A Song for Silver Ravens (Hell's Rebels AP) (Inactive)

Game Master Sensen

"Magpie?" Laria asks, arching a blonde brow. "Are you planning on joining the Raven in his more exotic pursuits?"

"If he'll have me," Jessi replies. "If not...well, it doesn't hurt to hide my identity from those who might know my family or my previous work in the theater."

Laria nods understandingly. "A good idea, Jessibel, a good idea indeed."

Aisling shrugs. "I was just going to put my scarf over my face." It's cold enough outside that nobody will question it anyway, most likley.

With all the talk of disguises Vantine reaches up to touch the white steak in her hair.

Maybe I should dye it to match the rest? Yes, I will, but after this breakout caper not before.

"The saltworks are practically on the water." The Raven informs the others. "We could borrow a boat or small barge from the shipyards and dock it near as we can to the saltworks. Once we have our rescues we can make the short trek back to our vessel and return to the shipyards. We will leave no trail over water and it would be convenient if we pick up any injured or disabled passengers."

Aisling raisese one eyebrow at the mention fo "borrowing" but says ntohing. She mentally reminds herself of the relevant sections of the legal codes.

good to go, by land or water

Also good to go.

Fireday, the 15th of Abadius, 4715

The Ravens return to their respective sleeping arrangements for the night, and return to the Wasp's Nest the next morning, prepared to face the day's trials.

Unfortunately, one of those trials is checking in on Rexus. The nobleman manages a tired smile as he sees the group arrive. "I'd offer you a good morning, but I'm afraid I don't feel too good. Well, no," his voice is hoarse, "I do feel better - I can see, and I don't feel quite as weak... but..." He coughs. "Well, at least I know better than to go marching off on adventures now."

Heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Aislig frowns as she looks at Rexus. "I don't like this, you're still not getting better." She turns to the others with a hellpless look. "I've reached the limit of what I can do, I'm not sure what to do now."

1st level adventureures don't have a lot of options when it comes to disease and stuff :/ IC I want to save him, but ooc I find he'q quite a tiresome NPC (I should add, it's the way he's written - damsel in distrees - that I find tiring, NOT anything to do with our GM, who has done great work in brining the city and its people to life!). If we're done with his plot hook then I'm ok with him being moved on. Running around making untrained heal rolls doesn't really appeal.

He is currently the only one able to translate the papers. He also has a small role to play later on. That said, I can handle the heal rolls in the future, if you'd prefer. Or, well, you could search out a healer who would do it for you, etc. Until you do the latter, I will do the former. That said, you've given him a +4 bonus again, so maybe he'll get better! Alternately, you do know a priestess who can cast a spell to remove diseases...

Heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Nyxra cringes. "Geez, Rexus, you look like hell... the filth fever's pretty bad."

"Yes, so it seems." Rexus' smile is weary, but there remains a twinkle in his eye. "I've been trying to get someone to bring me the records, but they're not willing to do so."

One of the Fushi sisters (Maggie, probably) calls from the other side of the living area. "I heard that, your lordship! Laria said not to let you overwork yourself, so we're not!"

Rexus shrugs slightly, as though to say 'see what I have to put up with?'

Ah, I hadn't realised Darisca was high enough level for that

Aisling looks at Rexus again. "I don't think you're in a ift state to travel, so the healing is oing to have to come to you. Laria, is this something you can help with? I don't want to delay us any more." If the halfling is willing, Aisling will share Darisca's address and write a breif message asking the priestesss to come and take a look at Rexus. "Can you deliver this for me, please?"

"We could split up today. Some to the market for medicine, some to case the saltworks. The main streets are mostly clear now so moving about the city is no problem now."

"That might work," Jessi chimes in. "Who wants the versatile bard on their team?" she asks, hoping to be picked first.

"I'll go to case the saltworks."

"I can go to the saltworks. Actually could we take a small detour on our way there to check on something? When I stopped by to drop off food for Narcelia yesterday she mentioned hearing screaming from the alley outside the flat's window during the night."

"I'd like to night for sure whether she really heard something, or she's having trouble separating dreams from reality. It should only take a little extra time. I though it would be best to look around in there with someone else rather than by myself. Safety in number you know."

