Silver's Swift, Sweet Sound

Game Master Treppa

'Squassation?!? THAT sounds singularly unpleasant.' Ben thinks to himself as he notes the crowds reaction.

"Oh, Bother." Ben spits just barely loud enough for Valexia and Bertom to hear him.

"The man IS mad. Mad like a fox! Look! Look at the crowd!" Ben cries unnecessarily, as they are literally trapped in the throng of people now trying to push forward angrily.

"He WANTS this! He's trying to provoke them into acting out against him! We have to get out of here. We have to get outofhereNOW!" Ben cries, fumbling at his leather satchel.

Despite the jostling of the crowd, Ben gets his leather bag open and pulls out two vials, one in each hand. One standard size vial with a cork, and a much larger vial with a cork sealed in wax. He gazes at the larger one for a moment, lost in his own world, before the jostling crowd brings him back to reality.

'Time to unbottle the Genie! I'm calling this a good reason!' The alchemist thinks to himself as he bites the the wax-sealed stopper, pulls it out with his teeth, spits it to the side, and guzzles the contents one long draft.

Ben convulses slightly, as if he might throw up. Then again stronger, and might have fallen if not for the press of the crowd around them.

"He,.. He,.. He's got something planned,..." Ben gasps out, holding his head in his hands, trying to warn friends he's not even sure are still next to him to hear.

"He,.. He,... He,... Heheheheheheeeeeee!" Ben devolves into tittering, hysterical laughter. He raises his head, and his features are changed. He is slimmer than before, and his coat now flaps around him loosely. His face is more angular, and his ears have a distinct point to them. And his mouth is pulled back in a large, far-too-gleeful grin.

"Whoo! A LEETLE bit too much elf in that last batch. Or maybe Gnome. I can never tell!" He giggles to himself.

"Hee, Hee, HE is up to something!" Ben repeats gleefully. "And wee should REELY get out of here! Unless you'd like to stay and join the fun?!?" He asks, clearly hopeful.

Drinks Mutagen, +4 to Dex, -2 to Wis

Know local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

The rogue shrugs at the proclamation and seems relatively unperturbed by the crowd's reaction. "Just another dumb rule... I suppose we shouldn't be surprised. He's got some brass though, standing in the open and antagonizing the whole crowd." He shakes his head "Might as well have sent a formal invitation for a riot. You think people came with bows expecting something like this? It doesn't look like it would be that hard of a shot does it miss Aulamaxa?"

His eyeborws raise looking towards Ben as the man starts to change after drinking from the vial Definitely the right choice not to drink whatever it was that guy gave me.

Looking back to Valexia he adds "Err your strange companion does have a point, the proclamation is much too provocative. I suspect the intention is to work the crowd into a frenzy for an excuse to crush them with excessive force, maybe we could slip off into the shadows, maybe hide in the trees? Anyway we shouldn't stay here."

Know(local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

"Whatever squassation is, it seems unpleasant... it'll be a pain to include in any lyrics too," mumbles Valexia to herself, counting something on her fingers. She looks towards Bertom and says, "A bow? I brought one, but I don't recommend making use of such a thing right now."

She looks towards Ben and says, "Oh no, Ben... you drank that? You look so weird." She pauses and then continues, "Yeah, we need to get out of here... but we can't just leave these people to a bloodbath if you guys are right about him trying to goad them in. We need to keep them from getting themselves hurt. Maybe it's time for an encore."

Perform (sing): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 2 = 23

She tries to speak over the din of the crowd, hoping that at least it will spread rather than be drowned out: "You've learned the words to this one, folks... they're pretty simple. Now sing along." A good protest song is only truly good if people decide to sing along and focus on that instead of violence.

Proclamation the Eighth

All nonnative ships’ captains must remain on board their ships and are barred from setting foot on land within Kintargo’s city limits—their crew and agents are free to come and go, but their actions are directly the responsibility of their captains, and any crew caught breaking Kintargan law shall have its punishment visited upon the crew members as well as their captain. Any captain caught setting foot in Kintargo is to be punished by squassation.

