The Shackles of Freeport on the Razor Coast - DM VoV's Piratey Jaunt (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

At the hiss of the snake-like enemy, Tordek quickly rattles off a spell. In a swirl of mist and figment leaves, a wolf blinks into existence next to the dwarf. With a point of his hand toward the hissing sound, Tordek hopes that the wolf will recognize the hissing as an opponent and attack.

Not sure if you want me to roll attacks or not at this stage. It acts immediately upon summoning.

Converting Summon Swarm to Summon Nature's Ally II

Activity requiring initiative ensues - it's bedtime for me and I've a fairly hectic workaday tomorrow, so will get it up when and whence I can.

AC: 17, hp: 21; acid dart 5/6;
small air elemental AC 15, hp 13 (2/4 rnds)

"Now what the hells is that?" Quillin wonders as he spits in his palm and flings the spittle at the snake-man.

ranged touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
acid: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

The mass becomes a hissing green glob when it splatters against an unsuspecting wall. Cursing, the conjurer directs the gnome-sized air elemental to charge the muddy menace.

air raid: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26
slam: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Tipene barges through the worst of the scrum around the door and spills back into the main chamber of the casino just as the rest of you stir to action against the foes.

Round 1: Tordek, Lysandra, Tipene, Quillin, Serpentfolk

For those that haven't combatted with me - I run 'theater of the mind' maps for the most part as it's easier and takes less time for me to whip up. Positioning is fairly fluid, and you can 'generally' achieve what you want as long as it's reasonable.
I run an action tracker - as per above - where if your name is in bold you are yet to act, and when you have it gets changed to normal type. Left to right the turn runs, though feel free to state your intent ahead of time and I'll fold it on at the appropriate point. Please make sure you only post for the current round though - and wait for the bad guys to act before continuing on.
In this case you're all up before the serpentfolk get their turn.

As the scene trains to affray you take stock. The serpentfolk dragging the man off is about 40ft ahead of you and outside of the mist near where Quillin's air elemental still swirls. The fog has rolled back in to cloud your legs though - rendering you in slightly less certain conditions. Tipene is off towards the door, a good thirty odd feet from where you stand.

The hissing came from behind you in amongst the mist... somewhere...

At this point the acid spit and summoning of the wolf has not yet occurred, though you can keep those as your round 1 if you wish.
Tordek - unless there's another ability you have that I'm missing the Summon should be a 1 round cast?

Correct, it should be a full 1 round casting.

think I have a range of 30 for acid dart so I'll advance to close the distance. Otherwise, keep actions.

Lysandra continues to fight and shove her way toward Tipene, and perhaps more importantly her weapons.

Tipene and Lysandra meet halfway, taking a modicum of care to avoid bric a brac just out of view below the surface of the mist. Weapons are redistributed and burden lessened, while behind the tulita the scrum of people hold back the casino thugs from gaining entry to the floor.
Consider the both of you rearmed and dangerous.

Tordek's mouth is filled with words of summoning, seeking to call upon a creature from the First World as Quillin surges after his elemental towards the serpentfolk. The gnome unleashes a gobbet of corrosive spittle, that unfortunately sails wide of the mark. The elemental has better luck, striking a glancing blow against the scaled beast's side. It hisses with anger but doesn't release it's charge yet.

The one serpent in view withdraws around the corner of the passage it's in... drawing an opportunistic swing from it's airy foe...
AoO for Airy

Within the mist coating the casino floor, the cloaking mist roils and moves as a susurrant hiss of scales on wood can be heard. Both Tordek and Lysandra feel the solid thump of a scaled tail crunching into their legs - seeking to put them prone...
Trip on Tordek: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Trip on Lysandra: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
...Tordek's distraction making him an easy target, while Lysandra from a more stable platform is similarly unable to stop dropping to the floor.

