The Eye of Eons (Inactive)

Game Master Chyrone

The dwarf exhales another puff.

"Hah, hahah!"
......silence
"Came by, asked directions and left."
He knocks a few times on the door.
"Sounds like bad luck, and bad luck needs to be knocked off."

While Thorn is questioning the dwarf, team 2 makes their way and ends up in the same street, a mere 70 feet away.

Thorn, your approach?

Thorn sighs and simple starts moving towards the dwarf his axe held firmly, defensively but not completely as a threat.

" Sir Dwarf... you are a terrible liar. I have given you time to alert your friends however, I suppose that is only fair. For your sake, please step out of the way. "

The dwarf's eyes shine.
"For your sake lad, best not offend a dwarf during his evening off. This is our home, not one of humans."
He continues to puff his evening pipe and pushes open slightly the door.
After which he makes no sound nor motion to stop you from entering.

Let's see what the others do, as Thorn might walk sooner inside than the others can catch up to him.

Grint approaches Thorn and the dwarf at the door, holding his bow up and readying a shot when things go badly as he sees Thorn approach the dwarf with his axe held high.

Moving 30 feet, then ready an attack if a fight starts involving Thorn. Also involving me, Burdock or Sivar for that matter.

Eh, It matters little, the time here is all wonky anyway, from the descriptions Thorn is anywhere from several minutes to a few rounds ahead of the rest

You did have a head start from entering after the 1st dwarf, but there's been the perception for tracking, and the questioning of people to somewhat even it out.
What matters is you guys are back together.

While the others interrogate, Burdock will heal the party's wounds with a wand.

CLW wand @ Burdock: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW wand @ Burdock: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

CLW wand @ Grint: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW wand @ Grint: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
CLW wand @ Grint: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

CLW wand @ Sivar: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

That brings everyone to within 3HP of their max.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Only being a dwarf himself allows him to understand anothers' speech pattern.

"Knock him unconscious; I think he just gave off a warning!", Burdock grabbing his hammer.

Nearly out of spells; this'll may be a rough combat!

Aw, and he's not even acting hostile towards you.
But for the warning.....to whom, those inside, or to you as advice?
That is the situational question here.

By that, the pipe smoking dwarf eyes you all...as if he didn't already at Grint drawing a bow.
"Tsk, tsk. To draw weapons on an unarmed man, you stoop so low?"
....the dwarf is wearing short sleeves, no wrist sheathe on him.

"If you've business inside, then go.
Have some honor and leave the unarmed out of this."

I found a nice picture for our watchdwarf.

Sivar follows until he catches up with the group, before entering he casts iron skins +4 ac on himself.

Father Burdock suggested you manhandle the dwarf KO, are you going to do that, or will you just enter, he's not stopping you after all.

When entering, you see a large round table, bearing what you'd expect from a night of hitting the tavern.
Playing cards, tankards, some small empty plates.
A few pictures of Janderhoff locations, such as the walls and docks, hang as a few decorative pieces.

In a semi circle stand several dwarves, looking sternly as you come to a halt. The one with a heavy beard and mustache speaks.
"Now, let's not dilly dally. We've been told not to be too surprised if a bunch of strangers came here....a bother as it may be, given game night." He pauses briefly to see your expressions.

"Now...i'm not the worst of character, yet not the most patient.
You're after the woman, yes? I suggest a deal, which benefits us both.
See, the blonde warrior has paid us only partly the sum of what was agreed on, another part upon completion of it all.
As is, it seems the deal with him has been delayed. Now, if you pay us the sum of 600 gold pieces the man owes us, me and my friends leave.
We have our pay and no more affiliation with that man, thus no need to obstruct you further, nor does he get support in whatever form from us."

He lets it sink in for a moment.
"Attack us...and you make an enemy of the coterie."

[Eagle screeching in the distance]

"You dare bargain with us over our friend's life?!", Burdock angry at the situation. "Torag help me, some of your nails have rusted.", he sighs aloud. The dwarf looks at the others, knowing Grint has more of a stake in the situation than he.

