DM_Pol's page

I recommend Fantasy Grounds II. It's what me and my group use since I moved to another country.

FG already has pathfinder rules so you can keep all the PC Sheets (and monsters) on the program. It has a very good mapping function with fog of war. I use maps from paizos AP pdfs and they look GREAT

You can design your own tokens. I take some time to get minature-looking images, it looks fantastic specially for bigger creatures (dragons).

You can have a combat manager and have it run initiative and list the order of init and have a summary of the stats.

In short, a really cool program, well worth it. Even after I moved back we continued using it. With one PC plugged in to the TV and another laptop for the DM, you will not need a table anymore!!!

(It's a little more difficult to improvise maps on the computer, but it can be done)

My experience with this is limited. I directed a few sessions for my group but had to drop it for lack of time. I tend to study new RPG systems as a hobby, even though I've only played significant campaigns with Pathfinder, D&D 3.x and some GURPS

SYSTEM:
I think the system looks like a mix of GURPS point based advancement with D&D classes.

Basically, your class tells you how much your different options cost.

You want to be a fighter that can cast? No problem, it will cost you more...

The combat system is not that complicated. Even with the rolls.. I found it pretty original.

The chart is only necessary for a few sessions. Then you learn the formula behind it and don't have to look at it anymore.

If I remember correctly, it goes something like this>

you roll a d100 and add your combat skill, you oponent rolls defense and substracts. If positive, you hit, if negative, you are open to a counterattack. If your enemy counterattacks, he has the roll difference as a bonus.

If you hit, you have to substract the armor from the difference. If there is something remaining, that's damage, expressed as a percentage of your base damage.

The chart is useful to get this numbers quick, but it not only unnecessary but also on 10pts increment, so you usually end up rounding. Better to learn the math.

I don't remember how critical hits worked.

Another thing is that it has SEVERAL subsystems. One for invocations, one for Magic, one for Ki powers, one for Psionics.

Each one different and interesting.

I think that the system gives you too many options and can be a little overwhelming, but it's worth looking at it.

FEELING AND SETTING
The game plays like a high fantasy cinematic anime. It is obiously infulenced by eastern concepts of honor, of fighting styles and by medieval fantasy seen through an eastern point of view.

More Saint-Seya than Tolkien.

The inclusion of christian mythos as campaing elements is a bold move, I like it.

I say that Anima is well worth a try, and may pick it up in the future.

I started playing online using Fantasygrounds during an extended stay away from my group.

It worked so well that we kept using it at home.

You don't need an overhead projector, we just put it on the TV.

- Foxit PDF tools to extract maps and pics from Paizo pdf's
- Corel Photopaint to edit maps and make the miniatures.

At first I started building miniatures as a round token with the appropiate pic but lately I've been making them as whole figures. I look for an appropriate image of a painted minature, trim all the bacground, put it over an oval shaped "base" and use it in my encounters.

That, along with paizo's superb maps makes for GREAT experience.

(we are currently running Curse of the Crimson Throne, one of the best AP IMHO)

I add this inside to prevent from spoiling ANYTHING about this excellent campaign. I'm rerunning CoCT using Pathfinder, and in the second adventure I'm thinking that adding a little ALCHEMIST to Davalus and his creepy doctors would make MUCH more sense than Rogue/Bards. Here's my first attempt, comments are welcome:

Queen's Physician

CR 2
XP 600
Human Alchemist 3
NE Medium humanoid
Init +7; Senses Perception +6
DEFENSE
AC 15, touch, flat footed ( +3 Armor, +2 Dex )
hp 29 (3d8+6)
Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +1
Defensive Abilities
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee masterwork shortsword +6 (1d6+1)
Special Attacks
5 bombs, +5 ranged touch, 2d6+2
Poison: Large scorpion venom injury DC17 — 1/rd. for 6 rds. 1d2 STR , 1 save
Giant wasp poison injury DC18 — 1/rd. for 6 rds. 1d2 DEX, 1 save

Tactics: Queens physicians try to avoid battle. They cast Shield, drink their mutagen and throw explosive bombs. In close quarters they use their poisoned short swords.

