The Absalom Gambit (Inactive)

Game Master Vuvu

Boneyard calls out across the chamber, "Greetings! We have come searching for the resting place of a lieutenant of Nex, a master dispeller."
Perception to see if be looks alive 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23

well you are -30 for distance sooo you arent sure.

Resting place. I did not know I was dead.

"Well, you do appear to be restin'.", Gunser observes smiling.

(If that's a diplomacy roll, use Touch of Glory. Otherwise, TOG is still hung)

I suppose. What would you have of me.

Boneyard stands tall and projects his voice to the other end of the chamber. "The orc and I work for a noble in the city of Absalom. Recently his wife was cursed by an artifact. Some of his other retainers, men of great skill, spent many days attempting to break the curse. All of these attempts failed."

After pausing for a breath, Boneyard continues, "History tells of a master dispeller who journeyed with Nex, disrupting those who would use magic against him. It is said that this man, one we hope is you, had a great staff, an artifact with the power to dispel almost any curse. Of course, history also says that this man was slain and that his body was returned to the tower. Apparently, history was wrong about your fate. We hope it was not wrong about the staff. If the stories are true about your power...and the staff's, would you be willing to come with us back to Absalom to heal this woman? Or, if you prefer to stay, would you be willing to loan the staff so that we may remove the curse?"

Sounds like a lot of work. What is in it for me?

He smiles

Assuming I am he of course.

"Perhaps we should start there. Are you he?"

i am getting bored.

Varin looks around and speaks up. [/b]A service. From myself and Boneyard. Surely there is something you want or need that we can do for you. [/b]

Have posted it yet but just finished skills and everything.

"I'm sorry we're not proving to be entertaining. As my companion has suggested, if you can help us, tell us what you seek in return. If you cannot, tell us if you know of the dispeller and the staff and we will be on our way." Boneyard begins striding forward, watching the area ahead of him for traps and hoping to get a better view of the room.
Perception 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27

I did not order you to approach!

The figure leans forward slightly. You dare tell me what to do? His eyes narrow as he looks at boneyard.

I would have broken his legs and dropped him in the bay with a stone around his neck by now boy. says a thickly accented voice in Boneyard's mind.

Summoning all of his courtly graces, Boneyard stops and casts his eyes toward the floor in front of him, sweeping his arms to the sides and slightly bowing, "My apologies. We mean no offense. I did not intend to infer I was telling you what to do. Our patron's wife is not well. We are merely here to see if we can help her. Disturbing you is the last thing we want to accomplish. Please, we beg of you, help us in whatever way you are willing and tell us what price you would have us pay in exchange."
Sense Motive 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29
Diplomacy 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29

Or you can try that. Yeesh, you sound pathetic! Didn't that elf teach you some trick to vaporize him or something?

Mizaru avoids any interaction, suspicious of the man and not knowing for what purpose the others came here for.

Varin eyes the man wondering if they should just take what they wish. He seems to be diconnected fron reality.

Your patrons wife? You risk the tower for a woman? He bursts into laughter. It seems to go on for a long time.

I need nothing children. Entertain me and I will consider this. Of course you will be in my debt.

No we risk the tower for knowledge, gold, pain, and glory. The means to them just happen to be through our patrons. I serve Yggdrasill and feast upon pain to grow in might and knowledge. This place has presented me with one unique test and lesson after another. It would be worth it even if I wasn't being paid. What if I were to make a bet with you.

Mini I wanna do something funky hope you will let me lol.

"Entertain you?", Gunser confirms, then shrugs. "I've a shanty. May not be worthy... Stop me, if you would."

"It's of a man name of Fergus, where he were born to. Vargus, where he is now... and of how and why (and it's a who, the why...) he's there. Brigand King, he's called. But he's just a lad, lovin' a girl..."

Gunser's face softens from it's usual glower, and he sighs, and starts to sing.

A-sea sails a barbarian
In search of gold an' words
No armor, nay, no shirt at all
Nor blade, nor axe, nor swords
Around his neck a golden torc
Another rides his arm

And at his ease he smokes a pipe
The bowl of white meerschaum

His hair a mass of reddish brown
Rolled and waxed to dreds
And from a broad belt hangin' down
A kilt of blues and reds
A-sea there sails a Brigand King
Vargus it is he's called

By three-score crew, shorn, man and lass
Each to the last shaved bald

They're ever after wild plants
And texts, and books most old
This brigand and his bald-head crew
Seek learnin' over gold
What quest'n drove the man to sea?
What knowledge seeks he there?

The tale began as many have
With smile of maiden fair

From Eireland sailed a bright strong lad
Who'd Faerie lass made friend
With honeyed words, this Adam's son
Had proved his heart fae-blend
Pleasant hours, days and months
they passed as young loves might

With dawnings sung, and days' long run
and long warm winter's night

Their love was true, and though Fae law refused
Swore they would wed.
Swore by stream's song, by river's run
Swore by the white rosebed
Howe'er kind, howe'er strong
Howe'er sweet their plan

Swore Faerie Queen, she'd never give
Her daughter to mere man!