Laria is, fortunately enough, down in the Wasp's Nest, organizing the storage room into something more immediately useful. She looks up at the priestess and scans her note. "I can move him up to the Cofeehouse, so she doesn't see the Nest... and I don't think she'll tell House Thrune that Rexus survive, if she recognizes him..."

After a few moments, she nods. "Well, I suppose that's fine. Do we have the funds to cover the costs?"

The cost would be 150 gp normally, but I'll knock 15 off (that's 10%) because Aisling is one of the few priests of Iomedae in the city and she's asking her superior. So 135 gp.

"Looks like I'm with you!" Jessi tells Aisling with a beaming smile.

Jessibel's got 333 gp, so she'll pitch in (or outright pay for the cure if necessary).

Also, I'm not sure where in the city Aisling's superior lives, so maybe we can all investigate the screaming Narcelia heard before splitting up, if feasible.

I'm not wholly sure where Vantine lives, but it's in Redroof, which is close by to Temple Hill, which is where Second Sword Knight Darisca Dola lives.

The Raven is a bit crestfallen when Aisling reveals her connection with a powerful healer. He had been hoping to get in to some mischief with Jessibel in the market. Another time. "Let us be off, then!"

Since we don't need anyone to run to the market on the opposite side of the city, I don't think there's any reason for us to split up now.

The Silver Ravens leave the Wasp’s Nest, exiting into the dawn-lit streets of Kintargo. There are few people on the roads of the city yet, and those few they do see are mostly just getting ready for the day. Though the sun is yet to fully rise, the day already promises to be somewhat warmer than it’s been for the past few days, a pleasant change of pace for the snow-covered city.

Crossing Bleakbridge remains as long and as cold as ever, though the dottari this time do little more than take their toll and wave the group through. Journeying through Redroof (or, as Jessibel termed it earlier that week, “Whiteroof”) is somewhat more difficult, given the relatively fewer streets that are shoveled, but the group manages.

It is in the course of avoiding a patrol of seemingly overzealous Asmodeans that the Ravens once more find themselves in a somewhat snowy back-alley where a figure huddles under a cloak on the far side of the alley.

You guys did say about one random encounter per outing… :P If this becomes a combat, I'll make sure to put up a map for you, but at the moment I'm not really awake enough to do it.

Jessibel scans the figure, trying to make out more details.

Jessibel Perception Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Aisling approaches the figure carefully. "Are you alritht? It's a cold day to be outside."

Sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

The Raven almost had not noticed the poor soul huddled in the back of the ally, focused as his attention was on the passing guardsmen. "Such a shame there is not more of a market for alleybound waifs. We would be rich." He says, leaning against the wall near the entrance to the alleyway and watching out for more patrols.

The woman jumps at Aisling’s words, huddling down into a tighter ball. ”I’m not bothering anyone!”

Nyxra keeps her eyes open as the others approach the huddled lady.

Perception?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Vantine hangs back with The Raven and watches as Aisling approaches the figure.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Aisling shoots the others a warning look: This isn't what it seems. Get ready for trouble. She doesn't put a hand on her sword hilt as that seems too provoctive, but she does quickly mutter a protective spell before continuing the conversation.

Casting shiled of faith. AC now 19 or 21 once she gets her sheild in place

"I know you're not boterhing anyone, I'm just checking you're ok. It's cold out here, that's all."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Remembering the rumor she heard concerning the Red Jills gang, Jessibel looks around a bit to make sure the tiefling woman isn't the bait in some sort of readied ambush.

Jessibel Perception Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Perfectly safe!

As Aisling approaches, she sees the woman's bright orange eyes and her small horns, as well as a curved short sword at her hip. "Oh, I'm fine, but that's more than can be said for you! Get 'em girls!"

Aisling, Vantine, and Nyxra all realize what is about to happen moments before it does as one tiefling erupts from a nearby snowbank, and two drop down from nearby roofs - all of them bearing short blades of various styles and sizes. Unfortunately, that realization is not quite enough for them to react before the tiefling women put their plan into action.

