CG F Half-Elf Vigilante (Double Scion) 3 | HP 33/33 | AC 18 (T 14 FF 14) | CMD 19 | Fort +2 (+7 v. poison) Ref +7 Will +5 (+7 v. enchantment, +6 v. compulsions) | Init +10 | Perc. +7/+9 (dim light or darkness) | Conditions: antitoxin 1 hour| Harrow Points: 6
Shrike aims her crossbow at the tiny flying devil directly ahead of her, which fortunately is too distracted by tormenting the child to have noticed them yet, and looses.
Heavy crossbow v. imp:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21Since they haven't noticed her yet, this should be vs. flat-footed AC and full hidden strike damage should apply if it hits. Damage, heavy crossbow, hidden strike:1d10 + 1d8 ⇒ (4) + (3) = 7
She drops the crossbow and draws her guisarme as she moves forward slightly to make herself a target, anticipating that they will move in to harry her instead.
Standard action to shoot, free action to drop crossbow, move action to draw guisarme, five-foot step forward. Regular lethal attacks to any imp that provokes from her. Unfortunately, she's not trained in Knowledge (planes) to know anything useful about imps.
Shrike carefully lines up a shot and wings Imp-ly Awful something terrible. The imp shrieks in surprise and pain.
Audria charges in and shouts to draw the attention and ire of the devlish outsiders. Taunt of the Chosen One is now on a 30-second cooldown.
Hoping to perhaps finish off what Shrike has started, Garrett also attempts to take a shot at one of the hovering imps, but the jolt from Shrike's attack causes the imp to jerk out of the way of Garrett's arrow.
Lina takes position around a corner of the action and watches for an opening. Lina currently has Total Cover from the imps.
Abella generates another avian reference. Skill 'Nicknaming' is increased to +2. Also, she powers up Shrike with magic.
Pippip slows up his riding dog in order to ready a weapon.
Halfling Bard (Arcane Duelist) 3; 24/24hp; Init +3; AC 17, Touch 14, FF 14; Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +6; +2 fear; Perception +7
Pippip slowly rides ahead and fires a thistle arrow after imbuing arcane power into his arrow at a different imp than Strike hit Treat as magic +1 damage.
Donnal move, Pippin draws, arcane strike swift, fire arrow arrow:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
The arrow shot is pitifully bad.
CG F Half-Elf Vigilante (Double Scion) 3 | HP 33/33 | AC 18 (T 14 FF 14) | CMD 19 | Fort +2 (+7 v. poison) Ref +7 Will +5 (+7 v. enchantment, +6 v. compulsions) | Init +10 | Perc. +7/+9 (dim light or darkness) | Conditions: antitoxin 1 hour| Harrow Points: 6
Shrike drops the crossbow, draws her guisarme, and moves forward to be even with Audria without blocking Pippip's bow. If the imps take the girl's challenge, she wants them to have to contend with the spear-point before reaching her.
Focusing her attention on the imp closest to the screaming, Lina wove her hands in the practiced pattern, chanted the incantation, and unleashed a blast of force.
Acrobatics +9, Appraise +7, Bluff +8, Disable Device +9, Escape Artist +9, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +6, Knowledge (Local) +6, Linguistics +6, Perception +8, Sleight of Hand +9, Stealth +13, Use Magic Device +6
Halfling Rogue 2; Init +4; HP: 16/16; AC 18, Touch 15, FF 14; Fort +2, Ref +8, Will +1; Perception +8; Harrow Points- 5
Garrett moves forward stealthily and takes another shot!
I move forward at full speed and will take the penalty for it. I am still outside of the range for sneak attack, but it might not see it coming anyway.
Round 1
Actions:
- Full: CHARGE!
===
NOTES:
- AC is 16/10/14 Until Audria's next turn
- Audria Provokes an AoO from the Northernmost imp.
Audria takes up her sword in both hands and charges the imp in front of her. It is reckless, but there are children in need, and she remembers what it was like when no one would come to her aid.
Attack (Charge, 2-handed) vs. The southernmost imp:1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11
Unfortunately, the cobbles here are slicker than expected and she misses with her swing.
GM, could you add a colored dot to the imps so we can tell them apart?
Abella moves and passes on a guidance to Garrett as well. While she is trying to avoid exerting herself more than necessary, she does consider this an opportunity to gather valuable information about what they are fighting.