From Eireland fled a heartbroke man
Who Faerie did pretend
From dark Queen's wrath unto bright seas
And princess' heart did rend
The daughter scarred her own sweet face
And swore she'd love the man

She cut her hair, her mother's pride
And cursed her Fae-Queen dame

The Queen she cursed this suitor-man
Who daughter's heart had turned:
"Sail your seas FOREVER, then!
'Til secrets three ye've learned!"
"To law unmake, to heart unbreak
To heal my daughter's face!"

" And know, man, that I HATE YOU!
And my hounds your trail shall pace!"

From Eireland sailed a hunted man
Who Fae assassins chase
Ever he's 'ware of long Fae hair
That rides the wind like lace
His lessons learned, steel blades are turned
By Faerie magic charm

And on his arm, his tattoed torc
Now wards from iron's harm

Still Dark Queen's hunters harry him
Though never he's a-port
With whispers to an officer...
Or false drunkard's report...
A dark hard life, a sea of tears
But not all's as it seems

For Fergus loves still his Sharan
Who finds him in his dreams

For truest love is stronger art
Than Faerie Queen's decree
Fae heart guides true a wind-blown kiss
How'er far out to sea
And certain will a bottle find
Whose name be writ in rune

To bear his loving words to her
When rises each new moon

The Faerie Queen she has her wish;
By oceans they're apart
But such is naught before the dreams
Of two with just one heart
Though love is true, still distance pains
And strengthens his resolve

So Vargus stalks the seas a King
To Dark Queen's puzzles solve

From Eireland hails a brigand king
Who'd Dark Fae Queen offend
Who sails the seas 'til puzzle's solved
Or days of Man do end
So if ye ever see him
In his kilt and dredded hair

It's like as not ye've Fae aboard
Look about, and beware!

sure. Anything is attemptable :)

1d20 ⇒ 6

the figure grimaces at many notes that are off key, but he taps his foot to the song.

Orc, I could deliver you pain if you like. That might be fun.

That was the bet. Let us relive the lessons I have learned in this tower together. Whoever makes it through wins. If you win I will stay here and be your servant. If I win you do your best to help my patrons wife then your free to be on your way. And if you won't take that bet then you may bring me pain if I can stand it we get what we came for if not same as above should I survive it.

sure. Anything is attemptable :)

1d20

the figure grimaces at many notes that are off key, but he taps his foot to the song.

Orc, I could deliver you pain if you like. That might be fun.

Didn't think to give you a roll or declare taking 10, so my bad, but... Add 12 to that. 3 because Gunser has perform (sing), and 9 for Touch of Glory. Take 10 for 22, was the intent. But it seems there's a hook for the Orc, so no matter.

ah, either way he was amused...no diff between 22 and 18 you can roll if you want to try to get over a 25

Hmmm I have no desire torelive the tower. I have lived the tower. But perhaps pain. Then again I might get bored. Perhaps you all should duel...

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21 LOL

The figure looks impatient.

or maybe that is the dm...

"Here then, tell me _your_ story, an' I'll make a song for you. Meself, I've no knowin' of what they're after, though they're stout enough fellows, and I'd help 'em if I can. But for me, I'd settle for out. Not sure how it is I'm in, in the first place..."

has eeryone other than gun updated their characters?

I would rather here a song about your trials in the tower. Much more interesting than me and better than reliving it.

Well this one is entertaining me, what will the rest of you do.. Especially you monkey.

Not on the site but yes on paper stupid work made me go in last night. Just got home nap time....

"I am a Vanara warrior. I do not entertain."

Well that is a shame. I have been so very bored these past decades. All I would need is a good smile and I would help you out.

"I might have something for you." Boneyard goes on to tell the tale of Temetem, his ancestor who defeated a giant Shoanti with only a cestus and a lot of luck, only to perish humorously a month later.
Boneyard's player is really tired tonight, so Boneyard's skills are going to have to do. Perform (oratory) 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Now that deserves a song Fisherman!

Orc. Your pain does not interest me. I have no desire t beat you until my arm is sore. You must have some other skill to interest me. But choose quick I grow weary.

Monkey. You quickly bore me.

More stories and more songs! he says to the other two

Looks over to Mizaru irritated.

"Another song, eh? Alright, another of me own..."

I set t'write a letter home
a letter to my Ma
about my life upon the sea
an' all the things I'd saw

I didn'a get too far, you see
It's truth I'll have ta face
My letter, it spoke less of me
than of the Upright Plaice

I set out for the docks one day
To make meself some coin
A sailin' man, I had no ship
An' sought a crew to join

Along the dock come man and wife
A bright an' lively pair
But I had ta chuckle at
The name of their ship there

Their new ship was the Upright Plaice
No paintin'd yet been done
And soon I had a berth aboard
Fer my Ma's wayward son.

Relvig he's a Navy man,
a master at the sails
and likewise with his caulk... and boards
an' hammerin' the nails

The lady she's of long brown hair
and pink skinned, there's no doubt
that it's below and out of sun
she'll be 'til all pumped out

But no, Ma! It's an upright place
where nothing bad's e'er done.
A decent place, a friendly place
Send Daughter, send yer Son!