Adjacent to each of the tripped souls is another of the degenerate serpentfolk, teeth exposed and clawed limbs surging to close...
While adjacent they have concealment (20% miss chance) from the mist

There is a tulmult and confusion on the first floor, as some of the staff have seen both scaled and fleshy activities on the floor. They seem to be making for the stairs to the ground level.

Round 2: Tordek, Lysandra, Tipene, Quillin, Serpentfolk

Am I still casting my spell or was it interrupted by the trip? Or is it a concentration check?

Quickly surveying the area, Lysandra feels a bit better about the situation with her blade in her hand. She briefly considers attacking the serpentfolk immediately, but thinks that aiding those against the intruders is the more prudent course of action as she begins to sing.

"And it's all for me grog, me jolly, jolly grog
All for me beer and tobacco
Well I spent all me tin on the lassies drinking gin
Across the western ocean I must wander

Where are me boots, me noggin, noggin boots
they're all gone for beer and tobacco
For the heels they are worn out and the toes are kicked about
And the soles are looking for better weather..."

Start Inspire Courage +1 competence bonus to attacks and damage, +1 morale bonus to saves vs. charm and fear.

AC: 17, hp: 21; acid dart 5/6;
small air elemental AC 15/17, hp 13 (1/4 rnds)

AoO: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
slam: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"After it!" Quillin waves his hand forward to the elemental and follows.

charge!: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 = 24
slam: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

I've got move 25 so prob not, but if I get within sight in 1 move, I'll grease the carried pirate. Otherwise move up to see the snakeman

Tipene opens himself to the power of Ocean. He whirls his great war club around and smashes it to the floor with a mighty thud, going well wide of the snake that had gone after Lysindra.

Concealment chance, 1=miss: 1d5 ⇒ 3
Tewhatewha PA to snake, incl. bloodrage: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 9 - 1 = 9

Am I still casting my spell or was it interrupted by the trip? Or is it a concentration check?

Concentration check to hold it - we'll call it 'vigorous motion while casting', so a DC 12 check.

Concentration: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 against a DC of 12 (10 + 2nd level spell)

Landing flat on his butt, the stalwart dwarf continues his methodical spellcasting hardly phased by the fall. When the wolf appears, he points toward the snake dragging the man away, Hopi g the wolf recognizes the enemy. He then surveys the ground around him for threats immediately next to him.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Sorry for the wee delay - was cake baking last night

Lysandra's words infuse Tipene's heart and arms with power... that's unfortunately misused as the man's tewhatewha thuds into the floor beside the slinking degenerate serpent.

Quillin skulks forwards to coat the insensate and dragged pirate with lubricant, which combined with the elemental's continued blows serves to jolt the man from the serpent's grasp.

Tordek's wolf appears...
Tordek - the serpent dragging the pirate is out of your line of sight (he went round a corner), and the one that assaulted Lysandra is also out of LoS (below the mist). The most pertinent threat is the snake that just tripped you (which is adjacent) - you don't detect any other threats.
Want to direct the wolf at that? - also need round 2 actions for you.

Round 2: Tordek, Lysandra, Tipene, Quillin, Serpentfolk

Yes, directing the attack at the nearby snake.

Damn bloody snake. Chill out! Tordek says as he points his finger at the creature, lobbing a bolt of ice at him.

Icicle (ranged touch on the nearby snake): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 131d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6
Concealment? 1 is a miss.: 1d5 ⇒ 4

Wolf Chomp (add 1 to each roll if he benefits from bardic performance.: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 121d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Concealment? 1 is a miss.: 1d5 ⇒ 5

The serpentfolk by Tordek evades both the flung bolt of ice as well as the flailing jaws of the summoned wolf. It hisses before attempting to drag Tordek away...
Grapple: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 4 = 14
...though it's grasping claws gain no purchase upon the prone dwarf.

The serpent by Tipene and Lysandra attempts this time to put the tulita upon the ground...
Trip: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
...failing miserably at it's task, unable to even get a touch on the bigger man.

