Secrets in the Sands: Mummy's Mask by GM Apoc

Game Master Apoc Golem

Roll20


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Behind the Screen:

Melech practically embeds his falchion into the cobblestone as he cleaves from the back of the zombie's neck, down its profile and out its groin. The smell is spectacuarly bad, since he appears to have cut into the thing's large intestines and spilled out whatever contents were putrefying therein. The nearby civilians start gagging and coughing; putrefaction is not a common problem in a desert, so none of them are used to it.

COMBAT OVER!


Male Aasimar (Lawbringer) Cleric (Angelfire Apostle) of Horus 6
Vital Statistics:
[HP 42 | Init +0 | Per +3] [AC 19 | T 10 | FF 19] [F +6* | R +3* | W +8*] [*= +2 vs Death Effects]
Weapon Statistics:
[Melee Natron Fang +6 | 1d8+3 S | 19-20/x2] [Melee Light Mace +5 | 1d6+2 B | 20/x2] [Ranged Lightning Arc +3 Touch | 1d6+3 Electric | Rg 30 | 20/x2] [Ranged Sling +3 | 1d4+2 | Rg 50 | 20/x2]
Spell Slots and Daily Powers:
[0-lvl (DC 13): ~/3 | 1st lvl (DC 14): 3+1 | 2nd lvl (DC 15): 3+1 | 3rd lvl (DC 16): 2+1] [Channel Positive Energy (Will DC 17 Half): 8/Day] [Lightning Arc: 7/Day]

Nevai wipes off the blade of his weird khopesh, making a mental note to try and identify it again when they get back to the church. "Come on, let us return to the cathedral before any more surprises land in our path. Much as I enjoy ending these abominations, I prefer to do so when not babysitting non-combatants."


Male Human Slayer (Grave Warden) 6 / Fighter 1
Vital Statistics:
[HP 78/78] [AC 22 | T 11 | FF 21] [Per +16| Init +2 | Spd 30/20] [F +11* | R +8* | W +6* | +2 vs neg levels]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Falchion +12/+7| 2d4+6 S] [Heavy Flail +11/+6 | 1d10+6 B] [Ranged Comp Shortbow +9/+4 | 1d6+3 P] [Active Conditions: None]

Melech nods. "Nice work keeping them calm. Let's go." He quickly makes sure they didn't lose anyone in the chaos, then continues to lead the party back to the cathedral.


Behind the Screen:

You reach the Grand Mausoleum without further incident, having lost none of your temporary flock. Sebti the Crocodile quickly begins finding floor space for the newcomers and looking them over for injuries. A few are burned or scorched, and several suffer from smoke inhalation, but nothing untreatable. Once they are settled, she asks, "So? Was it looting? Riots?"


Male Aasimar (Lawbringer) Cleric (Angelfire Apostle) of Horus 6
Vital Statistics:
[HP 42 | Init +0 | Per +3] [AC 19 | T 10 | FF 19] [F +6* | R +3* | W +8*] [*= +2 vs Death Effects]
Weapon Statistics:
[Melee Natron Fang +6 | 1d8+3 S | 19-20/x2] [Melee Light Mace +5 | 1d6+2 B | 20/x2] [Ranged Lightning Arc +3 Touch | 1d6+3 Electric | Rg 30 | 20/x2] [Ranged Sling +3 | 1d4+2 | Rg 50 | 20/x2]
Spell Slots and Daily Powers:
[0-lvl (DC 13): ~/3 | 1st lvl (DC 14): 3+1 | 2nd lvl (DC 15): 3+1 | 3rd lvl (DC 16): 2+1] [Channel Positive Energy (Will DC 17 Half): 8/Day] [Lightning Arc: 7/Day]

Nevai lets the others respond, instead engrossing himself in trying to figure out what the heck this khopesh is all about. Why in Horus' name is it pink? He tentatively sniffs the blade, then sniffs again.

Wait. Is that...? Is this blade made out of freaking natron?

He washes his magical senses over it again and tries to make sense of its properties.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

F$~@ing... just... I give up.


Male Human Slayer (Grave Warden) 6 / Fighter 1
Vital Statistics:
[HP 78/78] [AC 22 | T 11 | FF 21] [Per +16| Init +2 | Spd 30/20] [F +11* | R +8* | W +6* | +2 vs neg levels]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Falchion +12/+7| 2d4+6 S] [Heavy Flail +11/+6 | 1d10+6 B] [Ranged Comp Shortbow +9/+4 | 1d6+3 P] [Active Conditions: None]

Melech shakes his head. "Good news? Not looters. Bad news? Zombies that shoot fire from their eyes. Also, giant zombie scorpion. But we took care of it and saved who we could. We also killed some garden variety zombies, so hopefully the fire zombies are rare."

He notices Nevai's frustration and holds out his hand for the khopesh. "May I?" If Nevai hands it over, Melech hands it to Sebti. "Are you able to identify this?"


Behind the Screen:

Before Melech can even hand it to Sebti, her eyebrows rise. "Oh, my. A Natron Fang? Where did you get this? These are very rare. The blade is made from alchemically and magically hardened natron. A strike against incorporeal foes can damage the negative energy that allows them to manifest in the physical realm. It also cuts through mummies like they were made of paper. Would have been handy the other night."

Mechanically, it's a +1 khopesh that ignores the DR/- of mummies. Once per day on a successful hit against an incorporeal undead target, you can deal 1d6 Charisma damage (DC 13 Will save for half) in addition to its normal damage. Since Charisma is where incorporeal undead gain their bonus hit points, it's like dealing Con damage to them.

She hands it back to Nevai with a small smirk. "I can think of no better hands for a weapon such as this."


