[4E] Adventures in Fallcrest - IC

[Hzurr]

The Summary of this PbP session can be found on the campaign wiki. Part 1 (http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaign/five-fey-and-a-rock/adventure-log/fallcrest11) & Part 2 (http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaign/five-fey-and-a-rock/adventure-log/fallcrest12)

DM Post

A chill rain pours over Fallcrest. It is early spring, but the last tendrils of winter still grasp the small city.

You find yourself on the eastern edge of town, where the Rex family manor sits on a hill overlooking the city. The family's rise to power is recent enough for most Elves and Eladrin to remember what the hill used to look like, but for the majority of the citizens of Fallcrest, the grand manor is the defining landmark of the city.

You find yourself seated in a small study just inside the compound. The gate guards (both humans. The Rexes wouldn't assign one of their own family to the mundane task of guard-duty) seemed surprised when you handed him the letter you received only the night before, but quickly showed you in. As you glance around the room, it seems that you are not the only one summoned with the mysterious letter.

"Dear sir" (or madam, as the case may be).
"Your services are requested. Please be at the manor house tomorrow afternoon one hour after midday. Details will be provided."
- Tacitus Rex.

Simple and direct. Polite, yet firm. An apt description of both the letter and the Rex family patriarch who signed it.

The study, while small and simple, is finely decorated. A large, round wooden table sits in the middle of the room, with heavily padded chairs all around. A few paintings adorn the western wall, while the eastern wall opens up onto a small balcony overlooking the city. Below the paintings, a fire crackles, fighting off the cold air seeping in through the windows.

A brief knock on the door is followed quickly by a small Kobald, who glances around the room, and nods to himself. "Thank you for waiting. My master will attend to you shortly," he murmurs; surprisingly elegant for a Kobald. "If you require anything, please knock." He quickly ducks back out the door, leaving the six strangers in silence.

OOC:
This is just a quick chance for everyone to introduce themselves in character. Feel free to discribe yourself, recount how you arrived (either at the manor, or in the city), or talk amongst yourselves.


The Players:
Mando Knight - Eladrin Swordmage (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=177227) "Aramil"
DSCrankshaw Half-Elf Bard MC Ranger (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3843122/Lucan.pdf) "Lucan"
DemonicHeart - Human Druid (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=183546) "Dorenie Melin" (dropped out)
Nai_Calus - Half-Elf Paladin (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=157309) - "Eltain"
Haberdashery - Goliath Monk (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=199032) - "Shepherd"
dariathalon - Gnome Wizard (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=184224) "Pavick"


OOC thread here: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7847557

Edit - 4/13 - Updated Shep from Ranger to a Monk

[Demonicheart]

Dorenie Melin - Human Druid

The young duridess always found the rain refreshing even as it chilled her. Unlike others who chose to wear hoods and seek shelter from it, the young woman allowed the water to pelt her lightly tanned skin. Her normally straight brown hair was soaking wet and clinging to her head. The tan hide armor she wore was equally as wet but she had weathered such storms with it on more than one occasion. It was old and slightly discolored by dirt but durable.

As she strolled leisurely through Fallcrest, Dorenie recalled how ragged the messenger looked. Unlike most people, Dorenie did not have an actual house to deliver mail to. She did not live in Fallcrest and the idea of doing so did not sit well with her. Her domain was the forest and a special grove northwest of town. Only a select few people would have even known where to look for it. The Rex family were added to that list but she felt sorry for the messenger they hired to send the letter out into the middle of nowhere. The young delivery man had practically shouted that she was too hard to find before passing out from exhaustion. To apologize, Dorenie walked with him to Fallcrest. It was obvious to both of them that he got lost a few times before stumbling upon Dorenie's grove. As much as she hated the idea, it might be necessary to place a message box somewhere in town.

When the woman reached the Rex Manor, the guards had at first took her as a beggar. They started to shoo her away until she pulled out the letter from inside a fold in her armor. It was probably the only semi-dry thing on her body at this point. Once they confirmed the legitimacy of the letter, they reluctantly let her in. She was guided to the study and told to wait there.

As much as Dorenie enjoyed rain, she knew there was only so much her body could take of it. When she was left alone, she concentrated on her natural energy and slowly her body began to change. Chunks of black fur grew out of her armor and skin. Rapidly, her face started to take on feline features such as whiskers and cat-like ears. The entire transformation lasted only a few seconds. When it was done, the soaking wet 5'10" slenderly built woman had become a soaking wet black leopard. Dorenie moved over to the fireplace and paced around it for a few moments before laying down in front of it. She felt comfortable changing within the Rex's manor mostly because it was no secret among the family that she could change. Of course, she would change back so that she could actually speak once the meeting was underway, but she felt no need to do that right now.

Dorenie had barely gotten dry when she heard the door open once more and another stranger was asked to wait. Her eyes finally took notice of the numerous chairs and wondered just how many people would be coming. A part of her wanted to remain in her current form. She was warm and comfortable now. Why shift back for the sake of strangers. Still, she had a feeling that she would be asked to changed back once this meeting began. Furthermore, when the escort for the second guest wondered allowed where Dorenie had gone and who let the giant cat in, she relented in her desires to remain a beast.

Dorenie got up on all fours and stretched her forepaws out. She made a yawning sound that started beastial but quickly turned very human like. Her fur receeded and her face reverted to its normal shape. The claws and tail were replaced with hands and feet. With a small sigh, Dorenie stood up from her spot by the fire, "I apologize if I startled you. I wished to warm myself a bit before sitting at the table. My name is Dorenie if you are interested." The brown haired woman walked over to an empty chair and took her seat. There she waited patiently to see who else would be joining them.

As more people joined, Dorenie found herself curious about what the Rex's had in mind for them. Still, she kept her curiosity to herself. If the others wished to converse before the meeting, she was willing to join in. However, if they did not, she had no qualms about being silent. Either way, she was not going to take the initiative.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain walked quietly through the rain, resisting the urge to pull back the hood of his cloak and let it soak him. He settled on pausing for a moment to look skyward, letting the cold drops fall on him, reveling in the sensation. The coming of spring was his favourite time of the year, with the bare ends of the winter still hanging on. He said a quick prayer of thanks to Corellon for the beauty of the moment and resumed his journey.

He hadn't been in town long, but the sender of the letter he'd received had apparently known of him and thought his skills would be of use anyway. And so here he was, traveling towards the manor house. It was tacky to his sensibilities, used to the marble and ivory towers of eladrin cities in the feywild still, but he reminded himself that beauty was not the same to all people, and gave thanks to Corellon for the diversity of the worlds, and the beauty inherent in that diversity.

The guards had let him in without too much trouble once he'd produced the letter, though they kept glancing at his eyes uneasily. Eltain was used to that, many people found his eyes strange. Half-human and half-eladrin, his eyes, while having a white and a pupil, had irises that were a pale, glowing blue. His hair colour, a metallic platinum, didn't help much either, nor did his pale, blue-tinged skin. The armor and clothing he wore helped more, marking him as a paladin of Corellon.

He raised an eyebrow at Dorenie's transformation.

"Not really startled, no, but a rather interesting trick. I take it from your appearance that you work primarily with the primal spirits?" Eltain asked idly as he walked towards the fire and leaned near it. He wiped the worst of the rain from his armor with his cloak and hung it near the fire to dry. His movements were rather graceful for a man wearing plate mail, and his voice was soft and gentle. He was young and fairly attractive, if somewhat odd-looking.

"As you might guess, I am a paladin in the service of Corellon, god of magic and beauty. I'm also something of a bard, though I only dabble a bit in the art. My name is Eltain." He bows slightly.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/ranger

When Lucan walks into the room, he finds a human, and more interestingly, another half-elf, waiting there. Lucan's never met another of his own kind. Prior to leaving his tribe, he'd never met anyone besides elves. He has since encountered members of all the races he used to hear only stories about, but this is the first half-elf he's seen. And definitely the first one wearing such heavy armor--he didn't think anyone but dwarves and humans would willingly encase themselves in metal like that. He forces himself not to stare, and instead turns to the woman.

Aside from being human, and taller than he is by two inches, there's nothing about her that would really stand out among his tribe, which makes her an oddity among humans. He wonders if she follows the primal spirits, as so many among his tribe do.

He realizes he's been staring at them both, and smiles at them. "A pleasant morning to you," he says, and though he speaks softly, there is something compelling about his voice. "My name is Lucan. I am a hunter." Indeed, he is dressed as a hunter, and his clothing and weapons--two longswords, some daggers, and a longbow--are all in the elvish style. The only oddity is his armor, chainmail which looks elvish, but an eladrin would instantly recognize as being his people's work. It is also far finer and quieter than normal chainmail would be. It would be easy to mistake him for an elf, if not for his rounder ears, lighter hair, and two days growth of beard.


I decided not to assume that Lucan knew Eltain after all.

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - Goliath Ranger

The light of the fireplace plays funny tricks. The flicker of the flames paint strange shadow shapes across the walls and furniture of the room, and grants the still room a sort of tranquility. So much so that the fire's movement draws attention away from certain points of the room, certain points that aren't exactly what they appear to be. The oddly poor-workmanship statue in the back of the room seems a sort of eye-sore at first glance, so rough and poorly hewn. Why any nobleman would spend his coin on something so...primitive is beyond any guess. Perhaps they are simply humoring the local talent, though it pains them to do so. Or perhaps the family's son or daughter is a would-be sculptor, and this back study serves the purpose of praising the poorly-skilled child while at the same time not displaying such awful talent for respectable eyes to see. Such thoughts come easily to mind, it is quite a horrid piece, and just as it seems a trifle matter not worth any further recognition, the strangest thing occurs.

The laughable piece of artwork moves its hand.

Up rises the stony hand to scratch at the shoddily crafted stone beard on its chin. The rocky fingers stroke the beard, and the stone hair reacts as if it were actual hair. The fingers move between the strands of the dark gray fiber, visibly scratching at the stony chin underneath it. The statue turns its great head, the eyes within its sockets glinting in the firelight like polished stones; it opens its mouth. A great, yet gentle, exhale like a faint wind escapes its lips. The breath takes on audible quality, a sort of rocky rumbling noise, a deep gravely "Hrrrruummm..." The statue continues to scratch away at its chin, stroking either side with its fore-finger and thumb. The lips of the statues purse, and relax, then purse again; the jaw moves as if chewing. A weight settles in the air of the study before it speaks.

"Hello."

[Mando Knight]

Aramil strode in gallantly, his blond hair and confident smile bringing an aura to the room that might make grouchy snarkers quip that his theft of the sun is the reason why the cold rain is holding its sway.

"Well met, all." He then makes a sweeping bow towards Dorenie. "Especially you, fair druidess." Straightening up again, he resumes. "I am Aramil, swordsman of the Feywild and practitioner of its magic. I assume that each of you have been called here by our draconic patron as well?"

[Demonicheart]

Dorenie Melin - Human Druid

Dorenie had to admit that she was not expecting quite so many unique individuals when she was summoned here. The druidess was relieved to see that at the very least Eltain was not put off by her display. I suppose it could simply be the fact that many with elven blood are more in tune with the natural world than humans...but advantage or not, race matters little. Anyone can hear the spirits of the wilds if they listen. That is probably the more disconcerting thing...most choose not to listen. Dorenie returned the paladin's warm greeting, "Yes, I feel a strong bond with the primal energies of nature. It is good to meet you, Eltain."

When the second half elf appeared, she paid close attention to his mannerism and dress. It was his introduction as a hunter that brought on the mild scrutiny. For Dorenie, there were always two types of hunters. The first type were those who understood the forest as well if not better than herself. They respected its power and beauty while only ever taking what they needed to survive. She never begrudged these hunters and fully understood that this was a way of life for them. The second type were the ones who hunted for sport. They cared little about what they killed so long as they killed something. Even if they sometimes introduced themselves as 'hunters', the druidess saw them as simple butchers. She was fairly certain Lucan was a member of the former and not the later. The brown haired woman eased her expression into an apologetic look, "...I am sorry if I seemed rude staring like that, Lucan. I have met those who would claim to be hunters but lack any respect for the wilds. I feel that you are genuine."

The brown eyed woman couldn't help but blink as she saw the Goliath moving in the corner. Since he was not moving earlier, she had mistaken him as part of the furniture. At the time, Dorenie was more concerned with her own comfort and the appearance of others to give him much heed. The yawn had already suggested that he was perfectly fine with that. At least he was able to rest a little before this gathering. She responded pleasantly in a calm tone, "Hello." He was a daunting figure even in the fireplace lighting but Dorenie was not afraid of him, If he had meant any harm, he had ample time for it. Besides, the Rex family would not let him rest here if he were going to cause trouble.

Her eyes were soon directed to the Eladrin who made an impressive entrance. She found herself a little charmed by the fact that he singled her out for a special greeting. There was no doubt in her mind that if anyone was willing to stir up a conversation, it was Aramil. Feeling more at ease around these strangers, Dorenie nodded a bit, "Yes. My name is Dorenie Melin and I was asked to come as well...though I have not a clue what this is all about. We seem to have a very diverse calling of skills present."

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

"I don't know about them, but I recieved a letter from Lord Rex." A small voice comes from somewhere behind Aramil.

A split second later a small humanoid, just a touch under 3 and a half feet tall and very slender, steps out from behind the swordsman. He has brass-colored orange/blonde hair that is swept up from both sides of his head forming a ridge along the peak of his scalp. His eyes are two dark orbs that twinkle in the light of the fire. He is dressed in a robe made of fine green cloth embroidered in gold thread. Unlike everyone else in the room he is not soaking wet (having used prestidigitation to clean and dry himself).

He moves around the room, quickly offering each person his small hand. "Pavick Roslow, gnomish wizard extraordinaire, at your service. Well, actually at Lord Rex's service, but you get the idea," he says with a smile.

[Mando Knight]

"Indeed we do have an odd assortment of skills. I can only assume he means to hire us to embark on some sort of adventure, as one would hardly ever call on such an array in such short notice for more mundane matters."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/ranger

"My tribe has the utmost respect for the wild," he says to Dorenie. "The songs of my people have taught me well."

As the others arrive, he introduces himself to them as well. It is an odd assortment, and includes races he has never met before. The goliath and the gnome, on opposite ends of the spectrum, are both oddities to him, and he has to fight the urge to stare.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

A light creaking sound alerts you to the door opening behind you. Silhouetted for just a moment before striding into the room is the famous Tacitus Rex. As he walks, he flips through a few sheets of parchment before handing them back to the small Kobald who followed him in. "Yes, these will be fine. Leave us."

The Kobald gives a slight bow, and scurries out the door. The door shuts half-way, but then opens again as a tall Eladrin in robes stumbles through the door, his arms full of paper, books, and what appears to be a flask of some green bubbling liquid. He adjusts his pointed, conical hat, and quickly moves to stand behind Tacitus, who is quietly examining the group before him.

Tacitus Rex, once a famous adventurer in his own right, towers over everyone else in the room (save the Goliath, of course). He wears a simple suit of chainmail, and a sword at his hip (which is clearly not used regularly, but is rather a force of habit from his younger days). A long, deep blue cloak drapes down his back, and the second finger of his left hand clearly displays the Rex family signet ring. He motions you all to the table. "Please, be seated." he says with a smile, but in a tone that borders on command as much as request.

"My apologies for summoning you here in this manner. These are dangerous times, and I learned long ago not to give out any more information or warning than is absolutely necessary." He pauses, eying each of you up and down. "You're most likely wondering why I've asked you here. I'll be direct. I have a task that I wish you to perform, and I'm finding myself short of reliable people. Normally, I would assign a task like this to one of my sons, but they are all…preoccupied with other tasks of their own." A brief frown flickers across his face, but he quickly recovers into his previous stoic demeanor. "The reason I selected you is twofold: First, you are, aside from Roslow, outsiders, and are unlikely to have other allegiances in Fallcrest. I cannot always say the same for some of my personal retainers. Secondly, I have reason to believe that you are all trustworthy, whether that be due to past services" his glance shifts to Dorenie; "local reputation," a quick look at the goliath; "references from allies in the feywild," the Eladrin in the conical hat gives a half smile as Tacitus looks at the half-eladrin and Aramil; "or simply as a favor to an old friend." Tacitus' gaze falls on the gnome. He makes no mention of Lucan.

"This," the dragonborn says, turning around to face the Eladrin behind him, "is Berrian, our house wizard. He'll give you more details about the services we've requested you for."

