After the party finishes getting reunited with Logan they head over to the Vanderboren mansion in the Merchant District. The little Halfling housekeeper, Kora, meets them at the door and shows them to the private dining room where they'd had breakfast 1½ days ago.

Lavinia is happy to see them, although it is clear that she has been upset by something.
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:59, Mon 09 Nov 2015.

"Did you hear the news? Poor Keltar Islaran has been killed! How could anybody do something like that to a lovely old man like him?!"

"But enough of that, how is the search for my brother going? Have you located him yet? Is he still in the city?"
This message was last updated by the player at 13:59, Mon 09 Nov 2015.

Angati looked at Lavinia for a long while with a cold stare that could have frozen a dozen penguins "Have a look at this first of all" she said handing her the hand-written document they had found in the dungeon. "This comes from a man, that like us, your brother tried to kill. Unlike us, he did not survive... nor did Logan here, whom we have just had to bring from the dead... we did meet your brother indeed..."

She paused for a second "Now... before you utter a word, read the paper and think twice what you are going to say, because I swear that if you insist on defending your brother after this, it will mean that you don't care one bit about reality or about your employees, and we will not take this lightly".
This message was last edited by the player at 14:42, Mon 09 Nov 2015.

Lavinia looks like she is going to say something. She looks like she is going to answer immediately, and jump to her brother's defence like always. But Angati's defiant challenge makes the young noble woman swallow hard, and stay quiet. She accepts the scribbled curse from Penkus and reads it is silence, but the look on her face goes from concerned, to disbelieving to outraged.

"And you have further proof? You said my brother tried to kill you, so am I to understand that you actually met him?" she asks hoarsely.

Logan is unable to maintain a civil demeanor.  "Yeah, we met him.  Your wonderful peach of a brother stabbed a man I knew, dumped his corpse in a hole, then sealed us all in with a dozen undead and a mad undead priest."  The rogue stroked his stomach, wincing at the memory.  "Thanks to your brother, I actually fracking died, and it was only the luck of the gods that everyone else here lived, escaped and was able to bring me back."

Kassius started slightly when Lavinia mentioned the murder of Keltar Islaran. That was the dockmaster, the one who had been confused who Kassius was working for. He had told Kassius that he wouldn't be intimidated. Apparently that was correct, but perhaps the decrepit old man should have been scared. Someone in this city clearly meant business. He wondered what happened to those animals that Islaran had shipped off in such a hurry.

His mind lost in thought, Kassius didn't bother responding to the woman's ridiculous request for proof of Vanthus' deceit. Logan covered Kassius' own thoughts on the matter. He just wondered how she would respond to this news.

Lavinia looks up at Logan, and sees him properly for the first time. His skin bears the sallow yellow pallor of one who is not in full health, and as Logan gestures to make his point his shoulder length hair moves and his missing left air becomes visible. "Oh my!" exclaims Lavina. "Oh no, no, no. You saw him actually stab someone? And not in self defence?" she asks them, as though imploring them to say her brother was still innocent in some way.

The young noblewoman sinks her head into her hands and begins to wail despairingly. "Oh, how could it come to this? My little brother who used to play and get into trouble with me!"

She wipes away tears from her face and looks up again. "This simply won't do. He must be brought to justice, and made to account for his actions. And I must try and put right the damage he has done... Starting with you Logan."

She claps he hands loudly. "Kora! Oh Kora!" The wizened old halfling woman appears a few seconds later, a tray of cold cuts for dinner in her hands. "Oh be a dear Kora, put down that tray in here and go out and get two potions of restoration." She pulls a purse from a small side table. "Use our regular apocrethy, and do hurry dear."

The old woman doesn't even blink an eye and is out the door on the errand in a flash. Lavinia turns back to the party. "I didn't want her to hear the next part of the conversation anyway." She swallows.

"I know you all probably think me silly, and also naive, but he is my brother and we should assume the best about our family. That has now proven to be incorrect. I want you to continue your investigation and bring my brother to justice, alive if possible but <sob> if... if that isn't possible then please just make his end merciful."

Alohan bit his tongue during this circumstance. He hadn't the wit, or the command over the common tongue to fully convey how he was feeling. How could he describe the desire to pummel a man -and not just best him in pa uma- but to truly beat a man's life through their face. He couldn't express to Lavinia how much he wanted to hurt her brother, no matter how justified. And he felt guilty. Not just for how he felt but for how much he would enjoy the act when the time came -if the time came. Despite Lavinia's desire to bring him back alive, Alohan would be hard pressed fulfilling her desire.

He remained silent finding a bowl of tropical fruit and nuts in the other room. He returned, and proceeded to eat.

Angati had held her breath throughout the conversation. When Lavinia finished speaking, she released it in a sigh.

"Good. I guess we can continue working for you then". She looked at the others for confirmation before moving on "So, first things first... as you may well imagine, we wish to keep the information that we are well alive secret for as long as we can, please do instruct Kora, and anyone else in your service about this".

"Now... I think we told you that your brother was planning on getting married, or at least had a girl convinced so,... one of the Santos family". She paused a bit before moving on "Now, this is conjecture, but I'd say that he has attacked her family, killed the ones that were in his way and kept the girl for him... taking control in one sweep of the docks, and the girl... When we last talked with her, she was pretty aggressive towards her father, as I think he forbade the wedding, so maybe she has seen the killing of a part of her family as necessary".

"Now, we were thinking of tracking the girl to try to get to your brother, but as she has disappeared, we are now a bit at a loss... so... any hints as to how we could track him would be ideal... or if you know of anything that might be able to pull him to you or us... that would be even better".

"What? The whole Santos family?!" Lavinia looks like she is going to object, but then she sees the dark look forming on Angati's face and thinks better about it. She sighs, and continues.

"I don't think that following up on the Santos lead is going to work. I hear that many of them have been killed and the rest ran away when their home was set on fire. Any that remain in the city have gone to ground."

Lavinia lifts up Penkus' last note. "But what about this? It mentions the taxidermist's guildhall in the Sunrise district, and says that the Lotus Dragon's lair is under that. Surely that is a good place to start?"

Angati sighed, a little reddened.. of course, she had the perfect excuse "Oh dear... that's the ravaging of old age on me... you just wait till you get my age" she said with a little smile "Thank you I get forgetful at times".

Anansi was having the time of her live making fun at her sister  sitting on Lavinia's lap which made things really hard. "Please excuse me for a minute" she said as she stood up and moved a bits apart to deal with her sister out of sight.

Anansi alternates between 'sitting' on Lavinia's lap - her ghostly buttocks not quite making contact with the fine lady's thighs - and turning around and sticking her tongue out at her.

"Silly fancy lady thinks she's so smart!" says Anansi with a pout. Then the ghostly child spreads her arms out wide. "Angati, look at me, I'm a bird! Let's go outside and fly! Or at least skip together!"

The apparition is very happy about 'surviving' Parrot Island and wants to celebrate in her own way.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:33, Tue 10 Nov 2015.

Angati replied to Anansi very softly "Tonight ok? I'll take you wherever you want to go within my power after we are done here ok ?" she whispered to her..

Angati finished calming down Anansi somehow and returned, her face recomposed. She sighed "Well.. I guess we will start there. How about we get going ?".

Turning towards Lavinia she said, "I am glad you see it this way, I will do all I can to bring him to justice and avoid his killing" she paused a bit before adding "We will keep you informed" 'if its in our interest' she added to herself.

She left the house with the others, and after a while walking, when they were all well out of risk from any prying ears she whispered to the others "We kill him, any chance we have, I don't want that kind of enemy in my back ever again".

Logan nods eagerly.  "Yes, I'm certainly eager to finish up this bit of business.  Trapping us in those tunnels..."  Logan shakes his head.

When they had separated from Lavinia, Logan was enthusiastic with his agreement to Angati's proposal.  "After what Vanthus put us all through?  There's no way he's living to try anything else.  I agree, he's got to be stopped.  At least Vanderboren's come around."

"Anyone know where the taxidermist's Guildhall is in Sunrise?  I thought that was mostly just houses for people?"

There was one person in the team who knew where the taxidermist's guildhall was. Kassius had lived in his grandfather's house in the Sunrise district since he was a boy, and the guildhall wasn't more than two blocks from his grandfather's house. But since it was now eight o'clock in the evening and dark, the party decided to meet again the next morning at the tavern Angati and Logan were now staying at - the 'Fifteen Horses and a Mule' in the Merchant's district. (This is location 63 in this district. Chosen by your DM since he got sick of waiting round for you guys to decide which one you were staying in!)

The next day was humid and hazy, even though it was only a few hours after dawn. The team set off from the tavern and Kassius led them directly to the guildhouse on Water Street. In was in the most run down part of the district (although still positively sparkling compared to Shadowshore) and sandwiched between two derelict buildings with boarded up doors. The taxidermist's premises don't look like much - all of the windows facing the street are also boarded up - but a side door down an alley does have a 'We're OPEN!' sign hanging in the window.


The Sunrise District
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:29, Thu 12 Nov 2015.

Logan looked up and down the street.  "Well, should we just barge in the...er, side door?  We could try and sneak in through one of those boarded-up windows.  Such things wouldn't get too much attention in Shadowshore, but I'm sure the local watch would be paying more attention here."

"well, one or two of us could just enter on a pretext. This is a taxidermist - stuffing animals and making displays of them, right? Say, Kassius, couldn't you come up with a reason to visit a taxidermist? Buying or selling trophies or something? I'll go along and back you up if you want?"

"Yeah, sneaking in through boarded up windows is usually frowned on around here." Kassius says with a chuckle.

"I'll go in, say that I'm looking to buy some live exotic animals. Figured that a taxidermist might know some suppliers. Has the advantage of actually begin true. Maybe he will know something. Still, keep an eye out for trap doors or other such things. Supposedly the lair is below here."

He glances over to Celene, seeing if she was coming, and then walks up to the door, knocking and pushing it open.

"I think I'll go in too... in case some convincing might be useful..." said Angati as she entered with Kassius, straightening her back and looking a bit more noble-ish than she really felt, though still  wearing her armour and weapons "Just remember, he said below... but that doesn't mean necessarily that the entrance is here..." she said almost to herself as if trying to calm down her murdering instincts.

Angati, Celene and Kassius enter the shop, leaving Alohan, Logan and a despondent Kibeti out on the street to wait.

There is no answer to the hunter's knock, so he just pushes the door open which makes a small bell above the entranceway chime. The three adventurers find themselves in a large showroom filled with dozens of stuffed and preserved animals. The collection ranges from parrots, monkeys and bats to more exotic animals like a monstrous centipede, a wyvern and even a horrifically realistic looking rhagodessa. Other than the results of the taxidermical trade, there are a couple of tables to present the smaller specimens and a fine desk.



Within a few seconds a lanky, middle-aged man wearing a rather fine looking green hat enters the room from the door at the other end of the room.

"Ah! Welcome, welcome! Please come in and make yourselves at home. I am Nemien Robloch, master taxidermist, guildmaster and humble proprietor of these premises."

The man smiles widely, revealing a prominent gold tooth in the front of his mouth - Angati notices that the smile doesn't touch his eyes, as these are busy scanning the new arrivals.

A lady of advanced years whose clothes and bearing suggests a high birth - probable good customer.
A woodsman - possible supplier? No doubt bonded to the fine lady.
A young cleric of Wee Jas - wow, look at her!

"Hello Madam!" exclaims Nemien, bowing deeply to Angati. "I am at your service."

He turns to Celene. "And young mistress, I am doubly at YOUR service," he chuckles and twists one side of his elegant moustache while reaching out for her hand with the other. He bends down and attempts to kiss the young cleric's hand.

Meanwhile, back out on the street, the front line fighters are left cooling their heels. A few (5-6) ragged street urchins come around the corner from Monkey Street, playing some sort of game involving kicking rocks into the nearby buildings. The pull up short when the see the two men and the big cat and start whispering to themselves.

OOC: They are still about 60' (20m) away.

Kassius glances the man over. People like this were exactly why he had run away to the woods. He seemed slimy, condescending, and just generally aggravating. No doubt greedy and lecherous as well. He sighs in distaste, although he doubt the man even notices, to consumed with paying attention to the ladies. Instead, Kassius looks over the stuffed corpses, comparing it with his memory of the exotic beasts from the Blue Nixie. He had been wondering for a while where those animals had gone, perhaps he had found their final destination.


06:56, Today: Kassius rolled 10 using 1d20+8.  perception.
2. Ugh...

Celene emits a slight but friendly giggle, letting the sleek bastard kiss his hand, all the while being on the lookout for any signs of magic og rogue-ish treachery. She's not taking any chances with this bunch.

"Oh, that is so... " <another giggle> "generous of you, Sir. In that case, I do hope you would first help my mother. She is looking for some particular impressive raptors and other ... predatious creatures. And she brought a friend to help us with the species."

Looking up at the top of the shelves, Celene spies a large Golden Eagle. "Oh, do look at that one. Marvelous, isn't it?"

While the slimy swashbuckler wannabe shuffles around and climbs his ladder to retrieve it, and Angati fills his ears with endless banter, Celene steps back halfway behind a shelf and utters her incantation.

OOC: Celene casts Charm Person. Will save DC16. Please use Misfortune if required.
You make perception checks for potential treachery, right?
Let me know if my presumptions on the setup move too fast. We can just rewind and edit it it anything hinders the plan.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:58, Fri 13 Nov 2015.

Kassius looked around and tried to see if any of the other exotic stuffed animals matched what was in the hold of the Blue Nixie. But, now he actually thought about it, he couldn't remember what else had been in there other than the hypnotoad and the brass mountain snake... hmm... what else had there been in there besides parrots and the rhagodessa? No, it was useless, he obviously hadn't paid that much attention because he couldn't remember any of the other rare animals - or maybe it was that so much had happened since that day? Anyway, there are no stuffed hypnotoads or brass mountain snakes in this room.



"Why yes my dear! You have a good eye! They are a rare breed of bird indeed, that is why it is so important to catch as many of them as we can and stuff them before they are extinct!" Nemien gets a step ladder and places it so he can climb up and reach the stuffed animal.


14:48, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Nemien's will save.
OOC: Oh! I so wanted him to make it!


Nemien turns in alarm as he hear incantations behind him, but there is little he can do as he is on top of a step ladder with a large eagle in hand. A second later the man's expression changes as the spell takes effect. His broad grin returns, much more honest looking this time. He returns to the pair of them, the animal in hand.

"And here is the bird my dear. What do you think? I am sure I could work out a good price for you and your mother. Perhaps the two of us could discuss it over dinner?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:59, Sat 14 Nov 2015.

Logan eyed the urchins carefully, knowing their type.  There were a few gangs of pickpockets in training running around Shadowshore, and these lot looked like they might fit in.  Prowling the city?  They should learn some restraint before they get nicked by the guard here.  Shaking his head at the folly of youth, Logan flicked his fingers in a quick gesture.

The toughs and gangs of Shadowshore generally didn't get along, but there were ways to signal someone to lay off.  As long as the potential rivals appreciated your standing and didn't feel like making a play for whatever heist you were planning.  If the urchins were from Shadowshore, or had been trained by some thief-maker there, they might recognize the signal, and leave Logan to his business.

Diplomacy
09:02, Today: Logan rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Diplomacy.
If these are youths from Shadowshore, Logan also gets a +2 thanks to Child of the Shadows

In reply to Logan (msg # 27):

They're not from Shadowshore, they're local boys.


The boys look at Logan for a few long seconds, taking in the meaning of his hand signals. Then the biggest boy in the group makes a signal back - it isn't official thieves cant as such, but the single finger gesture is still very clear. The boys all snigger, and then run off the way they came. So that is sort of mission successful for Logan, although maybe not in the way he was trying for!

OOC: The street urchins were just to keep the characters out on the street busy and to provide some local colour. Feel free to enter the shop now.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:20, Fri 13 Nov 2015.

Logan shrugs.  "I can handle a few hurt feelings.  Let's see what's going on in the shop."

The rogue turns and walks through the door of the store.

"Well well, I am so glad we get to understand each other" said Angati with a smile, "Do you happen to know of the tunnels below your shop my dear fellow ?... we are looking for Vanthus, and I am sure that Celene here would be most delighted if you would show her and tell us all you know about these matters.".

Nemien's eyes narrow at the mention of 'tunnels below your shop', despite the effect of the charm spell. When Vanthus' name is mentioned his eye grow wide and he quickly shakes his head.

"No. No. No. Ladies, let's not talk about that, it really would not be healthy... for any of us. How do you know about that anyway? Look, how about I throw in..." He reaches round for the smallest stuffed animal to hand. "...a stuffed rat as an extra? What price can we agree on for that?"

OOC: Opposed charisma check please Celene. ie 1d20 + you chr modifier versus Nemiem's roll.

20:11, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 13 using 1d20+1.  Nemien chr roll.

OOC: that's too blunt an approach. He has to not do something he wouldn't normally do, nor anything that's deadly or harmful for him to do. Betraying Vanthus would qualify for all of the above... Charisma roll for the previous blunt approach:
00:48, Today: Celene rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Charisma roll.

I know retries aren't allowed, but I hope taking a different approach is..?

"Now now, mother didn't explain properly." Celene brushed a finger slowly on the end of Roblachs moustache. "Of course we don't want to disturb Vanthus below for no reason. No, we are here because we have news of the gold his sister hoarded beyond his grasp - the treasure their parents hid on a far-away island. But the fortune is this very minute being moved. If he is to get his due - and you have your part, of course - we are to act now. I dread what he would do if he hears of his inheritance slipping through his fingers, if we are too late to tell him of it - my end would be gruesome, I'm sure. But we'll both share plenty if we are those that deliver the news to him. Then we can have a proper dinner!"

OOC: Yuck. I mean, just...<shudder> yuck.



Nemien shakes his head and lowers his voice to a whisper. "No. Sush, my dear!" he puts one long finger onto her lips. It smells unpleasantly of some sort of preservation chemical. "I am not permitted to speak of the Lotus Dragons on pain of death - and it would probably mean your death too! If you want to contact them, do it in the normal way - ask around in the taverns in the merchant district. Then they will find you, not the other way around."



OOC: It's not the betrayal factor, it is that he has been told not talk about the Lotus Dragons at all. You are ask him to do something very dangerous, possibly lethally so,  to both himself and his new 'friend'. If you want to use this 'charming' approach, then you'll need to use your daily MF reroll. Otherwise Alohan has a different way.

