True charges, dodging and weaving past a couple of bystanders before she throws herself headlong at the man, attempting to tackle him just below the hips and grip tight onto both legs.
Little confused as to the order of things. If Tania feels her friends can have the upper hand and capture him, she won't use her spell. If she's uncertain of the outcome, or doesn't know what her friends will do, she'll use the spell, only to dispel it as she sees her friends closing in, making her odds better. I hope I'm clear! I'll wait for your assessment before replying further. From the looks of it, True has one paw on the man. The Grease will help with the AoO as he might be flat footed.
Tanias intention to use her spell is rendered moot when True flashes past her and barrels into the man, driving him forcefully into the ground. There is an audibul whoosh as the air is blasted from his lungs and the dagger he held goes skittering along the cobbles as it is knokced from his hands.
A small cheer goes up from the bar patrons jogging down from the pub, and very soon the small group of friends and their new captive have a small audience around them. The man in True's embrace desperately gasps, trying to recover his breath from the young knights impetuous attack, his syes bulging a little at both the effort and in dismay at being caught with so many around. Looking directly at the young bard, his gaze turning hard he gasps "Warned...you...Trouble!", but that's all he can manage.
Generally, when I haven't called for initiatives and such, the order in which a post comes determines the sequence of events Tania. This means you've saved a spell (yay) and also allows players to react appropriately to their companions actions.
Ok, you have him firmly, he's now unarmed and he isn't going anywhere. Fire away at your questions, though someone needs to make a good intimidate check in order for him to actually answer. You have a bonus +2 though, since he's clearly been outclassed y Tania here and True's tackle was damn impressive.
Idrian and Algus
Spoiler:
Both men note the group deepest in the shadows and furthest from the door perks up at the sight of Algus' gold. With a groan, Idrian realises they will be trouble eventually, either in the bar, or most likely as they leave it. Almost on queue, one of the men stands and disapears out a back door, leaving four more of his friends sitting at the table and trying unsuccessfully to look like they aren't paying the two friends any notice at all.
In a short moment, the waitress returns and puts two dirty clay tankards in front of the companions. They are brimming with what promises to be sour ale. She looks down expectantly at the two men, one eyebrow raised and her tray resting on her hip. "Well?" she whispers "What's it worth to you to find those bastard Creedy's?"
Tania takes a powerful stance in front of the man. She holds her sword, fingers moving slightly over the handle, shifting its weight absentmindedly. "Now listen up old man! I don't really care for your threats as me and my friends are here to take some and give some. And I don't really care about you."
She bends towards the man on the floor, lowers her voice and talks slowly, putting emphasis on key words.
"You were on your way somewhere
to talk to someone about something!"
Feldspar finally catches up to the others, and seeing that True has taken a captive, immediately moves over beside Tania still holding his warhammer. He has no clear idea of who this man is and what threat he might offer but he decides to trust in his new friend's instincts and simply looms over the captive, holding his warhammer threateningly and baring his teeth.
"It would be wise to answer the woman's questions, before you are forced to answer to the Gods themselves."
"Algus be mindful of those fellows in the corner. I suspect we'll become more familiar with them than is healthy soon enough." Idrian warns before the barmaid returns.
To her question Idrian says in a conspiratorial tone. "2 gold should be plenty to learn all there is about the Creedys."
"All right, Idrian. I think once they see the bombs they'll be a bit more inclined to stand down, but...I guess that'd be giving thugs too much credit now, would it?" Algus responds to Idrian. he feels a bit nervous, for a second recalling his first bomb disaster with the road bandits; it remains rather vivid in his mind, as several of his scars come from that event.
Returning to his senses, he turns to the barmaid and hands over the small amount of gold coins. "this should help you out, miss."
gave the barmaid 5 Gp...I think it was overkill, since I'm not very familiar with the currency stuff here, heh...I'm used to Gold being the lowest currency around...but here it's probably one of the highest ones, yes? @_@
Idrian looks at Algus with disbelief after he offered two and Algus gave five. "You weren't supposed to just give her what we had while we were still negotiating. It makes us look less than professional." He turns back to the barmaid. "So, what can you tell us?
The man grunts with each squeeze that True uses to punctuate her point. He desperately looks about for some form of escape, but realising they have him cold, he goes limp with resignation.
"Alrighty, I'll tell ye, but not here so's the whole street can hear. Take me somewhere private and I'll pass on a message you should hear."
Assuming you take him somewhere quiet away from the somewhat disapointed crowd of bar patrons.
As the group sits quietly in the corner of the Rusty Dragon, the man introduces himself as Jeddik, out of Magnimar. He whinces a little and presses at his ribs where True had crashed into him. "I think ypou may have cracked a rib wench." he complains as he looks at the 4 people who bullied him into this. Seeing no real sympathy there, he sighs and continues/ "I'm here with a crew o' folk ter make a deal with the Captain o' the Vestrit. We was meant ter meet two days ago and set a price for him runnin' some pesh back to Cheliax fer us, but we never heard from him. When Rogar, the bloke as set the deal in the first place, saw the smoke from town, we decided to lay low fer a day or two. He sent me in this mornin' ter see ifn' I could sniff out this Captain or his First Mate, and see if the deal was still a goer. I overheard these two askin' after him and mentionin' the Sczarni in The White Deer, then followed em to see if they was gonna be trouble fer us. Sure enough, the very next place they arrive they start talkin' about the Vestrit, askin' all sorts o' questions about her cargo hold and what her crew is doin'."
