"Let us spend tomorrow in Temple Hill seeing what we can learn."
"Brask, that's some fine armor. Very impressive!" he pings his finger on one of the metal plates. "Nothing will get through this!" he predicts smiling.
"We should beware lest we get mugged as well. It would be good to have an insider with the Dottari so we know what they are doing. It would be a wealth of information I suspect if we can find someone decently placed."
"Nothing illegal mind you. Not spying. Just someone who likes to tell stories. Hey, is there a bar they like to frequent? Maybe we could become regulars there and you know, eavesdrop."
The next day if everyone is in agreement...
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Temple Hill is aptly named, not only is it the highest point on the Argo, but that hill is dotted with various places of worship, or at least, it was before the civil war. Now the temples lay in various states of disrepair or have had their functions completely altered.
On this hill is the Temple of the Golden Veils, the Bank and Church of Abadar Femi visited just yesterday, though Elias knows it as the House of the Satin Veils, once a temple devoted to Calistria before the faith was outlawed.
The streets are loosely patrolled by the Chelish Citizens Group, but there does not seem to be any centralized area for the militia or the more official Dottari, and the ones in Temple Hill don't seem particularly ill at ease. The same can not be said for the regular citizens who pass by often clutching their purses tightly in their hands and palming poorly concealed daggers for their own protection.
As you pass by the Songbird Hall, a temple dedicated to Shelyn (and another potential place to purchase the healing arts), where the clerics inside can be heard lecturing young nobles on various artistic pursuits. The temple is barely out of sight when you notice that you're surrounded by a number of young toughs, armed and looking angry. There are no Dottari or Chelish Citizens in sight.
"You've been asking the wrong questions boys!" Says one of them, his horns marking him as a Tiefling. The other three nod seriously and draw their swords. "You wanted the Red Jills? Well now you've got some of 'em!" Says one of the brutes as he widens his stance.
Femi - 10
Brask - 17
Mykhail - 15
Elias - 12
Red Jills - 11+
Kalem - 11-
Round: 1, Initiative: 10
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): (3/4) Infernal Healing, Mage Armor, Magic Missile (w/Topple Feat)*
* +1 Caster Level, +1 damage
”Gentlemen, you are trampling the common people of this fine community and shall cease and desist immediately. Trust us, we shall thrash you!”
A little concerned about the flank, he targets purple, hoping to trip him up and slow his advance. He casts a Magic Missile with Toppling Spell boosting it with his Arcane Reservoir to caster level four.
"Just what I was looking for!" Brask chuckles, drawing his weapon and shield as he walks towards blue. "A test."
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Round 1, Initiative 12
Conditions: Blessed (+1 attack, will vs fear)
Spells Available
0th: Detect Magic, Guidance, Stabilize, Enhanced Diplomacy
1st: Obscuring Mist, Cause Fear, Disguise Self*
Spent: Bless
Elias briefly strums the harp on his hip, and a certain righteousness of purpose flows out of it and across his gathered allies. Then he steps up to the street tough and draws his blade. He doesn't say anything, doesn't attempt to warn the foolish young man as to the consequences he's about to face. Fools never understand that they bring the troubles down on themselves anyway. It would be a waste of breath.
Round 1, Int. 15
Weapon Equipped = Pistol
Bullets (including Blackpowder doses) = 29/30
Conditions = None
Melee: Attack: BAB +1, Str +1 Damage: +0
Ranged: Attack: BAB +1, Dex +3 Damage: +0
Asking the wrong questions? Interesting...
Mykhail turns to the nearest assailant, Iustitia in his hand's and he aims at the nearest thug.
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Femi fires an arcane missile at purple and though he does damage he does not manage to trip his foe. Brask swings his new sword but just barely misses his foe. Mykhail shoots and the bullet goes wide, disappearing somewhere into the atmosphere. Elias blesses the party, hopefully this will help them hit their ambushers next round.
Each street thug moves forward and attacks the party. Only green manages to strike true, opening a thin gash as he grazes Elias' cheek with a hasty swing.
Round 1
Kalem 11-
Round 2
Femi - 10
Brask - 17
Mykhail - 15
Elias - 12
Red Jills - 11+
~Purple (8 Damage)
Kalem whips his fists in a flurry of strikes unleashing his brawler's flurry. going for non-lethal damage, he also puts extra hurt in his attacks powering them up.