At this point Alohan, Lohan and the cat walk in. Nemiem takes in the sight of them and scowls. One native of the Perl Island - unlikely customer. Logan - OMG, call the watch! And a blue eyed albino panther with the beginnings of anthropomorphic appendages growing out of his shoulders.

"What is this?" he snarls, finally removing his grubby finger from Celene's lips. "I'm a busy man. I don't have time for door-to-door solicitors!" He pauses as he looks Kibeti over a second time. "Although... If you are here to talk about selling that fine specimen then that is something else. How much do you want for it?"

"Yawl?!"

OOC: i don't want to use MF for just any roll. Unless angati can force a better reroll out of Nemiem, i am (well celene is) fine with 'Alohan's approach', as now the man has admitted guilt.

Yuck, yeah i know what you mean. Ends justify the means, i guess?:-) Too adult for this game?
This message was last edited by the player at 08:15, Sat 14 Nov 2015.

Angati made a show of closing the door, turning the sign to closed and coming back towards the man, "I think you do not understand... Celene here, is just wanting to safe your life... Our friend there" she said pointing at Alohan "does not feel such compunction.... Now, you choose, for we know already that you are aware and you are going to end up very badly hurt if you don't share your information with the only friend you have here".

09:21, Today: Angati rolled 29 using 1d20+9.  Diplomacy.
Rolled Diplomacy because I wanted to push him towards trusting more Celene... rather than having the information towards me...

OOC: Oh, I am fine with a bit of moustache stroking :P :D Heck, even the Disney channel has moustache stroking.



OOC: Flipping the 'WE'RE OPEN' sign to 'CLOSED' is always the most intimidating thing you can do to a shopkeeper :D



OOC: Angati lands another massive diplomacy roll (as usual) and the taxidermists attitude is adjusted from friendly to helpful. Mind you, this is a sullen and defeated helpful, rather than a happy helpful.

Nemien's shoulders slump and the first incantation that was on his lips that would have unleashed his magic (and a really cool set piece battle) disappear as he looks towards Alohan and the barbarian does that thing to make his pectoral muscles jiggle up and down rhythmically. "Fine. Fine then," he grumbles with a defeated sigh. "I suppose you people aren't even going to buy anything?"

"Look. I don't work for those Lotus Dragon thieves - damn it, they come and take a quarter of whatever is in my till at the end of each day for fraks sake! But yes, apparently the Lotus Dragon's lair is under my shop. I have never been down there myself, and I'm not even meant to know how they get down there but I have seen them do it a couple of times. Out the back, in Dead Dog Alley, there is the ruins of one of those old water towers. In the middle of that is a hole that goes down to some sort of underground lake - I've seen them jump into that so apparently the water at the bottom is deep enough to break their fall."

"But look. You don't want to mess with those guys - especially that Vanthus creep, he has the manner of a cold blooded killer! And they claim they have a green dragon down there. I mean, just walk away now while you can."

Angati visibly relaxed her tension, "Hmmm... for what is worth, I am sorry for this. We are certainly not going to harm you. Vanthus has already tried to kill us once, and we want to return him the favour so there is really no choice for us here but to face him, else he will come for us anyway".

"You do not need to do anything special" she said as she opened back the entrance door and changed the sign back to open... "and if they come asking, just tell them the truth, do not risk your life for us... if you do raise the alarm though, we will come back for you. We have already survived Vanthus once... "

Turning to her companions she said "Come, let's go quick, while the charm lasts"

Alohan was beginning to have a profound respect for Angati. Her ability to get things done -with the capabilities of a woman decades her junior- was something he was beginning to appreciate. She didn't carry herself like an older lady -nor did she speak like one- and thus the fact that she had continuously gotten what she needed from others was impressive. Celene was also equally resourceful -as were Kassius and Logan- but Angati's ability to manipulate people continued to amaze him.

As they exited the back door, Alohan made sure Dead Dog Alley was clear. He had a bad feeling about the damn street kids and wanted to have some semblance of stealth when approaching what might be the hideout of a prominent thieves guild.

---

Mage Armor: Normally, Alohan is fitted with a fancy studded vest. Now, seeing as that is only an armor bonus of 3, is it safe to assume we can put him in mage armor now? Especially with a wand? We would have to burn charges every so often but the upside is I dont have to wear the vest. I can be one step closer to going full nude. Now if only I had a replacement for this loincloth.

In reply to Alohan Nuari (msg # 39):

OOC: The duration of mage armor from the wand is only one hour so you'd burn through the charges pretty quickly...

Nemien leads the party through the back door into his workshop area, then to the back door that leads straight out into 'Dead Dog Alley'.

"The entrance is about ten yards away, in the middle of that jumble of stones," he says, pointing out through the door across the overgrown square full of weeds and refuse. There is a small mound of big grey stone blocks in the middle of the courtyard, covered in grass and undergrowth.

"Oh, and please, when they capture you, don't mention my name," he pleads. "Although they've told me they have someone down there with the skills and equipment to pry any secret from anyone," he adds in a mutter.

As Celene heads out the door he clasps her hand against his hest. "Young miss! Please don't go down there with these fools and get eaten by that dragon. I don't know how they are making you do this, but stay with me and we can make sweet music together. Or at least sweet stuffed animals!"

After that fond farewell, the party heads over to the pile of stones and quickly locates a hole in the middle. Looking down they can just see the surface of the water below in the dim light filtering down from the hole - it looks to be about 30' down to the underground lake. There isn't enough light to see anything other than the area directly below them and the adjacent surroundings. The air from the cavern below is cool and moist, and only the sound of slowly dropping water can be heard.

There is also a thick rope handing from an iron spike hammered into a big flagstone, and stretching all the way to the surface of the water.

OOC: I haven't made a map for this. Due to limited light you can just see one 5' square in full light and then the surround 9 5' squares in dim light. He are the rules for diving into the water (assuming it is deep enough to break your fall like Nemein said the thieves did), or you can climb down on the rope.

Logan peers down into the water.  "There must be another entrance - they certainly can't get out this way.

The rogue turns to more closely examine the "helpful" taxidermist.  "You're sure this is the way down?"

16:33, Today: Logan rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  SEnse Motive.

Despite Logan's inquiry Alohan slaps the man on the back and slips down the hole. As he descends he grabs the rope and releases his grip on the level above, quickly putting his full weight on the piton. He had been aggressive with it -making sure the device could hold him at a moments notice. He didn't want the device giving way when Angati and Celene made their descent. If it had loosened, Alohan was the best prepared to make the fall unscathed, especially since he spent so much time jumping from the waterfalls of Nuari island. 'What I did to impress the ladies. Doesn't look like much has changed' he thought to himself as he began to descend.

---

17:10, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 17 using 1d20+4 ((13)) Climb
Swim is +4, Acrobatics is +6. Feel free to roll if the rope gives way. Also, at the first hint of the water below being deep enough to drop into, Alohan will.

Kassius glares at the man when he describes Kibeti as a speciman, although he keeps his mouth shut. His eyes however, promise pain and death should the man even touch Kibeti.


Kassius calls Kibeti in, and the two follow the rest of the party to the back, both with matching distrustful glares directed at the proprietor. As Kassius looks over the hole, he feels the need to comment.
"I don't like this. It's deja vu, all over again. How do we know this isn't yet another frakking trap?" Kassius says ominously, looking over yet another hole in the ground that they're expected to jump down with no assurance of being able to come back up.

OOC: Nemien didn't come out with you guys into the courtyard as he was too scared he would be seen helping the party which he said would be a death sentence for him - if you guys don't succeed. So let's say you asked that before you left his place.

Oh, and sense motive checks are made in secret by the DM, I will make one for you now.  :)

Nemien says that is the only way he has seen them get in, but agrees it is an inconvenient exit! Logan thinks the taxidermist is telling the truth. I mean, he is charmed and has also had the fear of god put into him by Angati. That usually works in getting the best out of people. He certainly wouldn't try and trap you.

Alohan tests the piton before and after entering the hole, and it seems that the stout metal spike is strong enough to take a lot of weight. Then the islander starts climbing down the rope hand over hand.

He gets about ten feet down when the rope suddenly breaks and he is dropped into the water. The barbarian twists in the air to ensure that he hits the water the right way, but it isn't really necessary. The water is deep (10') and cushions the fall. Within a few seconds the native is on the surface paddling and looking around his new location.

OOC: So at worst, you would be looking at 1-3 points of non-lethal damage if you jump in and fail your swim check.

Alohan is in a roughly circular cavern with a large pool of brackish-looking water, its surface greasy with filth and rotting seaweed. The ceiling is twenty feet high, except for the five foot wide hole directly above him which leads to the surface thirty feet above. To the west and the south are narrow beaches of grit and gravel, with the western beach sloping upwards at a shallow angle into the darkness. The cavern seems to be entirely natural with the exception of a two foot diameter lead pipe about fifteen feet above the water to the east.

OOC: Villain POV time!

With a slick swish of his tail that began at the base and travelled down to the tip like a giant wave, Gut Tugger moved a wall of wonderfully clean and warm water over the ridge of his back. Being hidden away in the Lotus Dragon lair could be claustrophobic at times, but he had to admit that it also had its perks. His metallic green scales sparkled like emeralds in the torch light of the hot pool room and he knew that he'd never looked better.

He had been born in the Elven Kingdom of Alfheim about twenty years ago, but had been cast out of his brood when he had killed a packmate over a treasure dispute. He had been young and naïve, and so was quickly captured by animal smugglers, taken to the Thyatian capital and sold to one of the Sasserine noble families who were secretly collaborating with their occupiers. Gut Tugger had assumed that he was destined to be used as an exotic opponent in the arena - a destiny that was a certain death sentence. Then he discovered that he would live, but thought maybe that the arena would've been a better option...

Muzzled and declawed, he was given to a 14-year old girl as a birthday present (OOC: Apparently her parents couldn't get a unicorn). To Gut Tuggers delight, he found out that not only would he now live a life of luxury, but his new 'owner' had a mean and evil streak just as big as his own. He formed a fast friendship with the little girl, and took to her lessons in thievery with shocking ease. The years passed, and the little girl grew up and eventually became the feared Lotus Lady, and Gut Tugger knew he had played a large part in her success.

Today he lived an easy, if a little cramped life as the Lotus Lady's 'pet' and was free to wander around the Lotus Dragon guildhall as he wished. But what he really needed was a bit of action - the Lotus Lady took him out for a run around on one of the nearby islands every now and again but that wasn't enough. He wanted to taste blood in his mouth and hear the screams of his victims. He looked forward to the next incursion into the Lotus Dragon lair with undisguised impatience.

Logan winces as Alohan jumps into the hole, then gasps as the rope breaks and the islander splashes into the water below.  When Alohan seems to be fine, Logan smiles.  "At least it's not me!"

He pulls out another length of rope from his pack and ties it to the piton, then goes into the hole himself, hopefully a little more in control of his descent than the barbarian was.

Swim +5, Acrobatics +9 if needed

Logan makes it down into the cavern with no difficulties, and joins Alohan in the water.

They hear the stretching noise of rusty metal scraping against rusty metal from the north-east and then the sound of rushing water from the same direction.

Kassius looks over at Kibeti, as if asking the cat if it wants to come. Kibeti just rolls his eyes, then glances back into the shop. Kassius can almost imagine the what the cat would say if it could.
"Yeah, I suppose he probably would try and turn you into a specimen. Dirty old frakker. All right, let's go."

With that, Kassius climbs down the rope, while Kibeti braces himself against the edge, and then leaps.


In any case, Kassius has +4 on his acrobatics, and +3 swim (if needed).
Kassius also switches Kibeti's animal focus to frog, granting +4 acrobatics to jump and swim, for a +12 acrobatics (jumping), and +5 swim.

OOC: You can use either swim or acrobatics for jumping into water, since acrobatics is best for both of you let's go with that.

Kibeti jumps down without a problem, but Kassius belly flops into the water and it really hurts (3hp non-lethal).

Water starts coming out of the pipe in the east - a lot of it - the jet of water shoots out almost touching the ceiling of the room before arching down to add to the pool.

To the west the sound of clanking chains is heard.

20:34, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Kassius dive into water (using acrobatics) DC15.
20:35, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 18 using 1d20+12.  Kibeti jumps into water (using acrobatics) DC15.
20:36, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d3.  Kassius non-lethal damge.

Celene looks over the side of the hole, pale with fear. "Will this never end? Always climbing, swimming, climbing, swimming..." She draws in a deep breath, swallows her fear, and puts on her gloves to get a better grip on the rope. She then waits for the water jet to subside and the chain sound to abate. Only when it all seems to quit down does she descend using Logans rope.

OOC: I don't follow. Since Logan put up a new rope, don't we just climb down that? No need to jump in before we're down...

I am assuming our gear (her scrolls) can somehow be kept dry, i.e. being in a waterproof canister or similar. If not, she would like to make arrangements to have it lowered down and kept out of the water. Do we need to rp that?

Anyway, her sorry skills are:
Climb: +0, swim -1, acrobatics +0
This message was last edited by the player at 21:38, Mon 16 Nov 2015.

As his companions followed him into the shallow water, Alohan was sure to take a defensive position next to the western exit. He didn't bother listening for an approaching enemy -not only did they make enough noise themselves but the streaming water was enough to mask anybodies approach. He instead readied himself if something stumbled around the corner, using breathing technique his master had taught him. He just hoped they were ready for what was about to be attempted. Taking down a crime syndicate was no small task.

At the clanking of chains, Alohan further steeled himself against the unknown. He glanced behind him to see his companion's progress, silently wishing they'd hurry their descent. Regardless, Alohan prepared.

---

Ready an attack if anything comes around the corner. Alohan would be on the southern-most square at the 4 square entrance.

Oh yeah, good point. I just assumed you'd want to dive in because that would be far cooler. But I suppose you can be a pussy and get out your climbing gloves ;P




Yeah, all scroll come in waterproof containers. No need to RP that.



She can take a 10 since she's in no real hurry, can gets down the rope ok.


Alohan stands his ground as the clanking noise approaches and grows louder - it is loud enough to hear over the roar of the water pouring into the lake behind him. He strains his eyes, but he is at the limit of the natural light filtering in from the hole above and doesn't see the green reptilian shape until it is almost upon him. He sees a short snout filled with teeth, a long body and a tail. Then the barbarian stops watching and strikes.

OOC: Ron, take an attack in the surprise round. Your opponent is in dim light so there is a 20% chance that any hit you make will actually be a miss due to the darkness.

Of those still swimming in the water, three of them may have been able to use their superior sight to see what was approaching, but they have other things on their mind.

A crossbow bolt threshes into the water an inch from Kassius' elbow. It would have been a good body shot if it hadn't been for the protection that the water afforded. The hunter looks in the direction it came from - to the north and from above - but even with his very sharp darkvision he can't see the source. There is nothing to the north except solid cavern wall from ceiling to the water surface.

The water level in the pool rises slightly due to the water thundering in from the pipe above.

OOC: Alohan and Angati, you're the only ones who can respond in this surprise round, the rest of you just hang tight.

Angati is still above on the surface (which probably makes her the smartest party member). She can take the rope down (one full round action, DC5 climb check) or just jump down (DC15 swim or acrobatics check to avoid damage, else 1d3 non-lethal damage).

Some details on the water, dark blue is 10' deep calm water (DC10 swim check if you want to). Light blue is about waist height and is just difficult terrain.

09:03, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2 using 1d4.  Target 1) Celene 2) Kassius 3) Logan 4) Kibeti.
09:04, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 11 using 1d20-5.  Attacking Kassius with crowbow bolt.



The Crucible

<ROUND ONE (SURPRISE ROUND)>


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 19/19   <MF NOT USED>
Alohan  HP: 22/22   <MF NOT USED>
Celene  HP: 12/12   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 16/16   <MF NOT USED> <-3 NONLETHAL>
Kibeti  HP: 19/19   <MF NOT USED>
Logan   HP: 14/14   <MF NOT USED>

OPPONENT 'C': <MF NOT USED>


SPELLS AND OTHER EFFECTS
NONE

In reply to Celene (msg # 51):

Johannes, I just reread your post. So you don't want to go down until it's all over?!

Oh, it's ok, she won't be any help up there anyway, so just leave her there. Now cover from water is a good thing!!:-)

Edit: poor wording used above: what I mean is leave her in the water where you put her, it's fine!
This message was last edited by the player at 22:41, Tue 17 Nov 2015.

Just to confirm, I have low-light vision, not dark-vision because of a half-orc variant trait. Sometimes Low-light vision is better than dark vision, sometimes worse depending on conditions, just wanted to confirm. So opponent C should be in regular light for me.

Sorry for the delay responding in this thread I was engrossed in other things and hadn't noticed this had moved so much... so... can Angati use her sling from the top or she doesn't see him ?.

In case she can:
15:23, Today: Angati rolled 12,2 using 1d20+2,1d4+1.  Sling shot.

In case she cannot, here is my failed Dive:
15:22, Today: Angati rolled 9 using 1d20+2.  Acrobatics dive.

OOC: even though Celene is surprised, is it possible to look for the shooter above to the north? And if so, can she try and pierce an illusion hiding an archer (get a saving throw)?

The green snouted, lizard creature took him off guard, so much so that he paused long enough for the creature to notice him. What transpired was Alohan throwing out a haphazard slug hoping to connect with the dragon. The drake reeled backwards preparing itself to strike. Half worried it would rip his arm off if he missed, he was reserved, embarrassingly so. Alohan wasn't sure exactly what he gotten himself into.

He steeled himself none-the-less, hoping his companions behind him saw the monstrous critter blocking their passage. With arms at the ready, Alohan flexed his muscles, ushering his pele forth.

---

19:34, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 4,8 using 1d20+3,1d6+3.  Single Attack.
19:43, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  Initiative .
Standard Action: Throw out a kick.

---

HP: 22/22  AC: 17  CMD: 19 vs grapple  Saves: +6/+5/+0
Rage: 6  |  6  Stunning Fist: 1  |  1 Note:

Got to love that magic 'improved cover' (+8 AC bonus, +4 reflex save bonus) just from swimming in water! Just remember this only applies against opponents still on land, and as per my house rule, on against missile fire. Still, the water is the safest place to be.



Opps, ok. Yes, opponent C is normally visible but you weren't looking at him because somebody was shooting at you. You can't see who shot the bolt, even when you look in the direction it came from.



She can't see either opponent 'C' or whoever shot the crossbow bolt.



Angati holds her breath and tentatively jumps into the water 30' (10m!) below. Although her 'dive' is not elegant, she at least avoids being a sitting duck while climbing down the rope.

