Spooky's Carrion Crown

Game Master Jonas El 'Adan

I am aware, the difficulty was knowing if Drusilla etc had actually introduced themselves to Sera, ergo, I found it difficult if I should be able to talk about each of you by name. Its no longer an issue now though.

No your roll of 26 is certainly good enough to begin the conversation. You now have your foot in the door its up to you what you do with it. If there are any more Diplomacy roles needed during this conversations I will let you know in most cases they should be during critical points when you are attempting to sway the councilwoman on a particular point. Right now your group appears fairly impressive to the councilwoman and she has taken a shine to Ileana in particular.

The councilwoman recovers from her initial shock and answers the greetings. It is a pleasure to meet you. Then you where acquaintances of the late Mr Lorrimor or friends of Kendra? Either way I take it that you have something you would like to talk about.

------------------------------

Zokar waves you over as you enter the Laughing Demon. Good to see you. Good to see you. The councilman hasn't stopped in yet but take a table if you wait I will direct him to you. Then you can talk over lunch.

"Of course", the Inquisitor remarks smoothly "I merely wondered if - since it appears I might be staying here for a little while - there were any opportunities for me to assist while I might be here. I would feel tremendously guilty if I just lounged around if there was something I could lend my talents towards."

Sera allows her tone to trail off, before adding as an afterthought "Also, Mr Lorrimor was always happy to improve my literary education whenever our schedules allowed, but his death has left me somewhat at loss as to where to go from there. I understand that there are a multitude of books at the Town Hall, and would be perfectly happy to clerk there if it was at all possible"

Afk for the next 32 hours or so, feel free to DMPC me as required.

Lunch sounds like a very good idea Master Zokar. Before the Councillor comes I did want to ask you something... do you think you could use some live entertainment at the Laughing Demon some nights? I've been told I've got a passable singing voice Kith says with a smile.

I assume you are trying to get access to the council library Sera. If you do wish to clerk for the town it would mean losing about 1/2 a work day each day you partake in research using that library since they will be asking you to perform odd jobs while you are there. Since you will be working for the town I will also say that you would gain some trust points as well as long as you kept to the half research.

Councilwoman Straelock cocks her head at a slightly odd angle as she takes Sera in for a moment almost in the manor of a cat. I certainly wouldn't mind a extra pair of hands at the Town Hall I couldn't pay you for your trouble but if you do have an interest in our towns histories I could let you browse them in trade.

Zokar doesn't answer you at first as he sees the both of you to a table and offers up the menu's. [b]Alika says you have a voice like an angel. Zokar seems some what skeptical of the claim. I will let you sing for the customers. Whether you stay or not will be up to them. If you do well enough and help me with some of the prep work in the evenings I will give you a nice meal for your troubles so at least you don't go hungry.

So Kith you will be able to roll against your skill to make a little coin on the side and will be able to make some trust points for the group in the process. What if any trust points you earn will also be based on that roll.

I'm happy clerking for the town, but if the 1/2 a work day thing would end up hampering our "adventuring" in the future then I might have to give it a miss. You know whats coming up better than I do, so I'm really just making this point now.

tl;dr happy clerking, so long as it doesn't unnecessarily restrict any adventuring the party might need to do in the town.

Your not tied to the position its a simple quid pro quo deal where you can clerk for them to get access to the library. Also clerking for the town gains you a measure of legitimacy.

No worries then!

"That sounds like a lovely arrangement, something that benefits us both and I couldn't be happier", Sera remarks with a sincere smile in the direction of Straelock.

Kith smiles wide and shakes Zokar's hand to finalise the deal. As long as your customers don't run me out of town I think that's a very good arrangement. If Kendra requires help that would be my first priority of course.

Councilwoman Straelock turns back to Ileana. The offer stands for you as well Miss Ileana. I would feel uncomfortable offering any more then 2 people such an opportunity at least with out consulting the rest of the council and you both seem like two upstanding and presentable young ladies. The councilwoman clears her throat and seems to make an effort to over look Drusilla as she speaks.

---------------

Zokar nods his head in understanding. I can appreciate that. The folks can get bored even with good talent if they hear you too often. Just let me know ahead of time when you want to appear on stage.

Zokar is about to leave for the back when Councilman Gharen Muricar walks in. Zokar bee lines for the salt and pepper haired man and they chat for a minute before he leads the spry looking older gentleman back to your table. May I present Harold Grimsley and Kith Jeova I believe you have an acquaintance in common the late Professor Lorrimor. The councilman nods his head as he speaks. Yes, Yes I remember the man he was a bit of a queer duck that one but I guess most wizards are. A good guy though he could almost keep up with me when chasing the bottom of a mug and his tales where always good for a listen. Certainly a loss to the world.

