Text: Zsz rises woozily to her feet and downs a potion, some of the burns on her skin vanishing as it heals her.
nun3 5-foots spends 1 ki to +4 AC and flurries
amaya - continue bardic (18 rnds left) cure moderate move to cast on person worst off
fiosa - life link 5 hit points from zsz; channel
janiven shootshoot
mathalen, flurry
tarvi mm
jani possible fumble
"How goes your side?" Azhar's voice rings out from around the corner, "Do you need assistance?"
However, in addition to being unconscious and drenched, she is also, as it happens, now entirely naked, since as her hair drops away from the fire creature and retracts back to her head, her dress unweaves itself and does the same.
...and Azhar does a double take, nearly dropping the vials he had been removing from his pouch. He stares until he realizes he is staring and pulls his eyes up to Fiosa's, "Can your magic take care of her or should I use some of our potions?"
(if additional healing is sought, he kneels next to Zsz, gently places his hand at the base of her neck, raises her head and, after a glance at Fiosa for a possible negation of his actions, pours the contents of the vial down her throat, making sure she survives the experience. Then leaves his cloak with two more vials to cover her and) moves towards any sounds of continuing combat. (moves to provide extra target for opponent?)
if it comes up:
AC:18/16/14
hp: 77
Fort:6 ref:6 will:3
FE: +4Human, +2Native Outsider NOT included
other: Bless +1 to hit, Inspire Courage +2/+2 INCLUDED
Azhar takes a 5' step in front of Mathalen and strikes at the fiery creature
again and again.
to hit: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
Cleaving Finish (if appropriate)
to hit: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
lunge (if appropriate): additional 5' reach on his turn, -2AC
Gravlax attacks the standing nun.
From downstairs there is indistinct chatter in Infernal, not quite loud enough to make out. The remaining combatant above steps over to the rogue and quickly kicks him twice.
At Azhar's words Fiosa shakes her head, knowing that she and Amaya can heal the fallen woman so that the final nun can be put down. Zsz does immediately heal slightly, the blind halfling taking the damage. Then a wave of energy rolls out from Fiosa. Amaya looks from the recently injured Cassian to the still prone and naked Zsz. "Next round, Cassian, I promise," Amaya says as she takes the short step and lays a hand to heal Zsz.
With a nod, Azhar drops his cloak (containing 3 healing potions on Zsz - also so the woman has something to cover herself. He moves in front of Mathalen, slashing at the nun drawing a great deal of blood.
Azhar takes a step forward, trying to guard Zsz and Mathalen as best as he can. He swings the lucerne hammer twice more, both blows thudding into the elemental with flares of its elemental body.
Zsz rises woozily to her feet and downs a potion, some of the burns on her skin vanishing as it heals her.
Gravlax takes a step forward attacks the standing nun. His first blow hits solidly but his second blow goes wide, the hilt slamming into his free hand, painfully.
Cassian, who had waited for Gravlax to move, takes a step to gain flanking. Cassian's twin blades attempt to fillet the bescarfed nun. Both blades slice, cutting the woman in two.
Janiven, hearing the voices downstairs, rubs her fingers against the wood of her bow, imbuing it with magic. Tarvi moves over the Cassian pulling one of his healing potions. Tarvi shakes the empty vial, "I think that one was defective." Mathalen looks to the open door, "Do we have a plan or just walk into whatever ambush they have planned?"
Fire -15,-33,-43,-46,-83, -98 dead
Nun2 -64 (-10 hp) dying
nun3 -73 (very dead)
Azhar -0 (lunge)
Cassian -8
Gravlax -0
Zsz -0 (-2 CON, -7 addl' HP)
Fiosa -2
Mathalen -14/40
.
.
.
.
.
═████████═██
????????█○○██
????????║○○○██
????????█○○○○██
?████═███○○○○○██
?█○○○○○○█○ee○○○██
?║○○╔○○○█○ee░○○○██
?█○○╚╝○○║○○○░○○○██
?█○○○○○○█Z○▓▓▓▓██
?███≠████Y○▓▓▓██
?█○○○○G○○○J▓▓██
?║○○JnAM○○F▓██○
?█○○CT○○○○○██○○
═████████≠██○○○
○████████○█○○○○
○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○
▓ = Cremation Oven (to ceiling)
░ = Ramp for easy pushing into over (counts as 'higher' ground)
n = Dead/very dead/dying Assassin Nun
N = Not dead Assassin Nuns
e = 10x10 fire creature (dissapating into the oven)
A = Azhar
C = Cassian (w/Rygel)
G = Gravlax
Z = Zsz
Y = Amaya
F = Fiosa
J = Janiven
M = Mathalen
T = Tarvi
Janiven's smile is wide but somehow sardonic, "Precisely."
A pause, a shrug, "This would be the place where the polite thing to do would be to ask why you came to Westcrown, what you were looking for, but I seem to remember that you try to answer personal questions vaguely." A far more real smile, [b]"So is there anything I can help you with now that you are back?"