He again looks around, making sure no one is listening before leaning in and finishing his tale "Now, I done no harm to ye, cept ter try an' escape the lass here a little rougher than she liked. But I gotta warn yer, if the watch get a hold o' me and I have ter tell 'em that tale, then Rogar's deal is gonna go south. He aint ter be likin' that, and Rogar is a man that takes disapointment badly. I'm askin' yer for all our safety, let me go now so I can warn him off this bloody Captain and his boat. If the bugger we're tryin' to ship the pesh out with aint able to keep a low enough profile in town, then we're bloody well better off findin' someone else ter be movin the gear"
He waits espectantly for the groups answer.
True and Algus
Spoiler:
The woman quickly gathers up the coins and deposits them into a pocket inside her skirts as she looks to see no one notices. "Well then handsome" she says to Algus "Are you sure it's only the information ypou're after? For a bit more of that shiny, I could take you upstairs and show you more than the Creedy boys wwould be able to". She smiles suggestively at the young alchemist before turning to Idrian and replying "The Creedy's have themselves holed up in a place half an hours boat ride down the coast from here. A small cove they use to move gear onto ships heading into Magnimar or Riddleport, so as not to get the attention of the local tax man, if you get my drift. You'll know the place when you get near it, as the entrance to the cove is marked by a white tree hanging over the cliffs there. Jonas told me of it once when were tumbling the sheets, so to speak. That's before he started tumbling that b$~~* Cassie Tunaver.". Having finished her tale, she again looks to Algus "Well honey, you think about my offer now, you hear". With that she saunters off to serve some of the pother patrons, working her hips suggestively as she does so, all for Algus' benefit.
interesting and weird situation I got myself into for my first PbP...hell it's my first time playing an actual, full-fledged campaign...so I feel I'm at the crossroads. <_<
"huh. well...that was..." Algus' words go awry for a second. what, exactly, was going through his head at this point? their first order of duty is to find the Creedys and find who the true mastermind of the goblins is. yet another thought swirls inside his mind, vying for space against his curiosity.
Being a shut-in, a reclusive, near-hermit person, he's spent the vast majority of his life trying to perfect his art, and his self, as well as continuing his endless quest for knowledge. he had never really received that kind of comfort, if any comfort at all. was he losing his mind in such thought? in reaction, almost instinctively, he strikes his head with his fist, in order to snap back into reality.
That damage should be determined by you, Wrath. <_< but I think that's non-lethal right? I hope. @_@
The foreign thought doesn't budge...yet the gears of his mind begin working, crafting a plan.
"Anyways", he finally says, hoping that his lapse wasn't long enough for Idrian to notice. "We found where they are, so lets go after them. I have to...clear things up a bit though. just watch my back please. I wouldn't want my explosives going off from a back-stab...", He says, as he gets up from the table, returning his vial back into the robes, and placing the mask back on.
He then goes to look for the barmaid. in the way he is constantly on guard, looking for anything, or anyone suspicious.
Perception Check!:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Sense Motive Check!:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
When he finally finds her, he whispers her the following, with a rather nervous tone in his soft-spoken, polite mannerisms.
"My curiosity was piqued by those words...yet I have no time, and I must apologize. still...I wish to speak to you some other time, if I ever make it out of this task alive. I will give you one more gold...yet I do not expect anything in return. only your name, miss."
Once that is done, he simply returns to Idrian, in hopes that they finally find the Creedys. he silently tucks away that new thought in his head, preserving it for a later time.
Idrian puts a steadying hand on Algus' shoulder. "Steady there lover boy, we still have to get out of here in one piece. We need to head for the door. We can go past the 'waitress' if you'd like, but I wouldn't suggest it. When we get to the door be ready to toss one of your widgets and run to an open, public area. That will, hopefully discourage them and if not, we'll be in an open space which should favor us. Simple huh?"
"yes...you're right. my apologies for...such brash behavior." Algus responds, with a rather relieved sigh. "we should get ready then. this won't end up well, I assure you.", he tells Idrian. even if that other situation was somewhat averted, Algus feels a slight disappointment...but the thrill of a new fight gets him more than excited.
"my previous rolls are probably not accounted; I'll roll just in case.
To answer a question that True asked me as DM - Pesh is an addictive drug that is illegal in some parts of the world but not others. It is illegal in Cheliax, where the Vestrit is bound. It isn't exactly illegal to use in Varisia, but is illegal to supply it, especially in large quantaties. What trade does exist, is heavily controlled by certain syndicates. This one sounds like a shady deal in all aspects. Note, this may vary somehwat from the stuff in the campaign guide, but for now lets run with it.
Also, was that question directed at my NPC or the group in general?
Algus and Idrian
Spoiler:
Algus, all of that was fine. I also think Idrian can read it since he was there, assuming you have no objections. No non lethal damage really, though you may get a nasty headache if you keep it up hehe.
The girl grins and takes the coin again, placing it carefully into the inner liner between her breasts, jostling a little to settle the coin and also to watch the reaction Algus has from the scene. "Honey.." she practically purrs at the alchemist "For that type of coin, I can wait as long as you need. You come back and see me as soon as you're ready. Just ask for Mina ok, and I'll set you right". A low chuckle comes from a group of rough looking dockman sitting at the nearest table when she says this, and Algus clearly hears one of the men state "Too right she will, tin face.".