"I'm not bargaining over her life. I'm bargaining over us being here to obstuct your chase or not. You could even leave and look for her yourselves, and we'd not stop you from leaving.
We've got other mouths to feed too, you know."

By how this went, i will assume you left the dwarf outside be.

Sivar flourishes his weapon giving the dwarves a pointy end look at it's reach and blade

"We may make enemies but you will not share in the conflict that follows"

intimidate: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

"Why hold any allegiance to the one that did not pay you for your services? If he does not hold any more respect to you than just his money, why go after us at all? If we find him, you can rob his coin from his corpse for all I care, we are just after our friend. Now tell us where our friend is and get out of the way and perhaps get more coin out of the deal or fight and gain nothing at all. This is your choice."

Someone give me a good diplomacy roll for that.
DC is 22.

The dwarf also smiles, not impressed by Sivar's display.

Wow that dwarf must be really resistant, regardless the Diplomacy isnt coming from Thorn. He has already decided the man is filth and exploitative. If they decide to interfere or not is their choice, but he WILL defend himself.

" This is not a time to act strong or a martyr Coterie. My Lord is one of Just Decision. Stand aside, either be an obstacle or be a scarce. We are not the people to foot that which has been gained with shady means. It is only the fault of your own to be shorted in such dealings and will be it yourselves if you try and make an enemy of us. "

Thorn looks around with stern eyes. Catching each dwarf inside. " Tell us where they went. Now. "

Of course, what kind of self respecting underground movement has no exploitative or bargain making member?
Lunchbrake's over, let's see what the others make of it.
As that diplomacy, connected with Grint's suggestion, might benefit both parties even more than their own proposal.

Hearing Grint's words, Burdock is spurred into further action. "Aye, the laddie speaks true. If you help us against your former employer, his coin is yours. It will also be good word of mouth not to change agreements with the Coterie.", Burdock emblazoning a dwarven rune for 'prospect' on his shield.

Using Runeforging for Ancient Splender for +4 to Diplomacy with dwarves :)

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 4 = 19

A couple of aids?

Even better, i noticed the dwarf has -2 to his cha score, instead of -1. That makes DC 21. 1 successful aid is enough.

Sicar tries to make his scarves cover more of his affliction and just draws more attention to it

"The father is a reasonable dwarf, best to go along with what he says to avoid the hurting, pain and killing that will follow.

Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 3 - 4 = 11

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (14) - 2 = 12

The speaker rubs his beard in thought.

Between them, there is some hushed discussion in dwarven.
He then speaks again.
"Your words do hold truth, fellow dwarf.
The foreigner arrived by ship, standing out from other human ships too.
It's front holds the image of a dragon's head, it's sails an icey blue.
Best be quick, he wanted to leave today.
If you follow the street outside and take the 3rd to your right, you'll end up in the docks district. We have our own shortcut to get there, which is dwarf sized, mind you."

The group of dwarves check their belts and wait for your leave.
"Oh, one more thing, before you leave.
Should this be very profitable for us, you might find yourselves holding a favor to call in.
We're not too keen on the law, but we're not too shabby to show appreciation."

While Burdock internally cringes with his consortium with the less than lawful Coterie, community and family are more important and he holds in his tongue.

Seeing a tense Thorn, Burdock answers the man. "If they help us get her back, then all will be well.", trying to give him a reassuring pat on the back.

Clutching a pearl, Burdock recalls bless, then readies his steel. "Let us make haste!"

The dwarf outside is still smoking his pipe.
Seeing you coming out, he nods, stance still passively with crossed arms, leaning against the wall.
"Good luck with your search."

He puts out the pipe and pockets it in a small case, showing a small inscription, in dwarven, inside.

He heads inside and closes the door.

This time, the screeching of a bird is more evidently heard in the distance.

Right, to the docks!!

