The Order of Tears (Inactive)

Game Master Choon

Pelgrev is going to move to block the awake dog's exit path.

Food for dogs? We can try.... His skepticism is evident.

The two dogs move near each other, both watching out for the other.
Ol' Mum looks at Noro doubtfully, nods and disappears inside the old inn. About this time, you hear low growling as Pelgrev's first bound dog comes around and starts struggling with its bonds.
Mum returns quickly holding half a turkey carcas. She tosses it to Noro and all three dogs follow the flying meat intently.

Chasers

While Zayid's past with the dog (mainly fighting it) doesn't help the situation, his training in handling beasts such as this does help. The beast seems to sense his intent to not harm and so reduces his readiness just a shade, but it is still at the ready, and a low rumble like a distant waterfall echoes in his chest.

While doing it's best to keep its eyes on the three with silver faces, the massive wolf takes a few more slashes at the netting, ripping great gashes in the poor fisherman's handiwork, but only getting himself further tangled in the loose strands. He whines a little as the netting starts to snag around his claws and paws.

Realizing that the large hound might not win a battle versus even the net, Freia slowly starts to walk closer to it. She recalls Zayids effort to help the smaller incapacitated dogs earlier and realizes that he might still have hope for this beast.

"He is not going to last long in this shape. We should probably put him out of his misery as quick as possible and subdue him - then find a way to haul him to the Capitan. I'm sure he will fare better there than on the streets anyway... "

The alley you are in is one of the secondary streets perpendicular to the main road in this area that feeds the docks. It runs roughly north-west/south-east. Where you are there are but two ways out, behind you, and further down the road toward Underbridge. There are other streets that cross this one, but they are several dozen feet down the road. To your right is a Tailor's shop and to the left is a mercantile weights and measures station where the city tests merchant's scales for accuracy.

Zayid's head whips around as he hears Freia approaching. "Stay back!" he hisses, his voice low and intense... a bit defensive, even. Without waiting to see if she complies, he turns back to the dog and once more begins approaching it slowly.

The dog's ears flatten a little at Zayid's approach and he tries to back away some more, but the nets prevent it.

Zayids words and mannerism makes Freia recoil and jump a few steps back.

"But ..."

The dark-skinned young man focuses on the dog, ignoring Freia's faint objection. As he finally arrives in front of the creature, he crouches and reaches forward, attempting to pull the bolt from it without doing any further damage. DM, this probably provokes if he's in a bitey mood; I'm guessing Heal?

Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Noro takes the meat and starts to break it apart.

she first goes to the dog she wrestled to the ground stooping down she carefully holds out a piece of the Turkey in front of her trying to entice the dog to eat.

handle animal: 1d20 ⇒ 15

If the dog will not cone to her she will toss it to the dog and try again with another piece.

Just as a note, handle animal is an untrained:no skill. I've been accepting it because it fits what youall are attempting. Just for future note. :)

The dog takes a tentative step forward, stretches it neck without taking its eye off you, and sniffs once before jumping back. He pauses for a moment to gauge your responce, then steps forward again and tears the meat from your hands. He runs a small distance away with his buddy (at which the tied dog starts whining) and the two tear into the meat with all the enthusiasm and defensive glances you would expect from starving animals.

see now my son can't complain about the dog poop in the house since I am not trained in handle animal...

Noro looks over at the tied up dog. she grabs another piece of the turkey and tries to feed it to the tied up dog.

you would have thought, Noro had a soft spot for animals?

first person to say something sarcastic, gets a busted nose!

Pelgrev tenses when the dog snatches the meat, but visibly relaxes as they start eating.

Dog hungry. Feed more?

Are there any unconscious dogs that haven't been secured?

There are. You managed to tie up 4 of the 8 downed dogs before these three started to come around.

The tied up dog ravenously tears at the meat, nearly taking it from your grasp.

Ol' Mum chimes in, Now you've done it, little Tear. They won't ever stay away now! Even that big one will come back, and with more friends! She clicks her tongue in disapproval and moves over to the man the beast-dog injured before you arrived. She starts checking him for the severity of his wounds.

Pelgrev is going to let Noro work on the free dogs, and move to tie up the nearest downed dog.

