The Siege on Ebonring Keep

Game Master stardust

Wish I could use my Perception check from above... ;) Perception is 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Ran-Hajad has been walking to the left and slightly behind Gargarath in the hope that scary-dragon-man won't see him. He occasionally peeps out to check. He is so busy avoiding the stern scaled warrior's gaze that he completely fails to notice that Gargarath has heard something. As the Sibeccai points down a side alley, Ran-Hajad walks into the back of him, and, being unprepared, trips and lands in a heap on the street.

'Sorry' he said, looking sheepishly up at his friend.

Gargerath can't help but smile as he pulls the giant to his feet. "You're something, aren't you?" Saying that, he'll unsling his spikestick and move into the alley, keeping his eyes and ears open.

The Dracha's wings rise slightly as a result of the Sibeccai's warning. His first reaction is to reach for his axe but he curses loudly in Draconic when he remembers leaving it to the gate guard.
"My body is my weapon.
As long as I breathe, I shall fight.
My body is fit and sharp.
No one shall conquer me."
Those close enough to Y'rjar'n can hear him quickly recites a sort of warrior mantra. Once done, he readies his shield and moves into the alley behind Gargerath.

Gargerath, your weapon's being held at the town gate. :)

And if you rolled a better perception check when I asked for one you can use that one instead.

Moving into the alley
The alley is roughly 10 feet wide and 60 feet long, leading between four large buildings, two warehouses and two closed storefronts. A large 6' tall wooden crate takes up one 5-foot space about 30 feet in front of you.

View the following in Courier for a map. I'm not the most technically savvy at those map programs. :P

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S=sibeccai
1=Gargerath
2=Ran Hajad
3=Y'rjar'n
4=Adrian
#=Crate
[_]=open space
[W]=wall
[|] or [-] = door

While the crate can be seen around, it does block your view of most of the alley behind it. A lone sibeccai armed with a saber seems to be holding it up at arm's length. The sibeccai seems occupied with whatever he is doing and does not notice your presence.

Perception 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
Sense Motive 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Sense Motive 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Ah, keen are the senses of the Giant! And in case you want an initiative at any stage... Initiative 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Senses aren't Y'rjar'n strong suit.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Edit:
Y'rjar'n calls out to the Sibeccai. "You! Sibeccai! Drop that crate and stop trying to hide in the shadows."

The Sibeccai turns toward you, pointing the saber at you in a menacing fashion.

"This does not concern you. Be on your way."

A muffled scream from behind the crate:

"Help me! Someone, please."

At the sound of the cry, Ran-Hajad cowers behind Gargarath, clinging onto his friend's arm. Shaking, the giant stammers 'Mmmmmaybe, we should help?'. The powerful emotion of fear coming from the giant seems to energise the Sibeccai warrior.

As Ran-Hajad is touching him, he will use Quick Boost on Gargarath - I'm hoping for a more organic feel to Ran-Hajad than 'I take a standard action to cast this spell' if that's OK? Mechanically there will be no change, it's just a way of trying to play up the fact he draws power from the land, often subconsciously. Regardless, the quick boost adds +2 to Gargarath's STR for 1d4 ⇒ 3 rounds

Feeling a sudden surge of adrenaline, Gargerath will step into the alley near the first door on the left, peering aroung the crate to see what's up. A low growl erupts from his throat as he ponders his next move.

I'd like to know what I see before I use my next action.

As you approach the crate (and the Sibeccai), he releases a low growl from the back of his throat.

"Stay back if you value your life. Go back to where you came from."

Behind the crate, you can see a second Sibeccai, also armed, holding a human female hostage (she is struggling, though currently her mouth is covered by the second sibeccai's paw.)

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S=sibeccai
w=woman
1=Gargerath
2=Ran Hajad
3=Y'rjar'n
4=Adrian
#=Crate
[_]=open space
[W]=wall
[|] or [-] = door

Y'rjar'n move up beside Gargerath, wings raised high. He doesn't seem fazed by the threats. In fact, he seems almost itching for a fight. "I'm not the kind to run away from a confrontation. Now, you're gonna stop barking threats and hiding behind weak hostages. Fight us or flee like cowards, your choice."

"You kidnap like common thugs? Have you no pride? Have you fallen so far from our sacred roots as to become mere brigands?"

The sibeccai stands ready for combat. His saber held in front of him.

"You do not understand. The woman owes her life to the Talon, we have come to collect. Do not keep us from performing our duty."

Do I know this Talon of which they speak?

Knowledge: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Do I know this Talon of which they speak?

Knowledge: 1d20+2

Unfortunately not.

I'm pretty confident that my character also doesn't know anything about Talon.