Male Aasimar (Lawbringer) Cleric (Angelfire Apostle) of Horus 6
Vital Statistics:
[HP 42 | Init +0 | Per +3] [AC 19 | T 10 | FF 19] [F +6* | R +3* | W +8*] [*= +2 vs Death Effects]
Weapon Statistics:
[Melee Natron Fang +6 | 1d8+3 S | 19-20/x2] [Melee Light Mace +5 | 1d6+2 B | 20/x2] [Ranged Lightning Arc +3 Touch | 1d6+3 Electric | Rg 30 | 20/x2] [Ranged Sling +3 | 1d4+2 | Rg 50 | 20/x2]
Spell Slots and Daily Powers:
[0-lvl (DC 13): ~/3 | 1st lvl (DC 14): 3+1 | 2nd lvl (DC 15): 3+1 | 3rd lvl (DC 16): 2+1] [Channel Positive Energy (Will DC 17 Half): 8/Day] [Lightning Arc: 7/Day]

Nevai takes the weapon back in mild surprise. "Ah. That would explain the blade's color." At Sebti's compliment, he clears his throat awkwardly. "Uh. Thank you." He pointedly avoids eye contact.

He looks at the others. "What now?


Male Human Slayer (Grave Warden) 6 / Fighter 1
Vital Statistics:
[HP 78/78] [AC 22 | T 11 | FF 21] [Per +16| Init +2 | Spd 30/20] [F +11* | R +8* | W +6* | +2 vs neg levels]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Falchion +12/+7| 2d4+6 S] [Heavy Flail +11/+6 | 1d10+6 B] [Ranged Comp Shortbow +9/+4 | 1d6+3 P] [Active Conditions: None]

Melech's eyes widen in appreciation at Sebti's description of the weapon. "Quite a powerful gift. Use it well, friend." Then he turns to Sebti. "What now indeed? Is there anywhere else you would have us go?"


Sebti shrugs. "No specific fires to put out right now, literal or otherwise, that I am aware of. But we are extremely short-handed on all fronts. We could use a trio of skilled adventurers patrolling the streets to sniff out trouble we haven't seen yet. Would you be up for it?" She frowns and holds up a finger. "Actually, one moment."

She mutters something to a nearby priest, a slim, unhealthily pale man perhaps in his early thirties. He shakes his head, then whispers something back. She returns to the group. "It may be nothing, but there was a shipment of powdered silver due into the city yesterday from Tephu. We'd ordered it ahead of the opening of the Dead City in hopes of being able to restock our holy water as soon as that was over, knowing even the minimal amount of undead people would cross there would likely drain us. However, it was delayed once already by politicking. The haty-a and I do not often see eye to eye." She gives a tired sigh, as if the very memory of this person is exhausting.

Knowledge (local) DC 10:

The haty-a is the local leader of a large city, essentially a governor.

Same Check, DC 15:

The haty-a of Tephu is Deka an-Keret. She is also the High Priestess of Nethys in the city, a tradition that dates back to antiquity. She is a private woman and little is known about her, other than she guards the paths into the innermost sanctums of the Great Library of Tephu and presents a stolid, if polite, front to outsiders.

"It could be that they were held up at the docks because of the quarantine, despite the fact that I sent word ahead to at least let the cargo in, even if not the couriers. Or it could be they got in but were attacked by the roaming undead. Or they could just be running late." She shakes her head. "I'm not prepared to worry just yet, but it couldn't hurt to aim your patrol in the general direction of the Veins to see if you can spot the shipment, it would be appreciated. As you know, we're completely out of holy water, and we can't make any more without that shipment. If you happen to find about half a dozen crates with the symbol of Pharasma stamped on them, please report it to me and I'll send some acolytes to retrieve them. Otherwise, the Veins and Asp Districts probably need the most help with patrols, so perhaps start in the Veins and work your way southward."


Male Gnome Alchemist (Trap Breaker) 7
Vital Statistics:
[HP 59/59] [AC 19/22 | T 14/15 | FF 15/18] [Per +15/+14 | Init +5/+7 | Spd 20] [F +8* | R +9/+11* | W +3/+2* | -1 fire]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Fire Bomb +11 | 4d6+4 | DC17 | 14/14][Light Mace +6 | 1d4 S] [Light Crossbow +10 | 1d6] [Active Conditions: None]

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

As Sebti speaks, Ulysses nods in all the right places to indicate that he knows what she's talking about.


Male Human Slayer (Grave Warden) 6 / Fighter 1
Vital Statistics:
[HP 78/78] [AC 22 | T 11 | FF 21] [Per +16| Init +2 | Spd 30/20] [F +11* | R +8* | W +6* | +2 vs neg levels]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Falchion +12/+7| 2d4+6 S] [Heavy Flail +11/+6 | 1d10+6 B] [Ranged Comp Shortbow +9/+4 | 1d6+3 P] [Active Conditions: None]

Melech's eyes go wide at the news of a missing silver shipment. Holy water is Wati's number one most precious resource right now; how this isn't top priority is utterly lost on him.

But... it's not his place to question Sebti's leadership, so he says, "Of course. We will let you know what we find," and leaves it at that.

He looks at Ulysses and Nevai. "I'm ready if you are."


Behind the Screen:

1d100 ⇒ 31
1d100 ⇒ 67

Not like there was a sudden violent undead uprising to take her mind off it or anything. XD

You begin your patrol in the Veins, moving through the streets and scoping for trouble.

Go ahead and roll me Perception checks.


Male Gnome Alchemist (Trap Breaker) 7
Vital Statistics:
[HP 59/59] [AC 19/22 | T 14/15 | FF 15/18] [Per +15/+14 | Init +5/+7 | Spd 20] [F +8* | R +9/+11* | W +3/+2* | -1 fire]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Fire Bomb +11 | 4d6+4 | DC17 | 14/14][Light Mace +6 | 1d4 S] [Light Crossbow +10 | 1d6] [Active Conditions: None]

Mutagen lasts 60 minutes. Not sure if it's worn off yet?

perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24 +3 traps, +1 if mutagen worn off


Male Human Slayer (Grave Warden) 6 / Fighter 1
Vital Statistics:
[HP 78/78] [AC 22 | T 11 | FF 21] [Per +16| Init +2 | Spd 30/20] [F +11* | R +8* | W +6* | +2 vs neg levels]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Falchion +12/+7| 2d4+6 S] [Heavy Flail +11/+6 | 1d10+6 B] [Ranged Comp Shortbow +9/+4 | 1d6+3 P] [Active Conditions: None]

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19


Behind the Screen:

Nah, it took less than an hour to get to the Veins on your patrol, it's pretty close to the Sunburst Market.