STATISTICS
Str 12 Dex 16, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 8
Base Atk +2; CMB +3; CMD 15
Feats Improved Initiative, weapon finesse, Toughness
Skills: Craft(Alchemy) +8, Heal +7, Disable Device +5, Perception +7, Spellcraft +8, Use Magic Device+4, Intimidate+1, Bluff +0, Stealth +5

Languages Common, Varisian
SQ Alchemy, bomb, brew potion, throw anything, poison resistance +2, poison use, swift alchemy
mutagen: +4 DEX, +2 natural armor -2 WIS
discovery: Explosive bombs

Extracts:
Lvl1: Shield, Cure Light Wounds, Expeditious retreat

Combat Gear Mwk Studded Leather armor, masterwork shortsword, healer's kit, plaguebringer's mask, alchemist kit, Large scorpion venom (2), Giant Wasp poison(2), Cure Moderate wounds.

I'm actually running an Anima adventure.

It looks like a cross of D&D with GURPS.

Point based system, but with points handed out at discrete intervals (levels). Ability costs are determined by your "class" (ie. it's cheaper for the fighter to up his attack than it is for the mage)

Combat wise, I liked it. Once you get the hang of the attack formula you don't need the cumbersome table. Each attack pits an offense ability against a defensive one.

(1d100+Attack) - (1d100+Defense+Armor*10) gives you a percentual number of the base damage dealt. So, if you score a 70 on your d%, with an Attack of 90 it totals 160. If the defender rolls a 56 with a defense of 60 it adds up to 116. The difference is 44. His leather armor (AT 2) helps reduce this to a final 24. That means that your 60pt slash dealt a 24% of it's total power.

Well, it's an interesting system.

There are also KI powers that let you customize sets of fantastic techniques, activated and paid by your KI pool.

A magic system based on spells costing magic points from your reserve.

A summoning system allowing you to summon and bind creatures or powers.

A Psi system that's based on powers that can vary in effect according to your psi power roll.

All in all, a crunchy system, with an anime feel (think Naruto, Full Metal Alchemist, Bleach), takes a while to get into it but worth it.

The other problem is that the best and newest books are still only in Spanish (Core Exxet, Dominus Exxet and Arcana Exxet)

I understand if you are upset with the decrease in my posting ratio. Real life issues are preventing me from regular posting. I'll strive to get this game back in gear this week.

If anyone wants to leave it, please let me know.

Regards,

Pablo

The pit fight
---------------
Rodrik wounds seems superficial, but the man is scared witless. He throws up as soon as you help him stand and then runs off for the stairs.

St Caspierans
--------------
Calinders admonitions don't seem to make much of an impression on the haggish woman. But when he talks about the dispossesed she's taking care of, a sad smile crosses her wart ridden face. It seems to Calinder that she really cares about her chargees.

Mumsy´s hooch is what buy the porridge for the morning and some old vegetables for the soup. We aint get too much help here. And if some ppor sod wants a drink to stave off the cold, Mumsy will provide.

Still you can see that you've managed to shame her a little, because she start's to wake up the priest conforting him and almost carrying the thin man upstairs to her bedroom.

Lecian meanwhile open one of the side doors of the entrance. He sees a rickety stair up, and hears the barking again. Upstairs, two mean looking vagrants and a mangy dog are trying to listen behind a closed door, probably leading to the priest's quarters where you were before.

map later

FoamRunner:
-----------
Old K: 19
Urza: 4
Ushari: 6

Recovered from Urza's initial spell, the big fighter fends off all attacks while he retrieves his sword. Nevertheless, Ushari´s small dagger slashes through the inside of his arm under his armor.

He swings at the pesky rogue.

Longsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 damage 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

St Caspieran
--------------
You don't see the priest anywhere near the pulpit. After walking through the first floor you find the old man in the kitchen. He seems unconsious, drooling in on of the tables. A strong smell of alcohol reeks from what can only be a makeshift distillery, mixing with the greasy odor coming from a huge pot on the stove. A large woman, with curled mouse gray hair and a warty face is stirring the pot. When you enter the kitchen she grabs a BIG rolling pin and shakes it at you.

