In a very narrow alleyway of a walled village, a swirling vortex opens a few feet above the ground, unseen by the inhabitants because they don't bother watching this alleyway much.  Out of the vortex, 4 figures are flung into the alley - a human woman, a human man, a warforged, and a shifter with wings.  A split second after they are so ungracefully ejected into the new surroundings, a few fancy boxes are flung into the alley, breaking open.  A moment after that, some water gushes from the portal and drenches the 4 new arrivals.  The vortex flickers, fades, then vanishes completely.

Not that the cardinal directions are apparent, but the scene is thus:  The alley runs east to West and is about 5' wide.  To the south is a tall masonry wall with a wooden railing at the top hinting that it is a defensive wall designed for soldiers to walk along the top.  Along the North of the alley is a wood and stucco wall of some building with a ceramic tile roof.  Dust and cobwebs suggest the infrequent use of the alley.  About 10' to the West the alley narrows to about 3' thanks to the corner post of the building jutting out from the wall, but beyond the post seems to be an open area paved with cobblestone.  About 10' to the East is another narrow point due to another wooden corner post, but the alley just continues further in that direction for about 30' before opening to another, albeit not as well lit, cobblestone area.  Lighting: Daylight.  Weather: Clear and cold.  Cold enough to see your breath.

((OOC:
Joe finds:
Point Blank Weapon (AV) lv 3
Cloak of Distortion (AV)  lv 4
Sylvan Armor (PH1) lv 3

Timothius Finds:
Inescapable Longsword lvl 3 (AV)
Collar of Recovery lvl 4 (AV)
Versatile Plate Armor lvl 3 (AV)

Elric finds:
Healer’s Brooch – lvl 4 AV
Symbol of Divine Reach – lvl 3 AV
Skewering Weapon – lvl 3 AV

Gale finds:
Orb of Insurmountable Force - lvl 3 AV
Stoneskin Cloth Armor - lvl 3 AV
Safewing amulet - lvl 3 PHB
.))
This message was last edited by the player at 18:04, Sat 11 July 2009.

Gale scrambles to her feet just in time to dodge the box flung at her, but is unable to dodge the water that follows.

"Water it is," she says, arms held out like she's a soggy scarecrow, (why women instinctively take this pose when drenched is one of life's mysteries) "Ooh!  Sky!  How I've missed you!  Must you give me such a cold welcome?  Brr!"

She shivers and wrings out her hair before examining the contents of the box that looks like the last one apparently intended for her.

"No fur coat," she says, "Nor a towel.  But that would be TOO convenient.  I get the impression that this wasn't the destination intended by whoever made that last portal.  Bye bye, mysterious dungeon!"

He holds up the fancy looking items she found and looks at them carefully.

"Nice as this is, I'm gunna go coat shopping ASAP."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:00, Sat 11 July 2009.

Timothius is poured on with water and widens his eyes. "MREOW!" he lets out from reflex before hugging himself and looking around. Seeing his allies "spit" through, he would offer a hand to help up anyone who isn't already up (Gale having gone through first, she was standing as he came through). He puts on the armor and puts the sword on his side. Then puts the collar around his neck and says, "I'm with Gale. A c-coat sounds gooood..."

  Joe is okay.  He only took 1d4 damage from chest impact upside the head (and it rolled a 1).

  "Ow..."  Commence splashing. "...ow is not the appropriate reaction, but I'm at a loss what is."  This moment of blunt trauma induced insanity, that is our exscuse and we are sticking with it, over with Joe rises to his feet with convenient Paladin based aid.  "Thanks Tim... Wait a minute."

  Something of important significance in Joe's life has arrived.  "Oversized novelty bow, how I've missed you."  Wow, it's as tall as he is.  "Not my old one, but it's free."  His old one was also free, for the same reasons his Shortsword was (actually paying for it during chargen aside).

  "I could make some comment about how I don't need to go coat shopping with this." He said as grabbed the Mens size leather armor and cloak.  "But anything you buy likely won't come soaked in ice cold water."

  He doesn't comment on Tim's fur coat by default, lest if give Gale any ideas.  He also considers whether or not rusting is any more of a potential issue for Warforged than it is for even the most basically enchanted Dagger.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:55, Sun 26 July 2009.

After being splashed, Elric's eyes dimm as the warforged clearly isn't amused by the situation until Joe mentions the sky causing the warforged to glance up and speak, “Thank Pelor, at least we seem to be out of that place, oh how the light is a welcome sight.” as Elric notices the great spear, brooch, and holy symbol on the ground at his feet. “So anyone have any clue where we are?”

Elric doesn't seem to pay much attention to being drenched as he picks up the three items to inspect them before responding to the comments about being cold and wet that the others have made. “I don't see what the big deal is about being wet, we'll be dry soon. Although I'd prefer if it was a bit warmer, but at least it isn't so cold that the water is freezing into ice. ice is annoying.”

Gale raises an eyebrow that the Paladin doesn't seem the least bit shy about stripping off his armor with a lady present.  That's fine, she's not shy about watching either.

"Prestidigitation!" she exclaims, snapping her fingers, "Duh!"

With that she heats* the water soaking her, Timothius, and Joe, and steam begins to rise from all three as the water evaporates.

"Be that as it may, Joe, I'm sure you'll appreciate the warmth for the time being."

She faces Elric and nods.

"Thank Pelor indeed!  Good question.  I'll wager a guess that it's faaar from where any of us live.  That would be too convenient if we landed someplace familiar.  And the big deal about being wet is that us warm-blooded people will die if our body temperatures go below a certain point, and water speeds up the death-by-cold process a great deal."

She listens carefully to the hustle and bustle of the town.

"They speak common," she mutters, "I suppose that's a good sign we won't be attacked on sight.  Shall we go ask the locals where we are?  Though we may wunna keep from mentioning where we're from...  Lotta places would find our strange story unsettling at the very least."


*((OOC: "Chill, warm, or flavor up to 1 pound of nonliving material for up to 1 hour... You can have as many as three prestidigitation effects active at one time."  This would take about 18 seconds to pull off warming all 3.))
This message was last edited by the player at 00:22, Mon 13 July 2009.

  "The lessened chance of hypothermia is much appreciated, yes." Joe replies, because not needing to make an Endurance check is better than having a good Endurance score.

  Joe didn't figure Tim wore nothing but Platemail (and fur).  But even though Joe also was inclined to wear clothing underneath his armor, for the moment he only put on the now dry cloak.

  Gale was wearing Cloth armor, which many figured was just fancy clothing (and for the most part that was true).  But Joe's brain skipped past the gutter area implications this could have.

  "Lots of people might also find it odd if you ask where you are when you are already there.  So we may want to put that off until its clear there are no convenient signs or passing comments to answer that question for us."

Elric glances at Joe and his eyes flare up in intensity for a moment as the warforged mutters sarcastically, “Guess we shouldn't ask what day it is, since we don't really have a clue how much time has passed while we were underground.”

When Gale casts presto to make the water evaporate, Timothius says, "Thanks, Gale." with a relieved expression and light smile.

Timothius gives Elric a half curious, half skeptical look as he tries to figure out why the guy is annoyed at Joe's advice. But for now, he offers some of his own:

"Well no offense to anyone present, but of the four of us, Joe and Gale should be the ones to scout out, simply because they are human. The fact they speak common doesn't guarantee they will look favorably on me or Elric. Then again, I suppose a quick glance at the people themselves will show if I'm wrong on that."

As far as what Gale and Joe's respective minds were commenting on without actual commentary, Timothius was, in fact, wearing something under the armor. Now, he is wearing something under some OTHER armor. Heh. But he's sure to hold on to the old armor. One does not simply discard armor. That stuff's expensive!

"You're welcome!" Gale answers Timo and Joe proudly, "And good points all.  I'll be sure to try and act casual."

Gale walks out into the square and...
sees everything BUT humans.  "An outsider!" they say, "Attack!"
Good thing she was just daydreaming that part.

Carts and tents surround a large communal well in the center of this plaza. The well, 10' across, is located about 10' to the northwest of the alley and has a small lip to prevent people from falling in.  The citizens of Loudwater bustle about the area, shopping for food, clothing, and crafts.  Everyone seems so wrapped up in their own business, that the appearance of a human woman wearing magic clothing barely registers.  Of the 6 people visible in the square, three are dwarf, two are halfling, and one is human.

Gale approaches the human who's standing outside what appears to be a tavern about 10' to the northwest of the well.  The human is a balding man, probably in his early thirties, who in spite of appearing to be in excellent shape, has a cripple's cane next to him leaning on the same wall he's leaning on.  He's in the middle of a conversation with a jolly looking halfling man, so Gale waits her turn to speak.

"Hi!" Gale says with a smile and a wave when the two stop talking.

"Top of the mornin' to ya, Ma'm," the human answers with a small smile, "Sunsteen Urbeth at your service.  What can I do for you?"

"Gale," Gale answers, with a polite curtsey, "Would you like to see an illusory magic trick or two?"

"Ooh!" the Halfling interrupts enthusiastically, "I'd love to!"

The human frowns and his brow furrows, but he doesn't answer Gale.  Gale holds out her hand, and an image of Timothius arrayed in shining armor appears above her palm.

"Wow!" the halfling approves, clapping.

More of the townsfolk are paying attention now that a magic show is being performed.

"Once upon a time there was a valiant and gentle Paladin of the Platinum Dragon named Timothius," Gale narrated, as the image showed him protecting a little girl from an angry wolf, "He teamed up with his friend Elric, a faithful and fun-loving Cleric of Pelor, and the two of them rescued a damsel in distress from the clutches of danger!"

The illusory scene shows Timothius and Elric combating the wolf, then switches over to the girl kissing Elric on the cheek while Timothius tying up the apparently unharmed wolf.

"This is great!" the halfling cheers.

Gale pauses her story.

"I'm glad you like," she says, "Just curious... Would a pair like this be welcome here?"

"You kidding?!" the halfling says, "Of course they would!  Wouldn't they?"

The crowd of fascinated people nod and give their assent.  Even Sunsteen seems to agree.  Gale smiles.

"Then it gives me pleasure to introduce my two heroes, Timothius and Elric!  Come on out, guys.  Don't be shy!"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Mon 13 July 2009.

Elric steps forward when Gale beckons. Elric waves to the crowd as the warforged cleric approaches Gale and the crowd that has formed around her. “Hello, I am Elric.”

Although Elric's face doesn't readily show it, the warforged is quite curious to learn about this town in order to find out how similar or different it is from the town Elric's 'father' is from. Thinking about 'father', Elric glances down slightly for a moment as the warforged wonders when or if Elric will ever be reunited with 'father' again. Elric glances up towards the sky for a moment when Elric thinks that if it is Pelor's will it will be done and that there is nothing to worry about which makes Elric realize something.

To an observer it would most likely seem that Elric is possibly looking around the town as the warforged speaks up with a playful chuckle, “Even now I realize new meanings in father's teachings. Doesn't matter where you go, the same ground will be beneath your feet, and the same sky will be above you.”

  Joe doesn't come out after Gale's little show, but this would be due to the fact he had done so in time to actually watch it.

  'How nice, Gale is less one of the insane magic practitioners, and more one of the awesome ones. Exactly how much less, and more much more was up in the air.  But who was Joe to talk, or narrate about sanity beyond the comparative sense?

Timothius steps out into the open with Elric and also says, "Hello... thanks, Gale." His wings wiggle some behind him and he glances around, a bit less fearless than Elric about the surrounding people. But may as well test the waters. If Gale's intro didn't do it, nothing will. Still, he is prepared to book it, should the people decide to be scared and angry.

The southern wall suddenly explodes, sending rubble and dust everywhere! Townspeople begin to scream and flee as goblins race forward through the hole in the wall.

http://spreadsheets.google.com...cjv6sVP7aHOn2oJx68mw

The goblins have a round of surprise and use it to rush into the town.
Wall Rubble: These squares are difficult terrain.
Merchant Carts: These squares are difficult terrain.
(The alley we came from is between the southeast wall and the southeast shops.)

Goblin Hexer Initiative: 15 + 3 = 18

Gale Initiative: 1d20 +1 15 + 1 = 16

Goblin Cutter Initiative: 2 + 5 = 8

Goblin Warrior Initiative: 5 + 3 = 7

Joe Initiative 1d20 +5... 1 + 5 = 6

Elric Initiative 1d20 +1...5 + 1 = 6

Timothius Initiative 1d20 +2...1 + 2 = 3

Goblin Cutters (C)
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion.
AC 16; Fortitude 12, Reflex 14, Will 11

Goblin Warriors (W)
HP 29; Bloodied 14
AC 17; Fortitude 13, Reflex 15, Will 12

Goblin Hexer (H)
HP 46; Bloodied 23
AC 17; Fortitude 14, Reflex 15, Will 16

The townspeople have 10 for all their defenses and are killed if hit.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:54, Tue 14 July 2009.

"Wretched thieves!" the Hexer shouts as he looses a blast that kills the nearest townsperson, "Feel the wrath of the Ogre King!"

He then shouts orders at the other goblins in their native tongue.

Hexer Stinging Hex vs. Townsperson

1d20 +7 >= 10
19 + 7 = 26 ... success

Gale screams at the sight of a man being killed.

"You killed him!" she shouts, "Murderers!  Feel the wrath of Gale!"

Her eyes erupt with black flame as the shrieking black tendrils of her Grasping Shadows spell burst from the ground under some of the goblins.  Five of the goblins caught in the spell shriek and collapse unconscious.

She then summons a flaming sphere behind some of the other goblins, the heat of which causes them to fall unconscious.

((Yay action points and daily powers.  Grasping shadows creates a zone that lasts until the end of Gale's next turn. Each creature that enters the zone takes psychic damage = her int mod and is slowed until the end of its next turn. ))

Gale Grasping shadows vs. Goblin Warrior 2 Will

1d20 +7 >= 12
17 + 7 = 24 ... success

Gale Grasping shadows damage
1d8 +5
3 + 5 = 8

Gale Grasping Shadows vs. Cutters 1 through 5, need 5 or better to hit.
7 + 10 + 9 + 12 + 10..  all hit.

ACTION POINT!
Gale Flaming Sphere vs. Goblin Warrior 2

1d20 +7 >= 15
19 + 7 = 26 ... success

Flaming Sphere damage
2d6 +5
3 + 2 + 5 = 10

Goblin Warrior 2 = 11 HP left (Bloodied and slowed)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:58, Tue 14 July 2009.

Two of the remaining goblin cutters panic and dive under the nearest merchant cart rather than risk running past the dark tendrils of doom or the fireball of fate.

"Spare us!" they cry, "We surrender!"

One of them is a lot more pessimistic about the situation and attacks Gale!

"We're as good as dead anyway!" he says as he runs around the scary-looking Warforged to get at the not-wearing-armor-mage-that-kills-7-goblins-in-one-turn.  Much to his surprise, his sword actually connects and does damage!

Meanwhile, the human named Sunsteen grabs his leg, screams, and drops to the ground.

((From the Monster Manual:
Goblin Cutter - If it dawns on them that they’re losing the battle, they flee, hoping to live to fight another day.

From the F.R. Campaign Guide:
As soon as the goblins become aware of the danger the PCs represent, they focus their attacks on them.

I'd say it's a toss-up, so I let the dice decide for each remaining minion.

Those minions who dived under the carts are prone and have superior cover.  Took them a minor and a move action to get under there, so for their standard action:
TOTAL DEFENSE: STANDARD ACTION
✦ +2 Bonus to All Defenses: You gain a +2 bonus to
all defenses until the start of your next turn.))

Cutter fight of flight? 1=fight, 2=flight.

3d2
2 + 1 + 2

Goblin Cutter sword vs. Gale's robe

1d20 +5 >= 16
11 + 5 = 16 ... success  4 damage to Gale

This message was last edited by the player at 17:11, Wed 15 July 2009.

The goblin warrior that was entangled by Gale's Grasping Shadows spell struggles 10' to the north before hucking a javelin at her, but his aim is off and the javelin misses her completely.  He snarls in frustration and curses in goblin.

The other warrior shouts something in goblin and runs for the shop northeast of the well and smashes the display window with his spear.

((OOC: Final details.  W2 is hiding behind the well's lip and has partial cover.  The carts grant partial cover to the Hexer.   Townsfolk initiative = 10, so they fled after Gale's fireworks.))

Fireball Damage to Warriors

1d4 +5
3 + 5 = 8


W2 javelin vs. Gale.

1d20 +6 >= 16
7 + 6 = 13 ... failure
This message was last edited by the player at 00:02, Wed 15 July 2009.

  Joe calls to the two sensible Goblins (the ones hiding under the carts, if that wasn't obvious)  "Care to elaborate on that 'Wretched thieves' announcement?"

  A swift shot drops the Goblin next to Gale to the ground as an arrow goes through it's knee.  Not into, through.  It's a very big bow.  A second shot isn't quite so successful as it whips past the Goblin by the well and into the cart behind it's head.

  "Say, could you move your head a bit to the left please?"

---

Standard: Twin Strike, Hit Cutter, Miss Warrior 1.
http://rollr.appspot.com/view/...IIRGljZVJvbGwYnNAEDA

Timothius rushes to the downed townsperson and touches him, reviving the man. Timothius then glares at the goblin who killed the townsperson with a stern look. Because believe me... Timothius pays close attention to things like, oh *murderers*.

Timothius figures whatever the goblins are after, even if it originally belonged to them, it clearly can not be trusted with them now. He charges at the goblin Warrior who smashed the shop window figuring he must be after the "stolen" item. If the goblins are making this much of a fuss over it, the item is clearly dangerous and powerful. "You will surrender at ONCE!" he yells as he swings his blade at the warrior, twisting it at the last moment to hit the goblin with the flat of it.

(Move Action: Move to townsperson)
(Minor Action: Lay on Hands > Townsperson)
(Move Action: Move from townsperson to square AE-10.)
(ACTION POINT!)
(Standard Action: CHARRRRGE! vs Warrior at AK-9)
(Roll: 18. +7 = Hit)
(Damage: 7 + 3 = 10 dmg to the gobby at the shop.)

(OOC: Discussed it with the GM and came to the conclusion that "Lay on Hands" can be used to revive or at least stabilize a fallen NPC, namely the townsperson that would otherwise be labled "killed". Timothius intends to make sure no living thing dies on his watch. His heart still bleeds for the fire beetles.)

Furious at what the warforged cleric of Pelor sees as an unprovoked attack on the city by the goblins, Elric rushes to assist Timothius in dealing with the Goblin seemingly trying to pilfer items from a shop.

“If you goblins were sent by an Ogre king, and that individual wishes to terrorize innocent people, then I will bring Pelor's Light to wash away your darkness!” Elric's eyes glow brightly while charging at the goblin warrior to assist Timothius landing a solid blow upon the Goblin warrior with the new Greatspear that Elric acquired. “This is your last chance to surrender. I suggest you take it.”


_{[OOC: Minor Action is unused.
Move action: Move to AG10
Standard Action: Charge to AI10 to attack Goblin Warrior 1.
[267] 09-07-15 23:08:20 CEST - c_fewell@hotmail.com
Elric's Charge attack on Goblin Warrior 1 (The one next to Timothius) 10+1 (charge bonus)+1(Warforged Tactics as Tim is adjacent to the Goblin Warrior.) (typoed the 1d20 in previous attempt)
1d20 +12 >= 17   ->  18 + 12 = 30 ... success
[268] 09-07-15 23:11:20 CEST - c_fewell@hotmail.com
Damage Roll for Great Spear of Skewering +1 vs Golbin Warrior 1
1d10 +5  ->   2 + 5 = 7
Goblin Warrior 1 is now at 4hp left and is bloodied. (29-8-10-7=4)]}

"Cursed glory seekers!" the Hexer shouts as he backs away toward the exit, "This is none of your concern!  These vermin you protect are hardly innocent!"

He follows up with something in goblin that's apparently directed at his allies then fires a spell at the warrior at the well that may as well be a smoke grenade.  The spell expands into a huge cloud of smoke, obscuring everything within.

(( Vexing Cloud (standard; sustain minor; encounter) ✦ Zone
Area burst 3 within 10; automatic hit; all enemies within
the zone take a –2 penalty to attack rolls. The zone grants
concealment to the goblin hexer and its allies. The goblin hexer
can sustain the zone as a minor action, moving it up to 5 squares.

DM Ruling:
Judging from the MM entry, I think what they meant to say was, "While the goblin hexer and any of it's allies are inside of it, the zone grants concealment."  *slams gavel*))
This message was last edited by the player at 01:10, Thu 16 July 2009.

"He's getting away!" Gale warns the others, "We gotta stop him!"

She runs past the cart and well and commands her fireball to give chase to the Hexer.  The snow outside the town wall hisses as the fireball rolls over it.  Notably, the goblin cutter under the cart doesn't take advantage of the opportunity to slice at Gale's ankles as she passes him by.  The Grasping Shadows spell fades away as suddenly as it came.

