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"I believe you sister, I just can't see it. How big is it, does it fill the room?" Femi looks around, Detect Magic still going, and tries to find what the woman is talking about.Femi:You do recognize a moderately strong illusion aura flitting around the room. It always seems to be nearby when there's some accident or another fight breaking out. It moves to quickly for you to focus on it."Is that Albia Levii by chance?" he asks quietly.
"Oh no, it's a wee thing!" She holds her hands apart no farther than maybe a small cat or a large rat. "Kind of cute really when it's not causing trouble!" She gets distracted again by a few people shouting but when Femi asks her another question she turns back with a big smile.
"Oh yeah thats Abby! We aren't supposed to call her that but it's easier to say when yer deep in yer cups!" She smiles even wider. "She's been cleanin' up the neighborhoods you know! Running that Chelish group she's got. Makin' a good name fer strong women!"
Kalem puts his hand on Brask's shoulder to stop him.
"While I don't doubt your strength, I'm not sure how keen she'll be to fight somebody wearing a full plate of armor. But as far as tavern brawl's go, I think I might be a better choice to establish a relationship with our interest. You guys figure out what going on here while I make a new friend..."
And with that, Kalem gets up and makes his way thorugh the crowd of people until he steps into the ring with Albia. He cracks his knuckles and indicates he's looking to brawl.
Elias catches a flying bar mug and sets it almost delicately on the table. He looks at Albia and cocks his head curiously, "What kind of person works for the citizens militia and calls the chellish 'dogs' I wonder. Kalem, I would like to see how she fights. See if you can goad her into saying something inopportune about the regime, or the ravens."
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As Kalem steps into the ring and kind of hush moves over the crowd. At least on person mutters "Oh s%~! it's a tiefling!"
Albia turns to her new challenger and spits on the ground. "Exactly the kind of trash I've been trying to clean up! Perfect!" She snarls and finishes the drink she had in her hands before throwing it to the floor.
"The leader of the Chelish Militia versus some rat from the Nursery! This is easy money, you all better place your bets quickly because it'll be over soon."
She waits a few moments for money to change hands, including quite a few coins from her own pocket, then steps forward and lifts her fists to show she's ready for the fight.
Before Kalem can even move Albia is on him. Her fist cracks against his chin splitting his skin and drawing first blood. The cheering intensifies and quite a few people shout for Albia, but you find a number of people shouting for 'The Tiefling' or 'The Nursery Boy' as well.
Round 1
Albia -
Kalem - 8 nonlethal dmg
At work and trying to post with my phone.
Using martial flexibility for dodge
Using combat expertise
Effective AC is 19
First one was a 4 so I don't think that hits
[dice=2 attack]1d20+2[dice]
Kalem takes the blow, not expecting his opponent's fist to have so much weight behind it. Still, he's been brawls before, nothing he couldn't handle.
Using marital flexibility to pick up dodge, and attacking with combat expertise to further increase his defense, he lashes out with a brawler's fury.
Total current AC is 19.
[Unarmed strike] (rolled a 4 earlier in a mispost) +2 = 6
Mtradil stands up and knocks over his ale in shock as the events here get more and more violent.
He whispers to Femi "Is he going to be okay?"
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Kalem takes the blow and offers up a few of his own. The first misses but the second takes Albia in the stomach and you can see by the widening of her eyes that she isn't used to people making it through her own defenses so quickly.
She says nothing as she moves to pummel the brawler again, this time striking out with her knee after missing with her first punch. Both attacks miss as Kalem dodges them with ease and Albia's face grows more red.
"Got a few tricks, eh rat? I got a few too."
The crowd grows more intense and divided with every passing second. "She usually gets a few hits in before taking any of her own!" Says one excited drunken halfling standing on the bar to get a better view.
Round 2
Albia - 4 dmg
Kalem - 8 Dmg
Kalem, remembering Elias's remarks, decides to mix a bit of goading with his attacks.
"What's the matter!" he shouts, as he doges her first attack.
"Don't your masters feed you enough?"
While he likes to make things fancy most of the time, Kalem will instead go for an utter beatdown.