Having approached the imps directly, Audria can now see the source of the concerned cries. Two children are standing before what appears to be a pile of refuse. One is a boy holding part of a broken wagon axle like a club in one hand and a bit of broken stone in the other, and slightly behind him is a younger girl leaning on a makeshift crutch while fumbling with a sack slung around her chest for another stone. The piece of brick goes flying from the fist of a young boy doing his best to stand strong despite the fear warring on his face.
Brick:1d20 - 7 ⇒ (14) - 7 = 7
The imp dodges out of the way deftly.
Hope appears in both their eyes at the sight of the young Chosen One of Shelyn.
Both the imps appear briefly flustered with the appearance of the party, but as their beady little eyes zero in on Audria, evil grins appear.
"Much fun today!" one cackles.
"Indeed! So much Goodness to nettle and tease!" the other chortles.
Imp-ly Awful pulls the crossbow bolt Shrike shot it with out and the wound heals right before the party's eyes. It cackles again and then poof! disappears from view.
Imp-lied Evil does an acrobatic loop (making it too hard to pinpoint for a pre-emptive counterattack from Audria) and then zips forward towards the petite paladin. She feels the creature's tail whizz through her hair, but thankfully makes no contact with her skin.
Garrett also shoots and misses while trying to remain out of sight. He is successful largely because the imps become pre-occupied with the young paladin.
Audria charges in but slips a little and misses her target.
Abella offers magical counsel to Garrett on why his shot missed. What a know-it-all.
Young boy throws a brick at the sun.
Imp-ly Awful vanishes before the party's eyes.
Imp-lied Evil rushes Audria but fails to nettle her. Drat!
CG F Half-Elf Vigilante (Double Scion) 3 | HP 33/33 | AC 18 (T 14 FF 14) | CMD 19 | Fort +2 (+7 v. poison) Ref +7 Will +5 (+7 v. enchantment, +6 v. compulsions) | Init +10 | Perc. +7/+9 (dim light or darkness) | Conditions: antitoxin 1 hour| Harrow Points: 6
Shrike steps up and says to Audria, "Together."
She waits for her moment, when the little monster seems distracted by Audria's blade as well, to strike. Move, ready action attack blue imp once Audria has acted, hopefully flanking with her but will attack either way anyway. Forgot to add Guidance to this roll, so please add it to any AoO she gets to make this turn, GM.
The two children appear visibly relieved at Lina’s appearance. The girl sets her jaw and throws another rock before turning and dropping to all fours to wiggle under a cleverly hidden open section of the refuse pile behind them.
Snipe Stealth- No penalty for Sniping:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
IF he does not see me I get +1 to hit and sneak attack. So a flat footed 17 for 9 damage. If he sees me I hit a 16 for a whopping 3 damage. If I miss does my arrow survive? Durable arrows are on the shopping list!
The young boy retreats to the opening and stands guard wielding his broken axle club in two hands.
Imp-lied Evil screeches as the sharp edge of Shrike's gisarme slices across its tiny flank. A strange ichor sprays out. Immediately following this, Garrett's arrow strikes it in the gut. It shouts some curse words in Infernal before turning into a loop-de-loop to dive towards the paladin and get close enough to try prick Audria with its tail.
Acrobatic Flight:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 Tail sting:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 Just a little prick:1d4 ⇒ 4Audria takes 4 damage to her HP.
The little evil bugger finds a gap and scratches the tip of his tail across Audria's neck all while giggling uncomfortably.
Audria, please make a Fort save against DC 13.
With an evil chortle, Imp-ly Awful appears next to Shrike's head and attempts a poke of its own!
Tail sting:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Fortunately, the tail catches in the grooves of Shrike's armor and doesn't connect.
FYI, the DC for Perception-ing the imp was beyond any of your abilities to reach, so I didn't bother to include any rolls.
Round 2 Summary:
Pip shoots a magically empowered arrow through a broken shop window.
Shrike hurts an imp with well placed strike. Don't forget this now places Shrike in the second combat group.
Lina rushes to place herself between the beset upon children and the flying menaces.
The girl with the crutch throws another stone into the wind before retreating into a well concealed hiding place.
Audria places herself on the far side of Imp-lied Evil and attempts to get a slice of imp pie for herself, but is befuddled by its aerial acrobatics.
Garrett fires a well-placed shot while unnoticed at Imp-lied Evil.
Abella draws her sword and moves in closer to position herself to assist the others.
Halfling Bard (Arcane Duelist) 3; 24/24hp; Init +3; AC 17, Touch 14, FF 14; Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +6; +2 fear; Perception +7
Pip begins a clear oration after dismounting.