I'll let you two work out the finer details of your plan of egress before I post a response ok. However, if you want these guys to be intimidated by your actions, you'll need to make an intimidate check as well. You can get bonuses depending on your actions of course. I'll apply those to whatever you roll. Cheers
I actually just assumed that Idrian could read that. <_< being that we're in the same room and the like. I should probably add that next time, heh. no objections from me, Wrath. :D
To save time, Manius is the captain of the Vestrit, in case Tania and Jo'No didn't realise. This is what Tania and Jo'No learned about him at the Hagfish. Copied from the text that the barman spoke when they asked him.
"Manius Crispin and his crew are'nt exactly the most happy of folk, and the man has made a few enemies down the docks with how he treats the labourers there. The Vestrit is fresh out of Cheliax, and they have their own ideas about what a persons freedom means out that way. Still, the dockmaster tells me he's been fair with his billing, and runs a tight unit on his ship. Thomas Blunt piloted their ship into harbour and he says the crew moved well and responded unquestioningly to the Captain. Says he has them under control. His first mate seems a quiet one, but he's big, and as mate he's likely to know his way in a scrap so I wouldn't be taking his quietness as anyhting to go by. Still.." he pauses a minute here, pouring himself a stiff rum before going on. "Some of teh boys who helped unload the ship said they found the dimesnsions in the hold all wrong. There's a section in that ship that 'aint bein' used to move normal cargo, and those boys said there was a smell about the place. Like old sweat and blood. The first mate was keepin' a fairly tight eye on them though, so they didn't get much chance to look around. General feeling from those in the know is get the job done and leave those folk well enough alone."
Jeddik, the man you tackled and bullied into talking, doesn't know him at all, only a general idea of what he looks like and the name of his ship.
He's going to leave soon if no one stops him. As far as you can tell, he's told you the truth. Feldspar, in case you were wondering he has a faint aura of evil about him. Stronger than Bangers but not much more than that.
Algus and Idrian
Spoiler:
Having made his arrangements with the barmaid, Algus returns to Idrian and listens to his plan. With a simple nod, the two men stand and leave, moving to the door fast and making a show of handing across the potions to each other. Outside, the sun is remarkably bright, after the smokey dimness of the bar. Idrian spots the man who left earlier leaning against the railing of a shop some few feet away, obvioulsy there to run interference if his friends make the play. The two men can feel the tension building as they wait to see how this plays out. Could you guys make intimidate rolls please, for the plan you put in place. I'll use the highest roll, and the second one can be the assist as needed. Cheers
As they walk outside, Algus quickly downs a small vial of his Mutagen.(DEX Variant: +4 DEX, -2 WIS) in mere moments his appearance changes, but this time his transformation is not a hulking, brute one, though it still retains the feral features in his face. his appearance is now much more slender and thin, the skin a paler hue than normal.
Algus takes the mask off, revealing a new, nightmarish visage, hoping that the sight itself is enough to drive away any assailants.
Intimidate Check!:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
haha, well at least the Mutagen will help me on the AC part and Reflex rolls... D:
Heh, I guess this really IS the roughest part of town. some weird-looking monster and a badass ranger are just punks around this area. :p
I'll roll for Initiative too, in order to speed things up a little.
The man leaning on the rail takes an involuntary step back as Algus' body undergoes its transformation. His mouth silently forms a word that the two men cannot hear, but Algus strongly suspects it's "Freak".
A deep voice comes from the doorway behind them, as the group of men from the bar come out behind the hunter and the alchemist.
"Well, look at that lads, old metal face is truly a freak o' nature.". The speaker is a broad chested dockworker, his dark beard still caked with the remnant froth of his last drink. The way he staggers slightly tells Idrian he's drunk, which is probably for the best if they're going to get into a fight here.
As his friends chuckle at his comment, the man grows more bold, moving forwards and poking Algus in the chest, even as the other man moves up behind them. "I don't think the likes o' you should be walkin' around unsupervised, tin face." he snarls into Algus' face. The rank smell of his breath would normally be stomoach turning, but Algus drinks mutagen for fun, so he isn't overly concerned
"Tell yer what, you give us some o' that shiny gold you was falshin' arou nd in there, and we won't have to take your scrawny arse down to ther docks for a dip o' the old briny to wash the stink offa yer" He chuckles again, turning his head to look at his mates as he does so, and they all laugh obediently.
They have no weapons drawn, so using them now would be very bad in terms of legal complications. If you're going to start a fight, you can both get a surprise round right now if you want to take it, since their drunken state and over confidence have left them open to your reaction somewhat. While it is daylight at the moment, there aren't very many folk outside that would see much, and probably less who would respond at the moment. Over to you two for your actions.
Oh, a side note. Since neither of you have unarmed combat skills really, but neither do the thugs, if you decide to use your fists there won't be the usual penalties to hit. Since the penalty would be universal to all combatants, we'll just call it even. No AoO's either when you make punches etc, for the same reason. Of course, if you draw weapons, then that changes things a little.
Thanks...I was going to ask about the Detect Evil results.
Feldspar has listened to the man's confession without comment, eyeing the reactions of the others carefully. He nods to True in response to her worries and steps forward to block the man's escape from the room.