The Eladrin steps forward, re-adjusting his long blue robes and strange hat, licks his lips nervously, and murmurs "Er…yes. Well.." he clears his throat, and places all of his papers on the table, quickly catching the glass vial before it rolls off onto the floor. "As Lord Tacitus said, we've called you in for a very delicate issue. This." He says, holding up the vial "is the issue. As you may or may not know, all alchemy shops within the city are owned and managed by the Rex family , but this." he sets the glass potion back on the table. "is a mystery. Now, back alley shops and a small black market are impossible to eliminate completely, but the recent surge in illegal alchemical items in the town is beyond anything we've seen before. Just the supplies needed to create some of the items we've confiscated are…" he trails off as he looks down at some of the parchment in front of him and shakes his head in disbelief. "We're seeing everything from healing potions to poisons and everything in between. Some are just mild opiates for the downtrodden while others are of a much more…er…to put it delicately…malicious nature." Berrian gives a small shudder.

"It also appears that whoever is selling these items seems to be targeting the Rex family in particular. So far, we've seen a dozen different robberies of Rex merchants. In almost every case, the assailants have appeared to be little more than common thugs, but they appear phenomenally well equipped. Twice they've struck using invisibility potions. A vault was broken into using a potent acid, and nearly 5 merchants have been found poisoned." Berrian plops in the chair, and looks a bit green at the thought of someone poisoned. Tacitus steps forward and leans on the table.

"The day before yesterday, We were able to stop one of these robberies in progress and caught 5 thieves all in possession of illegal alchemical potions. Unfortunately, we discovered that two of the thieves were in the employ of my household, and one was a city guard." His fists tighten, and deep claw marks dig into the table before he can compose himself. "Naturally, I'm sure you can understand why we felt like we should turn to outsiders."

He pauses, and looks at you. "So…are you interested?"

[Nai_Calus]

"You must tell me about your people sometime, Lucan," Eltain says, smiling. "I must admit that I still know little of the elves of this world." He nods to Aramil.

"It's good to see another of Eladrin blood in this world. I've found so few since I left the Feywild. And a gnome as well, welcome, Pavick. I feel almost at home again, hah, being amongst fellow fey again. Surely Corellon smiles upon us this day." He ponders the goliath curiously.

"I haven't seen one of your kind before, I'm afraid. Do forgive my curiosity."

[Nai_Calus]

(OOC: Derp. Posted while I was writing, pardon double post.)

Eltain ponders the references comment suspiciously, absently stroking his beard, as he had never had any indication that anyone in the Feywild knew anything of his location and certain that none of the people had once known would think of him as trustworthy, but leaves it be for now.

"Those who seek to spread ugliness in the world by causing harm to others are an affront to Corellon and must be stopped," he says gravely, "I will do what I can."

[Demonicheart]

Dorenie Melin - Human Druid

A small frown formed on Dorenie's face as she overheard the troubling news. The young druidess never had much of an interest with the commerce business. She could recall that her father had a knack for it but she didn't inherit that drive. If this had simply been a case of watching out for new competition to the Rex family, she would have had half a mind to respectfully decline. However, Dorenie knew that if it was that simple, Tacitus Rex would have taken care of the matter himself. Whomever was behind this did not want to just take over the alchemy business in Fallcrest. The culprits desired the complete annihilation of the Rex Family and were willing to go to any extreme to do it. She let out a sigh and commented, "The 'urban wilds' never cease to amaze and confound me." She often wondered why people had such a hard time believing that she intentionally chose to distance herself from civilization.

It was clear as day that the situation did not sit well with her. Even if she refused to help, she would not do anything to hinder the quest. She owed the Rex's that much and was a woman of her word. However, Dorenie made her decision known after a few moments of thought, "Although I am uncertain how helpful my skills will be for this task, I will assist to the best of my ability." The indecision in her eyes faded as she committed herself to the task. She even thought of motivational reasons for accepting the task, If the culprits are this desperate, imagine what will happen if they succeed at destroying the Rex Family. They will send their thugs into the woods to uproot every useful plant they can to 'boost production'. She mentally admitted it was a flimsy reason but it wasn't her only one, The Rex family ensured my survival. I can do no less for them now that the situation is reversed...in a sense.

While awaiting response from the others, she posed a question of her own, "Have those five you captured mentioned anything useful?" She figured that question might be the best place to start looking for clues.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick climbed, rather awkwardly into one of the chairs at the table. He sat at the front edge of the seat, his legs swinging around wildy as he listened to Tacitus' situation.

"Well, well, well. It sounds like you are in a spot of trouble. It is no wonder that you turned to a man with as much talent as me." He tugs at his robes to straighten them. "I suppose I could help you out. Yes, yes, I think we'll be more than capable of solving your problems, but I believe a bit of remuneration might be called for."

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - Goliath Ranger

The giant figure of the goliath looms behind those seated at the table, his head just about grazing the ceiling. The shadow he casts over the table is rather impressive, and engulfs those he stands directly in back of. The rumbling noise from deep with in his chest has resumed, and his rock-like brow has slouched forwards over the bridge of his nose, giving him a distinct pensive expression.

"Mrmmmmmummm..."

The goliath resumes his silence, tapping a finger against his chin. When he finally speaks again, it is in his deep, gentle voice.

"I think I can understand. Should someone poison my goats, I would seek the culprit."

His brow quivers, as if digesting a particularly troublesome thought.

"I am...sympathetic to your plight," A sort of soft upward curve establishes itself on his haggard lips, "Sometimes one must leave the herd...but who would care for my flock?

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/ranger

Lucan was going to politely decline before Eltain invoked Corellon. While his tribe revered Sehanine above any others of the gods, he always felt closer to Corellon, the patron of music. But he lacked formal instruction in Corellon's teachings, so he has always been at a loss in how to show him homage. The fact that Eltain, who appears to be a trained follower of Corellon, says that this is what the god would want holds a great deal of sway. He bows his head. "If this is what Corellon desires, then I shall do it."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Tacitus' face remains blank as he gauges the various reactions. After nodding, respectfully to Eltain and Lucan at the mention of Corellon, he turns to Dorenie.

"Unfortunately, we haven't received as much information from them as we would have liked. The prisoner who was also a city guard was found murdered in his cell that night, we assume by one of the other guards who has allied himself with these...mystery saboteurs." His voice takes on a lower, gravelly tone "And the two who were members of my own household decided that ending their own lives was preferable to being questioned." Behind Tacitus, Berrian swallows nervously, and the look in his eyes seem to indicate that he doesn't entirely disagree with the choice.

"The other two told us a little. Wherever the items are being created, it is somewhere outside the city, we think to the north, or the east, based on the gates that were being used. One of the thieves let it slip that he was contacted about the job at a tavern down by the docks called "The Lucky Gnome Taphouse." This is also where we've recovered a significant amount of the items that are more narcotic in nature. The other thief was hired at a place called "The Elven Winches," a ... how did you phrase it, Berrian?" he turns back and looks at the Eladrin with a half-smile on his face "'House of Ill Repute' is the phrase you used I believe" He gives a small chuckle as Berrian turns a light shade of crimson. "It's located about a quarter mile outside of town to the east. We've also had reports of two different merchants selling the contraband. A Halfling by the name of Stephen Brownfoot, and an elven woman named Kala Leroux. We've tried apprehending both of them, but somehow they found out about it beforehand and have vanished. They regularly set up booths in the weekly bazaar, and did more of the day-to-day business near the Wizard's gate on the Eastern side of the city. We're not sure where they are now, but you might want to ask around and see if anyone can give you an idea as to where they went."

"As for your "remuneration"" Tacitus continues, turning to gnome, "If you can find and dispatch these rogue alchemists, you will be paid 750 gold apiece." He raises an eye, almost daring you to challenge that amount. "You may also keep whatever you recover from the brigands on the way. However, I would ask that all of the alchemical supplies, as well as any information about suppliers be returned to me." He chuckles, "This way we might be able to recoup at least some of the losses." He stops, giving a small glance in the paladin's direction. "Feel free, however, to destroy any opiates or alchemical items that you deem to be...illicit, in nature."

"For your sheep" he says, turning to the Goliath, "we've contacted.." Tacitus pauses and flips through some of the pages on table until he finds the name he searches "A man named Jonn Strobel, whom I believe you know" he glances up at Shepherd for confirmation but continues regardless. "His oldest son Thom was planning on leaving home to start his own flock, but I've convinced him to wait for another year, and to watch your flock for you while you're gone. Also," he meets the large creature's eyes, "You have my word that if any harm comes to your flock while you're gone, the family will make restitutions.

"Now, are there any other questions, I have much still to do today?"

Berrian rolls his eyes a bit at the discussion of sheep, but makes his way around the table to whisper in Aramil's ear while Tacitus speaks to the rest of the party.
"A word for your ear, cousin." Berrian murmurs, leaning in close to the other Eladrin. "A number of the alchemical reagents we've recovered seem to have their origins in..." he drops his voice, and glances over at Tacitus to make sure he isn't listening "The Underdark. I'm sure you realize what this must imply about some of the...sources, of these usurpers." He gives a small gulp, and glances again worriedly at Tacitus. "I know you've been requested to bring back all the information as to their suppliers, however I would ask that you be...discerning, if you come across that information."

OOC: (If you want to make a perception check to listen in, the DC is 16)

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - Goliath Ranger

The rocky fingers find their way back into the tangled beard on his chin once more. The thrum in the great goliath's chest has taken on a sort of elated quality, as if the pitch has gone up an octave.

"Little Strobel would watch my flock?"

Where a pauses seems imminent, a beat is all that manifests. The goliath's eyes brim with satisfaction.

"Thank you. My worry is at ease."

The goliath raises his hand and stretches it across the table towards Tacitus Rex awkwardly. Attempting to provoke a handshake, but somewhat unsure if it is the proper custom to do so. The rules of society are so...vexing...sometimes.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/ranger

Lucan shrugs. The investigation seems straightforward enough. He glances in Berrian's direction as he talks to Aramil. He doesn't quite have elven hearing, but it's very close. Still, the eladrin must have realized he needed to be careful, and Lucan barely makes out what he says.


[roll0]

[Mando Knight]

Aramil nods. "Hm. Of course. Very well, you have my sword and the magic that comes with it."

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain unobtrusively tries to listen in to the whispering as he digests the information from Rex.

Perception: [roll0]

"I actually only truly object to the most vile of substances. Many things that are used for evil can also be put towards the work of beauty and renewal," Eltain says, shrugging a bit. "Indeed, the others may object more."

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

"I would say that you are getting my considerable talents at an absolute steal," Pavick says with a smile and a wink. "But, since your cause seems good, I'll help."

He looks around the table, "Well, I'd say we've got a very motley group here. A dashing swordsman, a woman of the wilds, a couple of half-elves who revere the god of beauty, a rock who seems preoccupied with his flock," he giggles a little at his own rhyme, "and of course a famed wizard. We should be well prepared for this task, I would say. The leads you've already found should prove quite helpful as well. I thank you."

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain - Half-(eladrin) Paladin

"I'm half-eladrin, actually. But yes, you're right otherwise. Variety is often a beautiful thing." Eltain smiles. He turns to the group's new employer.

"Thank you for your help. We'll do our best."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Tacitus accepts Shepherd's hand, and shakes it firmly. "Thank you. If you need anything else, Berrian should be able to answer any of your questions. Now, I still have much to do today. Dorenie, could you come with me?" He stands, gives one last glance over the odd assortment of characters before him, and (barring any last questions), strides out the door with Dorenie. You never see her again.

Berrian walks over to the door, and motions to the Kobald standing outside. "Er...could you bring some wine or something like that?" The Kobald gives Berry a flat look, but scampers off to do as he is told. Moments later, he returns with a tray of glasses, and a tall bottle of wine that he pours for each who will accept it. Berry quickly drains his glass, refills it, and begins working on his second before turning to you "So...is, er...there anything I can help you with"


EDIT 4/1 - OOC: Dorenie dropped out of the game at this point, and it doesn't look like she'll be back

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick pulls a coin from his pouch, he rolls it between his fingers as he contemplates Berrian's question. Eventually he pauses. "Yes, I believe I do have a few questions. First, you seem to be quite nervous with this whole situation. I understand Rex's House has been targetted, but you seem even more shaken than Lord Rex. Why is that?"

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Berrian, mid-drink at Pavick's question, bursts into a coughing fit as he chokes on his wine. It takes him a moment to recover, but when he does, he looks down at Pavrick "Why, er, what would make you say such a ridiculous thing as that? My Lord Rex is simply a man of a more militaristic background, and is used to keeping a cool head in dire situations. I myself am merely a .... um.... more jumpy individual, that's all. What a silly notion that I should be more concerned than the Lord." Berry gives a short, loud laugh.

Insight DC 14
By the way Berrian's eye's keep flickering to the left, and his right hand fingers that keep twitching, you think that Berrian might know more than he's letting on. The overly loud laugh at the end definately suggests as much, although getting him to admit it will take a bit of clever talking.

OOC: You'll need to make a diplomacy check to get Berry to talk.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Insight check [roll0]

Pavick smiles, feeling reassured that his reading of the man's quick downing of wine was not astray. "Come now sir, I'll admit that Lord Rex may be more hardened than most, but he wouldn't have hired you unless you could face difficult situations as well. You may be a naturally jumpy person, but even jumpy people usually don't jump without reason. And you, my friend, are jumping."

He pauses to sip the wine that he was offered earlier. "Now, we are all working towards the same goals here. There is no reason not to share whatever information we might have. You share a little with us, we'll share with you what we find in return."

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

(Sorry for the double, couldn't edit in a roll.)

Diplomacy roll [roll0]

[Mando Knight]

Aramil takes the offered wine graciously, drinking it delicately like a "true gentleman" like himself would. Contrary to popular Dwarf opinion, those of elf-blood, including Eladrin, can be quite capable of holding their liquor, but that is no reason to appear boorish in front of his kinsmen and the attendant to his employer... and especially not a reason to drink heavily in the presence of a woman. Yes, he does feel a touch of shame for Berrian's proclivity towards drinking in front of employees, but he also knows when to hold from voicing his disapproval.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain sips the wine and watches quietly, alert for any inconsistencies in any forthcoming explanations.


Insight: [roll0]

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/ranger

Lucan does not accept a drink, but he does pay careful attention to Berrian. However, he does not notice anything particularly odd.


[roll0]

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Berrian sighs, and looks down at his glass thoughtfully. "You know, I didn't used to be like this. I rarely drank, I was eloquent, I kept my head..." He shrugs and finishes off his glass. "And I loved my job: House Wizard for one of the most noble and powerful families in the region. But recently, things have gotten...well...horrible. This business with the alchemists is just the most recent. We've had no less than 4 ships based out of Colonus sunk by pirates; but no other merchant ships have had any trouble. Our trade partners in Thunderspire have suddenly refused to do business with us; and there have been 2 attempts at Lord Rex's life. Feeble attempts, certainly." he lets out a long sigh "But attempts nonetheless.

"So certainly you see," he says with a weak grin, looking at his fellow wizard, "Why I'm a bit jumpy. Someone is out to ruin us, and quite frankly we don't know who or why. If something should happen to Lord Rex, and one of his sons is forced to take over..." he stops, thinking for a moment. "Well, let's just say that the ones who are competent aren't willing, and the ones who are willing aren't competent."

He stands with a sigh, and gives an awkward cough. "But that has little to do with our current situation. Now, um....is there anything else I can do for you?"

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - Goliath Ranger

"...The mountains..." the goliath says after a long pause "Are very soothing, you know. The air is so light." The puzzled look on his face only grows; he can't seem to get his point out the way he would like, and he stares at his toes coming out the front of his mottled sandals. "Perhaps...perhaps you should take a holiday? Mountain air would do you good. I think."

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain - Half-(eladrin) Paladin

"I'm sorry to hear that there have been so many troubles lately. Hopefully we'll be able to help lessen them, Corellon willing. Perhaps in the meantime, however, you may find some comfort in prayer and in reflecting on the beauty that remains in your life. It always helps me. Though I must admit that I am not exactly like most people are, and my life is not as troubled." Eltain smiles reassuringly.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome

Pavick's smile droops. "Gosh, I'm sorry to hear things are going so roughly for you. Have no fear, we'll get this alchemy problem straightened out for you at least. You've got Pavick Roslow on your side, and that goes a long way." His smile returns. "Once this is taken care of, hopefully that'll be the first step towards turning things around. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if all of these problems aren't interconnected somehow. Taking out one cog in their machinations might disrupt the rest of their plans."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Berrian gives a smile at the encouraging words, but quickly remembers that he is in the company of strangers, and tries to re-compose himself. Er...thank you, but back to the task on hand." He begins straightening the papers on the desk. "Where do you think you'll start the investigation?" He tries to look calm and business like, but the two glasses of wine he drank so quickly betray him, and he gives a small hiccup.

