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Elfino creeps into position and nocks an arrow...
He still seems unnoticed. Perfect time for the ambush....
Elfino pauses a few seconds more to find just the right moment to initiate the engagement. He wants to make sure that the entire party will act in concert once things go hot.
Elfino stares down the shaft of his arrow trying to find a weakness in the red guard that he can exploit.
"Yes! I see an opening," he thinks, and fires an arrow before his advantage slips away.
Shortbow: (15) + 4 + 3 = 22
No sooner does he release the arrow than he is on the move, running down one of the gaps between the boxes to find some cover before he determines his next move.
Elfino waits for everyone. And then he takes the shot. It's good, but not critical. The Red clad guard stumbles back before turning around. "We're under attack."
Barralbus's chuckle is stopped short. "What? Theomolin hired some mercenaries of his own, eh? Haha! Luckily I paid top notch for you two! Come on!"
Guards (Red 7 damage)
Barralbus
Elfino
Panarug
Ving Tran
Emoubu
Thurk
Hammick
Action is on Slide 1
[ooc]Hammick: You had 1 round to climb up the crates. Athletics checks are used to climb. DC is 10, a success probably means you will climb 5 ft up, so you would spend your turn climbing.[/url]
Emoubu opens the door and sees Barralbus around the corner. "What is this? You again? Theomolin's lackeys, I see..."
Theomolin looks up at Emoubu, shocked.
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When Emoubu unlocks the door, Thurk touches the kobold on the shoulder.
It is dangerous to go alone. Take this.
He then produces a pebble, handing it on the open palm, and casts a spell. The pebble enlarges, becoming slightly translucent, and starts to levitate around Emoubu in erratic patterns.
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"Wait!" Panarug watches in dismay as the frontliners split up as they rush in, leaving the much softer targets of Ving and himself behind.
He quickly moves into the warehouse, keeping at a distance where he can finally see one of the guards. Concentrating briefly, he sends wave of mental assault at it.
Elfino lets another arrow loose and shoots the other guard before seeking cover. The guard in white hisses before he hears... humming? He spins in Hammick's direction as the man climbs 10 feet up the crate.
Emoubu draws his weapon and rushes in as Thurk gives him a shiny gem that dances about him. Panarug takes action and points at the guard in Red. Her eyes lock with him and she takes a step back to shake off a headache. She reaches for her rapier just as Ving Tran shoots her with a ray of acid. She collapses, and the arrow continues to eat away at her.
The guard in white draws a shortbow and takes aim at Ving Tran and then Emoubu.
Ving Tran receives an arrow to the shoulder while Thurk's Shattering Gem deflects the attack. Emoubu can see a crack in it forming.
"Theomolin is a fool, and you are fools to follow him!" Barralbus raises his quarterstaff as his form becomes blurry. He then Strides next to Theomolin. "But I am willing to pay you twice what he did if you lay down your arms. I know he's a pennypinching skinflint. He's paying you peanuts compared to me!"
Guards (White 5 damage)
Barralbus (Blur Need a DC 5 Flat check to counter his Concealed form)
Elfino
Panarug
Ving Tran (2 damage)
Emoubu (Shattering Gem took 3 damage)
Thurk
Hammick (10 feet up, 5 more feet to go)
Action is on Slide 1
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"Ouch. That hurt a little." states Ving, looking at his now wounded shoulder.
"Theomolin is coming with us. Surrender or die." counters Ving as he casts a spell. A trio of 3" orbs of force from in front of him, then launches at Barralbus...
Bloodline: imperial Deity: Nethys Cast: Single Action to Three Actions (somatic, verbal) Range: 120 feet; Targets: 1 creature You send a dart of force streaking toward a creature that you can see. It automatically hits and deals 1d4+1 force damage. For each additional action you use when Casting the Spell, increase the number of missiles you shoot by one, to a maximum of three missiles for 3 actions. You choose the target for each missile individually. If you shoot more than one missile at the same target, combine the damage before applying bonuses or penalties to damage, resistances, weaknesses, and so forth.
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Since his last attack did not kill the white guard, he decides to leave Barralbus to the other spellcasters and concentrate on finishing the job.
He works his way back to the same spot from which he shot at the guard previously.
This time he decides to take his time and try to make his shot count. He looks for the same weakness he'd seen in the red guard earlier...
Seeing the same opening, he quickly nocks an arrow and sends it flying at the guard.
Shortbow: (14) + 4 + 3 = 21
Unfortunately, he does not have time to find cover and leaves himself somewhat exposed to the white guard's counter-attack. He notices Hammick working his way up the boxes and hopes the dwarf can reach the guard in time to take him out.
Ving Tran casts magic missile, and three orbs of power fly towards Barralbus. "Oh my. You were so cordial back in the ministry."
He quickly reacts as three Magic Missiles of his own burst forth and perfectly counter the magical assault.
"But I see, this was a ruse. Theomolin is hiding something, something he told you about today. Perhaps you will tell me. Or the Emerald Guard can tell me."
