AvB - Ishmael

[Monodominant]

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By the way the character is levelled up with the exception of the spells known which will be done shortly! So many choices so few slots :D

[planswalker]

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congrats. Poor human doesn't know what's coming...

btw, after this fight, assuming you deal the killing blow, in addition to his loot, you'll be offered a free humanbane on your chain to show that you are a full member of the clan.

[Monodominant]

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Cool! Ishmael would be a bit uneasy about killing in cold blood but well... I am evil... a guess this contradicts the lawful bit slightly but he generally adheres to the alignment plus this has the tennets of a "contract" with the skulks so its not just a "I went in the city and started murdering people"

I was about to comment that this is an obvious trap as no human would ever come to the docks at night and then I remembered my first PC, Ymeo, did just that!!!!

and with that human bane and loot line you re-assured my player driven motives :D

Oh and I will get to try my death attack!!!! its low DC but still!

Ishmael whispers from the shadows at his comrades.

"Who initiates the attack and is there a strategy?" as they move further.

[planswalker]

"We come in squads of four. You are with me in my squad. When I give the signal, follow my other three squad members in attacking in whatever way you deem best. Normally, the younger and more rash ones are sent in first, letting themselves get killed off. However, tonight you will be given honor of the first chance to kill it. Do so, and you will be not only my blood brother, but a full member of the clan by blood adoption. Gorg, Gleg, and Imsho will follow your lead."

[Monodominant]

Ishmael smiled proudly. Squad leader duty. Only the most senior assassins in the order were ever given the priviledge and responsibility to lead squads of assassins.

To command others especially in matters of life and death in a profession that was almost always an indipendent venture was seen as a great honor. All parts of the "machine" had to act in unison and coordination and any injuries or worse deaths and even worse failures were the sole responsibility of the leader.

Few were called, even less were succesful.

"Good hunting to us then. To give you an idea what to expect I shall approach as close as possible and study his moves and actions for a little while. During that time noone is to touch him. When I strike then you are all free to join in. The attack on the Nose gave me an idea of a more efficient way of killing and though I do not plan to use the same power I have come up with a more specialised way of killing" he said and grinned.

Kelemvor, guide my hand, he said to himself calmly.

[planswalker]

You see a human with a longbow at the dead end of a blind alley. He is staring at the roof of the building that makes one side of the alley.

The other side and the dead-end are formed by the city walls.

[Monodominant]

The set up looks almost too convenient and too easy. The target staring at the roofs also gives him an impression that his target is expecting something to happen.

While still from a distance and almost as an afterthought Ishmael uses the hat to alter his features to those of a generic Watchman, albeit an elf to make sure the other skulks dont get confused. He makes his clothes fit those of the Watch and also and perhaps most importantly makes his chain look like a short sword.

That done he starts to close in towards his target. He pauses at some point to look at the mans characteristics and confirm he is human but also thinking that perhaps the skulks are making him kill someone he knows as proof of his dedication. Additionally he stares at nearby buildings and at the wall to make sure no one is openly observing them.

Still with the other skulks on his tail Ishmael carefully moves within strike distance but trying to stay in the shadows and with his back on the wall.

His foot steps are silent and his demeanor grim. He observes the way the man moves, the movements of his chest and the thin skin of his jugular. After about ten more seconds he makes a short step closer he touches the chain infusing it with his own blood and speaks the word as he strikes.

"By Kelemvor's blade"

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Okay so assuming I dont recognize him and that he is indeed human and that indeed I dont see anyone around...

After 3 rounds of full observation I use a swift action to cast blade of blood (and take out 5 hit points to go for the 3d6) and then strike as a death attack.

to hit (1d20+11)[26] in case of crit confirm (1d20+11)[21]
if I hit he needs to pass a DC 13 fortitude save or die.

If he doesnt die the attack is a normal sneak attack so damage (2d4+7)[11]
sneak (4d6)[20]
blade of blood (3d6)[13]

If he is alive I guess I need to roll initiative.

[planswalker]

Upon further inspection, you do not recognize him.

three rounds later, the man has taken a nasty blow.

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resolution of the save or die now waits on the pc you just death attacked. I think he deserves to roll his own save or die.

[planswalker]

The shock to his spine is too great. A spasm of pain, one, two, three breaths, and he falls over dead.

[Monodominant]

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Oh! It was a pc? Damn that kinda makes me feel bad... I hope he is not taking it too hard... can you convey my apologies to him? I mean he shouldnt come to the docks at night but I guess he might have been able to escape normal non-pc skulks somehow...

Ishmael looks over the body as the man perishes and whispers a short prayer to Kelemvor to take the soul of the departed and judge it appropriately. He then turns back towards the shadows where his brothers may or may not be.

"Well that was quick. I am sorry I didnt allow the opportunity for the rest of you to join in" he says with a slight smirk of pride as he then starts searching the body for anything of value.

Once done he looks again at them "whats next? What do we do with the body?"

