Arkhosia was a city of vast wealth and power. It covered the known world and ruled over all the races. It was the empire of the Dragonborn. Their majesty was at its fullest and displayed for the world to see. Some say there wasn't anything that couldn't be accomplished back then.

But there was another great empire; Bael Turath.

Bael Turath was a human empire that was formed by conquering many a kingdom and putting the conquered to work as slaves. As the empire began to buckle from its own size, the noble houses made pacts with devils, signing in their blood, to become more powerful and ensure Bael Turath's rule for centuries to come. After the pact, the first Tieflings came to be. It's said the tiefling nobles had the power of devils and oft seemed invincible. Bael Turath then rose up against the dragonborn empire Arkhosia and war was on.

While Arkhosia was shattered by the great empire of Bael Turath, it made sure to take its enemy down with it. The two world powers were gone. And the races of the world slowly picked up the pieces, fearing ever uniting under one empire again.

That was long ago. So long ago, it was forgotten for a time (though not by the Dragonborn). Deep inside every Dragonborn is the desire to see their kind rise above the others again. Some because they believe no other race is worthy to rule. Some because they just want to be respected again.

---

Today's adventure starts in the city of Kora, one of the surviving cities from the fallen human empire of Nerath. There is a pocket in the city for the Dragonborn to live in, on the other side of the city from the area where the Tieflings live. The occasional halfling or dwarf lives in this part of town, but the elves and half-elves live closer to the center of the city. The city has average laws, average law enforcement, and average benefits/problems. The one thing that stands out in this city is it's massive fortifications that boast of having yet to be breached in the city's 400 year existence.

City Population: 15,992
Humans: 12,223
Halflings: 1,678
Dwarves: 867
Elves: 435
Half-Elves: 391
Dragonborn: 345
Tieflings: 53

Our heroes are friends who grew up in the same neighborhood and likely became friends either in early or late childhood.

(OOC Note: Clans are important to Dragonborn and can be a fun plot point for this adventure. Be sure to pick a clan you are from or represent. The Dragonborn backgrounds should spell out ideas for you, or you can come up with your own. Have fun with that! Also, your relationships can be anything. I'm cool with Sora knowing any of you for any reason. Same clan? Same family? Just friends who met in the market as kids? Whatever works. But here is where we all grew up for the most part.)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:56, Sun 03 July 2011.

Dragon's Will is actual name of the part of town the dragonborn mostly live in. But it's been shortened over the past centuries to Dragil (Pronounced dray-gull). It's also earned the nickname of "Little Arkhosia" by many a teasing human or dwarf, but the dragonborn don't usually like the name as this town has nothing really to boast of besides it's population. No fantastic structures, no amazing technologies, no superior weapons. Well there ARE the two competing blacksmiths; a dwarf and a dragonborn who each carry on a shop that's been around since almost the day this part of town was founded. But they still only make farming tools and the occasional sword. Nothing terribly special.

Sora is the daughter of adventurers who retired early (level 7 or thereabouts). Sora is known in town for a number of things, not the least of which is the fact she is the only known psionic dragonborn in Kora. But she's also known for being someone people can go to with their problems as she is willing to help people and usually leaves with a smile. Her 15th birthday was just last week, making her an official adult (by dragonborn standard).

Today brings her to the "Ironbeard Tavern", which is run by the jovial dwarf Marco Ironbeard. Sora is cleaning tables as a favor to Marco.

Pyrus, as he was most commonly known as, has today returned to his home town for the first time in many years and is quietly brooding over a mug of the Tavern's "firebrew."  He's wearing a dirty desert cloak with the hood pulled up, shading most of his features.  He recognizes the little dragling from her younger years and gives her a nod.  He watches her and the goings on about, giving a nod to anyone who should look his way.

  Rhagar is helping!  Well, technically.  We'll get back to that after a moments narrative exposition about Rhagar.  He's a health young man (A dragon man) of nineteen, qualified adulthood in most DnD culture.  Ironically while of the Icy white persuasion, Rhagar is not a special snowflake of the local Dragonborn community.  Character Class: Bard.  Literal profession: Backup instrument for actual establishment musicians, or (technically) carrying the stuff for real bands.

  There's that technically again.  Why?  Because it's his 'free cast once per day, lasts all day' Unseen servant that does all the heavy lifting in both stage prep, and in helping Sora deal with the tables.  Just as, if not more helpful than if he was doing so personally.  But of course it still takes something away from it when it's done via class feature.

  Dragonborn guy eating stew while invisible thing works a bar rag.  Not exactly as full of class as 'Cute Wizard Woman Lounging As Mage Hand Wields Staff'.

Sora ohs! "Gosh. Pyrus? Haven't seen you around in forever. Hey Marco! I'm done! And get Pyrus a drink! On me!"

Marco chuckles. He knew Sora just loves saying stuff like that. It makes her feel grown up. Which she technically is now, so to pet her ego, Marco speaks up to Pyrus, "Sora's 15th birthday was just a week back. Your kind grow and mature so fast it makes m' head spin. Alright. What'll it be?"

Sora goes to Rhagar quickly and says in a hushed tone, "Thanks, bud. C'mon and help me help him feel glad he returned."

"Mead," Pyrus answers the barkeep in a voice that sounds like a grizzly bear's whisper before finishing off his firebrew.

He turns to look at Sora.

"Fifteen?  Congratulations.  It is I who should be buying you a drink, then.  But name your birthday gift, and I shall do what can be done to see that you have it by nightfall."

  Alas, as a Bard class Rhagar lacks Prestidigitation by default (And not like he's got the INT to multiclass... IS there a Multiclass that gives that?).  So he can't presto a party hat onto Pyrus's head and call it a day.  But palness calls, and Rhagar bravely abandons his stew to the dire fate of reaching room temperature.

  Hey, even Ice Dragony types can appreciate a hot meal.

  "It is good to see you again Pyrus, she already has a tamed laser unicorn so pick something else for her gift... Well, as soon as I can find one anyway."

Sora says, "Can you believe he promised me a tamed laser Unicorn? ...what's a laser again? Hmm... gift idea from Pyrus.." she is briefly tempted to ask she call him by his childhood name any time she wants. But figures that might sound like she doesn't like him. "How about you go adventuring with me? I've been wanting to go out and see the sights, fight some evil, and come home. Just like my parents!"

