Nyzaj Bandit's Bane's page

Over the last few days, I've sat down to respond to play-by-posts half a dozen times, only to find myself lost for words every time; for a few weeks now, I've struggled to get anything out beyond a couple of perfunctory sentences. After some thought, I've finally admitted to myself that I've gotten a bit burnt out on play-by-post, and it's not fair to everyone I'm playing with for me to only put in minimal effort. My sincerest apologies to everyone, but I am going to take this opportunity to step aside from the hobby for a little while, in the hopes that time renews my vigor and enthusiasm.

Thank you everyone for making the road so far wonderful, and I hope that when I come back we can touch base again. Feel free to replace my character - I have no definite timeline for returning, and I wouldn't dream of putting everyone else's play on hold on my account. Happy gaming to all, and to all a good story!

Well...I mean, it worked. The trap's not gonna get anyone. Nyzaj smiles an innocent, toothy grin, grateful that he didn't turn pink like the soft-skins did when they got embarrassed. C'mon, let's go! I the player am good to stop and heal up for a sec, but Nyzaj is a bit more reckless than me. ;)

Yup - I knew they wouldn't leave it alone! Nyzaj calls back. It's set to make rocks fall if anyone goes through. I've seen 'em like this before. Gimme a sec... Standing awkwardly on tiptoe, he begins picking at the familiar knots and balances, trying to find the right spot to jam to ensure his friends' safety. Unfortunately, though, the system is cleverly disguised among the stones and crevices of the chamber, and the angle makes the delicate work difficult.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Ooh - ooh! Nyzaj cheers in excitement, both at recognizing the barricades and at regaining use of his limbs (though he still manages to stumble over the tail he doesn't quite feel yet). These are dragon-heir work - I mean, kobolds! I'll go first! Heedless for the moment of the potential danger, he scrabbles up the first barricade to see if the change in vantage point offers any better visibility beyond.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

The improvised flagpole isn't up to the task - with a small pattering of scales against each other, Nyzaj slides to the ground, trapped inside his uncooperative body. Do I still grant Flagbearer bonuses? Either answer is fine.

I figured as much, but I always leave that call up to the GM, LOL. That's exactly how I rule it, too. Don't worry, he's got a few more rounds in which to fall. ;)

I'm ready. And it was a nice holiday. :)

Fortitude save v. paralysis: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Oh lord! Rounds of paralysis: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Fortitude save v. poison: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 Double the last dice roll! :D Oh, wait...

Nyzaj leans back with a yelp of pain, preparing for another unpleasant attack - but as he moves, he suddenly feels a strange cold seep through his body from the tooth marks in his shoulder. He tries to lift a hand to probe the wound...and it remains stubbornly locked around the stick he'd just used to vault into the fight. The pole is the only thing that keeps him upright, and he leans heavily against it, not a muscle in his body willing to assist in the effort of keeping his feet.

Completely my bad, folks - I have no idea what happened to the last few days. I'm catching up now.

Aah! Nyzaj gasps in astonishment, but he marshals his thoughts and rushes toward the...thing, using his stick to vault the last few feet and clamping down with his teeth. (He more than slightly regrets it when the taste hits, and his jaws release of their own accord as he reels at the unpleasantness of it.)

Move action to move, standard action to bite attack.

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 61d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (1) = 2

Just means you really gotta want in, huh? Nyzaj answers Khardir with a slight grin. If the key was solid bronze and heavier than he was...what treasures was it guarding?

It's a well-made one, too, Nyzaj murmurs, kneeling to examine the cover. Better than sticks and leaves by a long shot. But there's got to be something we can do... Carefully, he begins probing the joins of the cover, feeling for any kind of hinge or latch without stepping on the trick floor.

Could I use Disable Device to jam it shut?

Disable Device to jam pit trap: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

As Khaddar begins to work on the door, Nyzaj joins him, sneaking in beneath his heavy arms. The kobold was only too aware of what surprises could await at locked doors - and familiar with how to make them a little less harmful, too.

I actually have a little better Disable Device than Khardir, so I can take 20 to disarm/unlock as needed. If it's a trap, though, you can't take 20, as failure by 5 or more springs the trap and take 20 only works when failure has no consequence. If you need a roll, Neirikr: Disable device if it's a trap: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Nyzaj begins to protest as Bernard jumps in ahead of him...but his heart isn't entirely in the objection. Once Bernard and Khardir anchor the rope, Nyzaj scurries out onto the rope on all fours, testing it to measure its slack before taking a deep breath and rushing across. He finds the improvised bridge gives him little trouble - he even dismounts with a small jump over Bernard's head, landing lightly behind the newcomer with claws skittering on the stones. Wordlessly, he picks up the trailing end of the rope and grabs hold, leaning back to provide (slightly) more counterweight.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 Whatever the DC is for walking across that rope, 24 is high enough, I would hope. XD

No - we ain't gonna give up now. We ain't got no answers - if we give up now, Look-us... The kobold trails off, letting his former companion's name hang in the air. I already said I'd swim. It'll b- be fine...I can jump most of the way anyway. No sweat. We gotta do it.