Tarvi considers that, "Honestly, if I had issues trusting someone, I don't think I could sleep with them." Then thinking, "Well most of the people in the group can be trusted." A pause, "Well... I think Gravlax can be, except with me because he hates Cassian but I don't think he alter-ego is trustable. And I can trust Cassian, but he claims I'm a special case."
The quiet laugh at his words turns to a throaty moan as he traces the slight curves. After his thorough care, she smiles as her hands move up, taking his shirt with them. "I think you tend to sell yourself far short of what you have."
She leans back just a little, so her leg can move between their bodies, allowing her legs to wrap just over his hips. She trails kisses from ear to as far down as she can without losing the press of her lower body to his, pausing to linger at nerves that have given positive response previously.
Mathalen comes into the apartmet, her face showing conflicting emotions although she pull out a smile for Gravlax.
They approach the hallway walking down it, causing the guards to straighten. Tarvi with a full, bright smile, Janiven consciously controlling the impulse to pull a weapon to hand.
One of the guards steps slightly in front of the others, "Eh, now. I respec'fully sugges' you might hav' take' a wrong turn." His voice incredibly polite despite the slight menace below the words and wretched accent.
Whenever he brings a flower there is a short note waiting for him below the pillow, just bright sweet sentences
One of the guys, sitting a little further back, looks Cassian up and down. "No doubt you do, but why would he want to see you?"
Mathalen nods, "I pulled them as much as I could and still done the visuals you wanted." Tarvi's eyes grow wide, really wanting to protest, wanting to help if he gets in trouble, but she nods. Her arms get no tighter on the tiny monkey but she seems to be holding him closer nonetheless.
Janiven shakes her head with a little disgust, "He should be the one doing this, but for some reason he lost his focus on Sian when a red-head tapped his shoulder."
The two women 'drag' him to the shoddy, windowless room where Sian was left, still bound. Mathalen seals the entrance with a kick that sends him stumbling into a wall, not injured but feeling a little vertigo from the spin and velocity.
The door slams, leaving him alone in the dim room with the bound and gagged Sian, her glowing red eyes open, studying him.
"Thanks so much, all of you," Zsz says as she stands up. "I really appreciate it." She looks at Azhar's cloak with a puzzled expression and drapes it over one arm. "Trichomancy field note," she mutters to herself, "Increase reach by at least a few feet."
She then replies to Mathalen with a Message spell, in case the nuns are close enough to listen in. ("Maybe we should lay our own ambush at a choke point. Wait until they emerge, and figure out some way to flush them out if they don't.")
There is a slight pause during which she finally glances down at herself. "Oh, by-Our-Lady-Of-Night," she swears. "Second trichomancy field note ..." Her hair begins to grow and reweave itself into another dress.
A pause, a shrug, "This would be the place where the polite thing to do would be to ask why you came to Westcrown, what you were looking for, but I seem to remember that you try to answer personal questions vaguely." A far more real smile, "So is there anything I can help you with now that you are back?"
"Well then I shall answer both questions at once," Zsz replies. "If you are aware of any groups with aims that are a bit more on the, let's call it, dissident side than your own, I wouldn't mind being put in touch with them as well. I hope you understand my tendency towards vagueness when discussing such a topic."
"If not, I also need to redecorate, and I'd love getting some help with that."
Tarvi considers that, "Honestly, if I had issues trusting someone, I don't think I could sleep with them."
"Alas, had I been so fastidious, I'd have had a life empty of sexual activity so far."
Then thinking, "Well most of the people in the group can be trusted." A pause, "Well... I think Gravlax can be, except with me because he hates Cassian but I don't think he alter-ego is trustable. And I can trust Cassian, but he claims I'm a special case."
"Are you suggesting I sleep with everyone in the group except for your brother?" Zsz asks. "I had not intended to be nearly so ambitious. Perhaps we should narrow that down a bit, although I am curious as to whether you were thinking of me going one at a time or simply taking on all of you at once."
Text: Zsz moves towards the room containing the stairway, her wand held at the ready.
"I could try to draw them out," Gravlax says. "Otherwise?" he shrugs.
Gravlax waits, springing to attack if someone comes into view.
Black +1 Keen Dueling Sword +9/+4 (1d8+3/17-20/x2) and
His lower body presses back against hers and he shivers as her lips pass over a few select places.
He takes a deep breath, and lets it out as smoothly as he is able. "I suppose we'll have to see," he says, although it comes out more as a series of gasps than a smooth statement.
His hands go to the sides of her neck, and he rubs the tendons there. "...hate for your neck to get sore," he murmurs, his lower body continuing to respond to her upper-body attentions.
Gravlax smiles back, but almost immediately after the door is closed behind her, asks, "What's the news?"
Cassian winces. "Whatever we do, I'd like to keep the kicking to a minimum."
Cassian guffaws. "Screw. Boss wants some privacy, and can't have a couple gossiping nellies watchin' the door, so he sent us."
Bluff
They are for Gozran 10
You mean 14 days ago?
Sleight of Hand
Cassian tosses the guy's money pouch back to him. "That's why."
"You did fine," Cassian says to Mathalen.