It's a fitting gift, really. She officially her own woman now, so asking another adult to come aid her with something she wasn't allowed to do just a week ago is fitting.

"Request granted," Pyrus replies, "Speaking of your parents, I would have a word with them."

He finishes his drink and gets up to head in the direction of Sora's parents.

  "It's like Radiant, only much cooler." Rhagar comments in regards to Sora wondering what a Laser is.  "Hmm, adventure.  The stuff crazy stories that may possibly result in free drinks are made of." And less singing or musical talent required.  "I do believe I will come along. "

  Rhagar wonders if life will take Pyrus's intentions literally and have them walk through the bar walls towards Sora's house, unless her parents are hiding off panel in case washing tables was too dangerous for their little girl.

Sora ohs and smiles. Then leads the bunch to her home. "Thanks again!" she says to the dwarf. It isn't far, so the group gets to Sora's home soon. Her parents are there, see Pyrus, and nod to him. "Pyrus! Welcome back. What can we do for you?" the father asks.

Pyrus brushes the bits of plaster and wood off his cloak from the various walls he had to bash through in his direct line toward Sora's parents.  Pesky solid obstacles.  Fortunately, they greets him at the door, saving him the effort of knocking it down.

"Thank you," he answers with a nod to the ice family, "I came here as a courtesy.  Your daughter has asked that I take her on an adventure as my gift to her for her coming of age.  I'm on an urgent mission to recover what artifacts of our heritage can be salvaged.  Rhagar has offered to tag along.  I plan to leave at daybreak with any other volunteers."

  Rhagar was only joking o.o hopefully people will be too freaked out by Pyrus's Kool-Aid Man rampage to do anything about it.

  "So out of curiosity did you pick up this job on your own, or did someone put you up to it?"   Not that it would really surprise Rhagar that Purus just happened to know about ancient and important artifacts.  If short foxes can get away with it, why not him too?

  He also waves hello to Sora's parents.  "Hello again, good to see you as always."

So was Pyrus, unless he wants to be billed several hundred gold in repairs before he even has that much and roll STR v wall AC. XD

The parents nod to Pyrus. "She has told us of her wish to go adventuring, but we appreciate the courtesy call. So you're telling us there are *still* artifacts that haven't been looted?"

Sora seems just as shocked as her dad. Sora's mom speaks up, "There's always loot. Especially in ruins as big as Arkhosia."

The dad still seems unsure. "Well good luck on your quest." "And may the Platinum Dragon be with you."

Pyrus nods to Rhagar.

"Unless you count the shame of our ancestors in the way their descendants abandoned their birthright, my steps are guided by myself alone."

He nods to Sora's parents.

"Just because some filthy creatures have already gotten their hands on what is rightfully ours doesn't mean it cannot be taken back.  The ruins are only the starting point.  Blessings to you too.  For you two dared where others cowered."

  Ah, At-Will Kool-Aid man entry.  A wondrous dream.  A dream Matt will realize once he hits level 6.

  "Unfortunately, I do not believe any of us know prestidigitation.  Though if we plan ahead we shall be able to wash our hands before lifting any ancient relics of our people's lore...  Or am I taking things too literally again?"

Sora's parents nod to Pyrus and Rhagar, hug their daughter and let the group go where they will.

Sora giggles from Rhagar's comment. Then looks at Pyrus, "Hey now... be careful not to assume everyone had the purpose of grave robbing. I'm sure other Dragonborn like yourself had the same idea and some of our best treasures lay in safe-keeping somewhere."

She smiles and begins heading for the local dragonborn blacksmith. "Turok should be done forging my scalemale armor. That commission was a combo gift from him and my parents. So I'mma go grab that and then we can figure on a meeting place for the morning." The shield and khopesh she's gonna use are hand-me-downs from Mom's earlier days of adventuring.

(If we're good for fast forwarding, we can skip to morning and meet at the pre-determined place, probably the gates of Dragil.)

"The latter," Pyrus answers Rhagar.

"Indeed.  I shall meet you here tomorrow at dawn."

  Meanwhile. Rhagar is lucky his chainmail has no rust and a chipped worn Carrikal.  At least the dagger is new.

  "As we do not know how long we shall be gone, I suppose bringing extra rations and water along for the trip couldn't hurt."  Raise your hand if you have a proper dungeoneering skil-oh wait, you're not allowed to use your dungeoneering skill to forage unless you're in an underground continent basically, so nevermind.

Activate the Time Drive!  Commence Timeskip!  Whoooooooo!

Tim skip.. I mean Time skip is go!

Sora meets the group at the entrance of the city the next morning. "Were you really at the capital, Pyrus? Did you really travel that far on foot?" it's understandable why he would have been gone for years if so.

The first step is taken out of the city and so begins the journey. There is a path that leads to the nearby forest and cuts through it. Along the path, the trees do not provide a canopy, so it is lit by the sky. The weather is partly cloudy with plenty of sun light and low chance of rain.

(( Pyrus has had a very long and unhappy last few years that's so mysterious even his player doesn't know what all happened to him.  The player also doesn't know how far the capitol is, or if his character was there or when.  For starters, there's the difficulty of the character being only lvl 1 after all this time abroad.  Did he make it to level 7 only to suffer some massive trauma that knocked him back to be effectively lvl 1?  Was he a slave most of that time and only just recently escaped?  Or did he spend all this time in a classroom learning his second language?  Who knows? ))

Pyrus grunts as if to say yes, but he doesn't actually confirm he walked the whole way.

"The empire spread over a vast domain," he says at last, "There are many places where we could pick up the trail to recovering our heritage."

  Rhagar figures that possible Pyrus had the unfortunate yet safe problem of only being able to locate ruins previously cleared out of both treasures and monsters, before finally finding a fresh and still occupied one aid from town would be required to search.  Or maybe Rhagar's expectations are crazy.

  "Considering the average lack of free horses in starting out exploration groups, walking great distances will be at least be one claim we shall truthfully be able to make regardless of how this all turns out."  Well, unless they die.

OOC Style:  Well, even the exact same background for the exact same species and exact same class (well, STARTED as a Rogue at least) get different results.

