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06:12, 2nd May 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded.

Posted by The RaconteurFor group 0
The Raconteur
GM, 286 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Fri 22 Nov 2013
at 07:13
  • msg #1

Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


You awoke in the morning to find the town of Sandpoint as yet un-menaced by invaders, goblin or otherwise.  The skies are clear, the breeze is blowing in off the ocean, and the weather is glorious.  You hear the murmuring of the crowd in the taproom and the sound of the kitchen putting together what you are sure is a fine breakfast.  Outside in the street workers are heading through the streets and merchants are beginning to open for business.  The sound of Sandpoint is largely the sound of disciplined, productive people going about their ordinary lives.

After you dress, you make your way down the stairs to discover that the Rusty Dragon isn't quite operating at peak efficiency.  You are not sure what it is, but it seems that the service is somewhat off and the staff is out of sorts.  When you ask around about what the matter might be, it seems that no one has been able to find Ameiko Kaijitsu.  When one of the staff members went to wake her they found her room empty and her bed un-slept-in.  From what you are given to understand, this is very unusual for Ameiko, and her employees seem worried . . .


Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 181 posts
Former Red Shirt
Fri 22 Nov 2013
at 07:52
  • msg #2

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan was up before the dawn attempting to rig up us new equipment in such a fashion as to not impede his movement. He had managed to hook his new crossbow to his belt from a ring, the leather tether  keeping the short pistol gripped weapon dangling at about the right height. The flail had been coiled up to one side while his dagger remained where it had been before. The new set up felt heavy but he was sure that he would become used to in time.

He took a stroll over to the garrison for a quick warm up on the training pell, the sounds of the impacts from his pole axe echoing in the foggy morning glow. That accomplished he took a stroll around the perimeter of the city before coming back to the inn to check in with his friends. When he heard tell that Ameiko had not been seen, he grew obviously concerned. He was sure that the others would want to go and check on her and as such he went to go find them immediately.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 14:33, Fri 22 Nov 2013.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 308 posts
The Gnome!
Fri 22 Nov 2013
at 14:26
  • msg #3

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Maybe not today, but definitely soon."  That's what Ameiko had said.  Pisca woke to the new day with the thought that this today, into which she had now awoken, was not the today to which the troubled keeper of the Rusty Dragon had been referring to when she had said it.  As such, this today may very well qualify as the vague but enticing soon.

She pursued her toilet with brisk efficiency and then dressed quickly for the day.  Today, Pisca left the hat behind, opting instead for the headscarf to bind back her strawberry blond curls.  Using her new steel mirror, Pisca pinned her Gold Badge of Protector Status to the headscarf, positioning it up and to the left at a jaunty angle.  Things to do today.  But the gnome paused at the door.  She turned, and with a look of hesitation, glanced back at her hat.  "Don't look at me like that," she said to the forlorn piece of headgear.  "You might not even be real."

Today was to be a day of many tasks.  People to see.  Questions to ask.  Things to investigate.  And, this evening, maybe ...  But it was not to be.  Things wandered off-plan from very near the beginning.

"Stomper, she's gone," said the gnome when Kellan arrived with the news that Pisca herself had just discovered.  "Ameiko is gone."

"She must have left -or have been taken- last night," she said when shown to the room of Ameiko Kaijitsu.  "When's the last time anyone remembers seeing her?" Pisca asked of the staff.  "And is there anybody here who knows this room well?  Can you tell me if there's anything that you think is missing?"
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 190 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Fri 22 Nov 2013
at 17:16
  • msg #4

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato entered the Rusty Dragon, as surprised as everyone else to learn that Ameiko was missing.  His mind immediately plunged into thought.  There were so many explanations.  First, of course, was her father.  Had the old man sought revenge?  Whether or not the rumors about killing his wife were true, he certainly could fall into powerful rages.  But it seemed unlikely such a thing could happen here without disturbing anyone else.  Cato looked around the room, wondering if any of the customers of the inn might have heard anything.  What else could it be?

Lost in thought, he almost bumped into Kellan.  Which was quite a feat in and of itself, since Cato had not heard the jangling made by the walking arsenal.  Pisca was right beside the guardsman, and seemed to be likewise already pursuing questions similar to Cato's.

While Pisca asked her questions, Cato went around to the patrons of the inn, and asked those who had stayed at the inn if they heard anything unusual during the night.  He debated keeping it quiet, but the disappearance of a popular, public figure like Ameiko wouldn't stay quiet no matter what they tried.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 278 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 9/9
Fri 22 Nov 2013
at 22:26
  • msg #5

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The new morning found Liseth in much higher spirits than the one previous.  She still felt some distress over the fact that Katrine made no attempt to contact her yesterday; but had decided that the other girl simply needed a little time to cool off.  Liseth hoped that Katrine merely needed a little time to cool off.  Seeking her out might just make Katrine feel harried and get her even more angry.

Liseth dressed in her white robe and greeted the sunrise with her morning prayers.  The first thing pressing on her mind was still Katrine, of course, and Liseth continued to pray for her.  She prayed that Katrine was in no danger from her illicit relationship, that everything would work out for the better for her, and that she didn't harbor any ill will towards Liseth.  The young acolyte then prayed for the safety of Sandpoint, success in their investigation, peaceful rest for Father Tobayn despite the abduction of his remains, and reconciliation between Ms Kaijitsu and her father.  Finally, following through on her promise, she prayed for a safe journey for Sheriff Hemlock and Mr Foxglove on their trip to Magnimar and success in the Sheriff's attempt to acquire assistance from the city's garrison; followed by a prayer for the safety of Shalelu Andosana and success in her own investigation into the goblins.

When she met the others and finally heard the morning's startling news, Liseth was just as surprised as everybody else.  Ms Kaijitsu was gone?  The fact that her room was still organized meant that it couldn't have been goblins hiding in her closet.  That was good.  But what could have happened?

"Maybe Ms Kaijitsu left last night with Ms Andosana?"  Liseth dutifully followed Pisca and Kellan as they went to investigate; letting Cato ask the patrons what they had heard.  "Didn't she say that she used to do some heroing, years ago?  Like an adventurer?"  Liseth liked this explanation.  Not only would it mean that nothing bad had happened, but that Ms Kaijitsu was with Shalelu Andosana; so she would have to be safe.  "She could want to clear her head after what happened and decided to help out with the investigation.  Although it is strange that she wouldn't tell anyone.  Unless she didn't want to be talked out of it."

Liseth really hoped that she was right.  If not, it could mean any number of bad things.
The Raconteur
GM, 287 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Sat 23 Nov 2013
at 05:47
  • msg #6

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


As you talked to the patrons and the staff, it was clear that no one had heard anything and that they were all as mystified as you were; speculation ran rampant.  That is, until a timid elderly Halfling woman approached the group.  She smiled hesitantly at Pisca, whom she apparently found less intimidating due to their shared smaller stature.  She was obviously upset and asked to speak to the party somewhere in private.

The group moved to Ameiko's room and closed the door.  The woman looked down as she began to speak, when she looked up again you could see there were tears in her eyes.

“My name is Bethana Corwin.  I'm Ameiko's maid.  When I got up earlier this morning, Ameiko wasn't in the kitchen starting breakfast for the first time since I can remember.  I was concerned, so I knocked on her door, but I didn’t get a response.  I normally wouldn’t do this, but I was worried so I went into her room and found her bed unslept in.  I also found this,” she held up a crumpled piece of parchment, “near the bed.”

Bethana handed you the note, but as it was written in Minkaian none of you could make heads nor tails of it.  As you passed the note back and forth in confusion, the Halfling continued.  “I think it was written that way in order to keep prying eyes from reading it.  But Ameiko has been teaching me the language  over the past few years.  If you look on the other side,” she pointed at the document, “you can see my translation.”  The old woman looked proud of herself.

When you flipped the paper over, you found the following translation written in common:

Hello, Sis!

I hope this letter finds you well, and with some free time on your hands, because we’ve got something of a problem.  It’s to do with father.  Seems like he might have had something to do with Sandpoint’s recent troubles with the goblins, and I didn’t want to bring the matter to the authorities because we both know he’d just weasel his way out of it.  You’ve got some pull here in town, though.  If you can meet me at the Glassworks at midnight tonight, maybe we can figure out how to make sure he faces the punishment he deserves.  Knock twice and then three times more and then once ore at the delivery entrance and I’ll let you in.

In any case, I don’t have to impress upon you the delicate nature of this request.  If news got out, you know these local rubes would assume that you and I were in on the whole thing too, don’t you?  They’ve got no honor at all around these parts.  I still don’t understand you can stand to stay here.

Anyway, don’t tell anyone about this.  There are other complications as well, ones I’d rather talk to you in person about tonight.  Don’t be late.

All my love,

Tsuto

The Halfling maid looks at you with frightened eyes, but an flicker of hope begins to dawn in them as she looked at you.  “I know what you did against the goblins during the Festival,” she says.  “I was hoping you’d be able to help Ameiko.  “Her father and brother have been at each other’s throats for years.  I don’t want her caught in the middle.”  She wrung her hands.  “I just want her home safe.”


Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 282 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Sat 23 Nov 2013
at 23:30
  • msg #7

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The last thing that Liseth ever expected was that somebody would find her stature intimidating.  But then, even as small as she was, Liseth imagined that she must look as big to a Halfling as someone like Kellan is to her.  She never thought about things that way before.  However, that all seemed unimportant right now considering the particular news that Ms Corwin was bringing them.

Liseth's feelings were mixed after everyone had a chance to read the translated note.  On the one hand, it meant that Ms Kaijitsu had not been abducted.  And that she had not left with Ms Andosana after all.  But that didn't mean that she wasn't in danger.  It didn't sound from his letter that her brother wanted to harm Ms Kaijitsu; but if what he said about Lord Kaijitsu being involved with the goblins was true then anything might happen.  Especially after that display he put on within the Rusty Dragon the other night.

"I don't like what's in the letter," Liseth did look very concerned; especially given the amount of fright being displayed by Ms Corwin.  The Halfling obviously knew more about Ms Kaijitsu's family than the young acolyte did, "Could Lord Kaijitsu really have had something to do with the goblins?  Isn't he the head of one of the five founding families?"

"Also, I don't think that it is nice of Ms Kaijitsu's brother to say that everyone in Sandpoint is an honorless rube.  That's just rude.  But what could these other complications be that he mentions at the end?"  Liseth looked over the letter's translation once more, running her finger over the last paragraph, "He seemed to think that it is important Ms Kaijitsu come see him right away."  Liseth frowned, "You don't think that he would drag her along on some kind of scheme that he already planned out, do you?  Surely Ms Kaijitsu wouldn't do something like that just to get back at her father for what he did the other night.  Right?"  Liseth didn't sound entirely certain; compounded by the fact that the proprietor of the Rusty Dragon had not yet returned from the meeting with her brother.

"I just want to see Ms Kaijitsu home safe too, Ms Corwin."  Liseth reassured the distraught old Halfling as best she could.  Trying her best to not sound condescending.  "She is one of the nicest ladies that I've met here in Sandpoint.  Besides,"  Liseth looked around at all of the others, "If this does have something to do with the goblins, we have to investigate.  We promised the Sheriff that we would keep everyone safe while he was gone.  And," She indicated the letter one final time, "I'm sure that if Ms Kaijitsu didn't want someone to follow her, she would not have left her brother's letter behind as a clue."  That last part sounded hopeful on Liseth's part.  Her last attempt to help with another person's affairs ended disastrously; the girl hoped that Ms Kaijitsu wouldn't feel that they were interfering or meddling by trying to help her too.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 193 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Sun 24 Nov 2013
at 02:49
  • msg #8

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato's face took on a grim expression as he read the translated note.  Lord Kaijitsu involved with the goblins?!  It defied the imagination.  Then Cato's face took on even more of a puzzled expression.  It did in fact defy the imagination.  Something else was going on here.  What reason would one of the founding families of Sandpoint have to stage an attack on the town?  From everything Cato had heard, the family's glass-blowing business was nothing short of extraordinary.  So Lonjiku would have no obvious reason to hire goblins to attack the town...

But someone else did.

Cato stopped suddenly, a horrified realization plainly evident on his face.  He swallowed, trying to speak.

"We..."

He stopped, and swallowed again.

"Of course, Ms. Corwin.  The Sheriff entrusted us with the safety of the town.  This is something we must immediately look into."

Cato waited, the seconds crawling by as his companions spoke with the helpful halfling.  Finally, their conversation trailed off and he was able to speak to his companions in private after Bethana left the room.

"Of course we have to investigate this as soon as possible.  But we're walking into something dangerous.  I don't think there's any reason for Lonjiku to ally with the goblins to attack Sandpoint.  He's got too much tied up with the town.  It'd be like Mayor Deverin or Sheriff Hemlock destroying the town.  Whatever he might gain, he'd lose the Glassworks, and the workforce, and the trade caravans that carry his goods to Magnimar and Korvosa.  It doesn't make any sense for him to do this."

Cato looked around at his companions, his face taking on a serious cast.

"But you know who might hold a grudge against this town?  Who would be glad to see it hurt, and its honored dead defiled?  Someone who fled town, never to be seen again.  Who holds one of the founding fathers responsible for his Mother's death.  Someone like Tsuto.  Now, maybe he does want to get his sister out of Sandpoint before something else bad comes this way.  Maybe he even tried to get his father to leave, which is why the man was so upset the other night.  But something's going on with Tsuto, and I think we need to be extraordinarily careful when we investigate the Glassworks."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:50, Sun 24 Nov 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 183 posts
Former Red Shirt
Sun 24 Nov 2013
at 10:00
  • msg #9

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

 Kellan thanked Bethana several times for her willingness to come forward, and her translation of the note before seeing her to the door and assuring her that everything possible would be done to see Ameiko home safe. With the halfling on her way Kellan turned to listen to Cato's synopsis, nodding here and there at his points.

"Sounds about right to me" he agreed, crossing his arms. "No reason for Lonjiku to suddenly get a bur in his craw, Tsuto on the other hand...chased out of town in the first place, now he is writing letters and back in the area." He shook his head "I don't like it"

He sighed softly "I see no reason not to head over right away, unless anybody has another idea?" Looking around as he asked.

The thought of a local organizing goblins against the town caused Kellan's blood to run hot. How would a person get so broken? So lost that they would rather treat with bloodthirsty monsters over decent folk. It just made no sense to him,
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 311 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 14:39
  • msg #10

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Halflings were so cute.  "Thank you, Bethana.  It was very brave of you to bring this to our attention."  Pisca embraced the elderly halfling lightly and with affection, and in doing so, it came to the gnome how good it was to hug and be hugged by someone who was of a Right-Size.  It had been a year or more since she had said goodbye to Aunt Hattie.  That had been the last time.  Since then, it had been life among the Bigguns.  The thought echoed with loneliness, and, it woke in Pisca a many faceted pang of longing for the crowded streets of Kaer Maga.  And so it was with a bit of wistfulness that the gnome released the halfling and turned to the letter left by Ameiko Kaijitsu.

Pisca turned the letter over and over, and then over again, examining each side many times after turning Bethana Corwin over to Liseth for greater comfort and reassurance.  "Yes, we'll get her back, Bethana," Pisca said, buttressing the human girl's optimism.  She took the elder halfling's hands and guided her to a low box upon which she could sit.  "But we'll need just a little bit more help from you, alright?"

"How long have you been working for Ameiko?  That is to say, how much do you know about her brother Tsuto?  Was he a big man?  Did he train in weapons?  Did he ever show a talent for magic?  Can you describe him to us?"

"I don't necessarily want to lay accusations at his feet before we know much more about him, but from the letter alone, I don't think I like him very much.  And you're familiar with Ameiko's room, right?  Do you see anything missing here?  I'm thinking in particular of weapons and armor.  That, in and of itself would be telling.  If Ameiko went armed and ready to meet her brother.  If not ... if she didn't, and Ameiko has weapons and armor, maybe we should take it along.  Stomper, you can carry it, can't you?  She may want it once we find her."

"Oh, and Bethana?"  Pisca held up the letter.  "Do you mind if I keep this?"  Even in the midst of the concern and speculation that swarmed around the missing owner of the Rusty Dragon, it did not escape the gnome that what she held in her hand was a partial key to the Minkai language.

"Thank you."  Along with Kellan, the gnome walked the halfling to the door of Ameiko's room.  The looks on the faces of the others spoke to thoughts best spoken in private.  "We'll need a moment alone to discuss our preparations.  And, if you could look about the Rusty Dragon and see if everything is in order, we'd appreciate it.  None of us know much about running an inn, and I think that it would ease our minds just that little bit more to know that the daily operations here are in hand while we fetch back Ameiko."