The townsperson Timothius healed doesn't understand how he was revived, but he knows danger when he sees it and flees to the west.

"Thanks, Timothius!" he shouts as he runs.

(( Move, Move, Minor sustain.))
This message was last edited by the player at 01:39, Thu 16 July 2009.

"We came to take back the horn totem that was stolen from our master!" one of the goblin cutters blurts out in answer to Joe's question.

"It's only valuable to goblins," the other interjects, "We don't know why the villagers would take it!"

"They hate us for no reason!"

"We're sorry the villager was hurt."

"But he's ok now... See?"

((OOC: Standard action: full defense))
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Thu 16 July 2009.

The goblin Elric and Timothius attacked knows his moments are numbered.  He shouts something in goblin at his ally at the well who runs for the exit then hucks a javelin at Timothius which strikes the Paladin between the plates of his armor, injuring him badly.

The warrior at the window uses the distraction to grab the horn totem from the shop's window display, takes a few steps, hurls it as hard as he can at the goblin Hexer, then makes a break for the exit himself.  Timothius tries to smack the Warrior with the flat of his blade for letting his guard down, but the javelin injury combined with the vexing cloud is enough to make him miss completely.

((OOC:  W2 used:
Mobile Ranged Attack (standard; at-will)
The goblin warrior can move up to half its speed; at any point
during that movement, it makes one ranged attack without
provoking an opportunity attack.
Hence it's moving 9 squares in it's turn rather than just 6.))

W2 javelin attack vs. Timo's AC

1d20 +6 >= 22
17 + 6 = 23 ... success

javelin damage with Great Position bonus

2d6 +2
6 + 1 + 2 = 9 damage to Timothius

Timothius AoO vs. W2 -vexing cloud penalty

1d20 +7 >= 17
6 + 7 = 13 ... failure

W2 improvised ranged "attack" at willing ally, -2 penalty for lack of proficiency, DC = 10

1d20 +4 >= 10
8 + 4 = 12 ... success
This message was last edited by the player at 04:11, Thu 16 July 2009.

  "I'm gonna have to make a wild guess any legitimate rage would be due to your choice of blowing up scenery and raiding the unarmed civilian section of town, as your choice of action.  Though I am lacking any reason to shoot you two at the moment, much appreciated"

  Joe's lack of reason to attack the hiding Goblins is taken advantage of as he slips between two of the carts (got to love diagonal movement) and comes to a stop right at the edge of the recently made wall entrance.

  Unfortunately, both of his shots go wide in his attempt to take down the fleeing warriors.

---

Move miss blah blah.  Joe and Hexer are lacking LoS with each other due to the wall.

((OOC: Minor detail - The area outside town is covered in an inch or two of snow and counts as normal terrain.  Also, having given the "exploding" wall some thought...  The book says the wall explodes but never explains HOW.  I'll just wave my Jedi hand and add the little detail that a large tree trunk is laying on the ground just outside the wall, hinting that it was the weight of a falling tree trunk that knocked the wall down rather than some mysterious Goblin dynamite.  The trunk counts as difficult terrain.

tim: "you're over thinking this.  it's for dramatic flair and... that's that."

joe: "like the Kool-aid man enterance"

me: "lol  funny you should mention that... tim and i were playtesting a character of his on the tabletop...  and artificer eli summons a construct that bursts through a wall and says "OH YEAH!"

Joe: "good times"))
This message was last edited by the player at 04:32, Thu 16 July 2009.

Having been struck, Timothius winces. But when he sees the goblin and his boss playing Football with the horn and hears Gale shout a warning about the boss getting away, he decides to make a break for the boss. With a javelin hanging out of his chest and his sword seemingly magnetized towards the hexer to some degree, Timothius' pupils shrink as he charges at the goblin hexer with a yell, "You should have come here in a civil manner! Maybe I would have even *helped* you get it back!" ...for something with wings, the guy looks like a tank charging through the battlefield with no concern for mere things like, oh, a CHEST WOUND. Timothius is running on pure adrenaline at this point.

He's so focused on the Hexer, he charges right past the Warrior.

(Move: Diagonal to AH-11 and then to AH 14.)
(Standard: CHEEEARRRRGE! *again*)
(Minor: Divine Challenge. Hexer is now marked with the challenge.)
(+1 to attack from Inescapable Longsword since Timothius missed the opportunity attack against the warrior earlier.)
(aaand luck smiles on me. >:) )
(Warrior Opportunity Attack: 2. Misses.)
(Timothius charge: 17+10=27. It hit.)
(Damage: 2+4=6 damage.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:12, Thu 16 July 2009.

Elric gives chase after the Goblin Warrior after it tosses the horn to the Hexer. The warforged cleric murmures a prayer to Pelor to shed light on this situation, invoking a blast of white radiance from his holy symbol as Elric finishes the prayer. The light Elric produces heartens and guides Timothius, Joe, and Gale, while both Goblin Warriors are burned by it's stern light and fall to the ground. “It is obvious there is more going on here than what you've claimed. We will work to bring the truth to the light of day, which requires hearing both sides of the story. But your actions have been less than civilized. There are better ways to try and recover stolen property than brute force and terror.”


_{[OOC:
Move Action: Move to AH15.
Standard Action: Divine Glow vs Goblin Warrior 1 and 2, plus it gives Joe, Gale, and Timothius a +2 power bonus to all attacks they make during their next turn. (even if it misses both Goblin Warriors.)
Minor action: Unused
[291] 09-07-16 23:21:37 CEST - Elric's Divine Glow vs Goblin Warrior 1's Will.
1d20 +6 >= 12 -> 13 + 6 = 19 ... success
[292] 09-07-16 23:21:52 CEST - Elric's Divine Glow vs Goblin Warrior 2's Will. - hamete dice roller didn't roll a dice for some reason...
[293] 09-07-16 23:22:18 CEST - Elric's Divine Glow vs Goblin Warrior 2's Will.
1d20 +6 >= 12 -> 11 + 6 = 17 ... success
[294] 09-07-16 23:25:25 CEST - Divine Glow Radiant Damage to both Goblin Warriors.
1d8 +4 -> 5 + 4 = 9 Radiant Damage.
Goblin Warrior 1 is now at -5 HP, an Goblin Warrior 2 is now at -6 HP.]}

The Hexer curses something in goblin as his backside catches fire and his frontside catches longsword.

"Spare me your hypocrisies, glory seekers," the Hexer spits venomously in reply, "You force your supposed ideals with violence so your actions make my argument for me."

The vexing cloud moves south and engulfs all the combatants.  The Hexer tries to sneak away, but Timothius gives him a parting strike with his longsword as the Hexer runs.

((OOC: Minor + Double move.  Hexer is hidden to characters with a passive perc less than 9.  I just noticed I've been roleplaying this guy way smarter than he's supposed to be.  I assumed magic user = smartz.  Oh well.  -.-))

Fireball damage vs. Hexer
1d4 +5
3 + 5 = 8

Hexer stealth check
1d20 +20 oops.  finger musta slipped
4 + 20 = 24 +10 = 14 (-5 penalty for moving more than 2 squares) = 9

Timothius AoO vs. Hexer -2 penalty
1d20 +7 >= 17
10 + 7 = 17 ... success

longsword damage vs hexer
1d8 +4
8 + 4 = 12

Hexer HP: 46-6(Timo charge) - 8(Fireball) -12 (Timo AoO)= 20HP
This message was last edited by the player at 21:23, Fri 17 July 2009.

"Oh no you don't" Gale shouts, "You're not getting away so easy!"

She hurries through the hole in the wall then hucks an icy javelin at the Hexer which melts and refreezes on impact, chilling him to the bone!

"Booya!" she cheers, pumping her fist, "Try and escape NOW, hornseeker!"

(( OOC: Move, minor sustain fireball, Standard: Ray of Frost.))

Gale Ray of Frost vs. Hexer Fort.+2 (for cover.)
1d20 +7 >= 16
14 + 7 = 21 ... success

Ray of Frost damage
1d6 +5
4 + 5 = 9 damage to Hexer Hexer is slowed until the end of Gale's next turn!

This message was last edited by the player at 21:36, Fri 17 July 2009.

  Joe has suggestions on proper looting methods, but it would be in poor taste to give them right now.  Maybe he might fill in the two sensible Goblins later though.

  "I'm not very good with moral lessons.  So I'm gonna go with the kind I am good with."  Joe commented as he ran (technically walked) through the goblin induced darkness and stopped just outside it.  Letting an arrow fly.

  That bounced off the Hexer's skull headdress...

  And then a second arrow struck the same spot shattering their extra skull, while only heavily bruising their personal skull as they toppled to the ground.

  "Today's lesson.  How to shoot someone in the head without killing them."

---

Move: Duh.  Minor: Quarry Hexer.  Standard: Twin strike to Hexer, Miss/Hit

16 damage.  11-9 = -5  Hexer Fall down.

http://rollr.appspot.com/view/...IIRGljZVJvbGwYmvcEDA

Timothius doesn't waste time going to the downed Hexer and grabs the horn to himself before beginning to heal the Hexer. "It's not hypocricy to fight for what you believe in. I never said violence was wrong. Only that you were going about this wrong." Sure, the Hexer probably didn't hear a single thing Timothius said, but he's saying it anyway to help calm himself down.

(Heal check: Because I'm not wasting his only other lay on hands for the day on an enemy. Lay on Hands is for emergencies that involve mid-battle anyhow. 11+8=19 win.)

The stamp of running feet and clank of armor can be heard approaching from the north and east.

"What the hell is THAT thing?" a voice demands.

"Don't shoot!" the familiar voice of Sunsteen replies, "You could hurt the heroes!"

"Heroes?  Mr. Urbeth!  Are you ok?"

"Yes!  Heroes!  If it's not goblin, it's probably friendly.  A winged cat, a walking suit of armor, a woman wizard, and an archer man... human.  I think they succeed in defeating the goblins...  Two surrendered.  Over there!"

"Heroes!  Do you need aid?!  You two.  Secure the prisoners."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:21, Sat 18 July 2009.

Elric quickly approaches Timothius as the paladin tends to the Hexer. “How badly are you hurt?”

The warforged cleric then turns to the northeast when the unknown voice demands to know what the hell that 'thing' is as Elric isn't sure if the person is talking about him, or someone else. The warforged's eyes dim slightly at being referred to as a walking suit of armor, as Elric is far more than the attached chain-mail Elric is wearing.

 Elric then responds to the voice when asked if the group is okay, “As far as I know, some of us are slightly wounded but nothing immediately life-threatening. I am curious to know why the goblins claimed the villagers were thieves. They said that the horn totem they tried to claim was an item that was stolen from them. I am also concerned about the Ogre King they mentioned, and what that individual might try once it is realized that the raid on the village failed."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:48, Sat 18 July 2009.

The Goblin Hexer slowly regains consciousness, but is too stunned from all the hurt to do anything threatening at the moment.  The vexing cloud loses it's power and fades away to reveal that the voice to the north belongs to one of several armed guards, and reveals the heroes to the guards.

"I believe I can answer your first curiosity," a voice from the northeast calls.

An old, white bearded Dwarf steps out of the shop that was burglarized.  He takes a look at the heroes and even his experienced eyes bulge in surprise.  Cat with wings and walking armor indeed!  He puffs excitedly on his pipe.

"A few days ago, Curuvar, the town wizard, sold me the horn totem I heard you mention earlier.  It's a magic 'daggar' of sorts of no small value.  Makes it's bearer able take on foes much larger than themselves.  Especially of value to Dwarves as you might imagine.  Curuvar claimed to have 'found' it on one of his many brazen excursions into the southern barrows."

As the town patrol begins binding the fallen goblins, Garwan and the apparent leader of the patrol approaches the heroes.  Sunsteen seems eager to do the same, but is struggling to keep up with his crutch.

Gale poofs a pillow with prestidigitation, places it on the fallen tree trunk, and sits to tend to her wound.

"Real smart, Gale," she mutters to herself, "Just got new magical armor that could have spared you some pain, and you totally forget to use it!"

"Allow me to introduce my friends," she addresses the approaching people, "This is Elric, a Warforged cleric of Pelor.  The kit...  erm...  Shifter with wings over there is Timothius.  He's a paladin of the Platinum Dragon.  This is Joe, apparently quite the capable archer.  Human if you couldn't guess.  I'm Gale.  Wizard as Mr. Sunsteen mentioned.  Also Human."

  Joe thinks 'So far as missing over half my shots goes towards capable.' At Gale's remark.  Though it probably helped he made the shots that mattered.

  "I do suppose our tendency towards hoods causes some difficulty distinguishing us from everything else that looks the same from the neck down."

Upon seeing the goblin waking and seeming to be OK for now, Timothius cracks a hopeful little smile. "Don't worry. You'll be OK." he reassures the goblin.

When Elric asks if Timothius is OK, he suddenly remembers he has a javelin sticking out of him. "Oh! Uh... ow?" he says, chuckling nervously before looking back at Elric. "I'll be OK soon as I remove this thing. It's more wedged in my armor than my actual chest, so it's not as bad as it looks." he says before wincing as he grabs the javelin to try yanking it out. "Some help pulling it out would be nice, though, I'm in a bad angle for that."

Timothius doesn't want to appear as a thief, but isn't sure how much he trusts the village either. But so far, the village seemed normal and according to the dwarf, the guy who stole it is unknown and the item was sold to him. Figuring it best to trust the law for now (Well he IS lawful good) and return what isn't his to where it was before he showed up, he offers the horn totem to the dwarf. But since he's busy having a javelin removed, he says, "Well here's your totem back... I'd stand and give it, but I'm kinda tied up at the moment." He does, however, make sure to stay with the goblin, knowing villagers can react quite fiercely against goblins. Especially ones who attack them.

Garwan strokes is beard and halfway reaches to take back the horn totem.

"On second thought," he thinks aloud, retracting his hand, "You four have more than earned this.  Please, keep it as my token of appreciation for your repelling the invasion.  Perhaps you'll sell it for something even better in your adventures, or perhaps you'll keep it as a reminder of an old Dwarf's gratitude.  Either way, it's yours to do with as you see fit."

His smile broadens.

"You're one tough customer!  Why, members of my own family would be pitching a fuss about getting shish kabobed!  I'd be honored if you'd grace me with your company at The Tankard!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Fri 24 July 2009.

The leader of the Loudwater Patrol binds the Goblin Hexer with rope and remains quiet.  His face shows that he approves of both of the Dwarf's offers.

Elric moves to assist Timothius in the removal of the javelin while saying, “Before we return the totem, we probably should find out what it does. For all we know it could be used in a ritual to cloak the world in darkness. But if it is harmless, then I agree that it should be returned. If only to ease relations between the goblins and the villagers to insure there are no more attacks.”

"Return it to the goblins?" Gale asks in surprise.

She rubs her chin and thinks about it for a while.

"Well something tells me we're going to wind up having to confront more goblins one way or another in the near future, and choosing when could be to our advantage.  The horn totem could be a useful bargaining chip..."

She looks toward the now roped-up Cutters who surrendered.

"You two have been comparatively co-operative...  So what's so valuable about this horn totem that you and your allies were willing to risk lives over it?"

"Tell them nothing!" the Hexer commands, "Or you shall pay with y-fummagumma"

The Hexer is interrupted with the elderly elf's boot to his head.

The goblin cutters cringe and begin spilling all they "know" about the horn totem.

"It is a mighty weapon!" one says.

"An heirloom of great symbolic value!" the other adds.

"You can slay a giant with it!"

"But we only use it in religious festival."

"It gives the holder the strength of 10 goblins!"

"A historical artifact.  You can't put a price on art!"

The leader of the Loudwater Patrol looks very unconvinced.

"Gag them," he commands, "I'll listen to their lies later when I can conduct a proper interview."

He looks over at the heroes.

"As Garwan hinted, you have the thanks of all of Loudwater for your repelling this invasion.  Elric has made a very good point that this artifact is most likely key to something even more dangerous.  But you all need to recover from the battle, so for now we can set aside such concerns and relax and talk comfortably.  The Tankard would be a wonderful place to do just that if you like, and if the owner isn't willing to feed you in thanks, then Garwan and I shall cover the cost of the meal at least."

Garwan nods in agreement.

"I'll pitch in too!" Sunsteen adds, "It's the least I can do."

"It's but a few steps this way," Harrowleaf continues, "Do you need help getting there?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Fri 24 July 2009.

Timothius blushes. He winces from the Hexer getting a boot-to-the-head, but nervously grins and nods to the words of the people around. To Garwan, he replies, "You humble me with your words... the honor is ours." he says, glancing around at his companions. "Thanks, Elric. And yes... I'll hold on to the horn since it's been entrusted to me. And I fully intend to return it to it's rightful owner when I know that is safe." he glances at Harrowleaf, but doesn't contradict him on whether the goblins are lying or not.

  Joe hopes to get in an answered question before gagging takes place.  "Just so we're clear, does it slay Giants in the traditional house punting size sense, or slay 'giants' by a size comparison to wielder sense?"

  A less important, but likely considered more sensible comment from Joe is "I'll be sure to only go for the average free meal, as opposed to springing for the sort that costs more than a room."

OOC Style: Seriously, you just barely edge out as it is with the Common food/drink vs common Room.  Common Meal and ale, 4 sp.  Common room, 5 Sp.  A Luxury Room is 2 Gp, while Fancy meal and fancy drink are 5 Gp.  Each.

Elric nods in agreement with Timothius' statement before glancing at Joe and tilting its head slightly as the warforged cleric wonders what the horn actually does. Elric figures that pondering about the horn is slightly less likely to lead to insanity than pondering about what Joe has said. Elric just can't understand why anyone would pay that more for food than for lodging.  Although Elric thinks that as a Warforged ones view of food is slightly different than for most other beings. After all Elric never really touches the stuff since Warforged don't feel hunger so the concept of someone wanting to spend a lot of money on food is a mystery to the Warforged Cleric.

The goblin cutters are stumped by Joe's question, but the shopkeeper isn't.

"The latter," Garwan answers, "According to the wizard who sold it to me, even a giant could find it useful if he were to get into a fight with an adult dragon, or anything else that out-sizes a giant for that matter."

The group is escorted to the Green Tankard Tavern, coincidentally the building that Gale introduced her companions in front of.  The tavern’s large common room holds a gregarious group that includes townspeople, riverboat folk, merchants, farmers, and now a few individuals wearing the badges of the Loudwater Patrol thanks to the excitement earlier.  A cheerful looking halfling approaches the group and introduces himself.

"Marsh Laval at your service, heroes!" he exclaims, "Welcome to the Green Tankard Tavern!  Please make yourselves comfortable!  May I take your orders?  Don't worry it's on the house, so feel free to indulge!"

Just then, the man who Timothius revived rushes in, spots Timothius, and kneels in front of him.

"I apologize that I didn't thank you properly earlier, sir," he says, sounding a little frightened, "But you have my deepest thanks for saving my life!  Bringing me back from the brink of death!  Gods be praised!  Especially the one who sent you!  Please tell me what I must do to repay you!"

An elegantly dressed half-elf woman steps in and grins in amusement at the commotion being raised by Timothius' new worshiper.  She walks over to Harrowleaf and laces her fingers with an authoritative air, as if expecting to be introduced.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Sun 26 July 2009.

"Well," Captain Harrowleaf says, "I suppose some introductions are in order.  The man on the floor is Jay Pitt, a merchant.  I am Captain Harroleaf, leader of the Loudwater Patrol.  This is Lady Moonfire, the Mayor of our town.  This is Garwan, the proprietor of the curiosity shop from which the horn totem was taken.  And of course Marsh Laval has already introduced himself.  Everyone, it is my privilege to introduce the heroes who repelled today's goblin invaders: Gale, Timothius, Elric, and Joe."

People inside and outside the Tankard clap and cheer, clamoring to congratulate and praise the new town heroes.

During Harrowleaf's speech, Marsh Laval hurries to put a few tables and chairs together to accommodate the large group, then pulls out a chair for Lady Moonfire who sits.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:35, Sun 26 July 2009.

Seizing the opportunity to show off, Gale waves her hand and a nearby chair which scooches out.  She sits herself down, letting go of her staff which just stands up where it is as if it grew out of the ground.  Some look less impressed than others.

"Well thank you for the warm welcome, everyone," she answers with a confident smile, "And since you're in such a generous mood, Mr. Laval, perhaps we could prevail upon you for lodging?  In either case, as Joe requested, I would love a humble meal.  Beef stew with garlic bread and fruit juice perhaps?"

She faces Lady Moonfire and Harrowleaf who by now has seated himself as has Garwan.

"I'm sure you have many questions you would like to ask us."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:58, Sun 26 July 2009.

  The praising of the one that sent Timothius and the rest of them might not count as deity situational.  Then again, there were some rather confusing Gods according to what he'd paid attention to in passing.

  "Thanks." He comments, being thanked for shooting people was new.  Although usually there were not many around but those he'd be inclined to shoot in those situations so far.  "If what Gale is opting for is convenient, I may as well go for that too." He said as he took a seat, though his bow unfortunately still had to obey gravity leaning against his chair, even if his arrows didn’t seem to some days.