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - Goliath Ranger

The question absolutely perplexes the great mountain man. His lip quivers, his eyes narrow in thought, and he brings his fist under his chin while supporting it with his other arm wrapped around his waist. The great internal rumbling echoes from within his chest.

"...from the beginning?" he offers with a childlike innocence. "Is that not where one normally starts?"

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain, half-eladrin paladin

"Hah, the beginning, yes, but it's not always quite so easy to find the beginning," Eltain says, smiling. "So we'll just have to find our own beginning." He smirks. "I've heard it said that half-elves are considered charming, though I've never encountered one before now. Perhaps Lucan would like to start with that 'house of ill repute'." He snickers, then looks apologetic. "Sorry, that was uncalled for."

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick giggles at Eltain's joke. "Come now, if you wanted to visit the whore house first, all you had to do was ask."

He fidgets with his wine glass, sliding it back and forth on the table top as he thinks for a minute. "In all seriousness, that would not be a bad place to start. However, I think the best starting place would be looking for Stephen Brownfoot and Kala Leroux. The Elven Winches and The Lucky Gnome Taphouse are unlikely to move on us or disappear, so we can always investigate them later if we need to. The two individuals seem to already have gone underground, they may be looking to leave town soon. I'd rather find them before they have the chance. We don't want to let that lead dry up on us completely."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/ranger

"I don't understand," Lucan says, frowning. "What is a 'house of ill repute'? And I thought you were a half-elf, Eltain."

OOC: I hope it's not too annoying if I play up the naive and not too bright parts of Lucan's character.

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - Goliath Ranger

The goliath scratches his chin.

"I believe...I believe it is a house where there are very many sick people...a house known for having so many sick people...Perhaps where they tend to those with very contagious illnesses."

He pauses for a long time.

"Yes, yes I think so."

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain chuckles.

"Well, some of them probably have diseases. Er, it's generally a polite term for, like Pavick said, a whorehouse." He looks at Lucan.

"I'm not a half-elf, no. People in this world keep thinking that, though I can't see why at all... I'm half eladrin. I've always thought it was obvious, but I suppose that people in this world don't encounter eladrin much and just assume that if it has pointed ears that it's elven or related to elves..."

[Mando Knight]

"The merchants might have already skipped town. The Lucky Gnome may be the better starting point, and we might find clues as to the merchants' locations there."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/ranger

Lucan decides not to ask what a "whorehouse" is. It's not a word his mother taught him when he learned Common from her. Apparently whorehouses tend to hold sick people. Maybe it's another word for an infirmary, like Shepherd said... Common tends to have a lot of words that mean the same thing as other words. He doesn't know why the others find that funny, though.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick nods. "Okay, we can start at The Lucky Gnome. That would have been my second choice anyway. Heck, maybe I'll turn out to be the gnome that gets lucky there." He winks. "But then, I guess if that's what we're looking for the 'house of ill repute' might be a better choice afterall."

"So, what should our approach be? We'll want to get that all straightened out before we go in. Just walk in and start asking questions? That might get some information, but I think it's just about as likely to get people to just clam up entirely. Maybe one or two of us pose as people looking for work and wanting to get involved in their scheme. Seems to me like that might work better. The others could sit back and watch in case of trouble. If too many of us are trying to get jobs, it could look a little suspicious. What do you all think?"

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - Goliath Ranger

"Then this is most convenient." The Shepherd beams proudly. He waggles a great rocky finger at Pavick, " You can pose as the Lucky Gnome, yes? For you are a gnome, and lucky, as you have said. We can say we are returning you to your rightful owners..."

The Shepherd suddenly frowns.

"I certainly hope their Lucky Gnome is not there at the time. That would be very unlucky."

[Mando Knight]

Aramil sighs before trying to help explain things to the simpler-minded members of the group. "The Lucky Gnome is the name of a tavern. It's just a name that was given to the place by its owner. There might not be an actual lucky gnome there."

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - Goliath Ranger

The Shepherd slams his fist in his palm decisively.

"Excellent! Then there will be no chance of a mix-up! The deception shall be foolproof."

[Mando Knight]

"Not what I meant. If the tavern doesn't have an actual lucky gnome, no one will fall for it. If by some chance it does have one, our gnome could hardly be mistaken for their gnome."

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - Goliath Ranger

The Shepherd strokes his beard with his forefinger and thumb, speaking his next sentence very carefully as he ponders every word.

"Then perhaps...perhaps their lucky gnome has been lost for so long...so long they have forgotten what he looks like? There has to be a lucky gnome...otherwise it would not be called that. If there was never a lucky gnome, why would they think to call it The Lucky Gnome? It would not make any sense."

He nods, affirming his statement.

"In which case, we would have to dress our gnome very...lucky. What do lucky gnomes look like, exactly?"

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain covers his smile with his hand and tries to look like he's stroking his beard in thought and not about to lose it laughing. Once he regains control, he speaks.

"Forget the gnome's attire, we might want to worry about mine. Never mind trying to get into their schemes, me just sitting around there is going to be unbelievably off-putting to any criminal elements. Paladins have a certain reputation, of course, and, well... We do rather tend to stick out. Especially me." He spreads his hands in a 'well, see for yourself' gesture, and he does rather stick out, in his gleaming plate mail, tabard emblazoned with his god's symbol, metallic hair, strange eyes and the tattoo on his cheek of his god's symbol.

"We, er, might want to disguise me or at least put me in different clothing."

[Mando Knight]

Aramil gives a short chuckle himself when Eltain draws attention to his gallant apparel. "You really are a knight of Corellon, aren't you? I suspect if we dress you in some normal clothing, and possibly dirty you up a bit we could pass the tattoo off as just some elf-kin culture thing. I doubt most around here could tell the difference."

[Nai_Calus]

"Considering that people here seem to be unable to tell an Eladrin from an Elf, you may be right. Perhaps if we simply hide the more obvious parts of my armor and make me look more trailworn, yes... I don't really own 'normal' clothes, I have to admit. I was raised at a temple to Corellon in the Feywild, and have trained for my profession since childhood, so I never needed them." Eltain shrugs as if this is perfectly normal. "It's not usually my way to skulk, but I suppose if we must actually root things out it might be a good idea to not be blatantly obvious while doing it."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

"Are we ready to go then?" Lucan says. He doesn't think Eltain looks all that strange to begin with, and he is eager to get going.

[Hzurr]

I'll give everyone a few hours to post any last responses or plans, otherwise I'll get this show on the road later this afternoon/evening, and go ahead with the current plan to disguise the paladin, and head to the "Lucky Gnome"

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Berrian gives Eltain a look up and down, taking note of his height and build, then knocks on the door. The small kobald answers, and after hearing the odd request, scampers off (but not before cocking his head curiously at the Paladin). He returns minutes later with a set of moderately clean day-laborer's clothing and a long thick cloak. He hands them to Eltain with a bow, and leads the half-eladrin to a small room to change.

Eltain, make a bluff check with a +4 bonus to disguise yourself


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


As you make walk out of the Rex manor, you notice that the rain has slowed to a minor drizzle, giving a hazy look to the town. The streets of the city are relatively quiet, and before long you find yourself crossing a long wooden bridge crossing the bluffs that divide Fallcrest. As you arrive on the other side, it almost feels like a different town. The streets are dirty, most houses are in disrepair, and most business owners spend as much time scowling to discourage shoplifters as they do trying to sell their wares.

Still, most residents are friendly, if a bit gruff, and will provide directions if needed. Before long you find yourself standing outside the Lucky Gnome Taphouse.

As you walk in, you notice that the taphouse is mostly empty. A few humans share a drink in the back corner, and two halflings mumble to each other quietly at the bar. Aside from that, the only activity is from a bouncer and two serving girls quietly setting up the tables, and cleaning up stains on the floor from the previous night. At the sign of the door opening, one of the girls quickly glances out the window, and gives a sigh of relief when she realizes she still has a few hours before the evening rush. Wiping her hands on her already smudged apron, she walks over to you. "Welcome t' the Lucky Gnome. Table or Bar?"

At the sound of the door opening, a tall, tanned human walks out from the back area, and takes his place behind the bar, eying the new customers with half-interest

[Mando Knight]

Aramil smiles and nods. "A table would be fine, miss. Thank you."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

She gives a quick nod, and leads Aramil to a table in the middle of the room, far away, fortunately, from the stains in the floor she had been working so hard to clean up. The other patrons in the bar glance over but seem to pay no mind, as one of the halflings begins telling a story about a woman he was with the night before.

perception DC 17
The halflings at the bar, while not breaking the flow of conversation, immediately changed topic when the party walked by. Before the change, they were speaking of something at the Upper Quays

Once everyone sits down, the serving girl gives a slight sniff, then asks What'll ya have?

[Nai_Calus]

Bluff [roll0]
Perception [roll1]
Perceptive, Eltain is not.


Eltain follows to the table and sits down casually, leaning foward with his elbows resting on the table. He smiles winningly at the waitress.

"Beer'll be fine for now."

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - Goliath Ranger

The Shepherd has been quiet the entire time, a silent stoic figure. He sits down heavily in one of the wooden chairs, and places his hands inoffensively in his lap. After a careful surveillance of his surroundings, he finally looks up at the serving wench.

"Do you have goat's milk, perhaps?"


Perception 1d20+9

[Haberdashery]

(OOC: Let's try this dice thing again. I always have trouble with it.)



Perception [roll0]

[Mando Knight]

[roll0]
"I'll just have water, please."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/ranger

Lucan takes a seat at the table, his ears perking at the sound of conversation.

After listening, he asks the others, "What are the Upper Quays?"


[roll0]

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Before reaching The Lucky Gnome, Pavick confirms the plan he'd proposed earlier with the others. "Okay guys. I'll follow you in after a few minutes. You'll not pay any attention to me, as if you don't know me. I'll go in pretending that I'm in need of a job. I'll do a bit of fishing around and see if I can get some information."

Pavick waits a little way down the street for the others to enter and then follows a few minutes later. He walks in putting on his best depressed face. Just inside the door he pauses, casting prestidigitation to cause the rain water to drain off of his hair and clothes. He marches up to the bar and sits down. "Hey, barkeep. Give me a drink. Make it strong." He rests his chin in his hand a frown on his face."


Perception Check [roll0]
Bluff Check [roll1]

Edit: Hey, good rolls. The dice gods favor me. Sacrifices of many doritos and liters of mountain dew will be made. Despite all that, I don't think the Perception would really apply to me, now that I've read it.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The waitress nods at Eltain's and Aramil's orders, but gives a pause at Shepherd's. "Uhh...I'm not sure. Let me see what I can find in the back".

As the waitress walks off, she gives a quick, snorting laughter at Lucan's question. "You're not from 'round here, are ya?" Without waiting for a response, she continues. "The rapids in the river keep boats from sailing all the way down. Cargo is unloaded at the Upper Quays, and brought down here below the waterfall and loaded onto other boats at the Lower Quays." She gives a vague nod towards the western wall of the tavern; presumably at the docks that lie not far beyond. She sniffs, and sizes the bard up. "If you're looking for work at the dock's, upper or lower, I'd reconsider. You don't have the build for it." She pauses, glancing at the Shepherd. "You could make a fair bit, I'd wager."

With that, she heads towards the bar to fetch the drinks.

At the bar, the man standing behind the counter pours a foul-smelling liquid into a cleaner-than-expected cup, and sets it in front of Pavrick. "Problems?" He asks, although it's clear he's questioning more for appearances sake rather than any real concern.


A few minutes later, the waitress returns with a beer, a water, and a strange smelling white liquid she sets in front of the Goliath. As best as Shepherd can tell, it's a strange mixture of cow-milk and cheap ale.

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - Goliath Ranger

Shep doesn't exactly know how to take the woman's comment. It seems complimentary, so he responds with a flat "Thank you."

When she returns and places the drink before him, his brow slumps forwards. He purses his rock-like lips together, and brings the tankard up to his nose where he takes a delicate sniff; a proper connoisseur. The Shepherd's eyes immediately narrow, and he turns his head back to the waitress.

"Your goats are liars."

[Nai_Calus]

"Thank you," Eltain tells the waitress with another winning smile, this one a bit more coy. He takes a sip of the beer only to choke on it at Shepard's comment. He tries unsuccessfully to hide his mirth behind the glass, and lets out a strangled laugh.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The waitress stares at Shepherd, trying to decide if he's truly as ignorant as he appears, or if he's simply trying to fluster her. Eventually, she decides on the former, and gives a nod and a smile. "I'll make sure to tell the owner not to trust them."

With a half-wink to the rest of the table, she returns to her scrubbing duties.

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - Goliath Ranger

"Good. That would be wise."

He sets the mug back on the table, and edges it slightly away from himself with a single finger. As if they very close proximity of it were insulting his shepherdly status. He nods at his companions thoughtfully.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick takes a swig of the "drink" placed before him. He chokes a little, but manages to get it down.

"Yeah, plenty. Nobody in this town's willing to give a gnome a chance. Everybody's looking for big ogre types. I may not be able to carry a lot, but I've got other talents." To emphasize this point, he conjures a mage hand that pulls the coins out of his pouch to pay for the drink, depositing them in the bartender's hand. "Nobody'll listen though. I need some work and I need it quick," he complains loudly.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/ranger

Lucan decides not to be insulted. He's no weakling, but he's certainly not as strong as shepherd. When Shepherd calls the goats liars, he asks, in all seriousness, "How can you tell whether a goat's honest or not?"

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain - Half-eladrin Paladin

"Well, you have to look them in the eyes very carefully and fully, and watch their body language the entire time. You also have to listen to their sounds, you can hear it when they're lying, it sounds completely different from when they're telling the truth," Eltain says. His tone is serious but there's a gleam of mirth in his eye.

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - Goliath Ranger

Shep studies Eltain for a good long while, the wheels in his head visibly and almost audibly turning. He finally taps his chin.

"With a little practice, you would make a fine shepherd."

The Shepherd nods solemnly.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Bartender raises an eye at Pavrick. "Well, depending on what kind of work you're looking for, you'll need a lot more than simple parlor tricks," he says, dropping the coins into a pouch on his belt. "If you don't mind my asking, why do you need the work so quickly"

Aside from the scattered conversations, the bar is mostly quiet. The humans in the corner finish their drinks and head out. The Halflings are speaking to each other in low voices, but the conversation begins to get more and more heated. They're clearly upset about something.

The cleaning is soon done, and the two waitresses sit at one of the empty tables, laughing with one another, although the girl who brought you your drinks earlier keeps an eye on the table to see when anyone needs an additional drink.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick sighs loudly. "I got into a little spot of trouble. Let's just say there was a pretty big wager on a hand of cards and I came out owing quite a bit of gold. The quicker I can get it paid off, the better chance I have of keeping my fingers."

He takes another swig from the drink. "And don't you worry, I can do more than just simple tricks. I'm a skilled wizard, I know several useful rituals. I've even picked up a few that most wizards don't know. So, have you heard of anybody who might be interested in hiring on someone with a few tricks up their sleeve?"

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Bartender leans down, grabs another glass to clean while he slowly moves over to Pavick. "The only problem with the kind of jobs you're looking for, is that they tend to be jobs other people wouldn't take for some reason or another. Would you be looking for work that good, honest citizens have avoided?" He eyes the gnome, a slow grin twitching at the corner of his lips.

[OOC: *Sigh* Stupid Bartenders who can't roll higher than a 2 on an insight check...[/OOC]

[Mando Knight]

Aramil casually stands up and walks over to the halflings, taking a seat nearby. "Excuse me, but I couldn't help but overhear that you have some trouble. I happen to be a problem solver, and so I might be able to help you solve your problem."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

One of the Halflings, a (relatively) burly fellow with curly hair, gives a jump at Aramil's voice, clearly on edge. He turns violently and looks up at the Eladrin. "Mind your own business!" he yells, before turning back to his companion. "I'm out, I'm done, tell Stephen I'm through."

With that, he finishes his drink, and storms out. His companion, a chubby blonde, gives a smirk, and turns to Aramil. Sorry about that, he's upset, but he'll come around. What do you mean you're a 'problem solver'?" He speaks quickly, over-enunciating his consonants.

[Mando Knight]

"Exactly that. I solve problems. Being trained in the arcane arts in the Eladrin courts tends to afford one such skills. For a nominal fee, I could perhaps solve the problem that you and this "Stephen" character seem to have."