Melech doesn't notice anything out of the ordinary as you walk, but Ulysses hears what he is fairly certain is a scuffle, closer to the waterfront and the next street over.


Male Gnome Alchemist (Trap Breaker) 7
Vital Statistics:
[HP 59/59] [AC 19/22 | T 14/15 | FF 15/18] [Per +15/+14 | Init +5/+7 | Spd 20] [F +8* | R +9/+11* | W +3/+2* | -1 fire]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Fire Bomb +11 | 4d6+4 | DC17 | 14/14][Light Mace +6 | 1d4 S] [Light Crossbow +10 | 1d6] [Active Conditions: None]

Ulysses holds his hand up to stop the others, then points in the direction of the disturbance. He pulls a vial from his bandolier, drinks it, then drinks a potion and disappears from sight. The others don't see, but he spits the potion back into its bottle and stows it.

Alchemical allocation followed by invisibility

The others here a disembodied voice whisper, "Wait here," and then Ulysses creeps off toward the sound.

stealth: 1d20 + 12 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 20 = 35


Behind the Screen:

As Ulysses pops through the alley to the other street, he sees a group of eight men stand over the bodies of four others: two humans, a dwarf, and a half-orc, all in the garments of dock workers. From what Ulysses can tell, he caught the tail end of a very brief struggle. The workers have been pummeled by the eight men, who all carry saps. They are all of them in various states of disarray and hygiene. A couple have bandaged wounds. They stand over their prize: four crates about three feet cubed each, and each stamped on the side with the symbol of Pharasma. The eight looters clap each other on the back jovially.

Sense Motive DC 18:

Despite their back-slapping and laughter, several of them look nearly hysterical with fear, and most of them look as if they haven't slept in over a day.


Male Gnome Alchemist (Trap Breaker) 7
Vital Statistics:
[HP 59/59] [AC 19/22 | T 14/15 | FF 15/18] [Per +15/+14 | Init +5/+7 | Spd 20] [F +8* | R +9/+11* | W +3/+2* | -1 fire]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Fire Bomb +11 | 4d6+4 | DC17 | 14/14][Light Mace +6 | 1d4 S] [Light Crossbow +10 | 1d6] [Active Conditions: None]

SM: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

LOL so close

stealth: 1d20 + 12 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 20 = 52

Ulysses slinks back to the others. They hear the disembodied voice again: "I think we found the silver shipment. Be ready for a fight; there are eight of them. They beat up four dock workers, but I don't think they killed anyone."

He drinks his shield extract, then says, "Follow me." He takes a few steps away, notices that the others don't move, and then chuckles at his mistake. "Melech, I'll follow you."

AC with mutagen and shield is 26 | 15 | 22.


Male Human Slayer (Grave Warden) 6 / Fighter 1
Vital Statistics:
[HP 78/78] [AC 22 | T 11 | FF 21] [Per +16| Init +2 | Spd 30/20] [F +11* | R +8* | W +6* | +2 vs neg levels]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Falchion +12/+7| 2d4+6 S] [Heavy Flail +11/+6 | 1d10+6 B] [Ranged Comp Shortbow +9/+4 | 1d6+3 P] [Active Conditions: None]

Melech draws his falchion and heads down the alley to the next street.


Male Aasimar (Lawbringer) Cleric (Angelfire Apostle) of Horus 6
Vital Statistics:
[HP 42 | Init +0 | Per +3] [AC 19 | T 10 | FF 19] [F +6* | R +3* | W +8*] [*= +2 vs Death Effects]
Weapon Statistics:
[Melee Natron Fang +6 | 1d8+3 S | 19-20/x2] [Melee Light Mace +5 | 1d6+2 B | 20/x2] [Ranged Lightning Arc +3 Touch | 1d6+3 Electric | Rg 30 | 20/x2] [Ranged Sling +3 | 1d4+2 | Rg 50 | 20/x2]
Spell Slots and Daily Powers:
[0-lvl (DC 13): ~/3 | 1st lvl (DC 14): 3+1 | 2nd lvl (DC 15): 3+1 | 3rd lvl (DC 16): 2+1] [Channel Positive Energy (Will DC 17 Half): 8/Day] [Lightning Arc: 7/Day]

Nevai follows behind Melech, happy that the slayer is now the loudest person in the group instead of him. He readies his shield as he goes, though he keeps Natron Fang sheathed. He doubts this will end in anything other than bloodshed--does it ever?--but he continues to hope. Besides, it leaves his hand free for spells.


Behind the Screen:

The trio round the corner to see the eight thugs still hard at work looting the crates. They have one opened up and are marveling at the shiny contents: several sacks of powdered silver.

Perception DC 20:

The men also have other goods haphazardly stuffed into their pockets and pouches, and a pair of them look like they just walked out of a tea shop nearby where the door has been violently forced open. You suspect the crates were likely a target of opportunity while they were busy looting nearby stores, and not a planned heist.

They look up when the two men (so far as they can see) round the corner. One of the nearer thugs brandishes his sap. "Oi! More funds for the cause! Hand over your valuables, rich boys! You're gonna help the commonfolk for once, or we'll pound the snot out of you!"

One of his companions glances nervously at the aasimar with the shiny copper skin and the slayer in rune-etched plate mail and mutters, "Er, Hak-et? I don't think we should mess with these guys. They look like serious business."

The first guy, "Hak-et," you presume, scratches his nose and studies you, his face falling as he realizes his companion is correct. "Uh, right then. Keep your valuables, but move along! This don't concern you. Snot-beating is still on the table." He puffs out his ample chest to look as intimidating as possible.