Johnny stands there watching the strange exchange between his new friend and the animal. He steps back and looks at the situation with a quizical look.

Why do we not beat this thing into submission and be done with it. What is he trying to do.

Do what you want but if that thing takes of your hand I will be calling you stumpy

Johnny smiles but is ready to pounce if needed.

Chasers

As soon as Zayid touches the bolt, the beast whines and snaps, snarling fiercely at him. Thankfully, the nets prevent him from being more than bumped.

The bolt snaps easily enough and he manage to remove it, though it's not easy or quick. The Beast growls and snarls the whole time with the clear intention of making Zayid's insides outsides. The nets are both his savior and medical assistant.

Who all is at the Old Fang? Is it just me, Pelgrev and Noro?

Ariana aswell I think

Old Fang: Pelgrev, Noro, Korrith, Ariana

Chasers: Johnny, Freia, Zayid

Hoy! Elf lady! Korrith starts talking rather loudly to Ariana, without any real warning.

Okay, how would I RP Korrith asking to see Ariana's spellbook? I don't know how the "alchemist learns from wizard spellbook, but reverse isn't true" works in-universe.

The dogs all perk up when the Lizard-snack starts talking, but quickly return to their meals.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Zayid focuses on his task, only frowning slightly at Johnny's query. Okay... gotta get this done quickly...

As soon as the bolt is free, he begins working on the net.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

What is he doing? Why is it taking so long time to remove a simple bolt? Wonder why he is so snappy - its not like dog is going to do anything ... AND WHY IS HE WORKING THE NET?!

Suddenly his actions make perfect sense - he is trying to release the hound! But why ? A soft spot for the trapped animal maybe. He did show remarkable concern for the smaller dogs earlier. Maybe he still be reasoned with.

She starts to advance towards Zayid and the beast once again - this time resolute and without halting. She steels herself by taking a deep breath - I'm not going to let him stop us from doing our part

"Zayid. Stop. You are not helping. Let us bring this hound to the captain - you heard Absentia - he won't harm him. It will be better for both him and the city. Besides - the hound would be alot better off surrounded by people who care for him instead of those who fear him. Trust me on that one, I know."

She pauses briefly to let the words sink in and adds:

"What do you think will happen if you let him free? Someone will still be needed to capture him and Absentia will just let another group of Tears handle it - and she wanted nothing more then to bring in just his severed head! And I don't think she would let you handle anymore animal related incidents anymore - so pray that the other thugs are as compassionate as you are - so please be reasonable. Please..."

If Zayid won't stop and just continues freeing the dog she will use what she knows is a sore spot against him.

For the record, sleight of hand is the perfect skill for doing things unnoticed by others : )

MEANWHILE

Elf lady, I don't remember your name. Do you mind if I take a look at your spellbook? There might be something that I can make into an extract in there.

Hearing Freia's plea Johnny Moves quietly up to the beast producing his sword.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

I don't want to go back and be a prisoner. I will kill it before I let you set it free. It either goes back alive or dead. Your choice Zayid

The fierce sound of Johnny's voice shows that he is not joking and means business.

At the sight of human steel, the Beast roars and snaps at the nets, trying desperately to get into a better position to defend itself.

SoH can't be used untrained. ;)

Zayid whirls on the other two Tears. His face softens at Freia's initial words, but when Johnny draws his sword Zayid almost snarls. His voice becomes menacing as he moves to be between the dog and the others. For once he speaks above a whisper, his hand moving to his own dagger. "Put the blade away. Now."

His eyes flicker toward Freia a moment before discounting her for the moment to deal with the more immediate threat.

"Its getting free!"

She points at the dog snapping the bindings while simultaneously moving to cut of any of its escape routes currently opened.

Dammit! Dammit all to the nether realms! Lets hope the dog is too injured or stupid to make another run for it...

Up to DC 10 checks can be made untrained, so it could have been some improvement ... : )

Elf lady, I don't remember your name. Do you mind if I take a look at your spellbook? There might be something that I can make into an extract in there.

Ariana looks displeased, lifting her head and gasping. No! You can't just go around asking a wizard that. This is my personal book gifted to me by the Rosencruz House. It contains records of their personal knowledge and personal notes for my own spells.