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

A twinkle flashes in Pavick's eyes, as he feels the bartender might finally be catching on. "Might be, might be. Like I said, I need money quick. The quicker the better. And the type of jobs that other people would avoid are generally the easiest way to get it. I'm okay with doing what needs to be done."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The blonde halfling's eyes narrow as Aramil mentions the name 'Stephan.' His previously kind voice takes on an edge of steel. "I'm sorry, I don't have any problems needing solved. I'm fairly sure that I don't know any Stephen, and I'm certain you misheard, correct?" You notice his hand drift under his cload, where you spy the hilt of a dagger. You have the distinct feeling that this halfling can, and will inflict great bodily harm on you. Not agreeing with him now will go very, very poorly.


The Bartender's eyes drift over to the halfling and the Eladrin, and quickly scans the bar for the bouncer, and makes eye contact. A moment of silent communication passes between the two before the Bartender turns back to Pavrick. "If you're serious about work, be at the 4th dock at the upper Quays two hours after sunset." reaches under the counter, and pulls out a small item that he palms into Pavrick's hand. "Wear this in your hat when you get there. I'll let them know that you're coming, but if you show up without that, you might find yourself with an arrow in your back before you've had a chance to explain yourself."

He gives Pavrick a nod, and moves down towards the other end of the bar, keeping an eye on the halfling, his hand drifting back below the counter. From Pavrick's perspective, he can see the bartender pull out a small hand crossbow.

Pavrick:
In your hand, you see that the Bartender has passed you a single right-hand glove. It glitters faintly.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick nods to the bartender. "Thank you very much. You've helped me quite a bit. I think this place has a very appropriate name; I'm certainly feeling lucky," he says while tucking the glove safely away where it can't be seen. He downs the rest of his drink and sets mug on the bar.

He slides off the barstool and leaves. On his way past the rest of the party, Pavick gives them a quick wink.

[Mando Knight]

Aramil's tone remains rather cheerful. "I may have. Careful with your anger, friend. My magic is not such to be scoffed at for this range." He pats the hilt of his longsword to emphasize the point. "If you don't have a problem, then I will take my business elsewhere. I did hear that the Rex family usually hires competent beings." Aramil begins to stand as if to leave.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Halfling starts to open his mouth, when he spies the bartender eyeing him. He sullenly finishes his drink, and slinks out the door.

With the exception of the three humans in the corner (day-laborers taking a break, from the looks of it) and the staff, you're alone in the taphouse, although that will no doubt change before two long.

As the halfling prepares to leave, the Bartender pulls aside one of the serving girls, and whispers in her ear, motioning to the door that the gnome just left. The girl nods, and quietly slips into the kitchen. A minute or two later, she reappears with a cloak around her neck, and moves quickly out the door.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan

Lucan watches the discussions going around him. "I wonder if Stephen is also a halfling. Does that sound like a halfling name to you?" he asks the others. "That reminds me about something I've always wondered. What's a ling, and how can someone be half of one?"

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - Goliath Ranger

There is a long, stony silence from the goliath as he stares at the table in front of him helplessly. And then, as flashes of inspiration go, his head bolts upright. "Unless...unless they are not half Ling at all. Rather, they are half of a Wholeling. Perhaps that is why they are so short..."

[Mando Knight]

Aramil saunters back to the table, chuckling at the goliath's pondering. "That's the most sensible explanation I've ever heard for their name, actually." He lowers his voice. "The Stephen they referred to is probably one of the merchants that Rex mentioned investigating."

[Nai_Calus]

"I wonder if we should try following the girl... I'm not exactly good at following people stealthily, though, and I doubt I'd be able to charm her into not burying a dagger in me," Eltain says quietly, folding his hands in front of his mouth to keep his lips from being read.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

"I can follow her," Lucan says.

If no one objects. Just let me know what rolls to make. Is it stealth for following someone in a city?

[Haberdashery]

At this new proposal, The Shepherd responds in record time. Record time for him however is a thirty second delay.

"I can follow her too, if you would not mind my presence. For some reason I am often confused for being a rock, and so go unnoticed..."

This obviously troubles the goliath, but he waves his hand, dismissing it.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain looks mildly worried at having the two most naive members of the party go off by themselves and chastises himself mentally for his reluctance to put himself in danger, though he consoles himself with the point that he really isn't the best person for the task.

"Well, if you think you can handle it. Perhaps I should follow at a distance in case something happens..."

[Hzurr]

DM Post


In order to follow the girl, give me 4 checks. Perception, Streetwise, and two Stealth Checks.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan sets off after the girl, trying to remain inconspicuous. He finds it relatively easy to keep an eye on her in the crowd, which, despite its strangeness, seems pretty predictable. Keeping hidden is easy at first, but he fears he might have exposed himself at one point, when he bumped into a merchants stall and sent several apples rolling.


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd moves with a grace and fluidity that belies his impressive stature. He blends effortlessly into the gray stone of the city, the dark markings of his skin mirroring the cracks and markings in the walls. There is but one tense moment, where the girl looks back as the crowd breaks suddenly around Shep, giving him no time to hide. The sight of a very large unassuming rock meets her eyes.



Perception - [roll0]
Streetwise - [roll1]
Stealth - [roll2]
Stealth - [roll3]

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain silently shoots Aramil a questioning glance as the others leave.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The girl makes her way through the town, taking the path that winds its way down the ravine in the middle of town, rather than taking the bridge over. Shep and Lucan manage to follow her without too much difficulty, but Lucan's bump into the apple cart turns out to be his undoing. The tumbling of the apples makes the girl pause and turn back.

She sees Lucan, and recognition flashes into her eyes. She quickly walks over, and begins helping him pick up the upset apples. "You were at the bar earlier, weren't you? With that strange man who warned me about goats?" she asks Lucan, apparently oblivious to the Shep's large figure only 15 feet away.

As far as you can tell, she hasn't quite figured out the implications of your presence here.

-----------
Pavrick, you notice a strange procession exiting the taphouse. The Halfling leaves in a huff, and heads north very quickly. Soon after you see the serving girl leave, followed a minute later by Shep and Lucan; all headed East but aside from that, no one else comes in, or out of the bar.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan's not brilliant, but he's wise enough to tell that defending Shepherd might not help him here, so he laughs easily. "Yes, Shepherd is a very interesting fellow, isn't he?"

"My name is Lucan," he continues. "What's yours?"


[roll0]

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick quickly ducks behind a small bush when he sees the halfling leave. He considers following, but decides he's already got a good lead to the situation and it would be stupid to risk that to follow up on something less likely to pan out anyway.

When the woman leaves, Pavick attempts to look inconspicuous. He watches the other two follow her, but still does not approach. The way they seemed to be trying to follow her, it would probably not help matters if he were to try to talk to them.

He decides to wait where he is until the rest of the group exits.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The waitress gives the half-elf a warm smile. "My name is Shara," she says, extending a hand. Once the apples are picked up, she looks at him curiously. "Wow, you must have left right after I did. Was there a problem with the bar?" She looks down at the apples. Or were you just in a hurry to get somewhere?"

Insight DC 14
she's obviously very interested in this smooth talking half elf. For the moment she's more curious about you than she is about why you're there

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd does his best to remain perfectly still despite oddly feeling as though his feelings have just been hurt...

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan -- Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan tries to read her mood, but misses completely. Is she suspicious? How can he tell?

"No problem," Lucan says. "I just don't like being cooped up for too long. I'm a hunter." He pays for the best looking apple. "Of course, visiting the city has its own rewards. Wild apples are rarely as good as what they grow in the orchards around here. Are you here to shop too?"


[roll0]

[Hzurr]

DM Post

"Shopping? No, I'm just delivering a message." She makes a grimace, and looks back over her shoulder at the road heading east. "I actually need to hurry, but you should come by the bar more often. I usually only see dockworkers, never something exciting like a hunter." she blushes slightly at the last bit, gives a quick smile, and then awkwardly turns to go. She pauses, briefly, every so often as she walks away, and gives a slight wave.

OOC: If you want to continue following her, make another stealth check, however, it will be more difficult now that she's glancing back more often. Shepherd, take a -1, Lucan take a -4 to any more stealth checks to follow her (the hazards of having an 18 Charisma....)

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf Bard/MC Ranger

Lucan waves back as he "returns" to his shopping. "You better go without me," he whispers to the goliath.

[Mando Knight]

Aramil discretely holds a finger up for a moment, then after a bit he whispers "Alright. They should have a good enough head start now. Let's see what they got themselves into."

[Haberdashery]

The big rock otherwise known as The Shepherd nods. This is very strange since rocks do not usually have the capacity to nod. Baffling...


Stealth - [roll0]


Again Shep takes to blending into the shadows of the streets, the gray of his skin meshing with the gray of the cobblestones.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain nods quietly and follows Aramil as they leave.

"I wonder what Pavrick is up to," he muses quietly once they're outside. "Also, I apologize if I seem hesitant and cowardly in this matter, but... Well, there's a reason I no longer dwell among my kin in the Feywild. I am... Not exactly good at this sort of sneaking around."


I assume we're meant to make the same sort of checks for when we're following them.

Perception: [roll0]
Streetwise: [roll1]
Stealth: [roll2]
Stealth: [roll3]
(Not taking the armor penalty from the armor I'm not wearing. :P)
Edit: Not that it HELPS... Sigh. Eltain is apparently out to lunch and klutzy.

[Mando Knight]

Knowing that his armored companion would have difficulty keeping his armor quiet and not being particularly sneaky himself, Aramil simply walks casually.

[Hzurr]

DM post

Shep, you continue to follow the girl throughout the market, and at first it appears as though she's headed out of town. Just before she arrives at the city gates, she turns down a small alley to the South. As you glance down the alley, you see her about a block down, knocking on the door to a small, unremarkable house. You can see a small slit in the door open up, allowing the person (or persons) inside to peer out. Shara and begins speaking in a low voice

[OOC: You can try and make a perception check from here to listen to what's going on, or you can make another stealth check to move closer. The closer you make it, the lower the perception DC /OOC]


As Eltain and Aramil walk out of the taphouse, they soon spy Pavrick waiting for them in a small side-street. A few minutes later, Lucan rejoins them.

[Haberdashery]

Flash decisions were never Shepherd's strong suit. It makes him tense up a little at the thought. Knowing better than to simply try his hearing and potentially miss the entire conversation, he slips closer into the alley way, sidling along a single wall so not as to block the light filtering down the narrow space between the buildings.


Stealth - [roll0]
Perception - [roll1]


The shadows welcome his thick frame into their gentle embrace, and he slips from sight. A slight bulge in an uneven alley. He pricks up his ears to catch what he can of the conversation.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain casually slips next to Pavrick. He raises an eyebrow at Lucan's early return.

"Well, did you find out anything?" he asks of both of them.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

"Well, um, I'm afraid she spotted me," Lucan says. "I had to make up some excuse, but I think Shep was able to follow her the rest of the way."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Sticking to the shadows, Shep slides himself into a position to hear everything without being seen. Shara speaking quietly to someone on the other side of the door.

"I don't know who it is, all I know is that Kelson said that a gnome is going to be helping out tonight, a wizard or something like that."
"Did he check him out first? What if this wizard is a spy? Tell Kelson to stop being a damn fool, and to quit hiring people before he knows anything about them. He'll screw up everything."
"So what will you do about the gnome? He's going to show up tonight, he'll have the glove so you can recognize him."
"Not sure yet. He might be useful, but we'll be ready in case Kelson bungled. Anything else?"
"Yeah, Kelson said to keep an eye on those idiots Patsy and Lambert. They were arguing in front of customers, and even dropped Stephen's name. Lambert keeps insisting that he's out."
"I'll take care of them. Tell Kelson to throw them out if they show back up at the bar. 'S that all?"
"Yeah, that's all."

The viewing hole in the door snaps shut, and Shara gives a sigh, muttering something about "fool men with brains no better than an ogre" as she passes Shep. She walks within arm's reach of the Goliath, but doesn't appear to take note of him.

[Haberdashery]

If there's one thing living high in the mountains teaches you, it's how to hold your breath. He makes not a sound as Shara passes him, and exits the alleyway. He slowly exhales when she is out of earshot.

As any good shepherd knows, keeping your head down until the disobedient sheep can no longer see you is ideal. The Shepherd waits a few moments in his hiding space before he slides down the edge of the alleyway to its corner, and peers after Shara. He makes doubly sure she's not looking behind her and is a good distance away before slipping out from the alley and seeks safety back in the moving crowd. He keeps an eye on the waitress as he returns to his fellows.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick pulls the glove from his pocket. He is beaming from ear to ear. "I've got a job for the night. A couple hours past sunset I'm to meet up with some folks at the Upper Quays tonight, 4th dock. This is the signal to let them know I'm one of 'em." He waves the glove for a moment, before tucking it back away.

"I'm sure I'll have more for you by the end of tonight. Yep, I told you to leave it up to good old Pavick and I really pulled through." He seems entirely too pleased with himself.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Shara's path is fairly direct back to the Lucky Gnome, and Shep has no trouble following her. She seems deep in thought, and fortunately doesn't glance down the side street the rest of the party is gathered in. She pauses before she enters, wipes her hand on the apron, and steps in.


It's now mid to late afternoon, and the party is back together on the lower west side of the town outside of the taphouse, roughly 100 ft. from the river. The sun will start setting in about 3 hours. The streets are still relatively empty, although traffic is picking up slightly.

[Haberdashery]

As quietly and nimbly as a rock, the Shepherd ducks down the side street his fellows are down, and quickly checks over his shoulder. He pulls down his hood, and scratches his hairless head before smoothing out his tangled beard. With a wave of his lithoderm-studded hand, he strides over to the group.

"Mr. Lucky Gnome," he whispers to Pavick as he gets close, "I bring you news. You are not as lucky as your moniker would lead you to believe."

With a troubled expression, he begins to stroke the sides of his jaw. He takes moment's pause and then launches into a word-for-word recount of what he saw and heard. For someone as seemingly thick as The Shepherd is, his memory is oddly impressive. He skips not a single detail.

[Mando Knight]

As quietly and nimbly as a rock,
If a rock falls down a mountain and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? :smalltongue:

"Actually, my rocky friend, this situation is almost precisely what we were hoping for. While their suspicion is unfortunate, they're still going to see what Pavick's got. While they're doing that, we can set a counter-ambush to isolate and capture some of the ruffians."

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick waves away the goliath's concerns. "Nah, I'm still lucky. Wouldn't have got the job otherwise. Course they're gonna be suspicious. People who have something to hide are always suspicious. I've still got enough tricks up my sleeve that I think I'll be fine. Still wouldn't be a bad idea to have backup ready tonight, just in case. Maybe some of you could find a place to hide nearby."

He begins pacing back and forth. "It might also be a good idea to see if we can track down this Patsy guy. If he is so insistant that he is 'out', he might be willing to share what he is 'out' of. Could take some convincing, but it seems like a possible alley for further exploration."

[Haberdashery]

If a rock falls down a mountain and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? :smalltongue:

Well played fellow rock philosopher, well played.

The attributes of lucky gnomes and what happens to make them lucky are lost on Shep. He resigns to the fact that this gnome must be so lucky it defies his manner of logic. Truly, this is a pinnacle of luckiness.

"I will trust you, then." The Shepherd nods his head pleasantly.

[Nai_Calus]

"Having at least some of us hiding somewhere just in case might be a good idea, yes. And perhaps talking to that other guy would be good as well... Probably not someone who's had any real contact with them so far, though, lest it look too suspicious," Eltain muses. "Which leaves the question of who, and how we track him down. And also what a good place to hide would be."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan says, "That's a good idea. Perhaps I can ask around, see what I can discover about this halfling. Maybe I can find out what a whole ling is."

I have a decent, but not spectacular, streetwise, of +6. Does anyone have better. I so need to take Bard of All Trades.

[Nai_Calus]

"Er, Lucan, I don't think halflings are half of anything, I do believe it's simply a term that refers to them being generally about half the height of a human," Eltain says, scratching his head in mild confusion.

"That may be a good idea, though I wonder if perhaps you aren't a little too known by now..."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

"But if that were the case, then surely they wouldn't call themselves halflings, would they? It's like calling yourself shorty or midget or... or dwarf!" Lucan protests. "Hey, wait a second..." He trails off, lost in thought.

Then he recalls that Eltain said something else. "Oh, what were you saying about asking questions? Too well known? What do you mean? The only one who knows who I am is Shara, and I won't ask her. I suppose I could dress differently, or something."

