Kaleb Merriett's page

Kaleb had added little to the interrogation, feeling that his contribution to his new allies in the battle had more than proved his worth. In truth, his heart was still racing from the sheer adrenaline of the brief skirmish, his mind still replaying parries, pirouettes and deadly lunges. Now mounted, he rode close to the prisoners, seeking to keep them cowed through the presence of his blade. He had not yet sheathed or cleaned it after the battle, and Urnsul and Daktani's blood had caked onto it, mixed together.

After some time, Kaleb did take a brief moment to pull his riding dog alongside Dorn, extending a forearm for a warrior's grip.

"My apologies master Dorn, for my earlier abruptness. We were deceived by these scum back in the town and I was loathe to allow them time to evade us again. You must also forgive my belated entrance into the fray. While I am Dwarf-trained and raised, sadly Darkvision is not a trait one can learn from one's adopted heritage. You are a local of Trunau?"

Now flanked by fallen foes, the blood-soaked Kaleb figured the fastest way for Dorn to get help was to free up Marikel. He moved in beside the heavily armoured man and lent his rapier to the assault, the tip piercing both curtain and foe.

Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Dodging Panache for AC23 if attacked.

Oops. Did Kaleb just kill Daktani or has he fallen unconscious?

Moving smoothly under the war-hammer's clumsy arc, Kaleb was already moving as Urnsul fell in his wake. Stood protectively over Dorn's fallen form, Kaleb's rapier jabbed out to stab Daktani in the back of the thigh.

Flanking Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Kaleb will spend a point of panache if targeted by Daktani to use Dodging Panache, boosting his AC to 23 against the attack and moving him to J11 in the process.

Wow, that was a ridiculous day at work. Sorry for the delay.

Irritated that the woman perceived Dorn as a greater threat than himself, Kaleb followed her, continuing to hound Urnsul as the half-Orc tried to defend herself from two attackers. His anger clouded his skill and the lunge was clumsy, although swift. His rapier left a second bloody wound as he once again pierced her guard and armour.

5 foot to follow Urnsul then attack again.

Attack, all previous modifiers minus higher ground, plus bless: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 17
Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Got a meeting at work, will post in my lunch hour later.

Kaleb continued his movement into the room by somersaulting gracefully onto a table behind Urnsul. His exquisite rapier darted out in a swift jab, easily piercing the half-Orc's leather armour in the square of her back.

Acrobatics (Hop onto Table): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Attack (VS Orc, Higher Ground, Flanking): 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 25
Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Will use Dodging Panache on any attack against Kaleb.

Kaleb hustled after the Dwarf, softly cursing the larger humanoid's impatience.

Double move as far towards Dorn as possible.

Kaleb finishes lighting the torch.

Kaleb produced and lit a torch from his pack, with the intention of carrying torch in one hand and rapier in the other.

AC19 for this combat, not 20.

Kaleb nodded with grim resolve and rushed in beside Dorn, rapier drawn.

Still in wedding aftermath. The dog is a mount only, can always assume Kaleb isn't taking him into any "planned" scenario.

Kaleb motions frantically to the others, nodding towards the ground beside him and gesturing with his hand a motion towards the entrance.

"I'll cover the other door."

Kaleb quietly moves into position beside the other entrance, positioning himself against the wall beside it, rapier drawn.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

"Well met, Dorn."

Kaleb tapped his feet irritably.

"Are we not in the middle of a chase? This is hardly the time for socialising or mockery. Do we believe they did not come here?"

Have a good time, AK! When's the wedding?

Alicia Dawnblade wrote:

Acrobatics to 5-foot-step to I15: 1d20+10

Assuming she doesn't fall off the roof with that roll:

You don't know how much I've been wishing these were spiders with Improved Bull Rush. What's the fun in having an encounter on a rooftop if you don't have a chance to push someone off it?

You don't need Improved to try. Particularly with the way Alicia is rolling =). Thank you for congratulations. Am still flushing toxins from my system.

