Chapter 1.1: Willowdark (Kaio, Geran, Rixon)
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To his two companions, Rixon says, Yes, let's.
He pulls up the hood of his own grey cloak and gauges the early evening activity of the town as he begins to walk north.
Also just a reminder that Rixon (and allies immediately with him) can move twice as fast in urban environments due to his background.
There is the soft sound of a lute drifting through the open door as you come upon it.
Keeping to the long shadows outside the marketplace, he moves forward, trying to stay out of sight. Let's hope they're all as drunk as they sound...
Rolls
Stealth - (1d20+6)
(18) + 6 = 24
No one else is making their way toward the tavern at this point, likely those that are coming out for the night are already out.
Would ya keep yer mouth shut Tiller? You know the Guard comes here off duty, ya knob. How do you think those looeys of Notter's figger their targets? Eh? Flappin' gums and liquored words gettin' back to those cretins. To the health of Telluria. That's what we drink! one of the scraggly humans says, cuffing the dwarf on the head.
About their third cycle through, you hear the sound of clinking chain armor and plated boots outside the courtyard, to the north.
Rolls
Stealth - (1d20+6)
(17) + 6 = 23
Pyter! Looks like old Bluebottle is still pining the loss of his sneakthief son. Davven, your lout of a kid was caught with a fistful of gold that wasn't rightly his and ye know it. Let off, he deserved to swing as much as the next thief will! one of the guards says, slightly louder than necessary.
Davven, the teary gnome, looks up from his drink, hatred and rage boiling across his face. MY BOY WASN'T A THIEF AND YOU KNOW IT EDDAN! HE - HE DIDDN - DIDN'T DESERVE HAVIN' HIS FINGERS CHOPPED OFF NEITHER! WHAT DO YA THINK MY LIFE HAS BEEN LIKE WITH WYLLA SINCE?! He cries as he launches himself across the table, his mug trailing behind him in his hand.
One of the scraggly humans, not the one that stopped the dwarf earlier tries to stop the gnome from getting past him but fails. As Davven runs towards the guards, Eddan's hand is already streaking out with his longsword, clearly expecting the reaction. The blade bites into the gnome's side, dropping him to his knees.
YOU ALL SAW HIM HE ASSAULTED ME! A GUARD ON HIS ROUNDS! Eddan roars as he jams the sword down into Davven's back, causing his legs to twitch once, twice, and then no more. A cry of pain escapes the gnome as he lies on the ground bleeding.
Having lost track of the man, Rixon motions Geran to join him and sticks to the shadows at the edge of the market. He ignores the merrymakers at the tavern, thinking Likely just drinking to soothe the thought of the suffering Notter will bring with him...
But Rixon’s thoughts and movement are interrupted by the flurry of shouting and sword. He looks from the injured (soon dead, from the looks of it) Bluebottle on the cobblestones to the guard, who’s body language seems to Rixon to say ‘Just try something’. If only he could get to that gnome, perhaps he could use what limited healing he knew. To Geran, he whispers, You got any magic tricks to draw these Light-forsaken lackeys out of the market? We can’t risk the whole town by raising the alarm, but they need to leave. Now.
Rolls
Stealth - (1D20+6)
(18) + 6 = 24
Rolls
Attack, Advantage, Damage - (1d20+6, 1d20+6, 1d4+4)
1d20+6 : (11) + 6 = 17
1d20+6 : (13) + 6 = 19
1d4+4 : (1) + 4 = 5
EDIT: Kaio would hold his action until the guards make a move. Since Rixon indicated that the guards could see them, I'm guessing the guards will implicate them in the crime and go after them. If that happens, Kaio will go behind them and try to hit them while they are distracted. For that, I am adding a Stealth roll.
Darting out of the shadows, Kaio rolls to the guards' very feet, drawing his sword as he does and slashing at Eddan's gut. As he does so, he brings his pommel up and attempts to connect with Pyter's jaw.