When he's thrown into the cell, he lies on the floor, catching his breath, before looking up at Sian. As he takes in the sight of her, his face contorts in anger. He crawls over, grabbing her by the throat and ripping the gag off her.
"You want to tell me why I shouldn't just kill you right now, you gods damned traitor?" he growls.
AC:18/16/14
hp: 77
Fort:6 ref:6 will:3
FE: +4Human, +2Native Outsider NOT included
other: Bless +1 to hit, Inspire Courage +2/+2 INCLUDED
(generic attack action, please modify as necessary for movement or whatever. note 2nd hit or first great cleave and finishing cleave would be critical threats.)
to hit: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
other:
Great Cleave or second hit at -5 (as appropriate)
to hit1: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
-2 AC if Cleaving
to hit2: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
-2 AC if Cleaving
Cleaving Finish (if appropriate)
to hit: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
lunge (if appropriate): additional 5' reach on his turn, -2AC
From down the stairs there are sounds of movement, quiet speaking.
"It sounds like there are more of them than us."
"Ambush?"
"Ambush."
A quick look around the room, and Fiosa moves up to Mathalen healing the dockworker. True to her word, however hastily given, Amaya moves through the crowd and lays a healing touch on Cassian's shoulder.
Azhar holds her weapon, ready to smite any evil assassin nuns who ascend the stone stairs withing the center room.
Zsz moves towards the room containing the stairway, her wand held at the ready.
Gravlax waits, springing to attack if someone comes into view.
In the absence of opponents, Cassian will go to one of the doorways and wait for someone to stab.
The others, Janiven, Tarvi, and Mathalen, reposition themselves to be able to at least see into the center room.
Fire -15,-33,-43,-46,-83, -98 dead
Nun2 -64 (-10 hp) stable
nun3 -73 (very dead)
Azhar -0
Cassian -0
Gravlax -0
Zsz -0 (-2 CON, -7 addl' HP)
Fiosa -2/23
Mathalen -7/40
.
.
.
.
.
═████████═██
????????█○○██
????????║○○○██
????????█○○○○██
?████═███○○○○○██
?█○○○○○○█○ee○○○██
?║○○╔○○○█○ee░○○○██
?█○○╚╝○○║○○○░○○○██
?█○○○○○○█○○▓▓▓▓██
?███≠████n○▓▓▓██
?█○C○ZG○○○○▓▓██
?║○YJnA○○○○▓██○
?█○M○T○F○○○██○○
═████████≠██○○○
○████████○█○○○○
○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○
▓ = Cremation Oven (to ceiling)
░ = Ramp for easy pushing into over (counts as 'higher' ground)
n = Dead/very dead/dying Assassin Nun
N = Not dead Assassin Nuns
e = 10x10 fire creature (dissipating into the oven)
A = Azhar
C = Cassian (w/Rygel)
G = Gravlax
Z = Zsz
Y = Amaya
F = Fiosa
J = Janiven (above a dead nun)
M = Mathalen
T = Tarvi
"Sounds like they are planning an ambush with crossbows," Gravlax says.
"Let me be the one to spring it, if that's okay."
The Raven sneaks out of bed (if necessary), taking 10.
He takes a deep breath of the Westcrown night, strikes a dramatic pose, and heads off into the darkness. His plan is to look for trouble for a while, and if none is forthcoming, to visit the house of a certain trafficker in sentients.
Gravlax pulls out his antitoxin and drinks it, then moves toward the sound of the voices. He is expecting an ambush.
"Sounds like they are planning an ambush with crossbows," Gravlax says.
"Let me be the one to spring it, if that's okay."
"Have fun."
"There are many groups that are more dissident than ours." Janiven says easily. "Mostly because one pops up every few months after the previous one does something stupid, gets caught, and either killed or sent off to Deepmar... where they generally die." Her green eyes are a little flat.
Her eyes close for a second and when they open there is more of her normal quiet personality in them. "As for decorating, it really depends on what kind of atomosphere you want. If you are looking for a natural, rustic charm, your best bet would be to talk to Vitti or Scalvo. Scalvo is even more minimalistic than Vitti."
"For a clean ascetic, Amaya would be your best bet, though it does have a decided Tian line despite her never living outside of Westcrown. Fiosa knows what is the most currently fashionable as her employer does cater to merchants and a few of the lesser nobles." A shrug, "And I think a number of the girl's who work at Yako's bar have decent taste."
"Alas, had I been so fastidious, I'd have had a life empty of sexual activity so far."
Tarvi thinks about that and then just shrugs slightly, apparently not seeing a problem with that.
"Are you suggesting I sleep with everyone in the group except for your brother?" Zsz asks. "I had not intended to be nearly so ambitious. Perhaps we should narrow that down a bit, although I am curious as to whether you were thinking of me going one at a time or simply taking on all of you at once."
Tarvi just looks at Zsz for a full three beats, her sapphire eyes wide. "I wasn't suggesting that you need to sleep with any of them, just vouching as to their reliability." A smile dawning as she shakes her head slightly. "But if you really are looking for trust and not just a quick jump in th sack, wouldn't it make sense to see if you even like someone first?"