"I'm afraid I cannot allow you to leave. By your own confession, you are guilty of breaking the law of this region and therefore you must pay the penalty for it."
He reaches out to take the man's arm with one large hand. "Shall we escort him to the Sheriff, friends?"
Tania's eyes widen at Feldspar's reaction. Woa! That man is intense! Better I find out this way...
For a moment, she is speechless, which is unusual really, then, she looks at True: "You do understand who else is going to get in trouble when we bring this guy to the Sheriff?"
Both men take the bolt, dashing past the surprised thug who had waited out the front of them, and tearing down the cobbled street.
A shout of protest and drunken anger follows them as the men realise what happened and begin to give chase.
Idrian can see a more crowded road ahead, realising that if the two men can make it that far, the drunken thugs will most likely give up.
Ok, small chase scene. Can you both make a Dex check, or acrobatics check if you have it as a better score I guess. Level of success determines my update
True, Tania, Feldspar and Jo'No
Spoiler:
Jeddik responds with quick and violent anger as Feldspar places his hand on the captive.
"You idiots just don't learn" he snarls, twisting the Paladins hand away, and producing another dagger from somewhere. The metal gleams in the light of the fireplace and a desperate savageness has come over Jeddik.
"I'll not be taken to gaol, no matter what yer plans". With that, he lunges towards Feldspar, hoping to take down the dwarf and clear a path to escape.
Well, we have a combat situation here now. He's fairly angry, since you used intimidate to get info initially and now look to be taking him in despite his cooperation. I can't generate maps at the moment (my home computer not ready til Thursday). Your about 20 feet from the door outside, in a fairly large dining room of the Rusty Dragon. True and Tania are roughly behind Jeddik, but there's a table between them preventing flanking bonus. Feldspar is in front of him, and blocking his path to the door. Jo'No is next to him, but could step back to cast if necessary. Jeddik has a dagger only, but he looks pretty handy with it, and was able to keep it hidden from you, so he's likely to be a skilled opponent (certainly better than the goblins you've fought so far.
Initiatives are - Tania, Feldspar., group 2 Jeddik, group 3 True and Jo'No. I'll npc Jo'No if we haven't heard from him by tomorrow night
Sorry all, I have been very busy lately. I am back to my regular schedule. Jo'no does have some news to share with the group... but alas... it looks like it needs to wait as we appear to have a little... situation.
Tania laughs and weaves a complex web with her hands, rubbing a bit of oil between fingers: "Luuuuuuubricaaaaaam!", pointing at the man's dagger.
Grease DC 13 on the dagger:
The spell can also be used to create a greasy coating on an item. Material objects not in use are always affected by this spell, while an object wielded or employed by a creature requires its bearer to make a Reflex saving throw to avoid the effect. If the initial saving throw fails, the creature immediately drops the item. A saving throw must be made in each round that the creature attempts to pick up or use the greased item.
Feldspar reacts immediately to the dagger by drawing his warhammer and attempting to disarm Jeddik. Only vaguely aware of Tania's casting, he thrusts the warhammer at Jeddik's hand to knock the knife away.
Yep, Jeddik can take an AoO. Disarm Attempt:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
"There's no need for spilling blood," he says, hoping that True will act as she had when they'd first encountered the ruffian.
Tania's voice rings clearly through the tavern, unleashing the magical effects of the grease spell. Jeddik swears loudly as the dagger he holds suddenly becomes slippery in his hands. He manages to keep hold of the weapon though, thrusting it towards Feldspar as the dwarf tries to knock the weapon from his hand.
The dagger thrust is misguided however, and Feldpsar knocks the knife from his hand with a save battering of his hammer. The blade flies across the room, skittering over the floor before coming to rest in the shadow of one of the tables.
Jeddik's face goes white as he again finds himself weaponless in the face of four capable people. In desperation he dives to the side, trying to avoid Feldspar and his hammer and making a desperate dash for the door. Feldspar can make an AoO as he leaves the threatened square. AS far as I know True, Tania and Jo'No don't have weapons drawn so can't make AoO's unnless they have unarmed capabilities. If I'm wrong, feel free to post the attacks. Jeddik will make the door and wrench it open but not much more thant this. Assuming you haven't stopped him first.
Idrian and Algus
Spoiler:
Idrian is off fast, moving sure footedly through the street and rapidly closing on the relatively safety of the crowd ahead. Behind him, he hears a muffled cry as Algus loses his footing on a wet piece of detritus, dumped carelessly from a window above. The Alchemest stumbles off balance momentarily, before regaining his footing. However, the slight stumble costs him as the first of the drunks closes on him, reaching out to grab him on the arm and hold him till his friends get there.
The man has grappled Algus, just. Algus can make a go at breaking free or maybe attacking with a light weapon if he has one handy. Attacking means the other guys will get there as well though. Idrian can keep running or turn back to assist break the grapple (slowing Idrian down somewhat) or look for some way to stop the others from reachign Algus while he struggles (a perception check. Check the spoiler after this one for the results if high enough)
Perception DC 12
Spoiler:
you see a water barrel nearby that you could knock over that would spill water down hill past the struggling Algus and make the cobbles quite treacherous to run on. DC 8 strength check to knock it over. If you fail to knock it over, it will have slowed you enough that the other group will close however.
Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Strength check 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Idrian is almost to safety, but he sees that his ally is in trouble. Idrian rolls his eyes as he turns back to help the alchemist. He kicks over a water barrel to make the footing more treacherous for the drunken pursuers and smacks at the grappling thug with his sheathed two handed sword.
I want to do non lethal damage to this guy
Greatsword: to hit 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17
Greatsword: damage 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1) + 1 = 4
confirm crit
Greatsword: to hit 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (10) - 2 = 8
Greatsword: damage 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 3) + 1 = 6
No AoO but True is going to tackle him again. She will not let go of him again until he is in jail. This is a charge attack and hopefully he has just used up his own AoO.
True launches herself again aiming for his lower back.
Satisfied at the way the knife went spinning from the man's hand, Feldspar lets the motion of the warhammer carry through and attempts to trip Jeddik by aiming it at his legs.
Jeddiks attempt at escape ends as quickly as it began, with True barreling into the man even as Jo'No stuns him with a jolt of magic. True can feel the moment he goes limp in her arms from Jo'No's spell and she uses the opportunity to tighten her grip and ensure he is secure for transport to the Barracks.
Thankfully the tavern is empty, and only Ameiko witnesses the groups efforts with the man. She hurries over quickly, checking to see eveyone is alright before quickly ushering them out so they can complete their business without destroying her establishment.
The walk to the Sherrifs office is a long one though, and by the time the small group makes it there, they have been seen by at list two dozen people, all of whom take great interest in the events. This isn't helped by Jeddik's continued struggles and the odd invective he throws at the four friends while they march him to the place.
The Sheriff himself is in attendance when they arrive, and he looks up from some paperwork as the group bursts loudly into his room. Looking to both Jo'No and True, people he knows and trusts, he asks "And what trouble have you two brought my way today? I trust this has something to do with the Creedy boys"
Will get to Algus and Idrian in the morning sorry. Kids are needing some attention tonight and I'm going in to read and lay down with them for the bedtime routine.
Algus can feel the water rush past his feet as Idrian kicks the rain barrel over. The cobbles below his feet become slippery almost immediately, though most of the water has travelled past the Alchemist and the drunken brute holding him.
Algus tries to pull free but the effort is futile as the mans strength and grip are more than he can manage. However, Idrian suddenly appears and strikes him hard across the face with the flat of his sward. There's a crunch as the drunks nose gives way under the impact of the metal. Both of his hands instinctively clutch at his broken and bleeding nose, releasing Algus.
The shouts of his companions grows closer however, and both men look back down the street to see the other thugs trying to navigate the slippery road and reach their quarry.
Well, just enough time bought by Idrian's actions to let you try for another dash. Dex checks or accrobatics checks to make your run please. Again, level of success determines how well you do. If you both do better than the thugs this time round you'll be free and into the main street.
Tania sees the events unfold and worries that Feldspar will get the cat out of the bag and put True's mother in trouble with the law. Then again, she hadn't had a chance to finish her conversation before Jeddik tried to slip out. Now they had the Sheriff with them and Manius' name would soon come out. I have to try something...
She turns to the Sheriff, trying to get his attention: Sheriff Hemlock! Have we met? Name's Tania, we probably know my father, Leandre, Leandre Teg, yes, I'm his daughter! True and Feldspar have had only good words for you. This is a lier of the worst sort. Goes by the name of Jeddick, weaving tales to hide his true motives: drugs... Yes, drugs! He was about to name his boss when we brought him here. Best if you get him to spit it out, no?"
This might just be enough to get his attention towards the boss instead of the smugglers...
"Apologies, Idrian.", Algus says as he feels the drunkard's grasp escape. "my mind must've slipped from...that encounter. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
He quickly begins to make his way towards the Main Street, hoping that this time the foreign thoughts are locked away for good, for now, in the confines of his mind.
"Yes, Jeddik is first mate on a ship that is trying to organise a pesh deal, moving the drug with Sandpoint as the base. Unfortunately the ship in question is the Vestrit and the captain is Manius, my mother's close.....friend. Tell me sheriff why would his hold smell of sweat and blood, with strange dimensions unlike most others. I am no salty seadog but perhaps you know why?"
"Jeddik, tell me again what was the name of your vessel and its crew? You are helping us with our inquiries but the pulling of a dagger in the Rusty Dragon and attempting to run twice makes you look bad. Tell us more and I am sure that the cells may need someone else. Otherwise I will make a case against you that sees you staying in jail for a long time."
Algus dashes rapidly towards the relative safety of the crowded street ahead. With his mutated form, he quickly finds himself standing in the sunlight on the crowded thoroughfair, eliciting a few gasps of surprise and disgust from the people near to him. He turns to grin back at his companion, only to see Idrian had slipped in his own water trap and was only just now rising to his feet, with three of the drunks standing over him.
Idrian for his part, stood and frowned deeply at the way things had worked out. Behind him he heard two of the men throwing up violently as the exertions of trying to chase the two combined with their overly inebriated state turned their bellies to liquid. Three of the men had caught up with him though, and they panted sour bear into his face as they grinned and prepared to bash the hunter.
"Gave us a <huff> start there <huff>." the leader said between pants. "Think I'll <huff> have ter break something <huff> on you now."
With that, he throws a punch.