Timothius blushes from the attention. But he's very happy the person is so grateful. "Better you ran off than to make the help given in vain." he offers reassuringly towards the apology. He pulls out a chair for the man and offers to help him to his feet. "If you would like to join us, we were just about to eat. As for how you can repay me, I am not one to demand payment for doing what's right. But I am one to ask people to carry that torch. Spare kindness from no one. If you see anyone, even someone you hate, who needs rescuing, do what you can. If you are not capable, find someone who is and ask them to help."

He seats himself only when the subser- err... only when Jay seats himself. Then Timothius offers, "When a criminal gets off the hook, remember that he has not escaped the notice of the Platinum Dragon and will some day be made to pay for his crime. But that same criminal could come to you on his knees some day, pleading for you to save his only child. Even if the child will some day grow up to hate you and even kill you, you should rescue him."

Then, suddenly realizing something, Timothius looks at Captain Harrowleaf. "Forgive me, but... my companions and I have no idea where we are or if we are even in the world we came from. Thank Ioun we all speak the same language, but I'm not taking anything for granted... so... where are we?"

Although Elric sits down with the others, when the topic of food is brought up, the Warforged Cleric of Pelor politely says, “As a Warforged I do not hunger or thirst, however I am well aware that others do, if you wish to give a meal it would be better for one less fortunate to receive it.”

It is only when Timothius brings up the point that the group are strangers to these lands that Elric considers that these villagers might not know of Pelor, or Bahamut. However, Elric knows that now is not the time to ponder what these villagers do believe in. For now, Elric is content to know that they appear to follow a brighter path than those who dwell in darkness.

"It would be an honor, my illustrious guests!" Marsh Laval answers Gale and Joe.

"And a meal for the needy on your behalf shall be provided, sir," he answers Elric with a big smile.

In the eyes of this halfling, there's nothing more generous than giving up a meal to feed someone else, even if you don't need food - something he can't wrap his mind around.  As soon as everyone gives their orders, he hurries off to the kitchen door to shout out the "short-hand" at the cook.

"Two bossies in a bowl, B&B with Halitosis, hug a few!"

He hurries back to the table lest he miss anything interesting.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:28, Tue 28 July 2009.

Timothius' new lapdog bows several times vowing to do as he asks, and accepts the shifter's offer to sit with him.

"Being answered as we speak," Lady Moonfire replies to Gale before facing Timothius.

"You are in the town of Loudwater, connecting the Sword Coast to all points Northeast by way of the Grayflow River."

She pauses to watch the heroes' faces and sees that Joe at least seems to recognize the mention of the Sword Coast, but the others don't.

"The continent of Faerûn ring a bell?  Toril?  Abeir?  The Feywild?"

She notices that the mention of the Feywild seems familiar to everyone and raises an eyebrow.

"Fascinating.  Well that leads me to my other question.  What are your histories?  Where are you from?  How did you wind up here?  What are your goals?  Let's start with you, Gale."

((OOC: From my research on gods and planes and planets and such, the Feywild would be one thing that would be familiar to everyone regardless of where you're from, and no one mentioned actively trying to hide such a thing from Lady Moonfire who as judge and jury of the town is very good at insight checks. ;p  ))
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Tue 28 July 2009.

Gale gathers that Lady Moonfire has been selected as town inquisitor by default.  Who would have guessed the mayor would wind up asking questions on behalf of the town?  She also guesses that at this point honesty is the best policy for minimizing suspicion from the locals.

"I'm from the Domain of Greyhawk which is located centrally in the Flanaess - the easternmost part of the continent of Oerik on the world of Oerth," Gale answers matter-of-factly, while presenting illusions to illustrate her story, "Apprenticed myself to a master wizard in the Free City when I was old enough to do so.  Nothing noteworthy happened to me till this morning when I woke to find myself in a mysterious dungeon that was full of traps and deadly monsters.  With the aid of my new found allies, who apparently were just as mysteriously transported there, I escaped that place only to be dropped off in an alley of this town.  I had just introduced myself and my friends to Mr. Sunsteen..."

She glances about the room, catches sight of him standing at the doorway, and waves.

"When the goblins attacked.  After a full day of fight-or-die in that dungeon...  My friends and I instinctively fought back.  Never mind the fact that the leader of the goblins introduced himself by murdering this fellow in cold blood."

She nods to Jay Pitt who nods vigorously in affirmation.

"So my goal is pretty straight-forward.  I want to find my way back home.  I suppose helping out others survive violent goblin attacks where needed while getting back home would be a given at this point."

  Nothing noteworthy happened when Gale was learning how to mock the laws of physics and melt faces off.  So by comparison Joe's life was downright boring.

  "I'm from the Northwestern part of the Swordcoast.  Stuff has been even less noteworthy for me than Gale until the mentioned issues.  Though I suppose a prior intent to wander means ending up only in a different area of the Swordcoast isn't that huge a deal."

Timothius waits for a little, to make sure it is his turn before he answers the mayor's question, "Far as I can remember, I always wanted to help people. Heal their wounds, heal their sorrows... so I began study for being a cleric. But war struck and I was drafted. So I was trained to be a paladin to make use of my healing tendencies. Before I could even get to the battlefield, I suddenly found myself in the prison Gale mentioned." he looks aside. "I don't want to go home. I never wanted to fight in a war. I never wanted to fight. I only wanted to heal... but here I am." he looks down at his sword's handle while fingering it and looking back to the mayor. "I fight because it's the only way to rescue people lately, it seems. My goal is to end strife. Forever."

He looks pretty serious about it. Like the idea of walking to the moon and carving a big smiley face on it was entirely within the realm of possibility.

Elric waits for Timothius to finish speaking before the warforged cleric speaks up to answer the mayor's question as the warforged turns to the mayor, “My father is a Cleric of Pelor who had never married but wanted a child and sought Pelor's guidance on what he should do. Eight years ago he got his answer when he learned of a ritual that would allow him to create a Warforged. I know I am not his son in the traditional sense as I was created and not born, but he has always treated me as a son. Thus I consider him my father even though he is human and I am not. He raised me as best he could teaching me everything he knew, which included training me to be a Cleric of Pelor. Now I follow in my ‘father’s footsteps’ by following Pelor's teachings. I know I am nowhere near my hometown, but my presence here must be Pelor's will, so I will strive to bring hope to those who need it, light to where there is darkness, and to alleviate suffering whenever I can. While I wish to go home to be with my father once more, I know that if Pelor wishes it, that it will one day come to pass. And upon that day I hope to have a story to tell that he will be proud of.”

Elric then glances around as the warforged cleric hopes that what has been said is a sufficient answer to the mayor's questions.

Marsh Laval can barely contain himself!  People from another world!  They'll be talking about this for decades to come!  And to think, he'll be able to boast that they chose HIS pub!

As soon as the food and drinks are ready, he serves them to the heroes with a proud smile.  He waits eagerly for any requests, and any more stories, they might have.

"Fantastic!" Lady Moonfire exclaims with a bright-eyed smile after the four heroes give their stories, "Another world!  I can only guess that the spellplague is responsible for your being brought here.  That or divine intervention.  I would be happy to help you return safely to your homes with a story to be proud of.  My first guess for where to begin looking for answers on how to return you to your world would be Draigdurroch tower."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:00, Tue 04 Aug 2009.

"Lady Moonfire," Captain Harrowleaf interjects in an almost 'mind your manners' tone, "Wouldn't you say that the goblin threat is a bit more urgent?  You haven't heard Garwen tell of how he came by the horn totem that they were willing to risk their lives to retrieve.  Curuvar apparently 'found' it in one of th..."

A member of the Loudwater Patrol enters and approaches the Captain.  He hands him a note and whispers in his ear.  Harrowleaf squints his eyes at the note and shakes his head.

"I can't read this scrawl," he says, showing it to Moonfire and Garwan who also shake their heads, "Well.  Speaking of Curuvar, perhaps he can make sense of this.  Let him know that I and the Lady would like him to come to the Tankard so he can translate it for us."

He looks over at Lady Moonfire who nods her assent.  The soldier salutes and heads back out.

"Pardon the interruption.  This note was discovered on the hexer when he was incarcerated.  Judging from his reaction when it was found, it must be very important to the goblins.  And speaking of goblins, I believe this ambush and your simultaneous arrival may not be mere coincidence.  Perhaps whatever it is that they're up to is connected to your being diverted here.  You may be better served solving this mystery, to find your way home that is."

When the food is served, Gale hovers her hand over the hot stew and discreetly cools it from scalding to edible before chowing down with enthusiasm.  What?  She hasn't eaten since that magic picnic basket was found.

"Nice to finally start to get to know you guys' backgrounds a little better," Gale says to her friends with a smile, "Haven't had much of a chance what with all the craziness going on today."

She then answers Captain Harroleaf.

"I'd sooner believe that we're here as part of some cosmic practical joke than any goblin or divine intervention, but working to prevent further attacks on the town where we'll be sleeping in does seem to have it's more immediate perks."

She glances at Joe.

"Though I suppose you could just hop on the first boat to the Sword Coast and be well on your way back home.  If you choose to do so, I hope that you're not carrying the lion's share of the 'attacked at every turn' jinx and rather that it's spread out more evenly among us."

She turns to face Lady Moonfire.

"Thank you for your offer of help.  Your direction will be much appreciated.  You're much more qualified than I as to the figuring out of how we should proceed.  So... what's the spellplague?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:00, Tue 04 Aug 2009.

At the mention of the spellplague, Sunsteen looks uncomfortable to say the least.  When Gale asks her question, Lady Moonfire nods at Sunsteen to indicate he'd be better suited to answer the question.  Sunsteen pulls up his pant leg to expose the jagged blue cracks occasionally racing across the skin of his shriveled leg.

"The spellplague broke out about a hundred years ago following the death of Mystra, legends say... right?" he says, "Whole countries were lost.  Familiar lands became wild and chaotic.  This spellplague isn't no normal disease.  It consumes flesh, stone, magic... even walls between worlds as Lady Moonfire hinted.  You can't catch it by normal means, so you're at no risk from me, but there's folk who go to the plaguelands to try and catch it on purpose 'cause of rumors it makes you powerful.  But look at me!  I have a spellscar!  First time it manifested, my leg shriveled up. The thing’s a curse, not a blessing...  right?"

  Joe considered Gale's comments,  "I don't have any more particular reason to head back yet than I do to stick around here.  Although a lack of anything better to do does often lead to my more questionable decisions."

  In this case, questionable decision in use would be figuring on seeing how all this turns out as opposed to trying to find the mysterious and elusive 'safe place'.

Timothius reaches to try and heal the spell scarred leg. No go. "My goodness... what a... wow... I mean..." he ducks his ears. "I'll be sure to keep an eye out for a cure."

He looks back to the Captain and then the Mayor. "I will, of course, continue to assist in doing the right thing, whatever it may be."

"By Mystra's lost spell!" a black bearded human wizard says as he enters the room followed by the patrolman who was sent to fetch him, "This had better be worth my time!"

This middle-aged man looks as though he might have stepped from the pages of an illustrated history of wizards.  With a long black beard, a robe stitched with stars and moons, a staff set with a fossilized raven, and a pointed hat, Curuvar would stand out even among other wizards.

Gale is so shocked by the man's (what she considers hilarious) appearance, she nearly chokes on her meal!  Marsh Laval races to her side and firmly slaps her on the back, forcing her to clear her throat.

"You ok there, Mam?" the halfling asks in concern.

She's too busy trying not to laugh out loud to answer him.

"Curivar," Lady Moonfire addresses the new arrival with a very amused smile on her face, "We have a goblin note we need you to translate."

"By Mystra's lost spell!" he retorts, stroking his beard angrily, "Is THAT what this is about?!  Goblins write in Common!  Read it yourself!"

Captain Harrowleaf gives the wizard a scalding glare.  The wizard snatches the note from Moonfire's hand, puts on a pair of glasses, and reads aloud.

"Kerwig,
I learned through divinations that the totem is in a shop called Garwan’s Curiosities in Loudwater.  Go and retrieve it.  You know how important this is.  Without the totem, it will be harder to perform the magic. We must get the object back if we are to revive the Ogre King!  Do not fail!  I will continue forward with the magic even if every one of you must be sacrificed. We must get back the totem!

 - High Shaman Sancossug"

"High Shaman!" Curivar snorts, "Bah!  By Mystra's lost spell, there's nothing lofty about goblins!"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:39, Sat 29 Aug 2009.

  Joe is going to have to give the guy some credit.  They saved him the effort of pointing out that detail in regards to Goblin handwriting.

  "It may have been a comparison thing.  Highly Competent For A Goblin Shaman Sancossug does not sound quite the same.  I don't suppose you have any insight on the subject of Ogre Kings however?"

  Still no stitched letting reading 'Wizzard' on the guys hat however.

The warforged cleric silently contemplates everyone's contributions to the conversation. To Elric, everything points towards a single conclusion, the group has been fated to have to at least attempt a task only now being laid out before them. Although Elric wonders who set the wheels of fate into motion. Falling back on the ideals Elric's father imparted upon the warforged during the training to be a Cleric of Pelor, Elric says, “Without relying on what would sound like the words of a storyteller, it is clear that there is a lot of work that needs to be done to protect those who cherish the light from those who desire only darkness. However, I am not sure what should be our first course of action. The goblins will no doubt try to reclaim the totem again, and if we take the fight to them, we must not risk bringing the totem to them for if they somehow manage to get it away from us...” as the warforged does not feel the need to mention what the goblins would do with the totem since that was explained in the note.

Elric makes a mental note of Sunsteen's spell-scarred leg and Timothius' inability to cure it as the cleric realizes it will probably take a power far greater than what anyone present can muster in order to cure such an 'ailment'. Elric hopes that while traveling, such a cure will be found, although Elric realizes it is not likely, nor would it be an easy cure since if it was, then why wouldn't it have already been cured?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:26, Thu 17 Sept 2009.

Lady Moonfire nods to Gale's thanks, smiles pleasantly at the other three's comments, and giggles at Joe's joke about the goblin leader

"You all are so very heroic," she answers Elric, "Words from a storybook are quite fitting."

She nods to Joe then addresses Curivar.

"He raises a very good question, Curivar.  Your experience in this matter would be appreciated.  How was it you came by the totem, and were there any clues on this 'Ogre King?'"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Thu 17 Sept 2009.

The wizard frowns deeply and strokes his beard while he considers his answer.  He's lived here long enough to know that Lady Moonfire can conceal an accusation, that it's his fault the goblins attacked, in an implied compliment, that his experience is valuable.  Oh well.  May as well brag.  He is called "the brazen" for a reason.

"Yes, I did indeed sneak into the barrow," he answers boldly, "By Mystra’s lost spell, you wouldn’t believe what a dull race goblins are!  My wizardry easily incapacitated them.  However, I didn’t find what I wanted.  I took the horn totem as a souvenir.  I don't give out information for free, or I'd be out of business.  But...  Tell you what... if your heroes recover the matching skull totem from the barrow, I’ll tell you the truth about the Ogre King."

He smiles a self-assured smirk.

Gale frowns deeply and strokes her chin.  It isn't a conscious effort to jeer at Curivar, it could even be a subconscious compliment, but this habit of imitating other wizards has often gotten her into trouble with them.  She at least refrains from saying "By Mystra's lost spell!"

"Horn totem, skull totem, revival magic," she recounts from the clues presented so far, "Sounds like this 'competent for a goblin shaman' is trying his hand at necromancy.  And he's probably expecting his minions back any minute now.  Likely he'll try to perform the ritual when he realizes they've been beaten, and get himself killed in the process...  but there's always that chance that he succeeds, revives a smarter-than-average ogre that convinces the goblins to focus their attacks on traveling merchants to both acquire money for conquering the area and starve the town of resources."

With her head leaned in her left hand, she non-nonchalantly narrates this worst-case scenario, and illustrates it with miniature illusions of goblin hoards fighting townsfolk.

"But because he's a zombie ogre brought back from the dead, he's got other plans besides merely enslaving the people of the realm.  No, once he's killed every last living thing as a sacrifice to his god, he'll then perform the same revival ritual on them to make a zombie army to march on to other realms."

The nightmarish images of undead townsfolk rising from shallow graves with glowing pale green eyes fades away.  Gale yawns and looks over at the now terrified Marsh Laval.

"Boy am I sleepy.  It's been a long day.  That was some good stew!  Did I hear you mention I could spend the night here?  I think I'd like to take you up on that offer."

Gale has other bad habits besides imitating people who take it the wrong way.  Scaring people into believing that something is much too urgent for her to be allowed any sleep for example.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:50, Fri 18 Sept 2009.

Timothius eyebrow-twitches as the wizard "charges a fee" for information that will lead to keeping the town safe. Remembering how people can easily forget how very deep in a situation they are, Timothius calms himself. This Curuvar guy could very well not even understand the consequences of withholding information from the heroes. He thinks on how best to go about "bargaining" with the wizard. Perhaps putting the guy in a situation where either he agrees or looks like a total moron?

Timothius looks to Curuvar and says, "While it is wize to not give out information so freely, especially to strangers, telling your allies about the Ogre King wouldn't prove dangerous. Withholding the information, though, could slow us down though, or worse, get us killed in the barrow from lack of information. Consequently, you won't have us here to protect you anymore, much less the skull totem. If you tell us what you know, including what you remember of the place's layout from your time there, that could be quite helpful and we will be happy to retrieve the skull totem... after all, we are here to help."

He hates to resort to extortion, but if it comes to that, well... let's just say Timothius is mulling over some ideas on how to "charge" the wizard for something he's interested in.


(Timo Diplomacy check: 17 <9+8>)

(OOC: I'm reminded of the Transformers episode "The Ultimate Doom" where Cybertron was ripping Earth a new one and the Autobots asked the Dinobots for help. Grimlock said, "Me Grimlock no care whole planet fall apart. Makes no difference to me Grimlock." And Wheeljack said, "With you on it?" to which Grimlock replied, "Hmm... hadn't thought of that. Dinobots! Transform!" heh... and they went to the rescue. Go, go, self preservation instincts!)

  Were Joe inclined to bet, there would be a copper piece if the Ogre King was resurrected within five minutes before or after reaching where their body was regardless.

  "Well, that was a convincing argument to live somewhere that prefers cremation over burial." In regards to Gale's commentary.  "Though a more practical question comes to mind.  Do we, aside from Curuvar, actually need the Dagger or Skull totems for anything?  Because if not, just breaking them at the very least would annoy the Goblin's."

  Of course, it would just figure that if they break them, then all of a sudden they would discover that they were required intact to prevent the resurrection.  With no convenient way to prove it wouldn't have been the case with them intact.

Elric looks disappointed with Curuvar for the wizard's desire to charge people for the information they need in order to save the village, especially since the wizard is in the village. However as Timothius has already made, what Elric feels is a convincing argument on why such action is foolhardy, Elric sees no point in commenting on it.

When Joe talks about cremation, Elric replies, “Unfortunately, many of the stronger rituals that revive the dead, do not require the body to be intact, so cremation alone may not be enough. And one must be careful when destroying items used in a ritual, since sometimes their destruction could complete the ritual. And we don't want to do any favors for those that dwell in the darkness.”

The bartender is taken aback by the exchange, as are a good number of the patrons who give several glances to the team of heroes who seem to take an imminent zombie hoard invasion and resurrection rituals in stride like they were talking about the weather.

"Y...yes ma'm I did," Marsh agrees reluctantly, "But there's still plenty of daylight left.  Don't you think it a little early?"

Moonfire gets a smug smirk on her lips and leans her head in her hand.

"Oh I wouldn't worry Sir Timothius," she says, stifling a giggle, "I'm sure whatever Curuvar is hiding isn't really worth finding.  Probably some trivial tidbit like, 'the Ogre King's first name is "The!"'  But some good points were made.  One, that there's plenty of daylight left to deal with this threat once and for all today which is preferable to waiting for the shaman to regroup once he realizes his attack failed.  Two, that destroying the totem could both be a quick fix or an unfortunate trap.  It seems to me that we should take the totem with us and deal with it appropriately once we've learned more of it's nature from the enemy."

"'Us,' Lady Moonfire?" Harrowleaf asks in an objecting tone, "And who will be the town's mayor while your gone?  I'm sure these heroes are more than capable of dealing with a few goblins without having to divide their efforts as your bodyguards.  No offense, madam, but you're not exactly equipped for combat.  If anyone will be joining them it will be Curuvar.  Both because he knows the way and to recompense for bringing this attack in the first place."

Lady Moonfire rolls her eyes.  The veteran guard faces the heroes.

"As much as I would like to join you, the town has a wall to rebuild and we cannot afford to let our guard down with a gaping hole in our defenses.  You'll forgive our presuming that you'd be willing to take on this task for us today, but your actions and speech imply that you are.  Perhaps if I were to mention that the gratitude of Loudwater is not merely in words..."

He gives a glance to Lady Moonfire who nods.