The vibration from her moan of pleasure when Gravlax starts to massage her neck transfers directly to the skin beneath her lips. With catches in her throat, "Mighty kind of you."
"Apparently Rev decided to leave questioning Sian in Cassian's hands. Something about a red head?" She shrugs. Walks over to him, brushes a light kiss then rests her head on his shoulder. Her voice slightly muffled, "The first part of his plan was for me to beat him up so that he could convince Sian he was playing for the same team as him."
The guard's eyes go first to Janiven, quickly passing her over to roam up and down Tarvi's body. The second one, also ogling, "Ya know, we should check her for weapons. Would't do to have the boss killed by a tart."
The guy catches the purse with a raised eyebrow and the impression of a smile. "Mario. Show the gentleman down to Scivs."
The bruiser of the group stands, motioning for Cassian to precede him into the backroom.
"What the are you talking about you back stabbing bastard?"
"Yeah, because every tart the boss eats you get to take a bite of." Cassian waves his hand as though flicking away some troublesome dirt. "Walk, boys. Give me any more trouble and I'll make sure the boss knows your names."
Gozran 24/Calseinica's
Cassian has every intention of going. He begins to escalate his games with Calseinica, leaving her little scavenger hunts around her room that lead to small gifts.
Gozran 24/Kraken's Ink
Cassian will go down to meet the man.
"Oh, I'm the backstabbing bastard? Funny... that doesn't explain why they spent the last hour kicking my ass while you sit pretty in here without one of them laying so much as a finger on your ugly skin. Now how about you switch your story to one that makes a lick of sense, hmm?" Cassian relents for a moment, still looming over her with every intention of continuing his attack should she not start talking.
He continues the massaging. "You do seem awfully
tight" --a pause for a soft moan of his own as her lips
vibrate-- "about the neck," his hands move
farther out, "and shoulders. Maybe I can help with that
some."
She can feel tension rising. Something he is desiring to do, and holding
back.
His near hand reaches up and softly strokes her hair as she talks.
"Feels like a Cassian plan. And then?"
"There are many groups that are more dissident than ours." Janiven says easily. "Mostly because one pops up every few months after the previous one does something stupid, gets caught, and either killed or sent off to Deepmar... where they generally die." Her green eyes are a little flat.
"Understood," Zsz replies equally easily, her eyes revealing nothing.
Her eyes close for a second and when they open there is more of her normal quiet personality in them. "As for decorating, it really depends on what kind of atomosphere you want. If you are looking for a natural, rustic charm, your best bet would be to talk to Vitti or Scalvo. Scalvo is even more minimalistic than Vitti."
"For a clean ascetic, Amaya would be your best bet, though it does have a decided Tian line despite her never living outside of Westcrown. Fiosa knows what is the most currently fashionable as her employer does cater to merchants and a few of the lesser nobles." A shrug, "And I think a number of the girl's who work at Yako's bar have decent taste."
"Atmosphere ..." Zsz considers. "I'd like to make the place more dark and cluttered than it is now. My rooms are very light-filled and airy at the moment. And the cushions and mattress are back-achingly soft."
Tarvi just looks at Zsz for a full three beats, her sapphire eyes wide. "I wasn't suggesting that you need to sleep with any of them, just vouching as to their reliability." A smile dawning as she shakes her head slightly. "But if you really are looking for trust and not just a quick jump in the sack, wouldn't it make sense to see if you even like someone first?"
"Need to sleep with them?" Zsz asks with an air of innocence. "My word, Tarvi, I didn't think you were trying to say that it was an initiation ritual for the group. I'd have had to have words with Janiven if it was. She entirely left that part out of the recruitment speech."
"And I never said I thought it was a good idea to jump into bed with everyone sight unseen. I was merely unfairly implying that you thought it would be a good idea for me to do so."
Zsz smiles crookedly. "Are there simply no temptations for Tarvi among this trustworthy crew? Or would brother Cassian gut anyone who made a pass? Azhar seems to have survived it."
Damage:
Target Save: for half damage and not to be dazed for 1 round
If spell is used, can adapt this text:
Zsz gestures towards her mouth with her wand and says, "Quiritatio!" Then she inhales and opens her mouth as if to scream, but no sound seems to come out. But the faint ripple of a shockwave travels from her mouth to the nun.
Perception dc30(for #of voices): fe & ft included
AC:18/16/14
hp: 77
Fort:6 ref:6 will:3
FE: +4Human, +2Native Outsider NOT included
other: Bless +1 to hit, Inspire Courage +2/+2 INCLUDED
(Azhar will hold until he hears the release of the crossbow bolts. He will follow Gravlax as quickly as possible. If he is able to attack, his rolls are below:
to hit: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
other:
Great Cleave or second hit at -5 (as appropriate)
to hit1: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
-2 AC if Cleaving
to hit2: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
-2 AC if Cleaving
to hit3: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
-2 AC if Cleaving
to hit4: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
-2 AC if Cleaving
Cleaving Finish (if appropriate)
to hit: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
lunge (if appropriate): additional 5' reach on his turn, -2AC
Critical hit confirmations:
Cleave to hit1: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
Cleaving Finish: to hit: Power Attack incl
possible additional dam: Power Attack inc.