Male Human Slayer (Grave Warden) 6 / Fighter 1
Vital Statistics:
[HP 78/78] [AC 22 | T 11 | FF 21] [Per +16| Init +2 | Spd 30/20] [F +11* | R +8* | W +6* | +2 vs neg levels]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Falchion +12/+7| 2d4+6 S] [Heavy Flail +11/+6 | 1d10+6 B] [Ranged Comp Shortbow +9/+4 | 1d6+3 P] [Active Conditions: None]

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Melech takes another step toward the thugs, looking over #7 and #4 for signs of weakness as he does so. "You see those crates there? I'm going to guess you don't know what you are stealing, because there is no way anyone is that stupid. The clerics at the Grand Mausoleum use that silver powder to make holy water, which they then use to protect your sorry asses from the hordes of undead that are loose in the streets. Do you know what happens when you are bitten by a zombie? Your body begins to decompose, even if the bite didn't kill you. Food and water begin to taste like ash, and nothing can slake your hunger. Eventually you look to those closest to you -- wives, parents, sons and daughters -- and you start to think that their brains would be awfully tasty, but you resist. Finally, the hunger becomes too strong to ignore, and you kill your loved ones so you can eat those sweet, sweet brains. And now your family is dead or turned to zombies like you, but you still hunger. It never goes away until someone like us destroys you. And the worst part? A part of yourself remains conscious inside the zombie that has taken over your body. You are utterly aware and utterly horrified of everything you are doing to curb your appetite for human flesh, and there isn't a damn thing you can do to stop it.

"So. If you would like that to happen to you and everyone you care about, by all means try to prevent us from recovering those crates."

intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

JFC. What a waste of a great speech.


Behind the Screen:

1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

The looters stare with glassy eyes as he speaks, clearly not really getting what he's saying. They look at each other more in confusion than fear, muttering back and forth. Finally, one of them pipes up, "Heeey, that's not how zombies work at all!"

The first one who spoke previously waves his sap threateningly. "Figures, you rich prats coming up with some cockamamie story to keep your stuff! I bet you work for the church, yeah? Cozied up in your big fancy cathedral while the rest of us are out here dying! Well today you're giving back to the people, whether you like it or not! Get a move on, or we'll beat yer sorry asses senseless."


Male Aasimar (Lawbringer) Cleric (Angelfire Apostle) of Horus 6
Vital Statistics:
[HP 42 | Init +0 | Per +3] [AC 19 | T 10 | FF 19] [F +6* | R +3* | W +8*] [*= +2 vs Death Effects]
Weapon Statistics:
[Melee Natron Fang +6 | 1d8+3 S | 19-20/x2] [Melee Light Mace +5 | 1d6+2 B | 20/x2] [Ranged Lightning Arc +3 Touch | 1d6+3 Electric | Rg 30 | 20/x2] [Ranged Sling +3 | 1d4+2 | Rg 50 | 20/x2]
Spell Slots and Daily Powers:
[0-lvl (DC 13): ~/3 | 1st lvl (DC 14): 3+1 | 2nd lvl (DC 15): 3+1 | 3rd lvl (DC 16): 2+1] [Channel Positive Energy (Will DC 17 Half): 8/Day] [Lightning Arc: 7/Day]

Nevai rubs the bridge of his nose. "You didn't have to lie, you know," he mutters. "The truth is horrifying enough."

He steps forward to try his hand at it. "My friend did, in fact, make up the bit about the zombie bites. He was likely expecting you to respond more to fear than facts, but I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt."

He points to the spiral symbol on the crates. "I am, in fact, aiding the church of Pharasma. As should all of you be. The only reason the city has not been entirely overrun and everyone slaughtered in their homes is because the Voices of the Spire have been fighting and dying on the walls of the Dead City to keep your ungrateful asses as safe as they can. And we" he gestures to himself and Melech "are patrolling to kill what undead we come across. That silver powder is, in fact, going to be used to create more holy water so we can combat the undead threat. You can either step aside and let us do that, or my friend can unleash that falchion of his. I promise you with all sincerity, friend, you will not survive the encounter. I beg you, stop this insanity. Drop your looted goods and return to your homes until we can end the undead uprising. I want no more living blood spilled on account of this tragedy."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13


Behind the Screen:

The looter sneers. "Typical garbage silver tongued noble b$%!##$~. I'm gonna enjoy clobbering your brains out." He advances menacingly.

A few of the looters look around uncertainly, but they follow suit.

Initiative:

Melech: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Nevai: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Ulysses: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Looter: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Looter: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Looter: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Looter: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Looter: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Looter: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Looter: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Looter: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

ROUND 1
BOLD may act.[color=green]
Looter 1 (0 dmg)
Ulysses (51/51 hp, invisible)
Looter 2 (0 dmg)
Looter 3 (0 dmg)
Looter 4 (0 dmg)
Looter 5 (0 dmg)
Looter 6 (0 dmg)
Looter 7 (0 dmg)
Melech (68/68 hp)
Nevai (47/47 hp)
Looter 8 (0 dmg)
[/color]

The looter who's been speaking to you strides confidently forward, sap in hand. (double move)


Male Human Slayer (Grave Warden) 6 / Fighter 1
Vital Statistics:
[HP 78/78] [AC 22 | T 11 | FF 21] [Per +16| Init +2 | Spd 30/20] [F +11* | R +8* | W +6* | +2 vs neg levels]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Falchion +12/+7| 2d4+6 S] [Heavy Flail +11/+6 | 1d10+6 B] [Ranged Comp Shortbow +9/+4 | 1d6+3 P] [Active Conditions: None]

Melech sighs. "Try not to kill them, Ulysses."


Male Gnome Alchemist (Trap Breaker) 7
Vital Statistics:
[HP 59/59] [AC 19/22 | T 14/15 | FF 15/18] [Per +15/+14 | Init +5/+7 | Spd 20] [F +8* | R +9/+11* | W +3/+2* | -1 fire]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Fire Bomb +11 | 4d6+4 | DC17 | 14/14][Light Mace +6 | 1d4 S] [Light Crossbow +10 | 1d6] [Active Conditions: None]

I don't know if a nonlethal bomb makes any kind of sense, but I'll take the -4 and you can rule it however.

Ulysses takes a few steps to the right of Nevai and tosses a bomb at #3's feet. He normally aims his bombs for center mass, and they do unspeakable things to flesh when they explode near that much of it. He's hoping he can just singe these guys and maybe hold them in place long enough for them to reconsider their stance on looting. OH GOD THIS JUST GOT TOO REAL AND I AM JUST NOW SIDING WITH THE LOOTERS.

bomb (+2 invisible, -4 NL): 1d20 + 12 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 2 - 4 = 28
damage: 4d6 + 5 ⇒ (6, 5, 1, 2) + 5 = 19

9 splash damage to #6 unless he saves. DC17 for splash and tanglefoot avoidance.


