Episode 2

Mar 13, 2018 3:21 pm

PallaBa says:

"Lord Mercon, if we are separated, we should meet again. Can you and your retainers treat with us about taking action? If so, come to the Moon Mountains on Reut, and be in observance. Take the Immortal Tear Mix. The Honorable Balanser can guide you on this meaning."

Retro reply:

Kray's was brief. "I will speak with Balanser on this. Fates be with you."

Love the idea of executing a sorcerer. Send your hell hounds at me and you need to die. Real slow. Eaten alive by flesh eating insects slow.

We still will have options. A lot of choices still moving forward. And, IIRC, legend has it this sorc makes his home in the Red Bastion anyway (J can you confirm?). Meaning we can still loot the rich stuff.

Last edited March 13, 2018 3:24 pm

Sizhen Lao

Len Inactive for 1 months

Mar 13, 2018 3:59 pm

Re: Episode 2

Sizhen deflects the blades against his leather-clad forearms, the impact hard enough to bruise. But, for a small price he brings the man into his circle, looking to incapacitate.

OOC:

Didn't see a deception check to contest Sizhen's Insightful Fighting roll of 14. So my turn will either follow option A or option B:

OPTION A: If the I.F. check succeeded, I'll attack twice with action and bonus action.
OPTION B: If it failed, I'll try I.F. again with bonus action and attack with my action.

Including rolls for everything, use what you need :)

[ +- ] Insightful Fighting

Last edited March 13, 2018 4:09 pm

Rolls

Attack action: scimitar attack (slashing) - (1d20+7, 1d6+4)

1d20+7 : (11) + 7 = 18

1d6+4 : (2) + 4 = 6

Bonus action (Option A): scimitar attack (slashing) - (1d20+7, 1d6+4)

1d20+7 : (17) + 7 = 24

1d6+4 : (5) + 4 = 9

Bonus action (Option B): insightful fighting - (1d20+9)

(8) + 9 = 17

Sneak Damage (slashing) - (3d6)

(461) = 11

Gibon

DMJ

Mar 13, 2018 5:07 pm

Re: Episode 2

Xorthan says:

Thorn eyes the Hichesi as they stare angrily back him from time to time, and processes Gibon's lesson.

"Would it be wise for you to tell them we mean them no harm and wish not to anger them?"

Gibon begins to respond, but Thorn cuts him off.

"Are these Hichesi of the Hilelli persuasion? And how can you tell?"

Gibon answers, "I do not know, Master. The Hilelli are teachers and speakers. They speak about religion and many other gods instead of Goldna ad Dasnish. The Hilleli have rough robes and cut hair to show their way." After thinking a bit more as he talks, Gibon continues, "I think yes. I think the Forest People worship other gods. I think they are Forest gods."

DMJ

Mar 13, 2018 5:11 pm

Re: Episode 2

Ezeriah says:

Love the idea of executing a sorcerer. ...

... And, IIRC, legend has it this sorc makes his home in the Red Bastion anyway (J can you confirm?)...

OOC:

Confirmed. The word sorcerer is being used for the first time here perhaps, but you have heard stories of a half-devil known as Iz Jeddriss who people say has broken into the Red Bastion somehow years if not decades ago and bases from there as he uses dark magic on and against the citizens.

It is unclear (and unconfirmed) that he is really in the sealed citadel. No one else has found a known entry into the structure.

Dug-nuna

DMJ

Mar 13, 2018 5:15 pm

Re: Episode 2

The Stabber tries to fight on.

OOC:

Quick Deception tossed out below, will have to check in later to figure out results. Sorry, I need to get trained up on the Insightful Fighting feature, didn't catch that originally.

Opponent resists IF on first comparison
IF successful on Bonus Action, duration 1 min begins

Rolls

Deception vs. Insightful Fighting by Sizhen - (1d20+1)

(14) + 1 = 15

Second Deception v. Insightful Fighting - (1d20+1)

(12) + 1 = 13

DMJ

Mar 13, 2018 11:50 pm

Re: Episode 2

Sizhen

Sizhen's methodical counters put the Stabber on his heels.

Attack: Hit, Sneak Attack applied

Realizing that he cannot run, the assassin is now desperate, but he stands ground to fight to the last.

DMJ

Mar 14, 2018 12:06 am

Re: Episode 2

DMJ sent a note to HypCo

DMJ

Mar 14, 2018 12:13 am

Re: Episode 2

On the north bank river footpath...

Thorn, Kray, and Gibon continue on through the low ground north bank footpath, still following Atraharsis and the other rugged Hechesis ahead.