Combat Start. This is the surprise round, and neither Jessibel nor the Raven have a chance to act during it. The initiative order goes the tieflings, Jessibel (who doesn't get to go until the 1st round), Vantine, Aisling, the Raven (who is in the same boat as Jessibel), and then Nyxra.

The woman who Aisling had approached draws her blade with wicked speed, lashing out at the (thankfully prepared) priestess. The blow sparks off of Aisling’s armor ineffectively, barely even bruising the flesh beneath.
Tiefling attack vs. Aisling flat-footed: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Even as she does so, her friend (who erupted from the snow mere moments before) thrusts her blade in a vicious attempt to stab the priestess in the throat. The sword pierces through Aisling's spell as well as her armor, drawing a deep red gash across her throat. "Die, you damned human b&$##!" She crows.
Tiefling attack vs. Aisling flat-footed, II: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Sneak Attack: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Aisling is at 3 hp.

Meanwhile, behind the group, the two tieflings surround Vantine and Jessibel. The first of the two thrusts at the underprepared witch's back. Fortunately, her bracers' magic combined with a desperate attempt to get out of the way allows Vantine to escape harm (though perhaps not panic).
Tiefling attack vs. Vantine flat-footed: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

The final robber's sword flashes in the dim dawn light as she aims it at the bard's lower flank. Fortunately for Jessi, her armor catches the blade and leaves her with only a minor cut rather than the critical injury it could have been.
Tiefling attack vs. Jessi flat-footed: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Since my other game’s players have suggested this, I’ll be posting an ongoing status for myself and the players at the bottom of every combat round. I’d still like you guys to keep your profiles up to date, because I will be using those to make this status entry at the beginning of every combat. Everyone except Jessi and the Raven is up.

Aisling grabs her sheild and prepares to defend herself. She doesn't say antyhhing, she just uses the powr of her goddess to bring healing on herself.

Channel energy: 1d6 ⇒ 3

AC is now 21

Nyxra draws her blade in one smooth motion and lunges for the tiefling attacking Vantine.

2-Handed Slice: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

"Well, you lot picked the wrong alley to die in."

Vantine slips out from between the two robbers who've set upon her and backs away. She's grateful to still be unpunctured, and wants to end things quickly. She draws forth magical energy with her words and a pinch of sand, "Hyvää yötä keijutytöt!" and spreads it among the gang of robbers with a sweeping hand gesture.

5' step to current map location. Casting Sleep DC 15

Surprise Round
Vantine steps away from the combat before unleashing her spell upon the two tiefling women who surrounded her and Jessibel. The two struggle to remain upright for a few moments before collapsing into the snow.
Tiefling Will vs. DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Tiefling Will vs. DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

One of the tieflings on the other side of the party shouts in alarm. ”Mea, Riza! Damn, they have a mage!”

Aisling pulls forth her shield and unleashes Iomedae’s healing light upon the area, sealing the wound she suffered - if only somewhat.

Nyxra dodges past her fellows and strikes at the tiefling that had cut Aisling so badly. The other woman deflects the sword with her own, swaying out of the way of a few other blows.
I moved you to the other side of the group because those two are down and I don’t think Nyxra would coup de grace either of them. Unfortunately, it doesn’t hit, but you can change that action if you want.

Round 1

The criminal pair that remains awake take separate tactics. The one in front of Nyxra steps back, flicking her wrist, and abruptly the light in the area dims, seemingly sucked into her blade.

The second remaining tiefling lashes out at the elven woman, apparently having found Aisling too difficult to hurt the first time around. This time she is much more successful, as her blade penetrates into Nyxra's stomach, sending pain shooting up her torso and down her legs both as blood wells up. Fortunately, it is a relatively shallow wound.
Attack vs. Nyxra: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Nyxra is now at 15 hp.

Everyone except Vantine (who could see through it anyways) and the easternmost tiefling are now in a shroud of dim light. The three tieflings all have concealment (20% miss chance) from everyone other than Vantine. Alas, they all have darkvision, so the same cannot be said about you.

Party is up.

Nyxra glares at the tiefling that wounded her and swings her blade again...