Male Gnome Alchemist (Trap Breaker) 7
Vital Statistics:
[HP 59/59] [AC 19/22 | T 14/15 | FF 15/18] [Per +15/+14 | Init +5/+7 | Spd 20] [F +8* | R +9/+11* | W +3/+2* | -1 fire]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Fire Bomb +11 | 4d6+4 | DC17 | 14/14][Light Mace +6 | 1d4 S] [Light Crossbow +10 | 1d6] [Active Conditions: None]

Retcon: I'll aim for the square to the left of #3, so the splash will hit #3, #6, and #7. 9 splash damage or 4 if saves. Also DC17 reflex to save against being entangled; those that save are not entangled. Not sure if it's a separate save for the damage vs. entangled.


Behind the Screen:

Ref 3: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Ref 6: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Ref 7: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Ulysses' bomb detonates on the dirt street, and two of the three looters caught in the blast take the full force of the shockwave as their skin is shredded and singed. One slams against the nearby tea house they'd just walked out of; the other tumbles away like a ragdoll. You're not certain, but it looks like they're still breathing. For how long, you do not know. The third manages to duck both the blast and the wild strings of yellow-green goop that fly out to try and entangle him.

#2 and #5 run to fight off the newcomers but can't reach them in time to get off an attack. (aka double move for both) #4, despite having the opportunity to dole out some damage, decides to be a team player and move into flanking position on Ulysses.

I have the distinct impression this is going to be over very fast. XD

ROUND 1
BOLD may act.[color=green]
Looter 1 (0 dmg)
Ulysses (51/51 hp, invisible)
Looter 2 (0 dmg)
Looter 3 (9 dmg, entangled, unconscious and dying)
Looter 4 (0 dmg)
Looter 5 (0 dmg)
Looter 6 (9 dmg, entangled, unconscious and dying)
Looter 7 (4 dmg)
Melech (68/68 hp)
Nevai (47/47 hp)
Looter 8 (0 dmg)
[/color]


Male Human Slayer (Grave Warden) 6 / Fighter 1
Vital Statistics:
[HP 78/78] [AC 22 | T 11 | FF 21] [Per +16| Init +2 | Spd 30/20] [F +11* | R +8* | W +6* | +2 vs neg levels]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Falchion +12/+7| 2d4+6 S] [Heavy Flail +11/+6 | 1d10+6 B] [Ranged Comp Shortbow +9/+4 | 1d6+3 P] [Active Conditions: None]

Melech almost dismissively smacks #2 in the forehead with the butt of his sword (not power attacking since he saw how easily Ulysses put the other guys down with just splash damage).

falchion (-4 NL): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
damage (NL): 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 6 = 11

Assuming that puts him down...

Then he steps in front of #1, in hopes of preventing more doods from surrounding Ulysses (but also knowing how ridiculously hard the gnome is to hit).


Male Human Slayer (Grave Warden) 6 / Fighter 1
Vital Statistics:
[HP 78/78] [AC 22 | T 11 | FF 21] [Per +16| Init +2 | Spd 30/20] [F +11* | R +8* | W +6* | +2 vs neg levels]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Falchion +12/+7| 2d4+6 S] [Heavy Flail +11/+6 | 1d10+6 B] [Ranged Comp Shortbow +9/+4 | 1d6+3 P] [Active Conditions: None]

Oops, forgot the -4. 23 to hit, not 27.


Male Aasimar (Lawbringer) Cleric (Angelfire Apostle) of Horus 6
Vital Statistics:
[HP 42 | Init +0 | Per +3] [AC 19 | T 10 | FF 19] [F +6* | R +3* | W +8*] [*= +2 vs Death Effects]
Weapon Statistics:
[Melee Natron Fang +6 | 1d8+3 S | 19-20/x2] [Melee Light Mace +5 | 1d6+2 B | 20/x2] [Ranged Lightning Arc +3 Touch | 1d6+3 Electric | Rg 30 | 20/x2] [Ranged Sling +3 | 1d4+2 | Rg 50 | 20/x2]
Spell Slots and Daily Powers:
[0-lvl (DC 13): ~/3 | 1st lvl (DC 14): 3+1 | 2nd lvl (DC 15): 3+1 | 3rd lvl (DC 16): 2+1] [Channel Positive Energy (Will DC 17 Half): 8/Day] [Lightning Arc: 7/Day]

Nevai swings the pommel of Natron Fang at the temple of #4 to try and put him down.

Natron Fang vs #4, NL: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 4 = 6
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

PFFFFFT


Behind the Screen:

Sap: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 2d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7

#8 hustles to join his friends, but can't find an advantageous position, so he just moves up to Melech and threatens him with his little night-night stick.

#1 sidesteps to flank with his friend Fivey, and goes to clobber Melech, but the sap bounces uselessly off the insane armor the slayer is wearing.

ROUND 2
BOLD may act.[color=green]
Looter 1 (0 dmg)
Ulysses (51/51 hp)
Looter 2 (0 dmg, 11 NL, unconscious and stable)
Looter 3 (9 dmg, entangled, unconscious and dying)
Looter 4 (0 dmg)
Looter 5 (0 dmg)
Looter 6 (9 dmg, entangled, unconscious and dying)
Looter 7 (4 dmg)
Melech (68/68 hp)
Nevai (47/47 hp)
Looter 8 (0 dmg)
[/color]


Male Gnome Alchemist (Trap Breaker) 7
Vital Statistics:
[HP 59/59] [AC 19/22 | T 14/15 | FF 15/18] [Per +15/+14 | Init +5/+7 | Spd 20] [F +8* | R +9/+11* | W +3/+2* | -1 fire]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Fire Bomb +11 | 4d6+4 | DC17 | 14/14][Light Mace +6 | 1d4 S] [Light Crossbow +10 | 1d6] [Active Conditions: None]

Ulysses ducks and jives past Nevai in an effort to escape the gentlemen who are flanking him. His familiar gives him +3 to acro; might as well use it! Reminder: current AC is 26 | 15 | 22.

acro to avoid aoo: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Then he tosses a bomb into the space he just vacated.

bomb @ square between #4 and #5: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

9 splash damage, tanglefoot, DC17.