  Maverick:  Rogue. Grew up in and only recently left Luskan, still started play at level one.
  Joe Darkthorne:  First created as a Rogue (Now ranger with rogue bits).  Grew up in and only recently left Luskan.  like, twice Maverick's age.  Still started play at level one.

  I like this comparison more than the 'Human lv 1 wizard = Long lived Elf level 1 Wizard' because it's more funny when it's the same species.

  As for his second language,  Draconic is his second language, and EVERYONE knows common because, well, (almost) everyone knows common.

The group doesn't get far before they see a male Tiefling blocking the road. He is holding on to a long wooden staff, wearing a robe and has a mischievous smile on his face. "Greetings, travelers..." he addresses them. If not for the "z" sound in his "s", he would be hissing. Yet he has a deep voice, kind of like Darkness from Legend.

Sora halts. "...what's this guy want?" she asks with a half-worried tone. She doesn't wanna be the first to say he seems suspicious.

The man continues, "My name is Drak'thul. You seem like people on a quest. Perhaps you have a minute to hear out a possible commission?"

Pyrus eyes the area for an ambush and studies the Tiefling for signs of deception.  He already believes it's a trap, so he's just looking for proof.

"I am Pyrannosaurus," he answers, "I will hear what you have to say."

(( perc and insight checks

1d20 -1
1: 8 - 1 = 7
2: 2 - 1 = 1 ))

  Like the rest of the party, Rhagar has not majored in Wisdom benefits.  Of course, he suspects any questionable in general looking stranger is as equally lopsided as he is when it comes to 'CHA skills high, WIS skills low'.

  A high Bluff/Intimidate/Diplomacy skill isn't as helpful as it could be if you have no idea what to say, or what your friend will go along with or even know to go along with though.  "If what you have to say is favorable to our interests, then I am sure we shall be glad to hear anything you may care to inform us of."

OOC Style:  Diplomacy check just for sake of it.  Along with a Streetwise in regards to knowing about this so and so.

Diplomacy: 17
Streetwise: 13
This message was last edited by the player at 11:34, Wed 20 July 2011.

Drak'thul says, "My son was taken from me and I.. was hoping you could retrieve him for me. See, some goblins ambushed me and took my son with them to their camp, deep in the wood somewhere that direction." he points north. For reference, the path is leading us East, so north is to his right and our left since Drak'thul is facing us.

Sora says, "Would help to know how many goblins there were."

Drak'thul says, "There were six goblins when they attacked. My son's name is Morthos and he just turned 18. He's tough and proud... but alas we were outnumbered."

(OOC bit: Streetwise 13 is enough to know there is a Morthos from the town you JUST came from. He was a hot-headed teen but has since been accused of becoming loopy. Not sure you know from Drak'thul, but you do know Morthos is a tiefling, so Drak'thul being his dad isn't far fetched?

Meanwhile, diplomacy, while a good roll didn't do much of anything beyond make Drak'thul more comfortable.

Pyrus.... you just can't read Drak'thul. He SEEMS honest, but he's a tiefling! They are full of lies, deceit and come from a heritage of evil and shame. And the mortal enemies of your whole race.)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:41, Thu 21 July 2011.

"I think you're lying," Pyrus says darkly, "I think you're trying to lead us into a trap.  But there's a chance there really is someone in danger.  So I shall investigate.  Show the way."

Pyrus follows if the Tiefling leads, still keeping a sharp out for an ambush.

  "Still, there are good odds of Morthos actually being in some danger knowing him.  So far as that sort of thing can be considered good odds at least.  I'd say something about being a fool to end up in such danger, but considering what we are doing ourselves, I may wait until I'm i the clear from laughable hypocrisy."

  A bluff skill only goes so far.

Drak'thul says, "You are most wise to start your adventures this way; Willing, yet cautious." he leads the way.

Sora says, "Lack of caution will get us killed. But lack of action will get us nowhere. My father oft said: "If you aren't moving ahead, you aren't alive.""

Drak'thul says, "Good words."

But soon, he hushes the others as they come up on a very small clearing where a couple trees fell. There is a camp of goblins there and a very angry young tiefling who is tied up and gagged. On the other side of the encampment is a pile of armor that is obviously his as it's too big for goblins.

Krystofer has been watching this encampment for a short time, trying to decide how best to go in and rescue the teifling. He may not have much love for them, but being captured by goblins for gods only know what reason was no fate he would wish on anyone.

As he watches, he sees a group coming nearer the camp, one of which he notices from as a strong warrior from the city. Making his way cautiously over to them, keeping himself hidden from the camp, he hails them in a low voice. "Greetings kins-folk. It is good to see others here. I am Krystofer,"he says to them in draconic. Noticing the teifling with them he switches to common,"Are you here for the teifling youngling? I have been looking for a good opportunity to go in, but by myself I fear that time had not shown itself. With this sized group though, we should make short work of them."

"Fortune shines upon us," Pyrus whispers when the heavily armored dragonborn approaches, "You may call me Pyrus.  This is Rhagar, Sora, and Drak'thul.  I don't trust either Tiefling any more than those goblins, but so far Drak'thul's story is holding up.  I was about to put the goblins to the test by stepping forward and ask politely asking what crime the youngling committed that they have him captured.  I expect them to just attack me, proving that they are mere bandits, but I'm not going to ambush these folks unprovoked on just the word of one Tiefling."

He prepares to step forward, but leaves his allies plenty of time to join him.

(( Initiative: 20 1d20 +5 = 25...  Wait.  That can't be right.  How'd I wind up with a +5 init on a char with a +0 dex mod? ))
This message was last edited by the player at 21:57, Wed 27 July 2011.

  Rhagar nods in greeting to Krystofer, "Always of good fortune to have more of our kin along for the ride.  I find myself wondering why they have bothered with capture, demanding a ransom from the city would merely result in much less curiosity of their intentions than Pyru-what the hells are you doing?"   This last, still remaining quiet despite temptation to raise his voice comment directed towards Pyrannosaurus.  "You are wearing a glorified bathrobe and you want to walk right up to them.  Even I am more suited for that sort of thing than you, unless one of our more well armored allies wants to go first."

  OOC Style: The +5 Initiative would be 'all the character sheets I write for you blur together, and I have no proofreader'.  At least you did catch that +5 Initiative is wrong when I didn't, it is +0.