Benjamin quaffs his draught and... changes. Ensis starts weaving through the crowd towards where he may have spotted the contact, while Bertom begins shoving to try to get Valexia clear of the fray. Deanna joins her voice to those in the crowd unhappy with the sudden proclamation, and Valexia raises hers in song. Those crowded around her fall back and give her some space as they recognize her as the clever protest singer.

The bells of the great Cathedral of Asmodeus ring out three peals, audible over the din of the crowd -- peals which have nothing to do with the time, as the Devil's Bells are wont to ring.

* BONG *

The din of the crowd seems to hush as the brazen sound washes across the park.

* BONG *

The pushers and the shovers pause, suddenly apprehensive.

* BONG *

The park stands silent for a moment, frozen, until...

*SPLAT*

A huge handful of brown muck flies up from the front of the crowd and strikes the wall near the smirking nobleman. He flinches away lest his finery be sullied... and the sudden motion spills the dark wine in his left hand down the front of his noble garb. Suddenly furious, he shrieks down to the guard, "Enough of this! Nox, run them off, arrest them, or kill them. I don't care which!" Red-faced, he steps back through the window and slams it shut, jerking the curtains across as he does. The filth slides wetly down the wall, leaving a brown smear in its wake.

A woman's voice yells a command, and the dottari unsling their heavy maces, holding them at the ready.

Throughout the crowd, "citizens" throw back their cloaks to reveal matching armbands. They take out wicked-looking truncheons and begin yelling, "Disperse, in the name of the Chelish Citizens' Group!", moving to enforce their suggestions with savage blows.

Conditions:

• Ensis, Benjamin: +4 to initiative for suspecting the presence of infiltrators or other subversive elements in the crowd
  
• Valexia: crowds are not difficult terrain because they recognize you and make way
  
• Benjamin's mutagen is effective
  
• The entire map is difficult terrain as it is filled with confused and struggling people.
  

Initiative, please!

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 4 = 20

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

"Weird? Moi? I thought it was a good look for me! Heeheheheee!" Ben chortles, still grinning happily at the possibility of ensuing mayhem.

Ben snickers as the dark filth near-misses the Nobleman in the window. "Oh! So close!" He chortles.

At Thrune's declaration Ben looks sad. "Whelp. Playtime's over."

"Oh wait! New playmates! Heeheehee!" He adds as the 'Chelish Citizen's Group' reveals themselves.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 = 11

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

"SEE HE CANNOT EVEN HOLD HIS DRINK LIKE A GENTLEMAN!" chuckles Dee as Barzillai 'Basil' Thrune spills his wine avoiding the projectile. However her mirth soon turns to horror as the 'citizens group' reveals itself with wicked looking cudgels, she knows they must act before this becomes a utter bloodbath.

"People! Best leave, the villains are looking to crack skulls." Her shout is barely heard amongst the uproar of the crowd.

Ensis sighs, By the Everbloom I so loathe being right.... Though these sadists make it so easy... He keeps moving toward the contact, drawing his blade in a smooth, practiced motion as he does, then growls menacingly back at the cloaked men, "I'd recommend you take your own advice... You're naught but thugs who're looking for a reason to hurt people... and I won't stand for that."

Move action toward the contact and draw the longsword. Readied action to strike if one of them comes toward with me with their cudgel.

Bert draws a dagger and rapier from somewhere hidden in his loose fitting clothes. "While it is really your choise miss Aulamaxa, and I will support it whatever it is, it seems to me that we are quite likely to be outnumbered and overrun if we stay and try to help everyone. Not much we can do for them if we're captured or squashed ourselves."

He attempts to keep himself between Valexia and anyone that looks like a threat, and gets ready to skewer anyone that makes a move against her or himself.

Draw weapons and ready attack if someone attempts harm against him or Valexia

"Whoops! PARTYTIME PEOPLE! ANYONE NOT LOOKING TO RUMBLE BETTER BUG OFF!" Ben shouts.

He looks at the smaller vial in his hand. As if he had forgotten about it. "Oh Yeah! Almost forgot the chaser!" He chortles, popping the cork and downing the contents.

Standard Action, drink Elixir, Reduce Person

"WHOO! Yeah! Good stuff! Come on Val, Bert, let's get outta here! Heheheheee,..." Ben begins chortling again as he starts to maneuver through the crowd, Shrinking as he does so. In a moment he is less than half his original height, dodging under the legs of people in his way as often as around or between them.