The trail eventually weaves its way past most of the shanty housing of The Swamp district. Beyond this, the land on the north bank shifts to fields and farms, with a few houses and barns still scattered about here and there.

In the fields to the north, laborers can be seen working the fields. Southward is the river. Small river boats and rafts pepper the slow moving water. On the far bank are the impressive structures of the main part of the city. It is quite a contrast to this local scene on the north side that is getting more and more rural, soon to blend in with the towering trees of the Jara Hili off in the distance.

Cedrio

DMJ

Mar 14, 2018 12:23 am

Re: Episode 2

The party women scream and run away, flapping in their sandals down the hill and outward on the high walkway. A crowd begins to mutter and rumble, some coming to investigate, others darting away. The commotion begins.

Cedrio goes directly to check on Ennautum. He looks up to Ivor, a grim report without even saying a word. The Magistrate is dead.

A couple of Holy Gilded Armsmen are riding up now on horseback, accompanied by another rider, another fully armed and armored Korvaran.

Cedrio backs away from the body and looks over at Ivor. "We'll see how this goes."

Then he looks down the hill, "Do you see that? Two others giving chase to the killer. Now they are up and over the wall, with Sergius following."

One of the arriving mounted Armsmen speaks out in Heshbaan. Cedrio answers him. The other one dismounts and goes to inspect the body.

The Korvaran rider is a rugged-faced man, a veteran by the look of him. His sharp eyes scan over Ivor and Cedrio both, from a brooding scowl.

DMJ

Mar 14, 2018 12:26 am

Re: Episode 2

OOC:

GV, option for Yashub to join the melee against Dug-nuna if desired. See here for original planning.

DMJ

Mar 14, 2018 12:34 am

Re: Episode 2

Elsewhere in Gelshemish...

Bryn has gone into the deserted part of the city, seeing the grouping of several large and elaborate buildings that are now ... simply unattended by the city populace. It seems quite strange. Not too far away, the city is vibrant. Here, abandoned. Yet the structures are impressive, quite magnificent in fact though they have the look of neglect.

Bryn sees that Gilded Armsmen patrol the area, and no one is allowed to travel here. Bryn has to move stealthily, avoiding the patrols. It is easy enough for him, but would not be for others less practiced in hiding and evading.

He takes some time to case out the Red Bastion of Midrad, from afar at this point, not yet wanting to risk a full close approach.

https://dl.dropbox.com/s/7bh3sva26v5hrfp/Gelshemish%20Red%20Bastion.jpg

Atraharsis

DMJ

Mar 14, 2018 12:50 am

Re: Episode 2

When Thorn, Kray, and Gibon have walked to a place where the riverside footpath rises up to a clearing south of a farm, the Hechesis stop and turn back to face them.

The four warriors are about 50 meters away. Atraharsis, the leader, stands furthest away. The troop at the closest point in the assembly steps out away from the others. He stands in the clearing and looks at the three men. He says no words, but stops in a taunt stance and pushes outward once with the center of his spear.

https://dl.dropbox.com/s/j3d3iwp3i6lnvji/Hechesi%20rural.JPG

Atraharsis and the other warriors stand a few steps behind the rear guard troop. They too glare back, unspeaking...

https://dl.dropbox.com/s/j8nou2t1vke3pay/Atraharsis%20wide.JPG

...but the message is clear, no need for a translator: "Do not follow us further."

Bryn Rynalt

Oxbox Inactive for 6 months

Mar 14, 2018 1:59 am

Re: Episode 2

OOC:

After casing out the physical layout of the Bastion, Bryn would like to seek out the Dasnishi to spend time with them making appearances at (the) tzocharcomat, to learn what he can of the Scriptures of the Replica of Seki.

Also Can Bryn make an actual trip to the gleaming market (not for a dildo hat, allthough very tempting) but to purchase a gift for the Sar. Something golden and flashy. He is willing to pay up to 500g and will present it to Kray the next time he sees him.

After handing over the gift to Kray, "We should pay a visit to the Sar at some point to show our great appreciation for him allowing us to do business here" he says with wide grin and mocking gesture. "I need an in to check out the Sars strong box so we can get our hands on the key to the Small Irons Gate. Are you game?"

Yashub

greenvoid Inactive forever!

Mar 14, 2018 8:38 am

Re: Episode 2

Yashub draws one of his daggers and goes in to take Dug-nuna down, circling for flanking attacks. He tries to grab the bastard, but the running took out his breath and just flails in a vain attempt to do so. However, driven by the investigator's cold fury for getting played for a fool, the dagger finds its mark and the Stabber gets stabbed!