Rolls
Attack, Damage - (1d20+6, 1d6+4)
1d20+6 : (7) + 6 = 13
1d6+4 : (2) + 4 = 6
Unarmed Attack, Damage - (1d20+6, 1d4+4)
1d20+6 : (3) + 6 = 9
1d4+4 : (3) + 4 = 7
Stealth - (1d20+6)
(16) + 6 = 22
Attacking with primary weapon, using bonus action to attack with second weapon.
Lay on Hands (5HP remaining)
13/13 HP | 17 AC | Inspiration 0
Rolls
Attack - (1D20+6, 1d8+4)
1D20+6 : (7) + 6 = 13
1d8+4 : (5) + 4 = 9
Off-hand attack - (1D20+6, 1d8+4)
1D20+6 : (6) + 6 = 12
1d8+4 : (6) + 4 = 10
Advantage - attack - (1D20+6)
(8) + 6 = 14
Advantage - off hand - (1D20+6)
(9) + 6 = 15
Rolls
Advantage, Advantage - (1d20+6, 1d20+6)
1d20+6 : (18) + 6 = 24
1d20+6 : (15) + 6 = 21
Using Eldritch Blast as action.
Rolls
Attack - (1d20+6)
(18) + 6 = 24
Advantage - (1d20+6)
(7) + 6 = 13
Damage - (1d10+4)
(3) + 4 = 7
Combat Over.
What in the hells was that! Ye killed the Watch! Oh lord, you all killed friends of Notter! Run! Run now. We didn't see you lot, and if you know what's good for you, you didn't see us either. Go before they get wind inside! says Tiller the Dwarf, waving at the lot of you. You hear the music has gone quiet in the tavern.
If he’s still alive, Rixon will use 1 HP of Lay on Hands to stabilize him and hopefully bring him back around
What - wher - where am I? What happened? Everything was warm, and my boy, he was there waiting to hug me again! WHY WOULD YOU TAKE THAT FROM ME! Davven starts to yell and attempts to roll over. As he does, he seems to notice his legs not functioning any longer. A howl pierces the night as he pounds his fists, out of agony and anger.
And Rixon turns to the Dwarf; I suppose you're right. None of us should be here long. Can you carry your friend? I fear he can no longer walk, Rixon says, solemnly.
"We need to deal with these," Kaio says. "But don't worry, I have a plan." He picks Eddan up, feeding his intestines back into his body methodically before doing so. "Rixon, can you grab the other? And would you follow me? Gerna, could you clean up any blood- " he pulls Eddan's cloth belt from his body and drops it on the ground, "with this? Then bring it along." he begins walking quickly straight east, away from the town.
Rolls
Persuasion - (1d20+4)
(18) + 4 = 22
He returns to where the guards fell and lifts the remains of Pyter as Kaio had asked. There was little time for deliberation, now. Hopefully the market would remain empty for a little longer. As they walk under the burden of the guardsmen's lifeless bodies, Rixon says, Care to share this plan, then? I have a guess but I'd rather hear it from you.
Lads, leave now. Your friend has the right of it, if you don't get those bodies gone befo.... Tiller begins.
STAND TO YOU LOUTS! STOP! a voice from the tavern cries out.
You see a strapping man standing full in the doorway, his heavy black beard full, and his eyes cold.
Taking the Ready action to use Eldritch Blast if this stranger deems hostile.
As for your post Tookie, I was just going to have it happen kind of concurrently. He's not that far from the table, so it's not a hugely destabilizing thing.
For Geran, it's not so much that it's a high DC, it was an impossibility at the moment. He's completely plastered, only a few weeks out from having watched his son get hauled out in front of everyone and hung and THEN the kid's fingers were cut off and nailed to their door. In six or eight months, sure, he may be up for something. Right now? He's so far into his misery that it's amazing he can even manage to get dressed. Then, he effectively dies and is literally watching his son try to embrace him from across their version of Elysian Fields/Heaven/The Other Side and right as he's about to be reunited with the ONE thing that he misses, a well meaning burst of healing energies rip his son away from him and bring him back to consciousness where he cannot move his legs and he's still without his son. You then tell him that his son will literally be waiting an ETERNITY for him. He's a broken man. :(
ANYWHO, back to the exciting encounter with the scruffy man from Tavern A!