2rounds of inspire left I think std inspire; move handle animal ”The imps sting and fly and disappear , but the heroes take heart and do not fear!” handle animal:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
At Pip’s encouragement Donnal attacks the closest imp and misses.
bite:1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 101d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8
Audria bites back a cry of pain as the imp's wicked sting leaves a burning gash on her neck. The wound is thankfully shallow, but it stings worse than it should.
CG F Half-Elf Vigilante (Double Scion) 3 | HP 33/33 | AC 18 (T 14 FF 14) | CMD 19 | Fort +2 (+7 v. poison) Ref +7 Will +5 (+7 v. enchantment, +6 v. compulsions) | Init +10 | Perc. +7/+9 (dim light or darkness) | Conditions: antitoxin 1 hour| Harrow Points: 6
Shrike swears inwardly as she sees the girl's focus flicker toward the children and her friend. "Together," she rasps again, and hastily ducks in an attempt to avoid the second imp's stinger as she circles out to keep dividing the attention of the one attacking Audria. Once again she waits for a moment when the girl begins to swing to also stick her spearpoint into the cackling thing; but this time it is ready for her, and she can already tell she is out of position and won't connect.
Abella steps into a flank with Pip and charges up thanergy around her free hand. ”Oh I have been wanting to try this out on something. You seem worthy enough, little beast.” She grabs for the “little beast” with her charged hand.
Touch of the Grave (flank, inspire):1d20 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 21 Negative Energy Thanergy Damage:1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 Supernatural ability that is a touch attack
The young boy watches with wild eyes as Audria attacks the tiny bully which had been pestering him and the girl.
Imp-lied Evil shrieks as Lina's magic bolt and Audria's slice cut into its tiny body. A fearful look appears on its features, and it begins muttering some words. Teeny tiny words of Infernal text begin to appear near its mouth activating some kind of power.
"You dirty rat-catcher! Leaving me alone with the good-two shoes!"
Imp-ly Awful suddenly ascends into the air flying away as fast as it can. A moment later it also poofs. Withdraw action leading into invisible on "next" turn. Technically, Anyone holding a ranged weapon can take a shot, but it will be a hard one.
After a few moments, it seems clear there will be no further attacks.
Battle with Imps concluded
Round 3 Summary:
Pip encourages aggressive behavior from his dog. (Don't try this at home, kids.) Donal attempts to leap up and bite a face off, but is unsuccessful. Pip also encourages Audria to awaken to her true power.
Lina brings forth mystical force to spin an imp like a pinwheel. The magic clearly hurt the little bugger.
The injured girl with the crutch vanishes from sight under the rubble.
Garrett sneaks around some more, but is so focused on going unseen he doesn't see the uneven paving stone which mars his shot. Oh, the irony.
Audria makes a mental note to purchase a turtle neck after being stung by imp-tail. She tries to return the favor with a two-handed swing. It looks like she's about to miss when...
Shrike, in an effort to fight tactically, draws the enemy's attention enough to allow Audria to strike true. Unfortunately, Shrike's slightly off-balance as a result is unable to follow up on her own.
Abella reaches out eagerly and thanergetically to encourage Imp-ly Awful to calm down. It manages to regain control of its barbed tail, but steam rises from where Abella made contact.
The young boy watches Audria and Lina in awe.
Imp-lied Evil successfully turns invisible and vanishes.
Halfling Bard (Arcane Duelist) 3; 24/24hp; Init +3; AC 17, Touch 14, FF 14; Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +6; +2 fear; Perception +7
Pip takes a final shot at the departing imp, trying to use some deadly aim and arcane power.
shortbow:1d20 + 3 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 - 1 = 81d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
He continues to miss badly. He stomps his foot and puts his bow away and his face turns red as he stomps a foot.
"At least they are gone. Let's find the young master and the other children. CHIP!!"
The boy suddenly looks very guarded, his mouth set in a stubborn line.
“Why would you need to know that?” He crosses his arms. “We’re strong enough! We’re going to survive just fine!”
It isn’t very difficult to see fear and concern warring in his eyes while he puts on a brave face for someone else’s sake. Who knows how long it’s been since this child was shown an ounce of kindness…
"Because I don't like seeing others hurt," Audria answers. "And I was worried when I learned not all of you made it to the temple last night. There's a lot of nice people there, and I remember what it was like when I was under Lamm's thumb. I'm sure even a tough, young man like you likes a hot meal every now and then."