Ileana had listened with an affixed pleasant countenance to continue the good will offered by the three of them.

"I would be happy to help out in the Town Hall, Councilwoman Straelock. Thank you."

Looking momentarily to her twin, and not wanting Drusilla to be left out, the young oracle then gently offered, "Drusilla is good with her hands and with animals. Can she be of assistance somewhere in town?"

Harold stands up as Councilman Muricar is introduced by Zokar. The big man extends one huge hand to the Councilman for a handshake, "A pleasure ter meet yaaahr acquaintance, Councilman. The Professor was a good geezer regardless 'is eccentricities an' it's good ter know uvvers fnk so as well. Those ov us what call da Professor an' 'is kin friends was a mite worried wiv Ms. Kendra's well-bein' after yesterday's outbursts from some ov yaaahr local colorful townsfolk." The half-orc puts a bit of stress on worried as if it was more for the ones causing the worry then it was for the recipient of that worry.

The councilwoman shakes her head positively as she answers Ileana's question. I am sure there are several farms that could use hands for honest work. I could ask around but I can make no promises.

----------

Councilman Muricar takes a seat as he scans one of the menu's. I did hear of that ruckus as I understood it didn't amount to much just some superstitious folks getting nervous about a curse on the town or some such nonsense.

Kith shakes the councilor's hand after Harold. Kith Jeova of Taldor at your service sir. Yes we were able to calm the situation down but I don't think the bad feelings have gone away. We just wished to introduce ourselves to you as a town leader to see if there was anything we could do to prove ourselves trustworthy to the town and yourself. We will be helping Kendra for the next little while.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

The councilwoman shakes her head positively as she answers Ileana's question. I am sure there are several farms that could use hands for honest work. I could ask around but I can make no promises.

Ileana smiled politely at the councilwoman.

"I do not wish to sound ungrateful, for you have been most generous, yet is there a garden near to the Town Hall or in the grounds surrounding where Drusilla could work? I ask because I would not wish to be separated from my sister as she relies on my company and guidance." It would not do to have the forest girl separated from them and out on some farm. Ileana hoped the councilwoman would be open to another arrangement in the town proper.

Diplomacy not to insult: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

The councilwoman seems to come to some conclusion though your uncertain it is an accurate one. Oh I see you poor dear. It is good of you to look after your sister that way. While giving Drusilla a reassuring smile Mrs Straelock reaches out and gives Ileana an almost motherly squeeze on her shoulder. Well then I guess it would be ok for her to hang around as long as your willing to vouch for her good conduct.

-------------------------

Giving you both a lopsided Smile the councilman answers Kith. The way Vash tells it you and your friends are going to bring trouble to Ravengro. Now I certainly don't think that way so there is no reason for you to earn my trust. Besides I can't say there is anything that the town needs that we require help with but I appreciate the offer and will keep it in mind. As to the bad blood between some of the townspeople and Kendra I am sure that will blow over in a week or so and People will get on with there lives once they see nothing is going to happen. As long as you and your friends keep your noses clean I wouldn't expect much to come of it.

Ileana permitted the Councilwoman to believe that Drusilla was a little addled -- Her twin was certainly different and wild. It was good that Drusilla had remained silent over the course of the conversation.

"You are most kind, Councilwoman Straelock, to allow Drusilla to remain close to me. Thank you."

Sera, do you have anything more to discuss with this Councilwoman or can we now move to locate and speak with Councilwoman Shanda Faravan?

That is a relief sir. We will be staying at the late Professor's house for the next month so hopefully we will meet again.

I think pretty much done here. Kith will finish lunch and then want to head back to the house

I think I'm finished Ileana, largely got what I wanted, and there is little else that I feel like discussing with this councilwoman.

You finish speaking with councilwoman Straelock and begin you search for Councilwoman Shanda Faravan it takes a while for you to find the councilwoman as your directed to her house and when she doesn't appear to be home you eventually find a helpful neighbor who directs you back to the square. As your group arrives back at the town square around the time of the noon meal the frantic barking of a dog seems to dominate the air. As other town folk are drawn to the barking a scream splits the air adding to the chaos. What ever is going on the source of the disturbance seems to be near the gazebo.

-------------

As you finish your meal the frantic barking of a dog draws the attention of a few of the tavern patrons until a scream is heard moving the rest from there seats to find out what might be happening. What ever is happening it seems to be going on near the town square.

The action appears to be happening at the gazebo which is found at point A on the town map. The gentleman in the laughing demon are about 300 feet away while the Ladies are about 250 feet away on the road that runs between points I and F on the map.

Oh no! Not the Dread Gazebo!