  Speaking of Initiative,  Rhagar = 3 <.<

"Your motives are admirable Pyrus, but I believe you friend has a point. If you still wish to walk in, let me take the lead and you follow after," Krystofer said in a low voice. He took a spot slightly ahead of Pyrus, shield out and weapon draw, though not raised.

"If you wish to try vocal diplomacy, I would suggest to try it now. If that doesn't work, we go with my form of negotiations."

OOC: Walks into the room *bam* "Anyone else care to negotiate?"

Sorry to keep you guys waiting. I was going to post when I got home last night, but I ended up having dinner with friends and we were drinking a bit til the wee hours. Dumb idea when I have to be up early but oh well, still a great night:)

Don't feel bad, I got the same garbage initiative: 3
This message was last edited by the player at 12:50, Thu 28 July 2011.

The conversation is interrupted by the goblin blackblade. "Dee-ploma-see? What you want?!" He doesn't move from his spot, but it's obvious he's ready for combat now, if need be.

Initiative order:
1) Goblin Blackblade
2) Pyrus
3) Sora
4) Goblin Cutters (1, 2 and 3)
5) Krystofer
6) Rhagar

Important: I would like us to post in order of initiative, even though combat hasn't officially started yet. So Pyrus is up now.

Something Krys should know: When two people tie on initiative, the one with the higher initiative modifier goes first. In this case, Rhagar has a +1. Krys has a +2. So Krys goes first.

Sometimes, both modifiers are the same. In those cases, you would just both roll against each other until one of you got a higher roll. Then the higher roll would go first. But we don't need to do that in this case, obviously.

Side note: While diplomacy is likely to fail, it isn't impossible. And most assuredly, other skills on your skill list could totally win this encounter without even needing to fight. But chances are you'll fight. Let's see what happens!
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:43, Thu 28 July 2011.

Pyrus points imposingly at the young Tiefling captive.

"I am Pyrannosaurus - Master of Fire and Acid!  These with me are powerful heroes in their own right.  A Tiefling claiming to be this one's father said six goblins ambushed him and his son.  I see that there are four of you.  I am here to first learn how much of what he says is true, then to learn what reason this one is being held captive."

(( intimidate 11 + 12 = 23.  diplomacy 9 + 5 = 14 ))

Sora stands imposingly and says nothing.

(Bleh. rolled a 3. Total of 14 for intimidate.)

The cutters growl. "This one is known to be feared by even the people of your village! So we took him to show we are not afraid!" they look scared. Like the words they say are to prove it more to themselves than to the heroes.

(I'll begin combat after Krys and Rhagar get a chance to insert their 2 cents.)

"You would be wise to release him," Krystofer says in a normal tone, though he is sure that the goblins can here the threat in his voice. He stands at the ready. Should the goblins attack, like he figures they will, he will throw his shield up to block.

Intimidate of 23

  Rhagar has a very elaborate and convincing thing ready to say, but then the Goblins claims completely derails his train of thought and he loses it.  "...What?  Morthos feared?  The only fear of him I have heard of is the fear he will get himself killed with his rash actions.  Tell me, who told you that Morthos was considered someone to be feared?  I have the strangest feeling you've been set up."

  Rhagar also had a feeling he knew just who told these Goblins such a thing.  Well, maybe not.  The goblins probably would have pointed at Drak'thul by now if they had already seen him before.

  OOC Style:  Diplomacy: 19 

The leading goblin eyes the dragonborn team with suspicion and tries to hide how scared he is of them. Well... afraid of Pyrus and Krys. Sora is kinda cute for a big, scale-covered, sharp-toothed thing. And Rhagar seems laid back. So it's the good cop, bad cop routine? Well the goblin is too scared to even realize this. "Whatever. We proved our point. We're not out to prove we're better than a troupe of dragonborn. 'Cause we're not. Guys? Let's go. Leave the tiefling."

The goblin backs off and leaves with his fellow goblins, leaving the prisoner AND his gear behind.

(Two high intimidate checks and a high diplomacy check. Don't expect future encounters to be won this way, but for this time around, it seemed to make sense. ;) Back to whatever order you like.)

Pyrus growls under his breath and steps forward to free the prisoner from his bonds.

"You have your father to thank for convincing us to come here to your rescue," he points out.

He eyes the gear suspiciously, looking for anything incriminating.

(( Perc check: 8 ))

  Rhagar waves goodbye to the Goblins.  "Thanks for listening, most people don't and then that isn't any fun for anybody."   Well, at least not for him.  He totally counts as an anybody for selective qualifications though.

  He turns to Morthos after they get freed and asks "Seriously, how did you end up like this.  You should go home before you get killed by passing wildlife."

"That was surprisingly easy," Krystofer muttered. Idly, he wondered if they would have to deal with the goblins later. He thought so, but as they had done nothing now, he had no reason to attack them.

For now he did nothing more than watch the surrounding area while his companions tended to the tiefling.

In reply to Pyrus, he nods and looks at his dad. "Thanks dad." then looks at Pyrus and says, "And thank you."

Morthos is actually worlds more insulted by Rhagar's comment than any "you suck" comments Pyrus could come up with. Insult to injury is the fact these guys just RESCUED him. He looks at Rhagar. "How did I end up like this? Same way *you* would have. I got surrounded, it was just me vs 5 goblins. My dad doesn't have any combat skill. You know what? I'm grateful you rescued me, but you just insulted my honor while I was unarmed. I challenge you to a one-on-one fight. If you win, fine. You had the right to speak so condescendingly. If I win, then maybe you'll rethink your words. But either way, I promise I will make you realize those goblins against just you would win."

Morthos' dad sighs. "Morthos... son... these people are busy. Your opinion matters little to them"

Morthos spits to the side. "Supposedly, Dragonborn are about *honor*. With the rescue, I believe it. They looked past their disdain of our kind. But I have challenged the one who insulted me. By honor, either he takes me on my challenge, or *he* will have to walk away and look like a coward for not facing me in one-on-one combat." he begins arming himself with the armor and weaponry the goblins took off of him.

