Machines of War

[Manwhoisthisman]

DM

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Head to Garen's farm to make sure Clayton isn't there and drop Garen off. Then head to Clayton's farm.

[madtinker]

@Keiji

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Garen protests somewhat, but now that the fire is out of his blood he doesn't really want a part in the violence.

You arrive at Clayton's farm in just before noon. It is generally well kept and orderly, but not what you would call prosperous. From a distance you can see a few men working around a hole with a pile of dirt and gravel nearby.

[Manwhoisthisman]

DM

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I'll approach the men, looking to see if I recognize Clayton or what the men are doing. Perhaps digging a well, or a grave? Keiji bellows "Hello!" when he reaches a close distance (maybe 20 ft away).

[madtinker]

@Keiji

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You don't see Clayton. They seem to be digging a well. Halloo stranger! they answer back. What brings you here?

[INWranger]

DM/Curf

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It is yours for 50 gold if you tell me who Prince Belmonts wizard tutor is. I rather suspect it is you though, what with your vast amount of knowledge and all.

[madtinker]

@Jaster/Curf

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Oh me sir? Oh, no sir. Not I. And I'm afraid I can't tell you that. They don't let information like that out into the public. But 100 gold is still a fair price. He holds out a bag of coins.

[INWranger]

DM/Curf

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I would give you the amulet to know, and I wouldn't tell anyone. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the last adamantine/mithril crystal you see for a long time. You could even tell me what they look like and where to find them without giving a name. If not, then you got to see this bauble, but never use it.

[Manwhoisthisman]

DM

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"I come seeking the farmer Clayton; I've heard some unsettling things recently and I'm hoping he can set me straight. Is he about today?"

[madtinker]

@Keiji

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Aye, that's me, says a voice from down in the hole. As he climbs out, you have no doubt he's the right man; his eye socket is held shut tight by ugly red scar tissue. He steps forward, and the crew spread out behind him. His fists gathered into meaty clubs, he says Who's asking?

@Jaster

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You misunderstand me sir. I cannot tell you what I do not know. It is my profession to know things, but dabbling in the doings of the royal household often ends badly for those involved, so I stay away from that.

[INWranger]

DM

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I understand. Now you understand that I must be a man of my word. If I find any more of the stuff it is yours. Walk out and look for Curf.

[Manwhoisthisman]

DM

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"Keiji of the Monastery of the Burning Stones. I have come because I heard that you and your sons destroyed a wagon and killed a few men. Is this true, or did your sons act alone?"
Sense Motive because I think I'll need it

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(1d20+6)[12]

[madtinker]

@Keiji

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Yeah, we did. Serve 'im right fer poisoning our well.

@Jaster/Curf

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You meet up in an alley not far from where you first separated.

[Manwhoisthisman]

DM

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Any read on whether or not he's telling the truth?

"I see. Did anyone die from your poisoned well?"
More sense motive

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(1d20+6)[13]

[madtinker]

@Keiji

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Its too simple to be a lie. And they are clearly digging a new well.

No, no one died. But yer well is yer livelihood. It's the same as burning a man's barn or stealing his stock.

[Manwhoisthisman]

DM

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"Indeed, it is quite similar: a matter of money, not life. Needing a new well will put you out, but it'd take you more than a dozen wells to bring those folks back to life. As I see it, you're not exactly even. However, I think it unlikely that your death would change much... so how do you propose we set things right?"
With this speach, Keiji prepares to defend himself if necessary.

[madtinker]

@Keiji

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How 'bout by you goin home, an us diggin our well.

[curf06]

DM

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I go to the black market region to locate an alchemist

[INWranger]

DM/Curf

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Before you go to the black market region, what leads do we have on the Princes residence?

[Manwhoisthisman]

DM

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"I see you are without remorse; there shall be no reform for you, only justice."

initiative (1d20+3)[20]
Fight defensively at -4 (+4 ac using combat expertise. Do I get the additional +2 from tumble?)
Attack Clayton (1d20+3)[8](1d8+1)[7]

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

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I meet up with Jaster so we can figure out what we want to do about the note I recieved.

[madtinker]

@Keiji

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The three younger men surround you and Clayton. Clayton may not be a professional, but he's a mean one with a few tavern brawls under his belt. initiative - (1d20+2)[9], punch - (1d20+4)[10] (1d3+3)[4].
Without CE its an extra +1 with tumble (+2 without, +3 with). So let's keep it at just +1 (+5 total). Nice.

[Manwhoisthisman]

DM

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Swing some more (1d20+3)[18](1d8+1)[6]

[madtinker]

@Keiji

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You hear ribs crack and feel them collapse. (1d20+4)[11], (1d3+3)[4]. As Clayton continues his attack, you notice a ribbon of blood peeking out the corner of his mouth.

[INWranger]

DM/Curf

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Jaster wants to check it out, then maybe find other leads.

[Manwhoisthisman]

DM

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Pulling my punch (1d20+3)[19], min((1d8+1)[8],3).

[madtinker]

@Keiji

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Your fist connects. His windpipe crushes beneath it. Vertebrae snap. Clayton collapses like a bag of rice. The other men, surprised how quickly Clayton went down, gather up various tools and surround you. In a low voice, one says You're gonna pay for that.

[Manwhoisthisman]

DM

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"As you wish." Keiji keeps his defensive stance waiting for the men to strike.

[madtinker]

@Keiji

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The leader has a sickle. another is wielding a shovel like a club, and the last has a large pick.

sickle attack - (1d20+2)[20], (1d6+2)[8]
shovel attack - (1d20-3)[4], (1d6+1)[7]
pick attack - (1d20-1)[5], (1d8+3)[6]

@Jaster/Curf

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Have you decided on a course of action?

[INWranger]

DM/Curf

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We go and check out the address. Curf should lead while Jaster hangs back to provide cover.

[curf06]

DM/Jaster

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I agree with Jaster's plan of action.