Sera raises an eyebrow at the commotion, before moving swiftly in the direction of it the moment she hears the scream. Without bothering to discuss the issue with others, she takes off, heading down the road as fast as she can.

Kith would defer to Harold on this

Harold nods at the Councilman's words, "Yes, let's 'ope i' was all a bi' ov a misunderstandin' an' fngs go back ter bein' civil an' respectful. Thee 'ave me agreemen' wiv that, Councilman." The sudden sound of a dog barking causes Harold to tilt his head toward the door, "Sounds like a 'ound found a 'are."

The scream that follows leads to the big half-orc vacating his chair with such speed, more quickness than you'd think of an individual his size, toward the door. He motions at his comrade as he bolts toward the door, "Kith, fnk we got a bi' ov trouble." Harold parts the crowd with a loud "Comin' frough!", much in the way some would say 'Timber!' or 'Avanlanche!', as he leads the charge outside toward the city square.

Just when they were on the right track to locating the other councilwoman, a commotion was heard and Ileana watched as Sera ran toward the gazebo without so much as a word to her or Drusilla. Ileana stared after the inquisitor for a moment or two before looking to Dru and adding, "Let us follow", before moving toward the gazebo with her twin, her pace much steadier than Sera's.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

(Does Ileana notice anything regarding the disturbance or the townsfolk milling about?)

Hearing the scream, Drusilla instinctively fell into a fighting stance, here knees bent her back arched. She moved to reach for her sword, but again, it was not there. The kitchen knife she had secreted on her body fell from it's place on her arm, but she quickly snatched it up after it hit the stones at her feet.

As Ileana followed the woman called Sera towards the noise, the wild girl quickened her pace, and a cold calm began settling over her. She nodded at her sister.
"I am by your side." she said simply, her face nearly expressionless save for a slight wrinkle around her eyes that could only be concern for her sibling.

Perception (as well to notice what is going on): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Any one trying to move to the gazebo at a run will need to role an Acrobatics check DC 14 or be forced to move at a hustle for that round as they fight through the crowds.

As each of your groups moves towards the center of the disturbance you must contend with the crowds as you move. A few of the people are moving with you towards the disturbance but none at the same pace while others are content to hold what ground they have and still others of the townsfolk have taken to fleeing from whatever is causing the disturbance. Making for a chaotic press of bodies with bottlenecks along your path.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Sera immediately spots the creatures, cursing under her breath as the crowds hinder her approach. Seeing an postion where she could get a clear shot, she swiftly fires off an arrow, taking care to avoid any bystanders in the way.

Attack Roll: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 - 2 = 19
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Narrater, I'm presuming Dru and Ileana can use their recent perception rolls here? Or do you need them to roll again?

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Hurrying behind in Harold's wake Kith fails to notice anything. What.. what's going on?

Your previous perception rolls are fine Ileana. Sera I am assuming you made a single move and then took your shot that would leave you at the second possibly third range increment of your bow. I will say it was the second for this attack and you hit one of the outlying enemies. you will need to move farther forward about another 20 to 40 feet to continue to stay within that second range increment. For everyone that wishes to run this round I will need those Acrobatics check (DC 14) or I am going to assume you are keeping it to a hustle (Double Move).

Also anyone that didn't make there Perception check can make another once they reach 150 feet from the gazebo with a 2 point drop in the difficulty. At 50 feet your close enough to see what is going on without a roll. Anyone that successfully makes the higher DC perception check can see enough to role Knowledge Arcana DC 11

I guess we can call this round 1 at this point. I believe the round is breaking down to Sera moving and then shooting her bow with Drusilla and Ileana currently moving past her at a hustle in the direction of the disturbance. With Kith and Harold planning to run full tilt towards the fight? Since we already have our first successful attack might as well role initiative. I will write up a summary of the round once I am certain of everyone's actions.

Init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

You could roll everyone's Initiatives for us to speed things along Narrater.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Harold squints his eyes in the direction of the town center as he dips and pushes his way through the crowds of folks drawn to the screaming, "Outta da way! Comin' frough! What is goin' on?"

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Your right Kith I am too use to gaming in real time.
Drusilla Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Harold Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Ileana Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Kith Init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Sera Init: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

bad guy Init: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Drusilla moves steadily towards the commotion, matching pace with Ileana. She grips the knife in her hand tightly, preparing for battle.

Not having a ranged weapon on her, she'll have to close with the enemy if she wants to attack. She will attempt to be no more than 10 feet from her sister at any given time.

Acrobatics (to keep pace with Ileana if she runs): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Ileana had never been one for running (her grandmother found it vulgar in a lady), yet it seemed the others had rushed forward and so she lifted her feet and started to run through the crowd, looking to see if Dru was following.