Assume Kaleb is with Marikel.

Its my stag do this weekend, may be a day or two before I can check the thread.

"Best you go last in all that armour. One false step and this could get very ugly."

"Well, lets take a look, as you say. Much obliged, gentlemen."

"Hmm? Oh, this mutt is not much of a tracker. Just A to B for us short-legged folk. I'll dismount and accompany you, Marikel."

Galloping away at 40 feet speed here... :).

They had ten minutes lead time on us or so, so yes.

Kaleb will run to the inn and get on his riding dog, making up the time with its superior speed.

Glowering at Kaleb, Alicia retrieves her hopeknife from the ground and returns it to its sheath.

"Even after being revealed as a conspirator, he still tries to convince us he's innocent," Ali mutters.

With an apologetic grimace at the young lady, Kaleb nodded his agreement.

"My apologies, Alicia. He is but a fool, who made fools of us... But not a true accomplice worthy of bloodshed."

Kaleb moved off with Alicia while Marikel began his reprimands.

Reacting swiftly to Alicia's bared steel, Kaleb drew his rapier as he quick-stepped towards her, his eyes focused. His blade darted out with swift speed towards Alicia's hopeknife, seeking to disarm her. Despite the Halfling's obvious agility, it was obvious that he was far from a master at this particular maneuver and Alicia found herself with an opening as he began the subtle twist of his blade to send her knife to the floor.

Disarm CMB: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Move + draw weapon simultaneously, standard action to disarm (this provokes an AOO from Alicia if she wishes to use it).

Kaleb doesn't know Alicia is only planning to bludgeon the man or he would probably not try and act so decisively here!

"I think you'll find it did fall out of your pocket, actually..." Kaleb muttered, tossing the token at the man before immediately starting for the stairs.

Pursuing Daktani, gang?

Kaleb fixed the priest with a steely glare, keeping a tight grip on the token.

"It just happened to be down here, by the blankets? Othdan, you are clearly holding something back. Your either involved, or someone is trying very hard to make it look like you are; first the patrons tell me you are helping to harbor a fugitive then this? Come clean, help us make sure no one else gets hurt."

Hoping I can use my last Bluff roll to keep this going but can roll another if needed (or roll on my behalf). Diplomacy is the same modifier if deemed more appropriate.

Kaleb eventually moved to join in as Alicia searched in detail, seeming to focus his attention on the junk itself rather than any secret door. Something seemed to catch his eye and he rifled near the blankets.

"Hmm... Is this some kind of local gang symbol, perhaps? A clue as to her new lover's identify?" he asked, holding aloft a wooden, coin sized token with a howling dog crudely etched onto it.

Squinting as the group moved into the room, Kaleb remained at the top of the stairs as a rearguard and paced restlessly in the cramped space, a frown etched on his face. At one point the restless Halfling bumped into Othdan, muttering an apology as he continued to pace; a little more carefully now and respectful of the man's personal space.

"In the spirit of the house being open to all then, we'll continue our search. If Daktani is innocent of wrongdoing, I will personally see that no malice comes to him. Now, step aside."

A clenched hand on the hilt of his rapier, Kaleb made to continue onwards.

Leaving a window for Othdan to attempt to prevent passage or fellow PC's to speak, but words from Othdan aren't going to cut it at this point to stop Kaleb again.

"We don't have time for this... Kaleb muttered under his breath as he caught on to the priest's thinking.

He straightened up to his full height, which was tall indeed for one of the small folk; and looked at Othdan dead in the eyes.

"You may leave a message for us at the Ramblehouse. Now, stand aside; your name has already been implicated by two within this building. I'm sure you'd rather clean house here and protect your good name, my brother, than give us any reason to look into these scandalous suggestions that you are involved in knowingly harbouring a person of interest?"

Take 10 on Bluff for 17 plus any modifiers to the bluff itself. Am hoping this falls under "lie is believable".

I roll epicly in both roles.

