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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Harold Betruger
Harold nods as Flare explains the ring. "Sounds useful. I think you ought to hang on to that one though, Flare."
This item taken care of, the sandy-haired minstrel turns his attention towards the towering bulwark of muscle.
"Well, I might be able to help you out there; I'm fairly good at words." Harold leans against the wall of the city and rests his elbow on one hand.
"The thing to understand is that most of us in the city are just one person; we aren't a tribe and we aren't a family. We've got factions and all that, but when push comes to shove, mostly you're on your own." he shrugs, diffidently,
"So when it comes to a conflict on the plains, probably you lot saddle up and look for your allies before riding off to war. Here, there's really only a few allies to court: the Law, those above the Law, and those who defy it. Our patron here thinks of himself as one of the Law."
Harold gestures vaguely in the direction of the city.
"So in order to get the Law on your side, you usually have to show that the person in question has broken some of the rules. In some cases, that's as easy as "this man tried to kill me" or "I heard him inciting rebellion." But we're dealing with a Magistrate, apparently. Magistrates are of the Law, but practically above it, too. So we need to prove what our patron is claiming, if it is the truth. Which means we have to investigate."
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
After some time, the party eventually becomes whole once more. When prepared, you mount your horses (those who do not have any in their inventory marvel at Titus' willingness to provide for you) and embark on your journey to Rogar's Bend.
Leaving the western gate of Porto Giedion, you note a small number of travellers heading in the opposite direction - much of them small-time merchants, bringing carts and wagons of goods to sell in the merchant's square. Most are human and elven, with a tiny fraction of dwarves. However, none of Drahlo's people are among the travellers, as there are few that come to Medici that do not reside in the cities (many seem to prefer their own land, when considering the wilderness). Few Halflings live inland as well, and none are spotted as you make your way west, away from the coast.
The day is bright and sunny, but the chill of the harbor seems to follow you relentlessly. This and the many fallen, colored leaves about the bases of the mighty trees you pass along your way herald the end of summer, and the start of autumn - a season that is connected with the beginning of the end of life, which leads to the dead winter, followed by the rebirth of spring.
Titus speaks little along the way - he mostly only signals which direction your group must take when coming to an occassional crossroads or fork. For the most part, the only noises you hear are the trotting of the horses beneath you, and the songbirds above - save for any chatter amongst yourselves, of course. Overall, it is a calm and peaceful journey...at least, so far.
After a full day of travel, you begin again early the next morning, with Titus showing little tolerance for "unnecessary delays" - be it personal grooming, or spending too much time socializing before packing up supplies to move out once more. He makes no stern remarks, but does remind any who fail to meet his standards that this task is very important, and hesitation could result in the necromantic magistrate performing only more vile acts against God and nature.
Soon, you find yourselves in a slightly wooded area, but with plenty of room to move around in. The same weather patterns persist as they did the previous day, but there is a fouler stench in the air - as if you had simply wandered beyond an invisible wall of cleanliness, and into a slightly danker and dirtier environment - perhaps, a bog may be nearby.
Before long, you stumble upon a potential source of the odor, or rather, sources. Each stands about ten feet in height with a brown-yellow skin, carrying massive clubs at their sides, and grin with wide teeth that could gnaw to the bone of a mighty dragon. They are a pair, and they stand before a tiny bridge that is certainly too small for their wide bodies to cross. The bridge is suspended over a deep gorge, with no other discernable route in sight. As you take in your surroundings, the gigantic man-like creatures make no motions of aggression, but their smell is offensive enough.
"Hi pipsqueeks." booms the brighter-looking of the two. "How you today?" The other stares menacingly at Shimar.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Harold Betruger
Harold blanches a little at the sight and smell of the two towering unclean giants, but glancing left and right quickly, he takes the initiative.
"Doing well thank you, sirs. May we cross the bridge?"
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
"Maybe." he replies. "This our bridge. We make, on our land, no less. Give good reason." His companion growls, tightening his grip on his club.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Harold Betruger
Harold taps his chin, thoughtfully. He opens his mouth to speak, but then Flare cuts in,
"Fair enough. Your land, your bridge; you say who goes over it. Very sound. Well, let me ask you; what interests two giants such as yourselves? What, in all this world, makes you happy?"
The minstrel places his hand slowly over his eyes and suppresses the urge to sigh deeply. The hatted man was clearly a skilled liar, normally, but here he'd miscalculated badly. Surely even these behemoths would see through a ruse that transparent. Harold makes a mental note, should all concerned parties survive, to have a little talk with Flare about division of labor, cooks in the kitchen, etc.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Flare
A palpable aura surrounds Flare, making him seem awesome and more dangerous though he does nothing but stand there and smile.