The last of the serpentfolk grasps again for the prone and unconscious pirate...
Grapple: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 4 = 15
...re-establishing it's grip at first before the augmented slippery exterior of the humanoid proves too much for it.

For each of you the actions of the creatures seems to betray a certain... denseness and lack of adequate thought? Singleminded outside of ability or affect of their actions.

Round 3: Tordek, Lysandra, Tipene, Quillin, Serpentfolk

There's three mini-knots of activity.
Tordek + wolf + one serpent (in the mist)
Lysandra + Tipene + another serpent (in the mist)
Quillin + last serpent + prone pirate + air elemental (in side room and out of view - no mist due to air elemental stirring the air)

Lysandra continues her song while channeling the smallest amount of magic into her blade and stabbing at the serpentfolk with her blade.

"Well it's all for me grog, me jolly jolly grog,
It's all for me beer and tobacco.
For I spent all me tin on the lassies drinking gin,
Far across the western ocean I must wander.

Where is me shirt, me noggin', noggin' shirt,
It's all gone for beer and tobacco,
For the collar is all worn, and the sleeves they are all torn,
And the tail is looking out for better weather."

Rapier: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12 (inspire courage)
Miss Chance? (1-20 misses): 1d100 ⇒ 26
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3 (inspire courage, arcane strike)

Free action - Continue Song, Swift Action - Arcane Strike, Standard Action - Stab

AC: 17, hp: 21; acid dart 4/6;

The whistling airball hurtles itself at the degenerate one more time before it is pulled back to its plane of origin.

AoO: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
slam: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Quillin grunts and spits in his hand. With a word and a gesture, the lobbed gob becomes a corrosive wad.

ranged touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
acid: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Tordek uses the floor to roll about, avoiding the grasping claws of the serpent. Cursing, he sends another icy arrow at his foe and leaves the wolf to attack the creature once more.

They don't seem much for the thinking, do they? Tordek hollers up from the mist.

Icicle (ranged touch on the nearby snake): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 = 251d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6
Concealment? 1 is a miss: 1d5 ⇒ 3

Wolf Chomp (add 1 to each roll if he benefits from bardic performance): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 221d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Concealment? 1 is a miss: 1d5 ⇒ 2

Icicle 12/14 remain, Wolf 1/3 rounds remain

The rage of the sea fills Tipene's arms. This time, the foe can't avoid his massive blow.

Miss chance, 1=miss: 1d5 ⇒ 4
Raging, inspired PA club: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 1 - 1 = 26
Putting on the hurt, inspired style: 1d6 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 1 = 14

Apologies - wee swirl of cold, flu, kids, otherwise.

Tordek's ministrations of both ice and wolf-given tooth serve purpose well and render the serpentfolk insensate. Similarly Tipene takes advantage of the distraction offered by Lysandra's miss to deliver a bone-snapping blow that drives their serpent into the floor. It also ceases to move bar the ragged drawing of breath thereafter.

Quillin's attempts are less successful, as his summoned wind-bag fails to further mar the beast and his corrosive spittle only burns a black mark into the wall.

All of you hear a piercing high-pitched whistle emanating from the corridors where Quillin remains with the unconscious pirate. The serpent piques to the noise, hissing before slithering away and deeper into the bowels of the casino at haste.

The mist that plied the casino also begins to ebb and fade, dissipating slowly. The thugs that Tipene left in his wake force their way through the thinning press and with menacing tone growl "No weapons on the floor... drop 'em." they bear cudgel and bludgeon themselves, but are awaiting your reaction before reasoning whether they need to use them...

Round 4: Tordek, Lysandra, Tipene, Quillin, Serpentfolk, Guards

Quillin - do you hare off after the serpentfolk on your own? - or consolidate?
For those on the main floor - there are no hostile serpents in view that aren't unconscious - and those that are broken are in view of the thugs.

Quillin - do you hare off after the serpentfolk on your own?

er, alone? no.