The rest of the party hear the old lady wail and then a big splash as she hits the water back first (2hp non-lethal damage).

08:42, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2 using 1d3.  Angati non lethal damage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:00, Wed 18 Nov 2015.

<END OF SURPRISE ROUND>


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 19/19   <MF NOT USED> <-2 NONLETHAL>
Alohan  HP: 22/22   <MF NOT USED>
Celene  HP: 12/12   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 16/16   <MF NOT USED> <-3 NONLETHAL>
Kibeti  HP: 19/19   <MF NOT USED>
Logan   HP: 14/14   <MF NOT USED>

OPPONENT 'C': <MF NOT USED>


SPELLS AND OTHER EFFECTS
NONE


<ROUND TWO START OF OPPONENTS' TURN>

The creature that Alohan had tried to make an attack on rears up and hisses at him. He gets a better look at it:


Except the one facing Alohan is greener...

The large crocodile leaps to attack him in a whirl of snapping jaws, but slips in the soft gravel and ends up sprayed out in front of the barbarian. So is this the fantastic 'green dragon' that everybody in town has been saying the Lotus Dragons have stashed under the city? Rather underwhelming!

08:48, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Croc bit attack vs Alohan.

As the rest of the party splash around in the pool, another crossbow bolt cuts into the water with a harsh *thwirp*. Celene thinks it might have been meant for her head. Then another bolt, this one from the east, embeds itself into Angati's wooden shield.

08:49, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d6.  1) Alohan 2) Logan 3) Angati 4) Celene 5) Kassius 6) Kibeti.
08:50, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2 using 1d20-5.
08:50, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d6.  1) Alohan 2) Logan 3) Angati 4) Celene 5) Kassius 6) Kibeti.
08:50, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 14 using 1d20-5.  Attack vs Angati.

<ROUND TWO START OF PLAYERS' TURN>
This message was last updated by the GM at 08:00, Wed 18 Nov 2015.

Updated Map

OOC: still question about seeing through illusori wall, but also: what actions are possible while in the water? Using the wand? Casting spells? I'm not going to ask about a scroll... :-)

Illusionary Walls:
Oh, so you think there might be an illusionary wall or two? :P OK, if you spend an a standard action studying one of the walls (give me a direction) you get to make a will save to spot the illusion (sorry, but I am not telling you the DC) BUT even if you figure it out, you will still might not be able to see through it. Just warning you, that is the rules with this illusions and Celene knows that.

Casting spells:
Since you are on the surface of the water, it isn't so bad. You are treading water - I'll call that vigorous motion, so you need a DC10 concentration check. A concentration check = d20 + caster level + ability modifier. If you get to the shallower water (light blue) then you don't need the concentration check, but you loose your improved cover.

Using the wand:
Easy - just hold the wand and say the command word. No check needed.

Scrolls:
I'm glad you didn't ask about that!

This message was last edited by the GM at 08:28, Wed 18 Nov 2015.

Celene had learned enough about illusions to know they could be the reason their assailants were invisible. Or maybe not. But that was her line of thinking. Carefully reviewing the wall, looking for any discrepancies, she hoped to spot a flaw or tell-tale sign of an illusionary concealment

She tried to keep her head down, but an arrow swishing by her, made her thrash in the water. Her frantic, erratic movements had a surprising result. Her violent motions seemed to blur her! Further experimental movements astonished her: her blurred visage seemed to extract itself, and a whole new image of her appeared next to her, floating in the water! "What...." was all she managed to utter.

OOC: sorry alohan, mage armor is touch range, i just realised.
09:47, Today: Celene rolled 25 using 1d20+6 ((19)).

Standard Action: spot/disbelieve illusion
Move Action: Copycat
Free/Swift Action: 5 foot to H2
Full Action:
(De)Buffs :

---

HP: 12/12  AC 10, CMD: 11, Saves+2/+0/+6
Spells Slots (sorc.): 1st: 4/4
Spells Prepared: 0: Guidance, Resistance, [empty slot]
1: Murderous Command, Liberating Command, disguise self
Abilities: Flame lance (7/7), Divine Vessel (5/5), Copycat (4/5), Channeling (7/7, DC14), Blessing Faithful (-)

This message was last edited by the player at 11:00, Wed 18 Nov 2015.

Angati moved to the south, it was the closest route to land, and it served her well. Once there, with her sling still in hand, she tried to get a good shot at the crocodile that was menacing Alohan.

---

Free : | Swft : | Move :  | Stnd :
11:11, Today: Angati rolled 18,4 using 1d20+2,1d4+1.  Sling Attack.
(Need to modify difficulty as crocodile in melee but I hope that it still hits).

---

HP: 19 |  AC: 19 | CMD : 14 | Saves: 2/1/3

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : 4/4
  L1 Spells : 4/4 Cure Light Wounds, Protect from evil, Cause Fear, Ill Omen (dual cursed)
  Abilities : Misfortune, Temporal Celerity

This message was last edited by the player at 11:29, Wed 18 Nov 2015.

OOC: can I add a "5 foot swim" to H2 for Celene? Maybe make the angle too steep for them to hit... It's still deep enough for full cover there, right? Otherwise she stays put.

Celene tries to concentrate on the locations where the crossbow bolts roughly flew in from, looking at the rock to see if she can detect discrepancies in lighting and texture.

It took her a couple of seconds - it was difficult to get a good look since she was relying on the natural light filtering in from outside via the hole - and since she was paddling in a broiling greasy sea of rotting seaweed with water raining in down on her, and being are shooting at her, but she manages to pull it off!

To the north she spies 15' of wall with a height of 10' and at an elevation of about 10' above the water level where the lighting wasn't quite right. It was a good illusion, actually, a damn good illusion and that in itself was worrying since it meant that the Lotus Dragons either had a high level wizard who could cast illusionary wall or at least knew a way to bribe one to do it. But the illusion wasn't perfect. After she spotted that she looked around to the east and south and her heart sank. There were also small sections of illusionary wall in these directions, also about 10' above the water. These ones were more like arrow slits, and not big enough for a person to squeeze through.

Even though she could spot they were illusions, she couldn't see through them... All in all, not a good position for the party to be in.


Updated mid turn map. Illusionary walls shown in green. The northern section is the only one big enough for someone to climb through, it would be a DC10 climb check to get up the 10' to it.



Sorry, you can't 5' step in difficult terrain. Also, you'll need to be right under them to make the angle steep enough to avoid getting hit.



Angati sends a sling stone into the sprawled crocodile, hitting it on the snout.

13:51, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 56 using 1d100.  Angati miss chance (1-20).

Kassius curses softly, as he gets his bearings, seizing up the situation. Arrows pelting him from invisible foes above, and a giant crocodile like thing ineffectively attacking Alohan, so far at least. Wait, giant crocodile? What the heck was that thing?

09:02, Today: Kassius rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  knowledge (nature) giant crocodile.

Not trusting himself to swim, Kassius edges around the North end of the pool. Hoping the water and cave edge would give him some cover, he draws his bow, aiming at the crocodile and firing a solid shot that burrows into the monster. "Kibeti, Kupu" He calls out, and the cat grins. None of this long-dead, unnaturally moving meat. Just an equal foe. Looks like seafood's still on the menu!

Kibeti easily paddles through the water, enhanced by the magic his bond with Kassius grants, and advances on the crocodile, hissing and biting down on the foe.

---

Kassius
09:06, Today: Kassius rolled 19,5 using 1d20+6,1d6.  attack, damage.
Move Action: Move to I2, and draw bow
Standard Action: Fire at crocodile. By my count, there's no cover, I can ignore firing into melee since I have precise shot, and he's just out of point blank range.

---

HP: 16/16 (3 non-lethal)  AC 18, Saves+4/+8/+3
Spells Slots: 1st: 3/3;  Animal Focus Minutes Left: 2/2

---

Kibeti
09:11, Today: Kibeti rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  swim (if needed).
09:12, Today: Kibeti rolled 13,4 using 1d20+3,1d6+1.  Bite attack, damage on croc.
Move Action: Swim/walk to E5
Standard Action: Attack crocodile.

---

HP: 19/19 AC 14, Saves+4/+6/+3
Current Animal Focus: frog(+4 swim, jump)

Kassius knows all about the crocs that inhabit the bayou around Sasserine and how to hunt them, and really, this isn't a giant one. Large, yes, but giant no.

The most important thing was to not let it grapple you as otherwise it could pull you into a 'death roll' and trap you under the water - but most people would have enough sense to not try and wrestle a crocodile.

OOC: Except Alohan, come on Ron! You know you want to!



Kassius gets into the shallower waist high water (partial cover +4 AC bonus, difficult terrain) and is happy to find that his bow's cover has kept the string dry. He sends an arrow into the reptile.

Kibeti launches himself into the croc and nearly delivers a great bite, but the skin of the old croc is deep and it manages to twist away.

<ROUND TWO PARTY'S TURN MID TURN UPDATE>


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 19/19   <MF NOT USED> <-2 NONLETHAL>
Alohan  HP: 22/22   <MF NOT USED>
Celene  HP: 12/12   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 16/16   <MF NOT USED> <-3 NONLETHAL>
Kibeti  HP: 19/19   <MF NOT USED>
Logan   HP: 14/14   <MF NOT USED>

CROCODILE: <MF NOT USED> -4 -5


SPELLS AND OTHER EFFECTS
NONE


<ROUND TWO PARTY'S TURN CONTINUES>

The party spreads out to take cover.

Alohan and Logan still to play.

Logan wades forward, drawing his weapons as he gets to shallower water.  When the rogue is close enough, he darts forward, trying to jab the tip of his rapier into something soft on the crocodile, and bringing the shortsword in from a different angle to probe the croc.

---

Move to E6, draw Rapier & Shortsword
Standard: Attack

15:18, Today: Logan rolled 6 using 1d6.  Shortsword damage.
15:18, Today: Logan rolled 2 using 1d6+1.  Rapier Damage.
15:18, Today: Logan rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Short Sword Attack.
15:17, Today: Logan rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  Rapier Attack.

---

HP: 14/14
AC 18/ F0 R7 W2

Even with the croc hilariously sprawled out in front of him Alohan still couldn't land a blow. He attempted to kick the beast, both with his heel and the ball of his foot but was too afraid of losing a leg. The thought of him attempting to seduce the many women in Sasserine on one leg was enough to deter him from being effectual. Instead, he made a show of kicking, hoping he could slap the animal from a distance.

With the half-orc's cat entering the fray and Logan joining his side Alohan took a moment to steady himself. Reinforcements had arrived. He didn't need to fight so reserved but also second guessed getting between the half-orc's cat and it's prey. It was exciting watching the animals ravage eachother. Throwing  grin Logan's way, Alohan gestured to the ferocious Kibeti "Get him kittah!" he hollered in excitement. 

---

18:42, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 6,8,6,7 using 1d20+3,1d6+3,1d20+3,1d6+3 ((3,5,3,4)).
Full Action: Flurry of Blows vs Croc
Free Action: Stand Ground

---

HP: 22/22  AC: 17  CMD: 19 vs grapple  Saves: +6/+5/+0
Rage: 6  |  6  Stunning Fist: 1  |  1 Note:

The hide of the crocodile is easily pierced by Logan's blades and inflicts several large wounds on the animal (8 hp damage). Alohan seems content to mainly cheer on Kibeti.

<END OF ROUND TWO PARTY'S TURN>


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 19/19   <MF NOT USED> <-2 NONLETHAL>
Alohan  HP: 22/22   <MF NOT USED>
Celene  HP: 12/12   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 16/16   <MF NOT USED> <-3 NONLETHAL>
Kibeti  HP: 19/19   <MF NOT USED>
Logan   HP: 14/14   <MF NOT USED>

CROCODILE: <MF NOT USED> -4 -5 -8


SPELLS AND OTHER EFFECTS
NONE


<START OF ROUND THREE OPPONETS' TURN>

Crossbow bolts fly out of the illusionary walls to the north and east, both aimed at Angati. Both miss and hit the waist deep water she is standing in.

A crossbow bolt files out of the southern wall for the first time, targeting Kassius. It misses and hits the wall behind him.

The crocodile hisses and studies its three opponents. It makes a decision to go after Kibeti, since he looks the tastiest... BIG MISTAKE.

Although the crocodile is successful in biting the cunning cat (6 hp damage), this encourages it to try and wrap Kibeti up in a 'death roll' (free grapple attempt, but no improved grapple feat). The bit cat never hesitates. With two flashes of its claws it disembowels the crocodile and leaves it dead of the gravel beach.

OOC: Are all thee of Kibeti's attacks primaries? His AoO is crazy!

08:38, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 6 using 1d8+4.  Croc bite damage.
08:31, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d6+3.  Claw 2 Damage.
08:31, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d6+3.  Claw 1 damage.
08:31, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Kibeti AoO Claw 2.
08:31, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  Kibeti AoO Claw 1.
08:30, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Kibeti AoO bite.
08:29, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 13 using 1d20.  Tail slap vs Kibeti.
08:25, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Bite vs Kibeti.
08:23, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d3.  Bite target 1) Alohan 2) Logan 3)Kibeti.
08:22, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d20-1.  Crossbow bolt vs Angati again.
08:22, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2 using 1d2.  1) Kassius 2) Angati.
08:22, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d20-1.  Crossbow bolt vs Kassius.
08:21, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 10 using 1d20-1.  Crossbow bolt vs Angati.

<END OF ROUND THREE OPPONENTS' TURN>


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 19/19   <MF NOT USED> <-2 NONLETHAL>
Alohan  HP: 22/22   <MF NOT USED>
Celene  HP: 12/12   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 16/16   <MF NOT USED> <-3 NONLETHAL>
Kibeti  HP: 13/19   <MF NOT USED>
Logan   HP: 14/14   <MF NOT USED>

CROCODILE: DEAD


SPELLS AND OTHER EFFECTS
NONE


<START OF ROUND THREE CHARACTERS' TURN>

Knowing that she would not be able to get the whoever was firing those bolts from behind the arrow slits, Angati run cautiously towards the passage where Alohan, and the dead crocodile where, taking care to move crouched and give the least targeting area... thinking about this she couldn't help smiling thinking as she turn her big old ass towards the slits behind her.

Angati moved to the south, it was the closest route to land, and it served her well. Once there, with her sling still in hand, she tried to get a good shot at the crocodile that was menacing Alohan.

---

Free : | Swft : | Move : D6 | Stnd : Total Defense (+4AC)
11:11, Today: Angati rolled 18,4 using 1d20+2,1d4+1.  Sling Attack.
(Need to modify difficulty as crocodile in melee but I hope that it still hits).

---

HP: 19 |  AC: 19 | CMD : 14 | Saves: 2/1/3

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : 4/4
  L1 Spells : 4/4 Cure Light Wounds, Protect from evil, Cause Fear, Ill Omen (dual cursed)
  Abilities : Misfortune, Starlight Agility

In reply to Angati (msg # 77):

The crocodile is actually dead, killed by Kibeti the supercat. Do you just want to do a full round move and reach the gravel beach where Alohan and Logan are?

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 78):

Actually, it would just be a normal move since you are on land, you could also continue down the corridor to the west but there is no light in the direction.

OOC: No, for once I intended what I wrote... move while in full defence and showing my wet (though properly clothed) butt to the enemies. (That way I get AC = 23 (same as if I was covered from water... hoping to attire their desire to hit something round and pull the attention from the rest so they pull out and quit their jacuzzi.

Also I evilly plan to try to sell the crocodile to the stuffer up there.. see whats more powerful, his desire to stuff a magnificent specimen or his fear of the (hopefully by then dead) Lotus cultists... or was it Jade ? damn... will never get that straight.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:05, Thu 19 Nov 2015.

With arrows whizzing out not just from the north but also the east and south, Celene no longer sees any chance of pacifying the snipers. Had it only been those to the north, she'd manage. The brunt of the attack fortunately taken by the brave Angati - who also fortunately was not hurt - Celene makes a dash for it, while shouting "Kassius, come on!"

Thrashing about in the water to reach the western shore as quick as possible, she does't make a fine impression, but that is the least of her worries at the time. She clambers up the brink, and runs quickly into the western corridor past the dead reptile. Her companions hopefully follow right after.

"There are Archers hidden behind illusionary walls, on all three sides!" She blurts during her dash. "We are sitting ducks out there." She looks around the corridor, but not expecting anyone being foolish enough to follow in the trail of a large crocodile. Unless it's even more dangerous than the reptile.....

Standard Action:
Move Action: Move to C6 (no other action, i.e. double move)
Free/Swift Action:
Full Action:
(De)Buffs :

---

HP: 12/12  AC 10, CMD: 11, Saves+2/+0/+6
Spells Slots (sorc.): 1st: 4/4
Spells Prepared: 0: Guidance, Resistance, [empty slot]
1: Murderous Command, Liberating Command, disguise self
Abilities: Flame lance (7/7), Divine Vessel (5/5), Copycat (4/5), Channeling (7/7, DC14), Blessing Faithful (-)

"Well done Kibeti!" Kassius calls, as the cat gives off a victorious yowl. Kassius grips his bow, looking up at where the arrows are coming from. Illusory walls, huh? A clever trick. Kassius hesitates, as if considering firing back at the foe, but decides against it. He's good with the bow, but getting into an archery competition when only one side can see the target seems blatantly unfair.

Instead, he scampers along the edge, pushing into the area where long experiences said human eyes would be unable to easily penetrate, calling Kibeti to follow him.

---

Kassius
Move Action: Move to F4, and draw bow
Standard Action: Move to B6
Swift Action: Change Kibeti's Animal Focus to Tiger

---

HP: 16/16 (3 non-lethal)  AC 18, Saves+4/+8/+3
Spells Slots: 1st: 3/3;  Animal Focus Minutes Left: 2/2

---

Kibeti
Move Action: Move to C6
Standard Action:

---

HP: 13/19 AC 14(15), Saves+4/+6(+7)/+3
Current Animal Focus: Tiger(+2 dex)

So the best anyone in the party has is low-light vision, right? You guys are going to need a light source at some point, just saying...

There is a rush for the passageway as Celene, Anagati, Kassius and Kibeti all try to scramble into it. The hunter's companion is jostled out of the way as the humans get in first (due to posting order!).

Kassius is now at the front of the party and his low-light vision (but not darkvision :D) is able to see a little further around the corner - not that there is much to see. The passageway stays tall (about 20' high) but continues to narrow as it slopes up from the gravel beach, and Kassius can see the beginnings of some sort of shallow mud puddle. The place reeks of crocodile shit, although only Kassius and Kibeti are au fait enough with the swamp to recognise this.