Ok, well its combat now, though this will be mostly non lethal. The leader has unarmed combat skills but his two cronies don't. They're angry you ran and made them chase you so they'll likley try to beat you into unconciousness now. Inititiatives are Group 1 = Idrian, Group 2 = Drunks, group 3 = Algus. The remaining three drunks are incapacitated for the moment but if this goes on too long they may recovere neough to join in as well.
True, Feldspar, Tania and Jo'No
Spoiler:
Belor Hemlock looks somewhat bemused by Tania's quick fire introduction and explanation, followed as it was by Trues equally verbose explanation.
To complicate matters, Jeddik himself pipes up with an angry retort "Don't listen to the b#!!&es sheriff. They set upon me with no provocation and started ter bash me in the Rusty Dragon. Me hands all broke up from the bloody dwarf 'ere nd the girl went and broke a rib or two I reckon. They should be locked up, all of em"
Hemlock looks at the man and snorts in derision "I highly doubt that my friend." He looks pointedly at both Tania and Feldspar, who are dressed in the holy garments of their lawful gods, and then nods at Tania and Jo'No. "These folk are the most law abiding and noble people I've met recently, and those two were instrumental in saving this town from great disaster only two nights ago."
He moves in close to Jeddik, and it is really only now that everyone gains an understanding of just how large and imposing Belor Hemlock is. He looms over the ruffian and says very quietly "If these folk think you're up to something illegal, I have a tendancy to believe them. Now you and I are going to have a quiet chat in one of the cells, while these folk take the time to write their story out in case a magistrate needs to read it."
With that, he takes the man firmly in hand and leads him into the cells deeper in the barracks. Jeddik struggles briefly, but the sheriff merely squezes his big hand and the man whinces before stopping his struggle.
"Help yourself to some Chuffa. The pots hot and there's goats milk in the jug under the counter. Paper and stylus on the main desk so you can write what happend." he shouts over his shoulder as he moves along.
Chuffa is the shoanti term for a coffee like drink. Belor will pretty much get the same story from Jeddik as you did, though his powers of persuasion will get a few more details about the thugs as well. It will take him some time though so you are free to go elsewhere while you wait if you like. It wouldn't take you more than a few minutes to record a statement.
Idrian will try, once more, to stick with the plan. He bolts. Take a Withdraw action. If I have the scene right in my head, there are two or three guys between me and Algus and two more behind me. I will move to minimize the number of AoOs that can be taken against me and don't forget I'm still holding my sheathed sword. Even though I can't take an AoO while Withdrawing, it may come in handy if there's a next round.
I didn't quite think it would work, heh. for a moment I thought it was kinda silly, haha. <_< but anyways, I can manage the reasoning and the like, and it'd also be nice for a local colleague to vouch for his experiments.
I do remember that the Gnome was the one managing the fireworks, so that can mesh well. 'tis your call, GM! :D
I'm trying not to read the threads that True isn't involved in but seeing children running scared certainly caught my attention. Hope your face has the same effect on ogres.
Wanted to drop some insight to the guards reactions to date, and how people have responded to the group so far (just to lay any unease to rest if its getting there). It's hard to tell how people are enjoying things in the PbP medium so i tend to ask about that alot. 4 of you just had a less than perfect result for your interractions, but you still did very well.
Firstly, People in this town aren't used to violence or drawing weapons as a first resort, particularly since the "Late unpleasentness" a few years back.
As a frontier town, everyone carries weapons, naturally, but rarely are they used. This comes down to the law being quite firm on the idea (as you've just discovered).
Marcus will eventually get around to thanking folk, when he's not feeling so harrassed. It's a big day, and likely to get bigger hehe.
Idrian - you in particular may feel a little robbed with how your scenario worked out. I wanted to assure you as a player that those two were up to something, and Idrian effectively prevented them from achieving it. Unfortunately, he just went about it in such a publicly confronting way that he got slapped across the wrist for it as well.
Now, what I hope most of you get out of this is a bit of mystery that has you hankering to find out what's going on. I have a tendency to create threads that are tantalising but don't resolve for some time, and often all tie together. Since I have the entire AP for this one, I am also doing some preloading of characters and lead in situations that will all make sense before the game ends.
Don't feel disheartened by how you went with things at this stage. Everyone has done very well, and you have let me build your characters into the game beautifully. Thanks for all the effort.
Boards are playing up so posting this again, since my first one isn't appearing for me. Ignore if this is a repost.
Wanted to drop some insight to the guards reactions to date, and how people have responded to the group so far (just to lay any unease to rest if its getting there). It's hard to tell how people are enjoying things in the PbP medium so i tend to ask about that alot. 4 of you just had a less than perfect result for your interractions, but you still did very well.
Firstly, People in this town aren't used to violence or drawing weapons as a first resort, particularly since the "Late unpleasentness" a few years back.
As a frontier town, everyone carries weapons, naturally, but rarely are they used. This comes down to the law being quite firm on the idea (as you've just discovered).
Marcus will eventually get around to thanking folk, when he's not feeling so harrassed. It's a big day, and likely to get bigger hehe.
Idrian - you in particular may feel a little robbed with how your scenario worked out. I wanted to assure you as a player that those two were up to something, and Idrian effectively prevented them from achieving it. Unfortunately, he just went about it in such a publicly confronting way that he got slapped across the wrist for it as well.
Now, what I hope most of you get out of this is a bit of mystery that has you hankering to find out what's going on. I have a tendency to create threads that are tantalising but don't resolve for some time, and often all tie together. Since I have the entire AP for this one, I am also doing some preloading of characters and lead in situations that will all make sense before the game ends.