CG F Half-Elf Vigilante (Double Scion) 3 | HP 33/33 | AC 18 (T 14 FF 14) | CMD 19 | Fort +2 (+7 v. poison) Ref +7 Will +5 (+7 v. enchantment, +6 v. compulsions) | Init +10 | Perc. +7/+9 (dim light or darkness) | Conditions: antitoxin 1 hour| Harrow Points: 6
Shrike holds still and listens for the wingbeats of the tiny devil that vanished in front of her eyes until she is sure both it and its friend who more obviously fled are retreating to lick their wounds. She puts up the guisarme and goes to collect the discarded heavy crossbow, bringing it back to the cluster of people at the mouth of the small alley.
Garrett wrote:
Garrett collects his unbroken arrows and says, "The fact two of those...things...are just floating around the city is terrible."
"They're getting bolder. Plaguey flying rats." Shrike's voice is grim. While every Korvosan knows that escaped Acadamae familiars roost in many of the city's rooftops, where they enjoy tormenting small animals and engaging in convoluted hostilities with the other denizens of the Shingles, she is not used to having to think of imps as a real threat to people's health and safety. This new behavior of descending to street level to menace children and attempt to slash at intervening passersby disturbs her.
Audria is attempting to convince the boy of their good intentions. Standing close by, Shrike says nothing at first and with practiced movements tilts the head of the crossbow down, puts her foot in the stirrup and re-winds the winch of its mechanism to pull the string back far enough to slot a new bolt into place. The heavy crossbow is a clunky, slow, ugly human thing, nothing like the strong yet fluid longbows she trained on; but there is something to be said for holding a string exactly at tension, ready to release, for minutes or hours even as one lies flat and unnoticed. And unlike those graceful elf-made bows, deceptively hard to draw despite their lightness, this one was affordable.
Heavy crossbow reloaded, she slings it over her shoulder again. The weight of it aches against the scratch left by the greasy man's knife, but at least it doesn't seem to be bleeding any more. And she got his dagger and cosh out of it.
The mask turns to the boy. Her croaking voice is as gentle as she can make it, just as it was when talking to the other children in the Fishery. "You've got good instincts. Don't show weakness. Tough it out on your own. But you don't always have to. Sometimes the strongest thing is being able to accept help."
"You were very brave, but you need to be smart too. The smart move would be to stay off the streets for a while. Things are getting uglier than normal" Lina said, fishing two copper pieces out of her pouch and holding them out to the boy.
Abella nods along as the others give their goes of convincing the kids. She thinks back to various things she has heard Cainabeth has said and steals one of them that sounds appropriate. ”Abella’s first rule of being on the streets, dears: if someone offers you a bed and a hot meal, you take it. Second rule: wait for them to eat first and sleep with a blade under your pillow.” She grins her yellow-toothed grin. ”Take what you can get, and keep others from taking from you.” She pats her sword. ”Strong people take help because they can protect themselves from people trying to take advantage.” She winks at the kids.
Halfling Bard (Arcane Duelist) 3; 24/24hp; Init +3; AC 17, Touch 14, FF 14; Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +6; +2 fear; Perception +7
Pip listens to all the advice.
"I was a spoiled rich kid, and my problems seem small compared to yours. But keep up hope, and keep working. The cream always rises to the top, even in the slums."
The young boy's attempt to show a strong face wavers in the onslaught of concern and advice. However, upon seeing Pip, the boy goes from shock to watery eyes in seconds. His strength crumbles and he's nothing more than a terrified and traumatized boy again.
"T-teacher puh-puh-Piiip?" he whispers in disbelief. Then with a sob, he rushes to the halfling and buries his young face in Pippip's tunic sobbing.
"I-I-hic-I'msoooooooosorryhuhuIshouldnarunhuhuawaythatdayhuhu," he blubbers. "I-IhuhuwasmadyousaidhuhunodessertcuzIpulledhuhuTwila'shairandIwantedhuhuto getyouintroublehuhuandIgottakenbythebadmenhuhuit'sbeensoawfuland....and..."
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!"
The boy loses all ability to speak as he simply sobs and hiccups while tears and snot stream down his face and onto Pippip's clothes.
There's a rustling from the refuse pile where the boy had been standing, and the young girl who had been using the crutch is peeking out with concern as the boy cries clutching Pippip.
Halfling Bard (Arcane Duelist) 3; 24/24hp; Init +3; AC 17, Touch 14, FF 14; Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +6; +2 fear; Perception +7
Seeing Chip appear, after Chip cries Pip begins to cry too. He wipes his tears and puts Chip up on his dog.
