Alright you guys are led to a small bunkhouse. Raggedy straw bunk beds are neatly organized like a barracks. Several people wearing ragged close sleep in the beds. Your guys rest goes by uneventfully.
You guys are all getting your armor and everything ready to head out when you hear an ear piercing scream from a woman and a loud from outside. Heading outside you see a grizzly sight. A body hangs from one of the rooftops, raggedy clothing with a grey cowl covering the halflings face. Greirat hangs dead neck wrapped in a rope, snapped. His hairy halfling feet no longer have the fancy boots he once wore and a paper stamped with the symbol of a diamond eye is pinned with a dagger to his chest.
Quickly walking out of Francis Bedlam office is Francis, Tinboy, and Ib. Francis looks at the dead halfling seeing the note and then looking at the party with a spooked look on his face Get him down from there!
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BobE scans the rooftops and then runs to the rooftop and looks looks again
He will also pray and search his memory for guidance as to the nature of Vatyra. Is this a different person assuming the name or could this be someone who has cheated death and thus cheated Elnil of the opportunity to give her a second chance.
Reckon it's 'bout time we figured out how to tell a dopple gager when they is shifted. Thinkin' silver may work for such things.
Poor little guy! Poppo exclaims as if he isn't also a little guy!
This is bad, Greirat was a tough guy to get ahold of, I can't believe this! Someone is definitely sending a message. He looks to Bedlam.
BobE you don't see anyone when you look up at the rooftop, BobE then bolts as fast an old cleric can run. Quickly climbing a ladder and looking out over the unstable rooftops, you see no one. Trying to think through religous lore uncovers nothing about Vatyra.
A young girl who only looks to be about seventeen eighteen years old cries as she stares at the body which is being lowered by one of Beggars Guild members. I...I... the woman cries I was just out here resting in the grove when I saw a form fly from the rooftops. Then...then. the woman cries.
Francis is quick to comfort the young beggar girl Shh, shh it will okay my dear. Tinboy, find a place for this young woman to have a sit down away from the courtyard. Tinboy nods leading the young girl to a into the bunkhouse you came from.
Francis walks over to the halfling that now lies still on the ground Poor kid. Didn't deserve this, I know he did a lot of good for those who lived in the Lower Burg.
Ib crouches over the body and pulls the knife out of the halflings chest He was dead before he even fell, dagger killed him. Signs that Greirat was being tortured too. Ib takes the note from the dagger gives it a quick glance and then hands the note to Francis. Some writing on back.
Dear Francis Bedlam and the Four Holy Order Members,
Good day it is with great honor that I write both the "King" of Beggars and the four members of the Holy Order who were creeping around our base of operations. I'm very impressed with what you were able to, killing many of my men and setting us back a little bit with our plan. But I must say I'm surpised that you were not able to find me and your old friend William Brown within the Beartilde Tomb. After you left we quickly repositioned to someplace you'll never find. But to insure you never find us we had to take care of some loose ends, namely the little rat that kindly gave up his close friend Patches.
Now just because we've removed Patches and Greirat from the picture doesn't mean you won't be able to find us. Might slow you down a little but eventually its likely you'll catch some wind of us. So in order to end this once in for all I declare an ancient challenge once decided by the Gangs of the Undercity. A meeting at the Four Points, a place where control of the Undercity was decided in a bloody bloody battle. I challenge to four of you, but also dear Francis Bedlam the so called "King". I will show you what a true monarch is. And don't even think about trying something, the one they call Trusty Patches is our hostage. So if you try anything bye bye Patches.
Cordially yours, Queen Vatyra
Francis reads the letter then hands it to Poppo This is not good!
Poppo looks at the note, then looks at Bedlam. We looked where we could down there. We checked it real good. We must have missed a secret door or something. Afraid poor Greirat paid the price for our mistake. For that I'm sorry.
Gather in everyone, it's time for an epic fight. He holds out the note for Nalia or BobE to take a look.
Stigard! Francis says to the plump guard wearing the breastplate Watch this place while we are gone, we have a queen to kill. Ib, Tinboy! Gather the men we've been challenged to the Dance of the Four Points. Francis goes into his office and quickly reemerges with a rapier in hand that he sheaths with flourish. Ib and Tinboy run off to gather the troops. When you're ready lets get walking that way.
The Four Points isn't a place for cheating, it is a place of warriors, battles. Francis says to BobE.
Francis grins You have a good point there.
Poppo laughs at the old man!
Then asks Bedlam, Tell me more about this dance we are about to do?