"Sounds like they are planning an ambush with crossbows," Gravlax says.
"Let me be the one to spring it, if that's okay."
Zsz nods.
plus poison
amaya - cont bardic (16 rnds remaining) Hold to follow and attempt a shot
fiosa - double move or move/activate life link
janiven - move and shoot
mathalen - move and if possible attack, if not double move and swift to snake stance
tarvi - move and magic missile
possible crit
In the basement there are soft sounds of general consensus, then quiet.
Gravlax pulls out his antitoxin and drinks it, then moves toward the sound of the voices. He is expecting an ambush. He moves as far as he can, getting just low enough on the stone block railing-less spiral stair that he can see the basement, all stone, lined with tall shelves absolutely crammed with hundreds of urns. Just as he comes into view the remaining members of the sisterhood fire loaded crossbows at him. With the cover granted by the staircase two of the shots go wide. The last one comes close but Gravlax snatches it from the air and returns it in the direction of the nearest assassin.
Azhar will hold until he hears the release of the crossbow bolts. He will follow Gravlax as quickly as possible.
Zsz also heads down into the basement.
Cassian is going to look to flank someone Gravlax has flushed. And then open her up. But can't quite get to them this round.
All of the girls take a double movement, most ending up at the top of the stairs waiting for the crush to fade. Janiven manages to get down the first tier of the stairs and lets off a single shot. The nun she hits almost hisses as the arrow goes through her body and lodges in her ribs. Mathalen, however, manages to carefully move past everyone on the stairs, she looks around, then at Cassian, she points to one of the nuns () indicating a target she can flank for him.
Fire -15,-33,-43,-46,-83, -98 (dead)
Nun2 -64 (-10 hp) stable
nun3 -73 (very dead)
nun4 -34
Azhar -0
Cassian -0
Gravlax -0
Zsz -0 (-2 CON, -7 addl' HP)
Fiosa -2/23
Mathalen -7/40
.
.
.
.
.
UPSTAIRS
═████████═██
????????█○○██
????????║○○○██
????????█○○○○██
?████═███○○○○○██
?█○○○○○○█○○○○○○██
?║○○JYT○█○○○░○○○██
?█○○GZ○○║○○○░○○○██
?█○○○○F○█○○▓▓▓▓██
?███≠████n○▓▓▓██
?█○○○○○○○○○▓▓██
?║○○nn○○○○○▓██○
?█○○○○○○○○○██○○
═████████≠██○○○
○████████○█○○○○
○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○
▓ = Cremation Oven (to ceiling)
░ = Ramp for easy pushing into over (counts as 'higher' ground)
DOWNSTAIRS
███████████████
█░░░░░███░░○░░█
█░○○○░░░░░○○○░█
█░░○░░○○○○○○░░█
█░○N○○CA○░○○○░█
█░░○○○╚M○░○○░░█
███░○○○○○○○░███
███░○○░░░○N░███
███░○○○○○○○░███
█░░○N○○○○○○○░░█
█░○○░○○░○○░○○░█
█░░○░░○░○░░○░░█
█░○○○░░░░░○○○░█
█░░○░░███░░░░░█
███████████████
░ = shelves 20-feet high crowded with urns (no movement through space)
n = Dead/very dead/dying Assassin Nun
N = Not dead Assassin Nuns
A = Azhar (on stairs, 20-ft below ground floor, 10-ft above the basement floor)
C = Cassian w/Rygel (on stairs, 25-ft below ground floor, 5-ft above basement floor)
G = Gravlax (on stairs, 10-ft below ground floor, 20-ft above basement floor)
Z = Zsz (on stairs, 15-ft below ground floor, 15-ft above the basement floor)
Y = Amaya
F = Fiosa
J = Janiven (on stairs, 5-ft below the ground floor, 25-ft above the basement floor)
M = Mathalen
T = Tarvi
Cassian nods to Mathalen.
and
Finally, when she manages to move, to speak, she still doesn't pull away. "Azhar... don't you think... umm..." She pulls her upper lip between her teeth for a moment, trying to think of how she wants to say what is racing through her mind.
"Isn't this a little... premature?" A pause, "Although I guess if you think it will take a long time to get rid of the shadows, then it makes a little sense."
The guy continues to undress Tarvi with his eyes for a moment more before turning back to Cassian reading the intent in the rouge's eyes. He grumbles slightly as he and the other two move past the trio before heading over to the 'refreshments' bar.
The door is not locked. Heading inside, behind a big desk pouring over heavy black ledger tomes, is a hooked featured man. Shoulder length, slightly stringy brown hair, pointy goatee that reaches just above his chest, a dice hanging from his right ear, and a scarlet tricorn hat that matches the worn scarlet noble's clothing (only a few years out of date). He looks up with a growl as the door opens, "I said I wanted to be left..." he leans back, "Who the hell are you people?"
She catches on quickly, receprocating by leaving little, teasing gifts in place of his presents. (Tiny things like lingerie, pieces of her costumes.)
