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 ))