Var's page

Hi Ithurial; sorry that you've made this decision but it's prbably the right one. I've enjoyed the scenario, the writing, and the open-endedness of the setup.

It's a shame that we couldn't keep up momentum, but not your fault. It happens to the majority of games so far as I can see.

Good luck in your next campaign and if I spot you recruiting then I'd love to play.

Cheers, Will

ar is focused on the hobgoblin, and for what it's worth the wild-eyed nearly unarmored hobgoblin appears to be enjoying it. Var feints and jabs and the hobgoblin tries continually to catch the sword point on his buckler, hammer raised over his shoulder ready to followup. Eventually Var makes his move, lunging in, but finding his blade forced off its initial mark by some unseen force. Still, even driven downwards the thrust was hits his opponent in the thigh enough to elicit a grunt. Immediately the hammer falls with force, but Var again catches it on his shield with a resounding *CLANG*.

...

The hobgoblin isn't so lucky. As he was going in for a strike when the grease manifests, he continues to spin with the momentum and crashes to the ground trying to right himself.

"Not so fearsome now!"

Seizing his chance, Var drives the full force of his weight down through the point of his shortsword, angled for the prone hobgoblin's exposed and lightning-scorched belly.

Drop combat expertise, use power attack +5, attack prone hobgoblin. Attack: (1d20+4=19, 1d6+9=10). AC is 21 (19 + 2 CoP). HP 38/56.

"Good job Janras," Var shouts hoping the gnome is in earshot.

Ok we are moving to a more fluid system of resolution as of now. Everyone should declare their action for round three now. If you want to ready an action, make any rolls it might require with your declaration. I will resolve everything in one post following init order. If I haven't heard from your char by Monday evening I will DMPC them to keep things moving.

Var risks a brief look over his shoulder as the hobgoblin approaches, checking his companions are getting into position. Maintaining his careful guard for now he grins at his foe over the lip of his shield, then edges forwards with a series of feints and thrusts.

Short sword attack (CE 5): (1d20+4=21, 1d6+4=9)

As Var holds for the moment observing, the bugbear facing him draws back his great axe for another swing while the chain wielding bugbear is falling back to give the hobgoblin room to get into the fray.

The axe comes crashing down in a deadly arc, but Var steps inside his guard and drives his shield up hard into the bugbear's forearms and elbows before the axe gains full momentum. The position leaves Var with the opportunity to strike out though the weight slamming down on his shield will make it difficult.

Var punches forwards with his shortsword, flexing his knees slightly to absorb the weight of the axe strike.

Short sword attack (CE -5): (1d20+4, 1d6+4=[12,4] = 16, [4, 4] = 8)

The bugbear with the axe tosses his head, but seems to shake off whatever effect Isaac's invasion might have had.

I'm assuming "threatening" referred to the one who hammered Var with his axe. I'm out of town until Monday. In the meantime...
Var is up.

Var grins over his shield at the bugbear infront of him, "Why don't you calm down and do what the nice goblin says?"

Using Combat Expertise to give +5 AC, give (19 +2 CoP +5 CE = 26AC). Holding an action to retaliate with the shortsword if attacked in melee by either of the bugbears (but giving all the spells a chance to work first!).

Uttering words of power with a gesture of seeking a beam of crakling lightning shoots from my hand seeking ray 1d20 +3 range touch [3,3 = 6 vs touch AC] [dmg: 4d6 = 10] toward the bugbear with the chain. Seeking Feanor's protection I then move to L4.

What type of armor is Var wearing?

Var is wearing a Breastplate +1 and carrying a heavy steel shield.

Var feels the cool aura of Feanor's protection as a chill tingle on the nape of his neck. He grunts his appreciation as his companions take up position behind him, their magics licking out to assault the enemy.

"I'll hold the line here -- let's take them down one by one," he calls over his shoulder, his eyes flicking between the hobgoblins as he carefully maintains guard with his shield.

More like 16 (the crit also uses strength modifier and so on). Only sneak attack damage is not doubled. Or damage from a goblin bane weapon.

True! Thanks for the catch. I'll let someone else roll Phia's save... I've used my good luck for this round.