Brask takes another swing at the target. Snarling as he tries again.
Round: 2, Initiative: 10
Weapon Equipped = Staff
Crossbow Bolts = 10/10
Conditions = Bless (2/20r)
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): 2/5 (+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
Feeling quite hemmed in, Femi 5’ steps to avoid opponents, and casts another Magic Missile with Toppling Spell boosting it with his Arcane Reservoir to caster level four.
Though he hates splitting up his damage rather than taking someone out, he hopes the trip attack will be substantial. So this time he targets red and blue (in order) hoping to trip them up and provide an advantage to the party as well as a little damage.
Round 2, Initiative 12
Elias grins ferally at the Thug who slashed his cheek. He bows, mocking the other man with the very gesture.
He speaks loudly, as much for the benefit of any onlookers as for his assailant, "We do not take kindly to those who leech off the people of this good city, sitting like ticks upon the breast of the citizenry. But you... you are worse, tool of Barzillai the Traitor. You keep your fellows down, stamping the heel of a foreign dictator for him. You are not fit to line of gutters of Kintargo!"
It's a stab in the dark, but the complete absence of both Dottari and CCG guards alight a suspicion that these men are being paid for their maleficence. Besides, this fight is as much a PR battle as a physical one. If the reborn Ravens are to take flight, the public needs to know about this. The announcement should get the proper rumors going.
The Cleric brandishes his blade, calling from within himself the reservoirs of luck granted by his Lady. The next clash of blades should favor him a little more highly...
Round 2, Int 15
Weapon Equipped = Pistol
Bullets (including Blackpowder doses) = 28/30
Conditions = None
Melee: Attack: BAB +1, Str +1 Damage: +0
Ranged: Attack: BAB +1, Dex +3 Damage: +0
Mykhail growls as the thug gets up in his face, he'll wipe that smug look off his face when he shoots him dead on.
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Kalem lashes out with both fists but doesn't manage to hit his foe. Femi fires magical missiles at two of the thugs and manages to trip Red! Brask swings and misses again.Mykhail fires another shot, narrowly avoiding purples sword as is passes by. THe gunslingers bullet finds it's mark and drops the young tough to the street, bleeding. Elias continues to bolster himself with the power of his faith.
Purple continues to bleed on the floor as red succesfully rolls from Kalem's grasp. Blue strikes out at Brask again but can not penetrate the heavy armor protecting his foe. Green takes advantage of Elias' vulnerable position at sinks his blade deep into the clerics leg, smiling in satisfaction as he does.
Kalem 11-
Round 2
Femi - 19
Brask - 17
Mykhail - 15
Elias - 12 (9 damage)
Red Jills - 11+
~Purple (15 Damage, unconscious, bleeding)
~Red (prone)
Round 3, Int 12
Elias grunts against the pain, grits his teeth, and shoves the thug back a step with his shield. Then he brings his blade around to swipe at the man.
Round: 3, Initiative: 10
Weapon Equipped = Staff
Crossbow Bolts = 10/10
Conditions = Bless (3/20r)
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): 2/5 (+1 DC or caster level as free action)
Spells (Caster Level 2, Concentration +6)
Special: (6/7) 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
Femi worries about his resources and the fight seems to be turning their way. He saves his heavier spells, and instead fires off a Force Missile targeting red.
He steps behind Elias for cover, and to get out of the way of Mykhail's shooting.
Round 3, Int. 15
Weapon Equipped = Pistol
Bullets (including Blackpowder doses) = 28/30
Conditions = None
Melee: Attack: BAB +1, Str +1 Damage: +0
Ranged: Attack: BAB +1, Dex +3 Damage: +0
Seeing Elias getting attacked Mykhail hurries over to the elf to help him out,he stores his gun back in his holster, and pulls out his dagger just so he can give Elias a flank on the Thug
"I got your back."
Kalem scowls as his attacks fail to inflict damage. He fails to let this get him down and moves to attack the fallen red in such a way that he can cover Brask a bit. He still doesn't relent his strength and goes to deal the most damage possible.