Don't feel disheartened by how you went with things at this stage. Everyone has done very well, and you have let me build your characters into the game beautifully. Thanks for all the effort.
I've actually enjoyed it quite a lot, Wrath. it's been an interesting pace so far. I have to admit that I am indeed quite engaged on stuff, and it's been a very fun read in general.
the fact that you've now said that there's overarching mysteries throughout the entire plot makes me more anxious, heh...but I'm a patient folk, so I don't mind.
Thanks for the explanation, Wrath. It actually went almost as well as I had hoped. I had figured that drawing my bow would get a reaction and it did. I did not think that the guard would react so strongly, though I did figure to be admonished for how I went about things. You should note that Idrian is Chaotic Good. He does what he thinks is best without much regard for the law. He does consider his friends, though, and does try to refrain from violence in town in difference to the sheriff and his other allies.
Some homework for you folks. This is going to make both your and my job easier in an AP where there are lots of NPC's.
Could you create on your character profiles a list of NPC's you know from town, plus some info on each.
If they're NPC's you've created for background or to help flesh out town a bit(Such as those Idrian has done), you can add details as needed. If I run an NPC not how you had envisaged them, please let me know. I encourage player creativity and try to incorporate it into my games as much as possible, and I don't want to stifle that by being heavy handed with your characters history etc.
If they're ones I've thrown your way add what you know so far.
Feel free to find images of those folk to link to your page as well for the NPC's I haven't already done this for on my DM page.
A note on creating your own NPC's for the town. I love the fact people have done this, it adds so much more to the game world. I would ask that we limit this to about 5 people each PC though please. There are some NPC's I have to detail for you, but I'm pressed for time at the moment with work.
On the time issue, this has been the best litmus test I could ask for in regards to me being able to handle the game. It has been a killer of a workload this term for some reason, but I'm still progressing the game forwards which tells me volumes about my ability to handle the game side of things. My post rate will pick up after this weekend as all my reporting and marking will be over. I'll really be able to put some work into the game soon since I'll start our Christams holidays in two weeks as well.
So, as long as you haven't minded the odd night where I've missed things so far, it should get speedier soon.
I've a question about our Assignment: must we make all 5 NPCs immediately? or just flesh the current ones that are relevant to us, and add them as needed? I am kinda stumped in regards to what NPCs could serve as folks that Algus is acquainted with.
There's the Gnome Alch/Wiz, which I would(and will) happily flesh out.
aside from that...I've no idea, hehe. maybe a couple of town guards that got caught up by some wild beasts, in the area where Algus was practicing the experiments; he had saved them and the like, and thus got a couple of friends in those two folks?
I think that would probably be the best I can think of, at the moment. <_<
Since Feldspar isn't from Sandpoint, he doesn't really know any NPCs. I really like the introduction of those we've met already. If you'd like me to come up with some random NPCs from Feldspar's past, however, I'll be happy to do so.
None of you have to make NPC's up, but it would be good for you to keep track of the one's you've met.
Algus, go ahead and add some personality to the Gnome for me if you'd like. He's actually the local map maker, and historian and also dabbles in alchemy. He'd be the one member of town you most likely have the most in common with and the most contact with. Think about how you came into contact with him as well, maybe he's someone from your past and it could be a link that made you come this way as well.
Feldspar, not such an issue for you at the momen. I will add some more folk from your background as we go though, so if you think there are some interesting folk from way back when, throw them in the mix.
Gnome NPC made! at least, a rough draft. it's on my profile page.
I didn't really know what age was Viznett so I just went for an old type of Gnome. the way you portrayed it was also pretty nice IMO, Wrath, so I don't think there should be any clash in tastes....hopefully the write-up I made isn't too sloppy. <_<
Ok, well our first true taste at combat. This is firmly in the realms of the AP now. It took three pages to get us here, but I actually think teh lead in roleplay has let you bond with the town in a very important way for this Adventure Path.
Combat - I'm able to do maps like the one I linked now. This is different from the last PbP I ran which was far more narrative in its style for combat. Maps are useful for complex situations and are certainly useful in the Pathfinder rule set. However, when you post your actions, please describe them in character first. We all play in this medium because it is great to read and lets us stretch our creative skills.
After posting your in character actions, you can include a little ooc comment below that has more mechnics in it.
Eg in character - Zanthus stands stunnde for a moent, watching as the people he has come to care for are terrified and slashed by teh vicious little creatures. As he sees Mrs Hanson dragged to teh ground though, his momentary inaction turns to anger. His hand shoots out, throwing back the cermonial robes of Desna and a spark of static appears in his hand. As he focuses the protective rage he now feels into the power of his goddess, the spark leaps from his hand to touch the fould goblin as it raises its cleaver over the elderly woman
When you post for this one, please put in your rolled initiative as well. I will resolve your action as appropiate for this round.
In my Kingmaker game I have started rolling peoples initiatives for them and post the order when the combat starts. This helps speed things along. If people are happy for this let me know and we'll d here as well, otherwise we can let you roll your own if that is the preference.
Also, I will run combat in intitiative blocks. When your "block" comes up, the order you post is the order the action occurs, rather than the strict order of the intititive roll. If people could wait until their "block" comes up, it will save lots of confusion. We found in the kingmaker game that this was the most effective way, but it may slow us down at times (particulalry since FW and I post at different times to the rest of you).
