The Forgotten God (Table 3) (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

To the best of your knowledge, it is a possibility.

The symbol placed up above is an obscure one, and unfortunately unrecognizable. Adrietta, on the other hand, held a finger up to her lips after looking around (despite the fact that the message was mental)... and two of her other arms pointed across the cavern. She doesn't seem to know the Missive power herself, and so couldn't reply, but the focus of her interest was clear - lit by the light of whatever symbol that flaming creation was, a shadow on the far wall was behaving oddly... sliding directly to one side at a slow, cautious pace.

Harath briefly focuses himself once more before sending a Missive to his employer. ::Adrietta is agitated, there is a shadow on the wall moving unnaturally.::

In just a few moments, the man had arrived, turning to look in the direction his slave had indicated. The shadow stopped moving for a few moments... but as it began moving forward, a massive thunderclap echoed through the chamber, an onslaught of noise powerful enough to deafen those who weren't used to it.

Fortitude (DC 12) vs Deafness: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Your overall hardiness is enough to protect you from the noise, and your hearing returns to normal almost at once. Each of the doors backstage was kicked open a moment later, as nearly two dozen masked men charged forward, one of them moving up to the stage and simply slapping the auctioneer aside.

Half a dozen more joined him a moment later, whipping out wants and pointing them towards the crowd as the rest advanced backstage, assaulting the other guards even as three moved towards you. Your new employer still looked somewhat stunned from the noise, and hadn't noticed what was happening yet - Adrietta was made of tougher stuff and looked only moments away from charging the intruders and assaulting them bare-handed, ridiculous show-off outfit or not. If the other guards could be helped, this is a fight you might just be able to win - it's also possible you could flee before the attackers reach you, with or without your employer and/or the highlight of tonight's auction.

Seeing the chaos and knowing his being swept up in the violence was all but inevitable, he called upon one of his most useful powers, albeit one that was only effective in the moments before he brought his fists to bear.

Manifesting Empathic Connection, Will DC 15, on one of the three advancing towards him. Hoping he fails and makes his attitude towards me friendly.

"Hey man, haven't seen you in awhile! You wouldn't let these guys hurt me would you? Protect me!"

bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Your psionic power pushed forward, but... perhaps because of the rush of fighting and the chaotic state of the man's mind, it didn't seem like you were quite able to manifest that connection.

Sense Motive (vs 17; -10 Situational Modifier from far-fetched lie): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"Huh!? What're you doing here..." the guard said, clearly thinking you did know him and trying to remember the connection. He did seem to be taken in by your expert lying - and your employer sputtered in shock, though Adrietta mostly looked curious about what you were doing.

"You don't remember me do you? I guess I have a plain face. Anyway, you all aren't here to fight, are you? I'd appreciate you guys not disturbing my business, friend."

gonna try once more to swap him my way with Empathic Connection.

Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

The man's will was far from perfect, and the mental connection was established, twisting around his thoughts in a way that was quite favorable to you (if rather frowned upon by those goody-goody free will-lovers). "Don't worry, guys, I know him." he told his companions... and they looked a bit suspicious, but backed off slightly. "Anyway, this is something we gotta do, so we can't just stop." he added, turning back to you... and glancing to the side to regard the particularly exotic slave there. Adrietta had quickly adopted a meek pose, her arms lowered to further reduce the suggestion that she was in any way threatening them. People often saw what they expected to see... though you, at least, had no difficulty realizing it was all an act on her part. "Look, as long as you're here, do you want to join us? All those upper-class twits are gonna be dead soon anyway."

Out of the corner of your eye, you could see the apparent leader of the intruders speaking to the crowd, but whatever they were using to amplify their voice wasn't sending it your way. Your new employer, however, was looking increasingly nervous as weapons were pointed his way...

"This girl yours?" the intruder added a moment later.