MOVE action, staying with Valexia and Bertom, wherever they/we decide to run towards. :)

Remember, you are operating in difficult terrain, making your movement hampered.

"Let's get to the others," says Valexia, drawing her bow just in case she needs it. Hearing Deanna's voice through the crowd, she lends her own, "Get out of here! The tyrants are doing what tyrants do!" She gestures for Bertrom and Ben to follow her in rejoining the others, walking through the crowd to Deanna with bow in hand.

Move to K16

"Down with Tyrants! Fly like a Silver Swift! Fly!" Dee replies to Val, trying to be a trifle pretentious. Albeit her secondary objective is to draw as much attention to herself (being very used to that from various watering-holes around the city), to allow the people to move freely by taking the militia's blows herself.

Thus she keeps her shoulders high, her posture "visible" as the exasperated family fencing instructor would say, to ensure blows go for her head & miss the morass of humanity that crowds around her.

She jinks towards one guard, spinning around a bug-eyed bearded merchant, taunting the thug whilst using her momentum to take her into a spinning back fist aimed for the club wielders head.

Erratically she spins away, the skirts of the summer dress billowing and concealing a high kick against a second guard.

Move to K17 & then L16 (using all movement) & drawing an AoO from J18 - to which Dee retaliates.

Attack AoO (J18): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Attack (M17): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Round 1 Starting map

Ensis weaves his way through the crowd, blade in hand, focused on finding the contact but alert for trouble from the citizen guard.

Bertom draws blade and, seeing Valexia moving in Ensis' direction, keeps himself between her and the nearby thuggery. My mistake: Bertom was unable to ready because BAB is +0. His draw and move are separate actions, so he has no readied attack. Low-level weirdness.

Valexia takes her bow in hand and glides through the crowd, which parts before her, remembering the impromptu protest song from earlier in the day. Thanks to fortuitous weaving and Bertom's nearby presence, none of the thugs attack her.

Deanna, weaving through the crowd, surprises the nearby self-proclaimed "guard" and slips by him. The guard have not acted in this encounter and so are unable to make AoO at this time. Since there's no AoO response, I am taking your first rolls as your only attack/damage for the round, versus M17. The second set of rolls is discarded. Lucky for you it worked out this way! The dainty lady's summer slipper flies up through her skirts and connects with the nearby thug's jaw in a crushing kick. He staggers back, not expecting to meet such resistance from a lady in the crowd and beginning to doubt the wisdom of his action, and backs away holding his jaw. Blood runs down his chin and sprays a man in the crowd as the thug spits out a couple of teeth.

Benjamin downs yet another of his moste potente potions and swiftly diminishes to halfling-size, following Valexia and Bertom. Ben needs his speed in his stat block. I'm assuming 30', which is unchanged by either mutagen (reduce person surprisingly does not affect speed). Following close behind Valexia, he's unnoticed by the nearest thug, who attacks Bertom.

Dottari

The Dottari move forward in an orderly line, curving slightly to continue to block the opera house door. Their methodical swings of the maces as they press forward through the rioters make them resemble a line of field workers reaping a wheat field. A couple of nearby rioters drop, and the rest press away in fear.

Chelish Citizen Guards

One "citizen guard" steps forward confidently to meet Ensis, truncheon in hand. He takes a swing at the swordsman:
light mace atk J11: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
dmg if hits: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Ensis gets his readied action, which occurs before this attack.

Bertom gets his wish and interposes himself between Valexia, Benjamin, and the nearest thug, who sends his mace whistling at the self-appointed bodyguard's head:
light mace atk J18: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 Hits.
dmg if hits: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The friends of the bloodied man move purposefully towards Dee, but only one is able to push through the crowd far enough to take an attack. "You can't be beatin' up the citizen guard, miss! 'Erbert, get back here!" Despite his polite words, he aims a vicious blow at the lady.
light mace atk M16: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Hits.
dmg if hits: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 Ouch! Luckily, atk roll's not good enough for a crit.

M17 double moved. O19 backed away from the fight (withdraw action, no AoO). 'Erbert does not return to the fray, as he is busy cradling a shattered jaw.