[planswalker]

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not likely. There's a practically unlimited number of waves, four at a time, that get stronger. They start as four third level rogues...

don't sweat it too much, he understands that deaths happen. And his experience this time has helped him better prepare for his next character.

and, secretly, the player was being an absolute moron. It was just simply annoying to dm him. He actually told a dwarven smith that he shouldn't have any troubles getting his shipments of iron on time. After all, all dwarves are good at fighting.

They strip and loot the body, giving you every last material possession on the body.

"That was a very fine piece of work you have there. You pulled of something on par with the Shadow Spider just then. It is a tradition in our clan that when a man has killed his first dominari in his rite of manhood that he is given a blessing upon his weapon to ensure that the dominari fear us. Your first dominari kill within the tribe was not a ritual killing of a captive, but a cold, elegant, and lethal masterstroke. Will you accept the honor?"

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.... and the pc deleted his character sheet....

I can't blame him, he doesn't know that we like them to keep it around for posterity's sake. That and giving the victor the loot.

well, you're gonna get a +2 composite longbow, a headband of intellect +2, and 600 gold since I don't know his actual loot but he loved to talk about his bow.

[Monodominant]

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Sorry to hear about a painful dming experience :D hope the rest of us keep you happy and enjoying the game ;)

Perhaps he is new to DnD and has misconceptions you know dwarf fighters, elf wizards, halfling rogues, gnome illusionist etc... or his pc was racist... like the skulks for example... an extremely racist bunch :D :D

Well frankly speaking I will most likely sell those... a bow is good and all but I dont really have that much use for it. The band of intellect would be really cool but if I am not mistaken it takes the same spot as the hat right?

Ishmael thanks them for the loot and nods.

"I would accept the honor the clan bestows to me. I shall put it to good use and claim lives with it." he said quite content at the rather clean kill he had performed.

"Lets move though, I dont like being in the open for so long..."

He also started considering that perhaps the Chief had also trained in an assassin school of shorts and hence was an incredibly dangerous individual.

[planswalker]

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yes it does. although if you stop by Hagan's shop, he can probably make either your headband of intellect a headband of intellectual disguise or your hat a hat of disguised intellect.

"Then let us continue on to the Chief. Bringing back a fresh kill along with proof of your prowess will please him greatly."

[Monodominant]

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Its really cool to have a pc that handles nice requests like that :D

Does he gain xp for crafting rather than losing since its his characters function? :D

Also... I hate to ask but er... any xp among the ... loot of the guy? They feel kind of dirty the PvP XP but also sweet! I mean if we are giving XP for PCs not sure how you are handling that.

Ishmael nods and follows the skulks to wherever they are going. Along with the stop to take care of the dominari he has lost track of the route they were going and how they got there and here. With time he will learn to use the sewers to his advantage but for now its like a maze to him.

"By the way, are there other clans in the city? Do we work together or are there rivalries?"

[planswalker]

"Other than the false trails we plant, we have never seen any evidence that other clans exist. Those within the city were united one by one. The last schism was united just before the Shadow Spider came to power. A large part of why we are so strong in this city is because of that unity."

[Monodominant]

Ishmael nodded quite appreciatively at the comment.

"Very good idea about the fake clan trails. I was wondering about it cause you said if I had been caught for example you could attribute my presence to a non-compliant group. In any case, strength through unity works well for us." he said fairly impressed and also trying out the word "us".

Apart from that he did not really have any more questions currently, perhaps other than how he would end up obtaining that ring of invisibility, and hence continued in silence towards where they took him.

[planswalker]

The two of you continue down the sewers and through them. A while later, the two of you enter a large chamber built into the sewers.

An old skulk, the first Ishmael had ever seen, was sitting in a comfortably cushioned iron chair. The place was dark and shadowy, and none others were in sight.

"Ah, Torgun, what is this you have brought before me? I take it he is that rogue skulk who entered the city?" His tone was emotionless and calculating, yet still quite intimidating.

[Monodominant]

Ishmael looks around with interest his not so keen eyes and not so keen ears picking nothing but the most basic details.

He knows that it is almost impossible that the leader of the tribe is alone and unguarded and smiles in the knowledge that probably a dozen skulks are lurking around.

For a moment he considers what Torgun said, that his killing the human was on part with the Shadow Spider's methods. He wonders if there is a chance that the old creature on the throne could consider him a direct threat to his rulership. His paranoia, ever present always annoying and very often right, makes him think that yes, of course he will think me a threat. And everything was going so well.

All those thoughts in a manner of seconds before even Togrun answers. Ishmael remains silent and simply bows his head towards the elder skulk.

[planswalker]

"Not much of one for words? Or playing at humility to disarm my suspicion so as to increase your survival? Mind telling me your name?"

[Monodominant]

Ishmael smiles for a moment.

"Oh believe me sire, most who get to know me say I talk too much. Blabbermouth I believe was the term." he said and paused.

"In any case, I thought perhaps Torgun was to say who and what I was since he is the one that brought me before you. But I can introduce myself as well if that is easier. I am Ishmael QueeqQueg and I am honored to meet you if you indeed are who I have heard that you are." he said not convinced that the man on the throne was the actual Chief.

If Ishmael was the leader of the skulks who you have an illusion or a dupe pretending to be the chief while he would stand at the back away from any area effects someone could center on the throne.