Harath fired off a quick missive to his employer. ::I haven't betrayed you. Play along, I can save you and yours unless you wanna fight 'em. I'm not in fighting condition. Save Adrietta's buyer.::

To the intruder, he says "Yeah, she is mine. Thanks for the offer, but I didn't come here looking for a fight. More coin left for you without my involvement, anyway. Let me just get me and my folks outta here and we will be outta your way."

Harath then turns to Adrietta and instructs her nonverbally to come with him. He looks at his employer and says "Gather the guys, let's get outta here before it turns into a bloodbath."

concentration: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 vs DC 16 to dispense with the mental display of Missive.

The fighting seemed to be dying down by now, but somewhat surprisingly, you were being allowed to retreat unmolested. The companions of the guard whose mind you had twisted seemed a bit bothered, still, but not enough to object - apparently, their goal wasn't the suppression of slavers or the taking of slaves themselves. Things might have been much different if you'd been on the other side of the separator - though it didn't seem like you'd be able to get to Adrietta's original buyer. On the bright side, the few others that had come along with you quickly disengaged and retreated with you towards the doors.

Finally - when you were well away from whatever was happening - they spoke up.

"...I don't think that was supposed to happen tonight." Adrietta said, tilting her head a bit.

"Of course it wasn't!" Your employer hissed in reply. "Gods, this is already a disaster... if they'd taken you as well..." he wrung his hands together. "Right, first off, let's get out of here before they change their minds. Back to the base or somewhere else?" he asked, eying you - and apparently having believed your earlier bluff about knowing the attackers, thus suggesting you knew where they might be likely to look if they began pursuit.

"Do you know of a safe place? If I had to guess, your base would be best. I do know we need to get some distance before that guy realizes he doesn't actually know me. Do you know why they might have been after the rich folks? I just lied through my teeth to get us outta there with our skins in one piece, at least the same number of pieces it is after this morning's affair."

Your boss looked around at the other guards, but they shook their heads mutely. None of them seemed to have recognized the symbol of the group, or what they were doing, and the man sighed. "If I had to guess, they're a revolutionary group." he began - just as a dull thump could be heard from behind you, the ground shaking slightly. "Come on, let's go!" Your boss said quickly, striding confidently forward. He knew these passages, at least, and following him would at least bring you towards safety.

Harath follows the man, making a mental note to search for info on that symbol later.

The other guards almost stampede back into their warehouse, surging forward and letting out heavy sighs of relief - only to grumble when they're immediately put back on guard duty, increasing the security of the facility as your boss heads straight towards a station in the back... possibly a magical communications system of some kind.

"How much of what you said was a lie?" Adrietta asked, looking over at you.

"In the room when those guys attacked? All of it." Harath replies, straight-faced. "I used mental powers to make him want to believe me. I also used mental powers to talk to you and the boss man. Do you know anything about that symbol?"

Adrietta shook her head. "Nobody's ever taught me anything except how to make things." she explained. "I could probably make you a drawing of that symbol they had, though, if you want to show it to anyone else and find out more about it." Assuming they didn't do something even more audacious in the next few days and let everyone know exactly who they were...

As Adrietta spoke, the twisted, otherworldly arms vanished from her body, and the mechanical ones seemed to simply fold in on themselves and rejoin the rest of her body. She really did look much smaller when those powers weren't manifested...

Incidentally, you've earned 1500 XP for successfully protecting your boss, Adrietta, and the other guards during that incident. This brings you to Level 3 - as before, post the changes up in the discussion thread, and they'll take effect the next time you rest for 8 hours.

"That would be helpful. I'll have to do some digging to see what they're up to, if i can even get a name."

thinking of going to a library or something to look for references with the sign, and then perhaps meeting a historian who might know of old news? or someone with a better knowledge of recent events and power blocs, although that is much more dangerous.

Retrieving a bit of parchment and something to write with, Adrietta began to sketch out a copy of the symbol that had been placed in the air. It had been turned towards the audience, not either of you, but that didn't seem to bother her much as she reconstructed it, filling in a large skull and a number of objects around it - including a blade and a bone, crossed beneath it. Finally, she handed it over, looking quite confident in her creation.