Cassian is directed down the stairs, through the a barrack-like area to crash (which is mostly empty currently), into a room with a heavy desk, a number of weapons. Cassian doesn't see so much as sense the man behind him nodding to the blonde dressed in soft, dark blue clothes. "If you want to see the boss, she's the one you got to convince that you are really worth his time." Seating on the desk, the blonde raises one eyebrow at the man behind Cassian.
"What are you talking about?" She shoots back, her flame eyes flashing with anger. "Last time I saw you, a+&!@%+, you were trying to shoot me in the back." A pause, "And I don't have a clue why the hell I'm not dead. I assumed it was because that group of actors are sadistic f#~&s who prefer to torture people to death than kill them clean."
Janiven doesn't seem surprised, she just thinks for a moment. "Then your best bet would be Vitti for a more natural, cavern-like feel or one of Yako's dominatrix."
Her eyes sharpen at the unfair teasing, but it doesn't stop the smile that curves up her lips. "mmm hm"
She shakes her head at the second, "Cassian wouldn't interfere unless the person is just trying to hurt or use me." A shrug, "And, even with as clumsy as Azhar was, he wasn't trying to do either."
"But honestly, I haven't really thought about any of our group. I figured it was like work, where you don't want to get emotionally involved any more than you can help it."
Cassian looks at the man blankly, swaying like a drunk. "You mean this ain't the privy? My mistake, sir," He attempts a bow, stumbles forward, sways backward and recovers. "I am afraid if I do not find a way to empty the lizard -- one way or t'other -- I shall be quite put out!" He pushes Janiven and Tarvi from he room, following them. "Come on, ladies. There's bound to be a dark alley nearby!"
She begins receiving pieces of a rather complicated outfit. One piece at a time, so that it is difficult to see exactly what the complete form will be.
Cassian looks the blonde over. "Well hello, Blondie. Got an errand in mind? Steal the crown jewels? Poetry battle? Or do you just want to see me pat my head and rub my stomach at the same time?"
"I barely hit you. Are you seriously too stupid to realize I was doing that on purpose? Why the hell did they hire you? Sure as hell ain't for your looks, I'll tell you that much."
Cassian snorts. "And you think I'm sticking around for the torture you got another thing coming."
Indeed for some reason, he keeps on waking up with some strumpet curled into his body.
As he poses, a raven lands on a statue near him, mimicking the man's dramatic pose... poorly.
As the pair flies through the city, they find no trouble. So The Raven leads the way to the slaver's residence. Behind the stone house there is a high walled, fenced compound. As The Raven lurks on the roof of an adjacent building he can see a ramshackle structure which would have probably fallen down if the stone townhouse wasn't one of the walls.
In addition to letting in wind and rain through a half-rotted roof, neither the door nor the windows close completely, leaving the huddled inhabitants to fear death shadows will invade their insecure hovel.
She leans back, the arc of her body stretching out from his hips, where they are touching, pressing close, the muscles in her stomach hardening as she easily supports herself without touching the floor.
Her black eyes study him, she rolls her shoulders, "I am... tense. How do you think you can help with that?" Teasing but trusting him.
"Then I felt like crap from beating up an unarmed and unresisting person." Her head gets slightly heavier on his shoulder, her body stealing his warmth. "Haven't had to do that for years and I is was a something I was really happy to leave behind in Cader."
The craggy man watches the trio exit, a baffled look on her face.
However, Cassian's group does draw more interested, sharper looks from the guards he bamboozled as they exit the hallway.
She starts to leave me pictures of what the final outfit could be. She isn't great artist, but the pictures are clear enough to understand and she is quite creative in making her guesses.
"Only if you can hop on one leg while you do so," is her returning quip.
Her hazel eyes rake over him, hard and cold. "However, a name would be a good place to start."
"No offense, but I don't know you. But if you are planning on escaping, could you do me a favor and untie the ropes so I have a chance at it myself?"
She doesn't pull away, she, instead, freezes absolutely still her wide purple eyes staring at him, floored. And remains such for a good minute.Finally, when she manages to move, to speak, she still doesn't pull away."Azhar... don't you think... umm..." She pulls her upper lip between her teeth for a moment, trying to think of how she wants to say what is racing through her mind."Isn't this a little... premature?" A pause, "Although I guess if you think it will take a longtime to get rid of the shadows, then it makes a little sense."