Nox

The guard captain steps forward with her troops. Valexia, who is not engaged in fighting for her life and who is tall enough spot nearby action, sees Nox move towards the crowd. A shining silver streak strikes the tall woman in the neck. She reaches up and draws a short dagger from the wound, which sprays blood on the nearby crowd. After a couple of seconds, the spray reduces to a runnel, then Nox drops the knife and presses a hand to the wound, cursing. She turns and vanishes through the opera house doors. Valexia has seen enough injuries to know that a wound of that sort doesn't heal that quickly -- not in a normal person.

After Ensis' readied action results to complete the round, we'll be into Round 2! Ending map

End of Round 1

Ensis swings at the guard steps into range, the blade passing through empty space... Of course, he's having as much trouble stepping through the crowd as I am... He winces at the militiaman's mocking smile, then develops a wry smile of his own as the man raises his cudgel to strike at him, "Yeah, I wouldn't do that if I were you. It won't end well."

Readied Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

He half-shrugs as the man swings anyway, using his rapid reflexes to bring his blade across in a swift arc, knocking the man's cudgel off course, then using the energy of the rebound to slash the man's torso. "Warned you."

Parry and Riposte: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Seemed worth a panache point, just for the fun of it.

Seemed worth a panache point, just for the fun of it.

Darned right!

The thug staggers back with a gasp, looking dazed and holding his guts in.

He withdraws, which does not provoke, making a double move away from Ensis to the south (to P12). Not updating the map for that little move, so let's go to the next round!

Round 2:
Ensis
Bertom
Valexia
Benjamin
Deanna
Dottari
Chelish Guard
Nox

Round 2

Ensis continues pushing through the crowd, heading toward the contact, Let's get there before one of these brutes smashes his skull.., while keeping the blade in his hand, ready to strike down the next challenger.

Readied Attack (longsword): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Valexia realizes in the crowd, not even her special arrows will help her. She stows the weapon. "Dee, smack those guys in front of you and switch places with me... I'll protect your back. Say 'ready' when you're ready," says Valexia softly, seeing her friend's injuries and not wanting for her to come to further harm. She raises her arms in front of herself, ready to dodge or block anything thrown at her.

Valexia takes the total defence action. +4 AC. Readied action: 5 foot step south after Deanna says 'ready', to switch places with Deanna, to give her the opportunity to flurry or attack and exit harm's way.

"Looks like Nox took a nasty hit. Good."

Staggering under the force of the hit Bertom grumbles "Oooh... that was uncalled for... these guys aren't playing around." Hearing Valexia's suggestion that she'll protect Dee's back unarmed Bertom decides he'd better stick as close to her as possible. With a quick spinning sidestep he avoids the crowd and hopefully another punishing hit with that mace, using the added momentum he quickly thrusts his rapier at his attacker.

Looking over his shoulder at Ben he calls out "Hey ummm..." Blast that man never gave his name. "Weird guy! You got a weapon or something in with all your strange drinks? Make yourself useful somehow!" Thinking maybe he actually doesn't have a weapon the young rogue adds "Take my dagger if you need it, if you at least have a weapon it might distract them long enough that I can aim for some vitals."

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Rapier stab: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Rapier damage if hit: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Crit damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Acrobatics to move while avoiding AOO to J17 and stabby

"There's no such thing as a citizens' guard, lest you'd guard citizens." Her words are quick as she favours her side getting ready to dodge with Valexia's instructions; "If you are implying that you are a civilian militia, either it's your testimony that Basil Thruvian is a lying pig that's overstepping his bounds - or you are blood-thirsty thugs!"

"Ready!" she shouts as her words ring in the fellows ears, chastising him to all around and hopefully making him think twice.

She spins away, leaving a trailing comet-like leg as she hops onto the edge of the fountain and pirouettes with a soft rasp and spins around behind the Star.

Std: Full Defence AC18
Move: K15-J16, giving an AoO to M16 & 17
(Well at 28% of being hit is better than a 35-45%, with a withdraw & someone attacking her normal AC)

Rules Lawyering Stuff: Total defense is a standard action, and so is readying. Dee is fine with the action as listed. Valexia uses total defense (standard) and readies a move (standard), which isn't legal. However, she doesn't need to move because Deanna moved around her, placing Valexia between herself and the attackers, which is what Valexia intended. So Val can either take a move action (like drawing a weapon) or stay where she is, which doesn't violate the "one standard action" rule. Also, we've found you can't take a 5' in difficult terrain, so any motion has to take your move action.