OOC: Lucan has a +6 to bluff as well.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

"I would offer to ask around too, but I want to try to keep a low profile at least until tonight. Asking too many questions could blow my opportunity to get information for tonight. Maybe I'll go down by the docks and try to scout out a location for a bit of backup to hide tonight. Anybody want to come along?" he asks with a shrug of his shoulders.

[Nai_Calus]

"I suppose I could try, though I'm not that up on the ways of the city..." Eltain muses. "True, you have only been seen by Shara, but I just worry that word will get back around that you've been asking. Well, we should be fine, either way."


Eltain just has Diplomacy and Intimidate trained, and +5 in streetwise and bluff.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan, carefully avoiding the bar where he's known, asks around a bit to see if he can find the halfling who wanted out.


[roll0]

[Hzurr]

DM Post

As Lucan journeys from bar to bar, he is met with nothing but blank stares and shrugs of shoulders. Eventually, you arrive at the Blue Moon inn, and have slightly better luck. The owner, an older man named Par Winomer, pauses when you ask him about the house. "Oh, Lambert? Yeah, he was in here earlier. In a foul mood too. Drank a pint as fast as anyone I've seen. " He pauses and scratches his head. "He left heading back Northwest, I think he lives over there, just on the other side of the bridge."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan heads toward the mentioned house, but moves carefully, not wanting to give himself away too soon. He's none too successful in his efforts.


[roll0]

OOC: Are the others with me?

[Hzurr]

DM Post



OOC: Are the others with me?


OOC: Did anyone choose to come with Lucan?

[Nai_Calus]

OOC: I'll probably regret this, but yes, Eltain wouldn't have let Lucan go alone.

[Haberdashery]

OOC: I think Shep would have followed his stealthing buddy, so he'll have gone too.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Lucan, Shep, and Eltain manage to find the house without too much difficulty. The house, while small for a human, is slightly too large for a Halfling. You guess that at one point or another it was designed for dwarves. The house seems be right on the edge of disrepair, where a little more work or a little more neglect could push it over the edge. From inside the house, you hear what sounds like a very drunk Halfling half-singing/half-talking to himself (or possibly someone else).

As you move up to the door, a small crate of apples catches Lucan's foot, spilling open noisily. From inside the house you hear the singing stop, and a slurred voice call out "Whooo's ther?! Whad'ya want?"

A window next to the door opens up, and the Halfling pokes his head out and eyes the three of you suspiciously. "You tryin' ta take my apples?" He ends the sentence with a slight burp.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

"Of course not, good sir," Lucan says smoothly. "Although it's hard not to admire such fine apples. Do you grow them yourself?"

Lucan speaks lyrically, his words containing just a hint of song.


Use Words of Friendship.

[roll0]

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Halfling squints at the half-elf, lets out a very dignified hiccup, then moves around to open the front door.

He saunters out, and looks at the apples on the ground. "Well...nah, didn't grow'm; but I know how to choose'm. These humans, y'see; they wouldn' know a good apple even iffit was blessed by Pelor hisself..." He picks one up, and takes a bite, smacking his lips with obvious pleasure "The trick issin how it feels when ya squeeze it..." He begins launching into an overly detailed description of the feel of an apple, full of some very...inappropriate comparisons.

Eventually he stops talking about things that are squeezable, and tilts his head back, looking up at the odd group. "Er...what brings ya out here, anyway?"

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd nods his head at the halfling's comment.

"This is very true. I have encountered many a human who cannot tell a proper milking goat from a cheese goat. In fact, they cannot tell the difference between a goat that will produce sweet milk, and sour milk, either."

The Shepherd winces, a pained look in his eyes as if the topic of misunderstanding which goat does what hurts his very head. And yet, he seems rather blissfully unaware of the halfling's crude remarks, they wash entirely over his head. Breasts are not so different from udders, certainly; he must be thinking of a different kind of milk. Odd that he would want it from humanoid, and Shep does wonder how that exactly would taste. Probably rather awfully, but Shep has not met many halflings. Perhaps it is a cultural delicacy.

"Humans have poor deducing skills, I am coming to discover."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Pavrick is able to stroll about the docks area with relative ease. Without too much difficulty, he makes his way to the 4th dock (the furthest from the waterfalls), and is quickly able to see why this one was chosen.

Map: http://rpgmapshare.com/modules/g2/d/8310-4/FVSW-large.jpg (North is Left)

The dock is relatively small, but still large enough to support many different types of vessels. The near-by lighthouse only has windows looking to the north, so any business conducted at the dock is sheltered from the prying eyes of the watchmen. The only other building overlooking the dock is the customs house, which is practically abandoned at sunset. The streets aren't busy, but are easily wide enough for carts to be brought down right to the river front. There are a number of buildings and alleyways to the East of the river, any of which could be used to hide potential ambushers. The only structure that seems out of place is a small shrine to Bahamut with a blue dome to the northeast.

The key advantage of this dock, however, is that the bend in the river just to the south allows loading and unloading of goods out-of-eyesight of the other loading docks and the rest of the village.


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

The halfling gives Shep a pat on the knee. "You said it, big guy."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

"So if you don't grow apples, what do you do?" Lucan asks.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Halfling puffs out his chest a little bit and says with an air of cockiness "I work for..." his voice trails off, and his head drops down a little bit, then mumbles "I'm lookin' for work." He raises this bottle in hand "This here is my 'I quit' brandy." He pauses, thinking deeply for a second, then takes another swig of the bottle. "An' it was a long time comin'."

He looks at the group in front of him. "So what'r you fella's up to?"

[Nai_Calus]

"We're between jobs as well. Man, the last one I had, my boss was a complete slavedriver. Just ridiculous, really, the stuff he expected me to put up with! I was so glad to be able to quit, 'cept I already drank my 'I quit' booze. Man, sounds like you've had it rough, tell me about it, get it off your chest and you'll feel better," Eltain says, putting a hand on the halfling's shoulder.


Diplomacy: [roll0]

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan eyes the halfling carefully, trying to tell what the proper way to approach him on this might be.


[roll0]

[Haberdashery]

This would be the cue to follow along. To which, of course, Shep stares very blankly for a few moments before attempting to act naturally. He stops standing so erect, and tries to look relaxed in his posture; he swaps between slouched over and leaning back airily a number of times before settling for a middle ground between the two. But he just can't seem to figure out what to do with his arms. He crosses them, puts them in his pockets, places them on his hips, puts them behind his head, but each time he just feels rather silly. He elects to go with leaving them tensely by his side, fidgeting slightly as he tries to display an air of nonchalance. It takes Shep just a few more moments of blank staring to realize to truly follow along with his companion's lead, he actually should say something. He frowns. And then clears his throat.

"Ehm....yes. Hrrrmmm, quite. He was a slavedriver. And ridiculous. Hummmmm, a ridiculous slavedriver, in fact. Yes."

Shep pauses a moment, proud of his statement before realizing something important. What was so ridiculous about him? How can he truly be playing along if he does not give an example of this ridiculous man? Why, it would not work at all. The Shepherd thinks for a moment before settling on what is easily described as the most ridiculous thing he has ever heard in his entire life.

"He tried to make me feed my goats barley. Can you truly imagine such foolishness? Can you?"

[Mando Knight]

Aramil, obviously not with Pavick nor the awkward-yet-charismatic crew, decided to scout out the docks himself... separately, so as not to increase any suspicions by being spotted with the gnome. Noticing the out-of-place temple, he casually saunters in.

[Hzurr]

DM post

---EDIT-- Had to add in the word "tilts" because the alternate word I used is censored on forums --/EDIT--

Shep, Lucan, and Eltain -

The halfing tilts his head thoughtfully at Eltain's suggestion. "Nah, Nah, can't really go into details. I may not like 'em, but I'm not the sorta guy who goes around blabbing people's business."

Lucan:
You notice that as he says this, there's a flash of fear in his eyes. He's obviously nervous about much more than simply being a gossip

The halfling starts to open his mouth to speak again when Shep clears his throat. At the comment about goats, the halfling takes a step back and looks at Shepherd, then at the other two, then back at Shepherd. "Hey, waitaminute... weren't you the fella's at the Lucky Gnome earlier?" His eyes narrow in suspicion.

OOC: Could all 3 of you give me a perception check.


------------------
Aramil -

You walk into the temple, and it's surprisingly well kept. A few small statues of Bahamut and some of Bahamut's more revered saints are spread around the temple edges, with benches in front of each one for petitioners. Two humans sit quietly in front of the statue of St. Hecar, kneeling and whispering, although you aren't sure if it's a prayer, or if they're speaking to one another. At the front of the church, an old dwarf (one of the oldest you've ever seen) hobbles forward to meet you. He greets you in a slightly-too-loud voice that hints at his own lack-of-hearing. GREETINGS TO YE, AND WELCOME TO THE SHRINE O' THE GLORIOUS PLATINUM DRAGON. HAVE YE COME TO PAY TRIBUTE AN' ASK FOR HIS BLESSING?" He gives you a wide smile as he leans on a polished brass cane.

OOC: Give me a perception and an insight check.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan shrugs. "Maybe. We've been to a lot of taverns today."


[roll0]
[roll1]

[Nai_Calus]

"Hells, probably. I barely remember anymore. These days I just crawl from tavern to tavern hoping something'll come up that'll give me some work and trying to forget my life in my booze." He reels slightly and his breath conveniently still smells of the earlier beer.


Perception: [roll0]
Bluff: [roll1]

[Mando Knight]

"Something like that. I was also wondering how a shrine to Bahamut manages to stay intact in a place with such an ill reputation."

Aramil is neither the most insightful nor the most perceptive person in town...
[roll0]
[roll1]
...But he can apparently get some good rolls on occasion.

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd scratches his chin.

"Maybe. There are so many Lucky Gnomes today I can hardly tell which is which."

[Haberdashery]

(OOC, whoops, rolled Insight instead of Perception.)


Perception - [roll0]

[Hzurr]

DM POST

Eltain, Lucan, & Shepherd:

The Halfling begins backing up at Lucan's shrug "You were there, I remember. You're out t' finish me off for Stephan!" His eyes grow a bit wide, as he tries to reach for a sword at his belt that isn't there. He begins to calm down slightly at Eltain's words (and his breath), but still watches you suspiciously. "Who're you, and why're you here?" His eyes are glazed, but focused on you.

Shep & Lucan:
Roughly 30 feet down the street, there's a tall, thin human peering around a wall watching you. He doesn't seem to notice that you've spied him.

Lucan:
You catch the vaguest reflection of sun off of steel in his hand, and you notice that he seems to be focusing on the halfling, although he tries to keep an eye on all of you as best as he can


------------------------------------
Aramil:

The Dwarf turns his head and gives a hacking cough before yelling at you. "'ILL CIRCULATION?' NONSENSE! I MAY BE OLD, BUT I'M AS HEALTHY AS I EVER WAS! I'M NOT EVEN DOWN TO ONE LIVER YET!" He frowns at your rudeness.

In spite of the old dwarf's shouting, you manage to pick up a snippitsof the conversation of the other two men
"...we've got some people out there now to show him what being "out" really means..."
(The response is too hushed to make out)

The two men stand, and head towards the exit, giving a reverent nod to the dwarf (who doesn't notice), and an icy glare towards you as they exit the temple, and head back towards the docks.

-------------------------------
Pavrick:

OOC: You up to anything at the moment?

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

"Pardon me for a moment," Lucan says politely to the halfling, and he unlimbers his bow and smoothly turns to face the spy, nocking an arrow and drawing his bow as he does so.

"You there!" he shouts. "Please put down your weapon and come out slowly, or I will be forced to shoot."

He keeps his arrow trained on the target.


Minor
Draw bow

Standard
Ready attack
If the enemy makes any threatening actions, attack with Jinx Shot
[roll0]
[roll1]
Target falls prone if misses with an attack before the end of my next turn.

Ooh, a crit! Damage goes to 15, plus an extra 1d6. Let's see if the roller will let me add a roll.

Well, guess not... see next post.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger


[roll0]

[Mando Knight]

Aramil raises his voice slightly and enunciates a bit more clearly. "Sorry, sir. I believe there was a misunderstanding. I said the docks had an ill reputation. I'm sure your circulation is just fine."

[Hzurr]

DM POST

-- OOC: Only replying to Aramil at the moment, so that I can further what's going on with him and still give Shep and Eltain a chance to post /OOC --

The Dwarf nods in understanding. "WELL WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO? YOU SHOULDN'T MUMBLE, IT ISN'T POLITE." The ancient dwarf mutters a slightly racist comment about "pointy-eared nincompoops" that you think was meant to be under his breath, but you hear it clearly.

He gestures that you take a seat, and leans casually against the pew as he begins speaking, (still in a loud voice, but no longer shouting) Bahamut's glory is for all people, including some of those that the rest of society would discount. And as for their 'ill-reputation' you seem so concerned about, these people here are rough-around-the-edges, but they're good, honest, and hard-working." He shrugs "Naturally there will be a few bad apples, but those are the ones we want to reach the most." He gives a warm smile.

--OOC: Insight check, if you wish--

[Mando Knight]

Aramil continues to enunciate for the sake of the dwarf. "Of course, sir. I suppose that point of view makes sense."

He begins to wonder whether he should keep talking with the priest or follow the goons that apparently escaped the elder's attention.
[roll0]

[Hzurr]

DM POST

Aramil

You feel that this dwarf is hiding more than he knows, and may very well be faking both his sincerity and his deafness. He seems harmless enough for now, though.

[Nai_Calus]

"Who the hells is Stephan? I sure as hell don't work for hi-" Eltain says, cut off by Lucan's outburst. He instinctively moves to shield the halfling from potential harm.

"We, ah, might want to discuss things in a more private location," He says dryly.

[Haberdashery]

Sometimes the world works far too quickly for the Shepherd. The dizzying blur of motion from Lucan coupled with the multiple bombardments of information flung at him make his head spin. He takes a moment to scratch his head absolutely dumbfounded, trying to get a better understanding of the situation.

[Mando Knight]

Aramil pauses. He's thinking.

Those people that walked out were a part of the gang he's after. The dwarf knows something. Perhaps he's the gang leader. But then, an active imagination's never really helped him before in this world. Why can't it be simpler, like in the Feywild?

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Lucan, Shep, & Eltain:

The man gives a quick glance to something else behind the wall, nods, and glances you up and down sizing you up. With a cruel grin, he draws his sword fully out of its sheath, and begins moving towards you.

Suddenly, the body jerks backwards against the wall, and what was once a potential assassin is now a corpse pinned to the wall with an arrow through his eye. There's a brief pause, followed suddenly by the sounds of scrambling coming from behind the wall as whoever else was hiding back there begins running in the opposite direction.

The Halfling looks at the body suspended against the wall, and slowly back to Lucan's still quivering bow string. His mouth opens and closes like a fish (or possibly a goat chewing its cud) and begins stammering "What the... but you...he....I....." He seems truly at a loss for words, and stares at you blankly.
He takes another drink, shakes his head vigorously, and tries to come to his senses. "Yeah, somewhere else would be good" he says, looking at Eltain.


-------
OOC: So...that guy was only a minion (Overkill much?) Unfortunately for him, he failed his check and thought he could take you. I'll add his xp to the total when you face the rest of his buddies.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

"Oh," Lucan says. "Oops. I guess we won't be able to question him. Uh, should we tell the authorities?"


OOC: Dang, what a waste of a critical.

[Hzurr]

DM POST

OOC: Give me a perception/insight to figure out if anyone saw you (and if they did, whether or not they'll report you)

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan looks around, trying to tell if anyone spotted his bowmanship, and what they think of it.


[roll0]
[roll1]

[Hzurr]

DM POST

Lucan, Shep, Eltain

As far as you can tell, this section of the street was empty when the confrontation happened, although you can hear people in nearby streets. Someone may walk by at any second.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain glances around quickly.

Perception: [roll0]

He turns to the halfling.

"Yes, let's get out of here. Doesn't seem particularly safe here. It's utterly killing my buzz." He looks to Lucan and Shep. "We need to go. Now. Let's get moving." He chooses a fairly populated street to go down in hopes that the crowd will discourage further attempts and hide the group as much as possible and pulls the halfling along with him, looking as casual and inconspicuous as is possible for him.

[Haberdashery]

Shep has no comment to make, trusting his more savvy companions to make a proper decision. He nods, and files in after Eltain.

As they make their way down the street, a thought dawns on Shep as he observes the halfling walking beside them. He stares at him attentively for a few moments before tapping the small fellow on the shoulder.