Kaleb looked up at Marikel. The man clearly expected something from him, but the Halfling was obviously not getting the hint.

"Erm... I don't have any parchment on me to write it down, if that's what you mean..."

In truth, not even sure I myself understand the hint, let alone my character, sorry. But a nice chance to RP If it is something to do with keeping Othdan busy in some manner that takes me off-screen, can I OOC suggest we use Vhailor in this capacity instead?

Beginning to come out from underneath work hell. Will pick up your slack buddy :)

Kaleb had been growing quite irritated by Urnsul's responses but admired Marikel's quiet resolve as he questioned her.

"We may not have time to follow her and this building is too close-knit to do so inconspicuously. He is likely either hiding here or this basement route was his exit. Either way, we have little time to lose and much to gain."

No claims.

At Marikel's words, Kaleb's hand moved back to his rapier as he slowly began to interpose himself between the half-Orc and her weapons in the wardrobe.

As I wasn't present at that stage of the game, have not piped up about loot.

Kaleb stumbles a little past the door into the room before seeming to swiftly regain his balance.

"So sorry again, Madam, I seem to have made quite the nuisance of myself!"

Kaleb gives Marikel a brief, apologetic glance which gives way to a brief smirk. The athletic Halfling then trips, losing his balance but somehow regaining it in time to plant his shoulder against the door- hard! Whatever clumsiness Kaleb manages to feign, his intention is to force the door open.

"My apologies, two left feet Madam Urnsul, that's what Cham always said..."

Bluff to fake a trip: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Strength Check if Needed: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

If CMB like Bull Rush is appropriate, add +1.

His eye lights curiously on Kaleb. "I pray you won't take this amiss, brother, but I feel sure that the innkeeper will offer you a roof over your head if you're in need of one. She may not be over-known for her charity, but it extends at least as far as her own kind, Lorris be praised."

Kaleb smiles wryly. "I am most grateful for the information, brother." he replies as his eyes scan the room. Kaleb's hand is no longer near the hilt of his sword but his posture is still a little tense, coiled almost.

The Halfling follows Marikel but if the priest is forced to look one way or another, Kaleb searches the alternative.

Kaleb felt awkward as Alicia and Marikel debated the next course of action. He kept a keen eye on the proceedings before him; and a subtle hand near the hilt of his rapier.

Apologies, tried to post on Sunday but was travelling and had no signal.

Kaleb Merriett wrote:

"Need a hand with the inventories Auntie Cham? Pretty sure this establishment's paperwork taught me to read you know... I can probably remember a lot of your processes? Tell me if I can turn that frown upside down!"

The halfling looks up, and her frown of concentration turns into a weary smile. "You're a good boy, Kaleb, and a sight for sore eyes to see you back from among the dwarves. I can't say I ever approved of sending you away from your own kind," (her tone turns a little sharp as she scrutinizes the young man for over signs of dwarven affinity) "but it seems to have done you no harm at any rate. Tell me, you're planning to stay, are you? I can put you to work here, easy as pie. Always more sweeping and painting to do ... or are you angling for an office job, double-checking numbers?"

Sorry all, work is kicking me a lot.

"I'm planning to stay aunt, but my offer to help with the paperwork was only meant a temporary one... I'm a warrior now. The Dwarf folk saw to that. I suppose i'm asking for your help, aunt. I'm investigating the "suicide" of Kerst Grath. A few names have come up in connection with foul play. One of those names is "Melira"- I understand she sometimes stays here in the Ramblehouse"?

Take 10 on Diplomacy (Request) or Father Information for a 17.

Kaleb took advantage of the lull to quietly place himself into noticeable proximity with the innkeeper. When an opportunity presented itself he tried his most gallant smile and peered over her shoulder as he spoke in a cheery, care-free manner.

"Need a hand with the inventories Auntie Cham? Pretty sure this establishment's paperwork taught me to read you know... I can probably remember a lot of your processes? Tell me if I can turn that frown upside down!"