Var- I'm reading that as a readied action to be triggered if the hobgoblin attacks Phia, which he is about to do. So you are triggered- take your action.

Var pauses infront of Feanor, torn between defense and attack. The hobgoblin's lunge towards Phia decides him. With a low snarl he he advances, shield high and shortsword low. The sword flickers out as he reaches his target, controlled cautious attacks testing the hobgoblin's guard.

Advance to K6 and attack hobgoblin. Attack roll Attack with short sword +1: (1d20+9=29, 1d6+4=9). Critical roll and additional damage: (1d20+9=24, 1d6=3). Looks like 12 damage.

He turns and calls out to the others, "Hold off while we talk business!"

The bugbears pause and look around uncertain.

Without turning away from Phia the hobgoblin snarls, "The hell I will! That ain't the way this goes runt and you know it!"

Map's working fine for me.

Var grips the hilt of his short-sword, white knuckled. His instincts are screaming that his friends need protection... but Issac's plan may still work... so he holds still, holds the rage in check, waiting for the moment...

Calmly and collectedly, he straps the shield to his arm and moves in front of Feanor and Durel.

Move action to J3, free action to ready weapons, but not overtly threatening. Unless the hobgoblin continues attacking Phia, in which case its going to get messy. Allocate dodge to one of the goblin archers.

"What are you waiting for? Pick it up!" Janras pipes up and makes his way down the stairs.... a few steps

Var heads down the stairs with Janras, and like Janras stops after a few steps when safely out of sight.

"Janras - did you catch glimpse of whoever's tailing us? I hope Phia's keeping safe..." Var frets.

Var is assuming that there's violence coming... his plan is to use his Fast Movement and Mobility to charge back up the stairs as soon as the followers are confirmed hostile and combat begins. His great-axe is back at HQ so this will be shortsword and shield work acting to protect the less-well-armoured comrades.

As Var has worked with you all before, it would be good to know what you're thinking and what sort of capabilities everyone might bring to bear...
[/ooc]

Janras wrote:

Issac stoops to fix his boot; "I think I can whip something up for Phia but I'll need to stay concentrating on the illusion. If Phia can mix in the crowd I'll create a double of hers. Hopefully that will give her the opportunity to locate the trackers without their knowledge. I'll break off into the crowd and hang back."

Var smiles slightly, enjoying the quiet competence of his companions, and keeps walking.

To Feanor, "Time for steel soon, I'm thinking."

Kn Local DC 15 - Callestan:

Kn Local DC 20 - The Dancing Hare

Failed both rolls

"So it seems we now have three tasks ahead; travel to Lower Dura to seek the alchemist, find some knowledge of gargoyles and their weaknesses, and seek this halfling. I suggest we go now, in force, to Lower Dura - the other tasks seem less urgent, and I am don't want to split up now."

Need two more questions for our spirit here.

"I suggest we ask where and when he met the goblin-halfling thing; then we can chase that down with Varlin." Varlin was the halfling that hired us - don't remember him stinking though...

"Hmm, who might be able to tell us about gargoyles? I've never fought one and it sounds like they're resistant to at least simple steel. Anyone have a contact who could help?"

"Yes. That would give me satisfaction. Last thing I recall... taking an arrow in the back. Knocked me flat on my face when I's tryin' to get that priest backed into a corner. Last gasps, couldn't move, talons on wood when it landed next to me, then... all black."

I initially checked the duration on speak with dead which would be 5 minutes in this instance, but reading further see that it is also limited by 2 questions per CL. So you can manage 9 more questions.

Var prompts Feanor with the questions they agreed...

“I suggest we ask the following questions.” I begin to tick the questions off on my fingers. “1) Who killed you? Of course it won’t be this easy, but we’ll never know unless we ask. 2) What type of creature killed you? 3) Had you seen your killer in days before you were killed? 4) Who hired you to come to the place you were killed? 5) Where were you hired? Now these aren’t in any particular order, and depending on the answer to number three, we might also ask the following. 6) Where did you did you see your killer in the days before you were killed?”