Y'rjar'n doesn't care to much about the hostage but saving her seems like the honorable thing to do. Besides, he's kinda been itching to get into a fight with a sibeccai ever since he was confronted by one at the village's gates. "Performing your duty? Ha! Don't make me laugh, you're nothing but common thugs. I think I will make it my own 'duty' to stop the likes of you."

The sibeccai looks up a little alarmed at the dracha, but gestures to his companion who is still holding the woman. He begins to drag the struggling woman towards the back of the alley. The first sibeccai then brandishes his blade and backs away from the party, protecting the retreat of his comrade.

If you're going to initiate combat, roll for initiative or repost what you got above with your action. :P

Gargerath has a 10 for initiative.

Growling deep in his throat, he'll move forward, then tumble past the swordsman to get behind and beside the woman.

"Fools! Talon or not, your carelessness by being noticed is your foolishness. Leave the woman and go. If she truly owes you her life, then you may collect another day. If you are villains, then you deserve the beating you are about to receive."

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Seeing that Gargerath is trying to deal with the one holding the woman, Y'rjar'n moves on the saber-wielding sibeccai. He holds his shield high while rushing forward, almost as if the Dracha wants to slam it on the sibeccai nose. At the last moment, Y'rjar'n instead brings his shield down on his enemy's swordarm while spinning to his left. In this way, he hopes to deflect any blows as well as put him in an advantageous position to steal the sibeccai's saber with his free hand.

In other words, Y'rjar'n tries an unarmed disarm. Without improved disarm, this could provoke an AoO. CM check: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 4 = 19

Initiative 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Uncertain if his companions' reaction to the situation is the right one, Adrian moves up to closer watch the battle.

Initiative
Adrian 21
Sibeccai 12
Gargerath 10
Y'rjar'n 9
Ran-Hajad 8

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S=sibeccai
w=woman
1=Gargerath
2=Ran Hajad
3=Y'rjar'n
4=Adrian
#=Crate
[_]=open space
[W]=wall
[|] or [-] = door

Initiative for Sibeccai 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Adrian moves closer to the battle.
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The sibeccai looks a little concerned at the group ganging up on him. He takes a defensive stance. (fighting defensively) The other sibeccai takes the woman further down the alley.
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Gargerath attempts to tumble past the first Sibeccai (now referred to as Sibeccai1), but the Sibeccai adjusts and gains an attack of opportunity, preventing Gargerath from moving past him.

Attack of Opportunity 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (11) - 3 = 8
Damage 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
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As Sibeccai1 pulls back his saber, Y'rjar'n 's shield suddenly bangs against it, knocking it free from his grasp. It reflects off the side of the crate and lands on the ground at his feet.
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Ran-Hajad?

Ran-Hajad contemplates for a moment. His friend has run in to fight and Ran-Hajad isn't going to get in the wary of scary lizard man in case he gets eaten (or worse!). He wonders what is at the other side of this house - humans seem to like to build their settlements in regular blocks - so he hobbles back to the edge of the building as quickly as his crippled leg will allow. He looks to see if there is a way - perhaps through the garden - which will take him into the alleyway behind.

If not he'll just come back and make his way behind the others in case anyone gets hurt.

Actions for Round 2?

Gargerath will dive for the woman, attempting to wrest her from the grasp of the Sibeccai2. What should I roll for that?

To Ran-Hajad, there is no other entrance to the alley tha you can find where you are.

To Gargerath, That depends on how you want to do it... :P

OK, back round I go to where you had me before - that still within a move action of Gargarath?

Shouldn't Y'rjar'n have the weapon in hand since he did it unarmed (which gave him a -4 ... the whole shield thing was flavor text)? If so, he'll attack the sibeccai with it, otherwise he'll try to pick it up and attack afterwards.

Y'rjar'n: picking up the item is automatically successful. I wasn't sure if that's what you wanted to do or not. You can just post that you're picking up the weapon, in character. Edit: Oh, I see it now. Yes, you pick up the weapon, and are now armed.

Gargerath will attempt to grab the Sibbecai who is holding the woman.

CMB: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Initiative
Adrian 21
Sibeccai 12
Gargerath 10
Y'rjar'n 9
Ran-Hajad 8

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S=sibeccai
w=woman
1=Gargerath
2=Ran Hajad
3=Y'rjar'n
4=Adrian
#=Crate
[_]=open space
[W]=wall
[|] or [-] = door

Adrian closes his eyes for a moment, lifting a hand to his forehead as though concentrating hard.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
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Sibeccai1 falls unconscious at the party's feet.
Seeing his companion fall for no apparent reason, Sibeccai2 releases the woman and runs through the door on the far side of the alley.
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Gargerath reaches the woman just as she collapses, exhausted and relieved into his arms.
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Y'rjar'n holds his attack, as the sibeccai is no longer a threat to him.
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Ran-Hajad makes his way back to the group.