"Yes, I think so too, Cato," agreed the gnome once the four of them were alone.  "A goblin massacre of Sandpoint would be decidedly bad for Lonjiku's business.  It doesn't make any sense for him to ally with the goblins.  Unless ... "  And here the gnome raised the Finger of Dramatic Emphasis™.  "Unless he did so under duress.  In which case, it would not be unreasonable to think that he might be driven near mad with guilt, would it?  A guilt that might cause him to lash out with irrational fury at three innocent humans and a gnome who just happened to be the heroes of the goblin attack.  Yes.  I think this explains a lot."

"But, where I think you're right about Tsuto, I also think that you're wrong.  Whereas a single human might build so much hate in him to drive him to work with goblins against his own people, gobbies, on the other hand, wouldn't accept a hummie so easily.  It takes power to make gobbies work together.  Enough power to create the fear that drives them to discipline.  There would have to be enough power there for them to overlook the fact that Tsuto is a human.  Or even a half-human half-elf.  There just seems something wrong here.  There seems like there should be something more.  We're not talking a small band of goblins here.  We're talking about all five tribes of the Lost Coast!"

"And I wonder what Tsuto would have wanted with Father Tobayn's body?" she mused.  "Well, we're not going to find out by standing around here.  Lets look in at the Glassworks.  If the meeting was scheduled for midnight we're several hours behind.  I only hope that what Tsuto had planned for Ameiko didn't involve killing her right away.  I only hope we're in time."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Mon 25 Nov 2013.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 288 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Mon 25 Nov 2013
at 23:29
  • msg #11

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Her feigned optimism vanished once Ms Corwin left and everyone made their comments.  Liseth deflated at all of the sense that they were making; it did seem very unlikely that Lord Kaijitsu would have anything to do with the goblins.  And this mysterious Tsuto Kaijitsu showing up now of all times, and specifically mentioning the goblin attack...well, it made him very suspect, to say the least.

"I can't imagine any reason that Ms Kaijitsu's brother would go to the extra trouble of stealing Father Tobayn's remains.  He would probably be more interested in his own family; he even put in his letter that he thinks that the people here are a bunch of rubes.  I don't think that he would care about anyone else here, let alone even think to sneak into the Boneyard and take the priest."  Liseth sighed, everything kept getting worse and worse, "Which means that, if he did have something to do with the goblins, then he wouldn't be alone.  There has to be another person, or even a group of wicked people, each with their own reason for wanting to hurt Sandpoint."

A frown found its way onto Liseth's face when Pisca mentioned that Ms Kaijitsu's brother might even intend to kill her; or could have even done so already.  "He couldn't do that...murder Ms Kaijitsu.  She's his sister."  The words came out in a whisper and the girl rubbed her hands together nervously.  "We have to hurry."

"Should we go to the Cathedral first?  If things are...bad, I might need my new Healer's Kit..."
The Raconteur
GM, 292 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 04:23
  • msg #12

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


"Oh!"  Bethana looks back and forth as the idea that Tsuto might have hurt Ameiko is broached.  "That can't be it at all!"

"Now, there is no question that Mr. Tsuto CAN be very rude," the old halfling agreed with Liseth, "but I can't believe he would do ANYTHING to harm Miss Ameiko!"  She shook her head emphatically, then paused.  "I CAN, however, believe he would do something to his father.  His father is a mean, spiteful man who has never given Tsuto anything but hatefulness."

The woman's eyes glazed over as she recalled events from the past. "Tsuto was born a year before Miss Ameiko, and it was something of a scandal, let me tell you!"  The woman was losing some of her shyness now that she was relating events obviously unknown to some of her listeners.  "Because Tsuto is a HALF-ELF," she went on with big eyes and an conspirator's voice, "and NEITHER Mr. or Mrs. Kaijitsu had ANY elven blood at all!"

She looked slightly disappointed, as if this revelation should have elicited more of a reaction from her audience.

"I can't describe Mr. Kaijitsu's fury when he discovered poor Tsuto's heritage; it's only a testament to what a stubborn old bastard that man is that he remained married to Mrs. Kaijitsu at all.  But that stubborness did NOT extend to Tsuto.  Lonjiku HATED that child.  He actually gave him up to the Turandarok Academy to be raised outside the family!"  Bethana looked sad.  "He forbade the boy's mother to see him and completely ignored the child himself."

"The ONLY family Tsuto EVER really had was Ameiko.  She found out about him when she was about ten or so and started visiting him at the Academy in secret, always bringing him food, or clothes, or some other useful present, and promising him that someday it would all get sorted out.  I was a housekeeper at the Kaijitsu mansion back then," she said proudly, "and I helped that girl see her brother.  They really loved each other, despite their father's best efforts to banish Tsuto from the family.  I think,"  she said with a catch in her voice,  "I think she was the only person Tsuto EVER loved."

"Ameiko had a huge argument with her father about Tsuto.  That's when she left to become an adventurer.  She returned to Sandpoint a year later to attend her mother's funeral.  Tsuto was QUITE public with his accusations that Mr. Kaijitsu had PUSHED his mother off a cliff to her death.  When Tsuto confronted Lonjiku with these allegations during the ceremony, Lonjiku hauled off and nearly broke the lad's jaw with his cane!"

"At that point, Tsuto cursed his father and left town.  Miss Ameiko has tried to establish contact with him ever since, but that," she pointed at the letter, "is the first response she's had, to my knowledge.  Oh, you're welcome to keep it, Miss Pisca.  Just don't lose it."

The halfling looked worriedly at the assembled group.  "I'm afraid of what Tsuto might have planned for Lonjiku.  And I'm afraid he might try to get Miss Ameiko caught up in it.  As you could see from their fight, she has no real love for her father either.  I myself can't believe that ANYONE has ever loved that man."  She tsked.  "But he drove Tsuto to a rage, and the boy is CONVINCED that Lonjiku killed his mother.  Who knows to what lengths he might go to settle that score?"

"To answer your questions," the woman nodded at Pisca, "Tsuto was never involved in magic, to my knowledge.  Nor was he a big man.  He looked a lot like Ameiko, except for the pointy ears and his wild hairstyles."  She smiled in remembrance.  "I think he did that just to annoy Lonjiku.  But he was a slender boy.  Now, I haven't seen him in years, so who knows what he's been up to?  But his father certainly never gave him any sort of weapons training, and he didn't learn any at the orphanage, as far as I know."

She allowed herself to be escorted to the door.  "Since the Sheriff is out of town, someone needs to check out the Glassworks and see what's happened to Miss Ameiko.  She's really a good girl; I've known her since she was just a babe.  None better, really."  The old woman's eyes grew misty.  "Don't let anyone hurt her.  Please don't."

With that, the halfling seemed to age.  She hunched over and left the room, softly crooning to herself in a raspy voice that sounded as if it had once been very fine.  The song?  It sounded like an old, well-loved lullaby.


This message was last edited by the GM at 04:28, Tue 26 Nov 2013.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 315 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 14:25
  • msg #13

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Well ... " the gnome had been deep in thought as the halfling maid related some Kaijitsu family history to she and her fellow heroes of Sandpoint.  And when she rose from her cogitation what she said was, "Well, he can't have been too mad at her after Tsuto.  That is to say, they had another child not a year after.  Right?  Ameiko?  If he were really that angry they wouldn't ...  Or would they?  Maybe he ...  Or could there have been ... "

"You humans are very complex creatures," admitted the gnome finally.  Then, without segue or preamble, Pisca headed out the door.  "I'd like to stop in at the Turandorok Academy to ask about Tsuto.  It's on the way to the Glassworks, but I'm afraid we don't have time.  Doesn't sound as though Ameiko is in much trouble from Tsuto.  But if there's even a small chance that gobbies are involved, we'd better look into this right now."

"Don't you agree?" asked the gnome.  It was only at this point that Pisca realized that she had charged off ahead of everyone else and that she was now alone in the hallway.  "Where'd everybody go?"
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 185 posts
Former Red Shirt
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 14:38
  • msg #14

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan was saddened by the halflings song, he didn't understand it all, but the tone was enough to set a lump in his throat. He felt for the Kaijitsu's, far from their native land and having to deal with customs and traditions that must seem strange. The children of course, Ameiko and Tsuto would have an easier time, but Lonjiku, having an unfaithful wife, a bastard child to raise and a daughter who ran off into the unknown. It was enough to strain a man.

It was no excuse to fly off the handle of course, and he did not exactly lead a hard life with all the wealth he had gathered, but there was still something in the young Guardsman that empathized with the man. Putting these thoughts out of his mind he focused on trying to track down Amieko's gear, if none was to be found he followed shortly after Pisca.

When she mentioned that humans were confusing he smirked, speaking as they walked "Well we don't live very long, and we are useful for maybe half of that time anyway so we have to try and fit everything in all at once" he explained "From what I have heard anyway it would seem like Dwarves and Elves and the longer lived people have plenty of time to kind of figure things out and approach things on their terms...I don't think we really have that luxury"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:57, Tue 26 Nov 2013.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 195 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 18:20
  • msg #15

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato nodded at Pisca and Liseth's thoughts.  "Of course, it could be more than one person.  Maybe if we can catch Tsuto alive, he can fill us in on the identity of his mysterious allies.  But we need to get to the Glassworks first."  He looked to Liseth.  "And getting your healer's kit is probably a good idea as well.  Who knows what we'll find at the Glassworks.  Ameiko might be hurt, as well as any number of the workers who are normally there."

Cato grinned when Pisca bolted from the room.  "I think the gnome has the right idea!"  He quickly jogged out after her.  "You can surely wait for us quick-living, mysterious humans, right?"
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 291 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 22:08
  • msg #16

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

After Ms Corwin's story, Ms Kaijitsu's brother sounded even more the villain.  Not that it wasn't a horribly tragic story; in fact Liseth felt very sorry for him.  His father hated him and sent him away when he was just little, that was awful.  It wasn't his fault that he was born half-elven, even if it must have resulted from a sordid affair.  And then their confrontation at the funeral of his mother...Liseth understood why he would hate his father so much; maybe even enough to work with goblins just to hurt him as much as possible.

But she was also relieved that Ms Kaijitsu and her brother were very close.  It was very unlikely that he intended to harm her, unless he changed a lot since the last time they saw each other.  More likely, his sudden arrival and secret letter to his sister was an attempt to get Ms Kaijitsu out of Sandpoint.  Or worse...try to get her to join his, and his likely ally's, scheme.  Either of which would mean that more evil was planned for Sandpoint...

Liseth sighed sadly but didn't voice these concerns.  Partly because it was mostly based on speculation, but mostly because she didn't want to believe it.  It could still be coincidence; right?  Maybe he just happened to show up in town now because he was concerned about the goblin attack, and wanted to meet Ms Kaijitsu in the Glassworks instead of her inn because...Liseth couldn't think of an innocent reason for that.  Or why he would need to see her in secret.  She sighed again.

Following as everyone left the room in which they were conversing, Liseth couldn't understand how they were so cheerful.  All that she could feel was a worried knot tying up her insides.  The girl really hoped that Ms Kaijitsu was safe, but considering the tone of the events over the last several days she couldn't stop imagining all of the worst scenarios.

"Will we have enough time to visit the Cathedral for my medicine kit?"  She understood that they needed to hurry, "I think that it is really far out of the way, and I'm not very fast..."  Following at the rear of the group, Liseth decided to continue softly along the same train of thought, "Maybe someone could run to the Cathedral to get the kit and my knapsack?  Then meet us at the Glassworks..."  She looked between Cato and Kellan; both were much bigger, stronger, and faster than she was.  But the girl wouldn't impose by asking them directly.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 196 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 22:45
  • msg #17

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

In reply to Liseth Thoradin (msg # 16):

Cato had taken a half-dozen large strides before realizing he was rapidly outpacing the gnome and Liseth. He turned back towards the pair, face red with embarrassment. "Liseth, I forgot about your..." The wizard's face reddened even more as he struggled for the right word. "That is, I should have remembered..."  If possible, the wizard's face keep darkening, becoming almost purple.

He settled for strict formality, relying on social codes to guide his words. "My lady, I would be honored if you allow me to retrieve your healing kit and knapsack from the Cathedral. I will meet you at the Glassworks when I have completed my appointed tasks."  Cato managed a quick formal bow, and after receiving Liseth's response, jogged quickly towards the Cathedral.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 319 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 26 Nov 2013
at 23:45
  • msg #18

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Pisca had been frowning as Liseth spoke.  But, as was true with all things, the most common interpretation was not necessarily the correct one.  The gnome nodded, grim and with a dramatic gravity.  "You're right, Lysa.  We shouldn't rush into this.  A few moments of preparation might mean the difference between life and death.  We should make sure that we're all prepared."

"Let me get some things from upstairs.  Then we'll all go to the cathedral for Lysa's things together."

"Maybe that will throw them off," said the gnome with a wry and devious grin.  "We can come down from the north.  Sneak up on them."  Then Pisca dashed up the stairs and to her room to retrieve her kits and weapons, leaving the others behind to for a few moments to imagine just how it was that one stuck up on a glass factory.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 292 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 00:03
  • msg #19

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"That's okay...it's not your fault."  Liseth looked down at the ground as her own face flushed red.  Having attention brought to her impediment always made the girl self-conscious; especially when it caused distress to other people.  She had lived with her cursed legs for her whole life, and it had taken a very long time before she learned to walk straight; so long as she went very slowly.  Running was out of the question, the best that she could manage was to galumph quickly; which often resulted in her tripping over her legs and falling to the ground if she tried to go too fast or for too long.

Her face was still red when Liseth looked up at Cato after he became so formal.  She was actually very surprised; she never expected him to talk that way.  It wasn't silly like when Kerr spoke formally to her; Cato acted as though he was accustomed to people acting in such a manner.

"Thank you Cato."  Liseth stepped forward to give him a quick hug, then stepped back to clasp her hands at her waist, "The medicine kit will be inside of my knapsack already.  It shouldn't be difficult to find in the Acolyte's Quarters."

The girl watched as the wizard ran off towards the Cathedral, then looked towards Pisca as the gnome did the same thing in the direction of her room.  She looked up at Kellan, "Um, I don't suppose that you needed to get something prepared too?"
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 187 posts
Former Red Shirt
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 06:22
  • msg #20

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan smiled softly at the acolyte and shook his head, as heavily loaded as he was he certainly did not mind the girls sedate pace. "Not this time, I got up a few hours ago and did a quick patrol around the city" he explained, hiking up the backpack to rest more squarely on his broad shoulders.

"Cato seems like good people" he commented as he heard the mages rapid footsteps leave the tavern "You all do...I, well I have not always been as devout as I should be." He licked his lips before he continued  "Erastil knows I mean well, and Abadar has a soft spot for guardsman but days get busy and I do not always pray or tithe like I should...but I have a feeling somebody someplace knew what they were doing when they put us together that day in the square"

He looked over to the girl, his head cocked a fraction "I imagine you must see things a little differently than most, being so close to the divine as you are..." He trailed off, his mail and weaponry clanking rhythmically with every boot fall.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 293 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Wed 27 Nov 2013
at 16:48
  • msg #21

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"You don't need to worry about not praying enough Kellan."  Liseth smiled weakly at the tall guardsman, "The gods aren't so petty as to expect everybody to pray to them all of the time.  They're more interested in what's in your heart.  Too many people think that they can get away with doing whatever wicked thing they want to, so long as they placate the gods with prayers and donations to their church."  She frowned, "While that's often enough to fool other people, the gods are never tricked so easily."

"The problem with seeing things differently than other people is that I don't know how everyone else sees the world."  Liseth sighed, "I can't understand why there are so many wicked people, people who would send goblins to attack a town and want to hurt other people..."  The short blonde paused, "I've always been...close to the divine.  That's almost exactly how Father Garrick described it.  But..."

Liseth looked away and trailed off into silence after straying into a topic that she didn't like speaking about.  Instead she reached up to grab Kellan's much larger hand while they walked to the rendezvous with the others.
The Raconteur
GM, 297 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Thu 28 Nov 2013
at 05:07
  • msg #22

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


The main components of glass are sand, seaweed, salt-resistant plants, and lime.  All of these are found in abundance near Sandpoint; all they awaited was someone with the technical proficiency to work those components into a finished product.  Sandpoint found such a person in Rokuro Kaijitsu, the family patriarch whose contacts and business acumen made the Kaijitsus one of the four families who founded Sandpoint and organized the Sandpoint Mercantile League.