Nyzaj nods eagerly at Bernard's suggestion, not-quite-secretly pleased with the turn of events. He'd still go for the (hopefully very quick) swim if need be...but he was fervently hoping the need wouldn't be.

Carefully, Nyzaj creeps out onto the ledge to see the situation for himself (taking 10 on Acrobatics for 16), and he comes back looking grim. No, it's no good, he answers, scowling. I been in spots like this before. Hooks need something to hook on, and there's no lip or hole anywhere. Could make a rope bridge, if we found something to tie to over there...but someone'll have to get there first. He looks back over his shoulder at the foul liquid, then turns back and sets his shoulders. Gimme the rope. I'll tie it 'round my chest and swim for it. Unless someone objects?

A door? That might be where we need to end up by the time this is done... From Bernard's description, it didn't sound like the kind of place Nyzaj wanted to end up...but want and need were two different things. That was one of the things Nyzaj was learning. Was there some kind of way we could get something across? Somewhere to hook a rope to swing? That's how we used to cross bigger caves and stuff back home. Or...we could look 'round more, see if we can get to the other side of that door some other way. The kobold smiles hopefully, if slightly dubiously.

Whew! Apparently I've recently developed a knack for only being able to get online when the site's down. XD I'll be catching up on my games now.

No, I...I think I'm ok. The day's exertions had worn on the kobold, true - it'd been a while since he'd fought so hard. His kin had preferred to strike from hiding and melt immediately back into it the moment things got difficult, and he'd been no hero even by that standard. But the fatigue felt good, productive somehow. Too bad it didn't do more good... Nyzaj slithers from his chair to plant his feet on the floor's timbers and moves for the staircase, going up on all fours to make the height of each step easier to contend with.

It's only when he tucks back into his blanket nest upstairs that Lukas' still form is joined in Nyzaj's mind by another corpse. What was Kaz doing here?

Standing on his seat to reach his drink, Nyzaj hoists his cup with both hands at the toast, then sets it back on the tabletop, dipping his snout into the cup's mouth to take a long draw. As the mead's fire builds in his fingers and toes, he examines the party's surprise drinking companion. Burner...sounds like a name my kin'd use. Good to meet you...sorry I ain't so cheery. The kobold takes another long swig of mead and sits down heavily, his expression glum.

Overwhelmed by the realization of Lukas' demise, Nyzaj leans back, using his tail to brace against the ground and let him take a half-seated position. We...we gotta take him back, he finally says in a half-squeak. Burrow-ness Orry-gee-nuh, or the church, they could fix him...right? Even if they can't, we...we can't just leave him down here... It's a big departure from what the kobold would have advised even a handful of weeks before, but as soon as he says it, he knows it's the truth. Whatever's down here, it'll still be here when we're back.

My vote's to take Lukas back to town.

The moment the imp disappears, it's out of Nyzaj's mind - he instantly scampers back across the room, his tail smashing into the iron maiden as he rushes past. With a small skid, he comes to a stop beside Lukas' prostrate form and nudges the body gently with one foot. Look-us? You... It was a good trick, but you can stop playing now... The baby monster's gone... Look-us?

G%+#*~nit. XD Well, I added the bite attack in hopes it'd do something...so I suppose mission accomplished?

So...so the bird was you! Dwarf, move in here! Angrily, Nyzaj ducks to the side to face off against Nisany, getting the imp between them and hoping Khardir will take the cue to step into his place and hem in the tiny outsider. The mithril dagger flashes again, and the kobold is so enraged at Lukas' demise that he even brings his teeth to bear. The only blood you get is yours!

Dagger attack, damage with flanking: 1d20 + 2 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 2 = 131d4 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (4) = 8
Bite attack, damage with flanking, natural attack penalty: 1d20 + 2 + 1 - 5 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 1 - 5 + 2 = 181d4 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (5) = 9

If the dagger misses and the bite hits I'm going to punch a wall. XD

Fortitude save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Unaware of his friend's plight, Nyzaj continues to drive the imp back toward the corner, striking once more with the dagger and snarling in frustration.

Dagger attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 1 - 2 + 1 = 121d4 ⇒ 1

I go on one surprise computer-less visit to my family and Lukas goes and dies on us. Geez. :/ Naturally, Lukas, feel free to play whatever character you like. I'm always open to changing things up if we need an adjustment in party comp.