(OOC: Everyone roll perception)

Pyrus grunts and shakes his head.  "Do you always take offense so easily and challenge those who helped you?  You dishonor yourself more than any words Rhagar could have spoken.  Now, win or lose, you will have proven nothing of your honor."

Tieflings.  Honestly.  Pyrus folds his arms, snorts, and leans against a tree, watching to see what happens next.

(( Perc: 18-1 = 17 ))
This message was last edited by the player at 05:08, Thu 11 Aug 2011.

  Rhagar just tiredly eyes Morthos.  "Asking how this happened was a waste of question admittedly.  However, Honor is not the same as blind stupidity.  From the look of it I would fare worse than you if I were traveling alone, which of course why I am instead traveling with combat capable friends.  Would you be in any less danger than before if you continue on instead of returning home before you run into something not content with merely holding you prisoner?"

 Rhagar throws his hands up in over the top exasperation, "To top things off, oh, wow.  Challenge the Bard in Rusty chainmail and an axe held together with staples to physical combat, and if you can somehow through some miracle beat me into the ground with your great disadvantage of Plate armor, giant shield, and proper sword then you are in the right?"

  Rhagar used Come at me bro!  "Let's get it over with then, and then you can boast in town about overcoming such an amazing challenge.  Because I can't imagine you ever showing yourself in town if by some Gods given miracle I won."

OOC Style: Perc 9

"If you truly wish to fight him, then do it on even terms. At the very least, I would say to not use the shield," Krystofer says to the young teifling.

'So much anger. What has this young warrior gone through to act like this?' he finds himself thinking. After that he says no more. If the duel begins, he will only step in if it looks like it has gone to far.

Perc: 28
This message was last edited by the player at 03:27, Fri 12 Aug 2011.

OOC: Ummmmm who's next up?

Morthos laughs at Pyrus. "I thanked you all. But if Tiamat rescued you, would you thank her? Spare me your hypocricy, dull-scales. Spare me your condescending attitude. You know, I almost looked up to your kind and then two of you displayed cowardice in the face of a challenge. A true warrior doesn't need the odds "evened". And a true warrior doesn't mock an honor challenge. You wanna know how I got caught? I got caught on purpose to test you bunch and you failed."

Pyrus and Krystofer notice the goblins are actually charging at the group from behind! Morthos steps back and heads the other direction. Drak'thul is nowhere to be seen.

Sora growls, "TRAITOR!" she cries in rage.

But Pyrus only turns in time to see the goblin leader hack at Pyrus' leg!

---

Initiative order:
1) Goblin Blackblade
2) Pyrus
3) Sora
4) Goblin Cutters (1, 2 and 3)
5) Krystofer
6) Rhagar

https://docs.google.com/spread...RfTHE1N1F1T0E#gid=10

(OOC: By succeeding their perception checks, Pyrus and Krystofer avoided the goblins getting a surprise round! Though the goblin blackblade STILL has highest initiative. Feel free to pose your warning the others if you want. Sora rolled a decent roll, but her perception sucks THAT BAD. XD)

Goblin Blackblade goes first:
(Standard: Charge v Pyrus. Hits(13)!)
 dmg: 7

Pyrus HP: 23 - 7 = 16

"Ambush," Pyrus says, not sounding surprised at all.

He hisses in anger when stabbed.

"Fool!  I warned you who we are!  You'll be dashed to pieces and melted!"

He burns the blackblade with a spray of fire then rushes to flank him daring him to take the opportunity to attack!  The goblin dares, cutting Pyrus, but taking more fire damage!  Pyrus then finishes him off with a powerful explosion!

(( burning spray 11 damage.  The next enemy that hits you with a Melee attack before End Of Your Next Turn, takes STR(3) Fire DMG.  Moved from g7 to e6, provoking AoO.  Tim rolled and hit.  5 damage to Pyrus.  ACTION POINT! Explosive Pyre!  23 damage!  Until Start Of Your Next Turn, any Enemy that Enters tile next to target, or starts it's turn there, takes 1d6 Fire DMG.

Blackblade HP: Dead and on fire.
Pyrus HP: 11 ))

Sora roars at Cutter 2 who yips and dances about, dodging the concussive force! Sora turns to look at Cutter 3 and yells, "I'll take you ALL out!"

(Move: H8 to I10)
(Standard: Concussive Spike v Cutter 2. Miss(10))
(Minor: Battlemind's Demand v Cutter 3, marking him.)

---

The cutters all close in. "Swiftly! Attack!" One goblin slashes Pyrus while another manages to pierce Sora's armor! The third one clangs his sword against Sora's shield! "Pyrus!" she yells in concern.

(Move: To their respective targets)
(Standard: Short Sword v Pyrus, Sora, Sora. Hit(17), Hit(21), Miss(14))
 dmg: 4

Pyrus HP: 11 - 4 = 7
Sora HP: 33 - 4 = 29

  "So, wait.  Scaring them off was a failure but getting our asses kicked would be a success?  I think he's making this test up.  Also missed the point where I spelled out I'm not exactly a 'true warrior'... Where was I?  Oh, yes.  People trying to kill us."

  He waggles his wand in a Cutter's general direction as he backs off.  "Your Mom doesn't think you're are cool."...  Rhagar, the power is called Vicious Mockery.  Still, can't fault the end result of the Cutter dropping his weapons to curl up in a little ball crying his eyes out.

---

  Rhagar
Move: Shift to H8
Standard: Viscous Mockery Vs Cutter 3, Hits. KO

Cutter 3 HP: 1-Cry= Whaambulance.

Rhagar HP: 30/30 S 11 v11
This message was last edited by the player at 04:30, Thu 08 Sept 2011.

"DIE!" Pyrus shouts when struck by the cutter before unleashing his fire breath incinerating the goblin.

"I wouldn't waste any time trying to untangle the madness of that fool coward Tiefling, Rhagar," he continues, calming a bit and jogging over to be next to the last goblin, "While just as senseless, these goblins at least have the courage to face us in combat - and that without shields."

---

Dragon breath hits.  Move from e6 to h12.

Cutter 1 HP: 1-whatever=dead.

Sora swings her sword at the cutter, who deftly dodges, but then Sora breathes a wild wind of frost, freezing the cutter, who falls to the ground unconscious from the flash-freeze. Sora glares about before calming down and standing straight. "What on Earth was that all about?" she asks nobody in particular.