It ain't ready yet! You wait your turn for food like everyone else! If you wanna some of Mumsy's catblind hooch, grab a tankard

The pit fight:
--------------
Kicking aside the carcass of the huge vermin, Nalia knees on the arena floor. Right in the middle of it, buried under the bloodied and dirty sand, she finds what she stumbled upon. A heavy metal ring, bolted to a sturdy metallic trapdoor. It is locked tough, a big keyhole stands out, it seems to fit a big and weird shaped key.

Foamrunner:
-----------------
OldK: 15
Urza: 4

The fighter looks very battered, bleeding from several stabs and a big claw slash across his face. Still he reaches for his sword on the floor.

you can both take Aoo

Foamrunner
-------------
Urza's bolt hits the Thug on one eye and he falls immediately.
The big fighter, bleeding from several cuts recovers his sight enough to block Ushari's blade with his arm, but he's still stunned.

The Foamrunner
------------

Old K: 13 Blinded, stunned 1 rounds
Thug1: 4
Urza: 4

While the fighter staggers stunned and blind around the crates, Ushari darts in and out of his reach, her dagger flashing red with blood.

Urza's bolt finds its target on the crossbow thug. The Foamrunner captain is prone behind a crate trembling

your turn again

St Caspierans:
--------------
The wooden door is bolted from the inside of the room. As soon as Lecian approaches it he hears a dogs furious barking on the other side.

The pit fight:
--------------------
The poison on Nalia's wound makes her feel numb and dizzy, but she still advances on the wounded beast. When she steps forward for the killing blow her foot gets stuck in something that seems to be a metal ring hidden under the sand.

Still, her mace swing connects to the creature head, crushing it with a splash of ichor. The twitching body falls back and the crowd roars.

poison: 1d3 ⇒ 3dex

Fight is over, make 5 more poison saves until you make Fort DC14

St Caspieran.
-------------------
[URL=http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/pab3925/Second%20Darkness/StCaspieran02.jpgMAP[/URL]

The old priest agrees obsequiously. Of course brother! The Dawn be with you, please check wherever you want. Maybe you'll help with this humble shelter . He unlocks the double doors and gestures for you to climb the wide stairs to the first floor.

You reach a big room separated by a makeshift wooden wall into two bedrooms. One of them hasn't been used in a while, while the other seems to be a mess, with empty liquor bottles strewn all over the floor. There's a door leading south bolted from the inside.

Pit fight:
-----------------

Rodrik: 6
Centipede: 10
Nalia: 17, (14 nonlethal)

The mace connects with a satisfying sound of broken chitine plates, smashing the side of the centipede. The creature fails wildly and sinks its mandibles on Nalia's shoulder before retreating 5ft. The crowd cheers for the girl!

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 damage 1d6 ⇒ 3
Save Fort DC14 vs poison...

Your turn

Foamrunner:
------------

Old K: 4 blinded, stunned 2 rounds
Thug1:
Urza: 4

Ushari stabs the fighter between the bands of his armor. He barely seems to notice.

your turn again

Pitfight
-------------
The mace hits the wall of the tunnel, splintering chips of stone. The centipede whirls around and snaps at the armored girl. But Nalia easily fends it off with her shield

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The Foamrunner
--------------
Right, I forgot Urza's delayed action.

Save Will DC14: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Blinded and stunned for 1d4 ⇒ 3

Urza's spell washes over the fighter in a fan of colors. The big man weapon clatters to the floor and he grabs at his eyes screaming that he's been blinded.

That was urza's delayed action. Now it's Ushari's turn. Then the Thug, the Fighter and Urza again. (sorry for the mess up)

Foamrunner:
---------------
MAP
Old K:
Thug1:
Urza: 4 dmg
Ushari: full defense

The thug with the crossbow lets loose at Urza, seeing a clear shot while
the big fighter steps forward and slashes at Ushari.
The crossbow bolt seems to be barely deflected by the arcane armor protecting the sorcerer and the nimble rogue dances back, avoiding the lethal slash.

Heavy crossbow 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 damage 1d10 ⇒ 6
Longsword 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Your turn guys, sorry for the delay. I've been down with the flu.

Pit Fight
-------------------
MAP

Nalia rushes into the pit's corridors, stepping on the sand covering the floor and brandishing the spiked mace (did you grab the shield also?).