"You will be handsomely compensated for your heroics upon your return."

Garwen's expression looks deeply disappointed at the mention of destroying the totem.

"Ya know... Magic items are very valuable...  You'd be missing out on a pretty penny if you were to destroy the totem...  I sure hope you make that a last resort."

In response to Timothius' practical points, Curivar looks smug, as if about to boast, but he gets cut off.  By the time Lady Moonfire and Captain Harrowleaf have finished what they have to say, the wizard looks furious.

"Trivial tidbit!" he shouts, "Recompense!  By Mystra's lost spell, you've some nerve saying such things to the one you called here for favors, you illiterate, ungrateful,  backwater, neanderthals!  Yes I DO know where the goblins lair is, Captain Obvious, but now I've a mind to leave this horrid place for good and let you flounder about on your own!"

The people seem unconcerned about the wizard's ire, if a bit annoyed.  They must be accustomed to such outbursts.  Gale covers her mouth as if in thought.  Curuvar gives her an enraged glare, blinks, then continues his rant.

"But so that you know how wrong you are about me I'll prove it!"

He turns to the heroes.

"I care not for your 'heroics' or your true motives.  Just don't get in my way as I teach those goblins how foolish they were to provoke my wrath!"

With that he storms out of the tavern.

((OOC: Gale was using "ghost sound" to whisper the following to Curuvar: "Goblin footprints in the snow will be easy enough to follow.  Don't give them the chance to point out this fact."  Perception Check DC 15 for your character to overhear the message.  Between that and Timothius' successful diplomacy check, I'd say Curuvar likes the heroes more than he does the town that puts up with him, heh.))
This message was last edited by the player at 03:34, Sun 20 Dec 2009.

Gale shrugs.

"Thanks for everything," she says, getting up, "But it looks like the wagon's leaving as the saying goes.  Here's hoping I'll be back in time for dinner!  Yum!"

She follows Curuvar out the door.

(OOC: This is Tim. Posting on another computer)

Timothius stands up. "....never a dull moment." he comments in a minorly irritated fashion. "I never knock over game boards when goblins are playing. I let them finish *their* games. But do they do the same thing? Noooo..." he mumbles to himself.

"Well let's get this over with." he says in a louder tone so people actually hear without expending effort on perception checks.

  "True about the resurrection variants, but if someone can casually toss around the resources needed for that just to make a specifically undead army then there are bigger issues to worry about."  Joe said to Elric as they shrugged, then grabbed his comically large bow and also stood from the table.

  "Please don't have any disasters while we're out if you'd be so kind." Joe said to the assembled people in general.

Elric stands up while nodding to Joe before turning to Timothius and saying, “Unless there is a reason why we should delay we should head out shortly since the longer we delay the more time they will have the prepare to send out another attack on this village." Elric does not bother to mention that a such a delay would also mean the goblins would have more time to prepare defenses against any possible retaliation for the failed attack on the village either.

"That would be nice, wouldn't it?" Harrowleaf answers Joe before the team exits.

The townsfolk give their well wishes to the group as they leave town, promising a warm welcome upon their return.  As Gale pointed out silently, the goblin footprints are in fact rather easy to spot and follow.  Curuvar proves surprisingly spry, but that could be due to his being angry at the moment.  Outside town the terrain rises and falls in white mounds, almost like a huge bowl of vanilla ice cream if not for the scraggly trees and shrubs sticking out of the scoops.

((OOC: I'll condense time and allow 1 round of posts = the time it takes to walk to the goblin lair.))

Gale quickly discovers a serious flaw in her plan of using prestidigitation to heat her not-suited-for-winter clothing:  her shoes melt right through the snow getting her feet soaked.  Fortunately she can keep more than one effect going, and makes herself a pair of snow shoes.

"I'd keep us all toasty if I could," she thinks out loud, "But there's a limit to my ability to concentrate."

As she passes the stump of the felled tree that knocked over the wall she continues to think out loud.

"Ya know... it wasn't all that noisy in that part of town.  I wonder how they managed to chop this tree down without us hearing the noise."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:10, Tue 05 Jan 2010.

Curuvar rolls his eyes.  "By Mystra's lost spell if not for how feeble goblins are I'd wonder how you survived that encounter!  This is hardly cold at all.  It'll start getting cold once the sun goes down.  As for how they managed to chop down the tree quietly, clearly by the use of magic.  Magic item.  They'd be too dull to cast any spells."

Timothius isn't sure how to react to the mage's comment on the dullness of goblins. He asides to Gale. "Thanks for the thought. My fur will keep me warm enough. And I doubt Elric needs warming." He hefts through the snow all bulky-like as per his paladin gear making the otherwise cute kitten look big and powerful. "By the way... not sure I got the chance to thank you bunch for fighting by my side back in that weird place we met at."

  Joe's sensible clothing method of keeping warm of course, is so mundane if doesn't bear mention.  That or Tim wants him to freeze.  It's probably the first one.

  "It's alright, I felt like staying alive too."  Joe looks over to Curuvar and comments "Goblin Hexer spells strong enough to kill people, not strong enough to hurt a tree. Gotcha.  That will come in handy if we have to deal with them indoors or something with furniture accessible."

  Hey, even the flaming sphere can't take out a wooden wall or clump of trees surrounding the exit unless it doesn't derail the Dungeon to do so.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:50, Tue 05 Jan 2010.

While Elric does not think highly of Curuvar's opinion as the Goblin Hexer's magic has already proving it to be a false one, Elric only says, “Who knows how they brought the tree down, the fact remains that they did.”

While Elric's expression does not look like he is uncomfortable, and there does not appear to be any 'visible breath' in the cold air due to breathing which Elric suspects leads to Timothius' guess, the Warforged Cleric shakes his head slightly and says, “While it is true that a Warforged does not need to eat, drink, or breathe, a Warforged can still feel warmth and cold. And it is cold out here, but nothing I can't handle, the armor components that are embedded into my body do provide a bit of protection but not much from the cold.”

Elric simply nods to Timothius when the paladin gives 'thanks' for everyone working together to get out of that strange place that everyone ended up in before ending up in the village. Elric still figures that Pelor has a part in it, or at least allowed it to occur for the greater good.

An ill-disguised trail leads through the woods and culminates in a jumble of pale stone ruins.  The area is littered with the gnawed bones and visceral remains of various mammals.  The trail leads through the mouth of a dwarf ’s face carved into one of the still-standing stone walls.  Beyond the wall is a wide, grassy courtyard.  Beside the entrance is Ye Olde Wooden Post Decked With Many Skulls topped with a sign that reads "KEEP OUT!" in common.

((Earlier, Gale would have snickered and agreed with Joe's wanting to stay alive comment.))

"Homely," Gale comments, stopping her progress toward the goblin lair well before the entrance, "I get the impression now would be a good time to discuss obvious adventurer tactics such as allowing the paladin to enter first given that arrows bounce off heavy steel shields more readily than cloth robes."

As is customary, she illustrates her point with illusions.  One such illusion shows a stick figure version of Gale getting riddled with arrows emerging from the mouth of an angry face.

"Followed by the Elric, Currivar and myself, with Joe taking up the rear.  Objections?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:29, Wed 06 Jan 2010.

Curuvar rolls his eyes.

"'Brave heroes who boldly defended the town!'" he quotes in a sarcastic tone, "By Mystra's lost spell, if I can handle these goblins on my own, why so nervous with five times that number!?  I care not what order we march in, let's just not spend all day standing out here like morons."

With that he begins marching toward the courtyard.  Behind his back, Gale silently mimics his tirades with exaggerated facial expressions and gestures.

((OOC: If we do in fact want to have a marching order, I can use the "marching in step" idea we covered many moons ago.  Link to map = http://spreadsheets.google.com...DZ5M3hTc0E&hl=en is also posted in maps thread.))
This message was last edited by the player at 19:12, Wed 06 Jan 2010.

Timothius prays quietly for patience from Bahamut. Enlightened by the answer he gets, Timothius says, "We wouldn't be heroes if we didn't take precautions for the safety of those around us." he feels that was a LOT more heroic than saying "than by all means, lead the way. I'll stay behind you, oh great brave one."

  "Only variation on your sensible sounding idea is that I should probably stick with you at first so I can actually see what I'll be shooting at.  Won't do you much good if I hang back outside the walls while you're inside."

  As Joe follows after he asks "Or have we not completely given up hope on peaceful solutions before we maim someone into the opinion diplomacy is a better idea?"

Elric looks at Curuvar and says, “Desiring to employ strategy does not imply cowardice. I don't see anything wrong with the grouping Gale presented, so let's use that unless someone has an objection to it.”

Elric readies his Great Spear as the warforged fully expects to be thrust into combat in the near future as he takes up a position relative to the others similar to the grouping order Gale proposed.

http://spreadsheets.google.com...DZ5M3hTc0E&hl=en

Curuvar rolls his eyes and relents to the heroes' suggestions.  Once the team is at the doorway of the courtyard, the inside is completely visible to Timothius and Joe - not that the near corners are much different from the rest of the vacant space.  Carved into the sides of the entrance are sockets with rust stains indicating where hinges for doors used to be many years ago.  The courtyard was once finely cobbled with stone but now is little more than rubble overgrown with grass.  What little snow that remains in this courtyard clings to the border between the floor and the 20' tall masonry walls.

At the far side of the courtyard is a pile of rubble and stone about 10' in diameter.

Gale dismisses her snow shoes and cranes her neck to try and get a better look at the stone pile ahead.

"Thanks guys," Gale says in response to the affirmation from her allies, "I'd like to think my offering strategy is a worthy contribution.  As for diplomacy?  I doubt it would have worked too well on that last group of goblins, though intimidation apparently did.  Still, hope for the best.  You never know.  High Shaman Hasselhoff might just have a enough self-preservation instinct to listen to reason rather than instantly jump into a do-or-die fight.  From the sounds of those last guys, they think they're in the right for taking back what they claim is rightfully theirs.  Offering that we're here to clear up misunderstanding might get our foot in the door.  Still...  Just to be safe..."

She conjures an image of a gnome and has it race across the courtyard to see if any waiting goblin ambushers happen to shoot at it.  Nothing happens beyond a raven crowing on the wall like it's laughing at her.

((Skipping Curuvar.))
This message was last edited by the player at 07:33, Fri 08 Jan 2010.

Curuvar snorts in response to the "heroes" comment, and sighs in reply to the  "strategy does not imply cowardice" comment.  He decides not to reply and just folds his arms.

Timothius has to exert a force of will to refrain from facepalming as Curivar snorts, sighs and such. He is reminded of a certain elf he and the others left behind in that dungeon he woke in this morning.

Timothius then gets a hopeful smile at Gale's words. "Nice to hear you hope."

Timothius answers Joe, "I haven't given up hope on peaceful solutions."

Joe should know. He saw Timothius get watery-eyed over the death of a giant beetle that can breathe fire.

He then looks at the others. "Let's get this sorted out. As Gale suggested, things are not always as they seem. There is usually more than meets the eye."

With that, he starts on ahead of the others and pulls his shield up protectively in case of a surprise attack.

(Standard Action: Total Defense. Timothius has a +2 bonus to all his defenses until the end of his next turn.)
(Move Action: Duh.)
(OOC: Rolled up a DC check to see if it beat Tim's will of 16. I rolled a 1. Turns out Timothius didn't have THAT much of an urge to facepalm and nobody even noticed he was going to... though Joe might recognize that "I WANT to facepalm" look in Timothius' eyes.)

Elric moves forward with the rest of the group while continuing to have his great spear ready to strike out if someone tried to attack the group. “I doubt those we will be facing will be willing to see the light and abandon the darkness. If only diplomacy could guide all those who dwell in the dark out into the light. Unfortunately that does not always work.”

_{[OOC: Using a Standard action to ready an attack against any foe that comes into range and tries to attack an ally making use of the Great Spear's Reach. Otherwise keeping pace with the group (Using move action.)]}

  If Joe's natural inclinations toward the art of facepalm gave them any indication of Timothius's inclinations toward said art, it didn't show.  "Well, I suppose the most I can hope for is that any horrific injury is limited to people I haven't met yet."

  The of course follow along after if a little bit behind once the space opens up to (about 5 tiles).  If something does try to take a shot at Timpthius, he will be inclined to take a shot back.  Well, probably if they took a shot at him too.

  Though he's also paranoid about landmines or something crazy for some reason.  And even though there is no ceiling, he still checks up, and behind.

[OOC Style: Move Duh, Standard: Ready careful attack, Twin strike in case of two targets.  Nothing has really turned up yet, so Take 10=passive perc 18.]

The moment Gale and Curuvar enter the central area, the ground creaks and buckles.  She, Curuvar, and Elric manage to leap to the edges just before the courtyard collapses, but Timothius falls.  A huge 20' deep hole obscured by dust is all that's left of where Timothius stood.  Joe doesn't have to jump anywhere as he stopped short of the false floor trap before it triggered.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:08, Sun 17 Jan 2010.

"Darnit!" Gale shouts, "I should have seen this coming... Where's Timothius?!"

She instantly drops her pack and pulls out her climbing kit, preparing to descend into the hole after Timothius.

"By Mystra's lost spell!" Curuvar exclaims, "What trickery is THIS?!  Last I was here I walked across without any trouble or even a HINT of a trap!"

He glances at Gale.

"There's another way in.  Safer, but longer."

He glances at the pile of rubble at the far end and sighs.

Timothius quickly gets to his feet and holds his shield up. He tucks his wings low behind himself to defend them. He holds his right hand up, fingers spread to show he isn't holding his weapon. "Don't shoot! I don't mean any harm! I've come to talk"

Good, Tim... he thinks to himself. keep saying "I" not "we". Hopefully, the fact you just fell through the trap with nobody else falling will be enough to convince them.


(Move: Stand up)
(Standard: Total Defense. +2 all defenses.)
(Initiative: Rolled 3. Initiative score: 2. Total 5.)
(Free: NOT bluff. It's the truth. Though if GM needs a Diplomacy roll, I rolled a 17. My Diplomacy score is 9. Total is 26.)

((Yes, the rest of the team can hear what Timothius just shouted without a perception roll, but they cannot see who he's shouting at.))

"Dar druun daan druun?" on of the Goblin Warriors asks the Hexer, his javelin still at the ready.

"A'k makaan den," he answers the other goblin.

"Intruder!" he answers Timothius, "Lay face down and surrender. You will be spared."

He remains poised to attack.

  While not directed at Joe most likely, they do take Timothius up on their request not to shoot at the moment.  "Right, Elric.  You're the other Holy inclined sort." Joe says at least a heck of a lot quieter than the shouting of magic users.  "Should I let them take Tim on the off chance of peaceful stuff occurring.  Or should I shoot someone in the face if they try to take him?"

  Of course having said that, the chances of them demanding Tim come to them have just skyrocketed.  Joe hopes his off and on suicidal (at least considered so by him) tendencies don't have him jump down after Tim top ensure face shooting option.

23:13, Today: Joe Darkthorne rolled 10 using 1d20+5. Initiative.

Elric shakes his head at Joe's question, “As these beings dwell in the dark, we can not let them try to take one who fights for the light. So ya, shoot them in the face if they try to take Timothius.”

Elric considers his options to either stay up on the ledge and pelt the goblins with Sacred flames or to jump down and try to skewer the goblins in melee.

_{[OOC: [26] 10-01-22 12:41:49 KST - Elric's Initiative 1d20 +2 -> 5 + 2 = 7]}

Gale's climb check. Athletics = 0+2(from climb kit)
1d20 +2
20 + 2 = 22!

Wow, Gale.  Just... wow.  I was fully expecting you to have to use those fancy no-fall sandals.

---

Gale securely hooks the end of her climb kit to the unstable soil bordering the edge of the hole and rappels down seemingly effortlessly like a practiced climbing expert.

"Timothius speaks straight," she tells the now visible to her goblins in a matter-of-fact tone, "The goblins who attacked Loudwater were defeated, but those who chose to surrender are unharmed thanks to him.  I'm sure they would have been executed on the spot had Timothius not immediately revived the townsperson they killed.  You see those wings?  That should tell you something.  The five of you would be wise to listen to what this representative of the Platinum Dragon has to say."

Following Timothius' example, she keeps her hands where the goblins can see them.  She's not as optimistic as Timothius about the potential for successful diplomacy so she worked in the number of the enemies for the benefit of the allies above.

(( I believe climbing is at half speed?  If that's the case, then Gale would have to use 2 move actions to make it to the bottom of the pit, so no full defense action for her. ))

Gale diplomacy check. Diplomacy = 9
1d20 +9
12 + 9 = 21

That's 2 successful diplomacy checks and 0 fails so far.  :)

"Dhon!" the Goblin Warrior curses, widening his eyes at Timothius, "Taan't kec!  Dar daan dhon AN maan?"

He takes a step back, lowering his javelin slightly.

"Tor ar!" the Hexer snaps at the Warrior, "A tal A'dr makaan den!  Daagaan't a kaaruuc daan magaac'd akhalaal!"

"Those that surrendered you say," the Hexer answers, glancing between Timothius and Gale, "And the rest were murdered.  Now you're stalling so your friends above can get into position to 'shoot our faces.'  And that evil thieving wizard is among them!  'Last time I was here?!'  He killed my friends!"

Not surprisingly, the hexer looks angry, but at least no javelins have been tossed or spells cast... yet.

((Goblin Hexer perception check. Can he hear what the people above are saying?
1d20 +2
18 + 2 = 20))
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Fri 22 Jan 2010.

"And they squealed like little girly pigs before they died!" Curuvar boasts to the unseen Hexer, "And by Mystra's lost spell if you haven't surrendered by the time I get down there, you will suffer the same fate!"

Curuvar moves to the far end of the courtyard and begins inspecting the pile of rocks there.

"They've blocked the entrance!" he says to Elric and Joe, "Help me move this rubble!"

Curuvar Perception can he hear the part that wasn't shouted?
1d20 (don't care to bother with his mods right now, but he lacks much wisdom)
15 = 15 (Normal conversation around a big obstruction that's more than 50' away is a DC 10+2+5?(through a door mod)=17.  Is he trained in perception?  Perhaps.  Doesn't matter.  He didn't respond to the shoot faces off part anyway.)

Curuvar intimidation check.
1d20
3 = 3  Fail.  The goblins remain unintimidated by Curuvar.
http://spreadsheets.google.com...DZ5M3hTc0E&hl=en
This message was last edited by the player at 22:09, Fri 22 Jan 2010.

Elric glares at Curuvar and says in a dissapointed tone of voice, “Curuvar, keep quiet your not helping. And if you keep acting so bloodthirsty, I'll start to question who truly dwells in the dark here, them or you. Unnecessary violence is not the answer.”

Elric then takes out his climbing kit and carefully climbs down to where Timothius is before he looks over to where the goblins are and says, “No one is stalling to set up for 'shooting people in the face'. We are simply trying to find safe ways to get down to have a proper discussion. The shooting in the face comment my friend made was in regards to if you attack us while we try to talk with you, then we will defend ourselves.”

_{[OOC: Using two move actions to climb down. Taking ten while using a climbing kit means an Athletics result of 10+4+2=16 which is enough to climb down safely.]}

Timothius holds up his hands to show they are empty. "I'm terribly sorry for your loss. If there was anything I could do for them, I would. And so, the one thing left I can do is come and hopefully talk things over. I will consent and give myself to you as insurance that my allies will not be violent with you unless you are violent with me. I will now give my sword to my trusted comrade..."

He carefully unsheathes his sword and offers it to Elric. He gives the warforged an endearing smile. "I can't tell you how honored and relieved I am to have you with me, Elric."

He then turns and with hands raised and on his head, walks to the goblins. He is taking the whole diplomacy thing as far as he can get away with. If anyone dies, Timothius has sworn years ago, it would NOT be his fault.

(Minor Action: Draw Weapon.)
(Minor Action: Give weapon to Elric.)
(Move Action: Move to Goblins with hands on head.)

[32] 10-01-23 22:51:49 KST - c_fewell@hotmail.com

Timothius diplomacy.

1d20 +9
19 + 9 = 28
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:52, Sat 23 Jan 2010.

The goblins' eyes widen at the appearance of Elric.

"Daguugaal" some of them say.

When Timothius surrenders his sword and approaches disarmed, their mouths drop agape.  Even the hexer looks shocked.  One even accidentally drops his javelin.

"Ot ter," one says.

"An den huun dhuur kaach?" another asks.

"Daach dral!" the Hexer says.

They all just stare at Timothius for the time being.

  "Hmm, risk personal injury and death.  Or have to clear out a rubble pile by hand that an apparently capable wizard can't deal with...  So glad I got an easy question for once."  Some struggle with the call to the life of high risk adventure.  For others, it clearly beats the alternative.

  Joe bypassed the need to use his own climbing kit by virtue of the fact he had a selection of two already set up ropes to chose from.  They drop over the edge of the pit, and thank the wonders of mundane non enchanted gloves for saving themselves from the risk of rope burn as they grab it with a hand halfway and slow their fall just barely into safe speed with a boot against the pit wall.