Acrobatics (DC 14): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

The crowd was thick and she had only carried her two daggers and the sling and its bullets concealed within her cloak as she moved about town. The weapon would be useless at her current distance, so she would continue moving forward until she was about 50 feet from the creatures.

That will end round ONE. another acrobatics check will be necessary to continue weaving through the crowd until within 50 feet of the town square.
Ileana Init: 18
Sera Init: 16
Bad guy Init: 14
Drusilla Init: 12
Harold Init: 11
Kith Init: 10
I will try to break things down into before and after the enemies move and we will see how that goes. At this point Sera and Ileana would go then the enemies then Drusilla, Harold and Kith. This isn't too important yet since Sera seems like the only one able to attack at this point but it will become more important within the next round or two. I will be putting up a battle board soon as well no laughing when you see it :)

As she reached within 130 feet of the town square, Drusilla closeby, Ileana paused and looked toward the gazebo, again.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 (Yep, that won't do. Perception is not a class skill for an Oracle, alas.)

The people moving around her proved too much of a distraction.

Looking to Dru, she asked her twin without preamble, "What do you see, Drusilla? Do you recognise these creatures?"

Along side her sister, Drusilla felt empowered. Something felt right, even throught the chaos around her. She focused her vision, in an attempt to get a better look at the creatures.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

...but she could not make out much more of their form, other than the unnaturalness of it.
"I am sorry sister...I do not know." she said with a frown as the two of them continued forward.

Sera utters a grunt of satisfaction as her shot lands a crucial hit on her foe. Attempting to get closer she moves forward slightly, trying to get a closer shot.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 2 = 3
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Harold keeps barreling his way toward the town square as he weaves and bellows for folks to get the heck out of the way.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

At 50 feet for the ladies and 70 feet for the gentleman you can place your characters on the battle board labeled gazebo under campaign info and any remaining movement may be done on that board. The ladies will come on the field from the bottom and the gentleman will be coming in from the left of the board. Your character pictures are on the right side of the board.

Drusilla stays by the side of her sister, more concerned with the other girls state than the throngs of panicked people around her. Readying the knife in her hand, she follows Ileana's lead, ready to engage any creatures that threaten either of them, but at this point taking no initiative to do so.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19 Kith tries his best to move through the crowd to catch up with Harold.

Acrobatics (DC 14): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Ileana continued to weave her way through the crowd, toward the gazebo, as there was naught she could do at her current distance. She felt her twin's presence by her side and a small smile crossed her lips.

Sera moves forward slightly, before firing off yet another shot at the distant creature.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 2 = 22
Critical Confirm: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 - 2 = 20
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3
Additional Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Harold continues to duck and weave through the crowd toward the square.

Ileana and Drusilla push past the remaining crowd with Ileana in the lead. They spill into the open area where they are confronted with five flying menaces actively attacking about a half dozen towns people. As one of the townsman looses his footing fighting off the nasty looking beast an arrow seems to sprout from its side and it makes a few weak flaps before sliding to the ground announcing Sera's continued support to the fight.

As the twins are taking in the scene Harold bursts from the crowd like a bull elephant with Kith following several heart beats after as the crowd had seemingly opened up for him to pass as he ran to catch up.

I am hoping everyone has access to the map at this point to place characters on the board after my change with the permissions. Everyone should be able to see what your facing at this point and may peak at the previous descriptions and may make knowledge (arcana) checks to figure out what your dealing with on a DC 11 so no untrained checks. Kith and Sera your the easiest, Kith you have 10 feet of movement left leaving you just on the board and Sera you should be 20 feet closer from the edge leaving you at 140 feet from the edge.

Now Harold I believe you have a total of 70 feet of movement if you want to vault over the wall I will allow it with the current acrobatics roll you have. Ileana you made your acrobatics roll and have 100 feet of movement unless you want to act since you and Drusilla may move 10 feet and still have a standard action left. Its up to you. and that will be end of round three unless the twins wish to take actions aside from there movement.

Are people waiting on me for something? I assumed that the round had ended at this point with the only thing left to do is place characters where they wish to be on the board. As far as I am aware everyone should be able to move the pieces. If not please speak up.

Ileana does not have Know. Arcana. Ileana can't do more at this stage (range) but move forward as she only has a dagger (and her natural weapons) plus her sling and bullets which have a range of 50 ft as her crossbow was left back at the house.

She was no real warrior, so she would leave the primary attacking to those better suited. Ileana moved cautiously forward, sidestepping any of the townsfolk.

Acrobatics (DC 14): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Narrater, I can't move Ileana's token on the map. I tried to move the others as well and I couldn't. Just so you're aware.

From my understanding Kith is on the edge of the board this round. Was waiting for the attacks to resolve so the next round can start and Kith can move again. I can't access google drive unless I am at home.