EDIT: This is still using comat expertise and Dodge, AC =19
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As Kalem lands another blow on the Chelish Citizen leader, the crowd "Oooh"'s and "Ahh"'s. It's hard to tell but it seems like those rooting for Kalem might be edging toward the Majority.
in at attempt to regain the upper hand Albia throws out two punches but neither miss. One drunk starts to laugh at her, but a quick look from the woman, split lip and all, shuts him up.
Round 3
Albia - 9dmg
Kalem - 8dmg
Mtradil stands up and knocks over his ale in shock as the events here get more and more violent.
He whispers to Femi "Is he going to be okay?"
Femi answers back, eyes riveted on the proceedings, "That's a very good question."
Hand on his spell component pouch, Femi waits, and watches, standing on the balls of his feet, leaning toward the fight, eagerly awaiting the outcome.
Kalem presses forward determined to strike the finishing blow before she does.
Effective AC is still 19
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Kalem steps in with another solid punch against Albia and, much to the crowds surprise, the woman's eyes roll back in her head as blood starts to run from her now broken nose. The spectators just barely catch her falling body as she lands, dazzed on the floor.
There's a moment of silence, as the woman is dragged to the back of the establishment, a few chelish militia thugs eye him angrily, but if they're going to say anything it's instantly drowned out by the cheering of everyone who had been cheering the Tiefling on. The fact that a few enterprising individuals, taking advantage of Albia's habit of gambling on herself had just made a few hundred gold didn't hurt either.
A few more scuffles break out, mostly about money or if Kalem had cheated. The atmosphere in the bar take on a more jovial tone however and things continue to get louder and louder as the patrons celebrate a good fight.
"If they get any louder the dottari are going to come by again. Last time they were here they threatened to shut us down for good!" Shouts on bartender to another, frowning as he fills another order.
Kalem passes by the table he sat at with the others and whispers over the din.
"There's a good chance the Dottari are going to show up again if this noise keeps up, think we should make ourselves scarce?"
But he chooses to stand at another table, to distance his relation with the others. A few tables away he climbs up and shouts over the din.
"My friends you've seen the proof tonight! Should you need able bodies and quick wits, there are plenty of hard workers ready at the Devil's Nursery!"
Weapon Equipped = Staff
Crossbow Bolts = 10/10
Conditions = None
Melee: Attack: BAB +1, Str +0 Damage: +0
Ranged: Attack: BAB +1, Dex +1 Damage: +0
toppling spell: base 6 (Caster Level 2 + 4 Int)
Arcane Reservoir (su): 4/5 (+1 DC or caster level as free action)
Spells (Caster Level 2, Concentration +6)
Special: (7/7) Force Missile*
Zero (14) (3/3) Dancing Lights
Zero (14): (4) Acid Splash, Daze, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Spark
First (15): (3/4) Infernal Healing, Mage Armor, Magic Missile (w/Topple Feat)*
* +1 Caster Level, +1 damage
”There’s something going on here - more than meets the eye that’s for sure. Yet I agree with Kalem. No sense in risking another visit by the Dottari. Let’s make ourselves scarce.”
Femi makes ready to leave when Kalem stands on a table and begins shouting. That boy… he worries. He turns to Myradil, ”Come along if you like, we can use more help - we’re doing our best to grow right now.”
He heads outside and waits for Kalem to arrive.
”Let me fix you up.” he casts Infernal Healing and that uneasy feeling descends a minute while your wounds knit .
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Gritting his teeth, Kalem proceeds to exit the tavern without incident. That was a great way to drum up some work opportunities for tieflings. He couldn't throw it away more an off-hand remark. Not anymore.
"What's the plan guys?" he asks the others after he exits.
"Got a feeling she'll remember my mug for a while."
Not wanting to deal with the Dottari and looking to get more involved in the resistance Myradil eagerly nods and follows.
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The party is mostly unnoticed as they leave the bar, except for Kalem of course. Quite a few men and women pat him on the back or clasp his arm in congratulations. A few promise to look for him or others like him in the Nursery. "If all Tiefling's are as calm as you in a fight, I might hire some on as guards!" One local merchant exclaims.
A few patrons glare at Kalem as he leaves, still nursing Albia back to consciousness, all of them wearing the militia insignia on their breast, but none move to cause anymore trouble, seemingly unable to act without their boss.