The tieflings are both long-gone.

---

(Standard: Miss(10))
(Minor: Breathe! Hit(15)!)

Cutter HP: 1 - whatever = KO

"A survivor," Pyrus notes, "Good.  Let's take it back to town.  Stupid as this may sound, the lies of those two tieflings may be all that is needed to ruin our reputations, and we may need this goblin to tell the truth of the matter before all is said and done."

He wraps the shivering enemy in his bedroll after binding his hands and feet.

---

Assuming song of rest, spending 2 surges for full HP.

  "If they even believe that, you mean.  While Morthos isn't exactly known for having a clear head, the woeful tale of two Teiflings would have more credibility at face value than shoving a Goblin forwards and demanding they explain things."

  Rhagar's regularly scheduled Cynisicm is accompanied by ANGRY BONGO.  Really, Song Of Rest could be accomplished through Mime acts or interpretive dance too.

  "Of course, if we came back with something to actually show for this trip, people might stop caring what they have to say because oh look shiny relics.  Or maybe not so shiny if they were tomes."

  OOC Style:  Yup, Song Of Rest like with your bards are auto-assumption convenience :D

To move story along, the narrator fast forwards to when the group arrives back at town. There appears to be no angry glances, evil glares, or any other indications of the people disliking the heroes. Sora comments, "Well I guess news didn't travel quite THAT fast, thankfully. Let's act quick."

"Indeed," Pyrus answer as he nods and snaps his fingers to the manly beat of Rhagar's angry bongo, feeling more reinvigorated by the moment.

---

Back in town Pyrus nods to Sora, takes a deep breath, and bellows at the top of his lungs, "People of Kora!  Let it be known that this is the sole surviving goblin of a failed plot perpetrated by the devious and cowardly Tieflings Drak'thul and Morthos!  The father asked us to 'rescue' his son whom he claimed had been kidnapped by goblins.  I did not believe him but agreed on the chance the story was true.  No sooner did we we rescue Morthos than he begins challenging Rhagar to a duel!  Then when the challenge was accepted, Morthos fled and ordered the goblins to attack!  The goblins fought to the death, but we kept this one alive as witness.  Let it be known that I will be staying in town until tomorrow morning to await any challenge they may dare!"

He heads for the nearest law enforcement center.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:08, Thu 13 Oct 2011.

  It's several steps back on the way towards the ruins, before Rhagar realizes his friends are making a U-Turn because of insane whiners.

  Retcon Alligator wuz here.

  "I do not look forwards to getting my ass handed to me for the sake of honor, because why would they challenge someone who could beat them?  Some days, honor is mentally challenged."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:21, Thu 13 Oct 2011.

And look who just showed up! Even as Pyrus is addressing the crowd, he and Rhagar can see Morthos standing there. Rhagar also notices Morthos doesn't have his armor and looks shocked at the announcement (Pyrus does not notice this). A few people in the crowd also notice Morthos and look at him annoyed. Some look like they are preparing to apprehend him (at best) or hurt him. Sora didn't notice Morthos or the angry people in the crowd.

---

Set a DC 10 in my mind for noticing Morthos. DC 15 to notice he isn't wearing his armor. Why hard? Because you're all so pissed off at him, that detail would NORMALLY go un-noticed. And Pyrus totally didn't notice or care to notice.

Rolls:
Pyrus: 10 + 1 = 11
Rhagar: 17 + 0 = 17
Sora: 3 + 1 = 4

"Not everyone thinks that way, Rhagar," Pyrus answers, "In fact, many believe that the greater the challenge, the greater the valor of the one who takes it.  By your own words earlier you showed that you believe that to challenge one less powerful proves little."

When he spots Morthos, he sees his opportunity to prove his story.  He looks down at the prisoner.

"We kept you alive so you could at least have some payback against the one who set you up.  Point him out!"

---

(( Assuming it took 5 or more minutes to rest and return to town, the prisoner should be awake according to game mechanics.  Retcon gator waits to see if said assumption was valid.))

  "Was the plate armor a rental or something Morthos?  Or did you actually feel like taking up Pyro's crazy suggestion of dropping your gear before you try to kick my ass?"  Okay, the surprised look on their face could be for many reasons.  But the sudden lack of heavy gear was a bit more strange.

  "Something is off here, I'm not sure what yet."

The goblin points at Morthos. "Him!"

Morthos looks at Rhagar and says, "Do I know you? What are you all raving about?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:40, Fri 21 Oct 2011.

Satisfied his story has been proven, Pyrus glances between Morthos, the goblin, and Rhagar.

"Indeed," he says in a low, cautious tone, "He looks honestly surprised.  I wonder if maybe this is a Changeling co-conspirator, twin, or illusionist.  Or if perhaps the one who sprung the ambush on us is one of those things.  Maybe this was some vindictive ruse to mar this Tiefling's reputation.  Whatever the case, what I saw is what I saw.  But I will not allow myself be party to someone's scheme.  If your name is Morthos, then you would do well to get to the bottom of this as well.  The first order of business would be to establish where you were in the past thirty minutes or so."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Sat 22 Oct 2011.

  "I wonder if this is going to become a theme, where each trip to explore ruins gets sidelined by some other bizarre matter instead."  Sure, this is only the first attempt.  But now we're having a mental image of level 30 Dragonborn going 'okay, this time we're finally going to those ruins.  Only for Tarrasque to step on said ruins.

Morthos says, "I was here in town, trying to figure out who stole my armor. I've been all over this area of town and talked to plenty of people."

The stirred-up crowd go to check up on Morthos' story and find it to be true. People begin murmuring on how they're supposed to tell the real Morthos from the fake. Or for that matter, the real Drakthul from his fake.

Pyrus is looking rather sour.  "When I'm through with whoever's behind this, they'll look like they were eaten by Tiamat and dumped over a cliff!" he rants.

He casts a glance at Rhagar.  "I won't allow this matter to delay us too much.  I intend to set out no later than noon tomorrow, even if I haven't had my revenge by then.  Recovering our birthright is more important than my having satisfaction."

To Morthos he suggests, "If you whisper to someone a secret of theirs they know you keep, they can verify your identity.  The next step is to return to the scene and track our quarry.  If we brought some blood hounds, that could speed things along.  We should visit the authorities on the way out."