... and ...

"7) Did Molo seem worried before the attack; 8) Do you remember any strange smells or noises before the attack; 9) Was the priest alive or dead when he was taken?"

That should be our lot...

"Apologies for tardiness. After some inquiries I found that a criminal group known as the Daask operating out of Khyber's gate have been making some moves into Boramar territory and that of the tyrants as well. Rather busy group these days. The Daask have a large amount of monstrous humanoids operating with them. They seem to be the most likely group behind the attack. Trying to intimidate the Boramar."

The questions posed in Winthorpe should serve well."

"Ah, good work Issac! That gives us two possible motives to follow up; gang rivalry and failed healing. From the jojoba oil investigation we also have a lead. Phia, Janras, do you want to fill Feanor and Issac in on the Fallen connection?"

"Ok. How about possible questions?"

"I liked ir'Winthorpe's list," with a nod in Durel's direction, "but we should add; Did Molo seem worried before the attack; Do you remember any strange smells or noises before the attack; Was the priest alive or dead when he was taken?"

Var unconsciously echoes Durel, ticking the questions off one by one.

"Dang it. Where are they? Feanor and Isaac should already be here. Our meeting was scheduled more than 20 minutes ago. Ohhh. This is sooo unprofessional. Why do i put up with these guys?"

Janras is clearly getting impatient.

"It's unlike them to be late - but I'm sure they'll join us soon. No need to send out a search just yet." Despite his words, Var looks concerned rather than impatient.

Var turns back to his notebook, reading through the close-written text again. Seeking some new insight, or perhaps just passing time.

I changed my mind on the spoilers for groups. You are free to read what the other groups are up to. I'm slow, so you get a little more entertainment that way.

Ithuriel, I'm really enjoying the longer posts, and the pace doesn't bother me. It's good to get some of the real flavor without needing to go buy sourcebooks!

... 'Hundreds died when the Glass Tower simply fell out of the sky, shearing apart as it fell and raining down on the district. Fallen has a reputation for madness. People from Lower Dura believe many of the original survivors were possessed by spirits of the restless dead after the tragedy.' ...

Var listens to Phia intently, a frown growing on his face as she speaks.

"Hmm... 'Spirits of the restless dead'", he echoes. "That sounds like something in Feanor's line. I am confident that the four of us can handle any trouble - but we might learn more if all of us go."

"So, where are we going to find that guy."

Kn (Local): (1d20+2=6)

"Somewhere in Fallen, I guess. The district has a nasty reputation, but I don't know anything much about it. How bad can it be?"

After speaking with the apprentice and learning that they need to go to the Lower Dura, Phia turns towards the rest of the group. "Well now that we know where we need to go we need to figure out if we need to gather anything to take with us to the Lower Dura. I know that it is not the best place to be going but with the four of us I think that we will be fine. Before we leave the Bazaar there is a great place to grab a bit to eat and I am hungry so if you all don't mind could we stop for a bit and talk over our plan a bit more."

DM: ** spoiler omitted **

"Sure, always happy to find a new place to eat - lead on."

When everyone is seated and has food on the way, Var starts to set out the task ahead as he sees it.

"So we need to talk to Osram about people who bought Jojoba Oil recently. Also about the name 'Scrimshaw'. Finding him should be easy enough now; good work Phia and Durrel. Potential problems I see are," Var starts listing out on his fingers, "that he might not want to talk; he might think we're trying to arrest or murder him; he might be dead after the murderer realises that the products are worthless. Oh, and we might get mugged or attacked on the way." Var grins and touches the pommel of his sword; he's clearly not too bothered about this last issue.

Anything else?"

Okay, so...

Var, Phia, & Janras -> Osram's
Isaac -> A visit with an old friend, then to the Sharn Inquisitive?
Faenor -> Aerenii religious community
Durel -> ?

Yep, that's what Var is doing.

"Well, you can then check the Elixir Shop, too."

"Come on then Phia, let's you and I check out Osram's store. Perhaps we'll get a description. Heh - maybe he'll be back there for a refund! His skin is still falling off - we might get lucky."