One of the oldest industries in town, the Sandpoint Glassworks has been owned by the Kaijitsu family from the town’s inception.  It is widely renowned for the high quality of its products; the glassworking trade has been in the Kaijitsu family for generations, and many of their techniques, perfected in distant Minkai, result in dazzling and impressive works that fetch top price among the nobles of Magnimar, Korvosa, and beyond.  The Kaijitsu family knows its craft.

The Glassworks is a large stone building combining the actual factory with a shop in which potential customers can take a look at the wares before buying them.  It is a massive edifice, easily more than 60 feet wide and 150 long, with imposing, strong-looking grey stone walls that themselves look to be 20 feet high.

You arrive before lunch, but the building is curiously silent aside from the large plumes of smoke emanating from the massive furnace chimney and the distant rumble of the furnace itself.  Windows are spaced along the structure at regular intervals, but a quick investigation of the building perimeter reveals that every curtain has been drawn and that all the doors are locked.

As you investigate the building you draw curious looks from various passersby.  They are clearly wondering what interest the Sandpoint Saviors might have in the Glassworks.  One of them, a short, bulky man with a receding black hairline, approaches the group.

“Ahem.  Checking out the Glassworks, I see.”  His voice carries a note of superciliousness.   “Yes, well, I have been a neighbor to the Glassworks for decades.  And although there has been a curious lack of traffic to and from the building since the Swallowtail Festival, this is not unusual, as I keep telling everyone.”

He sighs in exasperation, taking on a tone that sounds suspiciously like one he would use to teach schoolchildren.  “Lonjiku often closes the factory so that he and his workers can have some privacy when they work on a big project.”  He makes a shooing motion with his hands.  “So you can go back to doing whatever it is you do when you’re not investigating commonplace events.”


Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 297 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Sun 1 Dec 2013
at 00:18
  • msg #23

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth stayed silent during the walk to the Glassworks building.  She was pensive after the subject of her particular abilities had been brought up; pondering yet again what the gods had planned for her.  What would it take before she ever received an answer?

It was not until everyone had gathered together at the Glassworks that the blonde acolyte broke out of her musings and began to pay attention to the building itself.  She had not known exactly what to expect, but the first thing was that it was a much larger building than she thought that it would be.  After that, Liseth was distressed to note that all of the doors were locked and all of the windows curtained off.  If Ms Kaijitsu's brother really was up to no good, that's exactly the kind of thing that he would do while plotting.  Or to keep anyone from wandering in to see what he had done before he had a chance to get away.

She kept hoping that Ms Kaijitsu was okay.  Liseth couldn't bear the thought of having to get into the Glassworks building only to find the woman hurt.  Or worse.  The girl adjusted the knapsack that Cato retrieved for her on her shoulders before starting to ask just how they were going to get inside.  Only to find herself interrupted.

Turning when they were addressed by a stout local, Liseth blinked at his words and demeanor before she absently sidled closer to Kellan and Cato.  While he didn't seem overtly hostile, the man was acting decidedly haughty.  She looked back over her shoulder at the large stone building before her eyes went back to him.

"Thank you for your advice, Sir."  Liseth felt that he was trying to be helpful in his own way, even if the man didn't know why they were actually here at the Glassworks.  "But we didn't come just because the Glassworks is locked up."  She instantly wondered just how much would be appropriate to share.  The Sheriff's words about frightening and panicking people came to mind again.

"Um...do you mind if we ask you some questions?  Since you know a lot about the Glassworks and this area."  The young blonde fidgeted; she hoped that he would want to help and not feel that he was being imposed upon.  "You didn't happen to see anybody enter or leave the Glassworks last night did you?  Maybe through the delivery entrance?  And did the usual workers arrive this morning?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:19, Sun 01 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 190 posts
Former Red Shirt
Sun 1 Dec 2013
at 18:55
  • msg #24

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan looked on the imposing building as they circled it from a distance, pole axe in hand as they walked. When approached by the man with the receding hairline Kellan looked about ready to step in and start asking questions when Liseth spoke up. Seemingly content with this option and probably convinced that the adorable girl could probably get more answers out of the man that he could, Kellan remained in the background.

Occasionally he would perk up and glance around as if making sure that nothing was amiss, but otherwise he remained on Liseth's flank.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 323 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 2 Dec 2013
at 01:15
  • msg #25

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Bostisch!"  The gnome spoke the ostensibly nonsensical word before weaving a short length of copper wire between the fingers of one hand.  That very hand stabbed a finger at first Liseth and then Cato, the two whom she guessed might be less startled to suddenly be on the receiving end of unexpected magic.  Then, "Ni, peng, and neee-wom," Pisca added with a smile at the onlooking passersby - just another of many inexplicable things that had come from the mouth of the gnome.  After having put on her performance for the curious citizens of Sandpoint, Pisca simply wandered off, leaving Liseth to engage the chatty hair-deprived human.  She was, for all intents and purposes, a gnome no longer interested in the happenings at that particular spot and off on her never ending search of another.

"Keep them busy," whispered Pisca to Liseth and Cato through the medium of her magic spell.  "I'm going to see if there's not a crack in the drapes that will let me see inside.  Or maybe some sounds coming from the other side of the windows that might strike me as other than glass blowery."

"I'll keep you abreast of what I find as I go along.  If you can whisper without moving your mouth, you can reply to me too.  Pretending that you're choking on an imaginary bone also works.  If you're not worried about a few and sundry odd looks."

With those words, the gnome left the others to creep about the outside of the Glassworks.  She listened at the windows, and occasionally rose up on her toes to see if there might be a place where she could get a look inside.

Cast Message linking Liseth and Cato.
And Bluff check vs the crowd to hide the spell casting if necessary.
Perception Check on Windows, please.
Stealth check as well.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 201 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Mon 2 Dec 2013
at 02:50
  • msg #26

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The silent face of the Glassworks instantly set Cato on edge.  It seemed highly unusual that the building was completely closed off and silent.  Cato was about to question the exasperated neighbor when Liseth started and Pisca broke off from the group.  Cato was momentarily startled as Pisca's words entered his mind, but quickly regained his composure.

Cato nodded along as Liseth finished her questions, trying to think what else he could say to keep the man distracted from Pisca.  "Yes, how long exactly has Lonjiku had the Glassworks closed this time?  How long does it take him to finish a big project?"
The Raconteur
GM, 299 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Mon 2 Dec 2013
at 06:57
  • msg #27

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


The man smiled in response to the group’s questions, seemingly pleased that they looked to have accepted his self-appointed position as Glassworks Expert.  “As I said,” he replied, looking down his nose at Liseth, “there has been a lack of traffic to the Glassworks, in or out, since the Swallowtail Festival.  That means,” he slowed down, as if certain of his listeners might need additional time to parse through his words, “that no workers arrived this morning.”

He raised an eyebrow as Pisca began spouting what he quickly dismissed as gibberish, returning his attention to those he deemed to be the more serious members of the group.

“But as I also said,” he nodded to Cato, “this is not unusual.  I have seen the place closed for up for a week or more when Lonjiku and his workers are bunkered in on a big project.”  He waved his hand at the building.  “You can hear the furnace and see the smoke, for Desna’s sake!  What else could be going on?”  The man clearly believed this to be a rhetorical question.


Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 325 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 2 Dec 2013
at 15:18
  • msg #28

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Pisca craned her neck to catch a glimpse of what might be at the bottom of the cliff down to which the ground sloped on the west side of the Glassworks.  Must be a nice view from the windows, or so thought the gnome at the same time as she considered the question of whether the height at this part of the cliff might be a gnome killing distance.

"The ... the ground on the west side of the building looks ... difficult and ... possibly dangerous," whispered the gnome through her magic.  "But there's nobody watching over here at least.  The blasted windows look too high for me to see into as well.  But ... "  Pisca mustered her courage.  Wouldn't it be just so terribly convenient now if she really could fly?  "But, I'm going to do it anyway," she said even as she inched out onto the dubious sloping ground.

"I'm moving out onto the uneven ground."  For some reason the safe ground at the far end seemed much more far-endish than it did only moments before.  "I'm going to try and rise up and look into windows where I can.  I'll ... I'll also be listening for ... for groans or cries for help that sound like they might be coming from Ameiko."

"Er ... do you think you might be able to think of a way to distract or draw the gawkers away from one of the doors?  It might take me a while, but I might be able to work one of the doors open.  When ... when I get back."

Acrobatics check for crossing the rough area.
Perception check for looking and listening.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 299 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Tue 3 Dec 2013
at 00:59
  • msg #29

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

After the time that she had spent with the gnome over the last several days, Liseth was perhaps less surprised by Pisca's nonsensical outburst than others nearby might have been.  Whatever she did must make sense to her, if no one else understood it; by now Pisca had proven herself to be nothing if not a free spirit.

But all of that didn't keep the young acolyte from some measure of startlement when the gnome's whispered voice came to her ears, after Pisca's recent departure.  Despite herself, Liseth looked to her side expecting to see her small friend still standing there.  Some sort of magic was at work.  She almost responded, but realized at the last moment that the haughty man would see her talking to nobody.  So Liseth stopped herself and brought her full attention back to him, trying to keep an ear tuned to the quiet messages being relayed by Pisca's spell.

Liseth was uncomfortable with how this man spoke to her.  Even if he wasn't aggressive, his words were still delivered in a very rude manner.  He seemed annoyed merely by the fact that she was addressing him, and his response was simply to treat her like an ignorant little girl.  The girl flushed, how was she supposed to have known any of this before?  Besides, Liseth was certain that she knew more about what might be going on inside the Glassworks than he did at the moment.

Unless he already knew about Ms Kaijitsu's brother!  This man was intent on keeping them away from the Glassworks, maybe he was in cahoots?  But it isn't nice to be suspicious of people; especially when all of your evidence was pure supposition.  Still, Liseth decided to be careful.

"Would Lord Kaijitsu unlock his door to speak with us if we knocked?  If he is inside, he might want to hear us out."  Surely Lord Kaijitsu would be concerned about his estranged son having secret meetings with his daughter.  But they were meeting inside of the nobleman's own business...did he already know?

"Or maybe we could speak with one of his workers, if they're inside."  Liseth clasped her hands and held them together at her chest, "It's very important."  Someone's life might be at stake, she almost added.  Liseth bit her lip, she wanted to tell him so that he would know why they were trying to get in to the building, but what if he went and spread around to everybody that Ms Kaijitsu was in danger?  Or even that goblins might be involved?  The Sheriff thought that it was important to keep people from panicking by hearing bad news like that, and she didn't want to disappoint him.

Though she might have to, if this man continues to hinder them; even if it is unintentionally.  Liseth wanted to believe that if he knew that Ms Kaijitsu might be in trouble within the Glassworks then he would be helping them as best he could.  For now, the young blonde merely hoped that Pisca could learn something important or helpful with her exploring.

Liseth didn't like the thought of having to distract everybody so that the gnome could 'work one of the doors open.'  That sounded fairly underhanded, and she really didn't want people to think that they were common burglars.

Especially if they did break in and everything was fine.  That wouldn't look good at all.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:02, Tue 03 Dec 2013.
The Raconteur
GM, 301 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 3 Dec 2013
at 06:13
  • msg #30

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


The man sighed, then continued as if he were teaching exceptionally slow students.  "If Lonjiku and his workers bunkered into the Glassworks to work on a project for the precise purpose of concentrating on work and avoiding distractions, I very much doubt they'll answer the door simply because you're providing one.  Don't you agree?"

"I'm sure whatever it is about which you need to speak with Lonjiku is VERY important," the man's tone indicated that he doubted the truth of his own statement, "but aren't there others in town who might be able to help you with your problem?"  The man began ticking names off on his fingers.  "Sheriff Hemlock, Mayor Deverin, maybe Sir Jasper over the Sandpoint Mercantile League?"  The man began to look interested almost in spite of himself.  "Does Lonjiku have some power or information to which those worthies are not privy?"

While the conversation continued, Pisca picked her way across the difficult terrain with her natural grace and agility.  But her short stature made it impossible to see into the windows, even if there had been a crack in the curtains, which there wasn't, as far as she could tell.  Neither could she hear anything from inside the structure other than the sound of the Glassworks' furnace, which was clearly in operation.

At the southwestern corner of the building Pisca found a locked pair of double doors.  A path led from these down to the beach.  The only other entrances to the Glassworks were the southeastern entrance to the display room, the northeastern entrance to the reception area, and the nearby double doors in the north of the building that were clearly for loading and unloading.  All of these entrances aside from the double doors Pisca discovered are clearly visible to even a casual passerby on Glass Street.


Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 192 posts
Former Red Shirt
Tue 3 Dec 2013
at 06:32
  • msg #31

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"We represent Sheriff Hemlock, and Mayor Deverin" Kellan answered simply "and it is important" he assured the man.

"Perhaps you have met some of my family, I'm Kellan Storval of the Sandpoint Guard, this is Liseth Thoradin, acolyte of the Temple under Father Zantus's direction and Cato Crispin, a scholar and associate of Sage Quink." The boy just happened to leave out Pisca's name for now, introducing each with a gesture of his hand.

"It was good of you to approach us, for as long as I have lived here I do not get out to the glassworks much. Is there anything notable, anything at all that you remember about the Glassworks or anything that has gone on with it in the last few days? And I'm sorry I completely forgot to ask your name Mister...?"

Kellan had apparently fallen into guard mode, his tone was reminiscent of both the Sheriff and Lieutenant Alergast, albeit much younger and less imposing. Polite yet direct.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:36, Tue 03 Dec 2013.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 327 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 3 Dec 2013
at 14:22
  • msg #32

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

She was glad.  In fact, Pisca thought her decision *not* to wear the Cinderlander hat this morning had been really rather fortunate.  Here on the exposed side of the building the broad brim would likely have caught the wind from off the ocean.  "Lovely ... "  The gnome pause a moment to navigate a particularly dangerous bit of rock.  "Lovely view from up here," she said over the Whisper Magic.  "There aren't even as many jagged rocks down below onto which a gnome can fall."

"Nothing yet," Pisca reported.  "I can't see into any of the windows.  And I don't hear anything from inside at all except for a whoosh fiery burning sort of sound.  Which, I suppose you'd expect from a glass fabricatorium," she added, making up a new word along the way.  "What's funny, though, is what I do not hear.  No voices.  Nothing at all.  How many employees does Lonjiku Kaijitsu have?  Are they all mutes?  Or librarians?  Do glass blowers take a vow of silence?"

"Say ... It's another door."  She really hadn't intended to related that to the others.  But even things whispered to one's self seemed to be caught up and delivered on the gentle breeze of this magic.  "I'm clear of the cliff's edge, and there's another door here on this side of the building.  Nobody seems to be around on this side of the building either.  Try to keep everyone down there.  I'm going to try and get the door open."

Of course she'd tried the exquisite kit of tools out on her own door at the Rusty Dragon the very night that she'd received it from Aldern Foxglove.  With such a gift as this, how could a gnome not?  With a little care and patience it wasn't hard.  She'd gotten to the point at which she could open her door at the inn before even most observant people would think to notice.  Here, however, was the real test.  Could she open this door when it really counted?

"Have you given any thought as to why Tsuto would ask to meet Ameiko here?" the gnome asked as she slipped a pick and tension wrench from the kit.  "If Tsuto and his father get along as famously as we've been lead to believe, why would he have asked to meet Ameiko here?  A place in which he's as likely as not to run into Lonjiku.  Does that not make sense to you too?  Or is this something that you have to be human to understand?"  It was something to think about, though there was little time for this sort of thinking as the gnome began to work on the lock.  This would take concentration.  She'd have to get this right.

Take 20 on Disable Device with Masterwork Thieves Tools.  Opening a lock allows Try Again.  I'm hoping that this shouldn't take too long.  The Clever Explorer Extraordinary Ability makes lock picking a standard action.  Twenty times a standard action is two minutes?
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 203 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Tue 3 Dec 2013
at 14:46
  • msg #33

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato listened simultaneously to Pisca's rambling conversation and Kellan's questioning of the townsfolk.  In a way, it reminded him of early stages of his arcane training, when he was tasked with simultaneously casting a spell while being harried by other apprentices.  It was a skill he had become somewhat better at while serving the Hellknights, as battle offered no end to potential distractions for a wizard, but it still took a great deal of effort.

Cato coughed, and held up his hand in an apologetic gesture to Kellan and the inquisitive bystander.  He took a couple steps back and turned his face from the group, covering his conversation with Pisca with some more make coughs.

"Excellent work, Pisca.  Hopefully we can find a way in unobserved by whomever might be inside and the bystanders and the street.  As to Tsuto and Lonjiku, I don't think you have to be a human to understand.  I think it makes me nervous, that maybe Tsuto has finally gotten his revenge on his step-father.  Possibly with the help of goblins."