To the north and south there are small ledges jutting out of the rock about 10' off the ground. They are small and narrow (about 2' deep and 4' wide) and don't lead anywhere. (It would be a DC10 climb check to get up to one of them).


Updated map. It's dark in here! Logan and Alohan to move.

With the crocodile down, Logan creeps forward, eyes straining against the darkness.  The rogue thought of the torches in his bag, but lighting them would take too much time.  He'd rather risk the unknown darkness than the archers firing into the room.

Move 30', using Fast Stealth to move at full speed and use stealth.

"Logan..." whispered Angati "Get a bits ahead if you want... I am going to light up something here to serve the rest of us".

With that, and waiting a bit for Logan to either move forwards a bit or to decide to stay with them, Angati cast light on a stone that she held on her left hand "If we meet something... I'll throw it ahead ok?"

OOC: Let's cheat a little bit with the turns here and say that Alohan also moves forward (poor old Ron, we didn't even give him 24 hrs to respond - but what else would he do since there is nothing left to kill?).

As the party scampers deeper into the thin passage the crossbowmen unleash a volley at the final team member to leave - Kibeti the cat. The animal is quick enough that all three bolt thud harmlessly into the gravel.

19:07, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 6,7,7 using 1d20+3,1d20+3,1d20+3.  3 x bolts at Kibeti
OOC: Lucky...

Using Angati's light and with Logan and Alohan in the lead, the party are able to keep moving. Unfortunately not for very far as the passage only continues for a few more feet before coming to a smelly dead end. This is obviously the crocodile's lair. The source of the clanking noise they heard earlier also becomes apparent as they all see a long chain of thick metal links snaking from the very end of the tunnel along the floor to the corpse of the crocodile.

Those at the end of the party - that honour has ended up falling to Celene and Kibeti - try to take cover as best they can but cannot get far enough into the tunnel to avoid the archer in the eastern wall. He targets out the sorceress as the easiest target, but she is able to push back into the rocks enough that the bolt misses.

With crossbow bolts flying all over the place, no way out and the roar of the water thundering into the lake still making communication difficult, the situation is beginning to feel chaotic.



OOC: As they say on the busses 'Move on back! There's plenty of room!' At least they have partial cover.
19:46, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 1 using 1d2.  1) Celene 2) Kibeti.
19:47, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d20-1.  Crossbow bolt at Celene.
OOC: Am I using the dice roller correctly?!
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:57, Thu 19 Nov 2015.

Logan stares around the tiny room.  "Hmm, there must be more here.  An illusionary wall or secret door or something"  He points to the chain.  "That beast can't get out of this room.  They must have a way to feed him, right?  Or what if one of their own people fell in here?"

Trying to ignore the terrible odor, the rogue feels along the walls, searching for another way out.  He scouts around the room, hoping to find something other than braving the "Crucible" room again, even climbing up onto the ledges and searching for additional doors, though he just manages to embarrass himself in the process.

"Alohan, can you give me a hand in getting up there?  I don't want to brave the outer room again until we've explored every inch of this cave."

14:58, Today: Logan rolled 4 using 1d20.  Climb Ledge 2.
14:58, Today: Logan rolled 7 using 1d20.  Climb Ledge 1.

While pulling out her wand and activating it upon herself, Celene follows Logans line of thought. "Yes, there must be other entrances to this corridor. Those ledges - maybe they hold hidden entrances to the archery gallery out there? Or are covered by illusions too? I'll see if I can discern it, as soon as I've shielded myself a bit from the pelting rain here at the back..."

"But it might be simpler and faster if you get up there and feel around yourself, Logan. Take Alohan along quickly, if they suddenly start coming this way! Come on, get up there. What are you doing there?? We don't have time to fool around now!!"

As Celene turns around, waving in resignation at the stumbling rogue, it starts to happen again. First a shimmering blur sort of extrudes from her, before finally completely dislodging an exact image of her just a few feet from her, mimicing her perfectly. She stares dumbfound at it. "What is this? What is happening to me...? This.. this is wrong...."


I guess she can't try to spot/disbelieve illusions at the same time. :-(

Two empty ledges above an otherwise empty corridor... I see a rifle hanging on that wall, and it's about to go off... ;-)

Standard Action: Use wand on herself
Move Action: Copycat
(De)Buffs : Mage Armour (1 hour)

---

HP: 12/12  AC 1014, CMD: 11, Saves+2/+0/+6
Spells Slots (sorc.): 1st: 4/4
Spells Prepared: 0: Guidance, Resistance, [empty slot]
1: Murderous Command, Liberating Command, disguise self
Abilities: Flame lance (7/7), Divine Vessel (5/5), Copycat (3/5), Channeling (7/7, DC14), Blessing Faithful (-), Wand of Mage Armour (10 left)

Despite the hail of crossbow bolts Alohan laughed at Logan attempting to climb. Celene's words further added sand to the wound making him chuckle even more. When he collected himself enough to act, he slid over to Logan and dropped to a knee. He adjusted his position and slapped his thigh, ushering Logan forward. Hopefully the young thief could hoist himself up.

Regardless, Alohan easily jumped the 10ft and grabbed the ledge. Effortlessly, the native pulled himself up onto the ledge.

---

19:47, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  Climb-Aid Another. DC 10 grants him a +2
19:49, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 16 using 1d20+4 ((12)). Alohan's climb
Move Action: Aid Logan (+2)
Move Action: Hoist self up

---

HP: 22/22  AC: 17  CMD: 19 vs grapple  Saves: +6/+5/+0
Rage: 6  |  6  Stunning Fist: 1  |  1 Note: Not sure if you would allow two climb checks. One to help Logan, one for myself.

Kassius calls for Kibeti to fall back, and the cat does so, eager to get away from the arrows flying at him from the wall. Seeing Alohan and Logan investigating the ledges, Kassius instead knocks another arrow, aiming at the wall Celene had claimed was illusion. He didn't know where exactly the opening was, or the man behind it, but if he watched closely, maybe he could fire at wherever the arrow emerged. It was worth a shot.

Kibeti moves further up along the passage until he's out of line of sight.
Kassius readies an action to fire at the location where a crossbow bolt emerges.
Rules-wise, I'm hoping that I can identify the square when the foe fires, although I'd still have the 50% miss-chance for total concealment, plus any cover bonus if that's an arrow slit and not a larger opening the illusionary wall is concealing. Kassius would try it though. Feel free to roll my attack (1d20+6 to hit, 1d6 damage)

Angati readied her morningstar...she doubted they'd be able to get at them with the cross bolts from those slits, but they might try to run them over.

Round Five



Logan and Alohan search the smelly crocodile lair and find nothing but regurgitated bones.

Celene activates her 'copycat' ability and casts mage armour on herself.



Kassius takes a spot at the rear of the party and prepares an action to fire (he also has partial cover in this position).

Kibeti moves out of LOS of the crossbowmen.



Angati readies her melee weapon and takes cover.

Kassius doesn't need to wait long - within a few seconds a bolt flies out of what looks like a solid wall and moves in the hunters general direction. It hits the wall well wide of him.



OOC: Your rule interpretation is exactly the same as what is written in the module. They get a +8AC bonus due to that. I'm giving you +4AC for being mostly behind rocks.

Kassius does his best to point-point the spot where the bolt came through - this is obviously very difficult and made even more tricky when a second bolt immediately comes through from another spot in the wall about 5' away. Kassius releases his arrow but it hits the solid rock, not the illusionary rock.

The second bolt is aimed at Celene but flies wide.

Round Six
Logan tries to climb the first ledge. It is only a 10' climb and the rock is rough with many handholds. The thief fails miserably.

Alohan spends this round laughing at Logan.

Angati takes cover.
Kibeti takes cover.
Celene takes cover.

Kassius prepares a shot.

Two bolts fly at the hunter - if nothing else he has succeeded in getting their attention! Both hit the rocks above his head.

Kassius aims for the same spot, but gets the same result - real rock, not fake rock.

Round Seven
Logan tries to climb the other ledge. Fails again!

Alohan laughs at him some more.

Celene starts bossy people around and telling Logan to 'just get up there!'

Angati & Kibeti take cover.

Kassius prepares action.

Two more bolts fly towards Kassius but he has found a good spot to observe from and they just hit the rock. He returns fire and hits the same spot of solid rock again!

Round Eight
Alohan stops being an asshole and help Logan up (assist other check passed). Logan comes agonisingly close to getting to the top but isn't strong enough to lift himself up (rolled 7 + 2 from assist = 9... need 10!)

Angati, Celene and Kibeti take cover.

Kassius prepares and action.

Two more bolts and two more misses!

Kassius fires and actually manages to hit the side of the hidden arrow slit this time - he sees the front half of his arrow disappear into the rock. But then it rickochets out. This is impossible!

Round Nine


OOC: :D Boom!
Alohan rolls his eyes and just climbs up himself - he make it look easy. He climbs up the northern ledge and when he puts his hand out it goes right through the wall which is of course illusionary. He crawls through cautiously, and comes out in a long corridor. Freedom!

Logan follows him - this time he makes it! Yay!

The rest of the party take cover

Round Ten
Everyone follows them up into the corridor.

The party lean against the walls of the narrow corridor, taking a few seconds to catch their breaths. The corridor is 5' wide and 30' long and ends to a stout wooden door. This part of the complex is obviously man made, as it has large grey stone blocks making up the walls and floor.

It has been a pretty crazy 48 hours. Hordes of zombies and their evil undead cleric master. Giant crabs. Rather large crocodiles and a lot of getting shot at. But as the old saying goes 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'. And in Logan's case, even what kills you makes you stronger. All of them feel like they have learnt things which will make them stronger in the future.

WELCOME TO LEVEL THREE PEOPLE! WELL DONE!!

Once up, Celene voices a small concern. "This corridor seems to go off in a direction away from the archers behind us - maybe! Shouldn't we cover our back at least by checking if the other ledge holds a passage to the niches for snipets? And teach them a lesson..."

"Alohan, could you make a jump over there and have quick look?"

OOC: So you want him to jump over the 5' gap? That is DC5 if using a running jump or DC10 if taking a standing start and not assuming the other side is an illusion. 1d6 damage for failing the jump. Or he can climb down, then climb up the other side (DC10) - but he may get shot at.

If he assumes it is an illusion and it isn't, then that's gunna be pretty funny!

Just want to point out that the illusionary wall spells are one-way ie inside the corridor you can see through the illusion like a faint mist. But if there is a corridor on the other side, they won't be able to see through the illusion on the other side, so they won't be able to snipe at you.

Alohan looks across the gap at Celene's gesture. "Ya be dinking der be a hall dere?" he asks with a grumble. Another arrow floated into the corridor, slapping the rocks around them. With a sigh, Alohan hoped back down into the croc's refuse, grabbing the ledge and lowering himself easily. He bounded over the sandbar to the opposite ledge, putting a foot onto stone and launching him upwards. Once a hold of the ledge Alohan easily heaved himself up.

---

08:48, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 17 using 1d20+5 ((12)). Climb (+1 for level 3)

Alohan gets down and up the other side okay, but struggles to find the other illusionary wall. It's just as well he DIDN'T just jump over because the other opening is offset from the first corridor they found. Just as he finds it, one of the crossbowmen manages to get his range in and a bolt thugs into Alohan's side. (4hp damage - ouch!). Alohan scrambles across the illusion and into safety.

On the other side of the illusion is a short corridor that turns to the left. When the barbarian peaks around the corner it is hard to see much since it is dark and at the edge of what he can see, but he does make out a door a few feet away.



16:04, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  bolt vs Alohan
16:06, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d4.  Bolt damage.


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 19/19   <MF NOT USED> <-2 NONLETHAL>
Alohan  HP: 18/22   <MF NOT USED>
Celene  HP: 12/12   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 16/16   <MF NOT USED> <-3 NONLETHAL>
Kibeti  HP: 13/19   <MF NOT USED>
Logan   HP: 14/14   <MF NOT USED>

While Alohan was jumping around doing his Alohan-ishness, Kassius was instead paying attention to Kibeti. Something, perhaps slaying and consuming some of the flesh of that giant crocodile, seemed to be causing the cat to change, and Kibeti was strange enough as it was. His blue eyes flash and sparkle, and his pale white fur seems to ripple mysteriously. The change finishes as quickly as it began, and Kibeti seems somehow more regal, noble, and powerful.

"What the frak was that?" Kassius demands, staring in confusion and awe at the cat. Kibeti looks behind him, as if looking for the thing Kassius was so curious about, before turning back to Kassius, and shrugging, as if bemused. Whatever change the cat had undergone Kibeti was still being mysterious.

Shaking his head in bewilderment, Kassius finally looks up at the others. "So where to now?"

"So now what ? we go that way ?" asked Angati a bit in disbelieve.

Logan shrugs.  "We don't know what's either way, so I say we just go this way.  I have some caltrops in my bag; I could scatter them on the ground here, which might slow anyone trying to come in behind us."

The bolt entering his hip damn near pitched him into an uncontrollable rage. He had been so careful and yet somehow the fates decided he would function better in life with a grazing bolt to the hip. He struggled to control his pele, feeling himself grow more infuriated. He grew warm and his attitude grew worse. 'Focus your mana,' Master Haku would say. 'Harness your mana. Control your mana.' Alohan heard him now, remembering the training he never bothered to take seriously. He closed his eyes, focused on nothing, and breathed.

He looked across the way to the others. "I be comin' ta ya. We go dat way." he said pointing to the opposite corner. Not waiting for a reply, Alohan set himself with a running start. "Move!" he shouted motioning everyone to give him room to jump. As he lept, the ledge gave way. He pitched forward at a horrible angle and cracked his head on the far side, falling to the crocodile pit  in a heap. 'Idiot boy' he heard Master Haku say.

---

10:23, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 6 using 1d6.  Falling damage.
10:23, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Reflex Save.
10:21, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 9 using 1d20+7.  Acrobatics Jump.
Note: unbelievable...
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:26, Sun 22 Nov 2015.

Angati saw Alohan taken a few steps back to jump and tried to reach out to help the man grab onto something when he jumped.

20:19, Today: Angati rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Acrobatics aid another.

Hearing the rest of the group discussing what to do, Celene shrugs and acknowledges that no-one else seemed to think covering their back first was a good idea. The tunnel turning left back towards the arrow slit holes is for her a pretty sure thing, but what does she know after all. She agrees with Logans idea to sprinkle some caltrops, and adds some oil herself to make a nasty surprise for anyone doing the jump across the ledges - after poor Alohan had finished, of course.

OOC: I have a feeling the GM has been needing a party caller? :-) As said before, I'm all fine with anyone else taking charge, just go ahead. Majority rules, we go north to the door, Logan checking etc.

UPDATED HP AFTER THIRD LEVEL REACHED


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 28/28   <MF NOT USED> <-2 NONLETHAL>
Alohan  HP: 24/28   <MF USED>
Celene  HP: 18/18   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED> <-3 NONLETHAL>
Kibeti  HP: 13/19   <MF NOT USED>
Logan   HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED>

Alohan's return jump still to be resolved.

EDIT: I'm going to roll for Alohan's jump so we can move on:

08:31, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 8 using 1d20+7.  Alohan jumps.
Unbelievable!

But let's say that Angati's aid other is enough to get him up to 10.

Kibeti has taken 6 points of damage (didn't he get some extra hp in the level up? And Alohan has taken 4. Want to heal?
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:33, Mon 23 Nov 2015.

OOC: that covers the non-lethal too, right?
BTW, dice roller still fine:-)

08:41, Today: Celene rolled 4 using 1d6 ((4)).
08:45, Today: Celene rolled 6 using 1d6 ((6)).

In reply to Celene (msg # 106):

Yes, you get equal amounts of non-lethal damage healing for free. All healed up.


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 28/28   <MF NOT USED>
Alohan  HP: 28/28   <MF USED>
Celene  HP: 18/18   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED>
Kibeti  HP: 19/19   <MF NOT USED>
Logan   HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED>
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:57, Mon 23 Nov 2015.

OOC: Yes, I just needed the party caller to say north or south :D


With the oracle playing with the threads or reality, and providing a helping hand, Alohan is able to make the jump.

Logan spreads some caltrops and Celene spreads some oil across the 'landing area' of the corridor - anyone jumping across now will have a very nasty surprise.

The thief listens at the door to the north and checks it for traps... nothing. He opens it and leads the party inside a circular 15' radius chamber. The room is made of the same grey stone and has vertical walls up to about 20', where a domed ceiling starts with the middle being about 30' above the floor of the room. In the middle of the dome is a trap door in the ceiling. A wooden ladder leads from the middle of the room up to the trap door, providing a quick if precarious way of getting to the top of the room. There is also a door to the east, as well as the one they came in through.


Updated map

"Logan, can you check the door and the trap door for surprises?"

Logan checks the door to the east (secret rolls made). No traps, no noise.

He carefully checks the ladder and then the trap door all the way up in the ceiling (secret rolls made). No traps, no noise.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:59, Mon 23 Nov 2015.

"Logan, while you're up there, could you very carefully see if the trap door is locked? It's likely our way out..."

Logan cautiously opens the trap door an inch and peers out. He sees that the door opens inside a scruffy looking room filled with trash but with no furniture. An empty doorframe at each end of the room leads into rooms he can't see in the darkness. He also sees a couple of windows but they are boarded up with thick planks of wood nailed into the window frames. The room smells musty and damp.

"Kassius, should we search this room for other hidden exits, while Logan examines the obvious ones?"

If Kassius and celene finds nothing else, we proceed through the eastern door.

Action celene: aid another (kassius) in searching. Hidden DM rolls?

"Ok guys.. just one thing, before we get past point of no return..." said Angati to Celene thinking back on the things she had learned so far, and a bit dubious on her interpretation "Do you think we can have a chance of convincing the leader of these guys that Vanthus is scheaming to kill her ?.... maybe that helps things out... or maybe they can turn that against us, and turn on us when we least expect... just asking before we go in and start killing people".
This message was last edited by the player at 16:35, Mon 23 Nov 2015.

While Logan is looking over the trap door Kassius searches the room with Celene helping as much as she can. The hunter notices that the floor around one portion of the western wall is more worn than the rest, and sure enough, he is able to find the faint outline of a door cunning built into the grey stone. He also finds a small metal foot pedal at the base which he thinks allows the door to swivel when it is depressed.

11:27, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Celene aid another.
11:27, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master rolled 27 using 1d20+11.  Kassius find secret door.