You see Rodrik, with a hooked pole, barely holding back a monstrous centipede. The giant vermin is rearing on his back legs, as tall as an human.

The crowd watching through the hole in the ceiling roars, thinking all part of the show.

Splithog alley
------------------

The old priest stumbles forward, grabbing Cal to steady himself, he seems on the verge of tears and his breath stinks of alcohol. I'm sorry brother, I do what I can. Only with some anonymous donations we can manage to keep this shelter open. I know nothing of those you say, everyone is welcome here.

FoamRunner:
--------------
MAP

ROUND 3:
Old K: Full defense
Thug1:
Thug2: dying
Urza: 4

As Urza positions himself to cover a wider arc with his spell Ushari finally manages to slid her blade between the unprotected side of the thug's armor and he drops to the floor bleeding.

The big fighter is almost within reach.

Splithog alley
----------------
MAP
Some of the crowd seem afraid of Cal's display, some seem hopeful. All seem impressed. The ragged bunch of beggars, drunks, children and cripples make way, leting the cleric go to the end of the church. Coming down from the pulpit comes an old man, dressed in a brown stained and patched robe, leaning heavily on a wooden staff and clutching what seems to be a wooden holy symbol. A hacking cough wracks trhough him as he tries to talk to you and you can smell cheap liquor on his breath.

*Cough* *Cough*. The peace of Sarenrae be with you brother... what brings you to our humble shelter.

Pit Fight.
------------
MAP

Punches, kicks and headbutts are exchanged. The scruffy man and the armored girl brawl and after the interchange, the drunk Bojask is lying on the floor. His nose broken and one of his eyes starting to puff.

A hurried looking Saul enters the wine cellar, he looks at the mess and then at the unconcious lout with an eye of disapproval that turns to worry when he sees the state of Nalia. He hands her a CLW potion.

Girl! You look beaten up! I think I'll fire that stupid drunkard for this! But we have no time, the match was supposed to start and the people were getting upset, everybody want's to see today's attraction. I asked Rodrik to try and handle the beasts. Please go see if he needs some help

Nalia is at 14hp not 19, as she manages to bring down Bojask before he can land his last punch.

Down the corridor, some stairs lead to the arena. You see a poorly lit corridor. Some animal handling equipement is hanging from the wall. Nets, hooks, spiked collars. You even seen some weapons meant for intelligent beigns. A mace, a wooden shield and a spiked chain. But their state indicates that it's been long since that kind of fight took place.

The door to the cages, tough (37) is open, and you hear Rodrik desperate cries for help coming from the arena.

Real life VERY complicated. Sorry for the reduced posting frecuency. Tomorrow morning (6am CST) will post.

Frustrated by the fight and panting with exertion, Bojask launches a series of punches

Unless Nalia has other idea, we'll expedite the fight. Just throw several punches at once and we'll interleave them

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 damage 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 (nonlethal)
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 damage 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 (nonlethal)
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 damage 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 (nonlethal)
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 damage 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 (nonlethal)
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 damage 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 (nonlethal)

Ooops, wrong map! Well here's the correct link. Ushari and Urza can take their actions again as they didn't have the map to plan them

MAP

The zone with the barrels is considered difficult terrain and gives partial cover. The crates are 6ft high.

Sorry for the delays, very busy week. Posted at last. Now with map goodness!

Splithog alley
----------------
MAP
The cripple keeps on, disregarding Lecian until he sees the glint of Cal's silver. Then he grabs it and gestures at you to look at the room.
The modest chapel has a high-arched ceiling, a plain wooden pulpit, and less than a dozen worn-out pews. Some wooden tables are set at this end of the chapel. At the rear of the chapel, high on the wall, hangs a large wooden holy symbol of Sarenrae studded with yellow and orange fecks of glass.

At least 30 people in rags shuffle through the room, kids, women, men, old men.. everybody with eyes vacant and desperate. They seem to be waiting for salvation, or for the sermon to start. Or for some food to be distributed.

Some are set up against the walls, trying to sleep.