  Is it a strange irony my character who can most easily prove that they are not a shape shifting impostor is my changeling Sorcerer?

  "Just so we're clear, which head would be doing the chewing?"  Hey, these are important details if Pyro wants to make good on his threat.

Sora answers Rhagar for Pyrus, "All of them." before looking back at Morthos. "Now's the time to clear your name, tiefling. I'll watch you and then you can come with me so that there isn't a mix-up again until we catch whoever is framing you."

Morthos looks around, spots a human lady and goes to whisper in her ear. She blushes some, smiling and swaying her shoulders a little. She looks at the dragonborn group and nods. "This is Morthos."

Morthos then whispers in some dwarf's ear. He smiles proudly and nods. "Yep! It's Morthos!"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:42, Mon 24 Oct 2011.

"Thank you, Sora," Pyrus says, "I suppose now that identities have been established we should make a password between us for in case we get separated."

He leans over to whisper the Draconic word for justice in Sora's ear, "filkiati."  He then moves to quietly share the password with the others.  If no objections, he then leads the way.

"Let's see if Human law enforcement make themselves useful."

  You need to go on three more quests before the local authorities ask you to stop a bank robbery... Wait, wrong human authorities.

  "Why the hell would you use 'Cheese Danish' as a password?" This is a Bluff.  People with stealthy skills that may be snooping normally have crap Insight, after all.

  "I don't suppose you actually do own platemail and large sword Morthos, that would be convenient if someone were violently opposed to you clearing your name."

A nearby human passes by... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvdf5n-zI14

Sora glances at Morthos and back to Pyrus. "A different password for him? Or the same one?"

Once a password decision is made and such, Morthos answers Rhagar, "I do own armor and a sword. But they've gone missing." he proceeds to describe the armor the group has already seen.

Pyrus shakes his head at Sora and whispers to her, "Rhagar spoke a false password aloud to throw off any spies who might be watching."

When human law enforcement proves to be unhelpful Pyrus shakes his head in disapproval.

"Worthless human law," he grumbles, "But who's surprised?  Not me.  I only went through the motions to prevent our enemies from using the law against us.  Next step is to find someone trained in tracking.  I've been away too long so I do not know who to ask.  If none of you are a tracker or know one, Sora's parents might know of someone."

  Downside, nobody in the party any good with Nature or Dungeoneering.  Upshot, Rhagar's Streetwise skill is just fine.  Though that depends to be up to the whims of module or narrator for if that's very helpful or very useless in a location with streets.

  "Heck of a thing to go missing, but then I can understand now wanting to go around in plate unless you had to."

Sora says, "A wise choice, Pyrus. Better to be on the safe side concerning the law... as for a tracker, well... I know one."

Morthos pffs. "Yeah. I don't tend to wear armor every day. Went to the market the other day and came home to find my armor missing. MAN i was ticked! But what could I do? I searched all over the place."

Sora, meanwhile, leads the group to a house. A human girl either in her late teens or early 20's, answers the door. "Oh! Hi, Sora!" the human says.

Sora says, "Hello, Butterfly. My friends and I could really use your tracking skills."

Butterfly says, "Oh! Of course! Let me get my things!" The girl rushes off.

Sora gives a smirk to Pyrus and Rhagar. "Met her about a week ago. A human, raised by elves, loves nature and has picked up on things to impress the culture she came from. She is here visiting friends of her family, so we're in luck they haven't left yet."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:14, Fri 04 Nov 2011.

Pyrus is hoping to catch his quarry in the wild but is expectin the tracks to lead right back to town, forcing him to resort to Streetwise checks.  He wears a blank, unimpressed look when introduced to the human girl with the delicate name.  When she disappears, he nods to Sora.  "Very good, Sora.  Presumably she doesn't expect payment up front for her services?"

  "They seemed a bit too enthusiastic about it to risk not going because we're broke."  Rhagar would have also made some comments about how they've only met Sora a week ago too, but this is the sort of setting where Combat Grade Friendship (or at least tolerance) can happen in a matter of seconds.

Sora shrugs. "From what I know about Butterfly? Rhagar's probably right."

Morthos skews his mouth to the side, arms folded. "Well what's it matter. If she can track, that's all you guys want, right?"

Sora says, "Well... anyone would take services for free over services for a fee."

Morthos chuckles. "Except the overly pious, who feel the need to pay for services whether they're free or not."

Sora says, "Lucky for me, I'm not overly pious."

Butterfly comes to the door, carrying adventuring gear and a bow. "Whatchya need tracked?"

Pyrus nods to what's said, but "probably" and "seems" aren't enough to satisfy him.  He gives a quick recap of what's happened so far so Butterfly knows what she's getting herself into.  She's plenty old enough to know better than to get involved in a potentially deadly quest if it turns out she really is as delicate as her name suggests.

"You would be tracking the two who fled the scene of the ambush," he concludes, "If you accept the task, would you charge for your services?"

  Rhagar digs through his woefully tiny coin pouch in the face of Pyro's economic grumbling "I got a couple gold, I guess. I'm not paying arrow expenses though."

  Rhagar, that's not how you 'win' are bartering with the NPCs.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 05:11, Thu 10 Nov 2011.

Butterfly huhs? "Pay? Nah. This is a favor for Sora and her pals. I'll not be charging anyone."

Sora just has a knowing smile on her face. Like she doesn't even have to say "told you so" But then as hard as Pyrus and Rhagar worked to jinx it, is it any wonder Butterfly isn't asking for money?

Butterfly asks, "Take me to where you saw them last and I can start."

Pyrus doesn't mind being proven wrong when being proven right would be a nuisance.  Besides, he wasn't insisting she would or should charge.  Just preventing a surprise bill later on.

"I see you choose good friends, Sora," he says, "Very good, Miss Butterfly.  Your aid in this matter is appreciated.  Right this way."

He leads the way to the site of the ambush.

  Rhagar finds this convenient, no shock there.  "At least this whole situation is still fairly recent.  I get the feeling the next few hours will be very busy."  Well, that or an extended boring period of trailing behind Butterfly followed up by six minutes of eye bulging terror.