Elfino studies the remaining guard carefully, and takes a shot. It strikes but it doesn't stop the guard. "Boss, I'm getting surrounded here!"
Barralbus laughs. "Don't worry, I paid the guild in advance. Your beneficiaries will be taken care of."
Guards (White 12 damage)
Barralbus (Blur Need a DC 5 Flat check to counter his Concealed form)
Elfino
Panarug
Ving Tran (2 damage)
Emoubu (Shattering Gem took 3 damage)
Thurk
Hammick (10 feet up, 5 more feet to go)
Action is on Slide 1
Hammick swings once, and that's enough to defeat the other guard. Now it's you and Barralbus.
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With the guard taken down, Panarug quickly hustles forward towards Barralbus. Despite knowing that he is likely a much better spellcaster than him, he finds little choice but to pit magic against magic. He summons forth his ancestral spirits who coalesces as wispy forms to harass remaining enemy.
But his blurry form confuses the spirits, fouling Panarug's attempt.
Emoubu runs up to Barralbus and lunges his rapier only for the man to twist out of the way. "Hmpf. Maybe all sellswords have bad aim." He doesn't notice Panarug's curse and focuses on the kobold. "I will show you the power of magic itself!" He begins to cast right in front of Emoubu, and a ball of flame appears right in front of him.
But the kobold is quick to react and avoids the flames. A bit surprised, Barralbus quickly Strides away, taking his time to walk around Theomolin. "Wait, why IS a bed in this corner? That is odd..."
Barralbus (Blur Need a DC 5 Flat check to counter his Concealed form)
Elfino
Panarug
Ving Tran (2 damage)
Emoubu (Shattering Gem took 3 damage)
Thurk
Hammick (15 feet up on crates)
Action is on Slide 1
This time, the ancient spirits converge on the real Barralbus. He looks cautiously to the side, then his other side. [smaller]"Who-who said that? You're the ghost of what? The future? My gravestone- HA! There's not enough gold on that grave. Get away from me, you trickster!"
Barralbus's confidence seems unaffected.
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Elfino sees Barralbus head towards the back of the warehouse and having been back there knows that the spellcaster is trapped. He calls out to Emoubu, Thurk and Hammick. "Dere's nae wae oot fur 'im back dere."
Pointing at the passageway that Barralbus just took, he adds, "Protect Theomolin and block Barralbus' exit on dat side. Vin' and me will box 'im in dis side and dat'll trap 'im." He then runs around the back of the pile of boxes looking for Barralbus.
Once he has the spellcaster in view, he watches the blurred form to see if there is some way he can penetrate his enemy's defenses.
Looking through the blur, he thinks he sees an opportunity for an attack and sends an arrow flying towards Barralbus
Shortbow: (13) + 4 + 3 = 20
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Having deftly avoided the ball of fire, Emoubu attempts to use the momentum of the leap to clear of the ball and land on the the other side of the caster.
Having successfully tumbled through the fireball and past the caster, Emoubu quickly strikes back him.
Eomubu then switches to a defensive posture that would allow him to parry incoming blows.
Emoubu maneuvers around the caster adn then strikes at his back.
Everyone moves forward to corner Barralbus, eventually pinning the wizard. Indeed, there is a fancy bed in the northeastern corner.
Elfino waits to see beads of sweat form on the cocky man's head. He takes the chance and fires. It hits its mark, and Barralbus yelps like he's been spanked by his mother for taking cookies from the jar. "This suit cost more than this entire warehouse!"
Emoubu approaches Barralbus and lunges with his rapier...
piercing through his blurry form! "How much IS he paying you? He IS planning something big, isn't he? Aren't you, Theo?"
Theomolin relaxes as Thurk moves to support him. He's quite thankful.
Not getting a response, Barralbus grunts in frustration and begins casting a spell. He then turns to Emoubu. "I Command you to run away from me, Post Haste!"
He then snaps his fingers and the flaming sphere rolls around Panarug, past Theomolin and right next to Hammick...
Who quickly sidesteps the flaming orb. Barralbus mutters, "I shouldn't have bought that spell on discount."
Barralbus (11 damage, Blur Need a DC 5 Flat check to counter his Concealed form)
Elfino
Panarug
Ving Tran (2 damage)
Emoubu (DC 20 Will Save to resist Command to run away, Shattering Gem took 3 damage)
Thurk
Hammick (15 feet up on crates)
Action is on Slide 1
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With Barralbus trapped and continuing to cast spells, Elfino has no choice but to take him down the hard way.
Elfino is getting used to the blur and it is not a factor. Seeing another excellent opportunity, he sends one more arrow at Barralbus.
Shortbow: (14) + 4 + 3 = 21
With nothing better to do, he quickly nocks another arrow and sends it after the first one.
Ving Tran's acid arrow flies through the air, melting one of Barralbus's well groomed hairs and sizzling the back wall.
Elfino's arrow, Emoubu's rapier and Hammick's waraxe see through the illusion and find their mark, knocking Barralbus out.