The trip back home is mostly quiet, still about an hour before curfew, and it almost seems like the bar has quieted some since you left. You're a few blocks from the Coffeehouse when all of you hear a small voice.
"Hey hey! Wait for me! Wait for Vendalfek!" Turning toward the sound of the voice none of you spy anything until, seemingly out of thin air, appears the image of a small lizard like creature with wings like a butterfly.
It flies at you as fast as it can and, unless obstructed lands on Kalem's shoulders and stares at him, headed twitching as it talks.
"That was a good fight! Good fight! Really good fight! I didn't even start it! Didn't have to make you mad at all! Very interesting!" He speaks quickly, hardly pausing for breath. "Then I tried to make you mad! You didn't fight! Also interesting!" The lizard makes a strange noise you can only assume is laughter, then imitates the voice of one of the bar patrons. Kalem recognizes it as the insult he heard while standing on the bar.
Before he can get any response the lizard takes off and lands on Femi's head, taking a moment to marvel at his tattoo. "And you! You could see me! But not really! Not very well!" He chitters again and flies around each of the Raven's taking them in muttering "Interesting!" each time he moves.
"Can I come with you? More fun than Clenchjaw's! Maybe more fun than the Thrashing Badger! Can I?"
Kalem tenses at the realization of what this strange creature almost made him do. He frowns. No one liked being toyed with.
"What manner of creature is this?" he asks the more archaically inclined of the group. "He speaks true, I was a half-thought away from punching a patron in the face after this thing whispered insults in my ear. If I didn't have the hopes of the Devil's Nursery on me, I probably would have."
Kalem makes a mental note to inform Zhea that he might have some potential work ready for able bodied and calm members of the nursery. He would ask her to see if she could help him round up a few individuals to get ready should the employers ever stop by.
A Pseudodragon? Really?!
He shares what he knows of the creature from his long fascination with them. He rubs his head-tattoo and smiles.
"Oh, Kalem, it's fine! They're delightful frolic-y creatures, but when they become bored, they do have a tendency to mischief."
He turns to the tiny creature, "Hello little one! I'm Femi." he takes the time to introduce everyone in turn, ending with Myradil.
"I can't speak for all of us, but I'm sure you'd be welcome, if you behave. We are, after all, something of a secretive organization. So no showing off!" he laughs.
Part of him does worry a little about what a faerie creature could do, but now is not the time to be turning people away from the cause, especially those whose veins run with magic...
A slow grin, one of the first any of you have ever seen, spreads across Eliastraza's face.
"Oh my yes, I do think that is an excellent suggestion. What manner of magical creature are you that makes makeshift mischief matter so much? In the temples of my Goddess, we revere the merry prankster, especially one with such an edge to him, so long as that edge cuts against those who would trouble us."
Myradil smiles at the dragon, the small creature's levity helping put Myradil at ease and calm his nerves a bit.
Myradil pulls out a very small vial of something sweet and beckons the dragon over, assuming it comes Myradil will drop a couple drops of the sweet liquid in the dragon's mouth.
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"They called me Faerie Dragon at the Thrashing Badger! Before it burned down." The lizard answers Elias. "Trouble you?" He cocks his head. "Trouble can be fun."
"Yes!" Vendalfek chirps excitedly. " And this will be so much fun!" The faerie dragon zips around the entire group flying as fast as it can in celebration.
He sits on Myradil's shoulder to the rest of the walk back to the coffeehouse offering up as much of his saliva as the Alchemists wants, and possibly more than that too, asking constantly about what he intends to do with it.
When you arrived back at Laria's the halfling stares down the new elf with a raised eyebrow but is quickly distracted by the faerie dragon as he zooms directly into the kitchen and you hear a few confused shouts and a couple breaking glasses.
Laria winces but her own curiosity over powers he need to stop the chaos in her kitchen. "Whose the new guy?"
"Was wondering that myself." Rexus says laughing from his seat at one of the tables in the empty dining area.
Myradil collects a bit of dragon saliva, mostly on his shoulder.
Hearing the questions about him as they return Myradil smiles awkwardly and introduces himself.
"Hi, I am Myradil. I used to work in the Mayor's office before things got... out of control here."