Finished with his fake coughing, Cato turned back to his other two companions.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 301 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Wed 4 Dec 2013
at 00:42
  • msg #34

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The butterflies were fluttering about in Liseth's stomach again.  Except that they felt a little different this time; these butterflies were very indignant.  The girl didn't know how to react to this particular feeling as the mean man continued to talk down to her.  She ended up lowering her hands from her chest and rubbing them shamefully, then lowering her gaze in order to avert her eyes from him.  To complete the image, Liseth's face began to redden as he announced just how important he thought that their need to get inside of the building was.

"It is important..."  The small acolyte spoke in a barely audible whisper, not bringing her eyes back to his face lest he sneer at her.  A degree of relief washed over her when Kellan spoke to the haughty man; sounding a great deal more authoritative than she could.  Stepping backwards, Liseth was only too happy to let his attention and demeanor refocus on the big guardsman.

At some point, Liseth realized that she no longer heard Pisca's voice whispering in her ear.  She tried to recall the last thing that she remembered the gnome saying when Cato stepped away from the group and had a seeming fit of coughing.  Concerned, and glad for a distraction from the demeaning conversation, the young blonde left Kellan to speak for them and walked to Cato's side.

"Are you okay?"  She looked him over as though inspecting the wizard's health, "You're not ill are you?  I might have some medicine to make you feel better in my knapsack if you are."  Every bit the healer, Liseth gently reached a hand up to Cato's forehead in order to check for a temperature.
The Raconteur
GM, 303 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Wed 4 Dec 2013
at 06:33
  • msg #35

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


"You represent Sheriff Hemlock AND Mayor Deverin?"  The man tsked, concentrating on Kellan now that both Cato and Liseth had ceded him the floor.  "Really, now.  That's an easy thing to SAY.  Do you have any PROOF that you are acting under their authority?  Because it looks to me like a jumped-up junior guardsman and his little friends are messing around in neighborhoods where they don't belong."

"Your inflated sense of your own importance," the man went on pompously, seemingly immune to the irony of his statement, "does not reflect well upon you, Guardsman."  At this point he was clearly playing to the crowd; a small one had gathered around the conversation.

"That said, my name is Londo G'Kar," he glanced at the onlookers, ensuring that they heard his name, "and no, there is nothing notable that has gone on around the Glassworks, other than that it is locked up for one of Lonjiku's special projects."  He coughed.  "Which begs the question of why YOU are so interested in it, Guardsman."

Meanwhile, the suddenly-isolated Pisca (for she had wandered out of range of her whisper spell) knelt to examine the lock on the double doors, which looked much more difficult than the lock she had practiced on at the inn.  Nevertheless, she whipped out her special lockpicking tools and set to figuring out how to open this particular device.  Amazingly, only seconds later she heard the lock's pins fall; she had opened it on her first try!  Surely this was an event to be added to the Gnomish Annals of Incredible Expertise if there ever was one!


Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 193 posts
Former Red Shirt
Wed 4 Dec 2013
at 08:06
  • msg #36

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan nodded a little "I appreciate your vigilance Mr. G'Kar" not pronouncing the name as carefully as it's owner had. "We met with Mayor Deverin and the Sheriff yesterday" using his off hand to gesture to the badge on his guard tunic, then using the same hand to point I the ones affixed to his compatriots.

"I am not in the habit of betraying the privacy of others in the course of my duties, but your aid in this matter is appreciated Mr. G'Kar, I will be certain to mention your help when I report to the Sheriff."

He glanced over his shoulder "We should get to it however, have a good day" he finished with a tone that clearly stated that he thought the conversation was over, hefting his pole axe and turning towards the glass works with a few smiles, nods and "good mornings" to those that had begun to gather.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 331 posts
The Gnome!
Wed 4 Dec 2013
at 14:55
  • msg #37

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Success!!!

Success is the sweetest meat, the sweetest fruit, the sweetest vegetable, and today it seemed that success was on the menu.  It had been so easy.  The gnome stared with amazement at the door as though the door itself had, in deference to all things Pisca, opened itself to her magic touch.  "Thank you, Aldern"  The gnome's grin was unstoppable as she replaced the tools in their neat little slots within the supple leather case.

"Mission accomplished," Pisca whispered to the others over her surprisingly convenient Whisper Magic.  "The door is open.  We can get in from up here."

There was no response.

"Hello?  Is this thing on?  Hello, hello?"  The smile on the gnome turned to a frown, complete with impatient hands on impatient hips.

"Oh badgers," she muttered to herself.  Out of range?  The look she gave the waiting door was filled with the lure temptation.  She could listen at the door.  Just listen.  Or maybe just a peek.  How could a peek through a crack in a barely opened door possibly do any harm?  She could slip in and scout the way.  It would save the others a horrible bother if she were to find out that nothing at all was amiss.  That Tsuto had actually written 'Tannery' and Bethana had mistakenly translated it as 'Glassworks'.  She'd find a room full of very quiet glass blowers doing what very quiet glass blowers usually do during a day on the job.

Or not.

The gnome sighed.  At the very least she should see about rescuing the others from the crowd of curious humans first.  "Hello?  Hello, hello?"  Pisca made her way back along the safe side of the building.  At every tenth step she tested her Whisper Magic.  "Helloooo?  Cato?  Lysa?  Is this thing working yet?  Can you say something back so I can tell whether it's back yet?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:55, Wed 04 Dec 2013.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 204 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Wed 4 Dec 2013
at 15:30
  • msg #38

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato frowned as Pisca's voice died out.  He looked over at the Glassworks, not seeing the gnome anywhere.  Maybe the building's blocking her spell?  Or she's simply too far away.  He looked up in surprise when Liseth came over to him.

"Oh.  Yes, I'm fine.  I was just trying to cover my conversation with Pisca as a coughing fit."  He grinned.  "It seems to have worked in any case."

Cato looked back at Kellan.  "Maybe we should intervene and try to smooth things over a little bit there."

Just then, Cato heard Pisca's voice in his head again.  "...whether it's back yet?"

The wizard glanced over at Liseth, confirming that she heard it to.

He turned his back to the gathered crowd and reported back to the gnome.  "Yes, you must have gone out of range there.  Is everything okay?  Did you find out anything?"

Cato glanced back at Kellan, then reported to Pisca one more time.  "It looks like Kellan is ready to investigate.  Hopefully we haven't made too big of a disturbance with this crowd."
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 333 posts
The Gnome!
Wed 4 Dec 2013
at 16:25
  • msg #39

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Oh, there you are," the gnome replied.  "Range.  Yes, range.  Well, that was annoying.  But I've got good news.  I've managed to unlock the door.  Surprisingly easy.  I'm a rather pleased gnome."

"Or ... wait.  Have I not told you about the other door yet?  Hmmm.  In case you missed it, there's another door on the other side of the building.  And there are no people up here either.  We should be able to slip in quite easily without being seen."

Now back within the range of the Whisper Magic, Pisca halted her return.  Instead, she began pacing back and forth at the outer range of the Message spell.  In conversing with Cato and Liseth, the gnome appeared, for all the world, like a mad person, muttering to herself of secrets and imagined slights.

"I'm going to go back to the door.  Meet me there."  Then, after a momentary pause, just big enough for a quick decision, she said, "I'll be waiting.  In a Not Going In Yet sort of way."

Might as well listen at the door and get that over with.  Perception check, please.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:18, Wed 04 Dec 2013.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 303 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Thu 5 Dec 2013
at 02:05
  • msg #40

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Oh."  Liseth lowered her arm and clasped her hands together at her waist once more, "I didn't know that Pisca could hear us too.  I don't know much about how magic works."

She followed Cato's gaze when he looked back towards Kellan, careful to not meet the gaze of the man he was speaking with; Mr G'Kar it would seem.  "I don't think that he likes me," the acolyte whispered to the wizard, "I don't want to make things worse..."  Liseth's words trailed off and her hands began to fidget nervously when she noticed the crowd that had gathered.  Watching them.  Watching her.

The same people who yesterday she happily smiled and waved at after receiving her new badge from the Sheriff now left her feeling uncomfortable.  Liseth certainly didn't enjoy being publicly humiliated by mean and haughty people.  Kellan seemed to be handling it much better than she had; the girl just hoped that Mr G'Kar wouldn't find fault even with the badges that the Sheriff had given them.

Just then Pisca's whispered words came back again, and Liseth saw Cato turn away in order to reply to the gnome through the magical medium.  With her eyes on the crowd Liseth brought her clasped hands in front of her face and bowed her head before whispering a response.  Maybe all of those people would simply think her in prayer; which was not much of a stretch since Liseth felt that she could use a little divine aid at the moment.

"There are lots of people watching us now.  Even if we managed to send them away, I don't think that it would be difficult for everyone to figure out that we went inside.  They all know that we are interested in the Glassworks."  She still wasn't sure that Pisca actually heard her, but Liseth was very accustomed to speaking like that.  It almost felt the same as speaking to the gods; but it might be for the best if Liseth did not share that particular thought with the gnome.
The Raconteur
GM, 304 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Thu 5 Dec 2013
at 06:49
  • msg #41

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Londo G'Kar looked stricken as Kellan drew the man's attention to his badge, an item the would-be expert had clearly overlooked.  His eyes darted frantically to the badges worn by Cato and Liseth.  His face turned red, but he didn't seem to be able to form a coherent sentence.

"Um, badges, you say, I see . . ."

Now Londo was more greenish, as if he'd swallowed something that disagreed with him.  The wind had truly been taken out of the man's sails.

In the meantime, the other bystanders began talking among themselves.

"They've been deputized!"

"Looks like they're OFFICIALLY Sandpoint's Saviors now."

"Smart move by Deverin . . ."

". . . Hemlock knows what he's doing . . ."

"They're on OFFICIAL BUSINESS, Londo, you self-important fish-wrangler!"

". . . maybe they'll figure out what's going on at the Glassworks . . ."

". . . way to obstruct an official investigation . . ."

Deflated, Londo hunched over and plodded off, not even bothering to bid the group farewell as he retreated under the scathing remarks of the other bystanders present.  The impromptu crowd then dispersed to go about their business, happy that town officials were handling the business with the Glassworks.


Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 334 posts
The Gnome!
Thu 5 Dec 2013
at 14:44
  • msg #42

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

That's a noisy furnace.  Or so thought the gnome to herself as she withdrew a pace or two from the Very Tempting Door.  Doors were meant to be opened.  Right?  Thought the gnome as well.  (Very conveniently, of course, Pisca ignored all of the other things that doors were meant to do.)

"Don't look at me like that," said the gnome to the door.  "Don't you look at me like that.  I'm waiting for the others."

"Hoom hoom hoom-dee hoom," Pisca hoom'ed quietly to herself to both pass the time and to deflect the scrutiny of the door.  Maybe that was the reason that glassblowers were so quiet.  Because they'd never hear each other over the sound of the furnace anyway so they simply say nothing at all.  But, in that case, they could also quite easily be the loudest people in town as well, always shouting to be heard over the din of the incredibly loud and conversation-slaying furnace.  Or, maybe glassblowers are far more clever than anyone gives them credit for.  Maybe they'd fashioned an elaborate network of speaking tubes from the very material with which they worked.  When the need would arise to speak to one or the other of their fellow glassblowers, all that would be required would be a slight turn of the head to speak into a transparent fluted mouthpiece.  Their voices would then be carried through hundreds of feet of twisting glass tubules to the ear of the intended listener.

That would certainly be something to see, and Pisca leaned out around the corner to spy out the approach of the others.  She was anxious now to take in the sight of the fantastical structures of glass that she had just built within her own imagination.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:51, Thu 05 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 195 posts
Former Red Shirt
Thu 5 Dec 2013
at 20:43
  • msg #43

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

With the crowd dispersing Kellan began walking towards the glass works. As he moved he looked over to Cato "Yeah, your probably right. We don't need to make any more enemies." He nodded a little as if making a mental note. "So does anybody have any idea where Pisca ran off to?" He asked the pair as they walked

The guardsman looked up at the covered windows with narrowed eyes and a tight jawline. The others could tell by now that he was preparing himself mentally for a possible fight, his nervousness, his tense shoulders, and his stance made it all evident. "Hey Cato..." He asked without looking to the Mage "Have you ever had to...kill anybody before?" He asked softly as they approached.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 205 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Fri 6 Dec 2013
at 02:43
  • msg #44

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato looked up at Kellan joined Liseth and him, and nodded in response to his question.  "I'm glad we were able to handle that gracefully.  Or you were at least."  Cato grinned.  "We actually know right where Pisca is."  Cato tapped the side of his head with his index finger.  "We've actually been in contact with her via magic while she's been exploring the Glassworks.  She found a door that no one appears to be watching on the other side of the building.  We're supposed to meet her there."  Cato grinned.  "And we should probably hurry.  She might get bored and start investigating herself."

Cato walked along with Liseth and Kellan, enjoying the feel of the sun on his face and the the smell of the sea washing over them as they approached the building.  At Kellan's question, his blood ran cold.  Cato tried to keep a straight face and avoid showing any panic.  What was Kellan asking?  Did he know something about Cato's previous life?  Cato focused on breathing.  No, the guardsman was probably just worried about a fight with Tsuto or anyone else who might be holed up with him in the Glassworks.

Cato breathed out, trying to keep his breathing steady.  "No.  I haven't had to kill anyone.  I've seen it happen to people.  Not a lot, but it wasn't easy."  The wizard didn't add that he certainly had helped his comrades kill people, and seen worse than death.  "Let's just hope it doesn't come to that today."
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 304 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Fri 6 Dec 2013
at 03:40
  • msg #45

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Lowering her hands while she went through a short blinking spell, Liseth watched as Mr G'Kar went through such a dramatic change.  His mean-spirited arrogance vanished immediately after he saw everyone's badges.  The teenaged girl almost felt sorry for him in his immense embarrassment; so much that he even looked ill.  She might have tried to offer a comforting word had she not so recently been the subject of his scorn.  At the moment though, Liseth couldn't stop feeling as though some amount of divine justice was at work.

To her immense relief, the crowd who had gathered around the scene took their side.  Liseth released a breath when Londo G'Kar fled; with the rest of the town clearly on the side of the 'Sandpoint Saviors,' she hoped that he wouldn't try to cause trouble in the future.  But she did make a mental note to show her badge first the next time someone decided to be a hassle.

"Thank you everybody."  Liseth was sure to thank the people before the crowd dispersed, "We'll get to the bottom of things here at the Glassworks.  Don't worry."

Liseth gladly followed after the two men when they were able to continue their investigation.  Hopefully they were through with the worst of their interruptions today.  She looked up at him when Kellan asked about Pisca, then waited while Cato replied first, "Pisca didn't use her whisper magic on you too?"

"Mr Storval!"  The young acolyte gasped and her hand shot to cover her mouth when Kellan asked Cato such a morbid question, "That is not a nice thing to ask!"  She was mortified, and shot Kellan a disapproving glance before Cato answered.  She couldn't imagine him taking such an inquiry well.

Liseth was relieved at the wizard's answer, even though she didn't like how interested she had become once the question was asked.  Of all of her new friends, she knew the least about Cato and it was good to know that he'd never done such a thing before.  But he did say that he had watched people get killed...Liseth decided that she wouldn't try to think about that.  And she certainly wasn't about to ask him to say any more than he wanted to.

"Don't worry."  Liseth placed a comforting hand on Cato's arm, "I won't let anybody get killed.  Even if you have to fight them."
The Raconteur
GM, 313 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Sat 7 Dec 2013
at 09:00
  • msg #46

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


The crowd continued to disperse in the wake of Londo G'Kar's humiliation.  Passersby took little notice of the group now that it had clearly established its authority to investigate the Glassworks.

Badges prominently displayed, Cato, Liseth, and Kellan strolled south-southwest down Glass Street and around the tower located at the south end of the Glassworks.  As they walked across the manicured lawn, the sound of ocean billows crashing on the rocks to the west grew louder and the screech of hunting gulls became more pronounced.  The sun shone brightly today; only a few wispy white clouds marred the perfectly blue sky.  A cool, welcome sea breeze blew gently eastwards, carrying with it the briny scent that permeated most of Sandpoint.

The three turned the building's southwest corner, heading north, and almost stumbled over Pisca!  The gnome stood somewhat proudly in front of a set of double doors.  Outside those doors, a flight of well-maintained stairs led down to the beach below.