Quillin takes a moment to pat down the unconscious pirate before returning to the main room. He responds to the bouncers' request. "Well, that's a conundrum," the gnome observes. "Dropping the weapons would, in fact, put them on the floor which you just prohibited."

"Conundrum!" Smudge agrees.

"Maybe they can just set their weapons on top of the weird snake-man mutants lying there? Would that count as keeping them off the floor?" the gnome asks.

Ending Bardsong, effects will linger for 2 more rounds.

Hearing Quillin's response, Lysandra can't help but grin, as she shows no intention of dropping her blade.

"And here I thought a simple 'thank you' might be a more appropriate response, seeing as we had to do your jobs for you." she says gesturing toward the downed serpentfolk, before adding, "Or at least he did anyway." nodding toward Tipene.

Tipene shudders with exhaustion as he turns away from Ocean, then sets his club down in front of him.

Quillin's snark brings a sneer from the thugs and a deepening of disposition, but that it tempered by the unveiling of the serpentfolk lying cold and stark upon the floor. As adrenaline fades the scent of slimy fishguts mixes with the inimitable odour of ordure and makes the scene even more bizarre. The thug follows up with a "Rules is rules gnome, like we told the heathen" indicating Tipene "But he didn't listen..." the muscleman looks like he might be seeking to escalate the situation before he's interrupted by a better dressed lady emerging.

"Gord" the thug turns to listen to the lady "leave them to me - go and check below" settling a gaze of hidden meaning imparted onto the thug - who begrudgingly nods and leaves the rest of you with a sneer. He heads towards the passageway that Quillin and the serpent danced among.

The lady clicks her tongue and turns back to you "I take it this had nothing to do with you?" arching an eyebrow.

"Nothing to do with starting this mess, that's for sure." Lysandra quips. "Any idea why the snakey-folk are here?"

Tordek picks himself up from the ground as his wolf fades from existence. Aye, one of those slithery lot knocked me square on my kiester. Since no one was jumping to take care 'o the likesa me, I rescued myself a bit there. Lovely fog you've introduced here. Thematic to the port life, eh? he says, as he rubs his tailbone, keeping his eyes open for new threats.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Quillin takes a moment to pat down the unconscious pirate before returning to the main room.

anything?

The gnome smiles broadly at the fancy lady, "Now I have been known to keep some odd company at times, but I draw the line at mutant snake-men."

The Tulita shakes his head as he bends to retrieve his tewhatewha from the floor.

Grimly the lady measures your words, but ultimately swallows them well enough "No... this is the first I've seen of them." suspiciously sounding like 'something's being held back, but clearly unwilling to entertain the discussion further "My security was containing the situation, though one supposes your presence was of some help... you can see the barman for a tot on your way out."

The gnome clears his throat. "Ahem, generous of you, milady. I should mention that one of these horrible creatures escaped that direction." He points to the interior passage that the Gord went down. "Guess that I forgot to mention that to your guard for some reason. It might be best that we have a look as we seem the best equipped, er now, to deal with this menace."

"Man Down!" Smudge reminds.

"Oh yeah, there's a fallen man down there, too. Scaly was dragging him off. We can help take care of him," Q adds.

The lady holds up a hand to ward away the offer "My men will see to my house... I'm sure you understand that I wouldn't want any man off the street wandering through my house's nether regions." pausing slightly to reassess before pressing "The House is closed for the night... though the watch will likely need to see to the bodies. You're free to stay until we talk through the matter with them?"

The gnome shrugs. "Your call, but I'd likely be a bit more concerned about strange snakes slithering around my 'nethers'. Tipene, why don't you grab that unconscious gambler and drag him in here where we can keep an eye on him. I imagine the Watch will be interested in questioning him. I suppose I'll take that drink while we're waiting and I have some chips to cash if I may."

Tipene nods, then makes his way back to the entrance to leave off his war club. "Drink sounds good. Thank you."