"Excuse me," The Shepherd begins gently and pleasantly, "I cannot help but notice that you are having trouble keeping pace with us. I think it is because your legs are shorter than ours. Since we seem to be moving with intents of being hasty, would you care for me to carry you?"

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick spends a few minutes, looking around the area. First, he tries to spy a place where a few human sized people could covertly observe the dock without being noticed. He spends some time at this, maybe even finding a couple of different places where they could observe from different vantages.

If he thinks he's found something, then he'll also poke around a bit for an escape route for himself tonight in case things turn bad. Preferrably, somewhere that larger folk would not easily be able to follow.

I'm sorry for the absence. I'm not completely healthy yet, but I think I'm well enough on my way there to get back into things.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan follows the others, hoping he hasn't caused too much trouble by killing the thug. He puts away his bow and attempts to whistle nonchalantly. Unfortunately, he's not too good at whistling.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Lucan, Eltain, & Shep

Eltain

As you glance around, he doesn't seem to see anyone else on the street that saw the act of violence, but out of the corner of your eye you see a small, curly haired little girl of perhaps 5 years staring at the punctured corpse. The child's mouth is open, and her eyes are wide open. You suspect she may be traumatized for life.

Before too long, you're able to get back into the main part of the city. The day is starting to come to an end, and people within the town are leaving their shops and places of work and headed back to their homes. The Halfling follows along in a bit of a daze at first, but soon snaps out of it. He also attempts to look casual, but is continually glancing back over his shoulder. He stays silent...

...until Shep speaks. With a look so cold it could make rain turn to snow in July, he looks up at the Goliath. "Carry me? That's a great idea! Why don't you have sex with my sister and kick my dog while you're at it." With a disgusted look he spits on the ground, but begins walking faster (although a little crooked, since the booze hasn't warn off quite yet). Every so often he gives Lucan a glare when his whistling hits a sour note.


-----
Pavrick

The only immediate escape route that could benefit someone of your...stature, would be heading off to the north, on the west side of the shrine. The gap between the edge of the temple and the smaller dockhouse would be a relatively tight fit for you, and force most larger creatures to go around, possibly buying you several seconds.

[Haberdashery]

Now this confuses the Shepherd. Carrying him might very well be a good idea like he says, but the other two suggestions don't particularly sound like very good ideas. He furrows his rocky brow,

"I am sorry, but I am afraid I must decline your other offers. I have never met your sister, so that would be very rude, and kicking a dog would just be cruel. I have a dog of my own, you see."

The Shepherd smiles, an earthy cracked smile at the fond thought of his own faithful pet.

"But I must ask you," he dismisses the train of thought, "Do all three of these requests go hand in hand? For example, were I to carry you, must I also sleep with your sister and kick your dog?"

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Halfling stares at Shep for a long time. "Wow...you really are that clueless, aren't you." He shakes his head in sadness, and turns to Eltain "So...is there a plan?"

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick walks down the small alley once, just to get a feel for it's confinement. "Mmhmm. That might do, just in case," he thinks. "Best to lay low until tonight."

Pavick intends to stay out of sight until around sunset. Then he'll meet up with the rest of the group before going out to the dock again.

[Haberdashery]

There is an old shepherding proverb: "If you continue to hit the sleeping goat, it will probably get up and butt you in the shins." In preservation of his shins and other lower to the ground regions, Shep decides to let the matter drop.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan watches the argument between the goliath and the halfling in fascination. Halflings may be small, he decides, but they're fierce. If he ever meets a whole ling, he'll have to be on his guard.

[Mando Knight]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan watches the argument between the goliath and the halfling in fascination. Halflings may be small, he decides, but they're fierce. If he ever meets a whole ling, he'll have to be on his guard.

[Armchair psych]Unless it's because they're insecure about being only half-ling.[/Armchair psych] :smallconfused:

[Nai_Calus]

"Not as such, I'm afraid, other than for the moment continuing to book it, and the usual bartering. You're in trouble, we want to know what the hells we're getting ourselves into helping you, so we work something out wherein you tell us what's going on and information we need to come up with a plan, and in exchange we help you not get yourself killed by your erstwhile friends," Eltain says with a shrug. First rule of job hunting, you know. Figure out exactly what the position entails before you accept it."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The halfling looks agitated, but finally gives a low curse. "Oh alright. I worked for a merchant named Stephan. I've known him for years, and he was a good guy. But 'bout a month ago, he got a new supplier. Not sure who it is, but whoever it is is from somewhere up-river. My job was to help unload the ships, and take them to the whorehouse outside of town. That's where we'd distribute, since the guards don't bother us there." He gives a snicker. "Of course, havin' it at a place like that makes sure that any guards who do show up ain't payin' too much attention." The halfling spits in the dirt. "if that'd been all, it wouldn't've mattered, but then someone came around askin' too many questions, and Stephen sent Patsy'n' me to shut him up."

He pauses, to lean against the side of a building "That ain't what I signed up for. I'm no murderer, and I'm not helpin' any more." He gives a resigned grin. "But Stephen don't like quitters

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd blinks up at the sky a moment, shielding his eyes to check the position of the sun as he considers what the halfling has just relayed.

"Hum. So who was it that asked too many questions, and what did happen to him?" He strokes his beard. "And for that matter, who is Patsy?"

[Hzurr]

DM Post

"Patsy? He's the guy I was with at th' bar earlier. He worked with me whenever Stephen thought things might get a bit rough." He gives a slight shutter "I'd never seen a guy so quick to use a blade before...

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

"And the one who was asking questions?" Lucan says. "You still haven't told us about him."

It occurs to Lucan that the halfling may have admitted to being an accomplice in a murder. It makes him uncomfortable. Granted, he himself killed someone just a few minutes ago, but that had been self-defense.


[roll0]

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The halfling stares at Lucan for a moment, before hanging his head."We slit his throat, and dropped him in the river.

[Haberdashery]

There is a beat before the Shepherd comments.

"Oh."

The chirp and twitter of the birds fill the silence, flitting about merrily like tiny twinkling bells in the darting rays of sunlight.

"That does complicate things."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

"It does make things more difficult," Lucan says. "But before we discuss it, there is something I need to ask."

He turns to the halfling with a serious expression. "I have been pondering a question, Master Halfling, that I am hopeful that you can answer. What, pray tell, is a whole ling?"


OOC: You knew this was coming sooner or later, didn't you?

[Nai_Calus]

"It would be easier if you hadn't gone through with it, though you'd likely be dead yourself if you weren't, and your disgust with it shows remorse, at least," Eltain says. "We'll get to the bottom of things, don't worry." His voice carries neither judgement or threat. He flinches at Lucan's question and leans over to whisper into the halfling's ear.

"Just make something up for him to please him, or we'll probably have to listen to him questioning why they call your race halflings if there's no such thing as a ling."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Halfling gives Eltain a look of gratitude, and then pauses to think. After a few moments, a smile creeps across his face, and he turns to Lucan. "The Lings were an anceint and noble race, created first by the gods before all other races. They invented magic, and swords, and building, and were so amazing, that the gods got upset that all the other creatures they had made like elves and dwarves and humans couldn't compete. The Lings felt bad that they had made the gods and all their other attempts at creation look stupid, so they decided that each and every Ling would split himself into two creatures, each only half as perfect and amazing as a Ling."

He gives Eltain a sideways look, before shifting his gaze back to Lucan. "And that's where halflings came from. Because we didn't want to keep making the rest of you look bad."

The halfling has definately sobered up some by this point, and he quickly returns to the matter at hand. "So, do we have a place I can hide out for a while?"

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC cleric

Lucan ponders this for a moment. It occurs to him that the halfling may not be telling the truth.


[roll0]

[Hzurr]

DM Post

@Lucan
The story does seem a bit one sided. You think this is probably just the version of the story that halflings tell to their children.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan nods sagely. It is unlikely that the halfling knows any better, and he does not want to insult his beliefs. He supposes that half lings must have split off from whole ones long in the past, for their origins to have faded into such an idealized legend.

[Mando Knight]

Aramil makes mental note of the temple. If the dwarf is in on it, he had better be close by when Pavick shows up tonight. If not, then surely a Bahamutan cleric wouldn't mind letting an adventurer use his temple as a stakeout point for a counter-ambush, would he?

"Thank you, master dwarf. I will be stopping by a bit later, I have to visit some friends first."

With that, he bows and walks out of the temple. He wanders purposefully about the Omegamatic city, looking for the rest of his friends, succeeding with the aid of the power of PLOT.

[Haberdashery]

This is most interesting to Shep, in fact, he says just that.

"This is most interesting. I was indeed curious, I will admit."

He shakes his great bearded head and opens his mouth to speak as a thought dawns on him. If whole lings were able to split themselves in the past due to being superior in every way to the mortal races, this of course would mean they could put themselves back together. The picture he forms in his head is truly ghastly. A halfling twice its normal size with two heads, four eyes and arms, 20 wiggling fingers and two gaping mouths! How horrid! He shuts his mouth posthaste; he does not wish to frighten his companions.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

As Lucan, Eltain, Shep, and the Halfling (whose name they still haven't asked), make their way into the middle of the city, they stumble into an open square just to the north of the docks, just as Aramil enters the square from the south. There's a moment of awkward staring, only to be interupted as Pavrick emerges from an alley to the south, after having taken a back alley out of the docks area while searching for somewhere to lay low.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan, tiring of awkward staring, turns back to the halfling. "I apologize if I have already asked this, but could you tell us your name?" he says.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Halfling shrugs. 'sok, my memory still is a bit fuzzy. The name is Lambert. He sticks out a hand, but then hesitates as he sees Pavrick and Aramil. "Er...friends of yours, I hope?"

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick's back suddenly stiffens as he sees the rest of the group along with one of the people from the bar. "What's he doing here? I hope he doesn't recognize me and turn me in. Wait, if the others are with him, they have to have some reason. Maybe they're getting some good info out of him." After doing a little mental figuring, he relaxes a little and moves toward the others.

He approaches the group with a bit of a strut to his step. "Yep, we're all friends around here. So what've you all been up to?" he asks.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

"We met Lambert," Lucan says. "He, uh, knows some things. And people want to kill him for it."

[Haberdashery]

"Even though he is also very lucky." The Shepherd finishes for Lucan. "...things are just so confusing today..."

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick gives the halfing a sideways glance. "Doesn't sound so lucky to me." He shakes his head. "Maybe Shep thinks he's another gnome. Best not to correct him. Otherwise we'll end up on the half a ling vs. whole ling debate again. Yep, we'll just let that one slide," he thinks.

"So are you trying to get him somewhere safe then?" he asks.

[Mando Knight]

"We could take him to Rex's place. Tell him he's willing to cooperate in return for protection."

[Nai_Calus]

"I concur. It seems like the most reasonable option." He turns to the halfling. "That way we can try to help you, and try to take down the people who dragged you into this mess."

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick lets out a snort. "A reasonable option perhaps, though from the sounds of things not a particularly reasonable man we're sending him to. Didn't he say some members of his own household killed themselves rather than be questioned. Oh well, if he is willing to answer Rex's questions he'll probably be better off there than out here on the streets."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

"It sounds good to me," Lucan says.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Lambert pauses to think it over. "Well...if you can promise my protection, I guess..." His musings are suddenly cut off by a second voice

"I'm afraid we can't let you do that." A second halfling apears in a doorway. Aramil recognizes him as the halfling he spoke to in the bar earlier. "Just send him along with us, and there won't be any trouble." He gives a whistle, and a number of creatures step out of nearby doorways and alleys, mostly human, although it looks like a half-orc or two might have joined. They all appear armed.

[Mando Knight]

"I'm sorry, but I believe you are the ones who should leave."

Aramil holds out his hand, and his sword flies out of its scabbard and into his hand.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan unlimbers his bow, and says, "If you leave now, you may live. I suspect you've already seen how good a shot I am. My companions are just as skilled." He scans the shadows for anyone they may have missed.


[roll0]
[roll1]

[Hzurr]

DM Post

A few of the humans look at each other worriedly, but a grin spreads across the halfling's face. "Get 'Em"

OOC:
So, I think the plan will be rather than have each person roll initiative individually, we'll have to PCs act in order of initiative (assumed taking 10), and then the enemies act in order of initiative. This should help with some of the odd delays that tend to happen in PbP combat. I'll post a map later this evening. Feel free to discuss strategy in the OOC Thread. Sound ok?

[Hzurr]

DM POST

Battle Overview:

You find yourself at a T-intersection in the middle of town. There are two buildings on the East side of the square that the enemies have stepped out of. The one to the north appears to be a private residence, while the one further south looks to be some sort of pottery shop. A set of stairs leads up to the roof where a number of pots are set out on display.

To the Northwest: a square, yellow tent serves as shade for a pair of farmers selling various fruit. Next to it, a small shrine to Melora stands, with an outstretched bowl to accept coppers for the poor. To the southwest, a brightly colored purple and white tent stands (typically the colors of those in the winery business).

Three of the humans appear to be little more than common thugs (M1, N5, L14), but one clearly moves with the grace and speed of a warrior (J15). The halfling, Patsy, brandishes a sword as he steps out of the doorway (M4), and in the alley a huge half-orc hefts his greataxe with a grin (N8). On the rooftop, halfway hiding behind some pots, a second half-orc stares at you with a grim look, her staff and robes hinting that she casts some sort of magic (O12). In addition, Lucan spies an additional human lurking far to the south next to a donkey, a wand in his hand (N16)

Lambert wastes no time in scrambling into the fruit tent to hide. The farmers in the tent see what's about to transpire, and quickly join him in hiding.

The Map
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/6465/townmapfinallowres.png

Slightly higher-res version: http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/1730/townmapfinalhires.png

Token Key
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/3886/pctokens1.png

Initiative:
PC
Eltain (H8)
Shepherd (I7)
Lucan (H5)
Aramil (H11)
Pavrick (F9)

Enemies
Patsy (M4)
Half-Orc Warrior (N8)
Human Warrior (J15)
Half-Orc Caster (O12)
Human Thugs (M1, N5, L14)
Human Mage (N16)

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Lucan immediately targets Patsy as the most dangerous enemy on the field. He looses an arrow with a quick verse of haunting song, and as he feels the magic thrum through the arrow, the future is clear in his mind's eye. Even as the arrow strikes home, he sees that future change.


Standard
Attack Patsy with Prophesied Strike
[roll0]
[roll1]
If it hits (and it probably does), the next person to attack Patsy rolls attack twice and uses either (so use something big, if possible--your to hit chance just went up considerably).

[Haberdashery]

As the situation spins into ugliness, a strange phrase pops up into Shep's head, spoken by a voice he has never heard before.

"When the going gets tough, somebody hold my rodent!"

Shep scratches his chin, what a funny thing to say. He doesn't have a rodent, why, he has a dog. And it would be the very opposite, when the going gets tough, somebody call my dog. Shep shrugs, it isn't the strangest thing that's happened today. He puts his forefinger and thumb into his mouth and blows, creating an ear-shattering whistle that echoes through the marketplace.

One of the baskets of fruit in the nearby shade of the overhanging tent begins to rumble. A few apples bounce loose as the contents of the basket turn turbulent and they roll down the avenue. With a sudden and triumphant burst, the basket explodes into a shower of red-golden fruit as a great shaggy black dog bursts from inside. It soars into the air, the sun catching its shiny black fur, its white underbelly a little ruffled but no worse for wear. It lands on white paws, like little doggie-socks, and bounds jubilantly over to the Shepherd. Upon reaching its master it sits on its haunches, panting, and licks Shep's hand.

Shep stares down at his faithful pet with pursed lips.

"How did you get in there?"

[Haberdashery]

Shep sets his eyes on Patsy, sizing him up. For all he knows, there is another halfling waiting right around the corner to combine with him, and then they'd have a Wholeling on their hands. He shudders at the thought.

He whistles again to his sheep dog, and points to Patsy. With a small yip, they both take off towards him on light feet. A chill frost begins to form over the blade of Shep's heavy sword as he runs, and he glares at Patsy disapprovingly, as if he were a misbehaving goat. He hefts his sword in an arcing motion as the dog flanks the halfling from the side.


Move Action
He and the sheep dog move to engage Patsy.
Minor Action
Declaring Hunter's Quarry on Patsy
Free Action
Activating the daily power on Shep's Frost Bastard Sword +1
Standard Action
Attack Patsy with Paired Predators
Shep's Attack Roll #1 vs AC: ; Shep's Attack Roll #2 (Due to Lucan's attack) vs AC: [roll1]
Shep's Damage: [roll2] plus [roll3] Hunter's Quarry damage plus [roll4] cold damage.
Dog's Attack Roll #1 vs AC: [roll5]; Dog's Attack Roll #2 (Provided, since they're both attacking on the same power he can reroll too, if not, discount this roll) vs AC: [roll]1d20+7
Dog's Damage [roll6]
If Shep's attack hits, Patsy is also slowed until the end of Shep's next turn.