An eg would be Block 1 = Tania, Idrian, Algus;
Block 2 = Goblins 1-3
Block 3 = Feldspar, True, Jo'No
Block 4 = Goblins 4 -6
I will update more frequently during combats to help keep the flow along, assuming my time is not being taken up with work and family.
The big tokens are groups of people (crowds). They'll move depending on what's happening around them. You can make diplomacy or intimidate checks to try and move a crowd along instead of a standard action. DC's will vary depending on lengh of battle and how panicked they are.
You can only move through a crowd at half speed and only after a successful DC12 strength check.
Crowds stop line of sight for ranged attacks.
If a crowd moves over you you can choose to stand still or move with it without needing to make a roll.
The small tokens are the goblins.
The tokens with gold outlines are your characters
Any token with a silver lining is an NPC (Father Zanthus is in this one as well as the crowds).
Tables are difficult ground but provide cover if you're behind or under them, or height advantage if you're on top of them.
My personal preference is to roll for my own initative, but I've noticed that the combat itself definitely goes quicker if the DM does everyone's up front. So all in all, I'm happy either way.
Thanks for the heads up DW. You don't mind me NPC'ing Tania in that time I hope?
I think posting will slow down over Christmas. I will be off line from the 24th till the 27th most likely as we have big family commitments over that time.
PbP are unusual things, and sometimes they stagnate without some direction from the DM. To help you guys keep things flowing, here are some options.
1. Investigate around town for the location of the Creedy boys.
2. Follow the Sczarni lead that the Creedy's are apparently attatched to and see if this turns up anything new.
3. Help True in her investigation of the mysterious Captain who has taken in her mother.
4. Try to get an interview with "Banger" in the prison.
5. Follow up some investigations of other info from the local Scholars and Church (see the list of locations in my DM page for some possible ideas).
The town is pretty much on track now having had the day of hard work to get things sorted. Certainly enough that you all have time to get some investigating done if that is what you want to do.
Feldspar - Noble gesture with the gold. Keep track of how much you give away for me and I'll organise alternate rewards suitably to help keep you on track with wealth by level. Mostly these will be things like blessings form your god, or gifts from the church etc.
Look at the options above and see what your character would like to do. You don't all have to be on the same task, I'm happy enough to run separate story threads for the group as we go.
Feldspar - Noble gesture with the gold. Keep track of how much you give away for me and I'll organise alternate rewards suitably to help keep you on track with wealth by level. Mostly these will be things like blessings form your god, or gifts from the church etc.
Thanks. He probably will not do that in every case, he simply didn't consider his actions worthy of a reward (since any man of good conscious would do the same).
First return flight left late, making us miss our connection, which, strangely enough, was on time. The next flight was three hours, but left four hours late!!!
First return flight left late, making us miss our connection, which, strangely enough, was on time. The next flight was three hours, but left four hours late!!!
Jet lagged but happy!
Welcome Back! Hope the holiday trip was great and looking forwards to getting you back in the game.
Well, seems the threat is mostly over now. We didn't have to leave thankflly, but it was touch and go for a while there. Spent the last two days helping my brother out since he had a foot of water go through his place, and he wasn't even in one of the danger zones. Never seen rain like it.
Thanks for the kind words folks, sorry for the lengthy delay in updating but couldn't really be helped.
I'm glad we still have every one for this game, I really like the characters so far and have very much enjoyed pursuing some of this investigation story line.
I was wondering if the pacing was ok for everyone? I'm trying to keep the investigation interesting so you have to work for the info but not get too bored doing so.
Algus and Idrian certainly had a very interesting time getting their information. Algus in particular has had some life changing moments hehe.
Tania's magical handiness also opened this encounter into a path I never planned it going. However it worked so well that i rolled with it and you got to meet Jeddik. Not sure he'll last overly long but he was interesting for me to develop and added a new plot thread to this game completely.
Best thing about DMing a PbP is I get plenty of time to create stuff in response to your actions. It makes this game so much more organic.
Wrath already knows this, but just a heads up to everyone else:
I'm heading out of town tomorrow morning for the south where I'll be doing some actual table rpg play for a long weekend (yay!). I probably will not be able to post much (if at all) from tomorrow (Friday) until Tuesday.
By the way, Wrath, I'm really enjoying the pacing of this game so far. It's been a nice way to experience the town and get to know people. The investigations are definitely interesting.
I am looking for a mature roleplayer to run a PC for a few months in my Frostbite Viking game. Mark Thomas plays an inquisitor working for a b##!&y noble woman sorcerer and that player has dropped out. Its a tough gig and I thought of you as someone who could play the role.. Interested? There is more to it than that but I'll go into that if you are.
As much as I would really enjoy that French Wolf, I'll have to pass. I've been following your game and really enjoy reading it, but I am very concious of not taking on more than I can handle. That was my big mistake last time and we all know how that worked out.
I appreciate the offer though mate, and hope you find someone to replace Mark. The game is too good not to keep going ahead.
Cheers
Hows your brother doing? Is his house getting drier..
Cheers
Yep, hes all good now. We ripped out all his carpet and discovered polished timber flooring beneath it. Surprisingly, it was barely damaged by the water, so a bonus.
Next job is repainting the place, which he had started before the water came through, but now has to start again :(