"No the 'Scrimshaw' name didn't turn up in the papers I looked at." The 15th of Vult is 7 days before the first attack documented in the papers."

"So it looks like this 'Scrimshaw' is a good suspect; motivated by revenge for the priests failure to help him. But why the timing?

What other leads do we have?"

At the Watchtower grabbing a seat Vale lights his pipe. "As per our discussion at the temple with the other priest... He had little to add. Save that his colleague had been contracted by an unbathed halfling. As leads go not very promising. Perhaps Var had better luck consulting their records? The author does sound like someone to have words with though."

"Did the name 'Scrimshaw' come up in the papers? He went to ask Molo for a cure for skin disease. Got turned down." Var briefly looks down at his notes, "Happened on the 15th Vult. Does that tie to anything?"

"Argh! But we forgot to investigate that shop that sold the jojoba oil -- 'Osram's Miraculous Elixirs'. Do we still need to check back there."

Var>

For a quick scan: Search DC 15 (although I'm going to say you can use your Profession: Book-keeping in it's place as this is basically a ledger.)

If that fails you can take 20, but it will take 15 minutes to thoroughly scan the register.
** spoiler omitted **

Var's eyes crease in concentration as he methodically goes through row after row of ledger entry, determined to miss nothing. Take 20 on the search.

He notes down the entry of interest and returns the ledger to its silver case, and to the acolyte who brought it.

"Are we done here? I'd like to get back to the office and compare notes with Feanor and Janus. Was there anywhere else we needed to go before we head back?" He starts flicking back through the pages of his notebook; a habit to jog his memory.

A trip to Paris, whoo hoo! My gf's bday is tomorrow and we'll also be celebrating the end of a huge project for her.

Enjoy Paris - great place. And grats to your lady.

Supplicant_______Entreaty___________________Tithed_________Additional Info

Ansel Hellas..............Blessing of shipped goods..............50 sovereigns.......Deepwell Tower, 3rd floor, The Stores, Molo

Var carefully notes the entry in his book, then scans up the page. This hire was obviously a trap from the start then. I wonder if the priests recently failed anyone...

Possibly the priests are being killed in revenge for not curing someone, so Var is looking for any suspicious / incomplete entries over the last few months.

"Yes, of course. Whatever I can do to help find Molo."

"Moloyotis and I are the only ordained priests of this shrine and we accept commercial contracts independently. But we do keep a common central record here at the shrine."

"Perhaps I can review your records while Issac and my colleague ask a few questions. Is there a servant or an administrator who can show them to me?"

I'm thinking that Issac and Phia can ask the 'did molo have any known enemies' type of question. Also, did he have any special skills, or a particular area of expertise?

PS Phia, are you feeling better?

"Very well." Issac follows Phia through the doorway and looks about for the voice that beckoned earlier.

"Good day. Name is Issac Vale, my associates Phia and Var. We're from the Watchtower ... bringing the perpetrator of this horrible crime against your church to justice."

Var stands silent behind Isaac; leaving the diplomacy to those best suited; musing on the use of words to open doors.

Vale nods and furrows his brow. "Yes, however this temple also did hire that other Inquisitor... It is likely that at least some must be aware of this fraudulent contract. Well let is see what we can garner with a pretense at first. It might at least give us a chance to look around. Failing that, we can ask straight up. Any thoughts Var my friend?"

"My first thought is to approach openly, as it's hard to go back once we've been deceptive. But being open is why I have this..." Var fingers a long scar running from his right eyelid down his face.

"If you think to be sneaky, I'll not object."

Really sorry to hear that Nani. Take it easy and hope you and your family get well soon.

As preparations are made to put the bodies in storage Vale nods at Var, "I hope nothing untoward occurs but if others wish to come with Phia and I well... hope for the best, prepare for the worst, eh? A few more eyes can always help."

KN (Local) failed 1d20 2=11

"Then I'll come," Var decides. He overseas the halflings unloading the victims, then heads briefly to his office. His eyes skim over the sparse, neatly arranged furniture, papers stacked neatly under a small black box that serves as a paper-weight. All seems in order.