Okay then, you didn't have to be rude. Korrith grabs a flask at his hip and takes a quick drink.

She walks around Korrith, frowning. We have been forced companions for yet a day. I suppose it is possible you did not realize how personal that request was..but it was incredibly rude. I would hesitate even if we were fast friends. Maybe in the future, little scale, I will make such an offer. But a wizard's spellbook is their pride and joy.

Johnny will put the sword away and take a step back.

I meant what I said

Freia takes a sigh or relief when Johnny puts away his sword - it would appear that the bloodshed has been avoided.

"Now - lets deal with this ..." she points at the dog "animal. Setting him loose wont help anyone. So bringing him to the captain if probably best for both the him and the city - right Zayid?"

She takes a short break to catch her breath before continuing on:

"And we can't bring him anywhere while he is struggling like that - besides he might hurt himself even worse. So we have to subdue him somehow. My magic might have worked but alas, I'm out. Unless someone carries sleeping powder around a quick tump to the head with a sap seems like the the best course of action. Then we could probably requisite that wagon over there and drag him on it."

She takes a few steps closer and hold out her sap for Zayid to take.

"Would you like to do it? It is for his own good... "

She gives Zayid a sympathetic look as she waits for him to respond

Zayid stares into Johnny's eyes with an expression of deadly intent. "Do not EVER threaten me."

Turning to Freia, he shakes his head. "He knows he is beaten... he will come. Humiliating him further will not be necessary."

Kneeling next to the dog, he reaches out to fasten a bit of rope around the dog in such a way that it won't injure the creature further.

Freia sighs and her shoulders slump as the tension finally leaves her. She waves her hand towards the hounds face and adds

"Atleast muzzle him. Absentia would probably be mad if he ate a child or something while in our care. We can still transport him on the wagon right? I'm not dragging an unwilling creature of that size thru town if it can struggle all the way"

Not waiting for Zayid to argue that the dog should walk free or anything like that Freia walks over to the wagon the dog overturned in its escape to see if he would fit on it. It it is large enough she will look around for its owner.

Freia- The cart is large enough. It is a four wheeled freight cart. Not the biggest, but not small either. The owner is at the end of the street opposite where you entered. He has just managed to get his pair of spooked draft horses under control.

Edit: The wagon would not be hard to set upright with a little teamwork, and the hitching seems to be undamaged. The glances coming from the wagon's owner make it clear he expected this to end with a little more blood, and he isn't incredibly happy about your pacifist results.

Zayid - You approach, and the Beast locks eyes with you. You see nobility there as well as a hint of a threat. Such an animal was not meant for a leash. However, your companions insist, so the rope goes on.
The Beast's head sags in defeat almost immidiately.

"You there!"

Freia points towards the man with the horses.

"By the order of the Capitan of the Guard this beast must be captured and brought in. We have done what we can and now we would require your assistance to ferry it to him."

She pauses for a moment and thinks back to Absentias animosity towards the Capitan before adding -

"I'm sure the good Capitan has the budget to reward you for your troubles"

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

The bluff roll is to motivate the wagoneer with an reward that might and might not exist.

1d20 ⇒ 16

The man eyes you carefully, then looks at the dog. Fine, but it better higher than what I was gettin' for me nets. Push that wagon over here. My horses ain't getting close to that thing.

At the Inn...Ol' Mum calls to anyone nearby, Anyone have some way of cleaning these wounds? They aren't that bad, but they'll fester.
The man moans on the ground. He has suffered a bite to the upper shoulder (no doubt meant for his throat) and a frightening gash across his left thigh.

Korrith's tail swishes the ground.

If I had prepared any extracts this morning, I might have... but I don't have any healing knowledge. Most of my alchemical expertise is geared toward kabooming.

According to the ARG, kobolds show emotions by moving their tails. I'm trying to get across that Korrith is concerned, but I am probably going to have to make up "expressions" as I go.

No healing talents, sorry. Waterskin help?

Pelgrev ties up another unconscious dog, then picks it up and carries it over to the front of the inn. He gently places it down, and produces an obviously handmade skin. He offers it to Ol' Mum.

