!

Well, if everyone's using Society funds then who am I to disagree?

***

In the shop, Jinny moves to the counter to provide moral backup for Girzog. She sizes up the three customers surreptitiously.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Yes, good to see you again, old friend. We have important business to discuss. Would be be so kind as to close the shop for an hour or so?

Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Sure, lets say he's a late sleeper just because it'll be more amusing.
Kardiv wakes to find the room empty, he dresses himself and has an quick breakfast before joining the others as they prepare to leave. Attempting to keep his mind on the task at hand, he scowls menacingly at passerby in the hopes that he'll still appear as a mercenary.

The half-elven man seems more than happy to play along with the ruse. He nods in responds to Jinhon’s question. “I…I..om, would be happy to accommodate you mam.”

No sooner as the young alchemist agrees to close up shop, one of the customers pipes in.

“Well it looks like the gig is up. We intended to resolve our business disagreement peacefully Senzer, but it looks like we underestimated your resources. I would say it’s a respectable amount of hired muscle. You have outdone yourself alchemist.”

Initiative Round (1)
(Bold may post an action.)

Jinhong
Dumm
Kardive
Girzog
Customer Green
Customer Purple
Ostrogard
Butharn
Customer Yellow

Kardiv immediately moves towards one of the customers and pulls his axe from his back, slashing in one smooth movement.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Then the game's afoot! A-ha!

Jinny springs at Yellow, drawing her scimitar in a well-practiced motion.

Scimitar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 Damage: 1d6 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

Well, Kardiv is no slouch with that axe. I wonder how he dances.

Catching Up

At the inn: Ostrogard nods in agreement with those who proposed using Society funds for lodging and breakfast.

While walking through town:

Ostrogard does his best rendition of a surly river pirate as the group walks thorugh the streets of Bloodcove.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Hmm, He's trying hard to compensate for his height, I guess.

At the potion shop: It is not my turn in initiative yet, but, my plan is to move around and flank yellow with Jinny.

It's truly disappointing you chose not to leave. Some of your garments are quite nice... now we have to ruin them.

Claw v. Green: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Claw v. Green: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Bite v. Green: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Wow, even on d3s, 3 consecutive max damage rolls is cool!

These guys are making us roll initiative. Let's kill them!

Dumm draws his sword. "Go! Tell your master this man is protected now."

Edit: Might as well roll the die.

Intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 14

If his instincts have taught him anything, it's that when facing other predators, the best plan is to try to scare them off and wait until provoked before going on the attack-- and people are definitely predators. Rushing dangerous creatures unnecessarily can get you killed. Dumm moves in, but unlike his allies he stays on the defensive.

Initiative Round (1)
(Bold may post an action.)

Jinhong (Action compleat)
Dumm (Action compleat)
Kardive (Action compleat)
Girzog (Action compleat)
Customer Green (Possible dead)
Customer Purple (Possible dead)
Ostrogard (Still moving to flank with Jinhong?)
Butharn
Customer Yellow

Post 2

Jinhong quickly draws her scimitar and takes a raking swing at one of the customers (Customer Yellow). Although lacking the full impact of swashbuckler's swing, it manages to catch the unprepared man's left shoulder. Cutting precisely, Jinhongs curved blade slides along the man’s shoulder causing a moderate gash, which begins bleeding.

Dumm steps up and makes a formidable announcement, which catches the green customer’s attention. The man nods with understanding of his plight. ” Lets head out boys, this crew looks formidable. Besides we came for business, not a rumble.”

Kardiv, with a (DC 15 Perception) check, to see the green customers reaction to Dumm’s order to leave the shop. You can choose to withdraw your attack if you want. If you fail, you attack normally and feel uncertain about your target. You can also willingly continue with your attack if you want.

As the man’s words trail off, Kardiv moves up to one of the customers, draws his blade and with a powerful overhead swing, dives his blade deep into the man’s cranium. The impact of the attack draws the attention of everyone in the room. The man didn’t even have a chance to cry-out before his limp body collapsed to the floor, leaving Kardiv wondering if he just killed a patron or adversary.