Which would you like to do? ^^

"Thank you. I am going to see what boss-man's timeline is before i head off to the library."

Harath heads over to the boss. "I'm thinking of doing some investigating into this symbol, you got anything going on that you'll need me around for?"

"If you're leaving, get back quick." he said, clearly a bit distracted. "Those people aren't abolitionists, so I think they'll be willing to leave us alone if we get off on the right foot, but this is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. The nobles aren't going to take this lying down, and the only thing you can do when they get crazed is get out of the way or get trampled underfoot."

"What do you think they'll do?"

"Raids in force." he said, looking up from his desk. "Calling out personal guards, and setting the special forces units loose to track down the troublemakers. We sold a werewolf to a crazy noble once - powerful guy. Don't know if we could have held him if he really wanted to get free, and they've got a whole unit of those monsters that they're training to hunt down and kill people." Despite his words, he doesn't sound biased against the group - he recognizes them as monsters, but that's a literal description of what they are, not a judgment on their behavior. "I wouldn't be surprised if a few of the fools took this opportunity to settle some old grudges, too... if you can't stop a tidal wave, you just have to be ready to profit from the wreckage once the danger is gone. At least we've got a few valuable slaves in here right now..."

"Do you have a bolthole to retreat to?"

"Normally, it'd be the caverns underground." he snorted. "Failing that, we might make a run for the ships, stay on the ocean for a little while. Cities consumed with internal witch-hunts aren't worried about who's over the horizon, and they won't ask awkward questions if we reappear later and act like nothing was ever wrong."

"Ah, yes. That is probably a good idea. Unless they lock down the ports. I will leave now, I should hopefully be back before nightfall."

The man waved you out, and it didn't take long at all to navigate the passageways towards the exits. Adrietta followed you all the way to the doors, but not past them. The city outside seems much the same as it had before - most people have yet to recognize that something has gone wrong, though there's no telling how long that will hold true for. It may be that both sides - the nobles and their attackers - want to keep things quiet... but either could decide at any time that they're ready to take things to the next level.

Investigating the symbol shouldn't be too difficult - at least, not if you go to one of the major churches, where someone can probably identify it. Failing that, there ought to be a number of libraries you could check, or you could simply ask around in taverns and the like. There are many possible routes to success, so all that really matters is which one you feel like taking.

Harath isnt opposed to visiting some churches, and will direct his first efforts at whichever church seems most likely to have the best knowledge base.

for instance, IRL, i would want to visit a muslim or catholic church rather than a protestant one, as the religions are older and have well-known libraries

When it comes to knowledge, it's hard to go wrong with the Temple of Irori. His faith isn't a major one, but there is a library close to the temple where the monks practice, apparently existing for the purpose of helping them expand their own knowledge and wisdom. Upon hearing the query, the head librarian - who looks to be a monk himself, actually - takes a look at the image that was drawn for you. "...Besmara." he pronounced, sounding quite confident. "Queen of pirates, lady of strife. A troublemaker for sure."

"Hmm, thank you for the information. Has there been a history with her adherents in this city? Specific kinds of trouble or motives, perhaps?"

accidentally posted with the wrong alias, can you remove that one? heh

"No more than usual. The odd smuggler docks down by the waterfront, of course, and she's surely got some adherents amongst them, but they've always found our land too well-regulated for their tastes. Pirates prefer lands where the authorities won't be so likely to come down on their heads - they're strong when they meet others on their own terms, but in the end, a pirate is only a localized threat at worst."

"Hmmm, and no established church around here?"

"Ack, no, and thank goodness for that." the priest said, shaking his head. "We're a nation of laws, after all, and piracy isn't something we're overly fond of. Indeed, most of her shrines on land are tiny little things in back alleys and such - she's a goddess of the seas, and usually only worshiped there."