With a growl, Nyzaj leaps off of Lukas as the big man struggles to his feet, nimbly hopping across the room almost as fast as the imp can fly. You don't mess with my friends! he crows, striking out again at his foe.

Dagger attack with masterwork, size penalty, Flagbearer: 1d20 + 2 + 1 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 1 - 2 + 1 = 181d4 ⇒ 2

Seeing Nisany pull out the mithril dagger, Nyzaj follows suit and withdraws his own. The blade still feels a little unwieldy in his hand, but he'd spent his entire life using unfamiliar weapons - and if Bel's warnings were correct, his teeth and fists were likely to do little good anyway. Better an awkward something than nothing at all. With his flag in one hand, he uses the other hand to strike out with the dagger, stepping over (well, atop) Lukas' prostrate form in a protective stance.

Assuming I can stand in Lukas' space, I'll five-foot step there and attack. If I can't, I'll attack where I am. If someone can flank, I'd appreciate it. ;) Anyone attacking, remember the +1 to attack from Flagbearer!

Attack with masterwork, size penalty, Flagbearer: 1d20 + 2 + 1 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 1 - 2 + 1 = 121d4 ⇒ 1

Ha! Nyzaj cheers under his breath. Carefully, he begins scratching and flaking away at the plaster, hoping to reveal the door beneath.

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Nyzaj joins in peering around the room, scanning for any sign of the mentioned secret door. The dark, dank room feels like home to the formerly tunnel-dwelling kobold; it's familiar territory, and he's got a good idea of which nooks and crannies are likely to hide more than they appear. Psst...Look-us? he hisses in a whisper to the burly guardsman. What'f what we're lookin' for is what this thing's hidin'? If we gotta get past it...I mean, I got scales, so the chair can't hurt me too bad...

If it comes to it, I can take chair duty, although I'm hoping Nisany's extract will do the trick.

Part my fault, too - I had a huge project slam into me at work this week/weekend, and it took all the time and energy I had at hand just to try and catch up. (Good news is, I did.)

Sounds good to me, Look-us, Nyzaj agrees, backing up from the door slightly. Never tickle a sleeping dragon, 's what I've always heard. But maybe we oughta keep a look for where that chain goes, as we're lookin' around.

Knowledge (engineering) untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Reaching into his bag, Nyzaj withdraws a packet of dried meat from deep inside and sets it gingerly in the center of the hallway, opening up the wrapping slightly to release its scent. In case someone else wakes up, he explains sheepishly, glancing nervously around the cellblock. I can get more later. When Bel points out the door, Nyzaj scampers over and joins Lukas in examining it for surprises. He'd grown up in a kobold lair - a second look in an unfamiliar place never went amiss, especially when this tower seemed so determined to conceal its secrets.

Perception aid another: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Apple-rich-un - wait, you mean like a ghost? Nervously, Nyzaj edges away from the door, eyeing the emaciated arm warily. But then...what can we do to help? We can't leave him here...is there a way to fix it?

"Ah... mithral! Rare and precious. Why these weird grooves...?" he says, looking puzzled. "Are these sword-breakers? Or is this... artistic? Fascinating."

Nyzaj examines the blades with interest as well. Sometimes we counted with marks - maybe they were counting? Though, seems weird to cut the knife like that. He picks up one of the daggers and tests it momentarily; while the metal is surprisingly lightweight, the blade is longer than he expected, and he sets it back in the case gingerly. I wouldn't mind having one of them, but I'm guessing they're Medium, so if I could use them at all it'd be as a longsword with a penalty.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Nowhere to go but forward or back! Nyzaj moves to help Lukas shift the door, but soon discovers that the brawny man needs little help - indeed, he steps back suddenly with a yelp of surprise as the door grates across the floor, using his flag to catch himself and keep from falling over.

Fortitude save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Woohoo!

Knowledge (planes) - untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

I think it's s'posed to be a devil? Nyzaz murmurs in answer to Nisany's musing. And they made it so where she's stabbed would bleed... Sadly, Nyzaj had had a couple of tribe members who would've delighted in such gruesome details - but he'd never been one of them. He'd been fine with thieving to provide, but pain for its own sake had always disturbed him. Turning away, he gives the room one last glance over before moving to the next.

Perception for looking around this room: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Perception for looking into the next room: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Well, at least my save was good. XD

That's quite all right - I thought you'd said it was on the ceiling, but last night was the first proper night of sleep I've gotten in about a week, so I'm missing a few things lately. ;) Yes, I would like to go ahead and make the attack if I can; if it's not flanked, it's not flanked.

Nyzaj yelps in surprise, both at the emergence of the centipedes and Lukas' sudden (and noisy) appearance. Quickly pulling himself together, he brandishes his flag and moves away from Lukas, hoping to draw the centipede down between them. At least centipedes are tasty!