Bluff:
Azhar appears unperturbed, for the most part. He smiles softly, "It might. I really have no idea. You seemed concerned. I am letting you know, however long it takes, after I have fulfilled my promise to you, I will feel I have earned the right to at least ask. I figure by then, you can decide how long from that point would be good before there is any possible required ceremony and we would be considered um, 'betrothed'. I understand in some places things happen fairly quickly, while in others it is customary to wait a year or more." he winces slightly. "To be honest, I'm hoping it's not longer." he mutters more to himself than her, "though Master Kam did say that a man who goes a year without..can accomplish anything."AC:18/16/14
hp: 77
Fort:6 ref:6 will:3
FE: +4Human, +2Native Outsider NOT included
other: Bless +1 to hit, Inspire Courage +2/+2 INCLUDED
Azhar moves to the closest assassin he can reach and attempts to make continued breathing difficult for her. (if things change drastically, additional rolls are already included.)
to hit: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
other:
Great Cleave or second hit at -5 (as appropriate)
to hit1: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
-2 AC if Cleaving
to hit2: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
-2 AC if Cleaving
to hit3: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
-2 AC if Cleaving
to hit4: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
-2 AC if Cleaving
Cleaving Finish (if appropriate)
to hit: Power Attack incl
dam: Power Attack inc.
lunge (if appropriate): additional 5' reach on his turn, -2AC
Damage:
Fort Save DC 17: for half damage and not to be dazed for 1 round
Text: Zsz gestures towards her mouth with her wand and says, "Quiritatio!" Then she inhales and opens her mouth as if to scream, but no sound seems to come out. But the faint ripple of a shockwave travels from her mouth to one of the nuns. When it connects, a trickle of blood leaks from the nun's ear and she seems momentarily dazed.
Janiven doesn't seem surprised, she just thinks for a moment. "Then your best bet would be Vitti for a more natural, cavern-like feel or one of Yako's dominatrix."
"Vitti, then," Zsz decides. "A dungeon just isn't classy until you can afford to put a dragon in it. Do I need an introduction from you, or should I simply bring it up to him whenever I get a chance?"
"Cassian wouldn't interfere unless the person is just trying to hurt or use me." A shrug, "And, even with as clumsy as Azhar was, he wasn't trying to do either."
"But honestly, I haven't really thought about any of our group. I figured it was like work, where you don't want to get emotionally involved any more than you can help it."
"Oh?" Zsz asks. "Is that a hard and fast rule, or more of a guideline? I would've thought things would be easier with someone who already knew the kind of things you get up to on the periodic unquiet afternoon."
Gravlax leaps to attack the closest nun, striking with sword.
Cassian shrugs at them. "He's a bit of a quickdraw."
Assuming they get out of there, Cassian bursts out laughing. "Next time, let's try it when he's not there."
When he's finished, Calseinica looks to be dressed somewhere between an evil overlord and an Enlightenment-era prostitute.
Gozran 24/Kraken's Ink
"Shouldn't your parents have given you one?" He gives her a once over. "How about Bangs McCoy? You can be my plucky sidekick. We'll have a will-they-or-won't-they vibe, peppering our adventures with the most delightful tension."
Smiling, Cassian gets a little closer. "Well, Bangs, you can call me Cassian."
Cassian laughs. "Yeah, I'm going to untie a traitor so you can sell me out as soon as I try? First you convince me you're on the level."
The Raven looks for an optimal route into the compound (and eventually the slaver's bedroom).
He moves his hands as she leans away from him, watching her stretch. He swallows. "I think I could ... if you're tired of holding that tension...."
His lower body pressing, present. He reaches down to her waist and slowly traces upward with his nails, to the extent of his arm's length across her torso.
His hand continues to stroke her head, and his other arm comes around in an embrace.
"Urgh," he says. "At least it was at Cassian's request. Then what?"
amaya move, bardic (15r remain) re-cast tactical acumen
fiosa move - lifelink/moveagain
janiven move, shoot
mathalen, move to flank for cassian; tumble attack
tarvi move, mm
possible critical hit
possible fumble
*DC to negate first 10-ft is 15; Gravlax's acrobatics to jump is +21 so he cannot fail even on a 1 - no need to roll
Gravlax leaps (moving first to Zsz's space on the stairs then jumping down the the basement floor) to attack the closest nun, striking with sword. His attack manages to land solidly on the nun with Janiven's arrow still sticking out of her. The red-robed woman sways slightly but keeps her feet, dark eyes narrowing.
Azhar also moves to damaged assassin and attempts to make continued breathing difficult for her. With the additionally heavy blow she falls, blood spurting from her wounds.
Zsz gestures towards her mouth with her wand and says, "Quiritatio!" Then she inhales and opens her mouth as if to scream, but no sound seems to come out. But the faint ripple of a shockwave travels from her mouth to one of the nuns. When it connects, a trickle of blood leaks from the nun's ear and she seems momentarily dazed.
Fiosa moves carefully down the stairs, looking for injuries on her allies. Janiven also moves down the stairs to improve her aim, but there is a bit too much cover to hit the nun that is furthest away. Amaya, sensing the tacitcal brilliance her spell imparted fading, takes a step down the stairs to get everyone in range of the burst, and casts it again - still humming.Tarvi takes a step forward, leans dow, but can't get a line of sight on any of the nun's to smite them with magic. Finally, Mathalan runs around the dazed nun - who does nothing to stop it because she can't - she takes a kick at the nun, but the nun is able to dodge the blow.
Casian moves to the nun Mathalen indicated and thrusts his blade into her. He barely getting through her defenses, but the puncture bleeds.