Ol' mum takes the offered skin and nods her thanks. She uses the water to clean some of the blood away and get a better look at the wounds.

Zayid sighs as the dog's head lowers in defeat, and his own head lowers ever so slightly as well. Moving slowly, he reaches down to lift the Beast and place it into the wagon, keeping hold of the end of the makeshift leash with one hand. He climbs up into the wagon slowly, careful not to crowd the other occupant, and his gaze sweeps his surroundings as he watches out for any threats.

Ariana shakes her head quietly at Ol' Mum and watches the dogs from a safe distance, crossbow held loosely at her side.

No..unfortunately. Do you know where such a large creature came from, Miss?

So! We are ever closer to level 3 - have you asked Feral about ACG yet : )?

There is a spell I'd like to add to my spellbook in there:

:)

I haven't heard back from Feral. I'll poke him again

Oh, and speaking of lvl 3

Ding!

Let me know when youall are done leveling. :)

Has anyone heard from Ariana or Pelgrev? They kinda disappeared on us.

Pel lives like 10 minutes from my house, but he naver gave me his number or address (funny thing, he must have forgot)

@Noro/Missing Pel - Then you will just have to walk (drive?) in larger and larger circles, until you see someone frothing from their mouth with claws :P

@Choon - Mkay : ) I hold off levelling a bit then (but mostly since I still don't have half a clue as to what to get ... :P)

@Party/Wand - With the healing suggested, we have managed to chew trough 15 charges. So approximately 200gp split over the entire party. ~40-50 gp a head then to keep us topped off : )

leveled up completed.

I'm off to play some games with some friends, but I'll update tonight at latest : )

Still no word from Feral ?

All leveled up. Apparently I'm a cheater and Aboki had four too many hitpoints... oops! :P

General notice: feats and spells from the ACG have been cleared.

That is nice!

Level up:
7 hp (1d8 -> 5 +2 Con)
6 skill points (2+ 3 Int + 1 favoured class)
+1 Bab
+1 Ref
+2 spells in spellbook (Blade Leash & Silent Image)
Feat: Rime Spell (metamagic)
Arcana: ?

Now, the only thing not picked (plus assigning skill points) is the Arcana. I was eyeing the Flamboyant Arcana from ACG - it gives access to the Derring-Do & Opportune Riposte and Parry Deeds from the Swashbuckler class. The Magus uses Arcane Pool Points instead of Panache to activate Deeds. The first one is a small bonus on some physical skills (use an Arcane Point to jump a bit higher, for example). Opportune Parry and Riposte expends one Arcane Point and an AoO to attempt an opposed attack roll against an incoming attack. Pretty nifty : )

The Arcana also provides access to another Arcana, which lets the Magus pick up more Deeds. Some which are very nice. Note: The magus does NOT gain a way to restore Arcane Pool Points like how gunslingers & swashbucklers recover grit & panache.

I did spot Feral in the "Swashbucklers are OP" thread, so in addition to asking here I will shoot him a pm asking for his input : )

It seems as if he were not overly keen on the idea, so I think I'll stick with the older arcanas for now : )

The choice is now between the Arcane Accuracy one and the Familiar...

Also, I put some ranks into Linguistics. Would it be okay for Freia to visit the library and brush up on her Ancient Thassilon:P?

Now that you area are that thassalonians are involved, you could probably get a crash course. :)

will reck be continuing? or is he done. cause I am hoping to have Noro talk to reck.

Depends on Reck. I'm free to bring him back, so a cell visit is totally possible.

However, it might have to wait until after this boss fight as youall are going to get recalled and this crossover will kick off here soon.

See gameplay... there is a little backstory there with Noro and Reck... right now its just for Choon and Freia

Yupp, I'm looking in to it (both Noro's story and the language^^).

On another note, no news from either Pelgrev or Arianna ?

Radio silence.