"Yes indeed!" Femi makes formal introductions - introducing both Vendalfek and Myradil to the crowd that is the Silver Ravens.
That was a good tavern visit. he thinks to himself.
"What's the plan guys?" he asks the others after he exits.
"Got a feeling she'll remember my mug for a while."
”Vendalfek has me thinking. What if our problem is an invisible fey creature? It’s beyond my skills now, but with a little luck I can make a scroll or two work in our favor. Either See Invisibility coupled with a Glitterdust - or…” he looks at Elias, ”We could go with an Invisibility Purge scroll. That’s even tougher to cast though and could fail - so maybe a potion if such a thing can be made.”
He shakes his head, ”Unfortunately we don’t have the cash to pull it off. So we still need to take down Albia - but I’m a little more confident we can pull it off than I once was.” he looks at Kalem.
Femi turns to Myradil, ”We’ve had some… uh, problems in our hideout. Might be something invisible, might be something just good at hiding, might be nothing at all." he laughs, ”Well not nothing. Something is happening and we need to put an end to it.”
Myradil responds briefly "I've got keen eyes but they won't do me much good if your problem is actually invisible."
Myradil looks to the new faerie dragon friend "Can you sense the invisible like big dragons can?"
"Though a warning," Kalem mentions to Laria and Rexus.
"We were feeling out our next mark and to do so I had to go a round with her in a brawl. I won, but I don't think she'll be too happy about that. Keep an eye open, eh?"
And with that Kalem will ask one of the raven's who doesn't look busy to accompany him to the Devil's Nursery to pass on the warning there, as well as give them the good news about job prospects.
Brask accepts Kalem's request, since his armored figure has done well to dissuade people from attacking them before.
"I'm glad you were there to punch it out with her." Brask says. "I'm not that good at holding my temper."
Elias nods, "We had more to win if Kalem emerged victorious, and more to win if he failed, for that matter. We needed to take the woman's measure on a local matter, and her opinions of the residents of the Nursery were useful to hear. I was uncertain if the lady was a worthy target of our operations or not. Her racism has removed that uncertainty."
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Vendelfak cocks his head at Myradil and makes his laughing sound again.
"Can I see invisible things?" He seems to stop and think. "Nope! Can you?" He flies in close, uncomfortably close, stopping right in front of the investigators nose, then he disappears. "Nope!"
Laria and Rexus eye the spot the dragon had been for a second then look at each other and shrug. Yawning, Rexus says his good nights and turns in for the night. Laria gives everyone some food and drink if they need it but otherwise the halfling also excuses herself, mostly to clean the mess in the kitchen. "Welcome to the Ravens Myradil!" She says as she leaves.
Curfew if in about half an hour, so I'm going to assume Kalem and Brask wait until the next day to head to the Nursery, feel free to tell me if you prefer otherwise.
The rest of the night is likely spent explaining the current events to Myradil. From finding the old Raven's Documents after the large protest in Aria Park, to the tooth fairies that you cleared from the Nursery, the captives you rescued the Salt Works, etc. By the end of the night I imagine you'd have found some place for Myradil within the organization based on his skills. Though how much trust you place in him is up to you.
Do you make him an officer? If so what's his position? Is he on a trial period given your recent events with your followers?
In any case the sun rises in the morning and Rexus makes his way down to the Wasp's Nest before any of you get to work on your various projects.
"I know that we're busy with an ever increasing list of things to do..." He trails off, looking a bit uncomfortable. Surprising for a man who just a few weeks ago had asked you to act against the tyrannical government without batting an eye. "As you know, my family was killed on the Night of Ashes. My home was not the only one burnt down that night. The Thrashing Badger, for one, was destroyed, and a music store called the Silver Star."
"Like I said, I know we're busy, but I was thinking if we investigate these locations, maybe something survived the fires, maybe something we can use. There's a reason barzillai had them all destroyed. I-I'm not willing to go myself. I hope you understand."
Once his request is made, Rexus quickly changes the subject and explains a bit more of the information he's deciphered.
The Silver Ravens defended Kintargo from being conquered no fewer than a dozen times during the Chelish Civil War: five times from power-hungry noble families, four times from agents of Thrune, once from an invasion of skum from the sea, once from a cabal of Nidalese vampires, and once from a blue dragon named Rivozair.