Updated map. Now with extra secret door!



OOC: Well this is a nice change to the usual 'murder-romp' technique of clearing every living thing in the dungeon!
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:51, Mon 23 Nov 2015.

Huh? Celene said no such thing, I think...? :-)

"Yes, you're right to point that out, Angati. With us only wanting Vanthus, and having the death note penned by the dwarf, we may convince the lady lotus of how Vanthus plays this game and that she's better off letting us take him. But I doubt they'll let us go anyway, as we now know of their hiding place. Well, at least she might execute Vanthus after we're dead then..."

"Logan, Kassius found us a better way on. This looks promising. Can you check it for any traps too?"

Logan does his usual tricks - no traps found, no noise heard.

"Remember Angati, these men are all part of an illegal syndicate, and this lady lotus is it's head. They are all criminals and scum. Sure, I'd prefer to capture them and send to the city guard, but I don't want to risk ourselves in the process. Kibeti isn't very good at restraint, and it's hard to subdue someone with an arrow."

Onwards through the secret door then!
Also, you asked earlier about Kibeti's hp. Animal Companions don't get extra HD every level, so Kibeti's HP didn't change from level 2->3.

OOC: agreed, we take the secret door! Let's get going:-)! Did you get a standard order of movement from us earlier? Otherwise it's Alohan first i guess.

This message was deleted by the player at 14:02, Mon 23 Nov 2015.

OOC: Oops sorry on typo, it was Angati said to Celene... somehow I left it at said Celene, sorry for the confusion.



"Dear Kassius you misunderstand my intentions... I think we should try to kill them all... I only point out, that maybe some can kill each other before we finish the job, and that they may well follow the same track of thoughts if we so try... (of killing us afterwards that is)" Angati chuckled "I'd never trust justice to do what's right... anyway, the occasion may not present itself.. but if it does... we should at least consider the option."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Mon 23 Nov 2015.

In reply to Angati (msg # 122):

OOC: <DM looks up from behind his DM shield and rolls eyes> So you ARE advocating a murder-romp then Beni, just a slightly more sophisticated one? :P

Yeah, I'm still using the marching order I was given before, although I think you should consider swapping Logan and Angati. The oracle is turning into a good front row fighter.

Logan pushes down on the foot pedal and then pivots the door around so it opens on both sides. Past the secret door is a short 15' corridor ending in what Logan recognises as another secret door - but this time you are on the 'non-secret' side of it.

Logan checks for traps and listens, and this time DOES hear something. He motions for the rest of the party to keep quiet and listens for a couple of minutes. What he hears is:

- whispered conversations... he thinks there are at least four people in the next room talking very quietly. He can't make out what they are saying.
- furniture being moved
- he hears a crossbow string being pulled back at least once

19:52, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master rolled 20 using 1d20+10.  Logan hear noise.

Logan turns back to the group behind him and relays he information in a whisper.  "I think they're setting up a trap for us in that room.  We could go in, try to disrupt the trap."  The rogue pulls out his weapons.  "I could turn myself invisible for a few rounds.  Maybe someone could open the door, I could sneak in, disrupt their fighting formation, give me a round or two, then the rest could charge in.  They might not be expecting that."

He looks around their chamber, then at the door.  "Or, maybe we could jam this door shut from this side, and continue around the other way, though they might be setting up 'welcoming committees' on both sides of where they think we are, and we end up blundering into one.  I'd rather take on the threat I know is there."

Quietly pulling back the others for a moment, Celene activates her wand once again on Alohan, whispering all through.


"Logan, that's a mighty good hearing there."

"Ok, so they are ready for us. Your plan sounds good, but are you sure you'll be able to match them once you're visible again? No more heroics here!"

Before I saw you post, Logan:"Anyone has any good ideas for barging in on them? If they've crossbows aimed at us, we need to come in covered. Perhaps the other door taken off its' hinges, just to cover the one in the front while he bashes in the door... Alohan? Or any other better ideas? If need be, I have some magic, that i'd otherwise kept for staving off magic missles, but if it's needed now...?"


Buff to Alohan: mage armour: +4 armour bonus to AC.
*sigh*, how quickly they go...

Standard Action: wand of mage armour - Alohan
Move Action:
Free/Swift Action:
Full Action:
(De)Buffs : Mage Armour (+4 AC, 1 hour)

---

HP: 18/18  AC 1014, CMD: 12, Saves+2/+0/+7
Spells Slots (sorc.): 1st: 5/5
Spells Prepared: 0: Guidance, Resistance, [empty slot]
1: Murderous Command, Liberating Command, disguise self
Abilities: Flame lance (7/7), Divine Vessel (5/5), Copycat (3/5), Channeling (5/7, DC14), Blessing Faithful (-), Wand of Mage Armour (9 left)

"Last time you went in alone... didn't end up all that well... I am the best armoured here... I can advance behind the shield, and the rest of you cover behind me" whispered Angati as she moved forward looking visibly younger somehow.

OOC: Never tried that before, but there is no reason why that should not happen... I advance in total defence and you advance using me as partial cover, until we see thats behind.

@DM: murder unless of course they surrender.. plus I'd probably hold no ill will against the common thief, I quite admire their profession.. its just that they gave us a pretty unwelcoming bienvenue.

---

Free : | Swft : | Move : | Stnd :
[Private to DM: dice rolls]

---

HP: 28 |  AC: 19 | CMD : 14 | Saves: 3/2/3

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : 4/4
  L1 Spells : 6/6 Cure Light Wounds, Protect from evil, Cause Fear, Ill Omen (dual cursed),Divine Favour
  Abilities : Misfortune, Starlight Agility (dodge), Time Flicker (3/3 minutes blur).

This message was last edited by the player at 20:03, Mon 23 Nov 2015.

Kassius seems a bit uncomfortable about Angati's lack of trust of law enforcement, but doesn't say anything. He'd be the first to admit that the law was imperfect, and sometimes people needed to simply do what was right, but the casual dismissiveness bothered him slightly. He let it go as they discovered and went through the secret passage.

When Logan identified a possible threat on the other side, Kassius held up his hand.

"Wait. I've had this idea of how I can use my magic for exploration. Before opening the door, whether to attack or sneak, let me try this first."

Then, he walks silently up to the door, placing his hand on the wood. Closing his eyes, he pushes his senses to the other side, trying to see what lies hidden.
Activating Door Sight (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classe...l-domain/exploration)

He caught a glimpse of the soft shimmering magical protection as it enveloped him. It felt like a tight fitting pocket of air... one that would help him avoid a mortal wound. He understood its function, and while he wasn't adept in the magical ways, he was beginning to appreciate it's protective embrace. When Celene gave him the 'all ready' nod, he whispered "Dank you"

Alohan shuffled himself out of the hall when Kassius moved up, watching the half-orc press his vision through the door. He was ready, ready to follow the armored Angati through the door and ready to knock some heads but only after Kassius could learn what was to be learned.

---

---

Standard Action:
Move Action:
Free/Swift Action:

---

HP: 28/28  AC: 18  CMD: 18 | 20 vs grapple Saves: +7/+5)/+0
Rage: 8  |  8  Stunning Fist: 1  |  1 Note: GOOD DAMNIT! You guys are fast! 25 some posts in one day!
This message was last edited by the player at 02:39, Tue 24 Nov 2015.

OOC: The DM's jaw drops as he reads the ability description and begins to comprehend the consequences. ANY SURFACE! ANY MATERIAL! 6' THICK PLUS ½ CLERIC LEVEL! And you have low light vision! So I never get to ambush you guys ever again?!

Don't you worry. I will adapt and overcome Kassius, adapt and overcome :D


The hunter walks up to the secret door and presses as much of his exposes flesh onto it as he can - his hands and forearms, his cheek... He spends the next minute or so concentrating hard as he tries to penetrate through the thick stone and finally succeeds.


Here is your ambush. Lotus dragon thieves 1-7. A thief with a black hood on (T). A merchant (M). A rough barricade (red highlighted area).

[Private to GM: 11:05, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master rolled 13 using 1d20+9.  Kassius roll to detect caltrops.]

On the other side is a 30' by 15' room lit by shining stones in each cornber, and with an assortment of torture devices hung up on the walls. An ad hoc barricade has been formed out of various larger torture equipment and furniture piled five feet high, and behind this barricade stand eight dragon lotus thieves with crossbows at the ready. One of them is wearing a black hangman's hood which covers his face totally. In the far corner there is a 'rack' with a fleshy man wearing the flowing robes of a merchant sitting on it. He isn't being tortured right now though, and is sitting up looking at the secret door which Kassius is on the other side of.

There are two doors exiting the room in addition to the secret door, one in the eastern wall and one in the south. The door to the south has been jammed open.

OOC: But wait! If you're coming through a secret door, why are they expecting you? Well, there is a reason, but I can't tell you right now what that it.

OOC: The barricade provides them with cover (+4 to AC) from missile attacks and is difficult terrain.

Kassius removes his hand from the door, and then whispers what he saw. They'd be outnumbered and out-positioned.

"They're torturing that poor bastard, whoever he is. It's a trap, but we'll be ready for it. I think Angati's plan is a good one. Let's hit hard, hit fast, and take down these frakkers."

He says to the others, still whispering so those on the other side of the door can't hear.

Kibeti pushes up against Kassius, rubbing his side in support. As he does so, Kassius feels a surge of power rush through him. It's small, but most welcome.

Kibeti can now cast guidance on myself at will as a full round action. I will flavor this as bunting.
Kassius has guidance for the next minute, +1 on one d20 roll of my choice.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:29, Tue 24 Nov 2015.

Map with row and column references, since I know you guys like that sort of thing :P
Note that the coffin like object in the SE corner of the room is an 'iron maiden'. Excellent!

Logan nods.  "Maybe that's a better plan.  Everyone heading it at once.  I'm not the sharpest stone in Shadowshore, but maybe even I can learn something.  Though it wasn't going in first that got me killed back on Parrot Island, it was getting caught in that melee with the zombies.  We need to hit these thieves hard and fast, before they know what's coming."

"Ok... I will try to pull their attention as much as possible ok ?" whispered Angati waiting for the rest to get ready and then concentrating for a second, and becoming somewhat blurry, her edges a bit indistinct from her surroundings.

She bounced the door open and entered behind her shield as she shrieked... literally shrieked "Let's see who of you pussies is capable of hitting an old frigging woman....".

.</Orange>
I suppose I can only move as far as E2. If as part of the movement I can pull down any boxes, to remove the cover they get, so much the better... though I guess not.

---

Free : | Swft : | Move : E2 | Stnd : Full defence
[Private to DM: dice rolls]

---

HP: 28 |  AC: 1923 | CMD : 14 | Saves: 3/2/3

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs : Time Flicker
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : 4/4
  L1 Spells : 6/6 Cure Light Wounds, Protect from evil, Cause Fear, Ill Omen (dual cursed),Divine Favour
  Abilities : Misfortune, Starlight Agility (dodge), Time Flicker (2/3 minutes blur).

This message was last edited by the player at 15:39, Tue 24 Nov 2015.

OOC: Here we go! Please let me know what buffs you want to cast before we go into combat - time isn't an issue here so you can have as many as you want. In addition to Kassius' casting guidance on himself, I'll assume that Celene does her usual trick to give everybody else guidance via her divine vessel power.

Kassius concentrates, allowing power to flow through him and Kibeti, making himself quicker while Kibeti becomes stronger. One of these days, he should try and understand his powers. Magic isn't exactly rare in the world, but some of what he does seems odd, although Kassius admits he doesn't have the formal training to know just how different what he does is from what Angati or Celene can do. Certainly there's something special about Kibeti and their bond.

Putting that thought aside, Kassius draws his bow, trying to aim carefully with the mass of people and barricades between him and the foe. His first attack goes high as he works hard to avoid hitting Angati, but his second shot gets the range and sails true.

Kibeti advances through the open door and climbs onto the barricade besides Angati before chomping down on the closest foe.

---

Kassius
Only buff is guidance and 1 minute of animal focus.
14:30, Today: Kassius rolled 13,20,7,7 using 1d20+8,1d20+7,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Rapid Shot vs 2, first attack has guidance.
Swift Action: Set Animal Focus for Kassius and Kibeti
Full-Round-Action: Fire bow Full Attack (rapid shot) at D2. I don't think cover adds, so the cover for the barricade and the soft cover just give a +4 AC.

---

HP: 21/21  AC 18(19), Saves+4/+8(9)/+4
Spells Slots: 1st: 4/4;  Animal Focus Minutes Left: 2/3, Door Sight 5/6
Current Buffs: Animal Focus (Tiger +2 dex, round 1/10), Guidance (just used)

---

Kibeti
14:32, Today: Kibeti rolled 14,7 using 1d20+5,1d6+3.  bite attack, damage vs. 1.
Move Action: E1
Standard Action: Attack thief 1

---

HP: 19/19 AC 17, Saves+4/+7/+3
Current Animal Focus: Bull(+2 Str)

Dungeon Master:

<Red>OOC: Here we go! Please let me know what buffs you want to cast before we go into combat - time isn't an issue here so you can have as many as you want. In addition to Kassius' casting guidance on himself, I'll assume that Celene does her usual trick to give everybody else guidance via her divine vessel power.

yes please! Celene will cast guidance (as you said), but as the last just before entering also divine essence, for a total of +3 for everyone's first attack (during the first round of combat). That may affect the miss Kassius had?.</Red>

Eager to prove himself an able combatant after his return to the world of the living, Logan rushes into combat, standing beside Angati and engaging the thief in front of her.

---

Move to E3
Standard Attack thief 2.
Guidance on Rapier attack.

14:46, Today: Logan rolled 2 using 1d6.  Short Sword Damage.
14:45, Today: Logan rolled 7 using 1d6+5.  Rapier Damage.
14:45, Today: Logan rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Short Sword Attack.
14:45, Today: Logan rolled 23 using 1d20+7.  Rapier Attack. (Actually 25 with Celene's help)

---

HP: 21/21
AC 18/ F1 R7 W3

In reply to Celene (msg # 137):

Devine vessel you mean, right? Ok, fair enough.

OOC: Yep, that's it, sorry.

Staying low in front of Kassius firing his bow, Celene intones one of her longer incantations. It will take her a while to finish, but she hopes the others can handle themselves in the meantime. It should be worth waiting for.

Standard Action:
(Move Action:) stays in H2 perhaps? Depends where Kassius is...
Free/Swift Action:
Full Action: Cast sleep (1 round)
(De)Buffs : Mage Armour (+4 AC, 1 hour)

---

HP: 18/18  AC 1014, CMD: 12, Saves+2/+0/+7
Spells Slots (sorc.): 1st: 4/5
Spells Prepared: 0: Guidance, Resistance, [empty slot]
1: Murderous Command, Liberating Command, disguise self
Scrolls: Monkey fish, shield, burning hands, summon monster I (caster level 3)
Abilities: Flame lance (7/7), Divine Vessel (4/5), Copycat (3/5), Channeling (5/7, DC14), Blessing Faithful (-), Wand of Mage Armour (9 left)

Alohan moved in right behind Angati but didn't get a chance to take her flank -he was too slow. He turned to the right, right as the ferocious Kibeti slid up onto the barricade. He spun to take the left but Logan was already stabbing with his rapier. "Kanapapiki," he swore, looking over his shoulder at the others.

The Native was left waiting -waiting for someone to withdraw. So... he waited, jumping in place to stay loose.

---

---

Standard Action: READY to do something. Use my standard action to swap places with me or if I need to duck (for Kassius). Use my body.
Move Action: F2
Free/Swift Action:

---

HP: 28/28  AC: 18  CMD: 18 | 20 vs grapple Saves: +7/+5/+0
Rage: 8  |  8  Stunning Fist: 1  |  1 Note: Question for Celene, does everyone get this divine favor on their first attack?

Angati, Kibeti and Logan burst into the room intend on chopping down the Lotus Dragon's behind the barricade. Angati gets through ok, her upraised shield proving to be unnecessary since the thieves don't have a chance to react before she reaches them. Kibeti and Logan run into a problem - the floor immediately after the secret door has been littered with caltrops! Both the rogue and the big cat get one in their foot, the long spikes easily penetrating Logan's boot. What is ever worse, as that they feel the effects of a strong poison course through their bodies.

OOC: Logan & Kibeti, take 1hp of damage and please make a DC11 fort save or be nauseated for 10 rounds (and face secondary effects after that).

Alohan is a second after them and is warned enough to step gingerly through the spikes - fortunate since he is barefoot! (correct?).

OOC: Movement cost twice as much in the caltrop zone (coloured yellow) if you want to avoid the spikes.

08:13, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5,19,15,12 using 1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20.  Caltrops vs Angati, Kibeti, Logan & Alohan.

The caltrops don't prevent anyone reaching the barricade though, with Logan grimacing and limping up to the jumble of furniture and torture equipment and taking his frustration out on a Lotus Dragon thief. The rogue hits with both his weapons and causes the Lotus Dragon to drop his crossbow and fumble for his rapier.

Kibeti is likewise successful in biting the thief opposing him. Angati kicks bits of the barricade out of the way and prepares to draw her weapon.

Alohan moves to one side so Kassius can fire two arrows over Angati's shoulder at a Lotus Dragon guildsman. One hits the barricade and the other sinks into the man's side, making him cry out and lower his crossbow.

Celene begins her spellcasting.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:35, Wed 25 Nov 2015.

<ROUND ONE END OF PARTY'S TURN>


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 28/28   <MF NOT USED>
Alohan  HP: 28/28   <MF USED>
Celene  HP: 18/18   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED>
Kibeti  HP: 19/19   <MF NOT USED> -1
Logan   HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED> -1

Lotus Dragon 1: <MF NOT USED> -7
Lotus Dragon 2: <MF NOT USED> -7
Lotus Dragon 3: <MF NOT USED> -7
Lotus Dragon 4: <MF NOT USED>
Lotus Dragon 5: <MF NOT USED>
Lotus Dragon 6: <MF NOT USED>
Lotus Dragon 7: <MF NOT USED>
Torturer: <MF NOT USED>

Merchant: <MF NOT USED>

<SPELLS AND EFFECTS>
Divine Vessel on all (only valid for turns immediately after Celene casts it)
Alohan guidance (must be used before round 10)
Logan guidance (must be used before round 10)
Angati guidance (must be used before round 10)
Kibeti guidance (must be used before round 10)
Kassius guidance (must be used before round 10)
Celene guidance (must be used before round 10)



Updated map showing caltrops in yellow

<ROUND ONE START OF LOTUS DRAGON'S TURN>
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:44, Wed 25 Nov 2015.