I have two plans here. I either butter her up before making gentle inquiry, or I do such a poor job with the paperwork she will be looking for ways to send me packing... Kaleb convinced himself.

No particular method of inquiry.

The amiable Halfling got along well with the townsfolk who seemed quite happy to converse with the newcomer.

"Very well, Alicia. Time for a little chat with my auntie..."

The tone of trepidation in the young warrior's voice made it clear he would rather have faced a Frost Troll. But he set off for the Ramblehouse nevertheless.

Marikel does a double take as Kaleb speaks but recovers quickly.
"Mr Kaleb. Good of you to join us again. I hope this won't be too unpleasant for you. How much of the situation are you aware of?"

"Snippets and bits and pieces i've been able to start shaping together. I would appreciate a full breakdown of what we're up against. Master Frum has been very keen for me to lend my aid wherever I can."

Kaleb had been passive in the meeting, nodding when required to show understanding and occasionally making sounds of assent and acknowledgement.

"You'll be at the funeral tonight," Rodrick half-asks, half-invites. "At sunset, in the Commons?"

Kaleb nodded in assent with a soft and sympathetic smile, thinking that to speak would only exaggerate the slight awkwardness of attending a funeral for a man he did not know. Once the group had left he voiced his thoughts-

"Marikel, would you prefer us to split our marks between us or are we taking a united approach? I am a stranger to the town, so perhaps I would be best placed to approach this Sara Morninghawk, masquerade as a mercenary?"

"Fortuitous indeed." Kaleb said as they walked. He wasn't truthfully paying much attention to the conversation, his eyes darting to and fro around the unfamiliar town as they walked, trying to commit as much of it to memory as possible.

Kaleb does little but keep his ears open and his blades sharpened until he meets his dwarven mentor for a simple evening repast. Omast is uncharacteristically sober and eats with none of his usual zest.

"What worries me," he tells Kaleb, "is that flood trolls almost always come in pairs. Twins or triplets, they are, and tend to stick to their littermates all their misspent lives. Now, if we're lucky, the match to that ugly b@#$& was wormfood years ago ... but if we're not, there's another one just like her out there somewhere ready to cause Trunau no end of trouble."

Far from looking troubled, the news that a second battle with a troll might be forthcoming brought out a bright grin from the Halfling, quickly stifled lest he receive a withering glare.

"I suppose the interrogation will likely tell us either way, Master Frum" he mused. "We'll find any such sibling tomorrow, with any luck."

The next day-

Before the designated meeting time with the others, Kaleb rose early and took a walk, seeking out a large open space to practice swordplay maneuvers and acrobatics. It was the only true ritual he had picked up in his time in Janderhoff, his free-spirited nature often chafing against the militaristic Sky Citadel's culture.

One older man maintains that the newly-arrived priestess of Iomedae from Lastwall and her entourage killed the Grath boy. "Trying to rile us up, make us see danger that's not there, so they can offer to 'protect' us by annexing us back under the Watcher-Lord's thumb. You wait and see: that Varvatos woman will be raising a hue and cry about an imminent attack, trying to persuade the Council to send to Lastwall for an army. Once they're here, they won't be leaving again ... all for our own 'protection,' of course." He snorts scornfully.

Kaleb wasn't sure what to make of this topic. The folk of Janderhoff had very little dealings with that particular faith. He eventually shrugged and responded with his opinion of that theory.

"While I'm certain that they would surely like to see this town fall under their influence, I'm certain the faithful of a crusader deity would not stoop to such dastardly deeds in order to secure their sphere of influence" he firmly insisted.

What time Kaleb did not spend mingling with distant relatives and vaguely familiar Halfling's, he spent sharpening his blades. When the time did come to go to sleep, Kaleb did not sleep easy; remaining armoured and with a dagger under his pillow. He felt uneasy in this unfamiliar town and the aura of uncertainty and mistrust in the inn had not been lost on him.

HeroLab is a massive time saver for me. Couldn't manage without it now.