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Kalem hits twoce, balled fists striking vulnerable parts of the Fallen thugs and the man falls unconcious beneath then flurry of blows. Femi adjusts target to green as red is no longer a threat and hits with a missile. Brask is making use of this opportunity to get used to swinging his cutlass. Mykhail circles around the thug beating on Elias and gives him some back up. Elias takes advantage of Mykhail's position and strikes green finally returning a blow.
The thugs are unable to return any blows as their swords fall harmlessly against the armor of their opponenets.
Round 3
Kalem 11-
Round 4
Femi - 19
Brask - 17
Mykhail - 15
Elias - 12 (9 damage)
Red Jills - 11+
~Purple (16 Damage, unconscious, bleeding)
~Red (unconcious bleeding 14 damage)
-Green (7 damage)
-Blue (3 damage)
Round: 4, Initiative: 10
Weapon Equipped = Staff
Crossbow Bolts = 10/10
Conditions = Bless (4/20r)
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): 2/5 (+1 DC or caster level as free action)
Spells (Caster Level 2, Concentration +6)
Special: (5/7) 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
Femi, pleased with the way the combat is going, fires another Force Missile targeting green again.
”Nice work Ravens!”
Elias takes another swing at the poor thug.
"Don't let up! If they want mercy, let them plead for it!"
Kalem moves around to flank with Brask and goes for a normal strike.
Once the enemy is lined up properly, Brask takes advantage of the distraction Kalem made, making a proper swing at his foe.
"Take you slippery bastard!" He shouts.
Elias takes another swing at the poor thug.
"Don't let up! If they want mercy, let them plead for it!"
Round 4, Int 15
Weapon Equipped = Dagger
Conditions = None
Melee: Attack: BAB +1, Str +1 Damage: +2
Mykhail takes a swing with the dagger hoping to drop the thug and save Elias more damage.
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With one last succesful round of actions the party collectively brings down the remaining two thugs and they fall to the pavement breathing heavily. None are dead yet but they're fading fast.
On each thug, should you choose to search, you find studded leather armor, a short sword, and light crossbow with 20 bolts each.
Femi does what he can, which isn’t much, to staunch the bleeding. ”Should we turn them over to the Dottari? Or leave them here?”
He’s not sure what to do, but he does what he can. He searches them as he tries to stop them from dying. He tries to heal each of them once.
to stabilize vs DC 15
to stabilize vs DC 15
to stabilize vs DC 15
to stabilize vs DC 15
He'll take their weapons, as much so they won't have them, but leaves the bulky armor.
Kalem sighs.
"So do we at least stabilize them? It will say a lot about our cause depending on how we act here. I think we should make sure they don't bleed out, and maybe find a nice secluded spot to ask a few pertinent questions."
He turns to his companions for their opinions on the matter.
"I agree with the both of you." he looks between Femi and Kalem before he continues. "if they cooperat and promise to change their ways then they can live to see another day, and we will know if you do, if not I say let them perish." It's harsh and he knows it but it was a thug like them that killed his mother in cold blood. He wouldn't loose a wink of sleep over the deaths of these men.
"Choice is yours."
Elias looks to the others for a moment, just a moment, considering. Then he reaches down and touches each one, murmuring a benediction while lightly strumming his harp. "I do not think they can hear you, Mykhail. Death is too close, the waking lands too far."
Once finished he looks at his compatriots. "I detest half measures. These men sought death for us, and deserve it in fair return. I will delay their demise, for we need information as much as this area needs justice, but I would like to know why we should stay the the reapers grasp beyond that."
"oh so it would seem. Forgive my ignorance." he directed to Elias with a sheepish grin before looking back to the thugs.
"Honestly I couldn't care less if these men live or die, but I have my reasons and I find them to be selfish and won't condemn a man who my companions are willing to save if it makes a difference. In any case we have questions that need answering so we'll deal with that first."
Mykhail walks up to a thug and kicks him awake. He gives him an impressive glare while he still holds his dagger in hand.
"Tell us where your base is."
"No no no... Like this" Brask kindly corrects, reaching down and hauling the now stablized man up by his collar. Brask glares into the man's eyes, his scarred face twisted into a nearly demonic mask.
he gives the man a light shake.
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Mykhail grins at Brask's version of intimidation and he even applauds. "Now if that doesn't work I don't know what will, I obviously need to work on my own technique. Dagger's aren't exactly my strong suit, perhaps I will stick to threatening with Iustitia. She rarely let's me down." he said patting the battered pistol affectionately.