  They kick some dust from their boots after landing, and tilt their head at the excited Goblin talk saying <Elven>"I'm Sorry, I don't speak wait someone already did this gag."</elven>  If Timothius died because of this, it would so be Timothius's fault.


OOC Style: Move action. Acro stunt. Take 10 with 10 acro skill (8 athletics, but it's an acro stunt) means I don't even need the possible +2 bonus from touching the climbing kit rope.  Minor, hunters quarry on nearest Goblin just because I have minor action to burn.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:11, Sun 24 Jan 2010.

"Unbelievable!" Curuvar rants once Joe leaves him behind, "By Mystra's lost spell, I've never met a more insane bunch!  What sort of elemental chaos did these people come from?!"

Beyond that, it's anyone's guess how successful he is taking the slower, safer way down because he at least has the sense to realize he's very much not cut out for a DC 15 climb check.

Gale looks almost as shocked as the goblins, but recollects her composure and smirks at Joe's Elven commentary.

"We would speak with High Shaman Sancossug," she addresses the goblins, "We know of his plans to revive the Ogre King."

The Goblins shift and mutter, glancing at her suspiciously.

"We also know that is why he wants the horn totem back," she continues, "Timothius and the rest of us will wait here for you to fetch him for us.  When he arrives, we can further negotiate."

She conjures a small chair to sit in and laces her fingers on her knees.

((Gale diplomacy
1d20 +9
11 + 9 = 20

I'd say that's sufficient successes without a single failure to say no further diplomacy is needed unless someone *cough*Curuvar*cough* does something especially hostile or insulting.))

The goblins don't seem too unnerved by the expected arrival of the human archer since he doesn't draw a weapon or make any other threatening gestures or comments.  If they're at all annoyed with the use of the Elven language, it doesn't show.  If anything they seem slightly amused at Curuvar's being frustrated by his allies.

"Very well, human," the Hexer answers Gale.

He directs the other goblins to lower their weapons then sends one of the two goblin warriors to fetch the boss.

"But the murdering thieving loudmouth wizard is not welcome," he snaps, glaring at the direction he heard Curuvar's voice come from, "Shut his big mouth or..." he stops to consider his words, "...no one will be able to hear what your winged friend has to say."

Now that the PCs are all in the same room I may as well describe it.  The heroes stand at the eastern end of a chamber about 40' wide and 75' long.  20' from the eastern wall, the chamber ascends steeply to the west for about 10'.  Two goblin skullcleavers wearing chainmail and armed with battleaxes stand at the top of the slope, partly obscured by intervening statues of dwarves in armor.  The goblin warrior that stayed behind wears leather armor and wields a spear.  The hexer is wearing leather robes and wields a rod.  Barely visible beyond the slope on the northern wall is a large lit torch set next to the doorway that the warrior left through.  The ceiling above the goblins about 10' above where they stand.  The floor of the eastern side of the room is covered in the debris of what used to be the ceiling and is difficult terrain.  Anyone with a passive perception of 15 or more notices that on the northern wall about 15' from the eastern wall is a poorly hidden secret door.

Timothius is about halfway up the slope, so he can see the far western side of the room.  Nothing special there besides a plug shaped stone disk resting on the floor that's 7' in diameter.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:36, Mon 25 Jan 2010.

Elric shifts his grip on his Great Spear to hold it with just one hand when he accepts Timothius' sword when the paladin presents it to him. Other than this the only response the warforged gives is to slowly nod his head at Timothius.

The warforged cleric seems to have no qualms with holding the sword in one hand and the great spear in the other as he knows that by doing so is is obvious that he can't use his great spear as a weapon with just one hand. The warforged cleric does not hint at it not affecting his ability to use his ranged implement powers.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:30, Sun 31 Jan 2010.

Timothius is indeed relieved that the goblins seem willing to do things peacefully. He tries not to dwell on any who died from all this too much. He quietly wonders what the leader is like and if things will end well. He also makes a mental note to make a remark about goblins being sensible and Curivar not, if the brazen wizard should try to mess things up. He also considers how provoking Curivar could actually be bad, even if it's the kind of provoking that challenges someone to be a better man... some men become worse when challenged in that way, no matter their pride. >.>

He does ask Gale, however, "Psst... Gale... how powerful do you suppose Curivar is compared to, say, you?"

If Timothius dies today, it won't be Timothius' fault any more than it will be Joe's since they were both crazy enough to come here in the first place. If he dies, It will be the fault of either Curivar or his goblin equivilent.

Timothius looks around while he waits, squints his eyes slightly and flicks an ear as he notices the poorly hidden door. He skews his mouth to the side and then looks forward again, patiently waiting for the goblin boss.

(Passive Perception: 13. So... rolled for it. Managed to get the DC! 15!)

  Joe also takes note of the same structural quirk Timothius has, but has the feeling poking at doors with already barely tolerant Goblins right there would be undiplomatic even for Joe.

  Joe decides to stay by Gale, fellow shooter of faces and person the landed next to anyways.   Joe was still figuring Gale's ridiculously large fireball into her capabilities.  The fact such a thing could just be done once a day was a detail he forgot at this particular moment.

  "So, what.  We'd miss out on the meeting because we're busy walking them home or something?"  Joe asks the Hexer in regards to their ominous commentary.  Joe isn't very good at making verbal threats.  Is he bad at understanding ones made by others too, or is he being selectively dense?

  It really could be either of them.  Even he and the narration department isn't sure.  So flip a coin if you pass an insight check and let Joe know.

While gale rubs her chin in reply to Timothius' question the Hexer tilts his head like he's listening hard for something.  Tilting his head a different direction doesn't seem to improve his results.

"Amazing," he says, "The thief is silent.  Perhaps the fool had a moment of sense and fled.  So much for his empty threats."

He turns his attention to Timothius, nods, and asks Gale.

"Yes.  How powerful is he exactly?"

Then after a glance to Elric he answers Joe.

"If the person who murdered your friends were interrupting your negotiation for the return of what was stolen by the murderer, I doubt you'd care much for what was said by his peaceful ally."

He then returns another uneasy glance at Elric and narrows his eyes.

"There's nothing at all wrong with living here.  Goblins dwell in sunlight just as readily as underground."

Gale is deep in thought and doesn't answer Timothius or the Hexer right away, but when the Hexer says what he does to Elric, she smirks.

"I think something may have been lost in the translation when you commented about 'dwelling in darkness,' Elric."

She leans her head in her hand, blinks a bit, then looks to Timothius.

"It's impossible to know for sure," she says at last, as usual illustrating her points with illusions, "Given that we're in an unfamiliar world and wizards are notorious for illusion.  However, if I had to guess, I'd say he's ever so slightly less powerful than myself given the fancy magic items I've recently acquired and his seemingly non magical gear.  There's also the clue that he's apparently not feared much by those in town - and somehow I doubt that's due to him restraining great power."

A chibi illusion of Curuvar hops up and down with an angry face with steam shooting out his ears while illusary chibi townsfolk laugh at him.  The Curuvar illusion shoots harmless lightning at them, so the Harrowleaf illusion bends him over his knee and spanks him, making the townsfolk die of laughter.

At the sight of Gale making a mockery of Curuvar, the goblins smirk.

((I figured a DC 0 insight check for the goblins to understand that they were looking at an illusion.  None of them have negative wiz, so yay auto success.))
This message was last edited by the player at 17:26, Mon 01 Feb 2010.

After listening to the Goblin Hexer's response as well as Gale's, Elric says, “There are many forms of darkness and light, but the one I refer to is one not of illumination, but of one's heart and soul. To me living in darkness is living with a dark soul, and not living without the light of the sun. I apologize for the misunderstanding.” as the warforged clearly wished to clarify the misunderstanding that Gale had pointed out.

Timothius quietly waits. There is little to nothing he can do at the moment besides idle chat while he waits for the boss to arrive.

  Joe considered the Hexer's response to his question.  "Well, I'd probably be more annoyed at the one that caused me a hassle than the ones attempting to do what they figure is reasonable.  Though that outlook likely isn't very popular, what with the 'arg, all insert entire species here are assholes, stab them' reactions on all our ends sometimes."

   They stop, then eye Tim.  "Well, most of our ends."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:31, Thu 04 Feb 2010.

Curuvar's voice can be heard from behind the secret door on the eastern side of the north wall.

"By Mystra's lost spell!  Confounded Goblins!  There was a door here, I just know it!"

Shuffling sounds and the sound of a staff striking stone can be heard.

"Those so-called heroes should be just on the other side.  HEY!  OPEN UP!"

More staff-on-stone rapping is heard, sounding like he's knocking on the floor.

The goblins' expressions turn sour.

"More annoyed isn't the half of it," the Goblin Hexer says, "Aid us in capturing the murderer and you'll show the truth of your dwelling in the light."

"Toguuc daan dru..." he commands his guards in goblin, then re-issues the command in common, "Surround the door.  Take him alive when he comes through."

The goblins stow their javelins and move to surround the door.

Gale face-palms.

"Capturing even a novice wizard is a very VERY dangerous prospect," she warns, still seated, "I suggest that unless you want him to fry you all with a 25' fireball you let Timothius handle him.  I don't care to prove how much I dwell in light by doing as you ask.  I'm rather fond of my complexion and would rather not become coal black."

Once again she illustrates her narrative with illusions.  After chibi Curuvar scorches the chibi goblins and chibi Gale, chibi Timothius offers a prayer and a gigantic dragon's foot stomps Curuvar flat as a pancake.

As Elric doesn't want to simply turn on Curuvar since despite being rather rude, as in the group's presence the wizard has only boasted and made a pest of himself. While not a pacifist by any means, the warforged cleric clearly views violence as a means of last resort when other options are on the table, when the goblins suggest betraying Curuvar, Elric replies, “Maybe we will be fortunate and he won't find the means to open the door, but even if he does get the door open, I believe we should use diplomacy and not violence as it should not be necessary. I agree with Gale that we should let Timothius handle this.”

Timothius looks in the direction of Curivar's voice. "Curivar." he says soundly without yelling, "Thank you for bringing us all to this place so that we might shine light on the situation. I have heard wizards exercise all kinds of patience to learn their spells. Years of patience. I would love to see such patience demonstrated on me, as an ally and friend. Our methods may differ, but our goal is the same. To see this through. Please permit me to do things my way. If I fail, we do things your way. Is that fair?"

  'Well, that answers the question about that door.  Just wish the answer didn't come in such an irritating manner.  Joe thought considering the recent developments.

  "I'm trying to avoid shooting people in the face today.  Is there some nonviolent method any of you know offhand to stop someone with arrows?"  Joe didn't figure themselves a good enough shot to harmlessly staple Curuvar's pants to the scenery.

More stick-on-stone tapping can be heard followed by the sound of a fumbled staff falling to the floor.

"Confound it!" Curuvar replies, "Blasted staff!  What good are you?!"

"WHAT?!  WHAT DID YOU SAY?!  DIDN'T YOU HEAR ME?!  OPEN UP!"

No really.  He rolled a 3 perception.  He gets no mods.  He wouldn't have heard if there was a battle raging on the other side of the door.

An evil smirk crosses the faces of the goblins when they hear how frustrated Curuvar is...  And his failing to hear Timothius through a door.

"Your words are wasted on him, Paladin," the Hexer says grimly, "If you want to spare him, then block that door with the rubble from the ceiling.  He's not strong enough to move the door by himself if it's blocked."

Gale rubs her chin.

"Or Elric could just sit in front of the door.  Doubt Curuvar would be able to move THAT mountain.  Plus... Less effort."

And we'd still have the option of retreating in that direction if need be.  Still seated, she looks over to the door and speaks plainly like Curuvar were in the room with her.

"To answer your question, Mr. Curuvar, Timothius thanked you for bringing us here then asked for your patience as he tries to negotiate with the goblins.  There's a small army of them standing ready to capture you the moment you walk through the door, but fortunately for everyone, the door has been blocked."

She smiles at the others.

"Ghost sound spell.  Handy."

She looks to Joe, ponders, and shrugs.

"You demonstrated how to use arrows without killing earlier... but without violence?  Don't know the answer to that one."

Elric glances at Gale and says, “I don't see how it would hurt to try that, but it would only work if the door opens into this room and not the passageway,” as Elric walks over to the 'door', assuming the goblins don't try to interfere, and leans against it as the Warforged doubts that Curuvar would have the strength to open the door when someone as large as a Warforged is leaning up against it to keep it closed.

Timothius smiles as Elric blocks the door. Then looks at the hexer. "My words were indeed wasted... but yours sure weren't. Thanks for the suggestion. I am in your debt..."

He looks expectantly at where the other goblin left, waiting for the boss to come out.

  "Your words are the thing that lead up to the current lack of attempted murder.  So, probably less wasteful than my words.  If we need comments even more useless than the ones Curuvar makes however, you know who to turn to."  At least Curuvar had provided plot exposition

Curuvar once again fails to find the blasted door.  But for once, he's fallen quiet.  That could be a bad sign.

"Clever," the Goblin Hexer comments with a smirk when the warforged blocks the door, "And it somehow shut him up too."

A goblin wearing leather armor adorned with various feathers and fangs steps into the room followed by several other goblins.  He converses briefly with the Hexer in the goblin language and eyes each of the members of the Loudwater Peacekeeping Force before fixing his gaze on Timothius.

"The item that was stolen from us," he says, "You have it?  What do you want for it?"

(( For as many goblins as are in the room, it has become strangely obvious that they avoid standing anywhere near the middle of the room.  As for what was said in goblin, simply a recap of what's happened so far from the Hexer's perspective. ))
This message was last edited by the player at 05:07, Tue 02 Mar 2010.

Gale is slightly worried that Timothius is TOO honest for the task at hand.  If he were to answer "yes we have it" that may prove to be a tactical blunder.  She answers the goblin.

"High Shaman Sancossug, I presume," she surmises, "We know where the horn totem is."

She asides to Timothius using ghost sound, "Be careful not to let them know it's with us or they may decide to take it by force."

The hinges are indeed on the inside, and the door was indeed designed to swing inward.  This detail may be well known to the likes of Joe.  Out swinging doors tend to not keep thieves out well.  Elric takes mental note of the lack of center-of-the-room usage by the goblins, but figures it best not to mention out loud how they seem to have a fondness for false floor traps.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:07, Mon 15 Mar 2010.

Timothius says, "To be honest what we want is proof that the horn totem will not be used to put lives in danger. My heart weighs heavily for your comrades, but I personally believe they will have died for nothing if all that is accomplished is more death."

Because OBVIOUSLY the goblins who died were dying so that others may live. Good thinking Timothius. >.>

  Items one should carry around with them once a bag of holding is conveniently available.  Bowling ball... Or the closest approximation.  No reason.  Especially no reason in relation to sections of ground the Goblins were avoiding.

  "If it helps any, imagine how much it would piss off some people if Goblins had an obvious example of better moral integrity compared to them.  You killed us and stole our stuff... No, it's cool... We'll just deal with it, call you murderers, and deprive you of a flimsy excuse to kill more of us."

  Spite can be used for happy peaceful purposes too.

The goblin shaman gives a confused glance to Joe, but gives him and Gale no answer.  He looks back to Timothius.

"The proof you seek is right here," he says, indicating his soldiers, "I have several spears under my command.  One little knife won't make much of a difference, even if it is magical.  The horn totem is a religious relic.  We would never use it to harm anyone."

((Succeeding a DC 5 insight check will show that he is telling the truth, or at least, that he believes what he says whole-heartedly.))

"I don't understand why Loudwater would send a mage to do a thief's job, or why it's so important to them to provoke us.  But what I do know is that we must have it back.  Our faith demands that we do."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:18, Wed 17 Mar 2010.

"Best I can tell, the mage that took the horn totem acted on his own," Gale answers, "The people in town were not at all happy about him provoking an attack from you and your spears.  What he hoped to accomplish by taking it and selling it is a mystery to me.  And just so we're clear, none of the people you see here are native to Loudwater.  We were volunteered to come here on their behalf because they were busy repairing the hole your guys blasted in the town's wall.  Not sure if you were told, but those guys were taken prisoner.  Alive."

(( NPC'd on player's behalf. ))

Their faith demands it?  Curuvar mentioned something about the "true nature of the Ogre King."  Could an ogre command the reverence of these goblins even in death?  Perhaps.  But it's hard to fathom worshiping something so...  small.  Pelor commands the seasons!  The harvest and all life need his radiance for survival!  Now THERE is something worthy of devotion!

Still, if revived, this Ogre King would very likely be an extremely harmful thing, and apparently the shaman missed that point.  Nevertheless, Elric has faith that Timothius will not overlook this misunderstanding, and remains quiet to let the proven word warrior make the next move.

Timothius ohs and says, "Then the value can't be measured. Still, I was informed that it could be used to resurrect the Ogre King, who is known to be quite dangerous and harmful."

  Joe caused confusion with the words they said?  How could this ever happen?  "Out of curiosity, just what kind of horn was the totem made from anyways?"

  Vague suspicion of generic variety, Horn totem needed for apparent resurrection because it's part of the one being resurrected.  Suspicion roadblock, you don't need a nature check to know Ogres don't have horns.

"Oh he did, did he?" the goblin shaman answers Gale, "You say they have not been killed, but I have no proof.  So far I have no reason to believe anything any of you have said."

He looks over to Timothius.

"Don't be unreasonable.  The god you worship is not harmless.  How can you expect the Ogre King to be any less?  Yes I plan to revive him.  With or without the horn totem.  But I assure you he will be more inclined to harm Loudwater if he is revived without his horn, not less."

He gives Joe another 'huh?' look.

"Well haven't you seen it?  You're part of the group that recovered it, are you not?  It's a straight black horn fashioned to be like a knife."

"You're wasting your time!" Curruvar calls from above, having apparently given up on the door and returned to the gaping hole in the ceiling, "These brutes are as dumb as a box of rocks!  They don't even realize the one they call an Ogre King is no ogre at all!"

Take THAT, blocked, hidden door!  I can be annoying anyway!

Gale was pondering how to respond to the shaman when Curuvar provided the answer she needed.  She thumbs in the direction the voice came from.

"There's your proof," she says, "In spite of being told how fruitless it would be to talk to you, we came here and talked anyway.  Timothius was inconvenienced by your trap, but disarmed himself and talked reasonably anyway.  Like I said.  Compare us to Curuvar, and you have all the proof you need.

(( NPC'd on player's behalf. ))

Elric smiles inside when his faith in Timothius' common sense is justified.  He's curious where Joe is going with his questioning, but figures the ranger probably knows what he's talking about when it comes to the things of nature.  He remains stoic when the goblin questions the trustworthiness of Timothius and his allies, once again expecting the shifter to have a reasonable answer.  But then Curuvar speaks up.  It's hard not to face-palm.  Figures he would go back up there just to make a nuisance of himself.  Tempted as he may be to chastise the wizard for his hurling insults at the goblins, he gives pause at the second point.  So the wizard DOES know something important about the Ogre King.  Perhaps he can be tricked into blurting it out.  But how?  Gale chimes in, apparently ignoring the specifics of Curuvar's point.  Is that her ploy to egg him on?  Perhaps she or Joe already know the answer or figure it best that Curuvar not be the one to disclose the information.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:22, Fri 19 Mar 2010.

Timothius bows slightly to the goblin shaman and says, "Please be patient with us. There are clearly many years of culture and such to catch up on..."

Timothius then looks up to see the brazen wizard. "Oh? And what do you *think* the ogre king is then?" that little bit of emphasis added because he knows the guy needs his pride insulted or he'll ask 5 gold for that info.

  "Was more meaning what kind of horn it was, and where it came from."  They look up to Curavar after their exclamation.  "If this goes where I think it is regarding the Totem and the Ogre King, can I be the one who gets to say 'Ogres don't have horns you idiot'?  I can leave out the idiot part if I need to."

  Wild guesswork can sometimes be incredibly off.  But when you don't have much else to go on, why not?

The goblin shaman takes offense to Curuvar's and Joe's insults.  Imagine that.

"The Ogre King was more than an ogre - he was touched by a divine spark!" he shouts, "He had great and amazing powers!"

(( Diplomacy rolls might be a good idea, heh. ))

Timothius' ploy works!  Between that little jab and the shaman's worshipful defense, Curuvar can't resist blurting out what he knows!

"Divine spark he says!" he laughs, "By Mystra's lost spell!  Listen well, paladin.  The so-called Ogre King was no mere ogre — it was a being called an oni, an ogrelike beast with mystical powers.  This particular oni inhabited the barrow with a specific purpose in mind — it sought to learn about the Dire Wood.  These silly goblins revere the dead oni like it was some sort of demigod!  The goblins never realized the oni was using them as fodder for its explorations!  Ridiculous creatures, goblins!"

(( DC 0 Nature: LEGENDS TELL OF WICKED, OGRELIKE CREATURES with formidable
magical powers. Cruel and domineering, they often
enslave weaker creatures and devour the innocent. These
monsters are called oni, and they figure prominently in many
children’s tales . . . and nightmares.