You must be some of those outta-town relatives of old man D'allarae huh. Don't know the tax collector's lieutenant when ya see him, eh? That's a fine right there in its own right. But since it's yer first time, I'll see to it the charge is levied against yer cousin or whatever bollocksload he is. You can just call me Lieutenant Eldarand for the time being. Now, put yer hands up, the way I see it, you all just committed murder in the village o' Willowdark. Since no duly appointed law is here at the moment, on account of you killin' 'em, I'll have to administer justice my own self. As he speaks, a heavy crossbow swings up from under his cloak, trained on Kaio.
Activating previous ready Action to fire Eldritch Blast (1d10 force)
1/1 spell slots
HP: 10| AC: 13| Inspiration: 0
Rolls
Attack - (1d20+6)
(17) + 6 = 23
Advantage? - (1d20+6)
(2) + 6 = 8
Damage - (1d10+4)
(7) + 4 = 11
The bolt hammers into your shoulder, dealing 6 damage.
Combat. Geran began hostilities with the blast. Eldarand was in the process of bringing his weapon up, so he's getting to take his action as part of this surprise action. Eldarand wins initiative and goes first.
Rolls
Secret Roll
Secret Roll
Secret Roll
He turns to the other two adventurers.
Now, you puttin' your hands up or dropping like him? he says with a smile, revealing browning rotted teeth.
Combat! PCs can act. Kaio and Rixon may act. Geran, a death saving throw please (1d20, 10 or higher you get 1 success. 9 or lower you get 1 failure. Nat 20 you get 1 HP and regain consciousness. Nat 1 and you get 2 fails. 3 total fails and you die.
Rolls
Secret Roll
Secret Roll
Secret Roll
Using reaction to cast Hellish Rebuke (The creature must make a Dexterity saving throw. It takes 2d10 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.)
0/1 spell slots left
HP: 4/10| AC: 13| Inspiration 0
Rolls
Damage - (2d10+4)
(101) + 4 = 15
His previous actions all still occur.
Rolls
Dex - (1d20+2)
(4) + 2 = 6
Rolls
Saving throw - (1d20+0)
(15) = 15
He dodges deftly behind the large man, looking for a place to bury the points of his swords.
Attacking with primary weapon, using bonus action to attack with second weapon
Lay on Hands (4HP remaining)
13/13 HP | 17 AC | Inspiration 0
Rolls
Attack - (1D20+6, 1d8+4)
1D20+6 : (11) + 6 = 17
1d8+4 : (7) + 4 = 11
Bonus Attack - (1D20+6, 1d8)
1D20+6 : (12) + 6 = 18
1d8 : (8) = 8
Rolls
Intimidation - (1d20+3)
(17) + 3 = 20
If someone revives him, that whole scene can play out. :)
1HP of Lay on Hands to bring Geran around
Perception checks, please.
Rolls
Secret Roll
Secret Roll
Rolls
Perception - (1d20+5)
(18) + 5 = 23
Rolls
Perception - (1D20+1)
(3) + 1 = 4
Rolls
Medicine - (1d20+3)
(3) + 3 = 6
You're all probably scared of what's to come in the next day or two. I am too. You may have wanted this, dreamed of it. Or, maybe you were comfortable under the thumb of these monsters, safe with their selfish rule of 'Law'. But know, this was coming. Unfortunately, it happens today. This is a call to action. It will be dangerous, but given, Rixon gestures to the guardsmen and Eldarand, It may be the only option. This is your home, not mine. For taking the first step, I apologize. But I will help you defend it from men such as these.
You three would do very well to come with me. Now. You'll be spending the remainder of the night in my jail. the Sheriff says, laying his hand on the gleaming longsword at his hip.
Rolls
Perception Check - (1d20+5)
(15) + 5 = 20
As Kaio looks the sheriff over (and indeed as all of you do with even passive perception) you notice several key things. While he appears gray-haired at the temples, his stance is that of a well trained, and very fit, combatant. He wears both the cloak and badge of his office, but under it is a set of studded leather armor. You see the edge of a shield peeking over the edge of his shoulder. His stance is balanced and his eyes sharp. A long scar runs from one temple down to the point of his chin, clearly decades old. You all have the feeling that he is far tougher than any that you've fought before. As you look at the crowd, they all clearly look to him, rather than you, for a clue as to action. As Kaio inspects him, you see the Sheriff's eyes set in determination.