This is the closest we have to a home, masters says the cripple. If I still had my legs, I'd still be called Fierce Ukkar and would be a rich adventurer. But this is all I have. Father Padrick feeds us, teaches the goodnes of Sarenrae and gives us a roof. Whenever he's not too drunk at least... Yeah, I've seen some violent looking individuals from time to time. They mostly keep to the top floor and I pay no mind. If I had my legs I would kick them out on their butts! But I'm a cripple and a beggar, and I can do nothing.

Fight pit.
------------
MAP
The big room is the wine cellar, the small is Bojasks room. Down and to the right leads to the fighting pit where you have to take the drunkard to work

ROUND 3:
Bojask
Nalia

Still not able to injure each other, the brawling pair exchange several blows.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 damage 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5(nonlethal)

Nalia's move

The Foamrunner:
--------------
MAP

ROUND 1:
Old K: Full defense
Thug1:
Thug2: 4dmg
Urza: 4dmg
Ushari:

The thug manages to avoid Urzas fiercer slashes, fencing them off with his shortsword. and Ushari's knife misses him by inches. The big fighter is almos upon you and the crossbowman takes aim at the girl and shoots. The bolt thunks dangerously close to where her head was.

Xbow 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 damage 1d10 ⇒ 5
Stab 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Splithog alley
----------------
The cippled man grunts at you and pays you no mind. You open the door to the small chapel after him. Two smaller doors fank the main
entrance, both covered with grafti. The southern door has a sign
that reads “Flophouse: upstairs and take a lef.” The word “lef” is
crossed out, and scrawled next to it is the word “hike.” The other
door has a homemade sign that reads, “All rooms taken.”. The crippled beggar just went through the main door.

Fight pit.
------------

ROUND 2:
Bojask
Nalia

Nalia's blow thumps Bojask on the side but his leather armor pads the impact. The man curses and swings again.
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 damage 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5(nonlethal)
Nalia's move

The Foamrunner:
--------------

ROUND 1:
Old K: Full defense
Thug1: Ready crossbow
Thug2: 4dmg
Urza
Ushari

Urza jumps from behind the crates. Trying to keep the thug between him and the crossbow man and deals two rapid slashes with his draconic claws. His claws tear clothes and draw bloow, across his face and chest.
Ushari, quick as a cat jumps from the shadows behind. She swings the heavy sap with all her might and.. missess by far the thugs head. The momentum carrying the weapon off her hands. She sees it splash on the dirty waters behind the pier.

The man with the crossbow aims at the girl and shoots, the heavy crossbow bolt lodging into the crate besides her head with a thump. The other thug stabs at Urza

Xbow 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 damage 1d10 ⇒ 3

Splithog alley
----------------
The Saint's name is not familiar. Probably a small patron or benefactor long forgotten, not a major religious icon.

The sun is about to set, you see someone coming to the small chapel. A man with wide shoulders and muscled arms, but oviously lacking legs. Moving around dragging himself in a low cart. He reaches the stairs and laboriously climbs the steps one at a time to enter the chapel.

Fight pit.
------------

ROUND 1:
Bojask
Nalia

Bojask charges at -Nalia, intent on slamming her with his shoulder (or maybe head) but her heavy armor protects the girl from his blow.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 damage 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5(nonlethal)
Nalia's move

The Foamrunner:
--------------

ROUND 1:
Old K: Full defense
Thug1: Ready crossbow
Thug2:
Urza
Ushari

The fighter raises his shield at the alarm. One of the thugs remains by his side and pulls a heavy crossbow. The other one unsheathes a shortsword and advances towards the crates behind which Urza hides. They don't seem to have noticed Ushari.

Urza, Ushari. Either of you could reach the closing thug if you break cover. He's at about 10ft distance. The others remain at 40ft. Your moves.

Foamrunner
-----------
Perception to hear Urza casting:

Old Korvosa: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Thugs: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

As soon as Urza begins casting, one of the thugs hears him.
Boss! We've got company

You are 40ft from the thugs, Urza was spotted, Ushari not. Roll init

Foamrunner
--------------
Ushari hides against the wall, the dirty stones of a warehouse foundations allow her to hide in te shadow. No other guards seem on sight.