"Very well, my thanks for the info once more."

Harath will head to the dockside bars, and see if he can overhear anything related to Besmara, or perhaps see any sort of posters or suspicious signage to that effect.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

A small number of sailors are wearing icons similar to what Adrietta drew for you, cheerfully talking with their companions. None of them seem to be actively discussing the goddess - aside from the occasional reference to her - and there's no sign that anything is truly amiss. Whatever is going on down below doesn't seem to have dragged others into it, yet - but you are starting to piece things together. The pirates (if that's what they were) didn't seem terribly interested in the slaves that were up for sale... but they seemed very interested in the nobles. This could be less of a coup d'etat and more of an insane kidnapping plan... but if so, you'll have to move quickly if you feel like interrupting it. On the other hand, it isn't as if you owe the nobles much of anything, and your search for whatever is disturbing the dreams of the town may be able to continue even if you don't act. Of course, there would probably be a nice reward if you did try to help the men... there are always options.

Harath will make his way to his current slaver employer to share his findings, since Harath lacks the resources to go on a one-man campaign.

Finding the man, he says "I did some digging, and I think there will be or currently is a kidnapping in play. Those attackers, Besmaran adherents, were looking to get the nobles, perhaps for some sort of ransom. Might be a reward for saving 'em, plus you keep your customer base. What'd'ya think?"

"Aye... if only because spending a bit of time as a slave might cause them to rethink their spending priorities." he said, rubbing his chin. "If they're following the Queen of Pirates, they'll be making their way to a ship soon as it's safe. Probably think we won't dare attack when they could slit their throats and pitch the hostages overboard."

Meanwhile, a faint, rhythmic ringing sound could be heard from further inside the building.

is it like the sound of hammer on anvil? or something else?

"Well, what do you suggest, boss? I'm not sure how invested you are in this matter or what you have at your disposal, but I'll help as much as I can. Maybe scuttle their boat in the harbor...."

is this a situation the guard would be involved in, or no? since slavery is legal, but this was also a secret sale and they might not know about it, but nobles are involved so they might care more or something. just wondering.

It is indeed like a hammer on an anvil - or, technically, a hammer on something else that's on an anvil. XD Just banging the anvil itself doesn't create anything!

If the guard knew about this, they'd almost certainly try to intervene and stop the movement. Like most slave-owning societies, they don't care much what happens to normal slaves - although this nation is better than most about treating them well - but nobles and the like are legally exempt from becoming slaves and all the others would come down hard on this. Assuming they knew about it, of course, and could stage a rescue mission without getting all the hostages killed...

"They'd probably seize another ship and sail away. It'd probably be best to ensure that they never get to the harbor in the first place." the manager mused, opening some papers. "Problem is, there's an exit from the underground areas that opens up right next to the harbor, for easy access to the ships when they want cargos moved... discreetly. Wasn't something we could use for those chests, but moving a few cowled and hooded slaves through wouldn't occasion any comment at all. Honestly, I don't want to get involved in this... but we could make a lot of money by saving them, enough to become one of the major suppliers. Slow and steady, or take the risk and be set for life..."

He didn't seem to have reached a decision - you could easily push him either way.

"Early retirement does have its perks. Do nothing, lose customers; do something, what could happen?" Harath responds in a tone suggesting the man should pick the latter.

"We all die. Pirates aren't known for their appreciation of others' lives." he grumbled. He exhaled sharply. "All right, let's do it. They've probably got all kinds of watchers on the official guards anyway, and they won't be looking for someone like us to bust their plan wide open. All right, here's what we're going to do..." he said as the ringing sound from downstairs continued. "They should be getting ready to take the prisoners to the ships. As soon as they're out in the open - which they'll have to be for a few hundred feet - we'll try to cause enough confusion to help the prisoners escape. Guess it's a good thing you already had practice down there." he smiled slightly. "They won't be moving until the docks are all but deserted, so you've still got a bit of time to make preparations if there's anything you want to do."