Rags, you're up, then I can proceed with the BG action.

I mistakenly thought the ready action was whatever type of action that was readied. Valexia's move action was stowing her bow. I also figured since Valexia's condition is that the crowd allows her through that she could take five foot steps, since for the purposes of her moves the crowd is not difficult terrain. Based on my thinking, I was using move, standard and free, but actually tried using based on the rules standard, standard and move. So I will just drop readying and everything else should be normal.

Perfect move Dee, couldn't have planned it better myself. :)

"What's that?!? 'Weird Guy'?!? Seems i'm moving UP in the world. Last time I got called names it was '@#$%^&*$'" Ben giggles at his own uncouth humor like a school boy.

At Deanna's graceful acrobatic retreat, He grins even bigger.

"Weapons? WE don't need no steenking weepons!" Ben cries, reaching into his bag, pulling out an odd, round, ceramic container, pouring a powder into it, popping a cork in the top, shaking it and then tossing it all in one fluid movement.

Throw Bomb, TOUCH AC vs M16 mook 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Dmg (To target): 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
SPLASH dmg (to M17) 5pts. Ref save Vs DC 15 for 1/2 dmg (NO save for the actual target, just the splash dmg)

Ben turns to his friends as the flask arcs overhead.

"I'd hold my ears if I were you! Heeheeheehee!" He Giggles as the flask lands on the goon who was threatening Deanna,... and explodes, covering both the goon and his compatriot in flaming jelly.

"BOOM Baby!" He cries, clapping happily at the explosion.

Ensis continues shoving through the crowd towards the west entrance of the park, where he last spotted the contact, sword at the ready.

Bertom nimbly interposes himself between the thug and Valexia and strikes home with his rapier, the man perhaps having been off guard at his common appearance. An expression more of surprise than pain comes over his face as the silvery needle glides below his ribs through a joint in his leather carapace. Paling as the bleeding begins in his belly, he staggers back weakly.

Valexia, realizing this is no place for a spray of arrows, stores her bow and prepares to trade places with her injured friend, worried at how heavy a blow the lady took from that wicked little mace.

Benjamin, hearing Valexia call to Deanna, holds off until the ruffled lady is clear of the guards. Based on post reacting to Dee's action.

The citizen guard, still mightily annoyed at Deanna's attack on their companion, strike with their maces as she taunts them and starts to move away.

Thug AoO on Dee:
M16 atk: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
M16 dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
M17 atk: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
M17 dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Her friends see an expertly wielded mace crash down atop the floppy bonnet, and the saucy lady disappears into the crowd as she drops to the ground.

Ben, I'm giving you a chance to revise your action, since it was predicated upon Dee having moved clear of the bomb. Go ahead and take your action for Round 2. I am thinking we should post in initiative order based on this. Do-overs stink, particularly when the first rolls were darned good. P.S. - your bomb splash damage is 6 (min 1 + 5 modifier).

Ben stares, dumbfounded, as Dee drops to the ground.
His planned mayhem forgotten, out of the pouch he draws a long shining dagger, and hurls it at the thug whose mace dropped the Drinking Debutante.

"Hey! Ugly! Pick on someone your own size!" Ben squeaks from the level of the man's waist as he hurls his dagger.

Move action, pull dagger, Standard, Dagger toss: (Unless I can use PREVIOUS to hit roll?) ;P vs Thug AC
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Dmg: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Incensed, Ben ignores the nearer threat dancing with Bertom, and counts on his Mutagenically enhanced reflexes to protect him from an attack as he concentrates on his new favorite pastime,... revenge.

Current AC:21 w/ Mutagen & Extract

The dottari press forward one step, shouting orders for the crowd to disperse. One follows behind, checking any of the fallen left behind. Occasionally, she pauses and a gentle blue light suffuses the fallen for a moment before she moves on.