The doors opened easily now that Pisca had bypassed their lock; these too were well-maintained and it was clear the hinges had been recently oiled.  They swung apart to reveal a five-foot wide, 25-foot-long stone corridor.  Two curtained windows faced south-southwest on the right side of the corridor, maybe 10 and 20 feet away from the entrance, respectively.  The walls stretched gracefully up to the 20-foot ceiling.  The stone of the floor was clean and polished.

A large painting that looks to be of Tianese origin dominated the corridor.  It hung on the wall across from the windows, depicting what looks like some sort of Tianese deity teaching the secrets of glassworking to eager human students.

Down towards the end of the corridor, it widened and swung off to the left.  A single door sat in the corner, leading into the tower-like structure located in the southmost part of the edifice past which Liseth, Kellan, and Cato had just walked.

To the left, less than ten feet away, lies a small alcove containing another set of double doors.  This set of doors is parallel to the ones just opened; they are offset by only a few feet.  The high-volume sound of furnace noises seems to be emanating from these doors.  It seems likely that the furnace's noise would mask the sounds of any activity taking place in the Glassworking Room where it is located.

Other than the sound of the furnace, the lack of activity is notable.  Standing in the doorway, you feel that the building has what can only be described as a sense of emptiness.  Whatever might be going on at the Glassworks, it is not happening in the building's southern corridor.


This message was last edited by the GM at 09:12, Sat 07 Dec 2013.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 340 posts
The Gnome!
Sat 7 Dec 2013
at 19:37
  • msg #47

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

And they were in.  Just like that.  It seemed so abrupt.  No greeting.  No gloating words of evil from a demonic Tsuto.  Just the blank and inscrutable walls of the Glassworks building.

Well, not actually as inscrutable as all that.

These doors here were speaking pretty loudly.  They were saying that here's where the furnaces were.  They were running hot and hard, spouting black smoke out the chimney on the roof.  If there were glassblowers working here, this is where they'd be.  Even as empty as the place felt, this is where the glassblowers would have to be.

Pisca turned her eyes up to the humans, her fellow deputized heroes of Sandpoint.  "I think we need to see what's in there," she said, hooking a thumb back at the double doors.  "That will probably tell us nearly everything we need to know.  I'll take a look.  Try to open the door so as not to be seen.  Be ready for anything, though."

Pink barbarian glassblowers driven to frothing madness by a poisoned draught slipped into their tea by Ameiko's brother?  No.  The gnome shook her head.  The tutus alone ruled that idea out.  Even Lonjiku wouldn't have his glassblowers come to work dressed in dance wear.  "Get ready," Pisca warned the others.  Then she cracked the door open and took a look at what awaited on the other side.

Stealth check to open the door as wide as possible for a look.
And Perception check to peer in through the opening, please.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 199 posts
Former Red Shirt
Sat 7 Dec 2013
at 20:24
  • msg #48

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan meandered in after Pisca, his chain mail and armaments clanking as he went. When it was evident that the gnome was going to attempt a less obvious approach, Kellan nodded and slowly worked his way over towards the door. It was not quiet by any stretch of the imagination, but it was not overtly loud either.

When Pisca indicated the double doors Kellan nodded and took a deep breath, lifting the butt spoke of his pole axe off the ground and readying it for whatever may come. He glanced behind himself to the others to see what they were doing before focusing on the gnome and her scouting attempt.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:22, Sun 08 Dec 2013.
The Raconteur
GM, 315 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Sun 8 Dec 2013
at 08:59
  • msg #49

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


As Pisca opened the door, the party could suddenly hear evil little shrieks and the sound of breaking glass.  When the gnome first peeked in the door, all she could see was another, single door about 15 feet away, set into a diagonal wall facing north that was probably almost directly across from the north-facing door she had previously seen down the southern corridor.

As she craned her head around to the left, Pisca saw the Glassworking Room.  And the horror that it had become.

The furnace roared along the southeast wall of this room.  Marble tables, used to work raw glass into usable shapes, sat in the chamber, with nearby wooden trestles cluttered with the tools of the glassworking trade.  The main furnace burned at the northeast end.

But the room was now a gruesome display of goblin boredom.  Pisca could see the partially-dismembered bodies of what looked like several humans; the goblins seem to have been cutting off body parts and burning them in the furnace.  Pisca can see at least nine goblins capering about the room.  They are all so involved in what they are doing, and the furnace is so noisy, that there seems little chance they would notice anything other than an outright attack.

GLASSWORKING ROOM

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+
2 |  |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |  |  |  |  | W|SC|W |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+
3 |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  W T|  |T W  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--W--+
4 |  |  |  |  |P W  |  |  |  |  |G3|  | T|T |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G8| T|T |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+DD+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--D--+
5 |  |  |  |  W  |  | T|TT|TT|TT|TT|T |G5|  |  |G6|  |  |G7|  |  |  |G9|  |  D  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--WWWFFFFWW+--+-T+T-+--+WW+DD+WW+WW+--+
6 |  |  |  |  W  |  |G1|  |G2|  |G4|  |  | FF  |  |  FF | T|T |  W  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+W-+--+--+--+-W+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |D W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+-W+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+

W = Wall      SC = Glass Sculpture
D = Door       x = Shattered Glass (Treated as Caltrops)
I = Window    G# = Goblins
T = Table      F = Furnace Opening    P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:  The party can initiate combat (with the benefit of surprise) or quietly close the door and go on its way.


This message was last edited by the GM at 09:03, Sun 08 Dec 2013.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 312 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Sun 8 Dec 2013
at 20:39
  • msg #50

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

As the three rounded the Glassworks building, Liseth found her eyes drawn to the ocean.  The first time she had laid her eyes on it after arriving at Sandpoint, it had taken her breath away.  It was so big!  Much larger than Ember Lake, that's for sure.  And the sea birds were always flying and making their calls.  She loved birds.  And the water; even though she didn't like to swim.  The girl started to wonder if Kerr would want to visit Sandpoint's small beach with her...

But then they reached Pisca, and Liseth had to force herself to focus on the present.  Especially since they were on very important business here at the Glassworks.  "Everything is fine; the people know that we are going inside the Glassworks, but they also know that we represent the Mayor and Sheriff Hemlock."

Still, the knowledge that they were on official business did nothing to keep the anxiety away.  The only interaction the Liseth had ever had with Lonjiku Kaijitsu involved a rage-filled tirade, and she kept picturing him meeting them within the building in the same manner.  Doubt nagged in the back of her mind; what if he really HAD locked up the Glassworks just because he wanted privacy for himself and his workers?

When Kellan and Pisca advanced inside, Liseth followed after; giving them space to peek behind the next door off of the corridor.  The roaring furnace would mask any noise that anybody made and help to keep their group unnoticed.  Which was good, since Liseth was terrible at sneaking.  She had a hard enough time walking as it was; mucking things up by trying to make less noise was just too much.

Liseth paled and began to shake when the shrieks and noises reached her after Pisca had cracked the door open.  She gasped in fright; the only thing that kept her from crying out was the knowledge that doing so might alert the goblins beyond the door.

Goblins.  Their shrieks were just like the ones from days ago, when they attacked Sandpoint.  Liseth had tried to forget those terrible shrieks that they made, but now here they were again; inside of the Glassworks.  At least that answered the question of whether or not Tsuto Kaijitsu was involved with the goblin attack...

But what did that mean for Ms Kaijitsu!?  He couldn't call her to meet at the Glassworks just to let goblins get her...

The frightened acolyte found herself invading the personal space of Cato.  She made no attempt to see for herself what was within the building's glassworking room, the shrieks and breaking glass told enough.  Wide-eyed, the small blonde bumped into the wizard when she backpedaled away from Pisca, Kellan, and the door.

"There's goblins in there!"  She spoke in a loud whisper to get over the din of the furnace,  "How did goblins get inside the Glassworks?"  Liseth didn't point out the obvious: someone brought them inside.  Her hands fidgeted furiously, "What do we do?"
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 342 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 9 Dec 2013
at 00:10
  • msg #51

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The sparkling fairy cloud of glass speaking tubes dashed itself against the hard and unyielding reality of goblin murder and mayhem.  The glassblowers were dead and the gobbies were in control.

Pisca eased the door closed with as much care as she had taken in opening it up.  "Nine.  I count nine of them," the gnome said to her three companion humans.  "I saw no humans alive in the furnace room."  Or in one piece, were words she left unspoken for the sake of the others.

Ideas came thick and fast, even in the face of the horror beyond the doors.  "I'm pretty sure we'll have them by surprise if we rush them now.  They look fairly ... occupied for the moment.  But this may also give us some time to explore the rest of the Glassworks.  See what else might be waiting out there.  It looks like this corridor runs around the outside of the furnace room.  And I think I saw doors on the other side of the room too."

The gnome began creeping the short distance to the corner, even as she laid out the option.  "One other idea that I had might be a bit more risky," Pisca said to Cato and Liseth over her Whisper Magic.  "I think I've developed a way to magically disguise myself.  I also speak goblin.  I could enter the furnace room disguised as a goblin and see if I can get them to talk about why they came to the Glassworks, where their home base is, and maybe, just maybe, get them to spill the name of their leader.  That is, assuming that it isn't Tsuto."

"By the by, give my apologies to Stomper.  I couldn't fit him into the Whisper Magic.  I'll work on expanding it later."

Stealth and Perception to the corner and peeking around, please.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 210 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Mon 9 Dec 2013
at 03:39
  • msg #52

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato listened as Pisca described the carnage that lay inside the Glassworks.  "I like your first option.  We know where these goblins are, and we can take them by surprise.  No one else in the Glassworks is likely to hear the commotion in there over the roar of the furnaces."

"Of course, one of the goblins might escape, and warn someone else in the Glassworks.  If they're..." Cato grimaced and continued "...occupied in there, we could make sure the rest of the Glassworks is clear, and perhaps find Tsuto and Ameiko before taking on that body of goblins.  At least I hope that's most of the goblins here, and we're not going to run into another dozen somewhere else.  But then again, if we find Tsuto, he might try to flee and join up with these goblins here.  He might surrender if he knows we've already killed all the goblins.  And we certainly wouldn't want these goblins to surprise us somewhere else."

Cato looked at the other members of the group.  "I think I just convinced myself.  I think the best course of action is to attack these goblins here and now, while we know they're distracted.  It might make Tsuto surrender if he thinks he doesn't have any allies left, and we can be certain to have combat on our terms.  But if the rest of you think we should scout out the Glassworks first, I can go along with that."

Cato smiled.  "And besides, my Mage Armor now lasts for 2 hours, so I might as start with that."  Cato rummaged around in his spell component pouch, and pulled out a small piece of leather.  He said a few words, and a sparkling barrier sprung up around him, quickly fading to invisibility.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 203 posts
Former Red Shirt
Mon 9 Dec 2013
at 08:43
  • msg #53

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan's expression became concerned as he watched Pisca's eyes. Peeking into the room he exhaled as if he had the wind knocked out of him. Listening to the proposals one by one he nodded now and again, occasionally glancing in to get a feel for the layout of the room.

"Attacking now while we have the advantage sounds good" he agreed with Cato "I'm concerned that they may route and run out the opposite doors, either towards the town or maybe to alert others. I've got manacles and a lock, as well as some rope, but it might be more trouble than it's worth working around to try and block them up"

"The doorway gives up a nice choke point, but if we can open the windows we would have the light at our backs, might give us an edge there as well. Either way I will try to hold them away from you as long as I can."

He took another deep breath, his gloved hands gripping his pole axe tightly "I'm ready when you are" he added, looking over the others.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 343 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 9 Dec 2013
at 18:04
  • msg #54

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Wait!  Waitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitwait."

All that Pisca had time for was the briefest of peeks around the corner before she was drawn back to the door by the decision to charge in after the gobbies.  "Wait.  Lets get some idea of what we're going to be facing before we go in, alright?"

The gnome took a piece of chalk from her pouch and drew a quick sketch on the floor.  "This is a rough map of the room.  I saw goblins here, here, here and here.  That's pretty spread out.  I think we want them all clustered together when we go in, don't we?"  Looking up from the map, the gnome looks primarily to Cato for this confirmation.  "I think I can get them all gathered around in the center of the room.  Here."  She pointed at a table near the center of the room.  "I'll disguise myself as a goblin and gather them all around to hear some news.  I can even have get them all looking my way so you can slip in the door and set yourselves up."

"What do you think?"

What did Pisca see around the corner before coming back to the others?
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 314 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Mon 9 Dec 2013
at 23:07
  • msg #55

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Nine?"  Liseth swallowed; there was only the four of them.  The last time they fought goblins Kellan and Pisca were nearly killed, and there was never that many all at once.  But what else could they do?  The Sheriff was out of town and everybody would be looking towards them to get rid of the goblins.  They were the Sandpoint Saviors after all; if they couldn't fight the goblins, who else could?

Not that this particular knowledge was a comfort to the shaken girl.  There was only a select few things that Liseth wanted to do less than become involved in another fight with goblins.  The image of the goblin rider bearing down on her with his vicious monster dog came to mind unbidden, sending a shiver to quake throughout her body.

With a frown she watched Cato bolster himself with his magic followed by Kellan readying himself to charge inside.  She knew that it wouldn't be long before blood was spilled...and she was left tending to any number of injuries.

When Pisca drew her map and laid out her plan, Liseth nodded agreeably right away.  If her magic disguise worked, they could learn a lot of useful knowledge that otherwise dead goblins couldn't share.  And if the gnome really could get them all gathered together in a group and have their attention focused on her, Cato could use his sleeping magic to end the fight before anybody was hurt.  But...

"I like Pisca's idea.  If it works we can learn a lot and reduce the risk involved with fighting them."  Anything to avoid too much bloodshed, "But Pisca, can your disguise magic fool all nine of them at once?  If one of the goblins sees through it, they could all turn on you."  Liseth frowned and looked at Cato and Kellan, "We have to watch closely so that we can jump in right away if that happens."  By 'we' it was obvious that the acolyte meant Cato and Kellan.

"Desna, please watch over Pisca and guide her with your divine hand."  Liseth prayed for divine aid, remembering that Pisca favored Desna.  She closed her eyes and laid a hand on top of the gnome's bandana-wrapped head, leaving it there for a moment while she channeled a minute amount of divine life energy into her.

"Be careful Pisca,"  She whispered to her before removing her hand and opening her eyes.  Liseth tried to steel herself for what was to come.

OOC:  I cast Guidance and Virtue on Pisca.  For the next minute, she can apply a +1 bonus to a single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check.  Whether she uses it for her Disguise or her Bluff is up to her.

She also has 1 Temporary Hit Point for that same minute, in case the goblins attack right away.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:07, Mon 09 Dec 2013.
The Raconteur
GM, 317 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 10 Dec 2013
at 08:11
  • msg #56

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Pisca had padded quietly to the bend in the hallway.  Although her footfalls were muffled by the roar of the nearby furnace, she had a strange feeling of being somewhere completely deserted.  There was no movement anywhere in the hallway; even the air seemed still.  As if it were waiting for something.  Or someone.

As she reached the bend, she saw that the nearby door in the Glassworking Room indeed emptied out into this hallway.  She also saw that the hallway extended straight for 75 feet or so, ending in a large set of double doors.  The only other exit from the corridor was a single door on the right-hand side, a little more than halfway down towards the double doors.  A pair of large Tianese artworks decorated the walls on either side of that door.

The corridor seemed impeccably clean.  Improbably so, given what she had just witnessed in the Glassworking Room.  It was also deserted.  Nothing stirred.  Only the omnipresent roar of the furnace differentiated the hallway from a tomb.


Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 344 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 10 Dec 2013
at 14:14
  • msg #57

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Thanks, Lysa."  The gnome rose from her chalk map and eyed the corridor.  "It doesn't look like anyone else is in the building," she said.  "At least not this part of the building.  What I'm saying is to be ready.  If I have the chance, I might send a goblin out the door on an errand.  You'll have to kill it quickly and without much noise.  Hopefully the sound of the furnaces will cover things.  And if I do this, I'll be sure to make lots of noise as well.  In this way, we might be able to whittle down their numbers before anything even starts."

"Wish me Desna's luck," then said, and she took a deep breath before invoking the words of power.  With her hands she shaped the magic stuff of Seeming, and her form, to the outside eye, wavered and morphed.  In a blink, (or two) where once stood a gnome, now stood a female goblin warchanter of the Mosswood tribe, little different from the one that the three young humans had fought not a few days ago.

"Catu beeyuu," said the gnome.  It was a largely untranslatable goblin homily that literally referred to a particular consistency of lizard dung, but more broadly spoke of a greater philosophy of contentment.  Then, before she could change her mind, Pisca entered the furnace room.