"Do we have items at our disposal, like smokebombs or the like?"

"Never saw the need for them." he said, shaking his head. "Adrietta could probably cobble a few together, though, and there might be some out in the markets." Like most businesses, they usually tried to cut down on unnecessary expenses - the only common tools were those of their trade.

"Hmm, we probably don't have time for shopping, judging by what you've said. Should we leave soon?"

The man simply nodded, walking out into the main halls and gathering the other guards together. There were ten or so of them, though they were closer to being bouncers than warriors. For all of the feelings surrounding the slave trade - and there were enough of those to go around - most places didn't actually need more help than keeping a few unruly members in line, and they certainly didn't want to pay the coin necessary for having real soldiers. However, instead of moving to surround the exit that the targets were likely to come out from, the guards quietly made their way into other nearby buildings - apparently they wanted to stay out of sight for now.

Time passed both quickly and not nearly fast enough, and as it grew much darker out, a stillness seemed to flow over the city, and one of the scouts signaled the approach of the pirate queen's followers. They'd be here soon.

This is a good chance to activate any powers you'd like to use. ^^

Harath will activate the following powers in order:
Force Screen 1pp
Mindlink -> bossman 0pp
Vigor 3pp
Biofeedback 1pp

Harath then transforms into his beast form, letting his skin harden into scales, fingers grow blade-like claws, and face elongate into a muzzle of razor-sharp teeth.

A brief flicker of light was the only warning as a sphere of fire erupted out of the end of the tunnel, blowing away the three guards that had been close to the end as a number of individuals - including some who were clearly nobles - came out of the tunnel at a dead run. Several men were quite literally whipping them along, driving them along the edge of the water, towards their boat... and your position.

The first two reach you were two men clearly displaying the insignia of the queen of pirates, well-made scimitars in their hands and ready for use.

Initiative (Enemy): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Initiative (You): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 Assuming you're focused? On second thought, doesn't really matter either way. XD Not for this roll, anyway.

As they approached, you were far quicker off the mark than they were, easily able to strike out before they could defend themselves properly.

*Coughs* Also, I don't actually have the waterfront map pack, so I had to sort of edit a token-filled one by hand - but the map at the top of the screen should help you get a better sense of where you are and where the captives are being forced to run. Your enemies are on the left side of the white box.

sorry, i popped on but didnt have much time for a proper post. looking at the map, i dont see enemies on there. Are they just stage-left?

Correct - just to the left of where your avatar is, and no, there aren't markers for anyone else. XD It's... not particularly easy to move tokens around on this map, so just roll with the PbP descriptions.

Harath channels dread energy into his claw, lunging at the first of the men.

5ft step if need be, if they're farther than that then just use the first attack. Swift action: Terror: Incite Fear (ON HIT, enemy is shaken 1d4 ⇒ 4 rounds on a failed DC 14 Will save), Full or Standard Action: full attack or single attack.

claw: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
dmg: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

claw: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 oooh these dice are wacky
dmg: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

bite: 1d20 ⇒ 20
dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

crit confirm: 1d20 ⇒ 20 oooh these dice are wacky
Dmg x2 = 22 dmg

The first two hits struck the pirate, but it was the bite that really got to him, closing around his neck and instantly killing him. (No, really. Minus Constitution and everything, not just the 0 HP we normally use. XD)

The other pirate looked like he'd been about to swing out... but took one look at what had happened to his friend and turned to start running away.

Acrobatics (Avoid AoO): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 (Pretty sure that's not high enough... but it doesn't look like you've listed your CMD in your stat bar or alias. That's an important number, so you might want to count it up sometime very soon...)

CMD 5; CMB 19. I put em in my profile so it should appear in stat line. CMB would normally be 17, but I assumed the +2 divine bonus to AC also applied, as sacred and profane bonuses apply to CMB

AoO bite: 1d20 ⇒ 17
1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9