The Silver Ravens also maintained their main headquarters in and below the Kintargo Opera House; unfortunately, no information in the documents indicates any other safe houses the group may have maintained.
"Given that Barzillai has also made his headquarters in the Opera House, we're going to need significantly more strength before we try to get in there, but I feel it's worth knowing."
Kalem scowls as he realizes the hour. But then an idea occurs to him.
"Hey Femi, you're familiar with the Raven's lore correct? Can you show me how to work this?"
Kalem produces the Silver Raven figurine. Eventaully, assuming with Femi's aid, he gets it to transform into a raven. He attaches to it a message for Zhea, giving her the warning and the heads up about work potential.
"As for Myradil...we need assistance, but given the recent events I'm not sure if we should give him an officer position yet. Though, it was brainwashing to some degree..."
Kalem is stumped on the issue with Myradil and will leave the decision to the others. He has apprehensions, but can see a determined man for what he is.
As for Rexus's request:
"Thrashing Badger? Isn't that where this little one hails from?" he motions towards the faerie dragon.
"Finding the previous Raven's assets may solve two problems at once. Should we stick with our current mark, or see if our predecessors left us anything else?."
"We should look into those two locations first." Brask reasons. "The longer we wait, the more likely it is that someone else will poke through them before us and find something that would be bad in the wrong hands."
Femi shows Kalem how their magics work. "Pretty slick huh?"
"We should look into those two locations first." Brask reasons. "The longer we wait, the more likely it is that someone else will poke through them before us and find something that would be bad in the wrong hands."
Femi nods, "Agreed. Much as I'd like to get Albia, giving her a few days to forget us is probably not a bad idea."
Femi is less sure of what to do with Myradil. In the end he suggests, "Let's include Myradil next week. Just to make sure everything is solid..."
We've already set things in motion this week anyway, so let's have Myradil take up a slot starting with the next rotation. We might need to change things up too depending on what he wants to do in the revolution - and that takes actions. :)
Myradil, do you know what role you'd like to fill?
Myradil asks "Can I see the old Silver Raven documents? I've got a knack for sorting through stuff like that, and sometimes what people don't write is just as important as what they do.
I think Myradil's best match is as Strategist. It fits his organizational nature and the theme of his class powers.
I've read the player's guide a couple times and have some idea how the Rebellion flows but not a strong understanding from seeing it actually in play.
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Alright Ravens, Rexus would like you to investigate remains at the following three places.
The Victocara Estate, his childhood home, in the Green's Disctric (The Noble District.
The Silver Star, a music shop, in Jarvis End.
and the Thrashing Badger in Yolubilis Harbor. Where would you like to start?
The number of documents would take weeks to go through, and has,
Myradil unfortunately you are one language short of being able to decipher the languages on the Raven's Documents; Strix. Rexus is schooled in it however, and has been working on the cipher for the past few weeks, he assures you that he can handle the rest, but promises to come to you if he's stumped or needs another set of eyes. Once the documents are translated he will have you look it over to discover any false hoods.
He does however mention that when you return he would like your help in going over a magical page that the Ravens found recently, hoping the two of you with your combined efforts may be able to decipher it.
Happy to go in the order listed... whatever folks want to do.
Great choice Myradil - we need a Strategist. ;)
The way we've been doing the revolution rounds, Femi makes a general suggestion, and then folks agree or disagree with parts or the whole and we implement. Happy to let you make the initial plan once you get a handle on things if you want. Just holler.
- - -
Femi mentally checks his spells, "I'm good to go. Let's check out the Viztocara Estate, shall we? I suggest we do as we've done before - let's just walk by the place and see if there's anything particularly out of place. Then we'll enter under cover of a Silent Image."
He turns to Myradil to explain. "We have a wand of Silent Image that we use to help cover some of our more clandestine operations. It doesn't last long, and it's easy to see through if you interact with it, but it sometimes confuses folks enough to grant us a little surprise when we need it." He grins.
Myradil nods, I can help us get in and out of places quietly if needed as well."
Myradil mumbles to himself "I knew reading all those larceny reports would come in handy..."