DC 15: Oni build cleverly hidden strongholds or underground
lairs, and surround themselves with creature comforts
and useful servants. Despite their appearance, oni are not
related to ogres.

DC 20: Status among oni is measured by wealth, and by
the number and quality of slaves each commands. Oni often
compete with each other to amass the best slaves or the most
riches.
Oni use their powers of illusion to disguise themselves as
humanoids of different races. In these guises, they infiltrate
society and mislead their enemies. Many oni also have the
power to assume gaseous form or turn invisible.

DC 25: Oni view themselves as powerful lords deserving
of lesser creatures’ respect. Oni who feel that they have been
treated with disrespect are often driven to arrange elaborate
schemes of vengeance and humiliation.

What a nature check WON'T tell you:  The lowest level oni in the MM1 is level 8.  Would squish Curuvar like a bug.  But never fear.  I wouldn't make the group fight a level 8 even if the adventure writers said you're supposed to do that at level 1 for some reason.))

Timothius yikes. "An Oni... well that would be bad." he turns to the shaman and asks, "Would you be willing to let us go peacefully? I believe my people need to learn more of your Ogre King."

(Nature: roll 4. +3 = 7. Woot.)
(Diplomacy: roll 11. +9 = 20. Yay.)

Gale raises an eyebrow when Curuvar blurts out what he knows of he Ogre King being an oni.  Her parents used to try and scare her away from dreaming of adventure with stories of such creatures who just love to eat adventurers.  So she studied anything she could get her hands on regarding such nasty creatures.  Oni never become trivial threats from the stories she's read.  Sure a paragon of martial awesome could go toe-to-toe with one in direct combat, but combat isn't the oni's schtick.  Even demigods of legend have had a hard time dealing with their very annoying shenanigans.  She's genuinely impressed.  And a bit worried.

"An ONI!?" she says with surprise, making an image of an oni's face pop up over her hand, "Well no wonder you guys were impressed with him!  From what I've read, oni give even demigods a hard time.  But...  How in the world are you going to revive him?!  Did he leave you with a powerful relic or ritual of some kind in case he were killed?"

Gale rolled 12 diplomacy.  I'll count this as aiding Timothius's.
Gale rolled 21 history check on legends of the oni.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Fri 19 Mar 2010.

(( NPC'd on player's behalf. ))

Elric picks up on different details of the new information.  One that the apparently powerful and cunning Ogre King was looking for information on the Dire Wood, and two, that Curuvar knew this information about the oni.  How did he know?  Did he have dealings with it before it died?  Or did he come to know this from evidence he found because he too is interested in the Dire Wood.  Either way, what's the fascination with the place?  Probably something powerful and arcane.  Elric waits for the answer from the shaman, but prepares to hand back Timothius his sword if needed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:11, Fri 19 Mar 2010.

  Joe has been taking all these shenanigans rather calming, but this latest development has actually shocked them... No, not Curuvar's revelation.  Someone actually registered something Joe had said as worth taking seriously.  But of course, it would be for the purposes of being offended,

  "So... Actually like a God in the 'send my followers to death for my cause' angle then.  Not so much the divinity thing.  Wait, that described tons of people who don't even have mystic powers... Yeah, not inclined to let someone come around again to send them to an ominously named location to die.  That'd be spiteful even for me."  ...Wait, does this mean resurrecting the Oni would result in the eventual direct blame free destruction of the Goblins?... Ah, no.  The Goblins wouldn't run out any more than most towns would run out of innocent villagers without something to blame a lack of Heroic competence on.

  Or a vast cataclysm of backstory providing proportions.  But who in their right mind was picking up Harbinger of Doom as an Epic?

Take 10 on Dungeoneering for the 'Unnatural, lives in Dungeon like lairs' Oni = 18.  Even though Joe is actually from this Setting, I think trying to work my dungeoneering as a 'know about forest' roll would be pushing it.

Sancossug and the other goblins get a smug look on their faces when the intruders all boast about how bad it would be for the Ogre King to be revived - even Curuvar in his insulting manner confessed that the oni was badass.  Well... all but Elric.  By now, the warforged's silence has had the effect of making him even more intimidating than when he first arrived.  The shaman figures boasting is the best way to handle these people.

"I know magic that will revive him, and I pray each day at his side for the strength and faith to perform the necessary magic," he says, "I will sprinkle his bones with the mystic salves, then pray to him that he return to us!  He shall reveal his divinity by raising up those of us who kept his memory alive.  He shall then lead us to glory!  Bring us the horn totem or Loudwater will not be spared his wrath!"

((

Wait... the raise dead ritual is associated with the Heal skill, (though it requires no DC check), not religion or arcana.  Though I suppose the religious or arcane types would have to take "Rituals 101" to get a diploma.  So I'm going to simply add that succeeding a heal check of 10 or more will work just as well in realizing, "Duh!  Not only is the ritual level 8, but if someone is dead long enough to be a skeleton, which is waaay longer than the 30 days the ritual allows for, there's no way it'll work!"  Not to mention the several other flaws in his ritual. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:43, Fri 19 Mar 2010.

Curuvar bursts out laughing.

"By Mystra's lost spell!" he bellows, "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!  I'd pay to see the looks on their faces when their ritual fails!"

Gale blushes deeply.  She hates to have to agree with Curuvar, but she hates even more for him to blurt out information that could have been more useful if kept secret.

"So are you saying that if we return the horn totem, you and the Ogre King will spare Loudwater?" she asks, implying that she still believes the ritual will work.

(( NPC'd on player's behalf. ))

Pelor grant me patience.  There's several bits of collapsed ceiling here that would make for a perfect thing to hurl at the loudmouth wizard.  Or should I wait till we're back topside and "accidentally" nudge him into the hole?  He's a self-confessed murderer!  Would it be wrong to leave him in the hands of the folk who's friends he killed in cold blood?  Taking something very precious to them, but what was to him just so much loot to be sold!  And putting his own town at risk of invasion from goblins that would have otherwise minded their own business!
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:13, Fri 19 Mar 2010.

Timothius glances around and looks back to the high shaman. He takes a serious face. "Forgive Curivar's underestimation of faith and the power of the divine. He's only seeing this from an arcane perspective." after all: if Bahamut proclaimed that all Tim had to do was sprinkle dust on some bones and pray for Bahamut's avatar to revive, Tim would believe him.

Timothius highly doubts what the shaman is saying to be true, though, since the Ogre King was not, in fact, divine. "As I said... we need time to talk this over with Loudwater. May we go in peace for now?"

  "That's crazy talk Gale" Yes, she clearly didn't know what they were thinking.  "Now if they left Loudwater and us alone, that'd be fine.  I could also try to shoot off Curuvar's hat if it helped our sales position?"

  Was Joe getting worse at diplomacy, or better?

OOC Style: Ah, a small touch of mercy from the 'lol +30 Perc DC to notice something in a Level 1/2 adventure' writers.  Every one of us could manage to figure it out on a Take 10 regardless of which skill we went with...  Oh, wow. Poor Shaman.  They've been officially scripted to believe in something they can realize is wrong by default unless they have like, -3 stat mods and no training in their Shamany ways.

How lucky for them We've got people with actual morals on our team.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Fri 19 Mar 2010.

The goblin shaman frowns deeply, glaring in the direction of Curuvar.

"Maan dren den druul," he mutters darkly.

The other goblins get evil smirks and grins at his statement.

"Very well!" he snaps, "You may return to Loudwater.  You will have one night to return the horn totem and the prisoners to us.  After that, we will take them by force!"

He points at the hidden door.

"That's the only way out unless you want to climb up the hole in the ceiling.  We will be walking you out."

He points at the hexer.

"You.  Take the lead.  Take a spear or two with you in case that fool wizard decides to attack."

To Timothius: "You and your friends follow them out.  Me and the rest will follow you."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:46, Sat 20 Mar 2010.

"Oh no!" Curuvar sarcastically bellows in feigned concern, "The goblins gave us an ultimatum!  Only one night to meet their demands!  Whatever shall we do!"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:26, Sun 21 Mar 2010.

(( NPC'd on player's behalf. ))

Elric opens the door and steps aside for the first set of goblins to exit.  He's not comfortable with allowing them to surround him and his allies like that, but that's probably the very reason the shaman set up that marching order - to have an advantage should violence erupt.  If he were in their shoes, he might have done the same thing.

"Standard marching order for us, I presume?" he asks, preparing to head out when it's indicated that it's his turn.

He offers Timothius his sword.  Just in case.

Gale chuckles at Joe's clarification and nods.

"One night," she answers the shaman, "As you say, IF the prisoners do not return with the horn totem.  I'm sure Timothius can convince the town to do the right thing."

She takes a thinking posture at Elric's question.  Mostly to hide her mouth so she can use ghost sound in secret.

"Maan dren den druul," she whispers to Curuvar, "Nothing friendly I'd wager."

"Sure," she answers Elric with a shrug, "Why not?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:37, Sun 21 Mar 2010.

Timothius feels he has said his peace and nods. He takes his sword back from Elric and smiles before holding it in a non-violent manner. He goes ahead of the others since that was the old marching orders.

  "Are you missing the part where you have a town full of people that blame you for this to return to in this situation Curuvar?" Joe commented, as they climbed back up the roped they slid down and hadn't yet moved away from...

  What?  The Shaman said 'unless you want to climb up the hole in the ceiling'.  Joe Wanted to.  Unless the Goblins took offense to this, Joe would end up by Curuvar easy enough.

Curuvar's face hardens and he falls silent when Gale relays her ghost sound message to him.  Beyond giving Joe dirty looks, and muttering amongst themselves, the goblins don't object.  By the time he reaches the top, Curuvar is muttering magical incantations, making his hands glow with a silvery light.  Three spectral blades appear which float in a ring around him.

Beyond the secret door is a tiny 10' x 10' room with a ladder that leads 20' up on the far wall.  Two goblins wearing chainmail and armed with battleaxes ascend first, followed by the hexer, followed by two armed with spears, followed by Timothius, Elric, then Gale.  As the procession files up the ladder, Curuvar mutters to Joe: "The goblin words Sancossug muttered translate to 'He dies this day.'"

The moment he sees Gale ascend the ladder, he uses ghost sound to tell her the same thing, then adds, "As soon as you exit, close the entrance with the stone slab they used to hide it."

He doesn't give her any time to think about whether to follow his command.

"Maan dren den druul!?" he shouts at the goblins, "'He dies this day?!'  Fools!  I know your simple language!  By Mystra's lost spell, it is YOU who shall die this day!  Gale!  NOW!"

He hurls a scorching burst at the goblin just behind the hexer, lighting it, the hexer, and the other warrior on fire!

"Come have a taste of my blades!" he taunts the skullcleavers.

(( Giving him this surprise round because Gale gave him a heads-up to the goblins' intentions and he took the warning seriously enough to power up his dailies and ready an attack for when she topped the ladder.

Skullcleavers 1: AC 16, Fort 15, Reflex 14, Will 12.  HP: 53 initiative 22
Hexer: AC 17, Fort 14, Reflex 15, Will 16.  HP: 46 initiative 20
Warriors: AC 17, Fort 13, Reflex 15, Will 12.  HP: 29 initiative 18

Scorching burst damage: 12

Hexer HP: 46-12=34
Warrior1 HP: 29-12=17
Warrior2 HP: 29-12=17

Curuvar initiative 19
Gale initiative 3
Everyone else please roll initiatives even if you don't plan to fight.  Since this week is so jam packed, I'll wait till Friday for Seth to roll for Elric. http://spreadsheets.google.com...DZ5M3hTc0E&hl=en ))
This message was last edited by the player at 15:29, Mon 22 Mar 2010.

Timothius eeeps! "What are you doing?!" He dives to be between Curivar and the goblins, turning to guard. He's so very confused. He considers healing the goblins, but from what he can tell, they will live. For now. "I demand an explanation!" he says, decisively angered.

(Initiative: 4. +2 = 6)
(If I get a standard action, full defense.)

Hexer > Skullcleavers > Curuvar > Goblin Warriors > Joe > Timothius > Gale > Elric.

Yes I realize that even if I fudged the roll, Elric would go before Gale with his better modifier, but oh well.  Putting him last for the sake of giving him as much time as possible to return to internet land.  Also, delaying the goblin meat shields till after their boss.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:56, Sat 27 Mar 2010.

The goblin skullcleavers look dumbfounded, and wait for their boss to give them orders.

"Arg!" the Goblin Hexer shouts in pain when he's hit by a fireball, "Maan't oc duun an!¹  Betrayers!  You had this planned all along!  Sancussug!"

He can't figure out what "Gale, NOW!" means, but he does understand that he's between a rock and a hard place.

"O! Hal'darthec!  Daan daan or o, Dekar!²"

He chants something then raises his hands to the sky and a giant cloud appears and fills the area.  He then moves 10' away from Timothius in the direction of Curuvar.

(( Area burst 3 within 10; automatic hit; all enemies within the zone take a -2 penalty to attack rolls. The zone grants concealment to the goblin hexer and its allies. The goblin hexer can sustain the zone as a minor action, moving it up to 5 squares.

¹He's on to us!
²You!  Paladin!  The rest of you, Wizard! ))
This message was last edited by the player at 05:25, Sat 27 Mar 2010.

The leftmost Skullcleaver charges Curuvar, but the wizard easily evades the attack and one of the spectral blades flying around him slices him in reply.  The other one turns to face Timothius, prepares to charge him, but an ally is in his way at the moment.

(( Skullcleaver1 vs. Curuvar AC

1d20 +6 >= 20
5 + 6 = 11 ... failure

Skullcleaver1 takes damage from guardian blade!  HP: 53-5=48

Skullcleaver2: readied action.))
This message was last edited by the player at 06:43, Sat 27 Mar 2010.

(( Curuvar's charsheet.  He's missing a feat.  The unchosen feat is PHB3 "unarmored agility."  Where you gain +2 AC while wearing cloth armor.  Isn't in the char builder for whatever reason.

http://tiny.cc/kqdhg  ))

"Burn!" Curuvar shouts as he takes a step back, and a 25' wide fireball shoots out from his hand at the three closest goblins.  He then fires another fireball from his staff at the Hexer, further incinerating the nearby skullcleaver.  Then with a final flick of his staff, he fires a magic missile at the Hexer, but the Hexer's flailing around in pain proves to be too hard a target to hit with that final attack.

"Well that's 5 for 6," Curuvar boasts, "Not bad if I do say so myself!"

(( Move action
Burning hands damage = 13
Action Point!
Scorching burst damage = 7
Minor: Magic Missile

Hexer HP: 34-13=21-7=14 (bloodied) (forgot that bursts ignore cover.  hits.)
Skullcleaver1 HP: 48-13=35
Skullcleaver2 HP: 53-13=40 -7= 33(Misnamed in roller log as Warrior1.)

This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Mon 29 Mar 2010.

The first goblin warrior rushes 25' closer to Curuvar and hurls his javelin at the Wizard with all his might, but Curuvar dodges it with seemingly little effort.  The second one only side steps 5' away from Timothius before chucking a javelin at the wizard, and this time the tip grazes the man, drawing blood.  While Curuvar curses, the second skullcleaver sees the opening he was looking for - a spot has opened up next to Timothius he can charge to.  And charge he does!  But his battleaxe clashes harmlessly against Timothius' armor.

(( War1: move, standard.  War2: move, standard hit.  Skullcleaver2: readied action from earlier - charge Timothius if it becomes possible.

Curuvar HP: 28-4 = 24))
This message was last edited by the player at 06:45, Sat 27 Mar 2010.

  Joe does, despite the carnage around them (or would that be because of it?) Facepalm.  The fact Curuvar laid down the violence, walked past them, and they shot fiery death past his head didn't help matters either for his appreciation of this situation.  So, what does Joe do in this time of need? With Irate Goblins attacking... Freaking Captain Pacifist.  Right.  Joe makes a note of which Goblin did that super intelligent move.

  Why, Joe walks away.  Out the door, past the wizard, and out of direct sight of everyone (Except Skullcleaver 1, if they aren't focusing on Curuvar).

  It's about this time that Curuvar's hat departs his head skywards and over past the wall of behind Gale in a spray of blood and minor hair loss.  Pain and hat departure out of nowhere like magic.

  Had Cleavey Mc One been staring at Joe, they would have seen a blur as they removed their bow, fired, and replaced the bow with their hands casually by his sides once more in less time than it takes to blink.

---

Move: Duh, No worry about AoO as Curuvar isn't considering us hostile yet (or I would have been sliced to bits by their Guardian Blade aura already).
Free Special: Fast Hands draw bow.
Attack: Failure special, Thank goodness for effects on Miss, Hunter's Bear Trap to Curuvar. 19 DMG. 19/2 = 9 rounded down. (24-9=15 HP) And HE is slowed Until End Of My Next Turn. (Funny enough, I got a 2, and a 12 on those two damage dice respectively)
Minor: Fancypants shenanigans slight of hand, stow weapon. Thievery 15.

Rolled a 6, then for giggles rolled again and again, oh, how nice, I got WORSE than such.  Took fourth try before a roll would 'hit', oh, ANYONE IN THE ENCOUNTER XD, and even then just barely (12+9=21), even if I used Careful Attack.  Yeah, Good thing for 'Half damage on a miss -.-; On the bright side, even my worst roll (a 4) would exactly pass the 'slight of hand/fancy shenanigans' DC

"Jennu Ux Darastrix! Majak douta litrix ekess douta katima!" Timothius calls out in a sudden roar of Draconic confidence and boldness. "Stay with me, Elric, Gale! For you are now standing on ground sanctified by the Platinum Dragon himself!"

He faces the goblin who is attack him and says, "You are confused as I was a second ago. Know that I was NOT the cause of this fight, but if you must fight me, I will finish this fight with the power of the god of the mighty dragons!"


(Standard: Sacred Circle)
(Minor: Divine Challenge on my attacker)
(Move: Not moving!)
(Free: Banter.)
(Intimidate roll: 4. +4 = 8! Yeah. This is why I didn't bother rolling it at first, but Chris wondered if I was gonna. So I did to show that even when Timothius means business, he's still a cute little angelic kitten.)

Translation for convenience of those who may speak Draconic: "Great Platinum Dragon! Give your armor to your servant!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:27, Sun 28 Mar 2010.

"Oh my!" Gale exclaims, covering her mouth with her hand, "Curuvar's attacking your allies!  Timothius is trying to stop hi...EEK!"

She jumps to the side, away from the opening that leads down, and secretly summons her grasping shadows right on top of it!

"Now there's these dark tendrils in the way!  Don't try to come up this way!  You'll get seriously hurt!"

(( Move, standard.  Not going to worry about the mechanics of "Can the grasping shadows be held aloft by the ladder?  Would the zone fall down the hole?  Does it float?  Etc?" and just assume it has the same abilities as a level 1 wizard staying put wise...  And since Gale could have blocked the hole with herself, so can the grasping shadows. ))
This message was last edited by the player at 05:00, Sun 28 Mar 2010.

(( NPC'd on player's behalf. ))

Elric's eyes flash with determination as he readies his greatspear.  Curuvar's claim that the goblins plan to murder him sounds likely given how badly the wizard was asking for it with his big mouth.  The vexing cloud and distance may have obscured his view of the lightning-fast attack from Joe, but the wizard hat flying past reminds Elric of Joe's earlier comment about doing so.  He'd laugh if not for the seriousness of the situation.  His first instinct is to protect both Timothius and Gale by moving to the left to guard the entrance to the goblin lair, but Gale blocked the way with her spell.

"Thank you, Timothius," he answers the paladin, "Rest assured, I've got your back."

His eyes flash threateningly at the goblin who attacked his friend.

"Or your FRONT if need be.  Your enemy is Curuvar, goblin!  Do NOT attack Timothius!"

(( Intimidation check: 8, readied action: if the goblin continues to attack Timothius, Righteous Brand his hiney. ))
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:13, Mon 29 Mar 2010.

"Tac or huuc!" the Goblin Hexer shouts, "Keep the paladin where he is!"

He too missed that Joe be-hatted the hated wizard, but SOMEONE did, and he's pretty sure it wasn't one of his own.  One other very important detail isn't lost on him either...

"Looks like you're on your own, wizard!" the goblin sneers, "Your allies have yet to attack any of mine!"

He mutters another hex and a flash of light bursts right in front of Curuvar.  The wizard cries out in pain and grabs at his eyes.  The hexer then sneaks 10' closer to Timothius holding a finger over his mouth to indicate to his allies that they should be silent.

(( Blinding Hex (standard; at-will)
Ranged 10; +7 vs. Fortitude; 2d6 + 1 damage, and the target is
blinded (save ends).

Curuvar HP: 15-11 = 4.  (blinded, bloodied, slowed.)

"Tac or huuc!" = "Stand your ground!"))