One of the home guard steps forward to meet Ensis, ready to swing. "No weapons! Put away your weapon and disperse!" But the swordsman is ready for trouble and strikes before the mace comes into play. Striken, the thug attempts to move off, away from the bloodied blade. Since he took a move, he cannot withdraw, so provokes if you care to take an AoO. He moved to J8, was attacked, and tries to move to M8 (at M8 on map, but you can attack before he leaves J8).

His nearby companion steps forward warily. "Order! We'll have order here! Weapons down! Some help here!" he calls out.
Move G8 to H8.
H8 atk, fighting defensively: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13
H8 dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
MISS v 17

One of the dottari, hearing the call, pushes through the crowd to assist, shield up.
Move E10 to H9
H9 atk Aid Another: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Succeeds, making H8's attack 15, still a miss.

The astonished-looking man facing Bertom staggers away, obviously badly injured and barely able to keep his feet. Withdraw to J21 at half-speed, no provoke.

The man who downed Dee pulls a tiny dagger from his bicep and tosses it into the fountain with a snort. "Belleflower has thorns, does it? We'll just take the bloom off the rose."
He moves from M16 to confront Benjamin at L17
L17 atk: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
L17 dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
MISS v 21

The other of the pair who confronted Dee steps over the fallen woman to Valexia, who stands ready to block or evade an attack. "You a friend of this menace what knocked 'Erbert's teeth out? Get outta here!" But seeing that Valexia is unarmed and has done no harm, he strikes to warn, not to kill.
Move M17 to L16
L16 atk: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
L16 dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 nonlethal
MISS v 16

Round 3: CURRENT MAP
Ensis
Bertom
Valexia
Benjamin
Deanna (unconscious)
Dottari
Chelish Guard
Nox

"I'll go, I'll go! I just need to drag her to somewhere she won't get trampled! A moment, I'll get out of here!" says Valexia, putting up her hands in surrender. She crouches down warily to grab Deanna, trying to quickly make sure she stops the bleeding.

"Hey, Dee, I don't know first aid. Maybe just take my word for it that you'll be fine?" she says to her unconscious friend.

Heal (standard action to stabilize): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20

I'm not sure what kind of action it is to drag someone, I can't find any rules about it. I assume it's at least partially a move action. If it's a standard, Valexia will just use this time to grab hold.

Bertom makes no move to go after the injured man instead he moves over onto the edge of the fountain next to Valexia. Looking towards the man that just took a swing at Valexia.

"Like she said friend, we're leaving, we were just protecting ourselves we don't really want to hurt you guys. Just let us collect our friend and we'll leave nice and easy." Looking at the man's mace he adds in a much less friendly manner "But you'd best put that down, take another swing at her and I guarantee you're not walking away from here."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Ben shivers slightly at Bertom's statement.
The ever-analytical portion of his mind wonders, 'How DOES he manage to put so much menace into such a simple statement?'

"I'd listen to the man if I was you!" Ben pipes up in his new, higher, voice. "Don't make him angry! You wouldn't like him if he's angry!" Ben retorts, using his small stature to back into the space in the crowd just vacated by Bertom.

Withdraw action, up 1 square to J17 (Bertom moved over by fountain according to his post) This is full round, yes? so No AoO, but no Standard action either?

"You heard the man! We're leaving! So don't try anything that anyone might regret!"

'Oh PLEASE try something you moronic imbecile! Pleaseohpleaseohplease,...' Ben's snorts once, a bark of laughter that sounds like a cough.

Ensis glances towards where his contact has moved into the retreating crowd for a brief moment of regret before turning to the guards opposite. He tries to punish the newly arrived guard from aiding his comrade.

Attack (Longsword) H9: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Bottom of Round 3

Ensis weaves his blade in a dizzying attack around the dottari’s shield and guard, pinking him beneath the ribs. The man’s eyes go wide with astonishment for a bare second, before narrowing with cold fury. ”Dottari, to me! Aid!” he calls, before sending his large mace whistling at Ensis’ head, while being careful not to let his guard down.

H9 atk fighting defensively: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 4 = 13
H9 dmg if hits: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

In response, another guardsman moves forward to stand with her fellow and aid him.

F11 to H10, move action.
H10 atk Aid Another: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

The Citizen Guard, emboldened by the help, tries to show off his own skills with a weapon, not experienced enough in combat to see the tactics of the dottari.