Rolls
Deception - (1d20+6)
(15) + 6 = 21
Sir, that one there, he was shooting some magic! And then he said some stuff and made that Lieutenant burst into fire!
yeah, Lurgh has the right of it! He was in the alley then out comes this wisp of something that knocked poor Pyter over, and shattered his face!
At their drunken words, he takes another look over everything in the scene. Noticing that Eldarand is indeed missing part of his beard where the hellish rebuke singed the hair off, he turns back to you.
Innocent or guilty isn't for me to decide right now. You'll be coming with us, if you're truly innocent, the Magistrate will be able to figure that part out.
Rolls
Secret Roll
Secret Roll
Do I need to roll anything to try to project that to her?
Reporting as ordered, sir! they each bellow, some slightly out of breath.
Yes, we need to manacle these three and put them in the hold tonight. Let Cyrian go, he can sleep off his drink elsewhere tonight. We'll want all three cells for these louts. Oh, and make sure that one gets the mitts? He says, pointing at Geran.
At this point, if you don't resist, the three guards will shackle your wrists and lead you, accompanied by the Sheriff, to the jail. If that's the case, we'll pick up the story there. Otherwise, we'll continue playing out here. :)
@Couch - That carries just fine through the night air. Not sure how much she'll hear of it, but no special rolls needed.
When you get to the jail, the Sheriff himself processes you. Geran, your hands are bound in a special set of manacles that restrict your finger motions. As the guards hold each of you, the Sheriff pats you all down, searching for weapons. Any packs you have are taken, and their contents noted down on a ledger slip. When his fingers brush your newly acquired badge, it lingers slightly longer than on other items and the otherwise procedural man fails to note its presence in the ledger.
Rolls
Secret Roll
Secret Roll
Secret Roll
You've now been in your cells alone for about 5 minutes now. There are no exits from this room, save the door you all came through. The walls are heavy stone with no obvious mortar joints. The bars of your cells are very heavy and set into the stone floors.
Rolls
Dexterity Check - (1d20+6, 1d20+6)
1d20+6 : (13) + 6 = 19
1d20+6 : (14) + 6 = 20
Rolls
Secret Roll
Rolls
Dexterity Check - (1d20+6, 1d20+6)
1d20+6 : (3) + 6 = 9
1d20+6 : (5) + 6 = 11
Rixon's thoughts wander freely in the quiet of captivity. But, maybe not. The sheriff did take an interest in those Haremite emblems. Perhaps he's an ally, and he'll spring us in the dead of night. Or, maybe he'll use them against us and the Harem in ten different ways. More maybes. Sweet Light, do I hate waiting.
As his mind wanders, so do his eyes. Rixon examines the locks, the walls, the bars and other fixtures... he looks for any advantage within the sparse cell. He takes his time, going over each detail thoroughly.
And, a couple of perception checks. Take one or both, depending on how much time Rixon has.
Rolls
Perception - (1d20+1)
(10) + 1 = 11
Perception - (1d20+1)
(18) + 1 = 19
You end up only getting to futz with your manacles for about 20 minutes. The door to the room slams open and you hear heavy bootsteps on the flagstone floors. Geran, it snaps you out of your sleep unless you make an effort to ignore the noise.
As you look out of the bars, you see the Sheriff storming in, Genevieve in tow.
What in the Light-abandoned depths were you three thinking!? she says forcefully under her breath. You know that Notter is coming through, and expects his people here, yet you set off on speeches and slaughter two of the watch AND one of the lieutenants? Don't get me wrong, we're better off without Eldarand, but now we have to find a way to cover his absence when Notter shows up! At this point, the Sheriff has moved over to the lockers and unlocked them. When he walks back over to you, he speaks, calmly.
