Tales of Sorrow

Game Master Raging Bull

Hissarion leaps over the obstacle in his path, barely looking at the body and screeches to a halt behind the bard, clearly surprised that this is who was hiding in the alley.

Euchrid slides over to make room for everyone. (H1)

Senthiri moves around to help block off the exits. He reaches down to help the bard up, but he keeps himself ready.

Varro stands 30 feet away and readies an action to give the bard the stink eye again if he attempts an attack or escape. (Will DC 13, -2 AC).

Liam will just stand by, helping to block the exits.

Now Leon has calmed down, his stuttering returns. He leaves his shortbow on the ground and stands up. Then he slowly takes, one by one, his whip and his rapier from his belt, and drops them as well. Then he looks at Errik.

Y-y-yes, Tintalians h-h-have disap-ap-peared. A-a-and d-d-do you know who disap-ap-peared? A-a-all people working f-f-for her! E-e-except f-f-for her b-b-brother. She ha-ha-has been le-lea-leading crim-crim-criminals e-e-e-ever since she got he-he-here.
B-b-black sun, s-s-symbol on t-t-the amulet is n-n-no better. Smuggling, th-thieving a-a-and ass-ass-ass-assasin-nations is them. A-a-and whores o-of course. N-n-no wonder th-th-they get it against her. I-i-it's a th-th-thieves war!

Liam didn't want to believe that miss Larkson was leading a gang of thieves. Liam watched the bard closely looking to see if he gave any signs of lieing.

Forgive me, but that story is a little hard to swallow. Although she wasn't afraid of walking home in the middle of the night.
EDIT

Varro uses his empathic link with Bonetapper to silently convey a feeling of alertness and the need for stealth.

" Nevermind that nonsense .. where is the black sun and where are they holding those they have abducted?" Euchrid knows what the bard is saying is not true .. when you find the truth there is some measure of "aha! that makes sense" .. which the bards accusation is lacking.

Even if it were true, I don't see how it matters. This man is right. Senthiri inclines his head towards Euchrid. What we need to hear about is the black sun. Senthiri looks at the bard, waiting to hear the information they need, weighing his words.

Hissarion watches closely to ensure that the bard has put down all of his weapons while he listens to the man's stammered explanation. Thats a very exciting story you have there. I don't suppose that there is any way could convince me of it.

Perception:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Sense Motive:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

T-t-the Black Sun h-ha-has several compounds withi-withi-within the city. I-I-I only know o-o-one. A-a-at the docks li-li-lies a ship, "The Lady in Red". Th-th-they own i-i-it and use it a-as a base o-o-of operations. N-n-no idea o-o-of prisoners.

I just noticed I mistyped Bonetapper's name several times... I'm so sorry Varro!

Your right, and we can work out the truth about Elvire as we investigate further. Errik says to Senthiri. Then he says to Leon The ship gives us something to follow up on, but now I'm curious, where do you fit into this 'war'?

"That is a good question, how are you involved?"

Euchrid starts thinking about how one would go about using the fact the enemy is on a boat to one's advantage... trying to tune out the rhythmic stuttering of the slimy bard ... frustrating as trying to read a book on horseback... He pictures crime bosses on a boat - oh yeah arcane/divine magic crime bosses. It would be pretty handy, even the most simple scrying spell ... he suddenly gets very paranoid ... " We should hurry this up " trying to keep his voice sounding calm. He looks around again going through his studies in his head how to know you are (and/or prevent) "being watched"

Senthiri nods along with Errik and Liam. And how do you know about this boat? Senthiri asks absentmindedly. He looks around, wondering if they've begun attracting attention yet.

Leon's behaviour changes a little, his panic has gone. When Errik, Liam and Senthiri ask further questions, he gives a vague answer.

I-I-I prefer living a-a-and singing s-s-s-songs of i-i-it t-t-to choosing sides, Tin-Tintalian. T-t-t-tomorrow, T-T-The L-L-Lady in Red f-f-for you, I-I-I promise. A-a-and if y-y-you don't mind, I'll g-g-go home now.

Senthiri stiffens up and looks to the north. Someone's coming. It's time to be done with this.