"Well, don't just stand there!" screams the figure with the black hangman's hood on. "Kill the frackkers!"

With that the room becomes a blur of crossbow bolts as five of the Lotus Dragons let loose with their loaded crossbows. Two bolts fly past Kibeti, one hits Angati's shield, one lands in the barricade in front of Logan - but one also hits the thief in the shoulder (3 hp damage). Sadly, this bolt is also poisoned!

OOC: Another DC11 fortitude save vs nausea please!

The three thieves at the barricade drop their crossbows and draw rapiers - none of them have any success in landing blows though.

The merchant on the torture rack tries to spring up, but the hooded man holds him in a sitting position easily with one hand. "That's it!" he screams. "Come on! Take them out!"

08:49, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  Thief 3 vs Logan.
08:48, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Thief 2 vs Angati.
08:48, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  THief 1 vs Kibeti.
08:48, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Torturer vs Kibeti.
08:48, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  THief 7 vs Logan.
08:47, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d4.  Damage vs Logan.
08:47, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 22 using 1d20+3.  Thief 6 vs Logan.
08:46, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Thief 5 vs Angati.
08:46, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Thief 4 vs Kibeti.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:57, Wed 25 Nov 2015.

<ROUND ONE END OF LOTUS DRAGON'S TURN>


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 28/28   <MF NOT USED>
Alohan  HP: 28/28   <MF USED>
Celene  HP: 18/18   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED>
Kibeti  HP: 19/19   <MF NOT USED> -1
Logan   HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED> -1 -3

Lotus Dragon 1: <MF NOT USED> -7
Lotus Dragon 2: <MF NOT USED> -7
Lotus Dragon 3: <MF NOT USED> -7
Lotus Dragon 4: <MF NOT USED>
Lotus Dragon 5: <MF NOT USED>
Lotus Dragon 6: <MF NOT USED>
Lotus Dragon 7: <MF NOT USED>
Torturer: <MF NOT USED>

Merchant: <MF NOT USED>

<SPELLS AND EFFECTS>
Divine Vessel on all
Alohan guidance (must be used before round 10)
Logan guidance (must be used before round 10)
Angati guidance (must be used before round 10)
Kibeti guidance (must be used before round 10)
Kassius guidance (must be used before round 10)
Celene guidance (must be used before round 10)


<ROUND TWO START OF PLAYERS' TURN>

So many thugs remained that Celene saw no other option than just continue hammering them with all they had. Having launched one sleep spell, she continued on with the next. She peered over her shoulder, though, to be sure no-one was trying to sneek up on them - now that Kassius had moved up in front of her!

She focuses the sleep spell she started last round on C2, unless she can choose a specific point, in which case it's the point connecting C2 and D3 (away from the torture victim)

Standard Action:
(Move Action:) stays
Free/Swift Action:
Full Action: Starts casting sleep again (1 round)
(De)Buffs : Mage Armour (+4 AC, 1 hour)

---

HP: 18/18  AC 1014, CMD: 12, Saves+2/+0/+7
Spells Slots (sorc.): 1st: 4/5
Spells Prepared: 0: Guidance, Resistance, [empty slot]
1: Murderous Command, Liberating Command, disguise self
Scrolls: Monkey fish, shield, burning hands, summon monster I (caster level 3)
Abilities: Flame lance (7/7), Divine Vessel (4/5), Copycat (3/5), Channeling (5/7, DC14), Blessing Faithful (-), Wand of Mage Armour (9 left)

Logan winces but stumbles forth, every step agony as the caltrop works its way deeper into his foot.  Luckily, Logan is able to fight off the bout of nausea and act normally, but glares at the Lotus Dragon thieves.  "Poison?  Really?  I have a nice poison for you.  It's called '3 feet of steel to the gut!'"

Logan lunges forth with his blade again, trying to take down the injured thief in front of Angati and clear space for his allies to enter the room.  His rapier misses, but the short sword hits home, dealing more damage to the thief.

---

StandardAttack Thief 2. Hit for 5 damage

10:24, Today: Logan rolled 5 using 1d6.  Short Sword Damage.
10:23, Today: Logan rolled 20 using 1d20+6.  Short Sword Attack. (Supposed to be +4, so actually an 18 to hit)
10:23, Today: Logan rolled 13 using 1d20+6.  Rapier Attack.

10:19, Today: Logan rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  Fort Save 2.
10:19, Today: Logan rolled 14 using 1d20+1.  Fort Save 1.

---

HP: 17/21
AC 18/ F1 R7 W3

Angati went straight for it, pushing the boxes aside, she swung her morning star giving it all she had in her to the guy in front of her and hitting him squarely on the shoulder.

---

Free : | Swft : | Move :  | Stnd : Attack 2
20:28, Today: Angati rolled 22,6 using 1d20+3,1d8+1.  Morningstar to thief 2.

---

HP: 28 |  AC: 19 | CMD : 14 | Saves: 3/2/3

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs : Time Flicker
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : 4/4
  L1 Spells : 6/6 Cure Light Wounds, Protect from evil, Cause Fear, Ill Omen (dual cursed),Divine Favour
  Abilities : Misfortune, Starlight Agility (dodge), Time Flicker (2/3 minutes blur).

This message was last edited by the player at 19:32, Wed 25 Nov 2015.

Seeing the front line of Lotusmen fall, Alohan quickly moved up and over the barricade. He leapt off their crude fortification with an almost barbaric sense of savagery, catapulting him over the dead, dying, and slumbering only to land in the thick of those remaining. "RELEASE HIM!" Alohan screamed, lunging forward to grab at the hooded figure. Yet he was careless with his lunge and left himself open with his leap. He worried more about the thieves counter-attack more than landing a successful blow.

---

16:33, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 10 using 1d20+7 ((3)). Acrobatics vs CMD. Add +1 for Guidance for an 11.
Note: Have I angered the gods in some way? Persephanie doesn't have these problems with the dice roller, so why Alohan?  Anyway, my acrobatics of 10 is vs their CMD. If it fails, I provoke from thief 4 & 6. BUT, I have Mobility and thus get a +4 to my AC(22).
16:38, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 13 using 1d20+6 ((7)).Grappling the T

---

Standard Action: Attempt to grapple the T
Move Action: C2
Free/Swift Action:

---

HP: 28/28  AC: 18  CMD: 18 | 20 vs grapple Saves: +7/+5/+0
Rage: 8  |  8  Stunning Fist: 1  |  1

Kibeti shrugs off the poison, but glares balefully at the thief in front of him. Metal spikes on the floor are unacceptable to the great cat, and Kibeti advances with deadly intent. Claws and teeth strike out again and again, slashing into the poor man.

Kassius fires at the other thief still standing, planting a pair of arrows in the poor man's shoulder's. Kassius looks out at the leader, the only foe still standing uninjured. In the process of drawing yet another arrow, Kassius comments, "I think I misheard you. You obviously should have been saying "We Surrender, please have mercy on our foul deeds" but it sounded like some nonsense about killing us. Would you like to clarify those comments?" He asks with a deadly grin.

---

Kassius
16:41, Today: Kassius rolled 22,23,2,5 using 1d20+7,1d20+7,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Rapid shot vs thief 7 (not including cover penalty).
Swift Action: Set Animal Focus for Kassius and Kibeti
Full-Round-Action: Fire bow Full Attack (rapid shot) at D2. I don't think cover adds, so the cover for the barricade and the soft cover just give a +4 AC.

---

HP: 21/21  AC 18(19), Saves+4/+8(9)/+4
Spells Slots: 1st: 4/4;  Animal Focus Minutes Left: 2/3, Door Sight 5/6
Current Buffs: Animal Focus (Tiger +2 dex, round 2/10)

---

Kibeti
16:35, Today: Kibeti rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  fort save vs. poison.
16:38, Today: Kibeti rolled 21,14,18,5,6,6 using 1d20+5,1d20+5,1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6+3,1d6+3.  Bite/Claw/Claw vs thief 2.
Free Action: Five foot step to D1
Full Round Action: Full Attack thief 4

---

HP: 18/19 AC 17, Saves+4/+7/+3
Current Animal Focus: Bull(+2 Str)

Logan chops down the thief in front of Angati. Then Angati clobbers the thief in front of Logan. Celene releases her spell and three of the thieves drop to the floor. Kibeti leaps forward over the barricade and the body of a sleeping thief and jumps on a Lotus Dragon guildsman who is frantically trying to reload his croassbow. It is never to be, as the big cat rips the man's face off with one powerful attack. (Go the super cat!).

Kassius smirks at his animal companions proficiency and sinks two arrows into the side of the last remaining thief (#6) - the man is alive but only just. Alohan runs past him to get at the torturer, and thief #6 strikes out feebly, but his wounds are two severe for him to catch the native.

Alohan tries to grapple the hooded thief, but the man is just able to twist away.

"You!" screams the torturer, pointing at the wounded thief. "Run and tell the others. And tell Cruncher to get his hairy frakken ass in here!"

The thief doesn't need to be told twice and starts off down the corridor to the south.

"Yeah, that's right!" yells the merchant. "Run you big sissy!"

Updated Map

<ROUND TWO END OF PLAYERS' TURN>


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 28/28   <MF NOT USED>
Alohan  HP: 28/28   <MF USED>
Celene  HP: 18/18   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED>
Kibeti  HP: 19/19   <MF NOT USED> -1
Logan   HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED> -1 -3

Lotus Dragon 1: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 2: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 3: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 4: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 5: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 6: <MF NOT USED> -7
Lotus Dragon 7: <SLEEPING>
Torturer: <MF NOT USED>

Merchant: <MF NOT USED>

<SPELLS AND EFFECTS>
Alohan is greased up (4 hours) +5 CMD vs grapple, escape artist, etc


<ROUND TWO START OF LOTUS DRAGONS' TURN>
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:59, Thu 26 Nov 2015.

If she can make it, Celene focuses the pending sleep spell on the fleeing thief (takes effect prior to our next round). If she can't she'll focus on the torturer.

EDIT: except of course if something crazy comes up, or if all are down, then she just drops it
This message was last edited by the player at 14:04, Thu 26 Nov 2015.

The hooded man snatches up a red hot branding iron from a brazier, and stabs it into Alohan's side. No doubt it would have done a massive amount of damage by Angati merely blinks her eyes and then suddenly he is missing instead!

Thief six turns to run down the corridor (AoO from Alohan if you want it!).

At that second a huge furry creature that is the shape of a dog but much larger and shaggier bursts into the room. With a guttural cry it flings itself at Alohan trying to bite at his neck... and misses entirely.

Updated Map. Note that thief 6 either gets killed (if Alohan hits AC13 with his AoO) or runs off down the corridor. Either way, he's not on the map anymore.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:10, Thu 26 Nov 2015.

<ROUND TWO END OF LOTUD DRAGONS' TURN>


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 28/28   <MF NOT USED>
Alohan  HP: 28/28   <MF USED>
Celene  HP: 18/18   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED>
Kibeti  HP: 18/19   <MF NOT USED>
Logan   HP: 17/21   <MF NOT USED>

Lotus Dragon 1: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 2: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 3: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 4: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 5: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 6: <MF NOT USED> -7
Lotus Dragon 7: <SLEEPING>
Torturer: <MF USED>

Merchant: <MF NOT USED>

<SPELLS AND EFFECTS>
Alohan is greased up (4 hours) +5 CMD vs grapple, escape artist, etc


<ROUND THREE START OF PLAYERS' TURN>
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:46, Thu 26 Nov 2015.

What does Kassius know about the large shaggy dog-like thing?
09:14, Today: Kassius rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  knowledge (nature).

In reply to Kassius (msg # 158):

Good roll. It is a 'Worg', a type of very large wolf like creature found in the surrounding mountains. They are very intelligent for animals and can usually speak few words of the common tongue. They are also usually evil aligned. No strengths or weaknesses come to mind.

Alohan felt the branding iron burning his skin, smelling the putrid smell of his own flesh cooking -but then?... it must have been Angati for his skin was fresh of any brand and he felt no pain. With no time to dwell on alternate realities Alohan kicked out the fleeing thief's leg causing him to stumble but despite the angle in which the thief's leg had bent, he was still able to make it out of the room and down the corridor.

At the emergence of the fury hound, Alohan felt it would be prudent to allow his companions space (especially that terrifying super cat). The brander hadn't looked too threatening, how difficult could it be? Planting a foot on the side of the torture device, Alohan hurled himself up and -hopefully- over his enemies. Regardless of the outcome, his next course of action was to protect himself from brand, claw, and tooth. He attempted to do so.

---

09:31, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 15 using 1d20+4 ((11)) AoO on Thief #6.
09:36, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 3 using 1d6+1 ((2))  Damage on Thief # 6.
09:42, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 16 using 1d20+7 ((9)). Acrobatics to move through the T.
Note: I dont know what the target number is- I believe its his CMD +5 for the T but the Worg's is CMD +2 since there is two enemies? I dont know how this works entirely. Regardless I have Mobility and thus get a +4 to my AC(22).

---

Move Action: Attempting -and failing- to get to A2
Standard Action:Total Defense (+4 AC[22])
Free/Swift Action:

---

HP: 28/28  AC: 18  CMD: 18 | 20 vs grapple Saves: +7/+5/+0
Rage: 8  |  8  Stunning Fist: 1  |  1

@GM, what happened with the before-our-turn sleep spell? (Post #154)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:13, Thu 26 Nov 2015.

In reply to Celene (msg # 161):

Opps, oh yeah, missed that. Ok, try this.

Celene concentrates on the two remaining men. The torturer is able to shrug off the effects of the sleep spell (and you can't MF him since that was used last round). But the man that was trying to limp out of the room falls face first on the ground.

The large worg shows no signs of being effected.

OOC: You are exactly right with the DC calculation - you needed to get 20 and didn't.

Alohan tries to barge past the hooded man, but get shoved back. The native is able to avoid the snapping jaws of the worg and the red hot poker the torturer is waving around.

The wolf-like creature growls at him. "Cruncher. Eat. Coconut," it says in jagged common speak, its red eyes glowing at him.


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:05, Thu 26 Nov 2015.

"Eat this coconut see how you fare" said Angati hitting the word squarely on the head albeit without strength.

---

Free : | Swft : | Move :  C3 | Stnd : Attack Worg
23:03, Today: Angati rolled 21,2 using 1d20+4,1d8+1.  Attack worg w guidance.

---

HP: 28 |  AC: 19 | CMD : 14 | Saves: 3/2/3

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs : Time Flicker
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : 4/4
  L1 Spells : 6/6 Cure Light Wounds, Protect from evil, Cause Fear, Ill Omen (dual cursed),Divine Favour
  Abilities : Misfortune, Starlight Agility (dodge), Time Flicker (2/3 minutes blur).

Cruncher ignores the minor amount of damage that Angati does with her Morningstar.

"Old. Woman. Weak." he growls, and continues snapping at Alohan.

OOC: I'm adding a 'kill-o-meter' so you murder-monkeys can keep track of your progress through the dungeon.

Dragon Lotus Guildsman Incapacitated: 7/30

the beast emanating ferocity immediately grabbed Celene's attention. Reflexively, she uttered a short, divine command: "Kill". Only, not the one it had previously expected...


Sorry, it had to be quick. Can you look up the spell, john, or should i post it?
3 squares is half speed, so she is not affected by the caltrops, right?

Standard Action: "murderius command" spell on worg, will save dc14
(Move Action:) moves up ahead of kassius, and one south (F3)
Free/Swift Action:
Full Action:
(De)Buffs : Mage Armour (+4 AC, 1 hour)

---

HP: 18/18  AC 1014, CMD: 12, Saves+2/+0/+7
Spells Slots (sorc.): 1st: 4/5
Spells Prepared: 0: Guidance, Resistance, [empty slot]
1: Murderous Command, Liberating Command, disguise self
Scrolls: Monkey fish, shield, burning hands, summon monster I (caster level 3)
Abilities: Flame lance (7/7), Divine Vessel (4/5), Copycat (3/5), Channeling (5/7, DC14), Blessing Faithful (-), Wand of Mage Armour (9 left)
<pre>
This message was last edited by the player at 09:54, Fri 27 Nov 2015.

In reply to Celene (msg # 167):

OOC: Yes, she needs to move half-speed through the caltrops if she wants to avoid the spikes.

Celene shuffles forward carefully and then unleashes her spell. The worg looks confused and then turns towards the hooded Lotus Dragon, snarling in furry.

OOC: Looks like that dude is in trouble next round!

Kassius steps forward and fires a pair of arrows into the warg. The first shot again goes awry, but the second shot streaks towards the warg's eye. At the last minute, the beast's abrupt move to target it's ally allows it to narrowly avoid the killing shot.

Kibeti meanwhile advances on the torturer, a biting, clawing embodiment of natural fury. The cat bites and claws the man viciously, tearing into his flesh.

---

Kassius
10:03, Today: Kassius rolled 14,27,4,2 using 1d20+7,1d20+7,1d6+1,1d6+1.  full attack on warg.
10:03, Today: Kassius rolled 11,10 using 1d20+7,2d6+2.  shortbow crit confirm.
Free Action: Five foot step to F2
Full-Round-Action: Fire bow Full Attack (rapid shot) at Warg. Attack doesn't include cover bonus +4 AC.

---

HP: 21/21  AC 18(19), Saves+4/+8(9)/+4
Spells Slots: 1st: 4/4;  Animal Focus Minutes Left: 2/3, Door Sight 5/6
Current Buffs: Animal Focus (Tiger +2 dex, round 3/10)

---

Kibeti
10:07, Today: Kibeti rolled 20,15,21,4,6,5 using 1d20+5,1d20+5,1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6+3,1d6+3.  Bite/Claw/Claw vs Torturer.
Free Action: Five-foot step to C1
Full Round Action: Full attack Torturer

---

HP: 19/19 AC 17, Saves+4/+7/+3
Current Animal Focus: Bull(+2 Str)

Kibeti rips the torturer apart, to the shocked gasp of the merchant. The worg also takes some damage.

OOC: Only Logan left in this round. NB: since the torturer has been taken out, he can engage the worg in melee... If he dares!

Logan moves forward, trying to find a good angle to attack the Worg.  Unable to flank the beast, he moves in with his weapons, hoping to end the threat.

---

Move to C3
StandardAttack Worg.  Hit for 6 damage.

13:20, Today: Logan rolled 6 using 1d6.  Correct Short Sword Damage.
13:20, Today: Logan rolled 17 using 1d20+4.  Short Sword Attack.
13:20, Today: Logan rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  Rapier Attack.