[Haberdashery]

(Sorry, didn't seem to roll that second attack for the dog. Lemme repost that.)


Second Attack Roll for Dog [roll0]

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Seeing that Shep's dog seems to be struggling, Lucan nocks another arrow, ready to back him up with a keening eldritch note.


OOC: If Shep hits but his dog misses, Lucan does the following as an immediate interrupt:
Attack Patsy with Rhyme of the Blood-seeking blade
[roll0]
[roll1]
If hits, Patsy takes a -5 to all defenses for Shep's dog's attack

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain swears, wishes that his upbringing would have allowed him to be a proper Bard or a Swordmage rather than a Paladin, and decides that the best place for him at the moment would be where he's less of a liability and where he can at least attempt to protect the innocent and not-quite-innocent-but-likely-to-soon-be-in-need-of-protection-anyway should it come to that. He darts away from battle and towards the tent where Lambert is hiding.

"Forgive me, father, for this cowardice..."


Move to D4 for the time being, draw my sword and get ready to attack should I need to.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick quickly assesses the situation, glancing around the battle field. "Oh, shi..." he squeaks. In the blink of an eye, he has a small orb in his hand, and he steps toward the enemy. With a few quick gestures and an arcane word or two, he sends two rays shooting toward what he believes to be the strongest fighters on the battlefield. The rays leave a faint blue-white trail along the ground which quickly disapates.


Minor Action: Ready orb.
Move Action: Shift to G9.
Standard Action: Icy Rays on the Half-Orc Warrior in N8 and Human Warrior in J15.
Attack on Half Orc [roll0] vs. Reflex
Cold Damage on Half Orc [roll1]
Attack on Human [roll2] vs. Reflex
Cold Damage on Human [roll3]
Any target I hit is immobilized until the end of my next turn.

I'm pretty new to 4e too, so please let me know if I make a mistake so I can either correct it or learn from it.

[Mando Knight]

"Do not fear for your honor, Eltain. I shall attempt to fight enough for the both of us." Then Aramil disappears. And reappears next to the Human mage, whirling his blade. "Tut, tut. 't'isn't polite to surround adventurers." Pointing backwards at a thug, he shouts out "Now, don't you do anything rash." as a small spell-circle surrounds the thug. Finally, still a blur of motion, he lashes out like lightning at the human mage, disappearing yet again as a bladed bolt strikes at the mage on the roof with Aramil behind it.
Hells yeah, I can make three attacks in one turn without spending an Action point. Just watch.

Move: Fey Step adjacent to the Human mage, basic attack (Eladrin Swordmage Advance)
[roll0]
[roll1]

Minor: Aegis of Assault on the Human Thug.

Standard: Dual Lightning Strike:
Attack vs Human Mage, [roll2]
On hit: [roll3] (Critical, 15. See OOC), target is marked until the end of Aramil's next turn.
Effect: Teleport to N11, another attack, this time on the half-orc.
[roll4]
On hit: [roll5], target is marked until the end of Aramil's next turn.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Halfling gives a grunt as Lucan's arrow strikes his arm, but is able to gather his wits about him quickly enough to dodge Shep's sword, and uses his thick armor to turn aside the teeth of the Shep's dog. He follows it up with an attack against Shepard, drawing blood from the large creature, but challenging him to attack again. (11 damage to Shep, and he's marked) He barks a quick order to the two thugs to move into position, and to keep an eye out for the archer.

The Half-Orc gives a snicker at the Shep's misfortune, and sets his eyes first on Lambert, then on the Paladin that guards him. The icy bolt from Pavrick stings, but he ignores the pain and begins to move towards Eltain, only to discover his feat frozen to the ground. He gives a howl of frustration, and glares at the Paladin protecting his target. "You're mine."

The Human Warrior, also finding his feet frozen to the ground, touches the top of his boots which give a quick glow, and springs forward free of the ice to attack the gnome with a wicked mace (6 damage), sending the Pavrick's head spinning in pain. (dazed til the end of his next turn)

The half-orc on the building quickly raises a magical shield of force between herself and the eladrin's attack, shifts backwards, and blasts him with a bolt of lightning from her staff, giving both his body, and his mind a jolt (7 damage, dazed - save ends)

The two human thugs on the north side of the courtyard cautiously move around Shep and his dog, to a position flanking Shep, one of their flail hitting the Goliath squarely, the other bouncing harmlessly off his armor (4 damage) The third thug gives chase to the swordmage, and darts up to the roof.

The Human mage grimaces at the wounds Aramil gave him, blood spurting out from a serious wound in his arm. He curses as the eladrin teleports away, and is about to give chase, but spotting the open archer, he quickly moves up to gain cover from the corner of the building, and shoots a glob of blackness at the half-elf. Lucan feels a wave of darkness start to settle over him and cloud his vision, but he is able to shake it off.

Updated Map:
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6610/townmapround2.png


Attack rolls and damage:

(12)Patsy - Attack vs. Shep's AC: [roll0] damage: [roll1], and Shep is Marked
(8)Half-Orc Warrior (N8) - immobilized
(14)Human Warrior (G10) - Attack vs. Pavrick's AC: [roll2] damage: [roll3] and Pavrick is dazed til the end of his next turn)
Half-Orc Caster (P12) Attack vs. Aramil's Fort: [roll4] damage: [roll5] lightning damage, and Aramil is dazed (save ends)
Thug #1 (M3) Attack vs. Shep's AC [roll6] (+2 for flanking) 4 damage
Thug #2 (K5) Attack vs. Shep's AC [roll7] (+2 for flanking) 4 damage
Thug #3 (moves to (O10))
(23 - bloodied)Human Mage (M14) Attack vs. Lucan's Fort: [roll8] damage: [roll9] Lucan is blinded (save ends)


Init for round 2:

PC
Eltain
Lucan
Shepherd 15 damage total - marked by Patsy
Aramil 7 damage total - dazed: save ends
Pavrick 6 damage total - dazed

Enemies
Patsy
Half-Orc Warrior
Human Warrior
Half-Orc Caster
Human Thugs
Human Mage bloodied

[Mando Knight]

Aramil drags himself forward despite the heavy lightning bolt. "Nice... shot. Pity the world will... lose such talent."

Struggling against the threatened paralysis, he lashes back with more lightning of his own. "This seems to be shaping up to be an electrifying experience."
Shift. Action Point. Lightning Clash.
[roll0]
[roll1], and secondary attack.

Secondary attack: on that poor human mage. It's just not his day.
[roll2]
[roll3]

[roll4]
HP 34/41
AC 21
Fort/Ref/Will 14/16/16

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger

Seeing that things are not going as well as he had hoped, Lucan attempts to salvage the situation. First, he fires two arrows, one each at the thugs assaulting Shep. He follows that up by singing a few notes of encouraging song to Shep, granting him healing and moving him to a more advantageous position.

Finally, his hands blur as he fires yet another arrow at the mage who's been giving him so much trouble, whispering a song of ill luck as he does.



Standard
Use Twin Strike to attack both thugs
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

Minor
Use Majestic Word on Shep, so he regains his surge value + 4 hp, and slides one square to M5 (unless he'd prefer another square)

Action point
Standard
Use Jinx shot on Human Mage
[roll4]
[roll5]
If hit, the next time he attacks and misses before the end of my next turn, he falls prone

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd ponders a moment, examining his frontal wound, and his side wound, and scratches his chin with his free hand. He speaks the obvious with a pensive quality.

"Ow."

He grits his teeth, and his skin seems to take on an appearance far more similar to a slab of rock than before. He whistles to his dog, while hefting his sword again,

"Away to me Dog."

Snarling, the sheep dog circles around as Shepherd swings to bite from behind.


Minor Action: Stone's Endurance

Standard Action: Distracting Team

Attack vs AC: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] plus Hunter's Quarry [roll2]. Since the Frost weapon property is only useable if the strike hits, Shep can use it this round if his attack hits. If it does, [roll3] cold damage and Patsy is slowed until the end of Shep's turn.

The dog then circles around to the other side of Patsy (N4) to flank him and bite.
Attack vs. AC: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5] and Patsy is knocked prone if he hits.

If either Shep or the dog miss, it's half damage.

Move Action: Shep shifts one square to K3.


EDIT: Since Shep clearly missed, I would like the dog to use the Hunter's Quarry damage I rolled instead of Shep.

EDIT EDIT: Okay, didn't see Lucan's action there since we posted relatively the same time. Shep will regain 12 hit points and shift to M5 to make his attack, and the dog will shift to M3 for his movement due to Distracting Team. If the thug in M3 does not drop from Lucan's attack, the dog won't shift, and will just attack Patsy from his spot, which means his attack roll is 2 less, and his damage roll is 2 less. After which, for his move action, Shep will shift to L6, and the dog will shift to L2.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Option 1
Pavick blinks out of sight. His head felt like it was swimming from the force of the blow, and he felt he had little choice but to go on the defense. He stepped back away from the source of the blow and shook his head, trying to clear his mind.


Immediate Reaction: Fade Away
Move Action: Shift to F8





Option 2
Pavick's mind is so muddled by the attack that he felt unable to fight effectively. The only thing he could think to do was hold the enemy back for a little longer. He mustered all of his concentration and focused it through his orb, re-freezing the frost around the half-orc's feet.


Minor Action: Use Orb of Inevitable Continuance to maintain the immobilization on the half-orc.

[Hzurr]

@Haberdashery
OOC: The Halfling is going to use his "second chance" racial power. Re-roll the sheep dog's attack.

[Haberdashery]

OOC: Ah crud.


[roll0]


Edit: Whew!

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain - HP 39/39
13/14/16/17

Eltain glares at the half-orc and prepares himself for the assault, bringing his sword up in a defensive action.


Total defense for now, you probably saw that coming.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Halfling turns aside Shep's blade, but is not able to escape completely unscathed. He is caught completely unaware, however, by Shep's Sheep Dog, who takes a nasty bite out of his leg, causing him to drop to the ground. He stands, curses at the out-of-reach Shep, and turns his wrath instead at the archer who gave him the worst of his wounds and nearly killed both of his allies. With a wild cry, he charges Lucan, bolstering himself as he swings. (9 damage, Lucan is marked)

The human warrior gives a wicked grin as he sees the poor gnome still spinning from his previous attack, and follows it up with a wicked blow to the gnome's kidney. (8 damage)

The thugs fair well this turn, with Lucan's arrow barely deflected by their armor. You expect that without the halfling there to guide them, their defenses against the archer will be much more lax. The thug further north takes a swing against the dog, whereas the thug to the south goes after Shep, shifting closer to the halfling after the attack. His attack hits the goliath, but is unable to penetrate the Shepherd's thick skin(4 damage to the Dog)

The third thug moves into position behind the swordmage, and tries to take advantage of the flank to attack Aramil. (4 damage)

The Human mage, after jumping out of the way to avoid the lightning bolt from Aramil, winces to find an arrow protruding from his calf. Again, he summons a ball of blackness to hurl at the archer, then quickly ducks back behind the building to avoid any more arrows. The Blackness wraps around Lucan's face, draining his energy and causing his vision to go black (7 damage - Lucan is blinded (save ends))

The Half-orc on the ground is near exploding with rage as he finds his legs still frozen to the ground. He turns his fury from the paladin to the gnome. Reaching over to the stairway next to him, he rips out a piece of the support railing, and hurls it at the impudent wizard, catching him squarely in the head (9 damage)

The caster on the roof stays next to the swordmage for just long enough to distract him for the human on the other side, takes a swing with her staff, but misses then attempts to run and jump to the next rooftop, giving Aramil an opening for an attack as she turns to run, getting hit in passing by the quick swordmage. The attack proves too much for her, and the deep gash Amaril put in her side throws off her jump, just barely allowing her to grab onto the roof of the building, leaving her vulnerable as she tries to scramble up. (She grants combat advantage)



Eltain (D4)
Lucan (H5) 16 damage total, Blinded (save ends)
Shepherd (L6) (3 damage total) [Dog - (L2)(4 damage)]
Aramil (O11) (11 damage total)
Pavrick (G9) (23 damage total - bloodied)

Enemies
(22) Patsy (I4)
(8) Half-Orc Warrior (N8)
(14) Human Warrior (G10)
Human Thugs (M2), (J5), (N11)
(30 - bloodied) Human Mage (N14)
(21 - bloodied) Half-Orc Caster (P6)


Enemies Attack Rolls:


(22) Patsy Attack vs. Lucan's AC: Damage [roll1] - Patsy Heals 3

(8) Half-Orc Warrior Attack vs. Pavrick's AC [roll2] damage [roll3]

(14) Human Warrior Attack vs. Pavrick's AC [roll4] Damage [roll5] + sneak attack [1d6] (messed up the roll. We'll say it was 3)
Human Thugs
- Attack vs. Dog's AC [roll6] 4 damage
- Attack vs. Shep's AC [roll7] 4 damage (absorbed by Stone's Endurance)
- Attack vs. Aramil's AC [roll8] 4 damage
(30 - bloodied) Human Mage Attack vs. Lucan's Fort [roll9] Damage [roll] 1d8+3 (messed up the roll, we'll say it was 4+3)
(21 - bloodied) Half-Orc Caster lightning storm recharge[roll10] Attack vs. Aramil's AC [roll11] Damage [roll12]
Athletics Check [roll13]
Updated Map


http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/9290/townmapround3.png

-Edit - added in damage from Aramil's opportunity attack

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - HP 35/38
AC 16, Fort 17, Ref 15, Will 15

Shepherd is torn, his new ally assaulted by not one, but two foes, and his dear companion cornered by another brute. Quick thinking not his strong suit, he acts on impulse. His dog is a tough sort. He yanks a heavy headed axe from his belt, and catches it lightly in the palm of his hand. He tests his grip before letting it fly at the thug before him; as soon as he is sure it is going in the right direction, he barrels towards the halfling, his sword held in both hands.


Minor Action: Draws a handaxe.

Standard Action: Throw and Stab

Shep throws the handaxe at the thug on J5
Attack vs. AC [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Shep then charges Patsy, ending his charge in J4
Charge Attack vs. AC: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3] plus Hunter's Quarry [roll4]

Move Action: The sheep dog bounds after Shep, ending his movement in J3

[Mando Knight]

Addendum to previous turn: I'd forgotten to add this... since that's a hit on the Half-Orc, I'd like to pop on the sword's free-action encounter power. She's marked, save ends.

Aramil slashes at the half-orc as she runs away. "And we were just getting to know each other!" Remembering the pest at his side, he sweeps his blade again and walks over to the edge of the building. "Hey, big guy! How about you come up and fight?"
Attack of painful opportunity!
[roll0]
[roll1]

Standard: Sword Burst.
[roll2]
[roll3]

Move: Shift 1 north

Minor: Aegis of Assault on the Half-Orc Warrior.
HP 30/40
AC 21
Fort/Ref/Will 14/16/16

[Hzurr]

OOC: Aramil, the results of your Opportunity Attack have been added to the previous post.

[Nai_Calus]

derp a derp.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf Bard/MC ranger
HP 20/36 AC 18 Fort 14 Ref 14 Will 17

Being unable to see is not fun, Lucan decides after his first second of it. He can't see his opponent, he doesn't know what hit him. He takes a step back from his attacker and tries to catch his breath.


Move
Shift back to G5

Standard
Use second wind
+9 hp, +2 to all defenses

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger


Forgot the save
[roll0]

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain - HP 39/39
13/14/16/17

"Corellon, protect us all and guide my hand," Eltain prays fervently as he rushes forward to Lucan's side and swings mightily at Patsy.


Move to H4
Righteous Smite on Patsy:
[roll0] vs AC
[roll1] damage and allies in 5 squares of me and me get 7 temp HP if it hits.
Divine Mettle on Lucan, he can make a saving throw with a +4 bonus.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard
HP 14/30
AC 17, Fort 15, Reflex 18, Will 19

*All numbers take into account his second wind.

Pavick backpeddles as defensively as he can away from his opponent. He refocuses his mind and in doing so manages to shrug off some of the pain from earlier wounds.


Move: Shift to F8
Standard: Use second wind
If an enemy attacks Pavick and it appears that it will be a hit, but just by a little, he'll use his Shield spell to deflect the blow. If he is hit by more than a narrow margin he'll use his Fade Away power instead (assuming he's still up at that point.)