Up on deck it's all ship-shape
All swabbed and sanded clean
An' on the bow, yer potted palm
it rides all bright an' green

Below decks, there's a table set
fer use of all the crew
Fer waitin' on a voyage, when
There's little else to do

So if you ever find me gone
Missin' without a trace
just look fer me belowdecks
drinkin' on the Upright Plaice!

...and no finer ship, asail or not,
you'll find, than Upright Plaice!

These two are entertaining. All right orc, monkey. Last chance. Entertain me or be on your way...all of you.

gauntlet thrown down

(Would we do better if I said I wrote all that stuff myself? Because I did.)

gunser is doin great!

Niiiice! That's some good writin'. Also, the guy is 100 feet away from Mizaru, right?

"I do not entertain." Mizaru narrows his eyes at the man.

Spat on gauntlet!

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Mizaru is 300 feet away. 200 to the center then 100 to the throne.

If you do not entertain then I do not assist you. If you do not entertain then all of you can leave.

Mizaru snorts in derision. "I-who-has-been-trapped-here would very much like to leave this tower."

And for that Matter MY NAME IS VARIN ARTUSK DARKTHANE. NOT ORC. STUPID HUMAN.
he is human right you know what f it that's what I'm calling him
Spits on the floor and begins advancing. He roars.

I HAVE PUT UP WITH ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER IN THIS PLACE AND I WILL NOT PUT UP WITH ANYMORE. YOU YOU ACT LIKE YOUR BETTER THAN US TRAPPED HERE IN YOUR LITTLE HOLE FOR HOW LONG? BECAUSE YOUR TO SCARED TO FACE THE OUTSIDE. FINE BE AFRAID I DON'T CARE BUT YOUR GOING TO GIVE US THAT STAFF OR I AM GOING TO TAKE ITFROM YOU AND RAM IT SO FAR UP YOUR ASS IT COME OUT THE CROWN OF YOUR HEAD. YOU TREAT US AS ANIMALS HERE FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT. I AM NOT A CLOWN YOU FOOL I OFFERED YOU THE ONE THING I HAVE BUT YOU WERE TO PRISSY TO ACCEPT. I LIVE IN BLOOD PAIN AND FIRE. I AM THE CHOSEN OF YGGDRASILL THE WORLD TREE. I HAVE SEE HE WHO HANGS UPON THE TREE. AND THAT IS MY MASTER NOT YOU. YOU WANT ENTERTAINMENT VERY WELL I WILL DIVINE THE END OF YOUR LIFE FROM YOUR BLOOD ENTRAILS SPILLED UPON THE FLOOR IF YOU DO NOT RELEASE WHAT WE SEEK TO US.....

At this point Varin his hovering off the ground and sliding forward. Just a few inches but with no spellcasting... go fly hex ftw

Intimidate using a mythic pt for the +8 bone miz you might wanna pitch in.

1d20 - 1 + 8 ⇒ (16) - 1 + 8 = 23

Edit: So much for my idea about having Mizaru go forward to reenact his story of the seven-headed centipede.

Sorry Michael. But he's and orc and this guy kept pushing. I would have preferred anotber way out but he threw what little varin had to offer back in his face. Wonder if mini has read this yet lol.

Gunser moves as though to slow Varin, but the orc just brushes past.

(Touch of Glory on Varin, +9 to that intimidate check, I hope. Varin gets to decide how and when to use it, though, so maybe not.)

Varin attempts to hover, but it does not work.

1d100 ⇒ 5

The human looks unamused, but then again he has always looked unamused.

I do not think I am better than you orc. I am better than you. That was almost entertaining. Especially your attempt to use some kind of magic in my presence. Unless of course you are serious, and really want to try to take this from me.

I will just throw this out there be SURE that you want to do fight this guy.

Well monkey?

Oh yes I do mini. Varin has had it he cant take anymore and thanks gun yes I would have popped the touch on the intimate check. Also did he dispel it or did it not function?

Oh yes. You are the same as the warlords of my homeland the only thing that will make you treat others with respect is being broken. As for my magic I don't really need it on one such as you but it matters little.

Varin keeps drawing closer doubke move each rd.

If its an anti magic field then great he screwed himself it was a dispel then not a problem either he burning his power on the wrong thing. And keep in mind my hexs aren't spells mostly. Nor are they spell likes. They can't be counterspelled just dispelled or he has to cut the are off from magic entire.

I know varin.

Varin moves about 30 feet before blank tentacles spring from the ground all around the entire party
1d20 ⇒ 10 All of you are grappled. Mizaru might be ok, what is your cmd?

1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

And instantly 4 missles burst from the figures hands slamming into Varin 5d4 + 5 ⇒ (1, 1, 3, 1, 2) + 5 = 13

Is this the choice you wish to make?

heroes can make actions now we are in inti.

CMD 26 (28 against sunder/trip)

"Is this the choice you wish to make?" Mizaru retorts.