The first skullcleaver wonders how in the world an arrow magically appeared out of the clear blue sky and removed Curuvar's hat, but he doesn't have time to speculate.  He's convinced the wizard must have some kind of magical armor to have evaded his first attack, and he senses that the wizard is at a serious disadvantage, so the goblin takes a step back then charges full force!

Curuvar may be blind but he still has his wits about him.  He anticipates the attack and raises his staff which just barely deflects the attack with a flash of force.  Again, one of his circling blades punishes the goblin for attacking!

The second skullcleaver reads an important detail into his orders: "Stand your ground," and "keep the paladin where he is."  Namely, that he wasn't told to attack!  He may doubt the power of the paladin and the cleric, but he's no fool.  No need to provoke them if not ordered to.  He digs his heel into the ground and raises his battleaxe defensively.

(( cleaver1: move, charge!  HIT!  would have killed Curuvar, but staff of defense saved him.  Skullcleaver1 HP: 35-5=30

cleaver2: standard action - full defense.  ))
This message was last edited by the player at 17:16, Mon 29 Mar 2010.

That was way too close for comfort!  But there's no backing down now.  Fight or die.  Where did that arrow come from?!  Before he was blinded, Curuvar glanced over to Joe to see if he had perhaps misfired and shot him by mistake, but he didn't even have his bow drawn!

"Defend yourself, Joe!" the wizard warns as he reaches for his belt, "There must be a goblin sniper in the trees!"

He grabs a vial into his fist, pops the cap off with his thumb, and downs it in one swift practiced motion.

"HA!" he shouts defiantly at the goblins, "I don't even need my eyes to destroy you!"

Much as he'd like to hear where the Hexer slinked off to, his perception rolls are fail today so he instead aims a scorching burst right behind the goblin that last attacked him, hoping to catch as many foes as possible in the explosion.  The blast doesn't spread out perfectly so it only catches the warrior at the far wall who shrieks in agony!  Curuvar's blindness fades, and he gives an evil smile.

(( 2 minors: palm and drink health potion.  standard attack.  PHB 281 on fighting blind: "Close or Area Attacks: You can make a close attack or
an area attack that includes the square you think (or know)
the concealed creature is in. Your attack roll doesn’t take a
penalty from the target’s concealment."

Warrior1 HP: 17-12=5

Curuvar HP: 4+10=14.))
This message was last edited by the player at 06:58, Tue 30 Mar 2010.

The roasted warrior rushes away from Curuvar and hurls a javelin in reply but misses by a long shot.  The other warrior runs toward Curvar and this time the thrown weapon finds it's mark dealing a painful wound!

Curuvar understands he could well be dead in the next 5 seconds, so he swallows his pride and asks for help!  "Little help here, cleric!  And would someone please finish off that Hexer!"

Sancussug can be heard shouting something in goblin from below, and a goblin warrior ascends the ladder - right into Gale's grasping shadows!  It shrieks in agony as the tendrils snare it!  It struggles to climb right back down from where it came.

(( war1 and 2: move, standard.  Curuvar free action: call for help!

Warrior 3 HP: 29-5 = 24

Curuvar HP: 14-7 = 7 ))
This message was last edited by the player at 06:59, Tue 30 Mar 2010.

  Joe can mildly believe that worked.  Had he been required to deny allegations of shooting him in the head, it would be a tossup if his lack of subtlety could be masked by his nonsensical ramblings regarding their actions.

  "Right, pointy arrow doom in the trees.  I'm sure I can solve our problems from here." A valid statement, as Joe swiftly draws his bow once more, faces the trees... Then fires behind him.

  A pain in the ass for a pain in the ass.  One could assume that the shock of realization of their humiliating injury aided in their fall just as much as the arrow protruding from their wizardly buttock.
 Or, you know.  It could just be the arrow wound.  But hey, today we learned one of the situations where it's more beneficial for a Wizard to land on his face than his behind when they pass out.

  "...I am incredibly amazed that nobody has died yet today.  I will not be amazed if Timothius still wants this guy to live."  Under other circumstances, Joe would be in need of a change of clothes due to non-Coupdegrace stabbing Curuvar with a dagger until any semblence of annoyance was gone.

  But, you know.  Straight out murder would probably not be a good plan in front of the Holy guys.

Free: Fast Hands, Draw Bow.
Minor: Quarry Curuvar.
Standard: Careful Attack. 11+7+1(prime Shot)+2(Surprise CA part two, the Revenge)=21, Hits.

Curuvar actually had 7 HP, because Mittens forgot you need to use a Minor action to pull out the potions in the first place.

http://rollr.appspot.com/view/...IIRGljZVJvbGwY1cEODA

+5 to Damage, two dice to roll for damage (attack, Quarry), 7 damage minimum.  So I'm just going to say Joe reduces them to 0 HP, exactly. For KO.  For sake of convenience, assume all I do is for the KO vs Sentient's unless I state otherwise.

Timothius responds to Elric, "As usual, Pelor shines brightly through your actions." and then is quiet when the Hexer tells him to be. He continued to stand defensively as the rest of the battle continued. Even as Curivar got blinded and was getting hurt, Timothius looked hurt and longing to help Curivar. But he stayed put, knowing that Curivar can not be helped. This is why he didn't want to be thrust into war or trained up as a paladin. He wants to help people, not hurt them. But he can't deny that paladins had a reputation for being nigh impossible to take down and thus he can at least be a living shield. When Curivar falls unconscious, Timothius speaks up, "I reiterate: I was not part of Curivar's sudden attack. Please believe me. I do not want anyone hurt and especially don't want anyone dead. I can only speak on my behalf, but I hope my friends will help aid your wounded as I intend to. Curivar could die if he isn't tended to first, though, so I beg of you; Please allow me to tend to him first."

Inside he's hurting deeply that he wasn't able to defend Curivar and that he was forced to withhold any healing from Curivar lest the battle drag on. Not to mention the goblins would have seen Timothius as an ally to their enemy and Timothius didn't want that since it would mean injury and possibly death for the goblins.

(Diplomacy roll: Critical. Which amounts to 29 total.)

The grasping shadows fade, and Gale relaxes some.

"Nice shot," she commends Joe, having noticed the unveiled attack from the ranger, "Now everyone please mind the dangerous pit.  Gravity is a lot less forgiving than Timothius."

She moves over to the ladder and calls down.

"It's safe to come up.  Our archer felled Curuvar."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:47, Fri 02 Apr 2010.

(( NPC'd on player's behalf. ))

"Thank you," Elric answers, standing at ease, his spear point now unthreateningly pointed at the sky, "And The Platinum Dragon's character shines through your actions."

He decides against using any divine healing on any of the goblins, and stands guard.

The goblins briefly turn a wary eye to the remaining adventurers, but notice that they're not attacking.  Timothius's words seem to have them so completely convinced, they drop their guard entirely and the Hexer's vexing cloud vanishes.  [Everyone can now treat the goblins as allies for the purposes of moving through their squares, etc.]  A couple of the more injured ones drop to their butts exhausted.  Then, staring at the arrow sticking out of Curuvar's butt, they all suddenly burst out laughing!

"Drec druuc! Daan dekar't draal!" they sing, some of them dancing.

As the other goblins file up the ladder, they too burst out laughing, singing, and dancing.  Finally Sancossug calms down some and calls out over the singing: "He may still be alive!  Check if he's breathing!"

The skullcleaver closest to Curuvar takes a closer look.

"He's not dead!"

The goblins immediately stop singing and dancing.  They look to Sancossug, waiting for his orders.  The shaman rubs his chin.

"Much as I'd like to make him suffer, he's to dangerous to be allowed to wake.  But at least we can all share in his dismemberment!  We can feed his pieces to the dogs!  Everyone, gather around him, and on the count of three, shuuc draan halaan!"

Predicting that the adventurers might object, the shaman warns:

"You may join us in finishing him off, but do not get in our way!  If you do, you we will forget what you said earlier and offer your dead bodies to Loudwater in exchange for the horn totem!"

Well at least he's offering to not dismember you and feed you to the dogs.  No insight check needed to know he means business.  Probably the best you can hope to accomplish with diplomacy is to talk him into allowing you to leave before they attack so you don't have to watch them hack the wizard to pieces.

(( Drec druuc! Daan dekar't draal! = Ding dong!  The wizard's dead!
shuuc draan halaan = coup de grace

For as outnumbered as you are, this counts as a level 8 "too hard" encounter.  If you revive Curuvar, it will be a level 7 "very hard" encounter.  If it comes to combat, I will fudge things in favor of the PC's being able to survive.))

  Joe shrugs, putting his bow away once more.  Not that this would be of any more comfort to the goblins by this point.  "At this point, trying to keep the guy alive would fall well into the throwing our lives away for no practical reason category.  Though, seriously.  Leave the town alone okay?  Curuvar pissed you off, Curuvar pissed them off, Curuvar pissed me off.  And they didn't even try to kill me or anything."

  They consider something, then sigh in annoyance. "Though as much as they've been nothing but completely useless and to blame for most everything, it may be a bit harder to get the townsfolk to release their prisoners if you stab them in the brain until desired results are obtained.  Even if it is stupid and you'd just go to get them by force and all this carnage keeps going."  Joe would just say he's here talking with the Goblins still, but, you know. Paladins and clerics of good gods.  With moral decency comes the tendency not to lie about idiots being killed for the sake of convenience.  But at least Joe is barely smart enough not to point out this fact out loud.

  Wow, it's a good thing Sancossug hadn't started counting yet. 'talking is a free action' only goes so far.

OOC Style: Not bothering with a roll, Joe really doesn't care if the guy dies or not now. And will watch through a facepalm Tim and Elric get their face murdered if they try to stop it by force.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:55, Sat 03 Apr 2010.

Timothius says a prayer, shivering a little. But his shivering stops and he lifts his eyes with a serious and grave look on his face. He walks among the goblins and makes his way to the doorway where Joe is. He then turns to face the goblins. "It would appear this man will get justice served to him today instead of mercy. But Joe speaks true. Perhaps I can persuade you with this: Keep him living and breathing, but keep him nonetheless. Justice demands he will eventually face death for his crimes, but if he is alive, at least for a while and as your prisoner, it will make it a LOT easier to negotiate with Loudwater to release your friends. Remember... we are not from that town, so the only thing going for us is that we helped "rescue" them earlier. If you simply give me your word you will keep him alive until next we meet, I will trust you. Please... for the sake of your friends who await release. The decision is obviously yours and I won't stop you whatever you decide. But that is my request. That you might make it easier for me to bring your friends back."

After all, he has no choice. But he also can't help think Curivar deserves this. Maybe not the dismemberment? But he really needs to be stopped now while he still doesn't have much power. Imagine Curivar the Arch Mage...

Gale smirks and follows Timothius.  She's so glad he made the sensible choice.  She apparently is alone in her being more amused by the silly wizard than annoyed, but that won't stop her from allowing a confessed kill-goblins-for-a-trinket-and-put-village-at-risk loony get what's coming to him.  Especially to save her own neck.

"Besides," she says, "Your dogs might get sick on him like the rest of us have."

The goblins gawk and burst out laughing!

Gale reaches into her magic picnic basket, and starts pulling out several large servings of delicious smelling ham, handing them out to goblins as she passes them by.  The basket provides food only.  No convenient plates or such.

"But so that they don't go hungry, a morsel for you and your canine friends."

She takes a bite out of the last one and mmmms to prove it's not poison.

"I regret only that we won't be here to see the look on his face when he realizes he is at your mercy.  Oh... and... may we?"

Gale moves to take the wizard's staff.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:53, Sat 03 Apr 2010.

While Elric wonders if the goblins would have ambushed the group if Curuvar hadn't attacked first since they could have said in their language 'Let's have steak for dinner', no one in the group would be the wiser. On the other hand, given the goblin's claim with what they want to do with Curuvar, the warforged can only hope that they see the wisdom that Timothius has suggested and use him as a bargaining chip as the cleric of Pelor thinks to himself, 'in this situation both sides seem shrouded in twilight rather than one being light and the other dark. Maybe that is the lesson to be learned that it is not always easy to tell the villians from heros, or the innocent..'

The goblin shaman shakes his head in disbelief at the reasonable answers he was given - the warforged once again being the scary one having not said anything.

"You're a shrewd bunch," he says, "Curuvar may be dangerous, but you make too good a point.  He shall remain alive so long as he is valuable to us.  Tell the Loudwater leaders that Sancossug keeps his oaths."

He considers Gale's request.  He probably would have refused any loot if they had dared taking without asking, but she asked.  That staff is useless to him and the goblins, and where would they find someone willing to buy it?  It would only serve as a means for Curuvar to make himself all the more dangerous if he were to manage to escape and find it nearby.

"You may loot his body," he says, "You may as well take whatever magical gear he had.  We have no need of them."

  Joe comments to Timothius, "So, would it be immoral, or passingly good cause enough to take Curuvar's wallet, then tell the townsfolk the cash from it came from the Goblins to fund patching up the hole in their wall?"

  They look over to Gale, "If they have any more of those 'die less' drinks, can I have some?"

Timothius considers Joe's question. He takes the gold from Curivar and looks at Sancossug. "I do not wish to misquote you. So then. It is your decision. This money that would otherwise have been yours... do you wish to officially declare it as a peace offering towards the reconstruction of Loudwater's wall?"

If Curivar squeezes through this, Timothius might give Curivar his money back by giving of his own money. Maybe.

Gale manages to keep from facepalming over this line of questioning.  Why couldn't they have let her just loot the darn guy THEN discuss what to do with the loot AFTER leaving the goblins?  Now the goblins are sure to demand the guy's gold.  Oh well.  She grabs hold of the arrow sticking out of Curuvar's behind and snaps it off to make removing his magic robe more feasible.  The goblin DID say "whatever magical gear."  She takes that, the staff, and his necklace, expecting the goblins to lay claim to the healing potions now that Joe pointed them out.  And the wallet.  Oh well.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:41, Tue 06 Apr 2010.

The scene blips forward a bit.  Gale and the others were not allowed to loot the wizard's wallet nor his potions on the grounds of "we want those," but at least the goblins sent the adventurers away on descent terms.  It's after sunset, and the trail back to town is dark, but easy enough to follow with all the fresh tracks in the snow.  Gale cast her light cantrip on Timothius' shield, so he's lighting the way without having to expend any torches.

  As they head back to town, Joe finds himself wondering what it means when your biggest worry of the day isn't 'things have been trying to kill me' or 'I'm going along with things where things will try to kill me'.  But rather 'will the holy types point out I shot Curuvar, resulting in people who don't like him anyways being less than pleasant to me'.

  Morals are complicated.  More so when you have them but also don't live up to what you consider morals.

  "So, think we'll actually be able to get a full night of sleep and breakfast without something exploding or someone pissing of a whole population section?"

Timothius is mostly quiet on the way back to town, continually saying silent prayers in his mind. Once in Loudwater, he faces the gates and lets out a sigh. To Joe, he answers, "We can try to sleep anyway..." he offers. Then goes through the gates and straight for the Inn. Unless the guards stop him or what not.

Sunsteen was waiting for the group at the newly partially patched up wall.

"You made it back!" he exclaims, "Not that I'm surprised.  Just happy, right?  Anyhow, everyone's waiting at the Tankard for you!  Say... I don't see Curuvar with you.  Lemme guess.  You're not good enough for him so he ditched you, right?"

"Curuvar is... tied up at the moment," Gale answers with an amused smirk, "Details when we're fed.  Lead the way!"

"Oh!" Sunsteen says, "Right!  Right!  Right this way!"

Gale follows his lead to the Tankard which is now standing room only full save for one table reserved for the heroes of Loudwater.

  "I agree with food before exposition being a good thing." Joe says as they follow after.  They consider their less than spectacular storytelling abilities and ask Gale "Were you going to tell the story with, or without lightshow?"

Once at the FOOD, Timothius sits, eats, and lets Gale do the explaining at her leisure. He's barely able to stomach the food, but only because he's THAT hungry. "I'm sleeping before any more outings. To be frank, I will be a hindrance at this point, rather than a help."

"With of course," Gale answers Joe with a smile, "It would be with music and rhyme if I were a bard."

The group is presented a modest feast, turning their table into the tavern equivalent of a banquet.  It may not be the fancy cooking of a king's chef, but hunger is the best seasoning, and makes the meal sumptuous.  Lady Moonfire of course welcomes the heroes and inquires how the adventure went and what became of Curuvar.  Gale washes down the latest bite and proceeds to recap the day's events.

"Our journey to the Barrows was relatively uneventful.  We made with the pleasantries with one another, and Curuvar with his customary UNpleasantries."

A miniature group of illusory heroes travels the length of the table accompanied by an angry illusory Curuvar who waves his arms over his head while !@#% symbols float over his head.  The image provokes a few chuckles from the townsfolk listening to the stories.

"We arrived at the goblin lair and it looked abandoned save for the tale-tell tracks and gnawed bones.  We decided upon a marching order over Curuvar's objections that putting an armored knight in front was cowardly."

Captain Harrowleaf facepalms, and there's various "What a jerk!" type comments.

"Well what none of us knew was that the floor of the entrance was rigged to collapse if enough people stepped on it, and collapse it did!  Not surprisingly, Timothius being in front, took the worst of it.  He fell into the chamber below and was confronted by a squad of angry goblins.  Well he dusts himself off like falling 20' into an ambush is no big deal and... get this... talks the goblins out of attacking!"

Harrowleaf and Moonfire raise eyebrows while townsfolk gawk.  The image shows Timothius in an arms outstretched pose while various flowers, doves, and valentines float over his head.  The mini Gale and mini Elric climb down the pit while mini Joe flips down like a ninja.  Meanwhile mini Curuvar's floaty symbols have turned into skulls, daggers, and snakes.

"In spite of Curuvar's boasting how he murdered the goblin's friends, Timothius continued to charm them into believing we just wanted to negotiate peacefully with their leader.  Curuvar apparently didn't want to risk climbing down, so he spent his time trying to find the secret entrance while we waited for High Shaman Sancossug to arrive."

The scene shows Curuvar frustrating himself trying to get through the secret door while the goblins prepare an ambush provoking a few more chuckles from the townsfolk.  Timothius intervenes with more flowers and valentines while Elric leans against the door, arms folded.

"Sancossug arrived and negotiations began.  He asked why Loudwater would send Curuvar to take their horn totem.  We explained Curuvar had acted on his own.  He demanded the horn totem be returned, Timothius explained we didn't want it used to revive their 'Ogre King' if it meant he'd wind up a menace to Loudwater.  Curuvar returned to the top of the pitfall to hurl more insults at the goblins, saying that they were fools for not realizing that their Ogre King was actually an Oni that had been using them for it's own ends and that the ritual Sancossug described he'd use to revive it was guaranteed to fail."

The townsfolk mutter and whisper among themselves at the mention of an Oni.  Sancossug's floaty symbols become skulls, fists, and spears.

"Timothius ended negotiations saying he'd have to talk things over with Loudwater.  Sancossug gave us one night to return the horn totem and the captured goblins to him or he'd take them by force.  He muttered something in goblin that struck me as especially dangerous given the cheerful look it put on the faces of his allies, so I relayed it to Curuvar in hopes he could translate.  Translate he did.  'He dies this day!' Curuvar said, 'By Mystra's lost spell, it is YOU who shall die this day!'"

When the mini heroes and a few goblins are on the ground level, Mini Curuvar launches a fireball at the mini goblins, and surrounds himself in spinning floating blades.  The battle is replayed for the townsfolk who watch with bated breath.

"Timothius and Elric kept the surface goblins at bay while I blocked the rest with a spell.  Thanks to the hexer's cloud spell I couldn't really tell what Joe was up to, but I doubt he was helping Curuvar any, because when the smoke cleared, the wizard was face down on the ground with a rather large arrow sticking out of his behind."

The image of Curuvar's embarrassing fall makes the tavern explode with laughter!  Even no-nonsense Captain Harrowleaf can't help but laugh at the sight!  "Nice shot!" he and several others commend.  Gale continues with a smile.

"The wound wasn't fatal, and the goblins were planning to finish him off, but Joe and Timothius managed to sweet talk them into keeping him alive as a bargaining chip for exchanging him for the goblin prisoners.  Of course...  that's IF you want him back."

More laughter and various debate about whether to let Curuvar remain with the goblins ensues.

"Now if you don't mind.  It's been a very long day of death traps and violence.  My friends and I would like some well deserved rest.  Thanks for the delicious meal.  Good night."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:28, Thu 22 Apr 2010.

Lady Moonfire smiles at the heroes.  "Well deserved indeed!" she agrees, "And more than that.  I'll take you to the town treasury tomorrow for your heroics.  On behalf of Loudwater, thank you so very much!  Rest well, my friends!"

(( Level up!  We're now level 3!  Starting gold for this level is 2,560.  I.C. wise, if you need to get rid of gear to afford what you want, we'll assume you traded up that existing gear for the better gear you receive at the town treasury. ))

Timothius sighs in relief, like he was expecting them to pull out a whip and say "Innnsolence?! You want sleeep?! TOO BAD! Go and do our bidding! And stay up the next 48 hours! THEN we'll think about letting you sleep!"