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The Victocora Estate is a complete ruin. There's little to nothing left among the rubble, maybe a few scraps of clothing and the curled remains or what might have been documents of some sort. Rexus had hoped information about the Sacred Order of Arcivists might be found here, so he could discover what his parents true motives had been, but it looks as though nothing survived, or the grounds have been cleaned of anything important.
Unfortunately, being a place of interest to Barzillai, particularly one in the Noble Quarter, someone has either reported your presence, or you've run afoul of a patrol but in either case when you turn to leave the ruins you find two dottari and a handful of Chelish citizen thugs waiting for you.
They haven't drawn weapons yet, but are clearly agitated by your presence.
"Do you enjoy picking through the remains of the dead? Scavenger scum, there aren't any riches left for you to steal. You'll get one chance to come with us peacefully or we'll drag you to a cell by force." Says the lead dottari, a broad shouldered woman with a stern face.
Myradil looks to his new companions nervously, his hand on his spear.
Kalem does try and recall memories of fights he's had. Using martial flexibility to gain improved trip. If he can do so without agitating their opponents.
”Oh, it’s not what it looks like officer. There were some kids playing up here and we were worried they’d get hurt. We were just shooing them off and making sure.”
”Had you come just a few moments sooner, you’d have seen them.” he grins amiably. ”Name’s Femi, and I’m glad we’ve got you lot looking out for us.”
Damn... I don't think they're buying it!
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The two dottari in the front almost nod and move about their business, until one of the militiaman in the back points to the group and frowns.
"I don't believe a word of it. And I'll be damned if that Tiefling doesn't fit Albia's description from last night!"
As he speaks the rest of the group draw their weapons, the dottari raises their shields and start to make their advance.
Myradil
Patrol
Elias
Kalem
Femi
Brask
Myradil steps to the side, and grabs out his spear.
"Don't come any closer" Myradil stammers as he lowers the spear, ready for the enemy approach.
Elias strums his harp to release a Bane spell before stepping over to cover Brask's flank, and looks to Myradil, "Is this your first taste of martial conflict, Abadaran? Acquit yourself well. I have not made my mind up about you yet."
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Myradil prepares his spear for an attack the looks likely come at any moment.
The Patrol sneers at the readied elf and they each move in to incapacitate the group.
Green moves in on Kalem and strikes out, smashing it's mace into the Tieflings side.
Blue and Pink move against Brask, trying to assist each other against the heavily armored half-orc.
Purple and Red take Myrdail's challenge. Purple gets close and just barely dodges the spear head, red uses the opportunity to attempt a flank, but the investigator is quicker than anticipated and the elf digs his spear deep in Reds leg as the mans eye's widen in pain, then narrow in anger.
Elias begins casting a spell with his harp. Unfortunately most of the patrol seem unfazed by it, but both the Dottari suffer it's effects.
Kalem
Femi
Brask
Myradil
Patrol
Myradil, too distracted to respond to Elias's comment steps back, panicking for a moment when his back touches the wall before focusing and attacking the red militiaman.
Round: 1
Weapon Equipped = Staff
Crossbow Bolts = 10/10
Conditions = None
Melee: Attack: BAB +1, Str +0 Damage: +0
Ranged: Attack: BAB +1, Dex +1 Damage: +0
toppling spell: base 6 (Caster Level 2 + 4 Int)
Arcane Reservoir (su): 3/5 (+1 DC or caster level as free action)
Spells (Caster Level 2, Concentration +6)
Special: (7/7) Force Missile*
Zero (14) (3/3) Dancing Lights
Zero (14): (4) Acid Splash, Daze, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Spark
First (15): (2/4) Infernal Healing, Mage Armor, Magic Missile (w/Topple Feat)*
* +1 Caster Level, +1 damage
Damn, we don’t need this!
Femi figures the two dottari are the key. If the party can stop them, the others might run off. To that end, he attacks each with a separate Magic Missile with Toppling Spell.
Brask growls threateningly as he raises his cutlass and lays into Pink, trusting Elias to have his flank.
-Posted with Wayfinder
I expected repurcussions, just not this quickly.
Kalem will trip his opponant, then punch him in the face with a brawler's flurry.