"Everything is all right. There, there, ... All is well that ends well and your strong character is revealed. Keep this a secret, but I am already sure you can lead your house capably. The rest of your education will pale in comparison to the lessons learned here."
He looks around:
"But I think we both agree it is time for this street education to end and get you home."
Pip tousles his hair and hands him the reins. "You can drive."
Pip knew fool well the dog knew where to go, but it was important to show the kid some respect and responsibility after what he went through. After Pip got Chip back to the temple, he was sure word could be sent for the parents. Leaving himself to go back to a rich manor house was out of the question when the city was in chaos.
"Is Chip alright?" the young girl asks tentatively from the opening.
Streethole:
A pile of detritus consisting of broken barrels, carts, old merchant awnings, etc. cover what appears to be a hole into the ground. Like a sinkhole, the paving stones and a portion of the building foundation collapsed into the sewer below. A portion of the building construction fell blocking it off from the rest of the structure while the foundation and road collapse blocked off the section of the sewer creating a tidy little pocket just below ground level. Several dirty blankets and a small cooking fire with a dented kettle are in the space. The fire has been placed where a section of the collapsed stone creates a funnel-like chimney into the construction above, so its smoke rises up without accumulating in the Streethole.
The young girl with the crutch (who is a tiefling) is with three other children, two gnomes and a half-elf, who have injuries from broken ribs to poorly healed lacerations while one is nursing a dirty bandage around the stump of their lost hand at the wrist. It's almost enough to make one wish they could kill Gaedran Lamm and his goons all over again.
"I think he will be," Audria says as Pip and his charge sob after finding one another. She turns to the girl and sits on her heels, a more awkward feat than she would have thought with her heavier armor.
Diplomacy:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
"May I come in," Audria asks the girl who hesitates, but then nods as and makes space for Audria to slip through the entrance. The state of the hideout is about what she would have expected, but seeing their injuries and that one of them is missing a hand sends a wave of shame crashing over her. It was useless to berate herself, she knows, but she also can't stop from doing it.
"I'm sorry," she says to them. "I--"
The word hangs in her throat as she tries to find the words to express how deeply and truly sorry she is that she wasn't there to keep them safe, to keep Lamm from beating them and mutilating them.
"I'm so sorry," she says, her voice soft and her eyes wet with tears.
CG F Half-Elf Vigilante (Double Scion) 3 | HP 33/33 | AC 18 (T 14 FF 14) | CMD 19 | Fort +2 (+7 v. poison) Ref +7 Will +5 (+7 v. enchantment, +6 v. compulsions) | Init +10 | Perc. +7/+9 (dim light or darkness) | Conditions: antitoxin 1 hour| Harrow Points: 6
The mask shows nothing, but Shrike's shoulders drop slightly at the touching reunion between the boy and his halfling tutor. Though there is no knowing what psychic scars may linger, Chip seems physically healthy, much as Isi had. And according to Pip's words he has a family and a home to return to. Her head turns to the pile of refuse under which the crutch-using tiefling girl had first vanished and then poked her head out again.
Shrike approaches the entrance to the Street Hole after Audria, but does not attempt to enter with her. She can see more than enough just by looking down into the dim, twice-collapsed pocket of rubble and dirty blankets and battered children.
Her sharp eyes take in the state of the four urchins in an instant, and for just a moment her cloaked figure goes perfectly motionless: an unbreathing stillness that holds the promise of violence like the air holds lightning before a storm. It is a wave about to crest, a bowstring drawn back to breaking.
With an effort, she turns aside, relaxes her posture and unclenches her hands. Anger has its place but this is not that place. Giving vent to her feelings now would be a form of self-indulgence that would help no one, least of all these children.
Instead she sits down, with one knee upright and the other leg placed flat on the ground, outside the tattered merchant awning that provides a fragile modicum of cover for the inhabitants, and greets them quietly. She gives her name as Shrike and asks for theirs in return. She waits for a less threatening member of the group to make the case for going to the temple of Shelyn with them, and (only if the children seem hesitant) adds her voice to persuading them if needed. "The temple folk are kind. They'll heal you up and make sure those cuts don't go sour. You'll have enough to eat and you'll sleep inside in a warm bed every night. You'll learn your letters and figures if you haven't yet. No one will threaten you or beat you or make you cut purses or gut fish."
When they leave, Shrike carries the tiefling girl with the wounded leg on her own back, to avoid aggravating the injury and keep the group moving as fast as possible. They are too many to move with much discretion, so speed will be essential to get everyone back to the temple safely.