Many years ago four gangs of the Undercity fought a bloody battle in the streets of the Undercity. Many lives were lost that day and that part of the Undercity became known as the Four Points, as four roads lead to that part of the city. Since then fights taking place at the Four Points have become known as Dances of the Four Points. Its rare nowadays after the big four treaty between the Guild of Beggars, the Carvers, the Forty Thieves, and the Red Moth Syndicate. Gangs are much more civilized then they used to be.
The Dance is challenge, a fight between gangs that is meant to decide who controls the Undercity. The people of the Undercity respect this tradition heavily which is why we have to try to stand up to the Vatyra. We need to show the people who is really looking out for them, especially if we want to create an army to defend Ark. Are you all ready to go? I fear the fight ahead will be dangerous so ensure you are all prepared.
Its the Undercity the buildings fall and are rebuilt all the time. The four points itself is an open square with four lamp posts for each of the four connecting roads. That's what Ib and Tinboy are doing they are gathering the guild members. I'm afraid you lot are far better equipped than I.
Turngut fight in many pit-fights. Many styles. Dance fight have rules? Or Turngut can fight anyway Turngut want to fight?
Its called a "Dance" but its really a no holds barred fight. Only rule being no ambushes before and when we get to the Four Points. The leaders of each gang will verbally announce the battle when we arrive. If Vatyra were to ambush us the people of the Undercity would not be pleased and would likely not respect the Vatyra if they were to win the battle. And the same goes for us. Francis responds to the orc.
As you conversate with Francis in the Grove, Ib and Tinboy return with thirteen rag tag looking thieves. All with the similar yellow and green checkered pattern armed with various cudgels and blades.
Is that everyone? Francis asks.
Sure is Franny. Ib responds and tightens a leather strap on his armor.
I hope its enough, but with these four... he looks at Beatrip Five? I reckon we can stand up to the Vatyra. Are you all ready to go?
Turngut doesn't respond, but loudly cracks his knuckles and grins a tusky grin.
Francis nods as Tinboy retrives a nearby banner with the same yellow and green checkered pattern. The large group begin marching through the Undercity, beggars and various other people in the Undercity look on with wary eyes.
Soon you reach a large open square with four lamp posts in front of four streets that converge. A small well sits in the middle of square and the ground is littered with various barrels and crates. The people in the square look at the large group of you and either run completely away or press up against a wall ready to see a fight. Francis steps on the uneven cobblestone and stands in front of the group of you. A minute goes by then you begin to see movement as well as the barking of dogs.
From a ruined house to the North East emerges several figures, the first is a man who wears leather armor over a bare chest. A large number of tattoos cover the mans pale flesh and his hair greyish. He grins as he exits the house and in front of him are three viscous looking dogs on a leash.
Behind him is a short man with a finely groomed mustache. Physically though he looks in great shape and looks very capable and strong. He looks intensely at the group.
Next comes a large number of thugs wearing blue sashes and wearing top hats with blue ribbons. Then you see a familiar face. Another man with a mustache stamps his foot as he exits the house. The Butcher stares daggers at the group especially all of you. You see Francis' posture changes as he sees his old military friend.
The large number of thugs form up on the other side of the Four Points with the Butcher standing in front of the group similar to Francis. Francis... the gruff voice says from across the way.
William, stop this madness. We used to be friends. You could do some good in this world you co... Francis is cut off.
I'm afraid I'm to far gone. The Butcher laughs and motions to a small cloth hanging from his side with the symbol of the Vatyra. You lot The Butcher motions to the group of you I believe you have something that belongs to me. He motions to the Butchers Blade which is on one of your persons. I would like to have that back.
Enough of your petty squabbles. the voice of an old woman says. Walking into view on a roof is an old woman with white hair and pupiless eyes. Her clothing is fine and fur lined and she moves with a youth like grace despite her old appearance. Two stronger looking thugs also emerge on a lower level of the building. Oh how annoying you all have been I really didn't want to have to do this the barbaric way but it seems barbarity is the only language people down here respect. So I hereby declare the challenge to a Dance of the Four Points. Do you except Francis?
By the ancient rites of combat I accept this challenge. Francis responds looking up at Queen Vatyra.
Simply splendid. Oh but I can see the those dastardly Holy Order ragamuffins are simply foaming at the mouth to say something, go ahead darlings I will hear what you have to say before I kill all of you.
As soon as The Butcher steps out, and before the man can say anything about his dagger, Turngut slowly draws it from his belt. Staring directly into William's eyes, Turngut takes a huge throat-clearing snort and hocks a thick, disgusting loogie onto the blade before dismissively dropping it into the dirt. His eyes still locked on The Butcher, he takes up a fighting stance and would have already started running if it weren't for Nalia's touch.