Sora seems proud from what Pyrus just said. She nods to him and follows Butterfly. As the human girl takes the lead, Sora asks, "So when we catch up to the enemy and kick their butts, what's the plan? Drag them back to town? Or are we going to interrogate them on the spot?"

Morthos says, "They'll need to go to town eventually anyways to face trial, right?"

Pyrus nods in agreement with Rhagar's prediction.  He smirks and enjoys the beauty of Sora taking pride in her wise choices.  To her question he nods.  "Likely both.  If either of them survive a confrontation with us, I do want to question them myself.  Each one separately if possible.  Their story may change depending on who's asking the questions and where.  I wouldn't be at all surprised if they beg to die rather than be taken back to town and handed over to the humans.  Ideally, they're just simple idiots, confess publicly their petty vendetta, and we can move on.  But I doubt we'll get such a favorable outcome."

  "Really, any outcome where they stop messing with us is a favorable outcome.  So we got some leeway there at least."  Rhagar can't help but wonder if headbutts will be a requirement of persuasion methods... Nah, too awesome to happen.

Butterfly is certainly focused on her task, and gets on the trail. But once she has the trail, she goes back to being a social butterfly (pun intended). "So tell me a bit about yourselves? How do you know each other and why would anyone want to do this to you?"

Sora says, "I don't have any enemies like *this*. That I know of, anyway. Unless they are enemies of my parents. But this seems more focused on giving Morthos a bad name. As for how I know these guys? Well Rhagar's always been a friend from around town while Pyrus was the local bully's bully that I looked up to during late childhood."

Pyrus grunts a chuckle when Sora describes him as a bully's bully.  "I am a sorcerer of fire," he answers, "I take it that bow of yours isn't just for show?  You'll be ready to fire at these villains if things turn violent, won't you?"

  Rhagar shrugs, "Some people are just assholes.  Though if this turns out to be one of those crazy things where someone is 'testing us for a greater purpose' I'm going to need a new carrikal.  After I break this one over their head."

  In regards to Sora's more pleasant subjects, he says "No great story involved, sometimes nice people like to hang out with nice people.  I'm not sure where that leaves Pyrus and myself though."  No singing, no stories.  You are a terrible bard.

Butterfly does that one pursed-lips smile teenage girls seem perfect at ( http://i467.photobucket.com/al...lovestuck123/9-1.jpg ) as she looks over her shoulder at Pyrus. Definitely an expression only a human could pull off. Butterfly answers, "Yessir. Anyone messes with you bunch, they can expect an arrow in their weapon-arm."

Sora chuckles. She then says, "Well it's good you can handle your end of combat. You'd be useful enough just with your tracking skill. But the fact you can use that bow is very nice." And makes Butterfly a warrior in Sora's eyes, thus someone as much more worthy of trustful respect as an adult would be compared to a child.

Pyrus approves of weapon-bashing anus-people who 'test you for a greater purpose' against your will, so he gives a deep chuckle.

"Sora's right.  Good to hear your foes will meet with such decisive action.  And aiming to disable is preferable - so we can question them afterward."

  "I only broke that Goblins mind on accident, I swear.  I didn't know they take those comments so seriously."  Minions, such fragile things in the end.

  The whole 'Warriors are better' thing is probably why Sora tolerates Rhagar.  Sure, he's a Bard who can't even handle a melee basic.  But at least he's got a sweet axe.

  And Pyrus has a fire shotgun, who cares if they can't mele-... Oh, right. Dragon Sorcerer.  Pyrus can piledriver his enemies if he so chose.

OOC Style: When I look at that image link, my tired mind thinks '...Is that a doll?'

Soon, the party is led to an encampment of goblins somewhere. It looks small and not terribly fortified. Like maybe a large group (a dozen or so) decided to make camp near a river.

Butterfly bites her lower lip (An expression dragonborn CAN do) and says quietly, "I see a doppelganger..."

Sure enough, since Butterfly points him out to the group, they can see a doppelganger wearing the armor from earlier.

(OOC: That's what Chris and I both thought about the pic also. Sadly, I couldn't find a better pic of that particular expression, which seems to not have a name for it.)

"Let's approach from the side closest to the Doppelganger," Pyrus whispers, "I don't want it getting away again.  You would be the best choice to point out which way that is, Butterfly."

He waits for her directions.

  "I could stay on this side, and enter from it as a distraction while you beat their skulls in from behind or something."  Alone against the enemy? Yes.  Everyone else a lot closer to the enemy?  Also yes... hopefully.

OOC Style: Rhagar Initiative: 12

Butterfly is getting ready to open her mouth when Rhagar speaks. She tilts her head, listening to him and smiles, nodding. "Actually, Rhagar, that's perfect. That will make the doppleganger believe his only escape is where we will be. And if you look like you're going to be hurt, I'll cover you so you can move around to rejoin us."

Butterfly points a way for Rhagar and herself to go.

---

initiatives
Butterfly: 20+whatever=she goes first.
Sora: 17+0=17
enemies: 8+5 = 13

Making the bulk of them (8) as goblin cutters (minions).
About 2 goblin warriors. 1 goblin blackblade.

No map yet.

Pyrus puts on an impressed smirk at Rhagar's suggestion and nods in approval.  He goes where indicated and prepares for the ambush.

---

Pyrus init: 12

OOC: Everyone is able to get into position well enough. Surprise round begins with Rhagar due to the nature of the plan. I put off making a map because I'm lazy, but then I figured it would be easy enough to make a generic map with little effort involved.

Here's the map: https://docs.google.com/spread...RfTHE1N1F1T0E#gid=12

Place your figs. Rhagar, figure where you'll be ambushing from.

...yeah. This is why I don't run many D&D games on RPOL. For some reason, while I love making maps, google maps frighten me. >.>
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:37, Thu 26 Jan 2012.

  Well, off we go with the stupidity plan.  Rhagar wanders up to the edge of the map and waves.  "Hello, are you still up to that one on one duel? If you're who I think you are anyways, it's kind of hard to tell with you shapeshifters."

---

   Standard: Readied Action; Dragon Breath if more than one enemy enters range (Close Blast 3)
Duuuuurp.  Rolled a 2. (= 9 vs reflex) That hits basically nothing.

Rhagar HP: 30/30 S 11/11 V 7