[Language unknown: " ... Tin le eiad out ni theen nti,"] Pisca the Goblin Warchanter sung to herself as she boldly strode onto the Factory Floor of Horror and Death.  [Language unknown: "Outundtic fo ure ndepr re nd!"]

[Language unknown: "Treksi poaril!"] she shouted in the goblin language, her voice competing with the din of the roaring furnaces.  With bold authority she strode to the center of the room, all the while ensuring that she touched none of the goblins, and climbed atop the table.  [Language unknown: "Eius!  Ek.  U lareauvir ouncomore!"]

[Language unknown: "Stce!  Ons.  Werien.  Ilanec."]

[Language unknown: "Comineter ere wa thiderpre era.  Arestalar ithallpro inul artticman sa ... "] cried the Gnome in Goblins' clothing, inciting the rabble with a stanza of the Goblin Song.  Then she quieted, a sign for them to quiet as well.  It was a quiet that drew in the attention.  "[Language unknown: Ilaias chsom enasilro ar e whe ive?"] she asked.  [Language unknown: "Thuherter T elcend e venallear rialle." ]

Pisca casts Disguise Self.

Disguise to Act in Character +14 (+10 from spell, +4 Cha) if necessary vs Perception.

Active Effects:  Disguise Self duration 20m Will vs DC15 if interaction w/the Glamer, Guidance 1m, Virtue 1m.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:38, Tue 10 Dec 2013.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 213 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Tue 10 Dec 2013
at 14:44
  • msg #58

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato whispered a quiet prayer to Desna as Pisca stepped through the doorway. "Desna, protect Pisca and help her protect Sandpoint as you have helped me."
Cato waited a moment, savoring the quiet before the inevitable chaos of combat.   "I guess we have to wait," the mage said to Kellan and Liseth. "If things start to go poorly, I'll ever cast sleep on the goblins or," Cato grinned "make sure Kellan can really stomp the goblins."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:21, Tue 10 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 206 posts
Former Red Shirt
Tue 10 Dec 2013
at 15:03
  • msg #59

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan exhaled long and deep. Run A hand over his face. He did not look as nervous as the last time they had gone into battle but he was obviously on edge. Cato's humor did cause him to break a smile and roll his head on his neck to stretch.

"I think I might try to take one alive, if this goes well" he mused quietly to the others "Pisca can speak goblin, we might just learn something"

He cocked an ear and waited, listening to Pisca's song he chuckled softly to himself. "That gnome..."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:03, Tue 10 Dec 2013.
The Raconteur
GM, 318 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 10 Dec 2013
at 18:57
  • msg #60

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

OOC:  Pisca - To which space are you moving?

Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 345 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 10 Dec 2013
at 19:44
  • msg #61

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

OoC:  M4.

If that's possible without triggering a Will Save from any of the goblins.  Why take the chance?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:46, Tue 10 Dec 2013.
The Raconteur
GM, 319 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 10 Dec 2013
at 19:50
  • msg #62

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

OOC:  You can do it, but you'll have to hop on the big table first if you want to assure yourself that you won't touch a goblin.  Do you want to stay on the big table or hop down and then hop up again to M4?
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 346 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 10 Dec 2013
at 20:15
  • msg #63

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

OoC: Hmmm.  How about hop onto the big table at G5, walk the entire length of the table in a dramatic fashion.  Hop down at L4.  Then climb up at M4?
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 215 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Wed 11 Dec 2013
at 00:32
  • msg #64

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Listening to the conversation in the furnace room, Cato leaned over and whispered to Kellan: "I'm ashamed to say that of the five languages I speak, Goblin is not one. What's going on in there?"
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 315 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Wed 11 Dec 2013
at 01:48
  • msg #65

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth's hands clasped themselves at her chest when Pisca began chanting the magic words to disguise herself as a goblin.  Her face creased with worry when the transformation (or was that illusion?) finished and Goblin-Pisca entered the furnace room with all of the real goblins.

Stepping away, the acolyte moved a short distance down the corridor so that if a goblin did get sent out of the door it wouldn't see her right away.  And it might be a good idea for someone to keep watch just in case something showed up from another part of the Glassworks.  More goblins, or their monster dogs.  Or a mean half elf; with undead skeletons behinds him...

It didn't take long for her to frighten herself into changing her mind, and Liseth once again moved past the door that Pisca entered.  She spent a moment watching Cato and Kellan listening to Pisca's antics within; at least nothing bad had happened.  Yet.  Then the girl set herself up in the corridor nearer the building's exit.  Where nothing might sneak up on her.

And she waited.  Liseth couldn't hear Pisca speaking to the goblins over the furnace, but that didn't matter.  She doesn't understand the goblin language anyway.  Instead the young blonde prayed; keeping her eyes open so that she could watch Cato and Kellan's reactions to what was happening with the goblins.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 207 posts
Former Red Shirt
Wed 11 Dec 2013
at 11:17
  • msg #66

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

He shrugged "Hell's if I know, but it sounds funny.  If she pulls this off...well, hopefully she pulls this off" the waiting was obviously getting to the boy, he licked his lips and rolled his head back, closing his eyes as if preparing himself for whatever comes.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 347 posts
The Gnome!
Wed 11 Dec 2013
at 13:56
  • msg #67

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

It had all happened so fast.  Or, was it more proper and correct to say that she had happened it to herself so quickly?  She was in and amongst the goblin horde.  (Is nine a horde?)  She hadn't seen the goblin standing in the aisle on the opposite side of the table from the furnaces.  She didn't want to get too close, lest they test her disguise.  Fortunately, it had been just the thing to climb up onto the long table and march down its length, and as it had been just the thing, it's exactly what Pisca did.

This had given the disguised gnome the perfect vantage from which to observe the goblins themselves.  The goblins who had attacked Sandpoint on the day of the festival had come from all five of the tribes of the Lost Coast.  As Warchanter Pisca made her way down the length of the table her eyes searched for the accoutrements and markings that would tell her which tribes these gobbies had come from.

The long table had made the perfect runway upon which to display herself and establish an aura of authority.  Alternately, she had glared at individual goblins while at the same time egging them on, riling the goblins in a manner that the gnome imagined Warchanters were fond of doing.

Knowledge Local, please, to identify the goblin tribes represented here.  And, maybe something about the geography and habits of each tribe?

BTW, this is something of a flashback to cover the changes in our OoC exchange.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 216 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Wed 11 Dec 2013
at 14:16
  • msg #68

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato smiled ruefully.  "I may have detected a slight flaw in our genius plan.  I thought that at least one of us other than Pisca knew goblin.  We might have a bit of trouble telling if anything is about to go down before the fighting actually starts."  Cato hunkered down again and tried to glean every bit of meaning from the intonation of Pisca's and the goblins' words, difficult as that was over the roaring furnace in the next room.
"I think part of the trouble here is that all goblin words sound sort of angry.  How are we supposed to tell if they're actually angry?"
The Raconteur
GM, 321 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Wed 11 Dec 2013
at 21:39
  • msg #69

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


When Pisca entered the Glassworking Room, she was almost overwhelmed with the stench of decaying corpses.  The room's elevated temperature had caused an accelerated decay in the bodies of the dead glassworkers.  Although the smell of them permeated the entire room, it grew stronger as the disguised gnome drew closer to its center.  It was almost enough to make her retch, but she managed to hold in her fine Rusty Dragon breakfast with an incredible feat of fortitude.

A good thing, too, since the goblins, used to living in foul-smelling, refuse-strewn areas, seemed completely unaffected by the room's awful smell.  They laughed, sang, and shrieked as they poured molten glass on some of the dead bodies in an apparent attempt to make their own glass sculptures.  The results were hideous.

Indeed, the heat, the roar of the fire, the flickering light from the furnace, the dismembered bodies, the dull gleam of the misshapen glass, and the blood-soaked goblins created a tableau that looked like something one might find in the deepest reaches of hell.  But here it was, right in the middle of one of Sandpoint's most-important buildings.  The juxtaposition was jarring.

The nearby goblins looked on in astonishment as a Mosswood Warchanter entered the room, walked down the large marble table, jumped off it, and then climbed onto a nearby trestle.  The goblins at the far end of the room continued their butchery and woeful efforts at the glassworking art; they apparently had not yet noticed the newcomer.  But the closer goblins had, and they did not look extremely pleased to see her.

Those goblins that had noticed her moved towards Pisca, one even climbed up on the marble table to get a better view of the interloper.  "[Language unknown: Ncai ith omekof ich]?"  Asked the largest goblin, whose face was set in a suspicious frown.  "[Language unknown: Venthutic meit sa as, Etchisal olalet?  Ng Meekan theomesti sa di reawerwhe ev?]"  His hand strayed to the horsechopper shoved into his belt; as far as Pisca could see, the other goblins were armed only with dogslicers.  "[Language unknown: Il ie si tioestons ne no Ivai'ofhofo.]"  He smiled nastily.  "[Language unknown: Isinre ha ourees he siesun ie ie art at chti]?"  The other goblins cheered, apparently greatly approving of the idea.

GLASSWORKING ROOM

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+
2 |  |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |  |  |  |  | W|SC|W |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+
3 |  |  |  |  |L |  W  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  W T|  |T W  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--W--+
4 |  |  |  |  |CKW  |  |  |  |  |  |G3|PT|T |G6|  |  |  |  |  |  |G8| T|T |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+DD+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--D--+
5 |  |  |  |  W  |  | T|TT|TT|TT|TT|G2|G5|G4|  |  |  |  |G7|  |  |  |G9|  |  D  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--WWWFFFFWW+--+-T+T-+--+WW+DD+WW+WW+--+
6 |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G1|  | FF  |  |  FF | T|T |  W  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+W-+--+--+--+-W+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |D W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+-W+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+

W = Wall      SC = Glass Sculpture
D = Door       x = Shattered Glass (Treated as Caltrops)
I = Window    G# = Goblins
T = Table      F = Furnace Opening    P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:  The party can initiate combat (with the benefit of surprise) or quietly close the door and go on its way.


This message was last edited by the GM at 21:41, Wed 11 Dec 2013.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 349 posts
The Gnome!
Thu 12 Dec 2013
at 00:19
  • msg #70

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Thistletop.  Oh great.  Warchanter Pisca nearly rolled her eyes.  Not that she would have chosen to disguise herself as a Thistletop anyway.  They are soooo stuck on themselves.  And this group just goes to show.  Not the best situation.  But maybe something could be done with this.

[Language unknown: "Pour mi.  Io i."]  The form of the Mosswood Warchanter cringed and wrung her hands in the presence of the Thistletop with the Horsechopper.  Then the gnome made a few guesses and stabbed the sword of her inquiry into the dark.  [Language unknown: "Korardast na ri ... "  Si haeehi ter ei k nondei lane'weni is se santioive wi waoer ons icpa ndead.  " ... Iengce yinfi hiame Iouwh Oume Me."]

[Language unknown: "Mo Nghe Ho wit Ioho Onekmi.  Is Omol Usioof waseos a Der Com Thous.  Aiststad Ckriurac esteck.  Asno Ectwhiday terul e.  Ek Ll Oveli pa ichherthi thowerder.  Onal Merat For po Ate Poen pral u ac."]

[Language unknown: "T ect hi ol alchonan.  Wesom heprss inen ma, day?"]  Pisca added an ingratiating smile to her disguise.  [Language unknown: "Es noan aleema ant Thoer Illi Hatic.  Ha in t a bewer.  Ne Tha Aland ch setiaclo ardsomure."]

Diplomacy check, please.  Using the +1 for Guidance here.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:30, Thu 12 Dec 2013.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 317 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Thu 12 Dec 2013
at 00:26
  • msg #71

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The tension was brutal.  Liseth knew that it couldn't have been long since Pisca walked into the goblin-filled room, but it already felt like an eternity had passed.  Cato and Kellan were still at the door so Pisca must still be safe; or at least uninjured.  But any moment could see something go terribly wrong, or the two men might find the perfect opportunity to spring their ambush.

Deciding that she should do whatever she could to help them before the battle began, Liseth stepped directly behind the larger two and softly placed a hand on each of their backs.  "Please, gods; guide us with your divine will and see us safely through the difficulties ahead..."  Closing her eyes, the acolyte said a prayer moments before divine life energy began to channel through her and into both Cato and Kellan.

OOC:  Since I can only cast one spell every six seconds (a round), it's probably likely that I won't be able to finish them all before the fight starts.  So I'm casting Virtue first on Kellan then on Cato.  Then Guidance on Kellan and Guidance on Cato.  If there is still time left after that, both of those on myself as well.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 208 posts
Former Red Shirt
Thu 12 Dec 2013
at 07:50
  • msg #72

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan craned around to try and see what was going on "They are cheering? Why are they cheering? Was that the signal?" Liseth's prayers were comforting and ominous at the same time,the last rights coming to mind. Regardless he waited, trusting that he would know when it was time to act.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 217 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Thu 12 Dec 2013
at 17:20
  • msg #73

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Following Liseth's lead, Cato laid a hand on Kellan's shoulder and cast his own spell, protecting the guardsman from the evils that lay within.

OOC:
Protection from Evil on Kellan

The Raconteur
GM, 323 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Thu 12 Dec 2013
at 19:01
  • msg #74

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Thok’s eyes narrowed as he considered the Mosswood warchanter before him.  Something was off about her.  No Mosswood would ever say that Warchief Ripnugget was braver than Big Gugmut.  Not even Thok believed that; Big Gugmut was reputedly the biggest and bravest goblin ever.  Just not very smart.  That’s where Warchief Ripnugget had Big Gugmut by the balls; he was just SMARTER.

Thok didn’t think this Mosswood believed in Warchief Ripnugget’s bravery either; she was just trying to win their friendship by saying the words.

Thok liked to think he was smart too.  The Mosswood claimed to be a messenger.  But there was no way that anyone at Thistletop would use a MOSSWOOD as a messenger to the Glassworks; the operation was Thistletop only.  That meant that this Mosswood, and perhaps other Mosswoods, had somehow found out about it.  And now she was saying plans had changed?  And not to tell the half-elf?  The half-elf was on the Council!  Thok had run dozens of operations with him before.  That meant that the Mosswoods were somehow trying to gum up the plan by getting their mossy little hands in the pie.

Stupid Mosswoods.  This one needed to die.  Or at least be terribly hurt.  And then questioned.  Questioned closely.  Thok drew his horsechopper from its sheath and pointed it at the interfering Warchanter.

“[Language unknown: Hithe ortvorles iveearest.  Houwh ‘of, tipe]!”

GLASSWORKING ROOM

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+
2 |  |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |  |  |  |  | W|SC|W |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+
3 |  |  |  |  |L |  W  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  W T|  |T W  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--W--+
4 |  |  |  |  |CKW  |  |  |  |  |  |G3|PT|T |G6|  |  |  |  |  |  |G8| T|T |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+DD+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--D--+
5 |  |  |  |  W  |  | T|TT|TT|TT|TT|G2|GH|G4|  |  |  |  |G7|  |  |  |G9|  |  D  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--WWWFFFFWW+--+-T+T-+--+WW+DD+WW+WW+--+
6 |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G1|  | FF  |  |  FF | T|T |  W  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+W-+--+--+--+-W+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |D W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+-W+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+

W = Wall      SC = Glass Sculpture
D = Door       x = Shattered Glass (Treated as Caltrops)
I = Window    G# = Goblins            GH = Thok
T = Table      F = Furnace Opening    P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:  Roll for Initiative.  If you beat a 14 you may act.  Kellan, Cato, and Liseth will treat the goblins as flat-footed for this combat round only.

11:02, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Thok, rolled 14 using 1d20+3. Thok Initiative.
11:02, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblins, rolled 11 using 1d20+6. Goblin Initiative.


This message was last edited by the GM at 19:04, Thu 12 Dec 2013.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 351 posts
The Gnome!
Thu 12 Dec 2013
at 19:58
  • msg #75

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Just why is it that when things go bad, they seem to do it so quickly?

"Lyvinafuzbug!  B'tchneegrag."  With the horde of goblins that surrounded her, (The answer to the question of whether nine constituted a horde seemed to be a resounding, Yes.) nothing that the gnome said seemed to make sense.  Talking her way out of this mess did not seem to be a viable option anymore.  She had time for only one word before things - bad things - began to happen.  And this word was in Common.

"HELP!"

11:07, Today: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 10 using 1d20+4. Initiative.

Position:  M4

Active Effects:  Disguise Self duration 20m Will vs DC15 if interaction w/the Glamer, Virtue 1m.