Fightpit:
---------------
Bojask looks for a second at his empty hand where he held a flaggon and then roars and charges Nalia.

Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Foamrunner:
--------------
Ushari and Urza cautiously advance to where the dock worker said the Foamrunner was anchored. The pair walk through the old pier (about 20ft wide) until they spot the described vessel. Two men of doubious appearance are finishing loading a dozen oak casks into a hand drawn cart. A fat bearded man dressed with the flowing robes characteristic of Urza´s people is counting coins from a fat purse while a big guy, dressed in a battered Korvosan army issue banded mail and a wide steel shield oversees the operation. They don't appear to have noticed you yet.

Pitfight:
--------------
A third and final blow finally bashes the door in, bending the lock. Inside the smell of alcohol invades Nalia's nostrils. On the other side of the room, an badly shaven and unkempt man, tall with wide shoulders and a mean scarred face is propped against a casc and serving himself alcohol from a half broken cask. The remains puddle in the floor. He shakes the flaggon menacingly and stammers with a thik tongue.Tell that slime Saul that I'm not going anywhere! If you come any closer you b@+%$ I'll bash you like I did this cask

Splithog alley:
-----------------
None of you remember hearing about this Beggar King character.

With a couple of hours still remaining, Lecian and Calinder stroll down splithog alley. The rats know not to antagonize the pair, even in one of the most downtrodden and crime ridden part of a lawless town.

Squatting halfway down this muck-smeared alley, sandwiched
between a derelict wainwright’s shop and a bakery, stands a
dilapidated tenement. A crooked belltower rises from the
building’s rear, and a half-dozen grease-smeared, cracked, and
boarded-over windows gaze out from walls that might have
once been white. A small sign hangs over the building’s battered
oak front doors: “St. Caspieran’s Salvation—All Welcome.”

The Foamrunner:
Urza and Ushari arrive at the docks, there still are a couple of hours of daylight.

The Fighting pit:
The stubborn door creacks but holds. Nalia's only response are some shouted curses from inside.

The Foamrunner:

After a few inquires Urza and Ushari find out what happened to the exotic liquor that Saul was expecting for the Golden Goblin. It got delayed at the harbor by a corrupt oficial. Word is that Boss Corat sent one of his closest enforcers, a mean tempered fighter they call "Old Korvosa" with some thugs to bribe the captain of the Foamrunner and retrieve the cargo.

Fighting pit:

Nalia kicks the door, but the creacking wood stands, Sault built it strong to protect his liquor stores. From inside you hear a crashing sound and then some drunken curses.

Splithog Alley:

The kids tell Lecian and Calinder about a mean man that hits them and steals their pay. He is based on an old church of Sarenrae at the end of Splithog alley, shelter to drunkards and dispossesed. He dresses like a beggar and several of his thugs frequent the temple, the elderly priest none the wiser.

Calinder and Lecian:
When you go see your street rats on the poorer district, you find out that someone has been beating them. They have blackened eyes and bruises all over. They seem realy scared, but they heard stories about how you and your group are defying every crime boss on Riddleport and they summon enough courage to tell you about it. Apparently someone new took residence at the derelict church they use as a refuge and is collecting money from them. All the money you pay is being kept by the self appointed "Beggar King" and any kid who stands up to him gets a beating by him and his cronies.

Urza and Ushari:
When you pay a visit to your rats on the Dock district you find that word on the street is that you are helping to clean Riddleport. The wildest stories are told about you. They say that you killed Smeed because he was extorting the poor with his loans and that you had to fight a Demon to get to him and you killed all of his five bodyguards before doing him in.

You also learn that Boss Croat got his hands on a shipment of exotic liquor that Saul was expecting for the goblin!

Nalia:
Wednesday is fight night at the underground pit. Saul is expecting a great turnout, it appears that the house's beastmaster, a brute named Bojask got hold of a giant centipede and its pitting him against a couple of mean fighting dogs. But saul's seems troubled as he cames to Nalia on her guard post.
Girl! I need your help! The fight starts in a couple of hours, customers are arriving and that beast Bojask is not ready. Apparently he's got hold of the cellar's keys and he's locked in there drinking all my stock! Please, you have to put him to work again, I need your persuassion skills.