Sorry about the delay everyone. My fault. I was waiting for someone else to post their actions, and I wasn't entirely certain who it was. Used to having the verrik around.

Now that the fight has ended, Y'rjar'n takes a more relaxed pose while making a few practice swings with the sibeccai's saber. He looks almost disappointed. "That fight was over before it even started ... I suppose the guardians of this cage would look badly upon me if I kept this weapon?" He asks to no one in particular.

After practicing swings with the saber, you notice that it is of exceptional quality and well balanced in your hand.

Unaware that in fact his friend wasn't (directly, at least) responsible for the abrupt cessation of hostilities, Ran-Hajad hobbles up and claps a meaty hand on Gargarath's shoulder. 'Heh' he chuckles knowingly, as if the bravery of the Sibeccai itself had cowed the attackers.

Noting the unconscious woman, a concerned frown passes over his face. He begins to fan her with cool air, and gently prods her in a few places to make sure she isn't badly hurt.

Make a Heal check to see what her condition is 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

The woman is alright, and comes around quickly. She is exhausted.

Will be gone this afternoon and evening due to work.

Assuming the others don't feel like chasing the Sibeccai down, then Ran-Hajad will offer to take the woman back to the inn if the others wish to push on to the Liar's Club? Or maybe question her once she's had a chance to recover?

Adrian looks over the unconscious sibeccai.

"I hadn't expected that particular spell to be so effective. I think their bark was worse than their bite..."

Adrian makes a worried glance at Gargerath.

"Can I say that without offending anyone?"

He looks around the party, questioning uncertainty gleaming in his eyes.

"Now what? After the one that got away? What should we do with this one?"

As Adrian asks his questions, Y'rjar'n kneels beside the unconscious sibeccai to retrieve the saber's scabbard. He talks as he secures it around his own waist. "To the victors the spoils, I suppose. As for the defeated, let them go spread the news of our victory. I don't think those thugs will want to fight us again."

What stats do I use for the saber? Scimitar? Longsword? Rapier??

It is a masterwork scimitar. As you examine it, you also notice that it has several gold and jeweled embellishments, including a purple crystal set in the pommel.

"If you intend to keep that, Y'rjar'n, I suggest you keep it hidden from the town guard. They don't like having anyone seriously armed. I suppose they think it cuts down on crime."

He looks down at the unconscious sibeccai.

"I don't think it's working."

The unconscious sibeccai begins to stir.

"I don't understand why you Giant-friends wall yourself in your cities and then enforce so many rules... It makes me want to leave this place not stay." When the downed sibeccai stirs, Y'rjar'n walks to him and puts one of his feet on his enemy's chest. "I didn't thought he would regain consciousness so quickly. Perhaps we should ask him a few questions?" He asks the others.

I'm assuming our players are on vacation for the weekend.

Back from vacation!

Gargerath growls in a low voice. "Be polite to the fallen one. Villain or not, he's one of mine. I won't take kindly to unnecessary violence toward him."

Y'rjar'n narrows his eyes at Gargerath. "Who spoke of more violence? While I enjoy defeating my foes in combat, I am no savage beast that plays with its prey before the kill. Besides, I was merely asking for opinions. We can simply leave him here unharmed, I care not. He is no threat to me"

"Fine. Then ask your questions and let him go."

Gargerath moves over to the woman. "Who is the Talon and why do you owe your life to them?"

The woman is still a little weary from struggling in the previous encounter, she gasps a little, trying to catch her breath, even as her face goes red, presumably from embarassment.

"I had to.... take out a loan. To protect my son. I don't ask questions about the Talon, but I did swear to give my life over to him in eternal servitude if I could not repay the debt."

The woman nearly breaks down in tears.

"I'm so ashamed! I couldn't keep my part of the bargain. But my son is too young to be left alone! I ran, and they found me."

She pauses for a second or two.

"Please let me go now. I swear I'll do my duty. I just have to make a few more preparations."

The woman is still a little weary from struggling in the previous encounter, she gasps a little, trying to catch her breath, even as her face goes red, presumably from embarassment.

"I had to.... take out a loan. To protect my son. I don't ask questions about the Talon, but I did swear to give my life over to him in eternal servitude if I could not repay the debt."

The woman nearly breaks down in tears.

"I'm so ashamed! I couldn't keep my part of the bargain. But my son is too young to be left alone! I ran, and they found me."

She pauses for a second or two.

"Please let me go now. I swear I'll do my duty. I just have to make a few more preparations."

Gargerath sighs. Stupid human. "How much is this debt?"