Var pauses briefly by the great-axe hanging on the wall over the desk, then leaves it in place. No need for a big stick approach just yet. He takes the shield from the armor rack in the corner though. Just in case.

Back at the entrance; "Vale, Phia, ready to go?"

Capitol. Well where can we put these bodies for storage? In the meantime, shall we pay a visit to this Granite Hall? Unless anyone else thinks there's some further looking about here we can do? Of course if someone at this hall arranged for this bogus blessing they may not wish to speak with a band of Inquisitives... Perhaps an inquiry about contracting their services could serve as a pretense?

Hope your littley is better, Nani.

Feanor and I can arrange a cart to take these to our cold-room. Issac, Phia, do you head to Granite Hall and ask some questions. Are you comfortable with that or do you want more backup? I can head to meet you if needed.

Janras, are you done here? Anything else we need to follow up on?

"I need some time to meditate overnight to obtain the necessary strength and focus to cast the spell required. But I am not sure that the body will wait for that long. Perhaps, someone can talk to the watch regarding the need to sequester the body till then. Otherwise, the body might be buried or cremated beyond our reach."

"Let's check with Varlin, and then move the corpse back to the cold-room of our office overnight. I doubt the watch will care - or even find out.

I suggest we want the bodies of both bodyguards and the priest's servant."

"Lookee here. This bones are splintered, nearly ground to dust. Sharpie teeth. Very sharpie. A normal civilised humanoid is not capable of that feat. So he waits here for the victims to arrive, equipped with food and drink, traps the envoys from the temple with the tanglefoot bag. They've even sent a fake envoy to order the priest for the blessing. This reeks of conspiracy to me. Stinks more than an Eldeen goat cheese."

Var, as usual, has been saying little. He has been diligently noting down his colleagues' comments in a small leather bound notebook. His neat script covers page after page with careful lists.

"So, if they were arranging for the priest to visit, why the need to wait and bring food? That seems more like an opportunistic ambush than a prearranged conspiracy."

...after a moment...

"Anyone think there's more to learn here? What leads do we have to follow up on so far?"

Feanor, covered in his voluminous black robes with his weapons jutting from behind his back, simply nods at Varlin's outline of the deal. He doesn't care much for the brusque manner of the halfling. Quite uncommon.

Feanor moves to the crime scene. He is careful not to step on anything that might be a clue.

What does the competition look like?

Kn(Local) (1d20 2=13)

Var stands back, leaving Feanor room to survey the scene. He nods at Varlin - the details of the fee are recorded in the ledger in his office, but its good to hear them confirmed.

Var's thin face is pinched in concentration as his eyes try to take in the scene, and his hand moves restlessly on the hilt of the short sword in his belt.

If someone was still hiding in here, ready to ambush us, where might they attack from?

Var>>

Okay combing over the finer details-
-Your FF AC (at the top of the sheet) is listed as 17, but should be 19 as you never lose dex bonus to AC) It's correct in the more detailed combat section below.

-As far as I can tell your Fort save should be +8, not +9 (+2 Bar, +3 Ftr, +2 Con, +1 cloak).

-On the other hand your Reflex save should be +3 not +2 (+0 Bar, +1 Ftr, +1 Dex, +1 Cloak) It jumps to +5 during ferocity.

-In the section where you list combat details under ferocity your AC should jump by +2 for the Dex increase. So 21.

-And last, I think you have 5 more skill points to spend. It looks like you should have 42 points (24+6+4+4+4), but have only spent 37. Maybe you left out the +1 per level for being human.

That's all I noticed.

Thanks Ithuriel - exactly the help I needed :-)

Looking again at AC:
Base with 2hw is 17 (10 +1 DEX +6 Breastplate+1)
AC with 1hw/shield is 19 (+1 DEX +6 Breastplate+1 +2 Shield)
Ferocity adds +2 DEX bonus, so 19AC and 21 AC respectively.

What did I miss?

I'll be out of town over the weekend. Next post will be Sunday night my time.

Have fun :-)

Can I get a general nod that everyone is finished character building and ready to go? I wanted to make sure everyone had time to finish up.