Everyone it's separate assignments today! Hope you are not getting bored.

Saul seems pretty shocked to hear that Smeed is not the killer
Oh!, if nor Smeed then it must have been one of Zincher's thugs. I promise you I didn't know he was a front from Zincher, that's why I took the loan. No, I didn't borrow from anyone else either.

As for the casino, Urza and Ushari share the floor manager spot, they both do an excellent role. Urzas polite but menacing presence keeps all the troublemakers in line, the new no-weapons policy is strictly enforced, but Ushari appears to be some kind of a finance whiz and that week she helps straighten all the books and employe payroll. She also does some pretty decent singing, but more patrons are there to look at her big blue eyes than to hear her voice.

Lecian is as creative as ever, this week he comes with a masked ball theme that is the talk of the town and the Goblin is at full capacity.

Calinder is at his most charming and does an excellent job recieving the customers.

Ok! Sorry for the blackout over the weekend, had lot of stuff happened with my real life (yeah, the one that usually sucks and I can't contro like here. Hehe. Hope you all had a great Easter

While Cal checks the papers, Vancasckerkin brings out a bottle of really expensive Chellaxian Firewhiskey and pours everyone a glass.

To the memory of my partner and friend Larus, may he rest in peace now that his death was avenged!

He thanks you for finding out what happened to the dwarf.

There are a couple of things I want to discuss with you boys.. First I want to raise your base salary to 25gp a week. I know is not much but if we keep doing so great, there will be a bonus, I couldn't have gotten here without you!. Second, we need a new floor manager. Since Zincher's rat Smeed had our Larus killed.. I would like one of you to take the position, who would like to?.
And finally, I wanted to thank you all for being my partners, and tell you that this is my finall year in the business. I think I have enough to live my final years and if we keep doing this god I'll retire and leave the Goblin to you boys

Calinder goes several times through the papers. He finds notes of debts and payments among the stained pages in Smeed's scrawled handwriting. Nothing about Larus, but it comes to your atention that Saul Vancaskerkin borrowed about 2500gp several months ago and never made any payment. In the last couple of months his name appears circled in red.

[ooc]Well, you have to elect a floor manager amongst you. Also state any weekly activities you plan or investigations you want to do and roll any check you can make for improving the Goblin's performance. The one you select as manager will earn 1 rank in Profession Manager and will have to do a profession check. Ah, we will also use the fast xp progression, everyone will level up at 1300xp[ooc]

Good work everybody, you get 250xp each

You return to the Goblin to tend to your wounds.
The girls at the casino help you with bandages and rub soothing oil for your bruises. A worried looking Vancaskerkin asks for his floor manager Larus.

He was seriously wounded but stable when you left him. Your precise analysis determines the cause of death as massive coronary failure in reaction to the extreme anxiety of everyone crowdig and threatening him. He was overweight and his cholesterum was probaly over the roof.

Note: Arus the Stern, grand maester of he Korvosan magical college has written extensive treaties on physiology and he determined that there is a value he called "cholesterum" that measures how happy your food makes you. If your cholesterum is too high, you need to go for a month eating only steamed vegetables and green leafs until you are miserable enough that your cholesterum returns to normal levels.

The appartment is very modest, not what you'd think of someone who lends thousands of gp. But then, Lymas was only a front for the Crime Boss who had the real money.

All in all you find 120gp in assorted coins and small gems, and a cigar box half full with rare chelaxian cigars, apparently Smeed only luxury. The rest are personal items and documents stating several debts and payments.

The fat man's eyes bulges at all the people balking at him, the strange looking foreigner with the claws, the angry looking armored woman with his ape's head. He stammers No.. no.. please... it wasn't me, I did nothing to Larus, I just lend moneeey.....

With that last effort, all blood seems to drain from his face and his eyes glaze in death.

While Calinder tends to Lecian, Urza steps over the moneylender into the upper room. It takes little time for the sorcerer to check that there is no one else on the dirty and unkempt apartment. A small bedroom, a study and an overflowing privy are all he finds.

Ushari is guarding the moneylender, suddenly he stirs, groans and tries to get up. He gives up and falls back, coughing blood. Wh-what d-do you want.?