OOC:

action surge for extra action: grapple
grapple, then two attacks, see what the RNG wants first
shit, reroll grapple with luck - ok, let's forget that grapple :(

Last edited March 14, 2018 8:48 am

Rolls

grab the bastard: athletics - (1d20+3)

(2) + 3 = 5

stab him with the dagger - (1d20+5)

(15) + 5 = 20

grapple again for Luck - (1d20+3)

(6) + 3 = 9

dagger damage - (1d4)

(3) = 3

second attack - (1d20+5)

(17) + 5 = 22

second attack damage - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Dug-nuna

DMJ

Mar 14, 2018 12:34 pm

Re: Episode 2

Dug-nuna tries to wrangles out of Yashub's attempt to contain him...

Resist Grapple successful

...but he cannot escape the cut of the knife. Yashub slashes the thin assassin, drawing blood first across shoulder and then across his arm and torso.

Both Attacks: Hit

Dug-nuna winces and shouts out from the pain. Throwing his knives down in the wheat stalks, he puts up his hands and backs away.

He grabs his cut shoulder and stumbles as he looks at Yashub and talks out boldly to him in Heshbaan...

DMJ sent a note to greenvoid

Sizhen can't make out all of the words, but he can recognize "Yield!" and understands that something is said about the Sar.

OOC:

Len, I think that is right. Languages are Alijanian, Kortellan, and Zutaran IIRC. Like most of the rest of the crowd, Sizhen is learning Heshbaan but only gradually.

Surrendering, Dug-nuna turns his contemptuous eye from Yashub to Sizhen, whom he scans over with a questioning look that shows his confusion. Who is this Alijanian speed demon?

Rolls

Oppose Grapple with DEX Acro - (1d20+5)

(10) + 5 = 15

Sergius

DMJ

Mar 14, 2018 1:12 pm

Re: Episode 2

A big Korvaran legionnaire comes jogging up, winded but ready for action. He draws a pristine bronze gladius.

He blares out something in Yuoric. The words are unrecognizable, but he seems angry and he has his eye on the captured Stabber.

Off in the distance, riding in on horseback from two directions, are two gilded Armsmen (from the west corner) and another Korvaran legionnaire (from the east corner).

Ivor MacConall

Jabes.plays.RPG

Mar 14, 2018 1:59 pm

Re: Episode 2

Quote:

One of the arriving mounted Armsmen speaks out in Heshbaan. Cedrio answers him. The other one dismounts and goes to inspect the body.

The Korvaran rider is a rugged-faced man, a veteran by the look of him. His sharp eyes scan over Ivor and Cedrio both, from a brooding scowl.

"Well, what're they saying, man?" Ivor asks Cedrio through the corner of his mouth. "Hey look, they've nabbed the assassin."

Yashub

greenvoid Inactive forever!

Mar 14, 2018 2:13 pm

Re: Episode 2

Holding his weapon ready, Yashub stares coldly back at him, ready for a surprise attack.

greenvoid sent a note to DMJ

Then he asks a question from Dug-nuna in Heshbaan.

Kray Mercon

Ezeriah Inactive forever!

Mar 14, 2018 2:24 pm

Re: Episode 2

Oxbox says:

OOC:

After casing out the physical layout of the Bastion, Bryn would like to seek out the Dasnishi to spend time with them making appearances at (the) tzocharcomat, to learn what he can of the Scriptures of the Replica of Seki.

Also Can Bryn make an actual trip to the gleaming market (not for a dildo hat, allthough very tempting) but to purchase a gift for the Sar. Something golden and flashy. He is willing to pay up to 500g and will present it to Kray the next time he sees him.

After handing over the gift to Kray, "We should pay a visit to the Sar at some point to show our great appreciation for him allowing us to do business here" he says with wide grin and mocking gesture. "I need an in to check out the Sars strong box so we can get our hands on the key to the Small Irons Gate. Are you game?"

"I'm certain the Sar's feast will be an ideal time to present such a gift." Kray accepted the extravagant lock box from Bryn and continued. "Surely we can fill it with shiny jewels. "Presenting it as empty would be an insult." His demeanor evolved to one if amusement. "And I'm most certainly up for some... entrepreneurship. An offering of one lock box to allow access to another." Kray took a most enjoyable drag from his spliff, letting a cloud of smoke tendril our from his nostrils.

Kray was thoughtful for a moment. "We should coordinate with the rest of the men. There are many pans in the fire at the moment, all which need attention. Perhaps you could lend a hand with a party that has shown interest in our presence here."