Her attention is on watching for danger, yet at the back of her mind something is crystallizing. The flame of her rage has been tamped to coals, but they burn with white-hot clarity and certainty.
I Imagined it more as the bird probably directed the question to Audria, but she would have been heard by everyone. It looked like you used the smaller tag?
I tend to use the smaller tag whenever a character is trying to be quiet or avoid being overheard. Probably not the best post I've ever written from a clarity perspective.
I tend to use the smaller tag whenever a character is trying to be quiet or avoid being overheard. Probably not the best post I've ever written from a clarity perspective.
For what it's worth, unless your intention was to indicate only Audria heard it, I took your post to mean Talanaliel spoke quietly, so only those nearby would have heard meaning the group.
"The brooch is something we should research more. I think we must understand its significance as it appears it is the most significant part of the items Lamm had."
This might be something to discuss in a "While at Eye of the Peacock" spoiler with Gladiorus Nizlasty — he seemed like a jewelry expert and we might not be able to easily find another, unless Garrett's parents sell jewelry... OOC, I'm not clear if the brooch has any significance at all except that it belongs to the Queen. It's not magic, right?
I can't recall if I answered this. No, the brooch is not magical that anyone has been able to discern.
Anymore discussion with the citizens gathered, or should we move along to Garrett's family shop?
@Garret: What information should I know about the family shop? I think you had something about tools, but I can't seem to find where I got those details. If it was once there, I no longer see Garrett's background in his character alias. (>_<)
@Audria: I have a response for you from Tally, but it will have to come later as I’m doing work at my old residence for the next couple of hours. Depending on who else posts between now and then, we may need to spoiler this bit. Obviously, Shrike who is also present and may have an opinion can join in.
No worries. Thanks for taking over for her. It's a little weird playing what is basically two characters. I've been a little self-conscious about it lately, to be honest, and I think this is what was needed to get some life into that dynamic.
While a very likely response, Audria feeling small is ironically the opposite of the intent. Talanaliel's point was that "one person" could have provided the relief all these people probably need by explaining there's no need to worry about rival gangs, conspiracies, or serial murderers like the Keylock Killer. :P
She's still got a lot of growing to do. Also, she's a teenager who's rather self conscious.
While she knows that she and the others killed Lamm and his cronies, but she has no idea who gave them the Vlad special. She has no idea if there is cause to worry or not. Even so, she feels guilty about not even trying because Tallyfeather is right, even if she hadn't been chosen, she still would have been one of Shelyn's clergy and it's the job of all of Shelyn's priests and priestesses to spread love and kindness, and didn't even occur to her to try.
Of course, this could also be me rationalizing her reaction instead of admitting that I basically had her react like I would have in her place. :P
@Garrett: Are you wanting me to create the family and the shop whole-cloth, or do you have some bullet points for me on what I should know about the Goodbarrels?
Just a heads up that I’m having an allergic reaction a new medication with an annoyingly long half-life so apologies if my posts are slow/sparse for the next week or two
Just a heads up that I’m having an allergic reaction a new medication with an annoyingly long half-life so apologies if my posts are slow/sparse for the next week or two
I'm saddened to hear this. I hope you are feeling better sooner rather than later.
As I promised weeks ago, we will be moving into a more exploratory style of posts as I will summarize daily activity(ies) with chance of random encounters leaving you to post narratively your own individual nighttime activities per cycle. After a few of these "days," the option to approach Castle Korvosa will come available which will lead us to another section of more focused RP within the Castle and the delivery of the royal brooch.
Just a heads up that I’m having an allergic reaction a new medication with an annoyingly long half-life so apologies if my posts are slow/sparse for the next week or two
I'm saddened to hear this. I hope you are feeling better sooner rather than later.
Thank you. It’s not as bad as one allergic reaction my wife had a few years back, but hooboy does it have me on my ass. I’ll try to see if I can conjure up a proper post tonight.
CG F Half-Elf Vigilante (Double Scion) 3 | HP 33/33 | AC 18 (T 14 FF 14) | CMD 19 | Fort +2 (+7 v. poison) Ref +7 Will +5 (+7 v. enchantment, +6 v. compulsions) | Init +10 | Perc. +7/+9 (dim light or darkness) | Conditions: antitoxin 1 hour| Harrow Points: 6
Oh, and Shrike would like to buy a plain, empty wooden box with a handle at Barrels of Goods - about the same size as the hatbox. I'm not sure how much that should be, so just let me know, GM.