Fire -15,-33,-43,-46,-83, -98 (dead)
Nun2 -64 (-10 hp) stable
nun3 -73 (very dead)
nun4 -70 (-16 hp) dying
nun5 -34 (dazed, can tale no actions but no decrease to AC)
Azhar -0
Cassian -9
Gravlax -0
Zsz -0 (-2 CON, -7 addl' HP)
Fiosa -2/23
Mathalen -10/40
.
.
.
.
UPSTAIRS
═████████═██
????????█○○██
????????║○○○██
????????█○○○○██
?████═███○○○○○██
?█○○○○○○█○○○○○○██
?║○○YT○○█○○○░○○○██
?█○○FZ○○║○○○░○○○██
?█○○○○○○█○○▓▓▓▓██
?███≠████n○▓▓▓██
?█○○○○○○○○○▓▓██
?║○○nn○○○○○▓██○
?█○○○○○○○○○██○○
═████████≠██○○○
○████████○█○○○○
○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○
▓ = Cremation Oven (to ceiling)
░ = Ramp for easy pushing into over (counts as 'higher' ground)
DOWNSTAIRS
███████████████
█░░░░░███░░○░░█
█░○○○░░░░░○○○░█
█░░○░░○○○○○○░░█
█░○nG○╔J○░○○○░█
█░░○A○╚○○░○○░░█
███░○○○○C○○░███
███░○○░░░N○░███
███░N○○○○○M░███
█░░○○○○○○○○○░░█
█░○○░○○░○○░○○░█
█░░○░░○░○░░○░░█
█░○○○░░░░░○○○░█
█░░○░░███░░░░░█
███████████████
░ = shelves 20-feet high crowded with urns (no movement through space)
n = Dead/very dead/dying/near to death Assassin Nuns
N = Not dead Assassin Nuns
A = Azhar
C = Cassian w/Rygel
G = Gravlax
Z = Zsz (on stairs, 15-ft below ground floor, 15-ft above the basement floor)
Y = Amaya (on stairs, 5-ft below the ground floor, 25-ft above the basement floor)
F = Fiosa (on stairs, 10-ft below the ground floor, 20-ft above the basement floor)
J = Janiven (on stairs, 20-ft below the ground floor, 10-ft above the basement floor)
M = Mathalen
T = Tarvi
final nun, ki to improve AC (swift) shoot at spellcaster poison
amaya movemove, bardic (14r remain)
fiosa move - lifelink
janiven shootshoot
mathalen, flurry
tarvi move, mm
AC:18/16/14
hp: 77
Fort:6 ref:6 will:3
other: Bless +1 to hit, Inspire Courage +2/+2 INCLUDED
Azhar will move to the next assassin and attack. (5' free and 5' surprise shift if possible) and attack with Jovar if possible with lucerne hammer and if needed lunge if not.
to hit: Power Attack & FE incl
dam: Power Attack & FE inc.
other:
Great Cleave or second hit at -5 (as appropriate)
to hit1: Power Attack & FE incl
dam: Power Attack & FE incl.
-2 AC if Cleaving
to hit2: Power Attack & FE incl
dam: Power Attack & FE incl.
-2 AC if Cleaving
to hit3: Power Attack & FE incl
dam: Power Attack & FE incl.
-2 AC if Cleaving
to hit4: Power Attack & FE incl
dam: Power Attack & FE incl.
-2 AC if Cleaving
Cleaving Finish (if appropriate)
to hit: Power Attack & FE incl
dam: Power Attack & FE incl.
lunge (if appropriate): additional 5' reach on his turn, -2AC
"He makes his money as a carver, so you can find him at any of the street markets most days." A smile, "Unless he is out of town collecting more base material." A shrug, "Not horribly useful, I know, but he doesn't really keep to a schedule." She shakes her head, "You don't need an introduction from me."
"Just a guideline I've used." She answers honestly. "Plus there wasn't anyone in the group that interested me enough to make me question it."
She almost purrs as his nails scratch against her skin, teasing. "I can't think of any reason I would want to keep such a burden." She straightens just enough that his hands can wander anywhere they choose. Her lower body slides against his presence and her hips move to the new angle.
The guards don't impede their path, instead moving back into the hallway.
Janiven is laughing as well. Tarvi on the other hand just looks a little confused. She waits until her brother and Janiven quiet, "Of course he was in... why would a strumpet be going into his office unless he was there to... use her."
With the final sketch, in Calseinica's neat script, 'I'd need time to get the hair right to go with it.'
She looks at him flatly, ignoring both the upward quirk to her lips and the shine of humor in her eyes, and when he moves a little closer, she doesn't move away but she does shift her weight. "If you're going for a duo team, you'd need a more interesting name."
She studies him for a moment more, then Rygel. "You're the one who was supposed to work for House Dioso but ended up selling them out and stealing their desert?"
"Can't be a traitor to someone you owe nothing. And from where I lay, trussed up, you're in a far better position than I am, injuries or no." She looks slightly down, at her body, her bloodstained clothes, "And it isn't like I didn't take a f@+& load of damage myself."
"You, at least, seem to think you can get away. I don't really have that option at the moment. So if anyone is supposed to be convincing, it sure ain't me."