Spoiler
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Burn 1st level spell to use Celestial Sorcerer Aura, which is a supernatural ability, Will Save DC 15. That doesn't require any somatic or verbal components since it isn't a spell, so if they don't attack... -2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks (such as Sense Motive) for 24 hours or until one successfully strikes me.
A reason? Oh, actually Harold, I think we've got a really good reason. Flare steps forward and smiles mysteriously. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the throwing star. See this? Evil magic. Dangerous magic. We're a group of brave travelers trying to bring it to the wise wizard in the human town so he can safely destroy. If he doesn't do it in time well... anyone whose standing too close will have their souls sucked out of their very body, leaving nothing more than a burnt corpse! Uh oh, maybe you should let us past quickly before it happens to you. There's not much time you know.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Drahlo simply stares at the two giants passively, doing his best not to show offense at the smell, allowing those more eloquent to do the talking. For most of the ride, Guha had been peeking out of the satchel at his side, but upon reaching the giants, she retreats back into the bag.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
OOC:
Quote:
Uh oh, maybe you should let us past quickly before it happens to you
Yes! Favorite line yet.
IC: Len tilts her head curiously at the giants, trying not to stare. This is one of the worlds many unique peoples that she had been led to believe were myth, and seeing them in living color is quite a trip.
Having felt less talkative than usual, she was riding beside the comfortably mute Drahlo for most of the trip, and grins slightly when she sees the mouse dives back inside the half-orc's pack. If only everyone in the party knew how to pick their battles so well...
She discreetly removes one of her feet from the stirrup and slides her knee up the horse's shoulder (OOC: calm down), ready to dismount at the first sign of trouble.
Ready Action:
If (giant.situation == cluster**** )
{
dismount;
draw glaive;
}
Else
EndIf
Wow, I don't remember my C syntax at all. :smallfrown:
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
As the aura surrounds Flare, the two creatures look a bit intimidated. But, as Flare begins to speak, the one in front seems a little less unnerved. "What. That stupid. No make up stories! You think we dumb? We can smash you easy - then we see who dumb." He makes no approach, but folds his massive arms. He seems quite upset.
The other finally speaks, a bit lower than his companion. "You...false-maker! Magician - like Shaman, but deceiver! He makes eyes lie! He makes ears lie! Careful, Gok - he may be a demon!" He tugs on his fellow's shoulder, who brushes him off.
Flare hears the voice once more. Spoiler
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"Nice try, bub -but this obviously isn't working. Just toss me at them. It'll make it go by a lot quicker."
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Lucian, who dismounted at the first sign of the giants, hands his reins to Shimar, takes a half-step forward, and bows deeply.
Gentlemen, there is no need for you to dirty your fingernails or the bottoms of your feet with us.
I am Lucian. My associate was only joking with you. As if a tiny piece of metal could kill ones such as you! Ha! You are truly ridiculous, Flare. Ha, ha!
Gentlemen, Allow me to barter with you for safe passage across your fine bridge here. I would rather trade than fight a pointless battle. Here.
Lucian holds out a handfull of gold coins.
How about one gold piece for each of us?
Spoiler
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Diplomacy [roll0]
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Len nudges Harold's arm and grins quietly with a nod toward Lucian's back. "And you doubted him. If this works, you owe him an apology."
Spoiler
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And that whisper is a formal action, for all you eavesdroppers.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Flare
Flare doesn't seem to be too much attention to the events unfolding outside of his favor, instead staring curiously at the star in his hand. He rubs it with his fingers and blinks, glancing over to Lucian. Maybe not as ridiculous as you'd think, Lucian, he says calmly and quietly, before hurling the star through the air at the ogre.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Shimar
As soon as they spotted the giants, the barbarian got off the saddle. He pulls himself out, trying to look as big as he can.
He orders his dog to stay back, Whisper's irritated by the giants, and growls at the pair.
Shimar seems confused, since usually he is the giant one amongst humans, so he kinda feels the giants' presence as a personall challenge. He bends his muscles to look even more stronger, just to overcompensate for the lack of height. He tries to seems darn confident, altough he knows that a giant's strenght is not in league with the humans'.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Lucian's attempt at paying for your passage does not appease the ogre - the offer of a handful of coins seems far too little. But, before Lucian has time to consider how much more would be appropriate in the eyes of the beast, a metal star is already flying towards it.
Flare notices immediately how off his aim is - it is an awkward weapon, anwyay. The ogre, while caught off-guard, still manages to avoid being hit, and Flare witnesses the shuriken fall into the deep gorge.