When Nalia places her hand on his shoulder, Poppo interprets that, as that she wants him to say something.
He says loudly as he can can, with spittle flying from his lips. His boarding axe already in one hand, and an orange in the other, he raises the orange to his nose and breaths in the citrus smell.
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Nalia looks back and forth between Francis and Vatyra, trying to gauge when she can enact warmind on Turngut. Having BobE chat was only meant to be a distraction. Thankfully her friends haven’t let her down with ample theatrics. As she waits for the words to subside she casts bless under her breath.
So...be...it... Queen Vatyra says as the two amassed armies charge each other!
Initiative Order
Nalia
William "The Butcher" Brown
Eanulf, Ogald, Ogald's Hounds
Queen Vatyra
Turngut
The Guild of Beggars
Poppo
The Vatyra
BobE
Francis Bedlam
Tinboy & Ib
Queen Vatyra Bodyguards
Nalia you quickly cast war mind as Poppo taunts Queen Vatyra, you are the first to act.
While it briefly looks like the group ahead are going to charge The Butcher, the man with the hounds, and the physical specimen wait. The Butcher looks up at Queen Vatyra with a grin, and she smiles back.
She holds out her hand sides ways then faces it so her palm faces upward then retracts all except her index finger. Suddenly a large ball of fire erupts hitting everyone in the center of the Guild of Beggars. I need everyone to make a reflex save DC:19. And BobE I'm going to need a save for your necklace of fireballs as well. If you fail you take 27 fire damage if you pass you take 13 fire damage.
Francis seeing the spell behind some nearby crates evading all of the damage. Ib doesn't quite get out of the way and takes the full brunt of the blast. Tinboy similarly isn't able to avoid the fireball and gets severe throughout his body and is just barely conscious. Only two of the Guild of Beggars thugs manage to dodge the blast and three are immediately incinerated.
The Butcher smiles and looks at Turngut in particular he moves behind his men. The well built chap moves and takes cover behind some crates. Ogald relaeases his hounds which double move to Turngut and to Francis.
Poppo and Turngut you guys are up!
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The warmind was on Turngut, sorry!
War Mind (minor): At 1st level, you can touch an ally and grant it a tactical advantage for 1 minute. At the start of its turn each round, it can select one of the following bonuses: +10 feet to base land speed, +1 dodge bonus to AC, +1 insight bonus on attack rolls, or a +1 luck bonus on saving throws. Each bonus selected lasts for 1 round.
The fireball crashes down around them, Poppo stands perfectly still..somehow the flames wash all around him but don't harm him.
Arcane energy shoots down Poppo's arm. He then darts straight at Turngut, when he reaches him he makes a cut and circles to the right behind the dog. Guarding from it's attack, and then attacks it, missing badly.
Already on the verge of snapping, Turngut is able to twist to avoid the brunt of the fireball, however the heat of it sets him off into a RAGE. Nalia's Warmind spell infuses him with supernatural sight to see a few seconds into the future to gauge how to strike best (+1 insight bonus to attack) and then he 5-foot steps to get into range of the Blue and Yellow dog. Trusting Poppo to take down Yellow, he will launch all attacks at Blue and if it goes down will swivel to Yellow with any remaining.
As Nalia scans the battlefield, she can see that Turngut doesn't look quite right. The green skin of his face has a tinge of sickliness to it and she can see that, although he fights, he seems to move just a fraction slower than normal. His howling face superficially has the look of wanton rage, but Nalia (knowing him as well as she does) can see that his eyes are flat and, perhaps, resigned to this being his last fight.
Nalia is caught off guard as the huge fireballs engulfs the party and despite holding up her shield she is unable to avoid the fire damage. Poppo standing completely still somehow completely avoids the fireball. Pulling arcane power from the very fireball Poppo darts passed Turngut and the yellow dog. The yellow dog tries to take a chomp out of the halflings ankle but Poppo deftly swats the dog with the side of his axe then plunges directly into the skull of the rat like dog. Blood and brain matter scatter over the ground, making anyone with a weak stomach vomit until they looked away. Poppo then moves and attempts a strike at the red dog however the brain dog brain matter all over the cobblestone nearly makes Poppo slip and fall on his butt.
Turngut we see go almost into slow motion as the fireball erupts, as if seeing exactly how to fire moves and how best to avoid. Turngut leaps doing a midair corkscrew and avoiding the majority of the fire but his clothing still gets a bit singed and his skin a little bit scorched. Looking at the fire engulf several allies around him Turngut looks around wildly before his eyes land on the mismatched eyes of the Butcher, and Turngut's eyes almost light up as if on fire. Turngut's rage boils over and he easily walks up to the nearest dog picks it up and with a loud breaks the dogs neck.