[planswalker]

"Who were your parents, of what clan?"

[Monodominant]

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Since Rizban gave me a name for a nearby city-state I shall claim that as a place of origin

"We were not of Aldhaven. We lived in a place called Brunsgrove far from here. The clan was named, if my memory serves right, Queg. Most if not all were wiped out many years ago when I was but a child. My father was one of the leaders of the clan and because of his activities he brought the wrath of the local nobles on our heads." he says considering how interesting it is that he has to retell his origin story twice and so close to each telling when he had not spoken about it for 15 years.

[planswalker]

"We remeber the Quegan Purge. That was a dark and evil day for our kind. I am glad to know that your clan survived that purge. I once killed with your clan for a time when I was trying to learn my place in this world."

He seems to reminisce for a moment, "Well, anyways, here you are, Ishmael QueeQueg, last scion of the house of Queg. Here standing before the throne of the house of Poguit. One who has been welcomed into the clan with open arms. What should we do with you?"

[Monodominant]

Ishmael looks at him impressed that the skulk before him knows the story of his clan. He considers for a moment and them replies with a calm he rarely exhibits.

"You can maybe tell me about my father. Virsh Queeq was his name. Other than that the decision me what to do with me is up to you. I have killed with those that follow you and helped them as well. The white robe accepted me, perhaps provisionally but he did. I walk my own path but our roads not only intersect but seem to move in parallel for long parts." he said and looked at the older skulk for his reaction.

[planswalker]

"I'm afraid that when I was last with your clan, the man you speak of was an urchin who still was learning to hate dominari appropriately. He seemed to be having problems seeing things correctly, but as his name was not added to the lists of the traitors, he must have grown up to be an upright, respectable skulk. Anyways, did you come all this way just to talk to an old man? I suspect the tale that my granddaughter would teach you of our ways also drew you, did it not?"

[Monodominant]

"Talking to... an old skulk as you say, or rather experienced as I would call it, is reason enough. Learning more about us from the grand daughter is also very good for me. Becoming part of the tribe and getting my 'manhood' proof and discussing about the plans against the Jacks are vital for me . But meeting not only an elder but the Chief that became a living legend for his people, united them and got the Watch of our backs is by far the most important. You also mentioned a list with traitors? There where traitors from my clan? he asked somewhat agitated now.

[planswalker]

"Every clan has a few traitors, unfortunately. Sometimes, those traitors even make it to adulthood before they are killed. My own clan had one sad traitor. My poor twin sister thought that we would be best served making peace with humanity and letting ancient grievances die. It took me forty years to track her down and kill her. Your own clan has had its share of a traitor or two, but nothing so extreme as to be noticeable. If a skulk betrays the reason for our birth and doesn't repent when first confronted with it, they are killed. Those who somehow escape death, their names are spread around among all the clans as a curse and are to be killed on sight."

[Monodominant]

Ishmael nodded in understanding and was slightly worried. He hoped his more calculated, planned murders of those that stood in his way as opposed to the blind skulk hatred would not be seen as treason.

"So..." he said and paused. "Do I pass muster sire? Do you think you can also give your own blessing to my joining your house? I was told we share some... styles or skills though mine are obviously still not yet as honed as yours. Perhaps I can look to the Shadow Spider as my mentor on the more intricate arts of taking lives?" he said hopeful.

"Also will you allow me to meet your granddaughter and be taught the traditions and truths of your house?"

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By the way, you didnt tell me what you think of the first story I sent in?

oh and you also didnt tell me how many xp the pc was worth... if you are awarding xp for pc kills that is!

[planswalker]

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oh, whoops. you do get xp. 450.

probably the best xp/attack ratio you can get :p

and as for the story, Riz and I both like it. We'll incorporate it in where appropriate. but not with your character.

you have too much metaknowledge.

"Well of course. If you didn't I wouldn't have had my grand-nephew here bring you to me. And if you've figured out the basics of assassination, I wouldn't mind showing you the fine points. I assume you also have enough of a mind to be not completely incompetent at the magical side of things."

"As for me, well, you can stop talking about me like I'm not here." Says a feminine voice from the shadows with playfulness and a hint of threat. The tall, dark, ebony beauty that followed could barely be thought of to be a skulk.

[Monodominant]

"No, magic is not my strong suit" Ishmael admitted "I can use a couple of spells and items to make things easier for me but I never dubbed wit the finer points of magic though I can imagine how it would be useful. Still, I would be honored to be taught." he said truthfully and was about to continue mixing questions with flattery when the female spoke.

Ishmael turned towards her and his eyes finally settled on the woman. He had not doubted more skulks were present but the woman looked more like a ... drow than a skulk!

"M'lady? Er... a... er a pleasure to make your acquaintance" he said curiously and a bit lost at else to say to her.

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Heh, I admit I did not expect the DC13 death to be that effective :) plus I had the other skulks with me and hence 450xp is more than enough!

As for the plot, off course it would be pointless to be run to me! Its one thing to not use ooc knowledge and another to know the whole plot. I will refine it with the info Rizban gave me and resent him so he has the final product :)

The other one I was preparing involved my favorite monster from MMII (or III cant remember)