Behind the Screen:

aoo4: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5
aoo5: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
rs4: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
rs5: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
con3: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5
con5: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11
con6: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9
7: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9
4: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9
confirm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
1d8 ⇒ 8

Both looters whiff as they try to slap the wily gnome on his way out. #4 ducks the worst of the explosion, but #5 goes flying back and lands unconscious and covered in burns.

#4 looks badly burned, but is still up and decides to go for a less horrifying target in Nevai. However, he holds a moment, waving one of his buddies over.

#7 hustles into place, running behind his friends to avoid that massive falchion of Melech's, to strike from a more advantageous position. He swings out with his club and almost falls flat on his face.

8: FUMBLE NEGATED
Fumble turns into a miss.

#4 also misses horribly but at least he didn't look like a damn fool doing it.

ROUND 2
BOLD may act.[color=green]
Looter 1 (0 dmg)
Ulysses (51/51 hp)
Looter 2 (0 dmg, 11 NL, unconscious and stable)
Looter 3 (10 dmg, entangled, unconscious and dying)
Looter 4 (4 dmg)
Looter 5 (9 dmg, entangled, unconscious and stable)
Looter 6 (10 dmg, entangled, unconscious and dying)
Looter 7 (4 dmg)
Melech (68/68 hp)
Nevai (47/47 hp)
Looter 8 (0 dmg)
[/color]


Male Human Slayer (Grave Warden) 6 / Fighter 1
Vital Statistics:
[HP 78/78] [AC 22 | T 11 | FF 21] [Per +16| Init +2 | Spd 30/20] [F +11* | R +8* | W +6* | +2 vs neg levels]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Falchion +12/+7| 2d4+6 S] [Heavy Flail +11/+6 | 1d10+6 B] [Ranged Comp Shortbow +9/+4 | 1d6+3 P] [Active Conditions: None]

It's so dumb that intimidate is keyed to charisma and not strength, but I'm gonna try anyway.

Melech pauses and looks at the men in front of him and can see the desperation in their eyes. He sighs, drops his falchion slightly, and speaks loudly enough for the conscious looters to hear him. "We have put down four of your number and none of you have so much as touched us. Now, we can put the rest of you down if that's what you'd prefer, but I'd rather you just walked away. We will make sure your companions do not die. If you keep fighting us, we can't make that guarantee."

intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

FFS


Behind the Screen:

1d20 ⇒ 8
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6

The remaining looters look at each other, but instead of uncertainty, Melech's words seem to steel them. "You won't cow us! We're not boot-lickers who lay down at the feet of thugs. To the Hells with you!"

#8, bolstered by his friends, steps to the side to help set up a flank for his buddy and swings an impossible attack at Melech that bounces uselessly off the thick plating surrounding him.

Undeterred, #1 steps into a flank with #8 and tries to clobber Melech. However, he doesn't even hit Melech's armor--the slayer simply sidesteps the sap entirely.

ROUND 3
BOLD may act.[color=green]
Looter 1 (0 dmg)
Ulysses (51/51 hp)
Looter 2 (0 dmg, 11 NL, unconscious and stable)
Looter 3 (10 dmg, entangled, unconscious and dying)
Looter 4 (4 dmg)
Looter 5 (9 dmg, entangled, unconscious and stable)
Looter 6 (10 dmg, entangled, unconscious and dying)
Looter 7 (4 dmg)
Melech (68/68 hp)
Nevai (47/47 hp)
Looter 8 (0 dmg)
[/color]


Male Aasimar (Lawbringer) Cleric (Angelfire Apostle) of Horus 6
Vital Statistics:
[HP 42 | Init +0 | Per +3] [AC 19 | T 10 | FF 19] [F +6* | R +3* | W +8*] [*= +2 vs Death Effects]
Weapon Statistics:
[Melee Natron Fang +6 | 1d8+3 S | 19-20/x2] [Melee Light Mace +5 | 1d6+2 B | 20/x2] [Ranged Lightning Arc +3 Touch | 1d6+3 Electric | Rg 30 | 20/x2] [Ranged Sling +3 | 1d4+2 | Rg 50 | 20/x2]
Spell Slots and Daily Powers:
[0-lvl (DC 13): ~/3 | 1st lvl (DC 14): 3+1 | 2nd lvl (DC 15): 3+1 | 3rd lvl (DC 16): 2+1] [Channel Positive Energy (Will DC 17 Half): 8/Day] [Lightning Arc: 7/Day]

UGH I forgot Nevai's turn again. I'll say he delayed to see how they'd react to Melech.

Seeing the remaining looters unfazed by Melech's words, Nevai sighs and continues the assault. Fortunately, one of the looters was kind enough to step into a flank for him.

Natron Fang vs #8, NL: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 - 4 = 24
NL Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Confirm: 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 2 - 4 = 23
NL Crit Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

lulz I think I conked him


Male Gnome Alchemist (Trap Breaker) 7
Vital Statistics:
[HP 59/59] [AC 19/22 | T 14/15 | FF 15/18] [Per +15/+14 | Init +5/+7 | Spd 20] [F +8* | R +9/+11* | W +3/+2* | -1 fire]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Fire Bomb +11 | 4d6+4 | DC17 | 14/14][Light Mace +6 | 1d4 S] [Light Crossbow +10 | 1d6] [Active Conditions: None]

Ulysses reflexively starts to pull out another bomb, then stops himself. He looks at all the bodies -- hopefully still alive! -- on the ground and sighs. Why won't these morons give up? They clearly have no chance.

He pulls his mace from his belt, steps up to #7, and swings at the man's hip.

light mace: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3 lol


Behind the Screen:

stbl 3: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (13) - 3 = 10
stbl 6: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (12) - 3 = 9
stbl 7: 1d20 ⇒ 10
4: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Battered and bleeding from explosion wounds, nearly manic with his defiance, #4 swings an exhausted, bloody arm down at Nevai's head. It bounces harmlessly off the cleric's chainmail. The man looks on the verge of tears, but he holds his ground.