While he still did not trust the bard, Senthiri's words made Liam know that this conversation was over. "If people are coming, then i agree with Senthiri." To Leon Liam says "Run along now coward, go directly home and if we find that you have lied it will not be good for you."

Errik looks at the bard shaking his head. Fine go, don't ever let me see you pointing a weapon at me again. then nodding at Senthiri and Liam he says. Let's make ourselves scarce. and turns towards the south to head down to the docks.

"Indeed to the docks with haste. I have a spell of protection about me that will lapse in less than an hour. What is our plan on the docks; cursory investigation or clandestine exploration of said vessel?

I have a powerful charm of clumsiness left to me today along with cantrips of befuddlement, the detection of magical auras, and a charm to stave off bleeding to death."

Varro signals for Bonetapper to fly ahead a short way to scout for danger as the group prepares to move.

" Hmm ... " looks the direction Senthiri was looking as heading south with the group "I would count on just scouting tonight .. but be prepared for action... another day to prepare with a little more knowledge would be ideal. As of now I only have kernels of plans.

Yeah. We might be able to get aboard and snoop around no problem tonight, but then again, the right preparation and we should be able to for sure. Let's just check it out tonight Senthiri keeps looking behind them as they walk, listening to see if they're being followed.

He mutters to himself as they go along. Something about hating to run. But he keeps going.

The Bard takes up his weapons and leaves, as do you.

When you arrive at the docks tough, you stumble across another group of people. Three men and a woman chase another woman, when one of the pursuitors shoots the fleeing woman in the back. She falls on the ground, the other three draw their weapons.

"Stand down Hooligans!" Euchrid draws and brandishes a bomb.

Hissarion steps forward and motions the others to stand behind him as he twirls his sword, somehow still getting it to glint in what little light there is.

Errik sighs as Euchid and Hissarion prepare to fight patting his pocket for luck (The one where he keeps his horse statuette.) he then prepares his bow and looks for the nearest cover. Are the docks like this every night?

This has become a very eventful evening. Liam thinks to himself, then yelling at the group of people. "Stop that! What do you think you are doing?" He then prepares for battle by entering snapping turtle style.

Varro moves behind cover (if any) and gives the Evil eye to the Archer if within range (30ft. DC 13, -2 to attacks, 6r or 1 if save). I warn Bonetapper of danger with my empathic link urging him to stay aways off.

"Watch out for the archer!"

Senthiri looks at Hissarion, his brows furrowed. He steps up next to Hissarion and holds up his sword. At least we get to fight someone, he mutters under his breath. Then he yells out to those pursuing the woman, What's going on here? Is this woman so vile that it takes a mob to get rid of her? Or are you all just cowards? I don't like cowards . . . or mobs for that matter. Perhaps it'd just be best if you all leave now.

Meranna feels a piercing pain in her shoulder and then falls down. She spits some blood. They approach... All is lost. But what is that? Are that armed people approaching?

The voice of the female bandit leader shouts commands. Esker, finish the job! The two of you, attack, we can't leave witnesses! Then she takes her sword and approaches the party.

If possible I'll make another battle map, but I'm short on time so that won't be now. The archer is 50ft away from you, the two approaching bandits (each carrying a sword) 20ft. One bandit and Meranna are 30ft away, Meranna is knocked prone. I'll make bandit actions in a few hours.

No witnesses hey, I won't go down without a fight!
Errik aims carefully at the bandit that is closest to the fallen woman and let's fly an arrow and then moves to the nearest cover. if any is available

"LOOK AT ME you murderous dog!

When Eskel sees Varro's Evil Eye, he turns pale. He tries to focus on the matter at hand, but has serious difficulties. The archer, when he sees the majority of the party, quickly jumps over the wall next to him and shoots an arrow towards what he perceives as the leader of the group. The arrow hits but his armor did well preventing the arrow from penetrating his body, he has a light flesh wound at his breast. Quickly after, the female bandit attacks Varro. She screams: "Look at this you magic freak!" but Varro quickly steps aside. He feels the rapier touching his clothes, but she missed him. Errik shoots an arrow at Eskel and hits him in his off-hand. Eskel screams but has regained his senses, and turns towards Meranna again.