H8 atk: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
H8 dmg if hits: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

All attacks fail. I weep for the security of Kintargo and Cheliax.

Bertom speaks with astonishing authority and menace, taking the guards aback. They regard each other with concern as Valexia speaks her piece.

Valexia quickly presses Deanna’s crumpled hat on the gash in her head, staunching the bleeding.

Benjamin moves away from the men he’s taunting.

Deanna stops bleeding and keeps breathing.

The two Chelish Citizen’s Guard menacing Valexia and Ben seem to come to a telepathic accord after Bertom's speech. ”Right, we’re not murderers. Collect your wounded and get gone. We’ve got… uh, other matters to attend to. Over there.”
1d6 ⇒ 6 They move off towards the southwest, waving their maces threateningly and occasionally clobbering an unwary citizen who doesn’t move fast enough.

One Chelish Guard, unaware of the drama near the fountain, steps forward to discipline the nasty little halfling, but sends the weapon winging over the alchemist's head.

Move H19 to I18
I18 atk at Benjamin: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
I18 dmg if hits: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 nonlethal

"That... were a warning! Get outta the park!"

End of Round 3

Round 4: CURRENT MAP
Ensis
Bertom
Valexia
Benjamin
Deanna (unconscious but stable at -7)
Dottari
Chelish Guard
Nox

Valexia crouches down to grab Deanna and she says, "Here, Bertie, give me a hand. Ben, can you cover us? We've got to get her out of here..."

The performer grabs Deanna underneath her arms now that she's not bleeding out and says as she starts dragging, "Don't attack! I'm going, I'm going, my friend is injured!"

Diplomacy + famous: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 1 = 11 Not so sure the diplomacy bonus of +2 for the reason for being at the event applies anymore. It seems like an eastward drag is the safest path. I don't suppose under the branches of those trees is particularly difficult terrain?

Bertom lets out a short breath "Good, they bought it... Of course Miss Aulamaxa, let's get out of here before something else happens." With the guards that were harassing them having moved along Bert sheathes his weapons and moves to help Valexia with Deanna.

Calling to Ben he says "Weirdie see if you can be less useless, it'll be pretty hard to put up much of a defence like this."

I'd guess that to the trees might be a good idea? It's close, and we can 'hide' there, and at least they can't attack us from all directions! ;P

so, can I get away from this jerk without an AoO? :/

"Weirdie? Useless?!? Why I, You,..." Ben looks at the guy who just tried to part his hair with the spiky club.

"You see? You SEE what I have to put up with?!" Ben squeaks indignantly.

"Absolutely NO respect for the little guy!" Ben rambles in a shriek to be heard over the crowd, keeping himself between this newest threat and his companions attempting to drag Dee to safety.

I have a question in the discussion thread. That answer might make my actions slightly more, aggressive. :)

"Uh, guys, I think that Ensis has attracted a little more popularity than he planned on!" Ben adds to his friends, casting a glance over towards the now-busy swordsman.

Would totally have taken the AoO... especially since dropping one would restore panache...

Ensis winces as more guards step into his path, trying very hard not to look over his shoulder at the contact and making it clear who he's been looking for. He sighs, They're not exactly skilled, but they're slowing me down..., then taunts, "You two aren't very bright are you? I'll keep bleeding you lot while the only thing you're harming is my schedule."

Longsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

I assume I can't 5' step due to people being in the way.

Questions:

1. Is Ben going to do anything other than talk (free action)? Valexia and Bertom are dragging Dee to K22. Following them? Joining Ensis?

2. Ensis: Which opponent are you targeting?

Back and ready to roll.

Ben looks towards Ensis, fully intent on helping his 'action hero' out of this pickle he seems to be in.
But a glance at the unconscious form of Dee stops him. He has a potion that could save her in his pocket.

Ensis will have to stay alive a few more seconds. THEN he can give him aid.

With shout of "ENSIS! FALL BACK!" Ben stays with Valexia and Bertom, trying to ward them from any other attacks by overzealous idiots.

Will follow Dee, trying to make sure they don't get jumped by any other Thrune supporters. Will give Dee a potion of CLW soon as we are under the tree or somewhere safer than the MIDDLE of the crowd! :)

The trees are not really shelter and the crowd is still thick under them; however, the crowd will not hinder you from giving a potion. At this time, you need to get clear of the park (off the edge of the map) to get out of the crowd. Since Valexia and Bertom only took a single move, Ben can keep up with a double move for the round.