ROUND 3
BOLD may act.[color=green]
Looter 1 (0 dmg)
Ulysses (51/51 hp)
Looter 2 (0 dmg, 11 NL, unconscious and stable)
Looter 3 (10 dmg, entangled, unconscious and stable)
Looter 4 (4 dmg)
Looter 5 (9 dmg, entangled, unconscious and stable)
Looter 6 (10 dmg, entangled, unconscious and dying)
Looter 7 (7 dmg, unconscious and stable)
Melech (68/68 hp)
Nevai (47/47 hp)
Looter 8 (0 dmg)
[/color]


Male Aasimar (Lawbringer) Cleric (Angelfire Apostle) of Horus 6
Vital Statistics:
[HP 42 | Init +0 | Per +3] [AC 19 | T 10 | FF 19] [F +6* | R +3* | W +8*] [*= +2 vs Death Effects]
Weapon Statistics:
[Melee Natron Fang +6 | 1d8+3 S | 19-20/x2] [Melee Light Mace +5 | 1d6+2 B | 20/x2] [Ranged Lightning Arc +3 Touch | 1d6+3 Electric | Rg 30 | 20/x2] [Ranged Sling +3 | 1d4+2 | Rg 50 | 20/x2]
Spell Slots and Daily Powers:
[0-lvl (DC 13): ~/3 | 1st lvl (DC 14): 3+1 | 2nd lvl (DC 15): 3+1 | 3rd lvl (DC 16): 2+1] [Channel Positive Energy (Will DC 17 Half): 8/Day] [Lightning Arc: 7/Day]

Nevai sighs. This is absurd. These men have no idea how many lives they're costing with this foolishness. The order imposed by the guards and the church aresometimes cruel, but the alternative is chaos and death.

These men are rabid, however. Clearly they're unwilling to listen to reason. Still, it's not the party's place to be judge and executioner, only to apprehend. He's pleased to see Melech checking his usual excessive force, at least. Even the gnome is being slightly less bomb-happy. Maybe he's been too hard on them. As angry as he is at Melech, he still believes the slayer's heart is in the right place.

He ruminates on all this as he absently swats the looter next to him with his khopesh.

Natron Fang vs #4, NL: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 4 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Confirm: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 6 - 4 = 8

Oh well. It's enough to conk him when combined with the lethal damage.


Male Human Slayer (Grave Warden) 6 / Fighter 1
Vital Statistics:
[HP 78/78] [AC 22 | T 11 | FF 21] [Per +16| Init +2 | Spd 30/20] [F +11* | R +8* | W +6* | +2 vs neg levels]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Falchion +12/+7| 2d4+6 S] [Heavy Flail +11/+6 | 1d10+6 B] [Ranged Comp Shortbow +9/+4 | 1d6+3 P] [Active Conditions: None]

Melech doesn't even try to move away from his flanked position. He turns to #1, studying him, then tries to brain the poor guy.

falchion NL: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 13 - 4 = 14
NL damage: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (1, 2) + 8 = 11


Behind the Screen:

Melech actually hits the man far harder than he intended, and hears his skull crack, blood pouring from his ears as he drops to the ground twitching.

I completely forgot about this with #2, but if you do non-lethal damage in excess of the target's max HP, the remaining damage becomes lethal. You actually dealt enough non-lethal damage to drop him to -1 hp, making him unconscious and dying.

The final looter drops his sap, his face a mess of fear and anger. "I hope you all burn, you monsters." He drops to his knees. "Finish it."

COMBAT OVER!


Male Aasimar (Lawbringer) Cleric (Angelfire Apostle) of Horus 6
Vital Statistics:
[HP 42 | Init +0 | Per +3] [AC 19 | T 10 | FF 19] [F +6* | R +3* | W +8*] [*= +2 vs Death Effects]
Weapon Statistics:
[Melee Natron Fang +6 | 1d8+3 S | 19-20/x2] [Melee Light Mace +5 | 1d6+2 B | 20/x2] [Ranged Lightning Arc +3 Touch | 1d6+3 Electric | Rg 30 | 20/x2] [Ranged Sling +3 | 1d4+2 | Rg 50 | 20/x2]
Spell Slots and Daily Powers:
[0-lvl (DC 13): ~/3 | 1st lvl (DC 14): 3+1 | 2nd lvl (DC 15): 3+1 | 3rd lvl (DC 16): 2+1] [Channel Positive Energy (Will DC 17 Half): 8/Day] [Lightning Arc: 7/Day]

Nevai grits his teeth. "Damn fools," he grumbles under his breath, and goes around the pile of unconscious looters, stabilizing them. He then gathers rope and asks for Melech's assistance binding all the men together.

Once that's done, he lets out a pulse of positive energy to heal their wounds.

Channel Energy (heal): 3d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 2) = 13


Behind the Screen:

All of the men, including the unconscious dock workers, rise from unconsciousness fully healed. The workers thank the party profusely for rescuing them, and as long as the party's willing to watch their backs as they move, are happy to carry the cargo all the way to the Mausoleum.

None of the looters put up resistance of any sort. The last one standing seems confused you didn't kill him, until Nevai heals all his friends to full health. Now he looks conflicted.


Male Human Slayer (Grave Warden) 6 / Fighter 1
Vital Statistics:
[HP 78/78] [AC 22 | T 11 | FF 21] [Per +16| Init +2 | Spd 30/20] [F +11* | R +8* | W +6* | +2 vs neg levels]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Falchion +12/+7| 2d4+6 S] [Heavy Flail +11/+6 | 1d10+6 B] [Ranged Comp Shortbow +9/+4 | 1d6+3 P] [Active Conditions: None]

Melech sheathes his falchion, then talks to the man who was left standing while the other looters recover from their concussions. "I am not your enemy. The mausoleum needs this silver to fight back the undead who are trying to take this city. If they fail, you -- and everyone you know -- will die horribly." He moves away the dreadlocks that cover his forehead, revealing his slave brand. "I once spent my life feeling utterly helpless, like you do now. The desperation and despair eats away at you. I bear you no ill will for attacking us today. Now go home, hug your wives and children, and pray that we succeed."