They're having too much fun with this...but, they probably have their reasons.
Kalem, knowing that a switch up in tactics may result in more information, hangs out in the back and keeps an eye out for trouble. Possibly some of the men's friends looking for them.
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The young bandit Mykhail kicked awake almost laughs as the gunslinger tries to frighten him but as the large armored Half-Orc shouts threats of cannibalism his eyes go wide and he starts to shake.
"Th-th-the old Humbright House! Th-that's where we get our orders from. She-sh told us to only attack humans so that's what we've been doing. Gods please don't eat me! Please!"
Brask tosses the man down. "I'll eat you later." he growls. "Right now I have a woman to talk to at the Humbright House."
Once the group collects what they want and leave the would be-muggers behind, Brask's angry visage finally crumbles and he starts laughing to himself.
"Eat your limbs?" he says aloud, presumably to himself. "Who the hell says that? Gods, Brask, that's ridiculous!"
"Another predicament." He takes his companions aside, out of earshot. "They know our faces. And with Brask's very vivid threat, I'm not sure they'll be forgetting us anytime soon. If we don't get these thug's cooperation, we might be blowing our cover already."
Elias' face twists in distaste. "Racists. A craven belief for broken people. I will be happy to dissuade her of her prejudices. Well done, Brask."
To Kalem, Elias shrugs, "It is less of a problem that it might be, I think. We have decided to run this campaign against the tyrant on the goodwill of the people and political pressure, not as a knife in the shadows. Political pressure cannot be had without becoming public figures. Of course, we must be careful where and how we show our faces, but cleaning up this district of such scum as those is pointless to our cause if no one can identify us as the ones who have done it."
"You words make sense. I guess I worry too much of that we'll lose this chance if we fumble but once."
"We're not that important yet." Braak adds to the conversation. "Thrune likely doesn't know who we are, much less would he think we're a threat yet. We will become significant in time though, as our political strength grows."
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"Th-th-the old Humbright House! Th-that's where we get our orders from. She-sh told us to only attack humans so that's what we've been doing. Gods please don't eat me! Please!"
"Son, your words have set you free. I do not know what we are going to do with your comrades here, but you've earned your life with your words."
"But be aware, we will hunt you down if we find you've lied to us. Now go."
He turns to the others after he departs, "We have quite a quandry. I'm opposed to killing these men. They are little folk, mere cogs in the wheel of this thing. I say we leave them for the dottari, or whomever finds them, and move on to this Humbright House. That is where this evil lies, and that is where we must root it out."
"So what do you say, take their weapons and depart? If we encounter them again, by all means, no quarter and no surviving the battle. But this mere skirmish? I do not feel comfortable issuing a death sentence for such a slight."
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The Humbright House is easy enough to find, it's a couple of old buildings once dedicated to Aroden, and they have been abandoned since his death, as far as anyone can tell.
There isn't much activity as the party approaches the old brick buildings. The bottom floors of both look as though they have been gutted long ago and contain nothing of worth. There is a rickety ladder that leads to a trap door in the ceiling, the lack of dust suggests it's been used somewhat recently.
"What do you think? Shall we try the ladder?" He'll follow the tougher members of the group into the building.
Mykhail has Iustitia loaded and ready for anything as they approach Humbright house. Seeing nothing of interest he approaches the ladder and thinks that he hears something and so he presses his finger to his lips to ask his companions to quite down so he could listen. Sure enough he heard movement above.
"I hear movement above, there a at least a few people, could be more. We should hide ourselves somewhere and lure them down somehow so we can learn how many there are, we also don't know what's up there so if we get them down here we stand a better chance." Mykhail whispers
"Weren't they all tieflings?" Brask asks in a whisper, looking at Kalem.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Who are you talking about?" Kalem responds.
"Mykhail, that is a good idea, but how would you implement it? I don't think they're just going to come down on their own. We need to go get therm. Let's go, before they catch wind we're here."
He waits to follow the others up the ladder.
Mykhail just sighs before telling his companions to be ready and then he looks to the ceiling and shouts "Hey dirt bags! We took care of your little friends, how about you come on down and we can have a nice chat!"