Look, I know you three were responsible for the deaths. There were sober eyes in the tavern that saw the situation occur. Plus, you were a bit loud when you were yelling about him paying for it when you lit him on fire. he says, looking pointedly at Geran, At least ten people, most of them not blindingly drunk, have already corroborated that. For Light's sake, that part of why I came out of the bar in the first place! He shakes his head. And you do it wearing the badge of the Bow. I know Bethene, perhaps better than any of you lot could understand. You need to learn to keep a low profile. Trying to whip the town into a fervor? Without knowing thing one about the ones you're addressing? I've sent my duty clerk home for the night, said I would stand the watch given how dangerous you three were suspected of being. I can't let you three free, you are suspected of killing lawmen. I put your badges with your things. No one knows, save me, that they existed at all. I must say though, all of this activity tonight, and with my Watch members mourning the loss of two of their own, it'll be a tough thing, keeping all of my attention in one place. He says as he walks back out to the front, again with a physically distraught looking Genevieve in tow.
Rolls
Deception - (1d20+6)
(8) + 6 = 14
Advantage (Actor feat) - (1d20+6)
(9) + 6 = 15
Saving him is fine. Launching into a diatribe about rising up, standing to argue, assaulting a tax lieutenant attempting to apprehend you as is legally correct. Those are the things you don't do. Did Eldarand deserve to die? Yes. But now your actions have put this entire village at risk. The blood of the hundreds here may well be on your hands. If you find yourself free when Notter arrives, you can try to pass yourself off. If you succeed, I would be amazed. You'd probably fool the people in town with that voice, though you'd need a substantial disguise. But Harrald and Notter have known Eldarand for years. Tighter than brothers that lot. he says, with more anger in his voice that you've heard as yet.
Rolls
Persuasion - (1d20+4)
(3) + 4 = 7
Rolls
Dexterity Check - (1d20+6, 1d20+6)
1d20+6 : (15) + 6 = 21
1d20+6 : (19) + 6 = 25
As for speeches… I think you’re right that perhaps the blood of the whole town is on our hands. I was trying to prevent exactly that. How do you see this playing out? Do we have time to put up a defence to Notter? And why such hesitation to resist him?
To Genevieve, Rixon says, And, I’m sorry. We’ve multiplied your risk in this tenfold. I was thinking of your family in trying to spur the town to action tonight…
Breaking the law is never the solution. Ever. You'll do well to remember that if you expect to keep your head in civilized lands. He holds the door for Genevieve.
Before she passes through it, she stalks back to Rixon's door. If you had thought about me, or my family, you would have just done what you'd planned and gotten information! You were told, TOLD, not to cross Notter. Now you've killed his lieutenant only a day or so before he arrives? What Dark bleedin' part of "don't cross Notter" don't you get?! I told you to bide time, I told you to wait until Notter came through, to give us a month to prepare. You young Haremites are all the same, rushing off with a dream and no thought and not a care for the long picture! Frederick and I will continue to help. Not for your sakes. For the Bow. Now we have to find a way to survive the Collecting. She spits at your feet, Rixon. Keep your eyes open, all of you. And your ears. Try to not draw the eye of everyone around you! With that, and not waiting to hear or reacting to any possible reply, she leaves the room and the sheriff follows, closing the door behind him. Moments later, you hear another door slam beyond and the sound of the heavy chair from the front area being drug into position.
Kaio continues working on his locks. He almost felt, at one point, if he had proper tools, he could have easily popped it, but the weird shape of the dart tips made it fall just out of reach.
Rixon takes Genevieve’s words to heart. He knew the abuse was well-deserved. And he had intended to get through this night without killing anyone. Hadn’t that old priest always said something about the road to hell being paved with never-meant-tos, or some such philosophical meaninglessness? I wasn’t ever really listening...
Well, this wasn’t the first time he’d been behind bars, and he didn’t expect it to be the last. Light, but I miss my toolset. Rixon lays down and tries not to think about what tomorrow will bring.
Kaio, just as you pop your manacles free, you hear the front door of the jailhouse slam shut.
Please return to the main thread now that you guys are all in the same location. Locking this one.