Theomolin coughs a bit before relaxing. He motions to Thurk, and the binds tying him to the chair.
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Elfino looks down at Barralbus's unconscious form. "Seems loike 'ee's still alive. 'Ow inconvenient." He considers removing the risk altogether by slicing open the man's throat, but that seems like a step too far even for him. Killing a man in combat and killing a man in his sleep were two quite different acts.
First, he goes to Ving to make sure his wounds are taken care of. He pulls out his medical supplies and applies some salve and a bandage to the sorcerer's wound.
The investigator then ties Barralbus's hands and feet together behind his back and puts a tight gag over his mouth. Barralbus won't be able to cast any spells for a while once he regains consciousness. He might have to sweat things out in here for a few days before he got loose or someone found him, but by then, they should all be long gone from the city.
Once that's done, he turns to Theomolin. "Luks loike we gots 'ere jist in time. Whit were dees fellas afta anywae?"
While Elfino binds Barralbus and helps Ving Tran, Hammick checks the guards' bodies. Each carried a rapier and a shortbow, along with leather armor.
He goes to strip Barralbus of his weapons and tools, and confiscates his staff, crossbow, a magic potion, an inkwell and his spellbook.
1st command, grease, gust of wind, magic missile;
Cantrips electric arc, mage hand, produce flame, ray of frost, sigil
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Elfino replenishes his stock of arrows from those of the now dead guards. "Doesn't look like they'll be needing them anymore."
He looks at the book in Hammick's hands. Turning to Thurk, he says, "Luks loike a spellbook to me. Dis of onie use to ye? "
Theomolin does not appear to be in any condition to travel. By the time they get him on his feet and ready to go, it would already be curfew. Better to give him a good night's rest and see how he is in the morning. "Itsa prob'ly too laet to return to kemp tonight and I doubt Theomolin is up to it anywae. Prob'ly best to stae de naeght in 'ere."
"Thank you so much!" Theomolin spits out the gag. "That idiot Barralbus has been vying for my seat for years. He and this thugs ambushed me on the way over here. He knows I'm up to something, but he didn't know what." He relaxes a bit.
"I sold my home already, and I had planned to leave days ago. I've been using this place as a... base of sorts." He points to a bed, jug of fresh water and some food tucked away in the warehouse.
"He found out there's a huge accounting error as of late, and he pounced on me figuratively and l-literally." He slowly stands up and takes a few steps, trying to get the feel back into his legs. "This guard, Ellvard. He sold a forgery to the Runelord herself, and I approved the transaction. I should have inspected the statue myself- I didn't know! As soon as she figures it out, it's my head on the guillotine." He rubs his neck.
"No one else knows I'm here. They're too busy with the day to day work. They won't notice I'm gone for at least another week. The rest of my payment is over here." He makes a gesture to one of the crates. Inside you see a collection of beautiful artwork.
Theomolin takes a deep breath to regain his senses. "W-wait, you want to sleep here? Yes, that's fine. I'm a bit woozy, I didn't hear you the first time." He motions to a crate containing some spare bedding.
It's surprisingly comfortable in here. At least it's better than the stinky sewers. You take watches around the warehouse. Some beggars sleep against the outer walls, but no one enters the compound. No Emerald Guards, either. You could probably move the guards out of the compound and no one would notice.
The cloudy overcast sky brightens as the sun rises. Barralbus is alive and regained consciousness only to fall fast asleep. He snores softly and hasn't uttered a word.
Theomolin is quite active and walks at full speed as he starts boiling a kettle. "S-so, when did you say I would be able to leave? Barralbus is bound to wake up at some point, but he is known for his... rather rowdy parties. I could drop him off somewhere near a brothel. No one would believe his story at that point."
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Elfino listens to Theomolin and takes special note of what he said about Ellvard the dock guard. He was beginning to think that they would have to deal with this Ellvard person quite soon and was glad he had some leverage to use on the guard if necessary.
The investigator glances at the snoring Barralbus and at the bodies of the guards. To Theomolin he says, "Lets 'ide de bodies in de warehoos and leave Barralbus as 'ee is till we gets ye oot of de city. We needs to gets ye and de paement to oor kemp in de sewas afore kerfew tonight. De ship leaves tomorrow mornin' bright and early."
He turns to the others. "Once Theomolin and 'is stuff are safe and soond in de sewas we ken go find de innkeepa and 'is daughta. We doont 'ave a lot've time, soo de soona we gets goin' de betta."
With some help, Elfino stuffs the bodies in an empty create somewhere in the back of the warehouse. He hurries the accountant along and once curfew is lifted, they all take Theomolin and his crate of art to Flitch's camp in the sewers. After that, the Pathfinders head to the Rockfish Inn to find Yuleg and his daughter.
If they can get both Yuleg and his daughter onto the Rolanna’s Prayer with Theomolin, Garrla and Flitch, then that will fill all the seats. After that, they'll have to figure out how to get Daffrid, her family, and Seddothrum onto the MerryMayfly.