Sounds good! :)

Ben hustles, his diminutive size allowing him to slip through, between and occasionally under the panicking people in his path to keep up with the others.

"Pardon me! Excuse me! Coming through! Oops! Pardon me toots! Heheheheheh!"

"Hey guys! I love a good panicked brawl as much as the next guy, but I don't think THIS battle is one we can win! We have to get OUT of here!"

NEXT round he will feed Dee a CLW potion. Feeding an unconscious person a potion takes a full round? or is it a standard action? I forget.

There was a question of me earlier? I didn't see that. Given that neither are damaged, I'd have slashed the one that looked more like a soldier than a miltiaman. If that's not an option, the one on the left.

Ensis calls back to Benjamin, "But I'm not done embarrassing this lot yet!", then sighs and says to the would-be guards near him, "I guess it's your lucky day. I don't recommend following me, though."

With that, he carefully steps back Withdraw and then steps around, pushing through the crowd to at least end up closer to his friends.

Bottom of Round 4

Ensis ducks the weak and distracted attacks of his three opponents, then quickly jabs at the wounded man, who staggers back a step, then drops to the ground with a clatter of weapon on shield.

”Damn it!” cries his fellow, keeping her shield raised, ”This was supposed to be easy! You, help him!” But the Chelish Citizens’ Groupie seems to have little appetite for a fight in which allies bleed. He fades back into the crowd.

The remaining dottari stands over her fallen comrade, attacking carefully in the face of Ensis' obvious skill with a blade.

H10 atk fighting defensively: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 - 4 = 6
H10 dmg if hits: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Bertom and Valexia drag the bleeding Dee towards the edge of the park, away from the fray, Benjamin following in their wake.

End of Round 4

Round 5: CURRENT MAP

Ensis, hearing Benjamin call over the confused din of the crowd, backs away from the remaining dottari with parting words of warning. She stares after him with blazing blue eyes. "I don't know who you are, but I know your face! This isn't over, not if I see you again," she snarls. Once she is sure he is indeed withdrawing, she kneels by her fellow, shield still raised protectively against Ensis. "Come on, Matteo, we didn't come to this backwater town to die!"

Ensis
Bertom
Valexia
Benjamin
Deanna (unconscious but stable at -7)
Dottari
Chelish Citizens' Group
Nox

Ensis taunts, "Step forward, then, and end it now... or go back whence you came."

The dottari gives a despairing glance around. Seeing her fellows engaged in clearing the park, she snarls at Ensis, "Begone, and let me tend him before he dies! Nobody was supposed to die today, not even the rabble. We had orders not to kill. You, on the other hand, seem to enjoy the idea." Contempt drips from her voice as she stands over her fallen comrade, sword and shield ready, but does not advance. "A word of advice: clear out before Nox returns. That knife in the throat made her touchy. I would hate to stand against her and her pet, if she's gone to retrieve him. Now go, godsdammit, so I can save my friend's life! It'll keep you from capital charges, if that's all you understand or care about!"

There seems to be some truth to her words, for where citizens have fallen before the dottari, the guardsmen have stopped to render first aid.

Ben follows Bertom and Valexia as they drag Dee through the panicked crowd. When they stop to look for a 'safer' direction to go, Ben stoops over Dee, and with small but nimble fingers massages her throat, feeding her a healing draght.

CLW potion, 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Psssst... CLW is a d8+1.

Bertom warily eyes the chelish trying to determine the quickest way out of the crowd while taking the fewest amount of maces in the face as possible. He catches Ben's movements out of the corner of his eye "Whoa weirdie what're you doin?" Looking at the vial in the small man's hand he grimaces "What'd you make her drink? You're not gonna turn her into a frog or a newt or something are you?"

With a small groan he looks at the path before them the Chelish Citizen group is everywhere "I don't think there's a way to avoid them all miss Aulamaxa, maybe best to just push straight through, we're carrying wounded maybe they will just let us pass."

Bert will continue helping Valexia carrying Dee, he made his suggestion, but will follow whatever way she chooses to go.