If they never re-appear, it'll be ok. I'll continue this as long as youall are here and tailor the challenges to match. That being said, feel free to drop out if you wish to do so. Otherwise, we'll continue as long as I have story ideas. :)

I have no urge to drop out, I like all the characters involved in our little team; from the fluffy Aboki and his quiet master, to our spirit-warrior and spirited warrior - and the regal elf as well : )

I just think it would be more fun if they did indeed return! And I hope that you have plenty of ideas left in store ;)

I'm lurking, I like this game a lot and it's fun to read. Always happy for a conjugal visit from noro :D

Crossover intro posted. :)

Now, if we just could find all our members ... : )

Could we have a map for the crossover section/evil lair?

Still thinking about how to make a grand entre, but currently 'try to not let everything burn' and 'cry because fire' are fighting for the top spot... :P

Anyone heard anything from Pel or Ari? They have been MIA quite a while now ...

On a more amusing note: Freia is on fire, just not the way I hoped ... :-P

I've heard nothing, but didnt want to remove them completely for this fight, just on case. They'll be "reassigned" after this.

Mkay. I still hope they'll return any day now, but it is starting to feel unlikely...

On another more positive note - that will do Dice, that will do!

Just so you know, DM, I'll be leaving this Friday and returning sometime Sunday (but possibly not getting to PbPs until Monday).

Alrighty. Thanks for the heads up. :)

So, as Kalam and Mezzen have both kinda dropped off the grid, the Aspis game stands a good chance of not continuing. If this were the case and Halsanna wanted to continue as a Tear, would you all be willing to accept her into the ranks?

This assumes you all would wish to continue as well. If the multi-thread component of this game was removed, would you all be willing to continue on with me?

I think I'd still be up for it, but I have to admit I've found the recent (crossover) posting rates somewhat unexciting.

I'd be willing to have Halsanna join us.

I'm good as well... I have had several games die recently.

just started an epic level game and right out of the box I had to roll a nat 20 for my will save or take a perm hit to all mental stats that cannot be recovered by any means.

I like our team and our game, so I'd hope to continue : ) Halsanna seems like a pleasant person so if she wants to join, I'm more then happy to have her!

@Noro - Ouch! That sounds a bit harsh ...

Noro - wow. And I thought "only via wish/miracle" was bad.

I'll take some of the responsibility for a slow posting rate. Hopefully that will pick up quite a bit once we are done and I can make stuff up again story wise. Not that I'm not making stuff up now, it's just not story related. ;)

I'm fine with it.

@Noro & Ariana - We're up! And I believe the mage ordered a knuckle sandwich with some magical seasoning!

:P

As Noro is kicked away, and before Aboki jumps on him, Ariana throws a flask of dark, reddish liquid at the mage.
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 v Touch AC, 1d8 ⇒ 3 fire damage.

Edit: Oops >.>

I'll move us along once we get a couple things (Halsanna and aspis, mainly) decided in the other thread.

We didn't get an Indiana Jones escape where we run away from the giant ball? Aww ...

I guess we have to be content with the epicness we had :D

"You'll never take me alive coppers! You'll-- huh, you did.. Well how about that.."
((dot))

Welcome to the slightly less grey side of the force. :)

Don't worry, we don't expect you to transform Halsanna overnight. Some of us are still fighting our own battles...

Ariana I think is the only one not fighting demons right now. I plan to fix that. ;)

*blink* ...Transform?

She's okay fighting actual demons :).

So, what do these odd runes do? Let me tell you!

Arianna - you gain the Overchannel feat. The Manifester levels indicated counts as Caster Level.

Noro - You gain the Strength Surge rage power

Zayid - You gain the Boon Companion feat, also, your ranger level counts as Druid to determine your spell casting.

Aboki (he got a set too) - Gains a permanent Magic Fang effect on all his attacks, CL scales to Zayid's level automatically

Freia - You gain Arcane Strike feat

Halsanna - you gain the Psionic Shot feat.

All of you gain the Wild Talent feat in addition to those specific goodies.

Ariana and aboki will probably not get as many specific goodies as the others in the future as their goodies automatically scale with level, but I may still do something. We'll see. I do plan to add more abilities now that I'm not beholden to several other thread's power curves.

Ahh, the Freedom!

Omg psionics! Does this mean the martial types can grab path of war abilities? :P I have all the dreamscarred stuff but have never gotten to see it used.

You are now psionic characters. Suppress it or embrace it, it's all up to you and how your character would react. :)