Lecian runs up the stairs until he's standing in front of a fat and greasy man.

Lecian staggers for cover while nalia, even severely wounded as she is, covers them both with her shield.

The man screams with bulging eyes I know you! You are Vancaskerkin's thugs! I'll show you to mess with Lymas Smeed! while he drops the heavy crossbow and reaches for another one that's standing ready.

Calinder's sword flashes tearing cloth and moneylender with the same ease. Smeed staggers up the stairs until a bolt shot from Ushari's crossbow strikes him in the side. He stumbles and falls back, lying sprawled on the top floor.

No more enemies in sight. State your actions

Confused by the many foes around him, the gorilla swings wildly without connecting a single punch. Almost at the same time, two slashes from Nalia and Calinder open deep wounds in its sides. The beast dying roar is cut short by an exploding magic missile. The concussion jus enough to topple it on its back. The ape lies still, a leg still twitching.

From the second floor you hear a high pitched scream.
Dont hurt Lucy yo bastards!

And the "twang" of a crossbow as someone half hidden by the stairs lets loose a bolt at Lecian.

The bolt flies true, embedding on the wizards left shoulder.

Attack vs Lecian: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 7 1d5 ⇒ 2

Lecian, you are at 0 hp! Everybody can act. The gorilla is dead, the new foe is standing on the stairs, halfway up. He has partial cover. Map tomorrow.

Spitting blood from some heinous internal wound, Nalia slashes fiercely but with little effect.

Lecian aims his crossbow, but that leaves him open to the gorilla's attack. The big ape clouts him on the side of the head even reaching behind Calinder. The bolt flies true but seems to get stuck on the black and bloodstained fur, only making the creature angrier.

Ushari is holding back in a defensive posture but she tries bravely to distract the ape to give Cal an opening. The cleric's scimitar slash is also deflected to little effect and he gets pounded by the ape's attacks, sidestepping one and blocking the other with his shield, pain shooting up his arm.

Urza seems to realize that if he had cast his last spell correctly, the tables would have been turned now. Taking advantage of the beast's distraction he casts a powerful ward to protect the hurting Nalia.

-----------------------------------------------

AoO vs Lecian1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Attack Cal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Attack Cal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

CLICK HERE FOR MAP

Turn 03:
Lecian: 6dmg - shoots crossbow
Ushari: - assists Cal - fighting defensively
Urza: - Casts SHIELD on Nalia
Nalia: 16dmg - Attacks - SHIELD
Calinder 3dmg - Attacks
Gorilla: 13dmg - Attacks Cal

Everybody, third round

Notes: There is an hyperlink to a map image on the place where it says CLICK HERE FOR MAP

Special Notes for Calinder: MOUSE OVER AND RIGHT CLICK ON IT

The angry creature shrugs off the effects of the spell and Nalia gets interrupted by a long muscled arm driving a fist to her midsection.

Immediately, the animal follows up with another devastating punch at the girl and advances towards the intruders, giving calinder the opportunity for a slash before the ape swings at him. Calinder's blade flashes, everybody hears the sound of sliced flesh and the gorilla roars in angry. His badly wounded arm misses the cleric by a wide margin.

AoO vs Nalia:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Attack Nalia: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Attack Calinder:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Calinder Ready attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Misses on 1: 1d5 ⇒ 5
Critical Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

MAP

Turn 02:
Lecian
Ushari
Urza
Nalia: 16dmg
Calinder
Gorilla: 12dmg

Everybody, second round

Urza casts his trustful Color Spray and a shower of colors spew forth envolving the ape. Even before the colors dissipate, Nalia is jumping at the creature with a vicious sword slash.

Will DC 13:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Turn 01:
Calinder: Moves ready to attack
Lecian: Moves and casts true strike
Nalia
Urza
Ushari
Gorilla

Calinder and Lecian move cautiously into the shadowy room. Lecian mumbles some arcane words to grant him supernatural precision. The ape stops pounding his chest, it seems read to lunge at the humans intruding on its territory

Everybody that delayed, time to act. You can take action before the gorilla. No time for map, so just imagine it :). Lecian and rest of the humans, remember the light is very poor and gives the giant ape concealment.