Girzog, with a (DC 15 Perception) check, to see the green customers reaction to Dumm’s order to leave the shop. You can choose to withdraw your attack if you want. If you fail, you attack normally. You can also willingly continue with your attack if you want.

Girzog turns on the green customer and unleashes what could only be described as a flurry of talons and feathers on his unprepared foe. The Tengue slashes and gashes, which leaves the man limp as small clumps of fleshes and blood splatters across the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Well, shoot. So I guess that I just killed some random guy, that's probably really bad considering that I'm a paladin.

Yes, I am still moving to flank.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Ostrogard rounds the corner and tumbles dramatically into positon, ready to attack.

I went one extra square because I think that wall would have given him cover.

Nah, he probably would have attacked you. But sometimes it pays to wait until their intentions are clear-- especially if you're a paladin.

-Posted with Wayfinder

In order to move things along, I am going to place Butharn on delay and assume that Girzog continues with his attack. Unless he post before the combat is over stating otherwise.

Surprised by the attack, the yellow customer attempts to back away from the blade wielding swashbuckler. “What the HELL!” The man says as he withdraws holding his bleeding shoulder.

.
.

Initiative Round (2)
(Bold may post an action.)

Jinhong
Dumm
Kardive
Girzog
Customer Green (dead)
Customer Purple (dead)
Ostrogard
Butharn (Delayed from round 1, can post an action at any time.)
Customer Yellow (-2 Lethal)

Jinny moves (5 ft) to box in Yellow, but takes pity on him. (Part of my archetype is mercy toward my enemies)

We are no "hired muscle", but the infamous Black Star Brotherhood, and this man is under our protection. Your friends are no help to you any more. Surrender!

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 Damn. Could've used a few more on that one.

Hold Action on attack in case he menaces anyone.

The man shudders at Jinhong's proposition. "I was sent here to insure the alchemist made good on his delivery. Its business, and not meant to be a suicide fight to the death. If you allow me to leave, I will do so peacefully."

Sorry, definitely trying to undo the swings... mostly. I'll back off the last two but would like to keep the first claw as me grabbing him very tight with one sharp claw, just to let him know we mean business. I suppose that'd be knocked down to non lethal with appropriate penalties.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Seeing this might not be the right time to start a bloodbath, Girzog tones down his fury. He still very much attempts to scare the fellow, though.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Do you have any reason to believe he would not make good on his delivery? Or did you simply try to intimidate what may very well have been an honest businessman? Keep in mind, one of these is not a good answer. Either way, I highly recommend you do indeed leave peacefully, and not come back.

Butharn will hold any aggressive action and just stand there looking menacing.

intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Well, shoot. So I guess that I just killed some random guy, that's probably really bad considering that I'm a paladin.

If it bothers Kardiv (despite them appearing to start hostilities), it probably wouldn't be out of character to use Lay On Hands to revive him.

@GM: Do NPC's and monsters get the same negative hit points options that PC's do?

And Dumm's comment about rolling initiative is looking more and more prescient.

Once again, Jinny's eyes narrow and focus on the man who is supposed to be her ally.

Senzer? What's the story here?

Jinhong, Yes he can be revived, that's assuming someone wants to heal him. And to answer your question: yes NPC's and monsters have the same negative hit-point opportunity as PC's. This usually becomes an issue when you have clerics bursting positive energy without excluding the unconscious monster.

Senzer begins stuttering, "Om, well these men have co,co,come to collect some of my a,a,alchemical supplies in exchange for a medication that I have been giving my sick son."

It becomes obvious that Sinzer is shaken and is holding something back in the presence of the remaining men.

The man caught tightly in the Tengu's claw, quickly nods. "I understand, we wont be back."

Both men are willing to leave if allowed. If healed the third man will also leave.