AC15
HP 19/18
This message was last edited by the player at 21:34, Thu 12 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 209 posts
Former Red Shirt
Thu 12 Dec 2013
at 20:08
  • msg #76

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan was leaning with his back to the wall listening to the gibberish when all of a sudden things started to sound even more hostile than they already had. Sure enough by the time he had craned around to take a peek Pisca's cry for aid came to his ears over the roaring of the furnace,

11:26, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 9 using 1d20+2. Initiative.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 319 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Thu 12 Dec 2013
at 20:42
  • msg #77

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Something has changed.  Liseth could feel it even though she couldn't understand the words being said inside the furnace room.  Bad things were happening.

Pisca's cry for help brought the acolyte out of her channeling with a gasp.  Her hands pulled back from Cato and Kellan to clasp under her chin.  "She's in trouble!"

11:39, Today: Liseth Thoradin rolled 9 using 1d20+1. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:17, Thu 12 Dec 2013.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 218 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Thu 12 Dec 2013
at 21:19
  • msg #78

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato listened with increasing dismay as the conversation in the room increased in harshness.  Cato had started to creep forward when he distinctly heard the sound of a horsechopper being unsheathed, the fine sound cutting through the roar of the furnace like the makeshift weapon would likely tear through Pisca if they didn't help.  A split second later, he heard Pisca's cry, but the mage was already springing into action.

Past Kellan, he had a clear view of the room.  His spell for Kellan would have to wait one more round; right now, he needed to help Pisca.  Cato quickly reached into his spell pouch, and grabbed a handful of sand, throwing it over Kellan's shoulder in the room.

"SOMNUS!" Cato somehow hoped that drawing attention to himself would preserve Pisca for just a little bit longer.  His mage armor had seemed to hold up well against the lone goblin earlier; hopefully this rabble wouldn't be able to score a lucky hit either.

OOC:
Standard Action: Cast Sleep, centered on M5.  It shouldn't affect Pisca, since it affects lower HD first, and there's more than 4 goblins there.
Using Sandpoint Scholar to increase Will save DC to 15.

Active Effects:
Cato: Mage Armor (AC 16), Guidance (HP 19/18)
Kellan: Protection from Evil

The Raconteur
GM, 326 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Fri 13 Dec 2013
at 02:40
  • msg #79

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Thok started slightly when the Warchanter cried out for help in Common as he ordered the attack.  The commando stabbed forward with his horsechopper, gritting his teeth and snarling as the Piscachanter dodged.  She managed to adroitly avoid a swinging blow from Urt, who only managed to nick her in the face.  Atop’s blow nearly beheaded her, but she quickly ducked under his slice, only losing a couple of strawberry-blonde curls in the process.

Unfortunately for her, she ducked right into the blade of Nikip, who nearly eviscerated her with a single stab but ended up merely wounding her in the side.  Nikip gave out an ululating cry of victory; Thok could see from the corner of his eye that the goblins at the other end of the room stopped what they are doing as they gradually realized a scrap was developing.

Nikip's brother Kikip completely missed with his dogslicer attack, banging it on the wooden table and nearly dropping it.  Potik jumped up on a table, picked up some glass, and threw it at the Warchanter, but the throw went wide and actually almost hit Nikip.  Thok spared a quick glare for Potik, who wasn’t known for keeping his head in battle.

This Warchanter was tougher than he’d given her credit for; this clearly was not her first fight, not by a long shot.  Thok wasn’t really worried about her surprising battle competence; she was already breathing hard and bloodied and looked like she wouldn’t be able to stand up to this sort of punishment for long.  Still, a small part of Thok’s mind wondered why she had called for help, and in Common.  It bothered him.

Maybe she had . . . allies?  Thok’s heart beat more quickly as he turned to look at the door, his mouth opening to scream a warning when he saw Kikip slump to the floor as a trim, dark-haired human moved his hands and muttered arcane words of power . . .

GLASSWORKING ROOM

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+
2 |  |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |  |  |  |  | W|SC|W |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+
3 |  |  |  |  |L |  W  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  W T|  |T W  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--W--+
4 |  |  |  |  | KW  |  |  |  |  |  |G3|PT|G6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G8| T|T |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+DD+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--D--+
5 |  |  |  |  WC |  | T|TT|TT|TT|G1|G2|GH|G4|  |  |  |  |G7|  |  |  |G9|  |  D  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--WWWFFFFWW+--+-T+T-+--+WW+DD+WW+WW+--+
6 |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | FF  |  |  FF | T|T |  W  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+W-+--+--+--+-W+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |D W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+-W+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+

W = Wall      SC = Glass Sculpture
D = Door       x = Shattered Glass (Treated as Caltrops)
I = Window    G# = Goblins            GH = Thok
T = Table      F = Furnace Opening    P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:
Goblin Moves:  Goblin 1 climbs of on the marble table at K5 and scoops up some broken glassware to throw.
Thok and the rest of the goblins do not move.
Goblins 7-9 are now aware of the combat and will move normally to join next turn.

Standard Actions:
17:54, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Thok, rolled 12 using 1d20+5. Thok Horsechopper Atk on Pisca
8:03, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 1, rolled 3 using 1d20-1. Hurled Glassware Atk on Pisca.
18:02, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 4 (Atop), rolled 3 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Pisca
18:01, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 6 (Nikip), rolled 4 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Pisca.
18:01, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 4 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Pisca.
18:00, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 4 (Atop), rolled 17 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer Atk on Pisca.
18:00, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 8 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer Atk on Pisca.
18:00, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 6 (Nikip), rolled 21 using 1d20+4. Critical Confirmation .
17:59, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 6 (Nikip), rolled 24 using 1d20+4. Dogslicer Atk on Pisca.
17:59, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 22 using 1d20+4. Dogslicer Atk on Pisca
18:31, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 4 (Atop), rolled 15 using 1d20-1. Will Save v. Sleep.
18:31, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 17 using 1d20-1. Will Save v. Sleep.
18:31, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 14 using 1d20-1. Will Save v. Sleep.
18:31, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 1, rolled 18 using 1d20-1. Will Save v. Sleep.

Pisca takes a total of 15 damage from the Goblin Attacks.

Goblin 2 (Kikip) falls asleep at the start of Cato's turn.  Wow, those were some amazing will saves. :P

I'm giving Cato a five-foot step to E5 so that he has the line of sight to cast his Sleep spell.  Party Turn.


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:26, Fri 13 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 210 posts
Former Red Shirt
Fri 13 Dec 2013
at 08:40
  • msg #80

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan is right behind Cato as he enters the room. Momentarily shocked by what he sees he shuffles forward to the left of the massive table, trying to reach the surrounded gnome. Thrusting out at the first goblin he comes across with the spike on the end of his pole axe.

"Pisca!" He calls out into the tumult a worried look creasing his features

Move: to I4
Standard: Reach attack at Goblin 1
04:43, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 9 using 2d4+3. Guissarme damage.
04:43, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 19 using 1d20+6. Guissarme Reach Attack.
Edited due to correction

This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Fri 13 Dec 2013.
The Raconteur
GM, 328 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Fri 13 Dec 2013
at 10:29
  • msg #81

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

OOC:  Kellan, this is a 25-foot long table made of thick marble.  Even if it wasn't bolted to the floor, which it very well might be, overturning it would take a nigh-superhuman feat of strength.  Assuming you possessed such strength, you judge that the tipping process would likely be slow enough that the two goblins on the table wouldn't have much difficulty gently hopping to the ground as such tipping occurred.

You may revise your post to take another action should you wish.  You should be able to reach I4 with a regular move.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:41, Fri 13 Dec 2013.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 323 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Fri 13 Dec 2013
at 17:55
  • msg #82

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Concern outweighing reluctance, Liseth mustered all of her bravery when she followed Kellan into the goblin-packed glassworking room.  Like walking into a wall, she stopped abruptly upon passing through the door.  The dreadful stench of death, rot, and decay hit her like a cudgel; Liseth nearly retched as she turned visibly green.

Forcing herself inside, Liseth continued to follow after Kellan, hoping that his size and weapons would keep the goblins from noticing her behind him.  But her eyes were drawn to the menagerie of horror that was this room and an inadvertent scream escaped the girl.  When her eyes moved to the mass of goblins surrounding Pisca, though, she wasn't sure which sight was worse.

[Language unknown: "Ntekbeli Haplmi, Whian Cameur!  Ei] Pisca!"  She had to do something to help Pisca, and trying to heal her with channeled energy was one of the few things that Liseth could think of at the moment.

Move Action: Walk to G4
Swift Action: Scream
Standard Action: Channel Energy (4 Hit Points Healed)

OOC: Pisca should be just within range of the channel.  I'm excluding G1, G2, G3, and GH from the effect.

09:52, Today: Liseth Thoradin rolled 4 using 1d6+1. Channeled Healing.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:57, Fri 13 Dec 2013.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 354 posts
The Gnome!
Fri 13 Dec 2013
at 19:19
  • msg #83

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

With a flash of steel, the gnome drew her slim blade.  Blood again.  So much.  And once again it was hers.  She had the magic to heal the wounds, but she was hard pressed.  They'd likely cut her down before the spell could do its work.  Best to hold out.  Parry, dodge, parry.  And wait for the others to cut their way to her.

Or ... maybe ...  The disguise could yet buy herself some breathing room.

[Language unknown: "Alllarill!"] Pisca the Goblin Warchanter cried.  [Language unknown: "Hat out mobebe nd!  K aspowi ul astkorous!  Oreateate undpreany!  Trunmelefo k are."]

In quick succession, the goblin disguised gnome saw Stomper cut down a gobbie and felt the blessed relief from what could only be Lysa's magic.  For the moment, Pisca opted to remain atop the table.  [Language unknown: "Forho in!"] she shouted again.  [Language unknown: "Ce un a ati?"]

Draw Rapier / Total Defense

Position:  M4

Active Effects:  Disguise Self duration 20m Will vs DC15 if interaction w/the Glamer

AC19 w/Total Defense
HP 8/18
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 223 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Sat 14 Dec 2013
at 19:12
  • msg #84

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato's smile falters as all but one of the goblins shake off his spell, then his mouth opens in shock as the remaining goblins attack Pisca.

Cato yelled another challenge at the goblins, past caring about his own safety out of concern for Pisca.  "Fine, you dogs!  You can stand up to my spell.  Let's see how you enjoy this!"

Cato pulled some powdered iron from his pouch and began casting his spell: "[Language unknown: Remabe!]"

OOC:
Action: Cast Enlarge Person on Kellan

Cato: Mage Armor (AC 16), Guidance (HP 19/18)
Kellan: Protection from Evil, Enlarge Person
I think the net effect of this is that it changes your damage to 2d6+4 and cancels out the AC bonus from Protection from Evil.
(As well as making you large and giving you more reach)

The Raconteur
GM, 333 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Mon 16 Dec 2013
at 01:35
  • msg #85

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Thok looked in growing horror as a polearm-wielding armored human barged in the door, running down the side of the table and spearing poor Breck just as he bent down to pick up another few pieces of broken glassware to throw at the “Warchanter.”  Thok hardly had time to react as he saw the end of the man's polearm explode from the center of Breck's chest, killing him instantly.

The Warchanter was babbling something about how they should attack the humans and not her, but Thok ignored her.  Thok didn’t know what exactly was happening here but the fact that these humans ran in just after the Warchanter had called for help made him think that they were somehow in league.

Unfortunately, Thok didn’t have time right now to work out exactly how the Warchanter and these new humans were related; they were clearly coming to her rescue and what had seemed like an easy victory was rapidly turning into anything but.  He yelled down to the other end of the hall, hoping that the rest of his warband could hear him over the din of the furnace.

“[Language unknown: Houearkor, Leset, Fone, olek plpl res Uswepepeic peame Moai lin Aveichive]!!”  He saw Arbik and Xik draw their bows while Rint, dogslicer in hand, began to run down the hall as Nikip deftly stepped to the side to make room.  Satisfied that the Warchanter would have her hands full, he gestured at the remaining goblin.  “[Language unknown: Tesi, we p al atos waskorfor!]”

Thok gaped in astonishment as he turned to see the human warrior suddenly begin to grow to twice the size he had been when he came in the door, putting a giant foot up on the marble table as he expanded to enormous girth.

Things were going from bad to worse.

“[Language unknown: Me the, Whisi!]”  Thok gestured as he ran toward the human, sliding under the chop of the man’s guisarme, coming up out of a low roll to stand behind the now-giant warrior.  On the giant’s other side, Urt slashed hesitantly and ineffectively with his dogslicer, but that was of no moment for Thok’s purposes.  Both hands on his horsechopper, he spun around and stabbed the human in the back.

But his killing blow glanced aside as the human was somehow able to twist out of the way just in the nick of time, taking only a nasty dent in the side of his armor.  Thok grimaced.  That might have been his best chance to take the warrior down.

Arrows went sailing by; apparently Xik and Arbik weren’t hitting their targets.  But Thok grinned when he heard the Warchanter’s cry as Rint’s charge struck home.  She should be on her last legs, Thok thought to himself.  Then we can all concentrate on this unnaturally large human.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noted a blonde girl and the robed human standing close by.  Maybe they would be easier targets . . .

GLASSWORKING ROOM

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+
2 |  |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |  |  |  |  | W|SC|W |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+
3 |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  W T|  |T W  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--W--+
4 |  |  |  |  |  W  |L |  | K|K |  |  |PT|G8|  |  |G9|  |  |  |  |  | T|T |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+DD+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--D--+
5 |  |  |  |  WC |  | T|GH|TK|KT|G3|ii|G6|G4|  |G7|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  D  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--WWWFFFFWW+--+-T+T-+--+WW+DD+WW+WW+--+
6 |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | FF  |  |  FF | T|T |  W  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+W-+--+--+--+-W+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |D W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+-W+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+

W = Wall      SC = Glass Sculpture    ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
D = Door       x = Shattered Glass (Treated as Caltrops)
I = Window    G# = Goblins            GH = Thok
T = Table      F = Furnace Opening    P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:
Moves:
Goblin 1 (Breck) dies to Kellan’s guisarme attack before hurling more glassware.
G3 (Urt) takes 5-foot step to K5, attacking Kellan with dogslicer (Atk +2).
GH (Thok) moves to H5, moving inside Kellan’s reach, taking attack of opportunity from Kellan, attacking Kellan with +2 for Flanking (Total Atk +7, Dmg 1d8+1 (x3)).
G4 (Atop) remains stationary, attacking Pisca with dogslicer (Atk +2 (1d4 (19-20)).
G6 (Nikip) takes 5-foot step to M5, attacking Pisca with dogslicer (Atk +2 (1d4 (19-20)).
G7 (Xik) moves to P5, firing shortbow at Kellan (Atk +4, 1d4 (x3)).
G8 (Rint) charges to N4, charging Pisca with +2 “to hit,” -2 AC until beginning of his following turn. (Atk +4, (1d4 (19-20)).
G9 (Arbik) moves to Q4, firing short bow at Pisca. (Atk +4, 1d4 (x3))

Attacks:
16:44, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Thok, rolled 9 using 1d8+1. Thok Damage to Kellan.
16:43, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Thok, rolled 16 using 1d20+7. Critical Confirmation on Kellan.
16:42, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Thok, rolled 27 using 1d20+7. Attack on Kellan.
16:41, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 19 using 1d20+4. Critical Confirmation on Pisca.
16:41, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 7 using 1d20+4. Shortbow Attack on Pisca.
16:40, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 3 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Pisca.
16:39, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 23 using 1d20+4. Charge Attack on Pisca.
16:38, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 7 (Xik), rolled 13 using 1d20+4. Shortbow Attack on Kellan.
16:37, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 6 (Nikip), rolled 13 using 1d20+2. Attack on Pisca.
16:36, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 4 (Atop), rolled 6 using 1d20+2. Attack on Pisca.
16:35, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 4 using 1d20+2. Attack on Kellan.
16:18, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Kellan Storval, rolled 11 using 1d20+6. Attack of Opportunity on Thok.

Opponents' Status:  G1 killed.  G2 asleep.

Pisca takes 6 damage, Kellan takes 9 damage.  Party turn.

This message was last edited by the GM at 12:27, Mon 16 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 214 posts
Former Red Shirt
Mon 16 Dec 2013
at 08:20
  • msg #86

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan seemed about to skewer another goblin when Thock buried his horse chopper into the meat of Kellan's back, causing the guardsman to scream out in pain and miss his shot. Glaring he glanced behind him to see the source of the agonizing pain and called out to the others as he shifted, the blunt end of his pole axe punching a hole in the roof and causing a shower of debris as he raised it again.

"That one! , I want that one!" He called out, as if indicating that he was going to try to capture him

OOC:
HP 18/26
AC: 18
Move: None
Standard: 00:14, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 10 using 1d20+6. Reach Attack Goblin 6.