Without another word, he nods to the dock workers and begins leading the way back to the Mausoleum.


Male Aasimar (Lawbringer) Cleric (Angelfire Apostle) of Horus 6
Vital Statistics:
[HP 42 | Init +0 | Per +3] [AC 19 | T 10 | FF 19] [F +6* | R +3* | W +8*] [*= +2 vs Death Effects]
Weapon Statistics:
[Melee Natron Fang +6 | 1d8+3 S | 19-20/x2] [Melee Light Mace +5 | 1d6+2 B | 20/x2] [Ranged Lightning Arc +3 Touch | 1d6+3 Electric | Rg 30 | 20/x2] [Ranged Sling +3 | 1d4+2 | Rg 50 | 20/x2]
Spell Slots and Daily Powers:
[0-lvl (DC 13): ~/3 | 1st lvl (DC 14): 3+1 | 2nd lvl (DC 15): 3+1 | 3rd lvl (DC 16): 2+1] [Channel Positive Energy (Will DC 17 Half): 8/Day] [Lightning Arc: 7/Day]

Nevai looks ready to argue with Melech--what is he doing? These men attacked other civilians! Looted buildings! They need to take them to the Precinct!

But... he supposes they have more important battles to fight, and Horus knows they don't have the time to waste. Offering a mental prayer for forgiveness to the Sky God, he very reluctantly releases the men from their bonds, but not before jabbing a finger into the leader's face--the one who spoke before all the others. "My friend is feeling lenient, but do not expect the same from me if I catch you beating innocent civilians and looting businesses again. I won't wait for the judge--I'll sever your right hand myself. Now get out of my sight."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8


Behind the Screen:

Far from looking chastised, the man rubs his wrists and glares sullenly at the cleric. He doesn't offer any retort, however. He simply waves a hand and the group of looters slouch off into the streets.

The dock workers look slightly irritated that the men who beat them are getting away with it, but considering the fact that the man who released them is in fifty pounds of magically enhanced armored plating and carries a falchion longer than their torsos, they decide it's not really worth arguing about and start hauling the crates toward the Mausoleum.

Feel free to retcon with any RP over the interaction, but otherwise I'm going to fast-forward a bit.

When the crates arrive at the Mausoleum, Sebti looks like she could faint. "Thank Pharasma." When she's told what happened, she nods at Melech. "You did the right thing. The guards have no time to watch prisoners at the moment, let alone nearly a dozen of them. I doubt they'll cause any more trouble, and we have more important battles to concern ourselves with. It will take some time to start sanctifying water, so please continue your patrol. We should have a full stock of holy water ready by this evening. I may need you to make a supply run around the walls of the necropolis to resupply the Voices there."

If there's anything you want to do at the cathedral before setting back out on patrol, go for it.


Male Human Slayer (Grave Warden) 6 / Fighter 1
Vital Statistics:
[HP 78/78] [AC 22 | T 11 | FF 21] [Per +16| Init +2 | Spd 30/20] [F +11* | R +8* | W +6* | +2 vs neg levels]
Weapons and Active Conditions:
[Falchion +12/+7| 2d4+6 S] [Heavy Flail +11/+6 | 1d10+6 B] [Ranged Comp Shortbow +9/+4 | 1d6+3 P] [Active Conditions: None]

After they reach the Mausoleum and turn the crates over, Melech pulls the dock workers aside. "Thank you for your help. I know you disagreed with my decision to let your attackers go. Under different circumstances, things may have been different, but as it is, we are fighting for the very survival of Wati and her people and we have to choose our battles. Still, you have suffered trauma and I do not wish it to go unacknowledged." He pulls out his purse and hands some coin to each person. "I hope this will ease your suffering somewhat. Go in and peace and stay safe."

25gp to each worker; 100 deducted from the loot sheet. It's not exactly practical to carry around 25 loose gold pieces, so we'll pretend he had some smaller pouches he could put it in :)

Melech watches the dock workers leave and thinks about what he just did. Why was he compelled to do it? Was he overcompensating for the hasty decision to let the looters go? At the time, it seemed the right thing to do. As they were putting the men down one by one without even a semblance of a challenge, they kept fighting. The last man seemed resigned to die for their cause.

Actually, he doesn't have to wonder. It was their despair. It was written all over their faces, as they rushed headlong into a fight they couldn't possibly win. He saw it and he felt it, and suddenly he was 12 years old again, slave to a necromancer. His eventual escape was as unlikely as it was sudden; he likes to think that his unmatched strength and wily scheming made escape inevitable, but the truth is that he got lucky. And the bigger truth is that the majority of those that despair don't ever have such luck. They despair from the day they are old enough to understand their lot in life until the day that die, whether it is at the overeager hand of some town guard, or some illness that is easily cured with only the unattainable fortune of a handful of gold pieces, or the despair itself.

And what had Nevai said? He would sever their right hands himself? And what would that accomplish? It would brand the person as a thief for the rest of their life. What businessman would give a branded man an honest job? So the despair leads to crime and the crime leads to imprisonment or maiming or branding and that leads to more crime, and the cycle continues.

Still, none of that answers his original question: why did he give those men gold? Is he trying to fix societal injustices, a hundred gold at a time? Obviously that is an impossible goal. But does that mean he shouldn't do something?

Ugh. Philosophy is not his strong suit. But it's time to talk to Nevai anyway. He only has to look around for a short time before finding the cleric, helping some wounded. Melech waits patiently for the cleric to be done, then pulls him aside.

"I have been thinking about what you said, and I must admit that I have been wrong. If a man is trying to kill me, it is my instinct to protect myself. Until I met you, that meant trying to kill the man that is trying to kill me. And I have gotten very good at it. But it is true that it is not my right to judge a man worthy of death, even if he is trying to kill me. I can't promise anything, but I will try to hold back." He pauses for a few moments, looking the cleric in the eye. "But I will not apologize for being concerned for your life. You are my friend, Nevai."

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