A drink is always the right answer lass! Tordek calls gruffly, as he dusts his pants off. Ye have anything sugarcane based? Preferably with some spice to it? He asks the barman when he plops himself onto a stool, brushing his tangled hair from his face.

The lady demurely nods and gestures you to the bar where despite the tumult of the floor and night, the barman appears to have maintained his senses and position. The bar is relatively well stocked with liquor and mixers both - furnishing your libatory desires swiftly.

Tipene's desire to drag the man out to the floor is forestalled by security from the casino doing the same for him. The bloodied man is left propped up against a wall, and as of yet doesn't show any sign of wakening.

Quillin's desire to cash in chips is able to be served... but he's given slight pause. It's the same cashier in the cage that cashed in his chits just before all hell broke loose...

As to the woman of stature, she can be seen directing her men to secure the building and proceeds to the serpent's exit point at least once or twice to discuss in hushed tones something beyond overhearing with the men there. Time drags on though, as you finish your drinks and wait for the watch.

"Ah well, I was holding back for later, but considering that you're closed for the night, might as well cash ALL my chips." The gnome grins broadly and pushes another 25 chips forward for exchange.

Quillin's request is met with a simple shrug of the shoulders by the cashier - any peculiarity in the request flying firmly over their head.

Any last discussion / side-talk before the watch arrive?

Tipene murmurs to the gnome, "What's our story? Best we all know it when they come asking."

Tordek continues to nurse his drink, content with the burning course it charts down his throat.

Quillin smiles as he pockets more ill-gotten gains.

Tipene murmurs to the gnome, "What's our story? Best we all know it when they come asking."

"What do you mean? I was just here to make some money. Mission accomplished. I am slightly intrigued as to why mutant snakes are raiding gambling dens though. That seems a bit unusual. Wonder if it's tied to any strangled gamblers."

Lysandra nods, agreeing with the gnome's statement. "He's got the right of it. We were minding our own business when the snakey-guys showed up. We just happened to be able to do the jobs that the establishment's guards couldn't, and we were just kind enough to do so."

Feeling his cups a bit, Tordek reels back on the stool. Mebbe, just mebbe, them snake fellows are a METAPHOR fer the evils of gamblin'. It coils 'round ya like a snake! HAH! He says, voice slightly slurred.

Satisfied, Tipene nods. And I am obviously a bodyguard for the gnome.

Apologies for the wee delay - busy New Year plus work based uncertainties.

It take a good span of twenty to thirty minutes of waiting before the watch finally decides to arrive into the Casino... clearly word of mouth doesn't travel at breakneck speeds in Scurvytown. Upon arrival the watchmen are taken to one side by the woman of stature for a quiet discussion out of your earshot. Given the body language involved there is a healthy amount of deference shown towards her. After a couple of minutes talk (which involves a few pointed glances and gestures in your direction) the watch captain gives a nod to both the lady and his underlings. The underlings head into the passage that the snake-man retreated through with a couple of the casino's thugs... while the watch captain heads in your direction on his own.

A stern faced man with deep frown lines creasing his weathered face he queries "Right... might as well get your side as well... out wi' it then."

"Right... might as well get your side as well... out wi' it then."

The gnome scratches his dreadlocked head. "Our side? Didn't know there were sides here. We were just enjoying our night in town with a few games of chance when fog started pouring up out of the floor and snake weirdos started grabbing people. We did what we could to defend ourselves and saved that poor sap over there. That's all there is to it."

There isn't much show of emotion on the guard's face as he adds "And when did you land in Freeport then? No encounters with the degenerates before this evenin?" clearly using the degenerate term to specifically refer to the serpent creatures.

"This morning. Am I to take it that snakefreak attacks are common around here?"

Smudge makes a clicking sound and swivels his head around. "Look out!"

Long used to the bird's antics, Tipene doesn't react to Smudge's comment. "If yes, best we stay armed."