1d4 ⇒ 4

Following the directions given by the coterie, you make your way to the docks. It takes but a few glances to spot a ship with icey blue sails.
Large round shields cover its flanks, surely protecting any who stand behind them. A single gangplank lies at its side.
It's light loaded, as you notice it lying pretty high in the water. Combining with the shields and lying higher than the gangplank, proper sight is obstructed beyond the shields.

Perception 20, from your start: it seems slick with ice.
Acrobatics DC 12 on it.

On the other side of the docks, you notice the group of the coterie, but they are fewer in number and locked in battle with three ulfen warriors on one side and a mohawk ulfen on the other.
The grey eagle circles the ship and descends on it.
Near the middle, you notice a young muscular ulfen, he's gazing upon the docks and now notices your arrival.

Any RP before i make the final details when i'm home, here's the time.

There isnt much to RP really, sadly. Its us going to save Elsa.. thats about it.

Thorn points out the bout to his allies, " It seems they were not lying. They must have been double crossed and are currently fighting back. Lady Elsa must be on board. " His fervor keeping his resolve strong.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

His eyes catch the area much more than normal and he points out a slight danger, " The Gangplank... it is iced over for some reason. This will prove... difficult. "

At the back, your direction, you see a crystal the size of a head, suspended from a pole. It shines with a soft blue glow.

The young ulfen yells shortly at the ones fighting yonder:
"Hurry up killing thöse dwarf traitörs, ör we're leaving you behind."

Calling something to someone on the ship in skald, still keeping his eyes upon the docks, you notice a circular shape appearing before the ship.
The size of a round shield, it flickers with a peculiar yet beautiful light. Think northern light.
Through it, you see a glimpse of what is seemingly a snowy landscape.

Know Geography: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Right....so quiet, you guys are not getting cold feet here?
Everything's cool here.
[Walks away after bad icey puns]

The ulfen shows a hatchet reting on his shoulder in one hand, a vial in the other.
"Ah, the föreigners whö are after the fugitive nöble wöman.
I am Sven, sön of Svan. Sörry tö say, she will be cöming home with me.
Should you wish tö dispute that actiön, cöme up here and fight for her."
That said, he gulps it down, making a challenging gesture with the empty hand, before walking further back onto the deck.
Neo provoking Smith, the famous 'come get some' hand wave.
-------------------------------------
10 rounds before the portal is large enough for the ship to sail through to the icey northern lands.

The rescue, round 1

Thorn
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Sven
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Sivar & Elsa *
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Ulfens & Coterie
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Grint
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Witch
------------
Father Burdock

I have no idea about the Eagle, I'm getting the feeling I should know something but I'm having trouble. You've mentioned it a bunch of times, but I don't know what you have been wanting us to do about it.

Thorn calls on his gods fervor and rushes to the gangplank running. He could guess they did not have much time.

Judgement of Protection AC +1

Grint moves up towards the gangplank, nocks an arrow ono his bow and then fires an arrow at the left guard on the ship.

Single arrow, Deadly Aim: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 2 = 121d8 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 4 = 14

The rescue, round 1

Thorn rushes for the gangplank.
------------
Sven appears behind the shields and chucks his hatchet at Thorn.
Incoming, increment 1: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 2 = 23Dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
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Sivar & Elsa
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Ulfens & Coterie
------------
Grint *posted actions*
Your view from the left ulfen's obstructed from your current position, i mentioned the situation earlier.
I'll take those rolls vs Sven.
------------
Witch
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Father Burdock

Sivar will follow Thorn for 20ft then cast shield if faith

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 2 = 6

Elsa struggles against her bonds.

Is Elsa visible?

@ Father Burdock: no, Elsa's being held below deck.
Vikings used to have cargo ships too. The blue line is where a 10ft ladder is.