While I'm never going to say "No" to anything your PCs want to attempt, I will mention that it is well known that The Gray may be seen as a somewhat dangerous place to visit at night which it will be by the time you arrive. It's possible you would not find a temple or mortuary-type place open for business at that hour.
You're certainly welcome to seek lodging at an inn or hostel catering to those in the area for funeral services and what not, but the actual burial (well, legitimate burial) of the deceased may have to wait until the next day.
However, your plans for what to do may be different then the usual. You are PCs after all, and everyone knows PCs rarely do what's expected or the norm for the average citizens. *eyes impaled bodies of Lamm's gang*
CG F Half-Elf Vigilante (Double Scion) 3 | HP 33/33 | AC 18 (T 14 FF 14) | CMD 19 | Fort +2 (+7 v. poison) Ref +7 Will +5 (+7 v. enchantment, +6 v. compulsions) | Init +10 | Perc. +7/+9 (dim light or darkness) | Conditions: antitoxin 1 hour| Harrow Points: 6
Oh, I as a player just wasn't aware that it was supposed to be dangerous at night or that the temple would close after dark. That makes sense though. In that case, Shrike would split off from Audria here, and go to Zellara's house, then the Gray, right away while there is still light. She'll only try to sneak in at night if the priests turn her away on some more permanent basis than "come back tomorrow." I'll make a retcon post later tonight. Thanks for the clarification. :)
The "dangerous" part is more about superstition, really, but as undead actually exist in this world, I imagine any area with congregations of dead bodies would inherently end up having a higher danger level than they would here on Earth (despite the creep factor most of us humans experience).
I'm looking to post to keep things moving, but I'm unsure if I'm waiting on you guys to make some decisions or sort something out?
My plan is to indicate the group's return to the Sanctuary, and then move into the next day. If I don't see any posts within the next few hours, I will assume that's the plan and execute which may mean I'm Retcon Railroading anything your prior posts have suggested you might have planned.
CG F Half-Elf Vigilante (Double Scion) 3 | HP 33/33 | AC 18 (T 14 FF 14) | CMD 19 | Fort +2 (+7 v. poison) Ref +7 Will +5 (+7 v. enchantment, +6 v. compulsions) | Init +10 | Perc. +7/+9 (dim light or darkness) | Conditions: antitoxin 1 hour| Harrow Points: 6
Hm, I may have misunderstood the intention here. How much latitude do we have to describe and summarize a course of action like the one Shrike intends? She doesn't intend to go back to the Sanctuary at all tonight, for instance, but I wanted to give other players a chance to post, and was next going to describe going to Zellara's and looking for the buried remains of her son. I wasn't going to assume Shrike's success at that. Then there's also taking both sets of remains to the Cathedral of Pharasma in the Gray and trying to find a place and priest to bury and bless them before it gets too dark. If we can make up NPCs and a process for something that elaborate and assume success at it without needing GM input, I'll certainly just do so.
I’m still recovering and probably will be the rest of the week, so I’m going to be slow to post until this allergy is cleared up. I appreciate your patience.
@Shrike: It is currently late afternoon. The group can make it back to the Sanctuary or to Zellara's home before evening sets in. It is unlikely you will reach any place in The Gray which will remain open for "business." They may be open for evening services, but not for acquiring or discussing "new business" if that makes sense.
The later it becomes the more likely you are to have a random encounter, and it may be very dangerous. I'd definitely not recommend trying to wander around The Gray with just Audria and Shrike as you may get in over your heads without the whole team present if they don't accompany you (even then it may get dicey).
If anyone is wanting to describe the jaunt to Zellara's home or the rest of the group's return to the Sanctuary if you're splitting up, be my guest. I've already rolled on "daytime" random encounter twice for today, and both came up negative for combat.
Your odds of locating Zellara's son's remains will be much higher if those going have Zellara with them (in the form of the Harrow Deck), so keep that in mind.
If anyone plans to go anywhere beyond the Sanctuary or Zellara's home for the night, this will require GM adjudication and active roleplaying.
Post incoming. Audria's going to start looking for the kids if you want an idea of what she's doing. She'll find out from the others where they intend to stay for the night and meet them there.
CG F Half-Elf Vigilante (Double Scion) 3 | HP 33/33 | AC 18 (T 14 FF 14) | CMD 19 | Fort +2 (+7 v. poison) Ref +7 Will +5 (+7 v. enchantment, +6 v. compulsions) | Init +10 | Perc. +7/+9 (dim light or darkness) | Conditions: antitoxin 1 hour| Harrow Points: 6
I thought it was mid-afternoon, not late afternoon. And we should be practically right on top of Zellara's house already, since if the Goodbarrels' shop is in the West Dock district and we had to go past the Old Fishery while moving south from North Point to get there, there is only a small area of the docks neighborhood left that would be south of that location, and it includes Zellara's home.