Flare hears the voice, distantly, growing weaker as it continues to fall.
Spoiler
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"You idiot! You missed! Now I'm gonna...oh, bollocks..."
The ogres raise their clubs, and both let out an intimidating roar. Lucian manages to rejoin the party before he gets smacked.
Initiative Rolls and First-Round Actions, please.
Map:
Spoiler
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http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...6/thegorge.png
I think it's pretty self-explanatory - going with the first letter of your character name, who matches your color text.
I may as well steal the concept from PP - if you guys have any images you'd like me to upload and put onto your "token" (if you think this is too bland, or something), let me know and I can adjust that.
Edit: This map came out rather small - so I'm guessing you might not give a damn about pictures anyway. Wasn't intentional...I'll make the next one a bit larger.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Drahlo dismounts as quickly as he can. Once on the ground, he chants a prayer to nature and kneels down, and places both of his hands on the ground. Tendrils of energy shoot forward, and suddenly the ground at the giants' feet seems to rebel at their presence, strong roots shooting up to entangle their legs. He pauses to send a glare at Flare before he closes his eyes and assumes the form of a large wolf, with strong-looking shoulders and forelimbs with black fur. All of his possessions other than his satchel vanish as he changes, but the bag remains on his body, with the mouse presumably still cowering within.
Actions:Spoiler
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Dismount (move)
Cast Entangle: Reflex save DC 14 (standard)
Glare at Flare (free)
Shapeshift (swift)
Initiative: (1d20=20)
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Harold Betruger
Spoiler
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[roll0]
We look like powerups on the map! :smallbiggrin:
Harold weighs the situation carefully. There were two sweaty giant brutes with clubs looking angry. This was because a certain magician, after a ridiculous lie, had thrown a small pointy thing at them. Harold glances down at the shortsword at his belt, but then he simply edges the horse away from the combat and draws his crossbow, leisurely slipping a bolt home.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
OOC: Hey, druids are kinda cool if they can do that. Here I was following my mental imagery of the class as some kind of funkified semibard with green body paint and a ****load of pixies following them everywhere, but...damn.
IC: "Showtime." Len hops off the horse, swatting it on the rump to send it clear of the fight. Then, she loops the glaive off her back and nods to Titus and Shimar.
"Ready when you are, gentlemen."
A canine snarl rumbles behind her, and Len watches Drahlo's impressive transformation, followed by the attack that ripples jarringly under her feet.
"Archers, go for whichever one is stuck!" she announces, gesturing toward the shortbow and arrows stashed in her horses saddlepack. "Lucian, my man, you wanna bow?"
Spoiler
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Initiative [roll0]
*dismount*
*draw glaive*
*trash talk*
Aaand, two moves is all you get in a round, ya?
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Shimar
Until now, Shimar would have suggested to just back away, and look for a nother bridge over the gorge. However, as the ogres raise their clubs, the barbarian's survival instincts take over the control of his body. He roars wildly, gathering strenght, and then he hurles himself directly at the closer ogre with all his might, trying to push him into the rift.
Spoiler
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[roll0]
Initiating Rage, Bull Rushing with Charge, attacking Ogre II. in stragiht line.
Opposed Strenght check [roll1]
...Yeah, kinda suicidal, but no better chances at one-timing an ogre :)
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Spoiler
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initiative [roll0]
Double move = 60 feet
Lucian runs directly away from the giants, drawing his bow as he runs.
Flare! I was only joking! I did not consider you to be ridiculous! But now, I have my doubts!
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Flare
Mmm, says Flare calmly. Why do I always end up going the hard way? I'm starting to think I have a problem... He shakes his head solemnly and begins a lengthy spell.
Spoiler
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[roll0]
Begin casting sleep.
Take 5-foot step SE.
Why can't I roll higher than a 4? Also, don't forget Mr DM that the ogres are taking a -2 penalty on Strength checks too. GO SHIMAR.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Without a moment wasted, Drahlo drops from his horse and calls for aid from the plants around you, sending vines, roots, and even tree branches reaching to entangle the two massive beasts. They both easily avoid being grabbed, but one of the ogre's fortune takes a nasty turn as he is surprised to see both Len and Titus advance on him. Len attempts to distract the ogre by making feints at him with her glaive, but it does little. However, Shimar finds Titus' exploits useful, as he notes the Paladin leaping forth to divert the foe's attention with an over-the-top vow to vanquish him. "I am the right hand of justice! The sword of truth! A knight of the true path! And, I hereby banish you from this world, in Faharam's name, to Oblivion and..." Before he finishes his statement, Shimar charges in, and the unwitting Ogre falls backwards, undoubtedly falling to his doom. Titus is agape.