Magic freak, huh? Senthiri's hand glows briefly. The light passes to his sword, then disappears. Senthiri takes a quick step and pulls some powdered iron from one of the pouches at his side. He chants while moving his hand in very measured, precise movements. Suddenly Senthiri grows to nearly 12 feet in height. He then swings out at the female bandit.

Euchrid strafes out around Hissarion infront of the low wall, does a couple strange hops forward J4 before hurling the bomb like a cricket pitch at the feet of the bandit referred to as Esker.

The female bandit didn't focus on him earlier, but she is just in time to escape the tremendous blow of Senthiri by making a step sidewards. She cries out loud, not because he hit her, but because she didn't expect this at all. Meanwhile Euchrid profits from the distraction and throws a small bottle to Meranna's attacker. Eskel screams when the bottle explodes at his feet and only barely manages to jump away. Feeling various splinters enter his skin, Esker wants to charge, but he remembers what the woman told him to do, and strikes at Meranna. However, he's not focused at all and misses.

Hissarion leaps forward to reach the fallen woman, lunging and skewering the rapscallion before him. Forward and attack

Attack:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage:1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Liam will enter dragon style and will run and jump kick the female bandit attacking Varro.

Hissarion, I can't allow you that move, since Eskel moved backwards after Euchrids bomb, going out of your reach. Plus, the female bandit is right in front of you and threatens nearby squares. So I overruled and had you attack her instead.

Hissarion steps forward and strikes at the female leader. As he pierces her shoulder, she screams out in pain. To Meranna, to whom it became clear there were people stepping up for her, this was a sign to take action herself. She tried to ignore the arrow in her back and stood up, determined to defend her life. Now it became clear to the party that she was armed as well, wearing a shield and a shortspear. Eskel struck at her tough, and succeeded going under her shield, slicing at her upper leg. She furiously counterattacked, but the bandit smiled as he dodged the attack easily. Meranna shouted.

"By the Light of Ishtar, you won't have me today!"

Now Liam stepped forward. He jumped and kicked the female bandit right in her face. While she lowered her weapons, she remained on her feet. Even to herself, it was unclear what she was about to do now.

Varro spins behind the alchemist while chiding the female bandit, "Sticks & stones love, sticks and stones. Ha ha! Now let me take a look at your ugly friend here..."

Errik takes a few steps to his left and sends an arrow towards the bandit fighting the woman.

Senthiri smiles. Here we go. He swings his large sword at one of the bandits, then, with a wave of the hand, he points at the bandit called Esker. A ray of ice shoots from. his fingers towards Esker.

The smell of bacon starts to fill the air from his first bomb. (not a wealthy man, Euchrid's test subjects are also his dietary staple. All of his bombs have edible ingredients - including the fire salts which just become salt after igniting and burning out.) Euchrid not expecting to get a melee swing at him so quickly back-pedals a few paces and throws another bomb at the ground between him and his attacker.

While Varro takes his sling, he yet again succeeds in frightening one of their enemies, this time the male bandit who was attacking Euchrid. The archer curses, this is not what they signed up for. He shouts at Esker: "Will you hurry already!" and then aims at Senthiri. This is a target I shouldn't miss.... Indeed, the arrow flies right at Senthiri's breast and is stuck in his flesh. A serious wound, yet not a deadly one. The female bandit tries and stumble out of the battlefield, looking for help. Errik steps aside and shoots another arrow at Esker, but misses. Senthiri doesn't seem to feel much of the arrow that hit him and again swings mightily with his blade. Yet the bandit noticed and dodged the attack. Esker was less lucky, the frost ray hit him mercilessly and froze his off-hand. His friend noticed, and tried hitting Senthiri on his turn, but got distracted by Euchrid's latest bomb and missed his attack. He too took some shrapnels in his legs. Esker himself tried once again to do as what he was told, but missed another time because of the pain.

Euchrid: You get an attack of opportunity vs. the Female bandit, make an attack roll with your current equiped weapons if you take it.