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf Bard/MC ranger
HP 29/36 AC 20 Fort 16 Ref 16 Will 19
* Includes second wind numbers

Divine magic gives Lucan a second chance to shake off the unnatural darkness. His sight clears, and he now has an excellent view of the half ling who's trying to skewer him. It is a terrifying sight to have such a tiny figure aiming a dagger at you, especially considering the level at which he's holding his dagger.


[roll0]

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf Bard/MC ranger
HP 29/36 AC 20 Fort 16 Ref 16 Will 19
* Includes second wind numbers

When Shep charges, Lucan sees that he's going to miss, so he fires a distracting shot at the halfling. The arrow unleashes a high, keening note as it flies. Unfortunately, it goes wide.


Dang, that's a lot of posts for Lucan, but he just got his sight back.
Immediate Interrupt with Rhyme of the Blood-Seeking blade
[roll0]
[roll1]
If it hits, Patsy takes -5 to all defenses

[Hzurr]

Eltain's sword bites deep into the halfling's side, causing blood to pour out and giving a burst of divine protection around Shep, lucan, and Eltain.

Shep's handaxe buries itself up to the hilt in the thug's face, and he drops, twitching. His charge against the halfling, comes very close to piercing the thick leather armor Patsy is wearing, but even with Eltain distracting the halfling, the Shepherd's attack doesn't find flesh.

Aramil's attack goes wild, and the Thug is able to avoid it with ease, but after seeing the deep cut the mage received, he plants his feet firmly, and doesn't risk moving to a more advantageous position.

Patsy, despite his wounds gives a fierce attack, and jabs Eltain swiftly, giving him a long gash along the thigh. "Come on, pointy, let's see you try that again!" He taunts, laughing at the Paladin in spite of the blood beginning to pool around his boots. (10 damage to Eltain, and marked)

The Half-Orc gives a roar of triumph as it breaks free of the ice around his feet, and quickly turns up to glare at the arrogant eladrin. "You asked for me?" He asks with a toothy grin, and brings his axe hard into the Eladrin's armor, punching through it just enough to draw blood. (11 damage)

The Warrior chasing after the gnome, however, has no such luck. He swings his mace with ease, but seems surprised as the quickly recovering gnome ducks under it.

The two thugs both move quickly, the one next to Shep bringing his flail into the Goliath's back, while the other on the rooftop takes advantage of the half-orc's attack to bring his flail hard against Aramil's kneecap. (4 damage to Shep and Aramil (Shep's absorbed by Temp HP))

The Human mage grimaces at the sight of Shep's handaxe dropping his ally, and creates yet another blob of the sticky darkness, and shoots it off at the Goliath, plunging Shep into darkness (9 Necrotic Damage, and blinded - save ends - 3 damage absorbed by temp HP)

The half-orc mage manages to pull herself up onto the rooftop, and quickly surveys the situation. Seeing both her own deep wounds, as well as the fallen thug and the heavily wounded Patsy, calls out "Ignore these fools, concentrate on Lambert and get out of here!" She points her staff at Lucan, the closest creature to the tent at the moment, and sends a hail of ice down on the half-elf's head. (6 cold damage, and slowed - save ends - absorbed by temp HP)

Enemy attacks:

Patsy vs. Eltain's AC: [roll0] Damage: [roll1] and Eltain is marked.

Half-Orc vs. Aramil's AC: [roll2] Damage: [roll3]

Human Warrior vs. Pavrick's AC [roll4] Damage: [roll5]

Human Thugs:
Attack vs. Shep's AC: [roll6]
Attack vs. Aramil's AC: [roll7]

Human Mage:
Attack vs. Shep's Fort[roll8] Damage [roll9] necrotic + blinded (save ends)

Half-Orc Mage: Attack vs. Lucan's Reflex [roll10] Damage [roll11] cold damage and slowed (save ends)



Eltain (D4)
Lucan (H5) (7 damage total - slowed (save ends) +1 TempHP)
Shepherd (L6) (9 damage total - blinded (save ends)) [Dog - (L2)(4 damage)]
Aramil (O11) (26 damage total - bloodied)
Pavrick (G9) (16 damage total - bloodied + 7 TempHP)

(42 - bloodied) Patsy (I4)
(8) Half-Orc Warrior (N9)
(14) Human Warrior (G10)
Human Thugs (K4), (N11)
(30 - bloodied) Human Mage (N14)
(21 - bloodied) Half-Orc Caster (O5)

Map

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/5561/townmapround4.png

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger
HP 29/36 + 1 temp hp AC 18 Fort 14 Ref 14 Will 17


Lucan calls out, "Aramil, get closer and I can help you!" He waits for Aramil to respond, then moves closer to his ally and lifts his voice in a song of healing, sliding him to a more advantageous position. He then takes aim at the troubling mage, and tries to put him out of commission. Finally, he manages to shake off the shill the half-orc had shrouded him with.


Delay until Aramil moves. If he shifts to N10, I can heal him, and then slide him back so he's not being flanked.

Move
Move to I7

Minor
If he's in range, use Majestic Word, heal Aramil surge value + 4 hp, and slide him back to where he was

Standard
Attack Human Mage w/Jinx shot
[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]

If I'm reading this correctly, Lucan only took 6 damage this turn, which isn't enough to get all the way through the temp hp Eltain gave us.

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - HP 29/38 (due to the 7 temporary hit points being removed first)
AC 16, Fort 17, Ref 15, Will 15

Great Goat in the Sky, everything is all black! How very curious. Truly, Shep would prefer a moment to ponder this very strange situation. However, he has no such moment, and blindly fumbles for another axe at his belt. With his best effort, Shep tries to remember where his foes were before this curious case of blackness befell him.



Minor Action: Draws a second handaxe.

Move Action: The dog moves to flank at L4.

Standard Action: Twin Strike on Patsy and the adjacent thug (with appropriate -5 on the attack roll for attacking while blind).

Attack vs. AC against Patsy: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] plus Hunter's Quarry [roll2]

Attack vs. AC against Thug: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

Saving Throw: [roll5]


EDIT: For some reason, I had a momentary stupid fit, and rolled a second attack with my bastard sword. The thug attack should have been with the handaxe, which has 2 less points to attack and is only 1d6 damage. Meaning that attack roll is really 11, rather than 13, and at that point the damage roll means nothing. Also, I forgot to factor in the fact that Shep's bastard sword is magical, meaning the attack roll is a 21, rather than 20, and the damage roll is 10, rather than 9.

[Nai_Calus]

"Don't let them get to Lambert!" Eltain shouts as he moves to attack.

Schrodinger's Post:


If (Shep's attack hits and patsy is still alive OR Shep's attack misses him) { Eltain attacks him with Ardent Smite;

} Else {
Eltain moves to G8 and attacks the human warrior, also with Ardent Smite;
}

[roll0] vs AC
[roll1] and if it hits he's subject to my Divine Sanction until the end of my next turn.

Not that it *matters*... :smallsigh:

Divine Challenge on whoever isn't dead.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard
HP (14+7)/30
AC 15, Fort 13, Reflex 16, Will 17

Pavick steps back from the warrior that he narrowly dodged just seconds before. "Ah-ha! A leader, perhaps if we take her down it will cause some trouble," Pavick thinks. He waves his orb in a comblicated pattern and another ray of cold leaps toward the half orc caster, this one is significantly weaker than the last had been, however.

He also pulls the dagger from his belt, just in case someone tries to rush past him.


Move: Shift to E7
Standard: Use Ray of Frost on the Half-Orc Caster. Attack [roll0] vs Fort, Cold Damage [roll1] and target is slowed until the end of my next turn.
Minor: Draw dagger

[Mando Knight]

Aramil slips into position, then redirects the sliding power of Lucan's song to his own ends. Finally, he swings his blade in an arc, hoping to catch both foes in one strike.

Move: Shift to N10.
Redirect Lucan's slide: M10, rather than O10. O10 is a tactically inferior position.

Standard: Sword Burst on Thug and Thug+, both attacks vs Reflex
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

HP 28/40
AC 21
Fort/Ref/Will 14/16/16

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger
HP 29/36 + 1 temp hp AC 18 Fort 14 Ref 14 Will 17

Lucan, of course, slides Aramil to wherever he wants to go.

[Hzurr]

DM POST

This round quickly turns the table in your favor. Despite his blindness, Shep's swing meets flesh, and Patsy falls with a cry. The thug is able to easily dodge the wild swing, but gulps audibly as he sees his leader fall.

Nearly simultaneously, the twang from Lucan's bow sounds, and the human mage skulking to the south who cast the orbs of darkness falls with a cry, a brightly fletched arrow protruding from his chest.

Eltain quickly moves to the human warrior attacking Pavrick, but the swing goes wide, and the human ducks out of the way easily, but still feels the divine compelling to attack the paladin.

Aramil has mixed luck: The human thug's armor protects him from the flashing blade, but the half-orc is not so lucky, and the blade bites deep.

Pavrick's shot at the mage hits her, but she braces herself against the blast of cold, and seems unaffected.

The caster, upon seeing both the halfling and her fellow mage fall, barks out orders. "Ignore him, get rid of those others guarding Lambert!" she shouts at the half-orc warrior. Recognizing her vulnerability on the top of the roof, she runs north and hops down on the far side of the building. The small shrine obscures her view of those in the tent, so she turns her wrath towards Shepherd. Blue shards of ice burst forth from her staff, catching the Goliath in the chest.(6 damage and slowed - save ends)

The Warrior gives a look promising death towards Aramil, but follows orders and charges down the staircase towards Eltain
OOC: Aramil, you can make an opportunity attack
With a roar, the Half-Orc puts all of his rage and fury into the attack as he swings his axe towards the Paladin, cutting deeply(16 damage)

The Human Warrior slides closer to Pavrick, but rather than risk the wrath of divine punishment, he also attacks Eltain, taking advantage of the half-orc's flank.(8 damage)

The two thugs, now both alone and vs. superior opponents, still show some measure of bravery, and launch themselves into attacks against Shep and Aramil, but only the attack against Shep is successful (4 damage)


Half-Orc caster. Attack vs. Shep's Reflex [roll0] Damage: [roll1] cold damage - slowed (save ends)
Half-Orc Warrior Attack vs. Eltain's AC [roll2] Damage: [roll3]+[roll4]
Human Warrior Attack vs. Eltain's AC [roll5] Damage: [roll6]+[roll7]
Human Thugs
- vs. Aramil's AC [roll8]
- vs. Shep's AC [roll9] (4 damage)


Eltain (D4) (24 damage total - bloodied)
Shepherd (L6) (19 damage total - bloodied - slowed(save ends)) [Dog - (L2)(4 damage)]
Aramil (O11) (12 damage total)
Pavrick (G9) (16 damage total - bloodied + 7 TempHP)
Lucan (H5) (7 damage total +1 TempHP)


(21 - bloodied) Half-Orc Caster (O1)
(19) Half-Orc Warrior (H8)
(14) Human Warrior (F8)
Human Thugs (K4), (N11)
MAP
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/4097/townmapround5.png

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - HP 19/38
AC 16, Fort 17, Ref 15, Will 15

As the blackness clears, Shep blinks his eyes and rubs them with the back of his hand. He gazes very slowly at the blade in his hand which runs red and dripping with the blood of the little man. His gaze then very slowly moves downwards to the little crumpled figure of the halfling at his feet. The look on Shep's face easily says the following, very audibly. "....huh."

This of course is all disrupted by the sudden icy chill in his veins and the collating ice freezing about his ankles. With a frown, he stares at the half-orc. He sighs in his gravely voice, and rolls his great shoulders. As the thug brings his sword down on Shep's back, he leaps into action. Even despite the frost nipping at his toes, his strides are determined.


Immediate Reaction: Using Yield Ground as the Thug hits Shep, he shifts to L2.

Standard Action Charges the Half-Orc at O1
Attack vs. AC: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Minor Action: Offhand Strike against the Half-Orc
Attack vs. AC: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Move Action: If the Half-Orc does not drop from these attacks, Shep retreats 2 squares to L1, and spends an Action Point to gain another Standard Action.

Standard Action: Thow and Stab. Shep throws his handaxe at the Thug, and charges the half-orc again with his sword held in two hands.
Attack vs. AC against Thug at K4: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Action Point: If the Half-Orc does not drop from his first attack, Shep spends an Action Point to gain a Standard action, and makes a basic attack against the Half-Orc. If the Half-Orc does drop, he instead uses the Standard action to make a charge attack against the Thug at K4.
Attack vs. AC: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Saving Throw: [roll8]


Edit: The result for the attack roll against the Half-Orc is one less, and the damage roll is also one less.

Edit Edit: If the Half-Orc goes down from Shep's first strike, he'll still spend the action point, but instead uses the standard action to charge the thug at K4. And if possible, still using the attack roll here I've already rolled.

[Hzurr]

OOC: Haberdashery, unfortunately, if you make a charge attack, you aren't allowed to take an additional action after it (unless you use an action point), so your plan of shift - charge - minor -move - AP won't work.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard/MC ranger
HP 29/36 + 1 temp hp AC 18 Fort 14 Ref 14 Will 17

When the half-orc attacks Eltain, Lucan has a sudden flash of insight, and time slows as he nocks and shoots his arrow. If the arrow hits, it slows the half-orc, giving Eltain a precious moment in which to attack.



Immediate Interrupt when the half-orc attacks Eltain
Use Daily: Arrow of Warning on half-orc
[roll0]
[roll1]
If hits, Eltain can make a free action at-will attack v the half-orc, with a +2 attack bonus.
Half damage on miss.

As it's on the half-orc's turn, I don't think he can take an opportunity attack

I'll wait to see what effect the Imm Int has before making my normal round actions.

[Haberdashery]

OOC: Ah, did not know that. My bad. In which case, then Shep will just make a basic attack on that action point then and forget the minor action attack. Would you rather I reroll completely, or just take 1 point off the charge attack and damage for the roll against the Half-Orc?

[Hzurr]

OOC: Ah, did not know that. My bad. In which case, then Shep will just make a basic attack on that action point then and forget the minor action attack. Would you rather I reroll completely, or just take 1 point off the charge attack and damage for the roll against the Half-Orc?

You can use your existing roll, if you'd like. The boards give weird flags if you remove roll data, so just use strikethrough to hide all of the stuff that doesn't matter any more. (Strikethrough looks like this and uses {S}{/S} tags, but with [] instead of {})

[Haberdashery]

OOC: Gotcha, thanks.

[Mando Knight]

"Oh, no you don't!"
Aramil thrusts his sword downward as the warrior runs off. Then he disappears as the warrior lifts his sword.
"You're not getting away from me." Aramil reappears behind the warrior and continues his barrage.
Do not ignore a Defender's mark, for it hurts you and he will destroy you for your insolence.

OA: [roll0]
[roll1]

Immediate Reaction: Aegis of Assault: Teleport to flank, attack.
[roll2]
[roll3]

Turn: Booming Blade.
EDIT: We probably dropped the half-orc. If so, use Dimensional Warp to swap places with Pavick, and use Booming Blade on the remaining Warrior.
[roll4]
[roll5]
If the warrior moves, he eats [roll6] thunder damage.

[Nai_Calus]

Rolling for the granted attack, using Virtuous Strike because I can, waiting for results of stuff before I do my normal actions:

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Hzurr]

DM POST

OOC: Hmm...ok, this round is going to be a bit weird, because it more or less will take place at the end of the previous round, but before the next round starts:

As the half-orc moves away from the Eladrin, Aramil is able to make another quick strike, cutting into the Half-Orc's arm. As the half-orc runs past Lucan, the archer's arrow sinks deep into his side, sending a stream of blood onto the ground below the half-orc, who barely has time to re-act before feeling Eltain's blade sink into his stomache. His momentum still carries him forward, and he brings his axe down onto the half-eladrin, only to give another yell of pain as he finds the Swordmage behind him. He gives one last yell of rage as he swings his axe around him, before falling on the ground with a crash. (6 damage to Lucan, Eltain, and Aramil)

Immidiate Reaction as he drops:

Attack vs. Eltain's AC: [roll0]
Attack vs. Aramil's AC: [roll1]
Attack vs. Lucan's AC: [roll2]

Damage: [roll3]


OOC:
So, in this round, we still need Lucan, Pavrick, and Eltain's actions now that the Half-Orc Warrior is dead. Eltain still takes the damage that was rolled by the half-orc last round + 6 more from this intermediate round. Aramil and Pavrick switch places on Aramil's action, so Pavrick is now at (I8)