---

HP: 17/21
AC 18/ F1 R7 W3

The party closes in around the worg, which almost pushes Kibeti out of the way in its furry to rip its former master's throat open.


Logan gets to see down the corridor through the open door. The doors to the left are actually metal grills - looks like those are jail cells.

<ROUND THREE END OF PLAYERS' TURN>


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 28/28   <MF NOT USED>
Alohan  HP: 28/28   <MF USED>
Celene  HP: 18/18   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED>
Kibeti  HP: 18/19   <MF NOT USED>
Logan   HP: 17/21   <MF NOT USED>

Lotus Dragon 1: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 2: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 3: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 4: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 5: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 6: <MF NOT USED> -7
Lotus Dragon 7: <SLEEPING>
Torturer: <MF USED> <UNCONSCIOUS> <HELPLESS> <PRONE>-15
Cruncher: <MF NOT USED> -2 -4 -2 -6

Merchant: <MF NOT USED>

<SPELLS AND EFFECTS>
Alohan is greased up (4 hours) +5 CMD vs grapple, escape artist, etc
Alohan has mage armour (+4 armour bonus) until round 10


<ROUND THREE START OF DRAGON LOTUS' TURN>
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:00, Fri 27 Nov 2015.

The worg gets a firm grip on the man's throat and rips it out - the torturer is now well and truly dead.

"Ha! Served him right!" shouts the merchant, still sitting on the rack but now pushing himself well back into the corner of the room.

Then with a shake of his head the worg comes to his senses. He backs into the corridor, snapping and biting (5' step).


He ain't no master strategist, but he has enough instinct to try and avoid getting flanked...
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:19, Fri 27 Nov 2015.

<ROUND THREE END OF LOTUS DRAGONS' TURN>


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 28/28   <MF NOT USED>
Alohan  HP: 28/28   <MF USED>
Celene  HP: 18/18   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED>
Kibeti  HP: 18/19   <MF NOT USED>
Logan   HP: 17/21   <MF NOT USED>

Lotus Dragon 1: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 2: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 3: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 4: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 5: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 6: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 7: <SLEEPING>
Cruncher: <MF NOT USED> -2 -4 -2 -6

Merchant: <MF NOT USED>

<SPELLS AND EFFECTS>
Alohan is greased up (4 hours) +5 CMD vs grapple, escape artist, etc
Alohan has mage armour (+4 armour bonus) until round 10


<ROUND FOUR START OF PLAYERS' TURN>
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:19, Fri 27 Nov 2015.

Regarding thief #6, didn't you say in msg #162 that he fell asleep? On your summary he's still active.

In reply to Celene (msg # 175):

THanks, fixed it.

Angati tried again to hit the worg with her morningstar, but grunted in frustration as the big metal ball hit the corner to the corridor making bits of stone fall to the floor.

---

Free : | Swft : | Move :   | Stnd : Attack Worg
23:19, Today: Angati rolled 4,8 using 1d20+3,1d8+1.  Attack worg with morningstar.

---

HP: 28 |  AC: 19 | CMD : 14 | Saves: 3/2/3

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs : Time Flicker
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : 4/4
  L1 Spells : 6/6 Cure Light Wounds, Protect from evil, Cause Fear, Ill Omen (dual cursed),Divine Favour
  Abilities : Misfortune, Starlight Agility (dodge), Time Flicker (2/3 minutes blur).

Is the danger of the caltrop handled with moving half speed into them? So Celene now can move full speed again? I'm doing this round on that assumption, otherwise let me know.

Having picked her way carefully through the spiky caltrops, Celene moved up to the front. Moving behind her friends, she managed to find some room next to the befuddled human on the strecher. She tried to get a good glimpse of him, to see if she recognised him.

Her focus was still on the hairy beast though. Getting in a free line of fire, she had room for her flames. She released them on the beast. She liked the feeling of letting it go, of the heat and scorching, roaring from her hands, so much that she didn't register whether it merely singed the creature, or actually hurt it.

23:55, Today: Celene rolled 12,3 using 1d20+1,1d6+2.  Flame lance (hit+dam) on Worg vs. its' touch AC.
OH! Forgot to add the +1 to hit from Guidance. If it matters...?
Standard Action: Flame lance on worg
(Move Action:) moves to A3 if that's possible safely
Free/Swift Action:
Full Action:
(De)Buffs : Mage Armour (+4 AC, 1 hour)

---

HP: 18/18  AC 1014, CMD: 12, Saves+2/+0/+7
Spells Slots (sorc.): 1st: 4/5
Spells Prepared: 0: Guidance, Resistance, [empty slot]
1: Murderous Command, Liberating Command, disguise self
Scrolls: Monkey fish, shield, burning hands, summon monster I (caster level 3)
Abilities: Flame lance (6/7), Divine Vessel (4/5), Copycat (3/5), Channeling (5/7, DC14), Blessing Faithful (-), Wand of Mage Armour (9 left)
<pre>
This message was last updated by the GM at 17:32, Tue 01 Dec 2015.

Other than a dent in the wall, Angati does no damage. Celene fiery blast sprays the corner with red hot globules of jelly, but does not make any significant contact with the big wolf.

OOC: Yes Johannes, your assumption about the caltrops was correct. Even with the guidance you miss the target.

Do you know that the worg can actually attack 'around the corner' and get you in A3? You will have cover though.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:33, Tue 01 Dec 2015.

OOC: ah, damn!! My bad, i meant A2 (she has NO desire to get in touch range!!). If not taken by anyone else, i'd still like that grid, also to take a look at the prisoner.

EDIT: NO desire to get in melee range. Gee, These posts are going well for me... :-\
This message was last edited by the player at 13:52, Sat 28 Nov 2015.

OOC: I hope thanks giving went well. I'm starting my new job tomorrow so wish me luck!

Kassius, Logan and Alohan still to play this round.

Logan advanced on the Worg, blades flashing.  Although his attack with the short sword was easily dodged by the beast, it left the creature wide open to a stinging assault with the rapier.

---

Move to A3
StandardAttack Worg.  Hit for 7 damage.

14:12, Today: Logan rolled 7 using 1d6+5.  Rapier Damage.
14:11, Today: Logan rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Short Sword Attack.
14:11, Today: Logan rolled 23 using 1d20+6.  Rapier Attack.

---

HP: 17/21
AC 18/ F1 R7 W3
This message was last updated by the GM at 17:33, Tue 01 Dec 2015.

Alohan briefly recalled how horrible it had been underneath Parrot Isle -remembered how the animated corpses had been too resistant to fell with one true blow. He recalled his blows crunching bones and slopping off fleshy bits but how useless it had been against their endless hunger. Now, fighting cushy humanoids, Alohan and his companions were once again vindicated in their strength. Enemies fell with punch, sword, and arrow and he didn't need to stop and think of any of them would chew his innards out.

Enter the giant wolf. As with the croc, Alohan was a bit reserved but recognized he needed to protect his allies. So he stepped up, swinging his foot and promptly smacking the worg on the snout. The creature reeled in pain causing Alohan to miss his follow through but at least he did enough to draw the creatures attention.

Now, came the painful part.

---

19:18, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 23,4,7,4 using 1d20+4,1d6+1,1d20+4,1d6+1 ((19,3,3,3)) Flurry of Blows vs Worg.

---

Move Action: 5footer to B3
Standard Action: Flurry of Blows the Worggie
Free/Swift Action:

---

HP: 28/28  AC: 18  CMD: 18 | 20 vs grapple Saves: +7/+5/+0
Rage: 8  |  8  Stunning Fist: 1  |  1  Note: Crap, didnt realize I was up! Good luck tomorrow John, may the force be with you. 
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 17:33, Tue 01 Dec 2015.

Kassius spends his round getting into position. Kibeti snarls but can't get next to the big wolf.


Positions at round four end of players' turn

<ROUND FOUR END OF PLAYERS' TURN>


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 28/28   <MF NOT USED>
Alohan  HP: 28/28   <MF USED>
Celene  HP: 18/18   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED>
Kibeti  HP: 18/19   <MF NOT USED>
Logan   HP: 17/21   <MF NOT USED>

Lotus Dragon 1: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 2: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 3: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 4: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 5: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 6: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 7: <SLEEPING>
Cruncher: <MF NOT USED> -2 -4 -2 -6 -7 -4

Merchant: <MF NOT USED>

<SPELLS AND EFFECTS>
Alohan is greased up (4 hours) +5 CMD vs grapple, escape artist, etc
Alohan has mage armour (+4 armour bonus) until round 10


<ROUND FOUR START OF LOTUS DRAGONS' TURN>
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:45, Tue 01 Dec 2015.

The big wolf, now bleeding from numerious wounds, snaps at Alohan again and again - but to no avail. The native is just too quick for 'Cruncher' despite using nothing but his bare hands and feet to attack.

The wolf falls back another few feet. (Well, 5' to be exact)


Oh no. The dreaded 5' corridor, guaranteed to drag out every combat.

If you do five more points of damage to this beast it dies, so feel free to include that in your post.

<ROUND FOUR END OF DRAGON LOTUS' TURN>


HIT POINTS & MISFORTUNE
Angati  HP: 28/28   <MF NOT USED>
Alohan  HP: 28/28   <MF USED>
Celene  HP: 18/18   <MF NOT USED>
Kassius HP: 21/21   <MF NOT USED>
Kibeti  HP: 18/19   <MF NOT USED>
Logan   HP: 17/21   <MF NOT USED>

Lotus Dragon 1: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 2: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 3: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 4: DEAD
Lotus Dragon 5: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 6: <SLEEPING>
Lotus Dragon 7: <SLEEPING>
Cruncher: <MF NOT USED> -2 -4 -2 -6 -7 -4

Merchant: <MF NOT USED>

<SPELLS AND EFFECTS>
Alohan is greased up (4 hours) +5 CMD vs grapple, escape artist, etc
Alohan has mage armour (+4 armour bonus) until round 10


<ROUND FIVE START OF PLAYERS' TURN>
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:49, Tue 01 Dec 2015.

Sensing blood in the air, Logan spring forward into the corridor, his flashing blades leading the way.  Without moments, the huge worg has fallen to the nimble thief.

---

Move to B4
StandardAttack Worg.  Hit for 15 damage

13:03, Today: Logan rolled 5 using 1d6.  Short Sword Damage.
13:03, Today: Logan rolled 10 using 1d6+5.  Rapier Damage.
13:03, Today: Logan rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Short Sword Attack.
13:03, Today: Logan rolled 23 using 1d20+6.  Rapier Attack.

---

HP: 17/21
AC 18/ F1 R7 W3

The huge wolf cries out a roar and sinks to the floor as the rogue effectively guts it. It is so large that it forms a furry little roadblock in the middle of the corridor.

The merchant back in the room claps his hands as Logan returns, the thief wiping his weapons clean on a piece of cloth. "Wonderful! Simply wonderful! You are all my saviours. Oh, but who are you all exactly?" The trader is a large fleshy man, dressed in what may have once been fine silk clothes but are now no more than rags. The dark stubble on his chin and short, greasy dark hair speak of recent mistreatment and he wrings his hands as he talks, caressing his bandaged palms.

The party get a better look at the room now they aren't under the pressure of fighting for their lives, and the purpose of this macabre chamber is obvious. A stretching rack dominates the NW corner, and this is where the merchant is still sitting hunched up hugging his knees. In the SE corner is an open iron maiden (excellent!). A sizzling brazier of coals sputters in the SW corner, giving the chamber a hellish red cast. The addition of eight dragon lotus thieves sprawled in various positions around the room and across the barricade reinforces the abyssal feeling. Four of them are dead, and four are just in a magical slumber. The torturer is one of the four who was killed - actually by the worg - and his body has been so horrifically savaged that his leather armour has been torn off his body revealing the dragon lotus tattoo that the party as seen once before - on the body of Penkus under Parrot Island.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:43, Tue 01 Dec 2015.

Dragon Lotus Guildsman Incapacitated: 8/30

Alohan moved up behind Logan and grabbed his shoulder. "Ya be fightin' like a dead man, he rumbled, giving him a congratulatory shake. "good work" He stole a glance behind him at the captive merchant. Alohan hadn't a clue how to get the man out of this gods forsaken dungeon and quite frankly, he didn't want to be responsible for his well being. He would do everything in his power to keep him alive -that was to be expected- but he knew their mission got a little bit more complicated with the man's presence.

the Native quickly slipped down the hall, allowing the others to communicate with the merchant. He tried to keep as quiet as possible but the deceased worg required him to contort in a stressful manner. He found himself scrapping the dungeon walls and his movements disturbed the air about him. As quiet as he was, Alohan suspected anyone listening could hear his movements.

---

19:04, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 15 using 1d20+6 ((9)) Stealth
Note:I want to move down the hall 20ft with the above stealth. I dont want to get in too much trouble.
Note #2: I have the itch to GM. It is contagious. Unfortunately, I have no time...
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:10, Wed 02 Dec 2015.

Kassius had been hesitating to deliver the killing shot to the warg, hoping it would give some indication of backing down. He knew little about the creatures, but enough to know they were far more intelligent than usual wolves. Perhaps it could be negotiated with, despite the creature's usual repetition for savagery. There were so many intriguing things he could potentially learn about. "Cruncher's" continued aggression and Logan's killing blow ended whatever slim chance there was of that.

Looking over at the poor tortured man, Kassius is quiet at first, uncertain what to say. Seeing the other's being quite for now, Kassius finally responds to the man's question, "The Lotus Dragons tried to kill us, and we don't take kindly to that kind of thing, so here we are. Who are you, and what'd you do to warrant they're kindly treatment?"

"Yesssss" said Angati as the worg fell to Logan's blades.

She turned back to look at the merchant and seeing that Kassius was already talking with him, she turned her attention to the unconscious members of the Lotus dragons... and then at the torture utensils, and the iron maiden.

She smiled.

"This is bound to be fun" she said... "quick, help me tie this guys... do that without waking them up if at all possible... meanwhile, I am going to prepare a bit these corpses... please, kindly remove that merchant out of my working table".

She placed one of the dead thiefs on the table, and burned his flesh and poked red hot irons on his eyes, and then placed another inside the iron maiden, making sure he was pierced enough to look like he had died because of it. Then, she took on the torturer's apron and wore it on top of her chainmail.

Then, she cast on herself and Celene, the cantrip for enhanced Diplomacy.

Once the setting was ready, she smiled again... she asked Celene to wake the first of the now tied Lotus members while heating a new iron... the air was thick with the smell of burned flesh from the other thief.

"Ahhh... thanks for waking my next subject... I am sorry I took so long with the ones before though dear... this one will be faster, I assure you... I am sick of waiting, and while bravery is commendable... well... look what you get from it" she said this last bit to the now thief.

She paused longer then, as if thinking for a while, and changing her opinion "But I am thinking, that maybe, there is a certain value to his bravery... after all. The cries he will make, will probably make his comrades frightened enough to think twice about opposing us... hmmm, that was what 7 of them and a worg, and we didn't get a scratch... maybe there is virtue in making them cry their way to their deaths one by one... slowly... you know I do not really care so much for their answers, and... I haven't had this much fun in years... I am getting old, when do you think I will have another chance like this ?"

"However, I will concede to your wishes my lady, so if you get him to answer, and tell us all he knows about the place, draw a plan, all traps, secret passages, money and all... well.. you know I am at your service".

"But I beg you... please consider this poor old woman's little joy's" she said as she continued heating the branding iron "Just a minute more and I am ready"

OOC: Ok Celene ball on your side now, Angati is clearly playing the bad cop. And the setting couldn't be more favourable... plus one misfortune on each of these fellows and an enhanced diplomacy on you... I love our DM for these joyful little opportunities :)
This message was last edited by the player at 10:03, Wed 02 Dec 2015.

Together with Kassius, Logan led the merchant from the room.  Try as he might, Logan can't help but shake a bad feeling about the man.  Something about him, the way he held himself, the way he observed the fight perhaps, his bandaged hands, which might been injured from hurting others, some detail just seemed off.  Logan suspected the 'merchant' might actually be one of the Dragon Lotus guildsman, disguised to trick them, betray them or somehow interfere with their plans.  A classic double-cross like that was something the rogue had certainly seen enough times in Shadowshore, and this would be the perfect opportunity to pull one on them.  Problem was, the merchant could be entirely honest, and just be acting strangely because of his recent experiences.  How to tell the difference? Logan pondered to himself.  Until he could, the rogue resolved to stick close to the merchant.

Maybe he'd trip up on a question... the rogue thought to himself.

He didn't know if Kassius had the same idea he did, but watched the man's face intently for any signs of deceit.

Assume you're rolling passive Sense Motive checks if this merchant is indeed a disguised Dragon Lotus, but just making sure.

Alohan climbs over the big furry mound that is Cuncher's body and makes his way down the corridor while using one of Angati's magical lights (since otherwise he would end up in total darkness). He passes no less than five cells on his right hand side, each consisting of a door of iron bars, a heap of straw, a wooden bucket in a small 5' room. They are all surprisingly clean, but hardly look comfortable.

At the far end of the corridor there is an open door that leads to a 15' square room with a floor cluttered with partially eaten bones and clumps of dark fur. This
room stinks like a filthy wet dog, so is presumably Cruncher's quarters. The door at the far end of this room is closed and Alohan doesn't open it - he returns to the other.


Enlarged map since Alohan has explored a bit



OOC: Yep, nothing scratches that creative itch like DM'img. But it is a time-sucker...
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:46, Wed 02 Dec 2015.

"Oh, I am... Marchané, I'm a silk trader - at least I would be if these ignorant dogs would leave me alone." The flabby merchant stands and kicks the corpse of one of the Lotus Dragons in the head. "They said that I had to help them expand into my hometown, err... Have any of you ever been to Cauldron?" he asks, referring to the city about a hundred miles to the south of Sasserine. Seeing the blank looks on the party members he continues. "Oh, well that is a shame. That is where I am from and it is a beautiful place."

"A day ago they kidnapped me from the high market, and brought me here, demanding that I join their accused 'guild'! As though that would ever happen! They tried to break me, but I resisted - to the best of my abilities that is. Oh, but now you are here I want no more of this. Lead me out of this damned place and I will reward you all handsomely!"

Logan stared at the 'merchant', trying to put on a friendly face and his his growing distrust.