Move to "flank" the centipede (hoping he'll come down between me and Lukas) and readying a bite attack for when the centipede's within reach. Don't forget that when Nyzaj is visible to you, you gain +1 to attack and damage due to Flagbearer!

Bite attack, damage with Flagbearer: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 1 = 201d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 Add +1 to attack and +1d6 ⇒ 3 sneak attack to damage if I'm flanking at the time of the attack.

Yup, Nyzaj answers to Nisany's concern. But we gotta. Gamely, he creeps to the edge as Lukas hauls the trapdoor up, assessing the ladder. Who goes first? Me, if we want. Maybe, if there's still kobolds, they won't attack me?

As Nyzaj carefully scampers through the scattered debris, claws skittering on the stone floor, his eyes flit to the kobold corpses of their own accord - and just for a moment, he freezes up, eyes wide and staring at the broken bodies. It lasts for only an instant before he shakes his head hard and joins Lukas at the trap door. Nervously, he tugs at Bel's skirt as she approaches, beckoning her to lean low. Bell? I don't know why...well, I...I knew him. His tail jerks upwards, pointing back at the kobold sprawled across the table. But I didn't, I swear, I didn't know he was here. And he's the only one. I came far to here. Why would he be in the same spot?

Nyzaj follows Lukas in leaping down to the floor below, landing lightly as his knees bend deep to absorb his weight. Wincing slightly at the kobold corpses, he gives them a wide berth and watches Lukas' descent, preparing to jump in after him for backup.

Climb: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Go ahead and take the rope, Saw-knee. I'll be ok. With a hint of trepidation, Nyzaj follows Lukas up the ramp, going on all fours and using his claws to give him traction. It's tough going, and he almost slips once as a piece of stone breaks away beneath his feet, but his tail helps him to balance the sudden drop, and he makes it to the top without incident. Once on the exposed upper floor, he joins Lukas in peering into the trap door. Low-light vision let me see anything more than Lukas can see?

At the deputy's unkind words, Nyzaj huffs indignantly. Working with 'em - no! Think I'm stupid enough to come waltzing down here if I was? Ask them - He jerks his head toward his traveling companions. - I've been at the inn since we got here! Helping them do something like this... Sullenly he masters his temper and retreats behind the others, muttering slightly but holding himself back from antagonizing anyone further.

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

One thing that helps is a distraction - his new benefactor, the Baroness. It's natural she should be concerned about such a dramatic event...but this was more personal to her, he could tell. She wasn't just trying to keep everyone else safe; she truly wanted answers, quickly and with as little interference as possible. Yes, Miz Lady ma'am, he answers her entreaty with a nod. We'll see to it. Don't worry. Glancing around, he leans in toward Bel. You don't worry neither, Miss Bell. You folks've been way more decent than the other dragon-heirs ever were, even with no reason 't'all to trust me. I'm with you on this - and 'sides. I'm tired of being mean.

What in the - Scooting out from his blanket nest, Nyzaj hurries to the window and reaches for the sill, drawing himself upward to peek over its edge at the pandemonium below. What was that? It doesn't look like anyone else has any idea, either... Hearing the thuds of Lukas' preparations, he lets himself down, flicking his tongue out to catch a few of the mosquitoes humming through the air and snapping them up with gusto. Grabbing his flag, he hurries out to the hall and sees Lukas heading down the stairs and Nisany talking to Deputy Hodd; he uses his walking stick to take the steps in a series of small vaults, landing next to the gnome and keeping slightly behind her. We don't know anything of what's going on?

Echoing Lukas - sorry to see you go. If you change your mind, let us know!

I'm good.

Nodding only slightly uncomfortably, Nyzaj reaches awkwardly for a piece of venison, stretching slightly to reach the tray; he doesn't bother with the roasted vegetables. Wonder if I should ask about the other one, Arm-hold? She says he's her son, but I thought the foldy skin and cloud-colored hair meant being old for humans. Wisely, though, he holds back for now, filling his mouth with meat and another sip of wine to keep it otherwise occupied.

No questions from me.

Sorry it's been a quiet couple of days for me - all work and no play makes Rennai a very, very tired woman.

The briefest of smiles passes over the baroness' face, something akin to amusement. "What a peculiar creature you are. Do you have a name, kobold?"

Nyzaj, Miss Orry-gee-nuh, ma'am, he responds, matching and magnifying her smile. Glad to meet you.

"What say you?"

Nyzaj isn't quite sure what to say - it's taking all his concentration just to parse through the Baroness's staunchly formal speech. So...you want us to work for the guards? he finally ventures forth questioningly, delicately picking up another of the cheese-covered toast bits with two claws. I'm in if others are, but...is any folks here wanting to work with me? Most are staring down something mean when I go by...