Thankfully, that didn't happen. He doesn't give it the chance to either and bows some to Moonfire. "Thanks. I will." and heads to his room.

Timothius has a dream that he's chased by a town of people. "You run from your responsibilities! Traitor!" they cry out to him. "I didn't ASK for these responsibilities! Leave me alone! Learn to stand up for yourselves, you cowards!" he yells over his shoulder while he runs. Then he sees his allies up ahead. "Run! They'll mark you with their responsibilities too!" but his allies seem unaware of what Tim's trying to tell them. Frustrated, he turns to face the town who catch up and stop about 30 feet from him. "Don't you touch my allies! You want them, you'll have to get through ME!" Suddenly, Timothius feels an arrow hit him in the butt.

Curivar steps forward, pointing at Timothius and his allies. "Traitors... ALL of you! I fought for you and you turned on me! You turned on Loudwater! Goblin lovers!"

Timothius wakes up, teary-eyed and staring at the door of his room. "...........j-just... a dream..." he says in a trembling voice. "Paladin. Me. What a laugh. Never asked to be one. Never wanted to be one. Oh Bahamut... will I ever get my dream to help people understand? Did I do the right thing back there? Please don't let the others see my doubt... I don't want them to doubt you, disrespect you... just because of me..."

  Joe finally gets to enjoy the luxury of sleep in a voluntary and in a bed basis.  The evening went pleasant enough, much more so than he expected.

  However, there was still the next day to deal with.  They didn't hope Curuvar survived the night for moral reasons, but because if they died then of course the town would decide they wanted them back.  They'd find out soon enough, if they got back with the goblin prisoners in one piece.

  Despite Joe's worries, his sleep was untroubled by the woes of subconscious guilt.

OOC Style: with the '2560 for your gear' angle, Joe has lost everything magical except the cloak of Distortion, replaced their Armor and Weapon with cheaper alternatives, and... swapped their lv 3 boots for a diff lv 3 boots.  Fortunately gimmick armor has nothing screaming at me for need (though +2 athletics when you're 10 str will be missed), and I actually like the AV2 lv 2 bow better.

I can understand the setting to sane for our level gear bits and I'm fine with going with it.  But it is kind of amusing when the 'reward' is a downgrade and less gold than he used to have ;D

If Gale had any bad dreams they would involve her transforming into a loudmouth wizard who makes excessive use of catch phrases like "By Timothius' Tail!" or "By Joe's Bow!"  This has nothing to do with her WEARING what used to be Curuvar's robe under her original non-magical robe.  Nooo.  Anyhow, she makes it to the breakfast table without issue, and digs in while the townsfolk eye her with admiration in their eyes and smiles on their faces.  Especially Sunsteen.

"So when your friends join you," he begins, seating himself across from Gale, "what will you all do next?  I suppose there's the obvious - picking up your reward at Moonfire Manor.  I mean after that.  Will you be going with Harrowleaf to the prisoner exchange?  Helping the locals with their troubles?  Or will you be moving on to fry bigger fish like the spellplague or locating some portal back to the realm you came from?"

Gale ponders.  "Plan to talk such over with my friends first."

Timothius slowly makes his way down the stairs to the social area where people eat and such. He spots Gale, gives her a gentle, almost tired smile. He goes to sit at the same table with her. "Sleep well, I hope?" he didn't. Not that it shows too much as he took care to comb his hair and such.

Butterfly enters the Tankard and looks about to see a small crowd who are all excitedly awaiting the waking of the new local heroes. They are the excitement of the town as of late, after all. Nobody really takes much notice of the human beyond the occasional guy glancing because she's a girl. She had heard the recent news about heroes and wanted to see them. Since Gale and the sore thumb Timothius seem to be the center of attention, Butterfly walks over to a nearby table to watch them, not desiring to be direct about her intentions just yet.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:45, Mon 26 Apr 2010.

Raichel is a long way from home. But she is on her journey to self-discovery as well as helping whoever may need it. Her journey is about to be changed in a major way as she will soon find herself in an adventuring party. But Raichel doesn't know this yet, simply finding a seat. She gets a lot more glances from the people at the Tankard due to her cat-like appearance. Many of them wonder if she could be distantly related to Timothius' race. The fact one cat is there and has wings does not diminish how odd it is to see another cat. She has a seat, more interested in breakfast than the glances she's getting.

  Joe wanders down from the room of sleeping to the room of eating.  Raichel doesn't get any more notice from Joe than any other shifter to him.  Butterfly more so because hey, bow (or not if that's not the obvious/ passive 19 perc case) of the sort bigger than even his (provided Butterfly does indeed make with the Greatbow, Joe traded that out for Nature + Dungeoneering savvy).

  'I don't know if I'll ever get used to a mob wanting to stare at me, and it's not to murder my face off then loot the body.  Or eat me'  Joe considered as they made their way over to Gale and Tim's table.  "Good morning, able to take waking up where you left off for granted again yet?"

  OOC Style: Butterfly. She's Human, She's Half-Elf, She's Human, She's Half-Elf.  At least her class and being awesome are consistent ;D.  And can't deny the added variety compared to dual Human shootey rangers

Gale gives a glance to the obvious girl kitty.  She might have noticed Joe's eyeing the cute Human girl with the greatbow had she not been distracted with the cute, sad kitty.

"Like a log," she answers with a pleasant smile, "Good mornin, Joe, and yeah.  I actually expected to wake up in the same place I fell asleep.  Woulda been nice to wake up back home, but at least this way I get to spend another day with my new friends."

She reaches over to take hold of Timothius' hand and give it an assuring squeeze, but says nothing about noticing the sadness in his eyes.

"Sunsteen here asks a good question.  What's the plan for today?  Do we join Sunsteen for the prisoner exchange, stay in town looking for more heroics to do here, focus on figuring out how to get to where we belong, or look for a start in taking on the spellplague?  I doubt any of us is content to just loaf about and do nothing, but there's only so much time in a day, so we can't do it all.  Personally, I'm less inclined to return to the goblin lair and listen to Curuvar accuse us of being backstabbing goblin lovers.  I'm not optimistic about finding a cure for a massive, cataclysmic, world-changing even till I've a few more tricks up my sleeve, but getting started on finding my way home I suspect might bring me closer to that end too.  Probably will be asked for any local heroics sooner or later if needed, so I'm not too concerned with making a point of looking into that."

"Yes, it's needed," Sunsteen says grimly, "Crime is at an all-time high.  Children are disappearing."

He lowers his voice and leans forward.

"And there's rumors that the town guards are being bribed to look the other way, right?"

Gale presents Sunsteen to her friends in a "See what I mean?" manner.

(( Perception to notice girl archer: fail.  Insight to notice Timo's not too happy in spite of his smile: Critical 26!  Wheee!  ))
This message was last edited by the player at 04:02, Mon 26 Apr 2010.

Timothius glances at Joe. "Even with a dream that involved you all, I still woke up disoriented." He doesn't mention that is partly due to wishing it was ONLY a dream.

The hand-touching causes an instant blush from Timothius. He looks at Gale as she makes her suggestions and then hears what Sunsteen says. He gets this "oh NO!" look on his face as he hears about children disappearing.

He combs his fingers through his hair. Then faces the crowd. "Listen. I may have talked with the goblins nicely, but that doesn't mean they will be nice. If they think you are ill-equipped to bring them harm, they may just attack you so they can keep Curivar. Someone MUST go with you or your lives could be in danger. But children disappearing? That breaks my heart... I will accompany the group for the prisoner exchange due to the goblins' familiarity with me, but someone needs to look into the missing children ASAP!"

Butterfly speaks up, "The goblins and the disappearances could be connected. And even if not, there could be signs, clues and tracks out in the woods that suggest where the kids were taken. You will need backup for the exchange, so I will be happy to accompany you to knock out two birds with one stone: One, that you have someone in the trees who can pick off aggressive goblins and two, that the kids are or are not in that area."

Raichel hears opportunity and says, "I too will help however I can. Perhaps in the investigation that takes place here in town." a few more people give her glances. She glances right back.

  Joe kinda filters out 'Crime is at an all time high' at first due to their longterm stay at Luskan.  The second part while also common of mention there (along with 'arg acid rain island!' and 'Arg zombies!' and 'arg everything!') is more attention getting regardless.

  "How many are missing so far that you know of?...  I'm inclined to keep an eye on you Timothius, but in this case I'll work on whichever angle you want me to and hope you come out in one piece."

  They look over to the offers of help, "Less grand total effort from us would probably be appreciated, yeah."

"Seven," Sunsteen answers, "Some rumors say more, but that's the official count.  And all within the past month.  No ransom demands.  They just... vanish.  Those poor families.  I can't imagine...right?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:29, Mon 26 Apr 2010.

SEVEN?! Gale lip syncs, too stunned to actually voice the word.  She then calms herself with the thought that rumors are ALWAYS exaggerated.  She can't imagine that the town guard is so rotten as to be willing to take a bribe and look the other way if seven kids just vanish.  Hell even crime gangs would be outraged!

"Well that decides that," she says, "It's possible that we might just succeed in recovering these kids where the local guard did not what with our magical and divine favor.  Not to mention Joe's sharp eye.  So... any clues on where to start, Sunsteen?"

Sunsteen is feeling wonderful that he can be helpful to his new idols, but he keeps his serious face.  "Lady of Shadows they call her," he says in a low tone, "Ruthless.  Anyone who opposes her winds up a headless body dumped outside the town wall.  She and her gang have been running some kind of protection racket, right?  Well everyone's too scared to say much what with what winds up happening to those that do, right?"

"I'm not too scared," a Halfling woman at another table says.  She steps forward and bows, "I'm Cala.  I run the general store.  For a few tendays now, a tiefling named Narrows has shown up in my store and told me that if I don’t accept the ‘protection’ of the Lady of Shadows, something bad could happen, like my shop being burned down or my knees being broken.  I haven’t buckled under his threats, but I’m afraid what might happen if I don’t.  Raumandar, my stock boy, is a capable enough fighter, but he might not be able to protect me or the store all the time."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:33, Mon 26 Apr 2010.

Timothius notices Cala, gives her a serious look and a nod. "Good for you, standing up to them! Standing up to evil is not easy, especially in a situation where you know it could be well beyond your means to defend yourself."

He then looks at Sunsteen. "Then it's time someone turned this lady's attention to something more important than herself. Like morality that even she can agree on." he looks at Gale. "This lady sounds like a good start. Go to her with respect and see if she's been on the case of the missing children. Even if she's cold-hearted enough to not care on principal, she has GOT to be smart enough to know that if enough children go missing, she won't have a "next generation" to control."

He thinks about this. "And I doubt it's her kidnapping the kids as that seems less her style than, say, threatening to take the kids first and THEN taking them when people don't comply. But even then, she's got to be smart enough to know even she can't stand up to an entire town outraged at her with pitchforks and torches coming to burn *her* place down."

Still, on the off chance it IS her, Timothius figures this bold move could prove useful in letting the lady know the town now has heroes. Heroes that WILL stop her sooner or later. And dead heroes only become martyrs. Which means angry town. Which means dead lady all over again.

Butterfly nods to Joe. Then listens to Gale, Sunsteen and Timothius. She already offered going with Timothius, so she doesn't really say much in objection or agreement.

Raichel clenches a fist. But as she hears Timothius' suggestion, she can't help but see the logic. Still, "You're assuming this "lady" more than a rich thug who hires thugs to intimidate people and doesn't think much more beyond that. But stealing children IS a bit of a step up from terrorizing random civilians. Either way, I'll go with you wherever you may go, whether it's to this crime lord wannabe or to the local shops."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:52, Mon 26 Apr 2010.

  "Protection arrangements tend to only work out if there is more than one group inclined towards such in the area anyway.  But again, that's assuming some form of long term sense in that they would deal with anyone causing you distress besides them."

  "Though even assuming sense, they could just consider the comparative ease of moving on to a new location over cultivating a long term establishment in a small town."  Joe is both a failure and a success as a rouge like person (they are a RANGER, not even multiclassed into Rouge, perfectly legitimate profession) in not seeing much purposeful profit in looting normal townsfolk unless you are in desperate need of money in any amount right that moment.

  "Is this 'Lady of Shadows' known in any way beyond their title and actions on her behalf?"  If the mentioned Tiefling wasn't in the tavern, they would also ask if Narrows was known to live inside Loudwater or not.

  Joe not being a Rouge in any way whatsoever also meant they had an excuse for having a nonexistent streetwise skill to fall back on.

The tiefling isn't conveniently hanging out in the tavern known for housing the goblin sploding, wizard butt shooting hero group.  Sunsteen and Cala both shake their heads and shrug in defeat when Joe asks his questions.  "You could try asking around," Sunsteen suggests, "But like I mentioned people are afraid to say anything.  Cala's the exception to the rule, right?"

Cala blushes at the praise from Sunsteen and Timothius, but remembers her abrasive ally.  "Brosha Manx of the Loudwater Apothecary also refuses to give in to their demands, but that's all I know."

Gale considers Timothius' line of thinking and compares it against the innumerable legends of heroic teams she's read and remembers a very important principle she learned: "NEVER split the party."  (( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUMCIn2swTU )) She rubs her chin thinking of how best to phrase her point without it sounding like a silly superstition that will wind up ignored by the overachiever paladin.  She considers sending the two women who just invited themselves to be part of the hero group on the "ask around" errand while the rest go with Harrowleaf, but she doubts they would be successful.

"Timothius is right," she begins, "Time is of the essence, so we need to be smart about how we proceed.  This Lady of Shadows could be the very person to lead us to the children one way or another if she can be found.  Also, despite the unpleasantness of the matter, it makes sense for him to join the negotiations.  Actually, it makes sense for us to ALL go to the negotiations for a couple reasons:  One, if things turn violent, Harrowleaf could use the extra fighters.  Two, it could be that the goblins know something about the missing children.  And three, we should question Harrowleaf about his investigation into the matter so we're not wasting our time blundering down blind alleys that he's already searched.  Or worse yet, alerting the Lady of Shadows that we're on to her so she can flee the town and we lose our chance to question her about the missing kids."

She faces Marsh Laval and the Tankard patrons and puts on an even more serious, almost demanding, tone.

"Can I rely on you all to not speak a word of this to anyone until we find those kids?  I can understand how tempting it might be to tell the news to people you trust, but someone might overhear and children will suffer as a result.  Not. One. Word.  Understood?"

Everyone nods.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:33, Mon 26 Apr 2010.

Timothius listens to Gale and Blake. He leans his head in his hand, tapping the fingers of his other hand on the table as he hears the suggestion. "Whoever is taking these children... I will find them. And those children better be alive and in one piece when I find them. If they are not... then those who hurt them will be begging me to send them to the Shadowfell when I'm through with them. For the justice demanded of them will be too great for them to handle."

He stands up. "To the treasury. We will be quicker if we are better equipped."

Butterfly wonders why the lady was more interested in the whole group going. She adds, "Well whatever the case, lead the way and I will lend my bow."

Raichel frowns. She asks, "Forgive my intrusion, but can you quickly update me on what this "prisoner exchange" is about?" she has a bad feeling about this. Like some injustice is being done. Despite the paladin who is blatantly wearing the symbol of the LAWFUL GOOD god Bahamut.

  Joe looks over to Raichel, oh sweet insert proffered Diety here Joe is going to explain a delicate situation.  "Instead of shooting Goblins that attacked this place in the face, we went to the effort of not killing them.  Now the general idea is to bring them back home so hopefully there isn't any further Goblin related carnage."

  At least until another reason for it turns up anyways.

"Don't forget breakfast!" Marsh Laval insists, "If you must go in a hurry, I have just the thing!"

He presents the group with a plate of hot pockets.

"They're stuffed with all the goodies!  Beef, cheeze, eggs, bacon, seasoning, veggies.... the works!  I call 'em breakfast-on-the-go!  Free for the heroes of Loudwater!"

If that hint wasn't clear enough, should the two new women reach for the plate he'd retract it and ask rhetorically, "So you were with them when they confronted the goblins?"

Gale takes one for the road even though she finished off her regular breakfast.

"Thanks!" she answers before realizing she doesn't know where she's going, "Either of you two ladies know the way to Moonfire Manor?"

"I'll show the way!" Sunsteen offers as he hobbles for the door.

This grand manor house is a jewel of dwarven craftsmanship.
The building includes its own stable, buttery, and
servants’ home. The manor appears to be over two hundred
years old, and it looks as though it might weather another
two hundred.
Built by a dwarf artisan for a self-styled elf lord, this
manor house was the seed from which Loudwater
grew. The mansion is currently home to a family of
half-elves descended from the original lord.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:26, Thu 29 Apr 2010.

Butterfly made no such assumption concerning the snacks. But she does ask the Halfling "How much do those cost for those who have yet to be heroes of Loudwater? I'd like one myself."

Timothius takes one of the treats. "Thank you, Marsh." he notices Butterfly and reaches for his money pouch discretely, waiting to see how much the treat costs. He thinks better of paying for her meal for now and lets her pay her own way since she can afford it. Then goes with the others to the manor.

Once there, of course, Timothius would look around and whistle at the beauty. "Golly... this place is gorgeous."

Raichel neither reaches for the breakfast treat, nor does she buy one. She simply goes with the others without a word. And once at the manor, she would look around. She nods in agreement with Timothius, but her expression doesn't share his awe.

  To Joe's credit, the first thoughts they have regarding the building are not how difficulty it would be to rob the place.  Though how difficult it would be to escape if there was a death cult in the basement being the first is questionably better.

Gale knocks on the door and a servant answers.  "You've been expected," the servant says, "Lady Moonfire apologizes that she is not yet prepared to see you just yet, but I've been asked to see to your reward.  Right this way, please."

The group is led to the basement while the servant talks their ears off about the history of the Manor.

"...Since then this area has been used to store the family's valuables that Lady Moonfire has no immediate personal use for and is difficult to find buyers for.  Magical armor and weapons for example..."

As the group selects their reward with Sunsteen wowing at every item, Gale asks the servant about the beautiful black horse she saw through the stable window.

"Lucas is his name," the servant answers with a smile, "A fine and capable horse, but a bit too nervous for Lady Moonfire's tastes.  She rarely rides him."

"Could I ask for Lucas and a saddle as my reward?" Gale asks, trying to contain her excitement.  Like many girls, she's dreamed of owning a horse since childhood.

"I'm afraid my feet aren't as tough as those of my sturdy companions for all the travel I'm expecting."

"Sure!  Just one of these magical items could probably fetch you half a dozen horses.  I'm sure the Lady would be happy Lucas has someone who'll appreciate him."

Once the group is finished selecting their reward, they're led back upstairs and are met by another servant who informs them, "The Lady will see you now."

They're led to a reading room where Lady Moonfire is seated across from Captain Harrowleaf.  Moonfire stands and welcomes the heroes with her charming smile.  Harrowleaf gives them all a nod with his customary serious face.

"And whom might these lovely ladies with you be?" she asks.

"This is Butterfly and Raichel.  They've volunteered to join us on our quest to help find the missing children.  I'm sure you've heard the rumors that The Lady of Shadows might be involved..."

Lady Moonfire loses her smile and takes a deep breath.  Harrowleaf's serious face turns downright angry as he glares at Lady Moonfire, but he calms himself.

Moonfire nods gravely.  "Yes I have.  I just spent most of my morning getting Harrowleaf caught up on the situation."  She notices the surprised look on Gales face and raises her hand.  "He's been out of town for a long while now and much has happened since he left.  I trust your reward was to your satisfaction?"

Gale nods.  "Yes, thank you.  But I'm sure Timothius here would gladly give up every penny's worth to save those children.  We talked it over this morning and decided it wisest that we join Harrowleaf on the prisoner exchange so we could ask him where he's already investigated, but now that we know that he's about as much in the dark as we are..."

Harrowleaf speaks up before Moonfire can answer.  "Your company would be much appreciated.  I now have reason to believe I cannot trust my own men.  Once the exchange is over I'll be joining you on the search for the children."

Moonfire takes another deep breath.  "The Captain is a top notch investigator and would be my first choice for helping you with finding those children.  Thank you so much for all you're doing for Loudwater."

"Day's wasting," Harrowleaf says, "Let's get started.  If my men can handle the orders I gave them earlier, the prisoners should be waiting at the gate for us."

Gale bows politely to Lady Moonfire and follows Harrowleaf's lead.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Fri 30 Apr 2010.

Timothius is silent, having let Gale do all the talking due to convenience of letting the plot move forward. But once the group is out of the range of Moonfire, Timothius asks in Draconic, "Tiric tikilvi tenpiswo renthisj wer xanalre di wer darastrixi?"

He hopes Harrowleaf will reply in kind, but if he doesn't, he follows up with speaking in common, "Harrowleaf.... I saw you shooting a glare at Moonfire. Please tell me it's because you are upset at her for speaking ill of your men and not because there is more to her than meets the eye."

(Translation for if anyone speaks Draconic: "Does anyone here speak the language of the dragons?")