"Marchané, Logan.  Pleased to meet you."  The half-elf smiles.  "Try not to judge our fair city by the example of these despicable thugs.  They're a sad and sorry lot, judging by the condition of their dungeon here.  A truly pathetic bunch."  Logan shook his head, sadly.  "I bet the reason they're all holed up down here is because they wouldn't last a day when confronted with the realities of Sasserine, whether it be the watch, or some of the real cutthroats in Shadowshore."  He points to the merchant.  "You should probably stay away from there.  If you think these Lotus Dragons are tough, you definitely don't want to go walking through the part of that district."

The rogue rubbed his chin.  "Cauldron, eh?  I've heard a little 'bout that place.  I think my father used to do business there.  Imported a lot from the city.  Always going on about...what was it in the middle of the town?  A little oasis?  Said it was beautiful."

OOC: Or maybe I can provoke a reaction by insulting the Lotus Dragons?
So, I assume the fact that Cauldron is a dormant volcano is common knowledge.  Hopefully that detail about the oasis is not, in fact, true.

OOC: Disclaimer. I have been drinking. You have been warned.



"Oh!... well... I think the Lotus Dragons are plenty tough! I mean, they were tough on me!" blusters the fleshy man, his pale blue eyes turning so watery that it almost looks like he is going to cry.



'Merchané the Merchant' just stares at Lohan, his mouth wide opening and closing like a fish gasping for air. He just keeps doing this over and over again, without seeming to know what to say.



OOC: Jeez, this is the most suspicious party I have every DM'ed for! No John, I haven't made any secret rolls because there is no need. This guy is totally innocent.
[Secret to Logan: Result of Secret Roll: Logan gets a bad vibe from this guy and does not trust him at all.]
[Secret to Alohan Nuari: Result of Secret Roll: Alohan gets a bad vibe from this guy and does not trust him at all.]
[Secret to Celene: Result of Secret Roll: Celene gets a bad vibe from this guy and does not trust him at all.]
[Secret to Kassius: Result of Secret Roll: Kassius gets a bad vibe from this guy and does not trust him at all.]
[Secret to Angati: Result of Secret Roll: Angati gets a bad vibe from this guy and does not trust him at all.]



OOC: Well, Cauldon is a big city. Maybe he's never visited the oasis in the middle?

At that point the very uncomfortable situation is broken by Angati's little performance.



OOC: OK, the setup is so perfect that I am not even going to make an opposed bluff roll.

The Dragon Lotus guildsmen are hand picked from the roughest characters in the city and then put through an extremely tough initiation ritual so that only the most determined and steadfast crooks make it through. They all know that they must remain silent about the guild... under pain of death. And not a pleasant death either - the penalty for even just talking about the guild to outsiders is being fed to Cruncher.

So imagine what the penalty for revealing all the secrets of the guild would be! Imagine how much the Lady Lotus would feel obligated to put her creative talents to the test to punish a person who revealed the entire layout, every secret door, trap and guard post! This is quite a factor in the creation of the steel-will discipline that the average Lotus Dragon footpad exhibits.

Buuuuuuuuuuuuut... the poor thief awakens to find himself in a room lit by red glowing coals, the stink of burnt flesh in the air and dead comrades on the rack and in the 'maiden (excellent!). The man looks around the room, from the old witch cackling over him, to the hungry giant cat, the half orc, the savage barbarian and... well, Celene isn't actually that scary looking, but the rest of you make up for it. His gaze finally settles on the merchant.

"Go on," sneers the merchant. "Spill ya guts like a filthy gnome wench or we'll put the tools in this 'guestroom' to good use on ya." The flabby trader seems to gained some confidence in this exchange of 'pleasantries'.

The speed at which the thief's words tumble over themselves in his haste to sell out his colleagues proves that truly... THERE IS NO HONOR... (among thieves).

OOC: Did you see what I did there? Incorporating the module title into the post? Shit. I should give myself an XP bonus or something.

"Okay! Okay!" yells the thief. "I'll tell you anything you want to know! I'll draw a map! I'll build you a frakken scale model out of frakken beeswax, just promise to let me go... unharmed!" All though this speech the thief doesn't take his eyes of Merchané who continues looking at the hapless man with distain.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:54, Wed 02 Dec 2015.

OOC: from the time it must have taken to prepare the torture instruments, I gather that the introductions with the merchant were long completed once the thief was woken up. Hence, he hasn't heard the 'merchant' say his 'name', right?

Not having the stomach for torturing people, not even when faking it, Celene let Angati lead the process, confident that the old woman in fact wouldn't harm anyone (much) in reality. Seeing the man broken, she settled for taking the role of interogator. Stepping closer, actually much closer than she cared for, she triggering very different emotions in him, to throw him into utter confusion. Leaning over him, she whispered in his ear "very well, what we want to know first is that person's real name. Yes, the one you're staring at all the time. Whisper it to me, and I swear at least she'll let you live. Whether you become a cripple, well, that depends on the rest of the answers. But it would be a real shame to see you hurt, wouldn't it?"

Kassius narrows his eyes at the merchant. He always preferred animals to people. Even when they're trying to rip your throat out, they do it honestly. As much as Kassius wants to sympathize with a seemingly tortured man, there's something awfully slimy about this merchant fellow. Calling Kibeti to his side, Kassius walks to the side of the room, a hand going to an arrow.

From the sidelines, he positions himself where he can keep an eye on both the talking thug and the merchant simultaneously. If either try anything, Kassius wants to be ready.

The Native stayed away from the merchant. Marchane made his vest itch. Something about his doughy demeanor rubbed Alohan the wrong way and it wasn't just him! All of his companions were dead set on discovering the truth even if they had to torture every thief in this complex. It wasn't hard to pinpoint exactly when him and his allies had a change of heart -being betrayed by Fartelemous, the harbormaster, Vanthus- all of it was still fresh on their minds. Had he not thought Lavinia was a potential mate, he might consider her to be coming for his throat. He still might, especially since she utterly ignored his eye.

He refocused his mind at the task at hand and doubled back into the hall with Angati's magical light. He began to open each cell, attempting to remain as quiet as possible -but still not worried about anyone coming to threaten them- resigned to find anything meant to be found. No stone was left unturned. It kept him busy -he wasn't much for torture and the nervous anticipation permeating his companions made him uncomfortable.

---

1 Hero Point for the GM!

OOC: Correct



The thief stares at the merchant in alarm, his eyes wide with fear and his arms straining at his bonds.

Merchané stands at the foot of the rack, his hands hanging at his side. "Go on," he snarls in a low, menacing voice. "Tell her my name. I FRAKKING DARE YOU TO!"

The thief whispers into Celene lowered ear, never taking his eyes off the 'merchant'. "Kersh Reftun, master torturer," the man whispers in a barely audible tone drawn tight in terror.

"Die you frakken traitor!" roars Kersh as launches himself at the terrified thief lying helpless and bound on the floor. The torturer moves to get his hands around the man's neck and deliver a coup-de-grave.

OOC: He has the necessary feats to do this with his bare hands.

OK, Celene, Angati, Kassius and Kibeti may react, if they wish to, before the coup-de-grace is attempted.


Updated map

Angati reacted quickly summoning her will and projecting it onto the man making himself pass for a merchant, trying to make him cower in fear.

---

Free : | Swft : | Move :   | Stnd : Cast Cause Fear DC15

Misfortune ad-lib.

---

HP: 28 |  AC: 19 | CMD : 14 | Saves: 3/2/3

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs : Time Flicker
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : 4/4
  L1 Spells : 5/6 Cure Light Wounds, Protect from evil, Cause Fear, Ill Omen (dual cursed),Divine Favour
  Abilities : Misfortune, Starlight Agility (dodge), Time Flicker (2/3 minutes blur).

Kersh's demeanour changes in mid stride and he suddenly starts shaking with uncontrollable fear. The man barrels over the bound thief and crashes over the barricade, trying to reach the door on the far side (the normal door to the NE, not the secret one).

He somehow manages to avoid steeping on a caltrop - just blind luck probably - opens the door and steps inside the little room on the other side. Those of you in the 'guestroom' can see that it contains a bed and a few other small pieces of furniture.

The bound thief on the floor screams he willingness to assist in anyway possible.

OOC: He is now 'friendly' :P

Updated map. To be fair the other characters should've gotten a chance to react last round as well, but I thought this way more fun.

"Right, friend, first off, who were you expecting here? It was quite a party you had arranged. Surely not for us, but then who?", Celene starts off.

Depending on the answers, she goes on to ask "Did one of the snipers from the well get back here before us? And did he run further back? I gather that prison corridor leads further into the complex. You know, perhaps you SHOULD draw us a map."

Alohan continues to search the rooms, unaware of what was transpiring behind him. Either that or he cared little, knowing his friends would holler if he was needed. He continued to open cell doors, now not particularly caring how loud he was being. He even broke out in song, rumbling in his native language in a deep baritone. "Nou e kawaipunahele ku`u lei aloha mae `ole. Pili hemo`ole, pili pa`a pono, e huli ho`i käua, e kawaipunahele"

---

Perform: I felt this 20 in my bones... I guess Alohan should take a level of bard since this is the first roll above a 12 in a lonnnnnng while.
19:26, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 20 using 1d20 ((20))  Performing song.

Kibeti just raises an eyebrow in surprise as the torturer leaps to assault his fellow thief, then runs away and cowers in terror. The great cat seems to think all of this is of incredibly amusing, and leans down on his haunches to watch, his blue eyes sparkling with mischievous amusement.

Kassius seems less bemused and more angered then his companion does, and knocks an arrow, considering. Finally, seeing the man cowering in fear and unwilling to attack a defenseless man, Kassius relaxes slightly, but does not let the arrow go. Instead, he keeps it aimed and ready, should Kersh do anything more threatening than whine piteously.

Readied action to shoot Kersh if he does anything threatening or aggressive.

"Let's go in and tie him up while we can... it won't be for lack of shackles and chains in this place" said Angati as she took some some shackles. Moving with care she opened the door, and threw them  at the man.

"Put them on, if you know whats good for your life".

OOC: Not sure what I need to roll on this if anything.

Logan could do nothing but stare in mute fascination as the merchant/torturer lunged forward.  Luckily, his allies proved of more able mind than he, and the situation was quickly resolved.

"Angati, that was amazing!"  The rogue shook his head.  "I've never seen anyone react that fast!"

Then the rogue settled in to listen to the turned Lotus Dragon.

OOC: Sorry, but I am going to judge that he wouldn't comply. He is terrified of you, but wants to escape more than anything and putting chains on is not going to help with that.

The master torturer is backed in the corner of the bed room, and raises his fists when the oracle also enters the room. "Stay... stay back you witch!" he cries.



"You face is like the sun shining on the cresting waves, oh..."



But Kersh shows he can also move fast as the magical energies of the spell dissipate and he springs forward to throw a lightning fast punch at Angati. The old oracle flinches and it is enough to move the impact point of the blow onto her armour and dissipate the energy.

20:25, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Kersh unarmed attack.

OOC: Dang. Missed by one.




"...salty like the ocean, salty like your sea..."

TWANG! Kassius' bow sings as an arrow sinks into Kersh's thigh. The man screams and reaches to one side to grasp at the bloody shaft. His had never even makes it to the fletching. Kibeti flies over the bed and tackles the man to the ground. The torturer's started cry is silenced by a loud CRUNCH from the great cat.



"...in the hula, ho! The mighty hula, I see your..."



"########" (censored as this game is not even mature, let alone adult)



OOC: Sadly Alohan finds nothing but empty cells and his wonderful song is therefore witnessed by no-one but the bed bugs. Zero XP awarded.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:53, Fri 04 Dec 2015.

The thief, stunned by the speed and efficiency with which the second in command of the Lotus Dragons just got taken down, leaps to answer.

"We weren't expecting anyone, but we have a 'viewing gallery' behind an illusionary wall in the cauldron - that's the underground lake you dropped into. There is always someone on guard there to check that only guildsman are entering."



"There were three men on duty. Yes, of course one of them got back and warned us - I assume all three got back and everybody has been warned. Okay, okay. I'll draw you a map if you untie my hands."

The man tries to control his trembling hands and draws a map on a piece of parchment supplied by Celene. It isn't a work of art, but he seems to have done his best to show everything he knows about the entire Lotus Dragon complex.


Here it is. Any questions?

During all this Alohan returns from his fruitless search of the jail cells. Neither the 'guestroom' (torture chamber) or Kersh's room have been searched yet.

Alohan was about to break into his second verse when he waltzed back into the 'guestrooms' and discovered Kibeti ravaging the poor merchant. A look of horror spread across his face... Angati looked at the scene with disgusted pleasure and Celene was too busy playing arts and crafts with a bounded thief. Kassius and Logan were both looking on with indifference and only Alohan had a feeling of alarm. He knew escorting the merchant out of the dungeons would be difficult but at least he never thought about killing the man! Or maybe everyone's blatant mistrust of the merchant proved useful. Maybe he was just another cultist.

"He be lookin' at ya lady garments Angati?" he asked, curiously. >"What he be doin' ta suffa so?"

"He was actually the master torturer in disguise..." said Angati as matter of fact "... but Kibeti and Kassius did short work of him". She paused as if something important had just come to her mind "By the way... that was you singing back there? it was a very very beautiful song... I didnt know you had such a voice".

"Oh well", she said turning back to the thief... "we still have some matters to settle... pray tell me, is there any password that we should know or any traps or monsters that we should be aware of ?... and were would they be ?"

Angati would wait on the answer on this one as well as any other questions that the others may have for him, and then say "Listen... you do know Vanthus right ?... well, he is planning a big scale betrayal, he ratting all of you out, he has already gained control of the docks, and killed all that opposed him from the Santos family, he will be marrying a girl there and employing the rest of the family as his retinue... you are dead weight to him, and his door to buying a good reputation with the authorities.... now. All that is a fact... our doubts lie with regards to the lady leading this lucrative organisation of yours... is she working hand in hand with him ? or is she also going to betray you like rats ?..."

"Would she have any quick ways of disposing of you that you'd know ?.... hmmm anyway, so... what I am trying to get onto is... how many of your friends might be willing to save their skin if you gave them fair warning of whats coming to them ?. You have seen we are not kidding around, and you will see also that we keep our word, we have come to settle matters with Vanthus, and the lady leading the Lotus Dragons only if she is aligned with Vanthus... although you probably don't want to be asking her first hand".

"To us one more to fight and kill or one less... means nothing. But you, you might have friends in there, and... maybe you can just slip out quietly with them safe them from being either ratted out by Vanthus or killed by us, and no one would be the wiser... and... well, these friends of you here... well, they will know all the information you have given us, so..." she chuckled "well, let's say that its probably in your best interest that this gets all dismantled before your bosses learn about it... what say you ?"

OOC: Ugh. Old lady hitting on handsome young native man!



The thief scratches his head. "They're ain't no traps on the inside - that would be dangerous for us while we moved around during the day. And there ain't any other beasts down here, just old Cruncher," he looks down the corridor at the big mound of fur that had been the giant worg, "Oh, except the Lotus Lady's dragon of course! Heh heh!"

"Look, I did my bit. So you're gunna let me go, right?" The thief looks from side to side, aware that now he has handed over all his information he is of no further value to the party. "My name is Shefton, Shefton Rosk, and I'm just a poor Shadowshore boy who's trying to make a big of money and find steady work, ya know?" The thief looks up at Angati nervously and she realises that he isn't that old - only early twenties. He has messy shoulder length black hair that falls over the back of his leather armour, and very dirty hands that he keeps wiping on his also very dirty vest. "Fair's fair, right?"



Shefton looks up and thinks. "Huh? Oh, yeah, I know Vanthus. He's that pretty boy that her Ladyship's been been messing around with for a while. She likes a pretty face, does the Lady Lotus. But... heh... you're dead wrong about the rest! It's us that have taken control of the docks, ain't it! And taken out the Harbourmaster and the Santos family. I hear that Kersh dealt with the old man of the harbour himself - that can't have been pretty."

"Vanthus betray us? I don't know. Maybe... But the Lotus Lady reckons we've got half the watches in the city in our pocket and lots of important folk, I don't see what he could do. Haven't seen him around for a couple of days anyway..."

"As for the Lotus Lady turning us in <shrug> she needs us to do the head bashing, who else will do it for her?!" Shefton runs his hands through his greasy black hair and then gives it a good scratch.



"Well... if ya mess up in the Lotus Dragons then you get 'demoted'. That means you get fed to Cruncher, but I guess that won't be happening anymore. Sure, if you manage to tie any single Lotus Dragon up, we'll spill our guts rather than be tortured to death!" Shefton looks across at the desecrated bodies of his former comrades on the rack and in the iron maiden. "But no, I ain't got no friends you need to give fair warning to. We're all in it for ourselves, fair's fair."



Shefton looks down at the floor glumly. "I ain't got to beef with you lot. And now that I've gone and done the dirty on the Lotus Dragons it best for me if you win. But I ain't got no magical trick to make the rest of give up or change sides. They are gunna fight, and fight hard. No, fair's fair. Let me go!"

Angati nodded, "Fair is fair then Shefton... you go first then... if everyone is ok with that here... and I don't think they will oppose... stairs are just right here, according to your map.... Does the lady always keep the dragon with her ?".

OOC: I suppose we wake the others and tell them to leave too in exchange for their lives ...

"<snigger> Yeah, 'Gut-tugger', that's what he calls himself, is around most of the time. You know he's not a real dragon, right? He's some sort of midget dragon, or maybe just a baby one. I dunno, doesn't look that dangerous although his claws are right sharp enough."

The other two sleeping thieves are woken, and after some initial alarm, they are unable to hide their surprise at being allowed to go free - under dire threats of what will happen to them if they return of course. Shefton leads them to the ladder in the 'silo-room' they'd found in the 'Ring of Ruin' and then with a last proffered hand to Angati which leaves a sticky smear, scampers up the 20' of wooden ladder to freedom.

OOC: OK people, three rooms to search (the guestroom, Kersh's little bedroom and Cruncher's den) and a whole dungeon to get through. Ron suggested checking that the Ring of Ruin was clear before advancing further into the complex. Any thoughts?

OOC: Yes... I think we need to do 2 things first. Check the rooms that we haven't checked, and then find and block the secret passage, so that they cannot come from the back to us while we are doing the ring...

I do think however, that it might be better to do the opposite... they won't be expecting that we know the secret passage. So... lets block the entrance to this torture room, and lets take the secret passage... I think that would be more sensible... if we take the ring first, even if we do it very nicely we will be using up resources before getting to the big fight... I'd rather be as fresh as possible, and count on their moral going down if we take their lead.