2-Handed Slice: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Crit?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Miss?: 1d100 ⇒ 41

Crit Damage: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 6 = 12

Jessibel starts one of her battle songs and draws her rapier.

Bardic Performance (inspire courage +1; Round #1 of 12).

I believe this will add 2 to Nyxra's damage total.

Longsword: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7
20% miss chacnce: 1d100 ⇒ 10

The sudden change in light confuses Asiling and her attack misses.

Vantine moves in closer to the tieflings still standing. From behind The Raven she peeks around at the one facing off against Aisling and points her out.

"You! We came in kindness, but you have guaranteed yourself suffering instead!"

Move 10' to present location on the map. Evil Eye Hex targeting attacks (DC 15) on marked tiefling.

The Raven blindly moves in close to the tiefling that had attacked Aisling to try and distract the ambushers. He remembers a time just a few days ago when he lamented his lack of ability to see in the dark...

Spike Punch(Inspire Courage): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 = 14
P Damage: 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 33
Move to square south of the marked lady. Probably provoeks.

Round 1 Wrap-Up
Jessibel begins singing, uplifting the spirits of her comrades and bringing lightness to their limbs once more.

Vantine unleashes her hex upon the tiefling before Aisling, who shrugs it off with seemingly little effort.
Tiefling Will vs. DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Aisling slashes at the woman who just wounded her, but the sudden darkness makes it hard to make out the tiefling, and her blow misses.

Nyxra’s blade blurs through the shadowy air, cutting deep into the tiefling woman and opening her stomach. Blood and viscera spill out of her and she collapses into a bloody heap in the snow.

”Riva! You b*@*~, you’ll pay dearly for that!” The sole remaining tiefling shrieks at Nyxra.

The Raven slips past Nyxra and throws a barrage of punches at the woman, who deflects the blows easily.

Round 2, start.
The last active tiefling looks around, seeming desperate, before taking a cautious step backwards, batting away the blows that the Raven throws at her, and she flees into the city, turning a corner and disappearing.

Combat Over, unless you'd like to wake them up or go chase the last remaining tiefling.

Aisling returns her (unblooedied) sword to its scabbard, looking dispapointed with herself for not doing more, but glad that things are over. She calls on her goddess again, restoring the injured to health and stopping the tiefling from bleeding out into the snow.

Channel energy: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Channel energy: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Urhg. Dice roller HATES me

"I'm not going to do anything to them, I don't think the law would care much anway. But I do think we're allowed to disarm them." She quickly searches them all beffore they wake up, and takes their weapons.

(If anyone else - Jessible, say - takes anything else from them, Aisling will frown slightly but won't actually stop them)

Some shouting, darkness and then... it is over, apparantly. The Raven's attention had been on the main road beyond the alley and he hardly had time to even perceive the threat before it was over. "Lady Talbot, you really must stop enticing every other creature you come across to attack you." He suggest. As he is still trying to comprehend all of what just happened, his tone is shaky and incinscere.

That was pretty smooth lol.

Nyxra starts cleaning her blade off.

"Well, that was unpleasant and entirely unnecessary." She says, looking down at the tieflings.

Some shouting, darkness and then... it is over, apparantly. The Raven's attention had been on the main road beyond the alley and he hardly had time to even perceive the threat before it was over. "Lady Talbot, you really must stop enticing every other creature you come across to attack you." He suggest. As he is still trying to comprehend all of what just happened, his tone is shaky and incinscere.

That was pretty smooth lol.

Aisling gives a shaky smile. She'd appreicate the joke more if she'd not just almost died - again - and if she'd managed to defend herself better. She gives a nod of respedt to Nyxra. "I am in your debt, again."

"Good job!" Jessibel tells the others as she helps Aisling loot the fallen (Aisling can grab the weapons; Jessi will check out everything else).

"Anyone got some rope, or are we just going to let these thugs go free once they wake up?"

The fight might be over, but Vantine is too angry to be satisfied yet. Her face is stormy, furious. Stalking over to the closer of the two sleeping tieflings, she draws out the dagger she keep tucked away.

She drops to one knee, looming over the tiefling woman. But there she pauses as she tries to work out if she should be holding the dagger blade up or down for the best stabbing.