Taking the Harrow deck along makes sense. I checked back and Zellara's ghost previously told us her son was killed about a year ago, so my OOC plan to have her just look for recently disturbed earth and digging there wouldn't work. Shrike should remember that timeframe, although I didn't. In-character, I think we don't know any of the properties/capabilities of the Harrow deck, except that Zellara's spirit inhabits it and can manifest and talk to us/manipulate the deck for Harrow readings. That should be enough for her to want to take the deck along for advice.
Sanctuary of Shelyn: From current location, the team can reach the Sanctuary, and it will be early evening by the time they arrive.
Zellara's Home: From the current location time to reach and recover the remains will progress time from mid to late afternoon. From Zellara's to The Gray will achieve early evening, and, as Shrike's post indicated, most likely too late in the day for "new business" while already planned ceremonies and services may continue as normal.
As no one else has stated any intentions, I will assume that Audria and Shrike are acting alone. The rest of you returned to the Sanctuary of Shelyn as the ongoing base of operations.
@Audria: Feel free to describe your night time adventure looking for the children. As I would rather try and move the whole group forward, I will not setup a combat encounter just for Audria and Talanaliel despite my inclination for your "reckless" decision to venture out so late alone. I would expect your story may have a rather frightening and harrowing encounter/escape from all manner of potential evils stalking the streets of Korvosa after dark. I'm going to roll on the Korvosa: Sewer Encounters table since this event takes place in The Vaults which are the undercity upon which a large portion of the Korvosan sewers were built.
How very fortunate. These tables are built for an entire party of adventurers, so this could have been much worse. While annoying, this roll result is likely best used for an "escape" type of encounter. Perhaps the swarm is triggered because Audria did not enter into the Lamb's hiding place "in exactly the right way." Whatever you describe, it may be appropriate to indicate some damage taken which will presumably be healed by the Brother Theolan once Audria has returned—along with a very passionate scolding and beaming approval for Audria's actions on behalf of the children.
@Everyone: My next post will be to address the start of Moonday, 11 Desnus which will introduce the new daily-style posts as we advance time. I expect everyone to become more active as you will need to be deciding your priorities for any given day and what you hope to accomplish as a group.
Players who are not making their presence known will potentially be asked to leave the game, so I'm really hoping you guys will start posting again, or I will be looking to replace those who do not appear as committed to this campaign.
@Pippip: Yes, I indicated that after a couple of in-game days, access to Castle Korvosa will become available. However, until such time, the group needs to communicate what collectively they would like to do in the meantime.
Yes, "chill" and "go hang out at home" are valid responses if desired if the group does not desire to pursue any activities on the streets while the riots are quelled.
I'm not quite clear what you what you mean by "how relevant the brooch is." It's a piece of jewelry lost by Queen Ileosa for which a reward has been offered to return it. That's it. For what intrigue are you looking exactly?
@GM: Got it. Post incoming. I think we're still short 12-14 children, right? Figured she's not going to find them all in one go, but she might get lucky.
Kids:3d4 ⇒ (4, 3, 1) = 8
Well that's better than I usually roll. :D
Swarm Damage:1d6 ⇒ 4 Audria's FORT Save 1 vs. Poison DC11:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 Audria's FORT Save 2 vs. Poison DC11:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 STR Damage:1d2 ⇒ 2
Ah, there we go. That's more like what I'm used to. :P
I would think the brooch could be used to gain traction with the pro queen or anti-queen faction, but I am just guessing at the moment.
Intriguing take. The campaign doesn't provide any specific details for it aside from getting some face time in Castle Korvosa and some money. Since the piece isn't specifically magical or something which can be used for blackmail, even any anti-Ileosa groups wouldn't be able to use it beyond getting the money for returning it, but if you're being creative, I suppose there are other ways to try and leverage this.
However, as GM I would say you as a group would have to discuss and offer possibilities. I will present the Adventure Path's expected option, but it will be up to you to suggest the off-the-rails player decisions if any have occurred to you.
I have news. I received a message from Lina Derexhi's player they wish to withdraw from the campaign.
Having lost both your wizard and sorcerer, I suspect the team may be a little light on the arcane side of magic. I have a couple of people I'm considering reaching out to ask if they may be interested, but if any of you have your own suggestions for players, please send me a private message.