The rescue, round 1

Thorn rushes for the gangplank.
------------
Sven appears behind the shields and chucks his hatchet at Thorn.
He hits for 8 dmg.
------------
Sivar follows Thorn and casts SOF.
Elsa struggles against her bonds, followed by the eagle gnawing at it.
Next DC is reduced to 20.
------------
Ulfens & Coterie

Since they are on a ship, I assume that there would be rope within a foot of either the witch or the blonde guy on the boat, correct

I catch your drift.
There's a rope attached (red line), tied to both the side of the ship and the shore.
Spare coils on deck?: 1d20 ⇒ 12
No other spare ropes on deck.

Bah, well, I can at least disrupt the sailing...

Burdock casts a spell at the rope used for the forward sail and tells it to 'unknot', hoping to remove one of the sails for the ship.

Casting animate rope. Best I can do as I move up.

The rope slowly but steadily follows Father Burdock's magical command and now hangs loose over a beam.
--------------------------

The rescue, round 2

Thorn
------------
Sven
------------
Sivar & Elsa
------------
Coterie & Ulfens
------------
Grint
------------
Witch
------------
Father Burdock

Thorn, noting the ice on the plank, warns his allies. " It's slippery watch yourselves! The Crystals have something to do with their leaving, maybe you can destroy them? Its the only thing that makes sense. Im going on. "

Thorn attempts to board, switching his Judgement to fast healing as he does so.

Lets see what happens

Acrobatics: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

The map gets messed up I guess...

Thorn moves up to the man who striked him with the axe and gives him a swing of his own, albeit a larger one.

Axe Swing: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 281d12 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Confirm Axe Swing: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 92d12 + 14 ⇒ (4, 4) + 14 = 22

Fast Heal 2

That is, like grease, half movement by passing the acrobatics.
But, since i forgot to mention that, this'll pass.

Rescue, round 2

Thorn manages to cross the icey plank and hits Sven.
Swift activation, due to being hurt.
Before Thorn's eyes, the ulfen man grows bulkier and more muscular.
Within moments, Thorn faces a winter wolf man, yet still in armor and holding his own greataxe.
-----------
Wolf-Sven howls and shifts his footing, taking 5ft step back.
Move action: guarded stance.
Greataxe, PA: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 2 = 16Dmg: 1d12 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 6 = 20
-----------
Elsa & Sivar
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Coterie & Ulfen
-----------
Grint
-----------
Witch
-----------
Father Burdock

Sivar will double move up to behind Thorn

Sivars moves quickly over the docks following Thorn, he steps and slides down the icy gangplank on to the boat and readies his Fauchard ready to stick the man-wolf beast

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

"I am with you friend Thorn" If this counts as combat that was in Celestial

A were-whitewolf? :P

AHOOO!, sir dwarf :)
The gangplank goes up ^^, not down.

Rescue, round 2

Thorn manages to cross the icey plank and hits Sven.
Before Thorn's eyes, the ulfen man grows bulkier and more muscular.
Within moments, Thorn faces a winter wolf man, yet still in armor and holding his own greataxe.
-----------
Wolf-Sven howls and shifts his footing, taking 5ft step back.
-----------
Sivar double times onto the ship.
Elsa
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Coterie & Ulfen
-----------
Grint
-----------
Witch
-----------
Father Burdock

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 2 = 4 Elsa struggles against her bonds

Rescue, round 2

Thorn manages to cross the icey plank and hits Sven.
Before Thorn's eyes, the ulfen man grows bulkier and more muscular.
Within moments, Thorn faces a winter wolf man, yet still in armor and holding his own greataxe.
-----------
Wolf-Sven howls and shifts his footing, taking 5ft step back.
-----------
Sivar double times onto the ship.
Elsa struggles against her bonds. The eagle gnaws at them DC 18 next round.
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Coterie & Ulfen

The coterie puts on display they are no mere ruffians, as they deal more dmg to the ulfens, the coterie leader splitting an ulfen head in half with his greataxe.
"This turns out to be a good excercise too, keep at it lads!"
That said, they receive as much as they dealt, the mohawk seemingly landing a solid hit to the face.

It'd be ironic, if Elsa escapes her bonds and deals the finishing blow to Sven.