Kray has the sky jewels from the Black Ziggurat.

Kray would fill Bryn in on the guy that followed Kray and Thorn for his boss. The one that Kray tortured and killed (he chose... unwisely) and had fed to some pigs. Might be a good chance for us to make some local underground connections.

Also, going to put this out there now. Kray is *not* interested in fighting the Hechesi's fight. He is far more interested in taking them down/solving the problem for the Sar as part of getting a rock solid foundation in this new land. Whatever that takes, within reason.

However, I can't be in three scenes at once and keep up IRL. So, with the new PC's, perhaps we could sort out a few tasks (My preference). Or just sequence the stories a bit.

Kray needs to be at the Sar's palace feast. And the Hechesi ritual (pf which he'll be informed of by the honorable Balanser).

Is there anyway to OOC some of this J? Perhaps the meeting with Balanser? I'd be comfortable not going to investigate the Follower who became pig food. But definitely want Kray at the Sar's feast and the Hechesi ritual.

I think a crew with Bryn and Thorn, at the least, would be good for the Human Pig Food situation (Thorn was there that night and has a vorpal eye. Bryn could Thieves Cant if we are dealing with rogues).

I'd like to get the new PC's on team and involved as well. I think Sizhen would be good for the Pig Food sitch as well. You know... inquisitor with questions (and methods!) as needed. For the Hechesi ritual I think extra muscle would be good... Ivor no doubt to skewer fools. And if Yashun can roll on that perfect. Not sure what Yashubs skill set is. Things could get messy, and Kray will be in that damn forest for the ritual I imagine.

I'm open to ideas of course, with the intent of finding the Hechesi hideout and solving the problem for the Sar... peacefully or with a blood bath. Doesn't matter. Kray would opt for the most efficient path.

Lots of possibilities here.

Thoughts, all?

Last edited March 14, 2018 2:29 pm

DMJ

Mar 14, 2018 3:31 pm

Re: Episode 2

Ezeriah says:

Kray has the sky jewels from the Black Ziggurat.

Kray would fill Bryn in on the guy that followed Kray and Thorn for his boss. The one that Kray tortured and killed (he chose... unwisely) and had fed to some pigs. Might be a good chance for us to make some local underground connections.

Also, going to put this out there now. Kray is *not* interested in fighting the Hechesi's fight. He is far more interested in taking them down/solving the problem for the Sar as part of getting a rock solid foundation in this new land. Whatever that takes, within reason.

However, I can't be in three scenes at once and keep up IRL. So, with the new PC's, perhaps we could sort out a few tasks (My preference). Or just sequence the stories a bit.

Kray needs to be at the Sar's palace feast. And the Hechesi ritual (pf which he'll be informed of by the honorable Balanser).

Is there anyway to OOC some of this J? Perhaps the meeting with Balanser? I'd be comfortable not going to investigate the Follower who became pig food. But definitely want Kray at the Sar's feast and the Hechesi ritual.

I think a crew with Bryn and Thorn, at the least, would be good for the Human Pig Food situation (Thorn was there that night and has a vorpal eye. Bryn could Thieves Cant if we are dealing with rogues).

I'd like to get the new PC's on team and involved as well. I think Sizhen would be good for the Pig Food sitch as well. You know... inquisitor with questions (and methods!) as needed. For the Hechesi ritual I think extra muscle would be good... Ivor no doubt to skewer fools. And if Yashun can roll on that perfect. Not sure what Yashubs skill set is. Things could get messy, and Kray will be in that damn forest for the ritual I imagine.

I'm open to ideas of course, with the intent of finding the Hechesi hideout and solving the problem for the Sar... peacefully or with a blood bath. Doesn't matter. Kray would opt for the most efficient path.

Lots of possibilities here.

Thoughts, all?

OOC:

Ez,

A lot of good stuff here. A lot.

I think it is a good idea to start soon on roping in all these side missions and pull in for a strategy meeting. Angling that way, and yes I think we can do some things by OOC and/or mix with general narrative updates.

I want to leave another short bit of time/posting to wrap up a couple more normal entries on a couple scenes as they are, which I think will clarify some of the edges on other options to think about. Hopefully those will lead to some next actions that might firm up on the itinerary for multiple if not all PCs.

So...Players' Club,

Let's take today and maybe early tomorrow to finish out any "blow-by-blow" narrative or live dialogue entries that you have or want to get in. I'll do the same.

Tomorrow I'll probably take the reigns slightly and press some of the open ends to a general wrap-up and transition to next scene(s) that should become more clear and reasonable purpose.

Thanks,

J-Task

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