The Guild of Beggars look at the very sudden fireball, fear crosses their faces and they look to they're leader Franics. Who is fine having ducked behind some crates to avoid the ball of flame. A sudden realization hits the guild that this fight is all or nothing and that failing in the battle will lead to many hardships for the Undercity they call home, they charge forward with only two able to get attacks this turn. One of the Guild of Beggars thugs quickly rushes to were the group of Turngut, Francis, and Poppo are and stabs the final dog through the spine, killing it. The other guild member attempts a stab at the brawler known as Eanulf but the strong man has strange natural armor that deflects the blow.
And pretty much as soon at the Guild of Beggars charges so to does the Vatyra. The two armies clash in the center leaving several more Guild of Beggars members injured from the onslaught.
Perhaps a powerful necromancer can change the tide of battle, BobE you're up!
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BobE feels a presence in the air and misses nalia's comment. He feels magic but is a second too late to shout a warning.
Looking at nalia and turngut and Thinking back to his previous comment about lying and cheating they sure are trying
Stay together. Turngut, pick the side you can do the most damage and we will follow you. I think left but you choose. Someone point out the caster to be. You in the cyan, stay with us. Fight smart and stay close
BobE points his cane to the left and summons giant augmented bloody skeletons with +2 natural armor evolution.
Sensing the magic spark and fizzle in the air BobE attempts to dodge out of the way of the fireball but is severally singed from the flames. Institutionally BobE grabs the necklace of fireballs around his neck and feels a rattle from its power but to his surprise the beads around his neck do not explode. With some strategic advise from the old timer he then points his cane to the right of the battlefield behind several Vatyra thugs. Suddenly BobE's holy symbol, a golden intricate feather explodes in an aura of bright holy light that flows downward into BobE's arm then flowing down the cane. A massive white talon bursts from the tip of the cane and plunges into the ground leaving shockwaves of holy energy. A ripple forms in the ground behind the thugs and dripping with a thick crimson liquid is a massive skeleton with pieces of metal drilled into its bones.
Francis Bedlam yells inspiring courage to all of his allies The King of Beggars gives you all a stern look then swift as an eagle draws his rapier and goes to engage.
You see in a burst of energy despite severe burns Tinboy slides behind some crates, uncorks a vile then drinks a vibrant red liquid. You see as his severe burns begin to heal with almost steam coming off his skin. While Tinboy tactically drank a potion you only see pure anger in Ib's eyes. Ib charges forward toward one of the Vatyra thugs and catches the thug completely off guard. You watch as Ib's greatsword makes a long precise cut across the thugs mid section. The thug stands there for a brief moment then looks down as torso flops completely disconnected from the legs.
The two Vatyra bodyguards both draws long bows, knock arrows and loose at the closest target, the Giant Bloody Skeleton. However both arrows ping of the metal plates that armor the skeleton. Almost annoyed the skeleton briefly turns around and looks at them with an emotionless skeletal face.
Initiative Order Round 2 (Inspire Courage +1)
Nalia (27 Damage)
Queen Vatyra
William "The Butcher" Brown
Eanulf, Ogald, Ogald's Hounds (Ogald's Hounds: Dead)
Turngut (13 Damage)
The Guild of Beggars (Orange C: 23 Damage, Green C: 12 Damage, Orange Pentagon 6 Damage, Blue Pentagon 6 Damage)
Poppo
The Vatyra
BobE (27 Damage)
Francis Bedlam
Tinboy & Ib (Tinboy 19 Damage, Ib 27 Damage)
Queen Vatyra Bodyguards
Nalia you are up!
Nalia holds out her blade thinking of how affective the hold person she used the warehouse was. She points Cyfiawnder at Ogald who stares back with an insane grimace. She subtly twists the blade so that flat is parallel with the ground. From the wooden holy symbol that Nalia made several radiant streams of light flow through the sword and fly at Ogald hitting him. He looks down and attempts to move but cannot.
Queen Vatyra with full overwatch of the battlefield sees as Nalia holds Ogald in place. Hmm she snaps her fingers letting off a spark of arcane magic that flows into Ogald, and suddenly the paralysis seems to fade away .
The Butcher glares at Turngut then looks at his former dagger on the ground. He moves to the left of the battlefield behind several Vatyra thugs, never taking his eyes off Turngut.
The smallish man with the strange natural armor, Eanulf turns to one of the Guild of Beggars soliders . Unarmed he begins to pummel into the man first delivering a right hook straight to the mans face. He goes for a second but this time the soldier is able to duck the attack. But as if anticipating he would duck Eanulf delivers a knee strike breaking the nose of the thug and killing him instantly.