Thanks.

*nod*

Var is ready to investigate. I'll update appearance and contacts as we g.

Can you have a quick check through, as with Issac? Just to make sure I haven't missed anything stupid... What would be a sensible second language for an ex-Soldier?

I may be a day or so late in getting started. I've had a virus/fever for days and could only manage to look at a screen for a few minutes at a time before my eyes sort of glazed over. We're almost there though. (And I'm nearly restored to healthiness today.)

Glad you're feeling better. I got a bout of food poisoning to start the week off. Not ideal when I'm travelling away from home on business.

I knew Watchtower was dinging me somewhere!

BTW, Var the others in the party have taken care of the diplomacy and gather information skills.

Good good, I thought they probably would've. I was too lazy to go and check though...

Var wrote:

Re name, we could always go for a nondescript name like "Vale, ir'Winthorpe, Phia, and Partners". Or obscure, like "Blackstone Associates", or "The Seven Trees Group". Or obvious, like "Sharn Inquisitive Agency".

I like the obsure route. My suggestion is "Watchtower Investigations"

Later

I could go with that. Anyone have any other suggestions before we decide?

So, who has all the 'diplomacy', and 'gather information' ranks; not Feanor or Var -- anyone else?

You all surprised me with the level of resources you were willing to sink into the business, but I like it. I also think the successful reputation you've managed to build for yourselves should be worth something mechanically so...

-Identifying yourselves as members of your agency grants a +5 circumstance bonus to diplomacy checks with the various law enforcement organizations within Sharn.

-Consulting your case files at the office gives you a +2 circumstance bonus on any Knowledge (local) roll and allows a second attempt on failed rolls.

-Additionally, I'll add in a couple more established contacts.

I think in the end that gives you perks roughly equivalent to money you might otherwise have spent on gear. (I'm aiming for a 2000gp range that each of you get some advantage out of- not a 12,000gp item obviously)

That sounds both interesting and balanced. I hope somebody has taken plenty of knowledge skills and diplomacy / bluff type skills - 'cos all I can do is intimidate...

I've updated Var's skills and combat stat-block; I'll try to finish the role-play stuff over the weekend.

Ithuriel, I'll go for that ferocity suggestion - you're happy for me to have that ability while lawfully aligned? Likely to be used only when someone he is guarding is at risk.

I'll get skills, description, and contacts written up this weekend.

Re name, we could always go for a nondescript name like "Vale, ir'Winthorpe, Phia, and Partners". Or obscure, like "Blackstone Associates", or "The Seven Trees Group". Or obvious, like "Sharn Inquisitive Agency".

I'm happy to put in 2000gp. If people want to put in less, then they just own less of the business and take less of any profits... not a problem.

DM Ithuriel wrote:

maybe this would be a good sub for you.

Coming back to this later I realize this is a choice that will completely get you murderized since the threshold it isn't increasing by level for you. At 10 HP you'll be wanting to fight intelligently more than ever, and get that potion down. So please disregard my rambling... :)

It would be a great sub, and would really suit the character. But you're right: tacticaly it would end up being suicide in very few levels time. Shame, it would work if it was baed on character level, but that's probably overpowered.

I could change alignment, but I really like the idea of an ex-barbarian who gets up at the same exact time every day, runs the same route to work as exercise in the same time, has the same lunch every day, spars 3 times a week against the same opponent, and is the firm accountant... in other words has completely fallen in love with order.

I am alright changing the POW camp to Aundair, perhaps near Cragwar. I figure that Isaac and I could have been in the camp the day of Mourning and stage a large escape in the chaos.

I can put up 2000 gold for the shop also so we should have a pretty nice place. I am also renting an average place for 30 gold/month for now, hoping to move up soon.

DM Ithuriel ** spoiler omitted **

Here's Var. Still working on description, contacts, mundane equipment and stuff. When we have a final decision on cost of our shop-front, it would be nice to each include a description of our office. You can tell a lot by how someone keeps their work-space.

Var is currently living in a low-rent building largely occupied by other war veterans. Its about a 45 minute run to the business, but that just helps him keep in shape.