As Shimar charged forth, Lucian doubled backwards, distancing himself so that he could use his bow unhindered. By the time he turns around, he counts one of the ogres missing.
With some hesitation, Harold loads his crossbow, and Flare begins casting his spell. The remaining ogre, confused and enraged, moves towards Len and swings his mighty club at her. Seeing the blow coming, Len is able to anticipate the attack and duck underneath with little trouble.
Initiative:
Drahlo: 20
Len: 14+
Titus: 14
Shimar: 12
Lucian: 11
Harold: 3+
Flare: 3
Ogre1: 2
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...orgeround1.png
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/b...orgeround1.png
Extra Notes:
Spoiler
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Need reflex saves from Len and Shimar. Actually, everyone, except for Lucian (entangle has a 40ft radius).
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
IC: Len feels her stride begin to tear through a thickening net of roots. Momentarily distracted by the heart stopping flash of the ogre's massive club slamming into the ground, she jerks her foot away from the gathering snare;
Reflex Save: [roll0]
Realizing that she can't spare a moment's pause, she shoves forward with the long polearm;
Power Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
(:smalleek: Its going to be the ultimate burn if the ogre succeeds the save. On the lighter side, amanodel: http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/h/highfive.gif )
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
The roots begin entangling Drahlo as well. Seeing that he and several of his allies are struggling with them, and that the ogre seems to be ignoring them entirely, he quickly moves to dismiss the spell.
Actions:Spoiler
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(Optional?) Swift: Return to orc form
Standard: Dismiss Entangle
If he doesn't need to return to orc form to dismiss the spell, then he won't. However, the description of dismissal leads me to believe that I do.
Sorry guys; next time I'll be a bit more specific about where I place the effect. I'd kind of meant to have that centered so that it wouldn't get all of us.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Once he was far out of the ogre's reach, Lucian turned, nocked and arrow, and let fly.
Spoiler
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attack [roll0] damage [roll1]
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Flare
Flare, in the midst of a complex invocation, struggles to maintain it as the vines grab at his feet. When it is done he moves over to Len and puts his hand on her shoulder. Powers above, protect your faithful children.
Spoiler
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[roll0]
And if that doesn't take then...
[roll1]
If combat is still going on by now, move over to Len and cast protection from evil.
And by the way I will center sleep on the corner behind the ogre so it doesn't get anyone else.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Shimar
After pushing the ogre off the cliffm the barbarian lets out a howl-like shout, and drawing his weapon, he turns to face the remaining ogre, while trying to get out of the entangling vines.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Quickly seeing how the entanglement spell is hindering his allies more than his foe, Drahlo transforms back into his normal form, and dismisses his magic.
Len, paired with Titus, move in to attack to Ogre, but neither seems to be able to land a hit. He swings his club so wildly that anticipating a weak spot seems impossible at the moment. Meanwhile, Shimar prepares to join the two, and the ogre begins to look desperate as he closes in with them.
Lucian, at a good distance, fires a shot from his bow - it connects, but would appear to have failed to fully penetrate the beast's thick armor.
Flare then finally unleashes his enchantment upon the creature, who winks a few times before falling backwards. He impacts with the earth, and causes the ground beneath you to shake a bit. He is now asleep.
Harold, having his crossbow aimed at the beast, holds off, as the threat is eliminated.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
"Whew." Len sighs in a mixture of relief and self-disappointment at her performance. She briefly exchanges a fist-pound with both Flare ("What the hell were you thinking?!") and then Shimar before glancing over to the chasm.
While the group repacks, she carefully anchors herself on the edge of the gorge and peers over.
"Um...helloooo?" she calls. "Talking...ninja star? 'Zadabucks', or something? Are you down therrrre?"
Spoiler
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Listen Check [roll0]
(Yeah, screw you too, d20.) ...followed by further hails and a take-10 listen attempt, if permissible.
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Lucian walks over to the sleeping beast and carefully searches his slumbering, heavy form.
Spoiler
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Search [roll0]
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Re: DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1
Aside from the massive club it held in battle, the ogre carries little else. He wears a thick hide for armor - far too large for any human to wear - and has a sack attached to his old and worn rope-belt, which about half-full with old and partially rotten meats. The smell seems to attract flies.
As Len gazes down to the bottom of the gorge, she spots a dead ogre, sprawled out amongst some rocks, just beside a low river. There is no sign of the shuriken, and no amount of calls seem to provoke any response.