You killed my dogs! Ogald yells noticing he is no longer held in place thanks to Queen Vatyra's hold person. He acrobatically moves through the Guild of Beggars soldier square and moves up closer to the party and looks ready for a fight.
Turngut and Poppo you guys are up!
Tossing the limp dog's body to the side, Turngut glances across the battlefield for his next target. Seeing the Butcher, he sighs, resigned that he'll need to kill that man, but will likely die in the process. However, when BobE gives him the advice, Turngut blinks and seems to lose his unhealthy focus on The Butcher. Then, when BobE charges him with protecting Poppo, the resigned and flat look in his eyes disappears and the fire of true rage rekindles. Looking back at BobE, he gives him a triumphant grin and then looks to Nalia and Poppo. Woman! Hoppo! Let's go!! he calls with a grin. With a final glare to the Butcher, he looks to Ogald and charges, roaring a blood thirsty scream. Now kill you!! He leaps on the dog-master and wraps him up in a massive bear-hug while sinking his tusks into the man's shoulders.
(Note: If Animal Fury hits, gain +2 to grapple check)
As Turngut approaches the man known as Ogald his readied attack goes off and he plunges his dagger deep into Turngut's chest Ogald then rips the dagger plunged in Turngut's flesh and tries another stab but its blocked by a maneuver from Turngut. Turngut sinks his teeth into the practically shirtless man but is narrowly unable to grapple him.
Poppo you are up!
Prone from his failed attack. Poppo craws backward like a crab and then sits cross-legged and begins to cast a spell.
A toxic venom begins to course through Turngut's veins. We watch as the black poison goes through Turngut's veins but with a large howl Turngut fights off the poison.
Poppo crawls backwards like a crab keeping his head down from any ranged attacks in coming. He then sits cross legged like a child and begins to pull some powdered iron from a small pouch on his person. With a complicated hand gesture and some strange arcane words he begins to cast a spell.
The Guild of Beggars and the Vatyra clash once again with many of the Guild of Beggars soldiers being slain because the sheer number of Vatyra. But many of the Vatyra are also killed and injured in the clash.
Blood Skeleton - 5 Damage
Tinboy - 23 Damage
Orange Circle GOB - 23 Damage
Orange Pentagon GOB - 16 Damage
Purple Circle GOB - 6 Damage
Blue Circle GOB - 20 Damage
Blue Pentagon GOB - 6 Damage
Cyan Pentagon - 7 Damage
Red Diamond V - 14 Damage
Purple Pentagon V - 12 Damage
Red Pentagon V - 14 Damage
BobE you're up!
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BobE moves up and channel healing energy, excluding injured v's in 30 yards (kind of hard to tell who is injured and not but I think it works out kosher like) this should get to the BAGS
Beatrip gives a sad smile and then screams LETs get this party started and rushes to Olegard and slams him
the BAGS attacks red
Again a holy aura comes from BobE's holy symbol flowing downward into BobE's cane. Pointing the cane to the sky it releases is an explosion of healing to all allies around. Beatrip with a melancholy look on her face screams out in a rage and rushes toward Ogald. However the nimble dog master dodges out of the way of her heavy slam attack. The skeleton with tremendous bloody claws grabs hold of the Vatyra agent and rips him in half with blood and gore pouring all over the ground. It then throws the desecrated corpse against a nearby wall. Its second claw slashes a large gash across the chest of the cyan diamond Vatyra thug.
Come on lads! We can do it! Francis calls out to the guild He then moves in for his first attack stabbing the blue diamond Vatyra thug in the back killing him. Ib continues his wave of brutality slicing the head off of the red diamond Vatyra. Tinboy heavily wounded coughs up blood wipes it with one hand and slashes the green pentagon Vatyra across the gut.
Once again Queen Vatyra's bodyguards open fire this time aiming for Francis Bedlam. One of the arrows wildly whizzes off several streets over but the other hits right into Francis' left leg.
Initiative Order Round 3 (Inspire Courage +1)
Nalia (16 Damage)
Queen Vatyra
William "The Butcher" Brown
Eanulf, Ogald, Ogald's Hounds (Ogald's Hounds: Dead, Ogald: 13 Damage)
Turngut (6 Damage)
The Guild of Beggars (Orange P: 9)
Poppo
The Vatyra
BobE (20 Damage)
Francis Bedlam
Tinboy & Ib (Tinboy 12 Damage, Ib 27 Damage)
Queen Vatyra Bodyguards
The battle rages on with sides getting more and more even what can the chosen of Malphas do? Nalia you're up!