Active effects: Protection from Evil


This message was last edited by the player at 15:09, Mon 16 Dec 2013.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 362 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 16 Dec 2013
at 14:31
  • msg #87

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Well.  That's something you don't see everyday.  Pisca gazed in something that felt very much like awe at the Human of Unusual Size.  Even through the pain and blood and shock and all of the other things that come from having your skin-bag breeched, even through all this, the gnome had to admit that Stomper was pretty impressive.  He was truly a stomper now.

A pity really.  There was no time for the words to express how dramatic the effect truly was.  She'd held the goblins here for as long as possible, and now was the time to get out.

If it wasn't too late already.

In a move that was as mad as it was surprising, the goblin disguised gnome dove head-first off the table.  She came near to clearing a good five feet before hitting the ground in a roll that took up the impact and brought her onto her feet next to the giant Kellan (Stomper) Storval.  With the residual momentum, Pisca lashed out with her slim blade, which, despite her defensive posture, put a thin bloody scar across the goblin's face.

Move w/Acrobatics / Attack Fighting Defensively

Acrobatics 23 (7+Archaeologist's Luck) vs Goblin CMD12???
Hit G3 AC17 -Threat AC12/No Crit (+0Base +1AE +1vGoblins -4FD)
Damage 1hp (1d4 +1AE -1STR)

06:21, Mon 16 Dec 2013: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 12 using 1d20-2 ((14)).
06:12, Today: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 1 using 1d4. Damage.
06:10, Today: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 17 using 1d20-2. Hit G3 -2 (+0Base +1AE +1vGoblins -4FD).
06:09, Today: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 23 using 1d20+8. Acrobatics (7+Archaeologist's Luck).
00:14, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 10 using 1d20+6. Reach Attack Goblin 6.

Position:  K4

Active Effects:  Disguise Self duration 20m Will vs DC15 if interaction w/the Glamer

AC17 w/Fighting Defensively
HP 8/18
Archaeologist's Luck 6/7
This message was last edited by the player at 18:46, Mon 16 Dec 2013.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 330 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Mon 16 Dec 2013
at 14:50
  • msg #88

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth didn't have enough time to be amazed by Kellan's sudden growth spurt (he's huge!).  Instead, her attention was focused on the goblin slipping around behind him to chop the massive militiaman in his back!  Kellan's shout was very loud with his new size, but he seemed more angry than hurt (hopefully).

Watching Pisca dive away from the goblins surrounding her gave Liseth only minor relief; the goblin-disguised gnome was hurt very badly.  Liseth had to heal her again, but there was no way that the goblin had failed to see her now; with its big blade.  She knew that she was lucky last time, and the girl did not like the idea of facing another one of those goblin swords.

[Language unknown: "Ourstrard Reeliv!  Diicis p commanday overesson!"]  Taking a step backwards, Liseth unleashed a burst of white, healing light.  It washed over and enveloped both Kellan and Pisca with it's healing power while at the same time passing over and ignoring those goblins that were threatening them.

Having her back pressed to the wall did little for her own sense of security, unfortunately.  That goblin merely needed to follow after her and she would be trapped.  Liseth just hoped that maybe he would be too wary of Kellan's spear to attempt just that...

Standard Action: Channel Energy (6 HP healed; Exclude G1, G2, G3, GH)
Free Action: 5-foot step to F4

That's 6 back for Kellan and Pisca.  We need to get closer so that I can use Cure Light Wounds.

06:43, Today: Liseth Thoradin rolled 6 using 1d6+1. Channeled Healing
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 226 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Mon 16 Dec 2013
at 16:14
  • msg #89

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato eyed the goblin flanking Kellan, which seemed to be showing some interest in Liseth and him.  "Let's see how that little brute likes some acid," the wizard thought to himself.

Cato took a small step and flung out his arm, willing the little dart of acid to fly true despite the chaos in the room.  Kellan's monstrous size was much more intimidating than the wizard had thought.  He hadn't really expected quite how big the double-tall guard would be.  Luckily, the goblins seemed to have come to the same conclusion.

OOC:
Move: 5' step to F5
Standard: Acid Dart at H5 Goblin

11:11, Mon 16 Dec 2013: Cato Crispin rolled 7 using 1d20+3 ((4)).

The Raconteur
GM, 344 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Mon 16 Dec 2013
at 17:17
  • msg #90

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


There were a lot of things Nikip had never seen before, but he felt that the list was rapidly diminishing given all that was happening right now, under his very nose.  A human who seemed to be the size of a house.  A preternaturally-agile Warchanter, who dove to the left just as Nikip was about to stick her with his dogslicer.  But before he could, she rolled off the table and went to huddle under the protective reach of her big human friend.

Nikip couldn’t blame her . . . he would have done the same thing.  He grimaced as she lashed out at Urt with a flick of her rapier, drawing a surprised squawk.

This Warchanter was tricky.

But Thok had ordered them to take care of her and that was what he was going to do.  He moved carefully up after her; more carefully than Atop, who ran in screaming and waving his weapon.  He got the business end of the giant human’s polearm for his trouble, not five feet from where Nikip was standing.  Nikip knew that Thok and Urt were trying to take down the outsized human, but it looked like they were having difficulties.  And with all the damage they’d dished out to the Warchanter, it seemed like she should be down on the ground whimpering by now.

That troubled Nikip, but there was nothing for it.  He waved his dogslicer in the Warchanter’s direction but his wariness of the giant warrior kept him from truly pressing the attack.  As he stepped back he saw Rint’s arrow graze the Warchanter’s cheek, and her image . . . flickered.

Nikip’s mouth dropped open but before he could react further to this new strangeness the big human suddenly bellowed, an arrow sprouting from his shoulder.  The noise was deafening.  It looked like Xik had made his shot count.  Nikip would have cheered but he didn’t have time.  The battle was still in the balance and the big human didn’t even look close to going down.  Nikip gritted his teeth and faced the Warchanter with renewed resolution.  He was getting angry; this Warchanter needed to die.

GLASSWORKING ROOM

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+
2 |  |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |  |  |  |  | W|SC|W |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+
3 |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  W T|  |T W  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--W--+
4 |  |  |  |  |  WL |  |  | K|K |P |ii| T|G8|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | T|T |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+DD+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--D--+
5 |  |  |  |  W  |C | T|GH|TK|KT|G3|G6|  |G9|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  D  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--WWWFFFFWW+--+-T+T-+--+WW+DD+WW+WW+--+
6 |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G7| FF  |  |  FF | T|T |  W  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+W-+--+--+--+-W+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |D W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+-W+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+

W = Wall      SC = Glass Sculpture    ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
D = Door       x = Shattered Glass (Treated as Caltrops)
I = Window    G# = Goblins            GH = Thok
T = Table      F = Furnace Opening    P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:
Moves:

G3 (Urt) remains stationary, attacking Kellan with +2 flanking bonus (Atk +4).
GH (Thok) remains stationary, attacking Kellan with +2 for flanking (Total Atk +7, Dmg 1d8+1 (x3)).
G4 (Atop) moves to L4, incurring AoO by Kellan, who inflicts 8 points of damage, killing him.
G6 (Nikip) takes 5-foot step to L5, attacking Pisca with dogslicer (Atk +2 (1d4 (19-20)).
G7 (Xik) moves to M6, firing shortbow at Kellan (Atk +4, 1d4 (x3)).
G8 (Rint) remains stationary but climbs atop table and draws shortbow, firing at Pisca. (Atk +4, (1d4 (19-20)).
G9 (Arbik) moves to N5, firing short bow at Kellan. (Atk +4, 1d4 (x3))

Attacks:

08:52, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 8 using 1d20+4. Dogslicer Atk on Kellan.
08:52, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Thok, rolled 9 using 1d20+7. Horsechopper Atk on Kellan.
08:50, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 6 (Nikip), rolled 6 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer Attack on Pisca.
08:49, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 1 using 1d4. Shortbow Damage to Pisca.
08:49, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 19 using 1d20. Shortbow attack on Pisca.
08:46, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 7 (Xik), rolled 3 using 1d4. Shortbow Damage to Kellan.
08:46, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 7 (Xik), rolled 19 using 1d20+2. Critical Confirmation on Kellan.
08:45, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC NPC Goblin 7 (Xik), rolled 22 using 1d20+2. Shortbow attack on Kellan.
08:44, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 12 using 1d20+2. Shortbow attack on Kellan.
08:42, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Kellan Storval, rolled 8 using 2d6+4.  AoO Damage.
08:41, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Kellan Storval, rolled 23 using 1d20+6. AoO on G4 (Atop).

Opponents' Status:  G1 killed.  G2 asleep. G3 damaged 1 point.  G4 killed.

Kellan takes 9 points of damage.  Pisca takes 1 point of damage. Party turn.


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:41, Mon 16 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 217 posts
Former Red Shirt
Mon 16 Dec 2013
at 18:06
  • msg #91

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan cried out involuntarily as the goblin arrow slipped through his gigantic chain mail. The arrow sunk nearly to the fletching and caused the gargantuan guardsman to take a step back and grimace. Seeing that the goblin with the horse chopper was uncomfortably close to Cato and Liseth and that he was well inside the arc of his lodge pole sized axe he did the next best thing

He stomped.

Raising up his magically large calf length clod hopper he brought the heel down towards the goblin as of he were trying to squash a troublesome insect, issuing forth a giant sized battle cry as he did so.

HP: 15/26
AC: 18
Instant: Switch Polearm to 5' reach via Pole Fighting Ability (Polearm Master Lvl 2 Ability with -4 to hit)
Standard: Deal Non-Lethal Damage via Blade of Mercy trait, +1 to damage
Move: 5' step towards Cato and Liseth if GH goes down

09:50, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 11 using 2d6+5. Non lethal damage Thok.
Use Ogre Stomp Champion ability to increase damage to 12
09:49, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 18 using 1d20+2. Non Lethal Attack/Polearm Fighting vs Thok.
(Mixed up attack/damage bonus on Blade of Mercy in initial roll. Corrected in above calculations)

This message was last edited by the player at 19:16, Mon 16 Dec 2013.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 370 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 16 Dec 2013
at 19:14
  • msg #92

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The countenance of the Mosswood Warchanter flinched as the arrow grazed her cheek.  Standing against the gobbies swarming about Stomper's feet was one thing.  It was another entirely to suffer the arrows of outrageous fortune and by opposing become a pincushion.  To stand or not to stand?  That was the question.  And the answer came when Kellan stomped down on the mouthy suspicious gobbie that had been cutting at him from behind with that horsechopper.  The gnome gathered together all her defenses, dodged under the massively grown legs of Stomper Storval, and around a protective corner.

"Ha ha ha ha," the gnome laughed in the voice of the Warchanter.  Despite the pain of her wounds, she forced a derisive laugh from behind the cover of the corner.  [Language unknown: "Arderaast'eening ne ri!  Ilecmetowi rend ratichund haeau es we o.  Thestahatare ove ureasting ietic ndesmoev."]

Total Defense / Move (Taking AoO)

Position:  I3

Active Effects:  Disguise Self duration 20m Will vs DC15 if interaction w/the Glamer

AC19 w/Total Defense  Now + Cover from corner???
HP 7/18
Archaeologist's Luck 6/7
This message was last edited by the player at 23:26, Mon 16 Dec 2013.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 338 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Mon 16 Dec 2013
at 22:44
  • msg #93

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth felt trapped.  She knew that she could heal Kellan and Pisca so much more efficiently if she was able to get close to them.  But that goblin was just waiting for her to try.

But then she saw her opportunity!  Kellan stomped down on the goblin just as Pisca passed under the prodigious pikeman.  The goblin's attention had to be diverted from the small acolyte after that, so Liseth decided to risk it.  As unobtrusive as she could manage, Liseth slipped around the corner that her back was against and moved next to where she saw Pisca was going.

Once she reached the spot next to the goblin-disguised gnome, Liseth called down a healing prayer as her hand gained a white glow.  "Sarenrae, please grant me the power to mend these wounds."  With that, she reached down to lay a hand on the worst of the gnome's injuries.

Move Action: Walk (Cautiously) from F4 to H3
Standard Action: Cast Cure Light Wounds on Pisca (12 damage healed)

14:43, Today: Liseth Thoradin rolled 12 using 1d8+4. Cure Light Wounds.

(Nice healing roll, if I do say so myself.)
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 227 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Tue 17 Dec 2013
at 14:24
  • msg #94

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato eyed the non-unconscious goblin he had just missed with his acid dart and shrugged his shoulders.  "I guess a stomp works just as well as what I was planning."

He evaluated the situation, seeking the best way to help out Kellan and Pisca.  He took another step to line up a good shot, and flung another acid dart, this time targeting the goblin in front of Kellan.

OOC:
Move: 5' Step to G6
Standard: Acid Dart vs G3.
09:24, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 2 using 1d6+1. Acid Dart Damage.
09:23, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 15 using 1d20+3. Ranged Touch.

The Raconteur
GM, 347 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 17 Dec 2013
at 18:35
  • msg #95

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Thok was angry.  Where had these attackers even COME from?  The door had been locked!  Or at least Breck was SUPPOSED to have locked it.  Of course, Breck had already paid for whatever indiscretion he might have committed by strewing his entrails along the other side of the large marble table, so there wasn't much to be done about it now.

Thok's thoughts of his dead minion nearly got him killed; he almost missed the giant warrior's quick glance and the sudden shift of weight that brought a huge stomp whistling down towards Thok's head.  Thok barely managed to throw himself to the ground on one side, hitting his temple on the side of the marble table on the way down and coming up slightly dazed.

Thok quickly took stock; he was bruised and woozy but otherwise uninjured.  The commando shook his head to clear it, which only partially worked.  His eyes still swam from the impact.

As he rolled to his feet, he saw the Warchanter sneaking her way among the tree trunks that were the giant human's legs.  The commando lunged at her with his horsechopper and was rewarded with a satisfying crunch as his thrust connected and the Warchanter lurched forward from the impact, falling to her knees, her blood spilling out onto the floor.

Thok smiled in victory through his ragged breath; FINALLY.  Served that Mosswood bitch RIGHT.  But his triumph was short-lived as he watched the small blonde human run up and lay a glowing hand on the Warchanter's stab wound.  Thok snarled as the Mosswood stumbled to her feet, only a little worse for wear.

Two thoughts occurred to Thok in that moment.  The first was that the blonde woman was some sort of healer, which explained why her companions had been able to survive so much punishment.  The second was that the Warchanter had undergone an incredible change, and was now a GNOME with strawberry-blonde hair held back by a headscarf and a golden badge pinned prominently to her chest.

Thok shook his head; maybe he had hit it harder than he realized.  His knees buckled slightly, but he knew what he had to do.  There was no way his warband could win this fight unless he killed that healer.

She had to die.  Nothing else mattered.  The rest of the warband would have to deal with the giant warrior.

Thok leaped forward, swinging his horsechopper in a huge, deadly arc directly towards the blonde head.

The girl gaped at the commando as his decapitating blow swept through the air.  She stumbled backwards, falling to one knee with a yelp at the very last second and causing the killing blow to pass right over her.

Great Green Goblin Gods!!!!! Thok cursed to himself.  What did he have to do to KILL one of these people?!?  There were the most difficult opponents he had ever faced.  But the battle wasn't over.  The blonde woman looked up at him with a look of fear; he cherished that look.  It was time to finish her.

Meanwhile . . .

Urt swung his dogslicer at the Warchanter as she dodged back, but she was able to roll away from his blow and escape through the legs of the huge warrior.  The VERY huge warrior.  Urt had been concentrating on the Warchanter, and only now realized how large the human standing right next to him was.

This didn't make Urt happy.

Fortunately the human was distracted by something behind him, which gave Urt an opportunity.  He heard Nikip coming up behind him.  "[Language unknown: Isil me foec, Ch tr lithss!]"  Nikip yelled, and Urt thought that was a fine suggestion.  He danced to the left as he felt more than saw Nikip go the other way, both hacking at the human's legs.  Urt felt something whistle past his head . . . he glanced past the warrior and saw a robed human grimacing.  A wizard!  Urt moved in closer to the human . . . he seemed to be the only thing keeping the wizard from hurting Urt with whatever spell he was using.

Both Urt and Nikip managed to get a blow through the giant's armor.  Urt shot Nikip a grin; as long as Thok was keeping this guy occupied, maybe they could take him down.  Urt heard the giant grunt as Arbik's shortbow arrow struck home . . . maybe they could do this after all!

GLASSWORKING ROOM

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+
2 |  |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |  |  |  |  | W|SC|W |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+
3 |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |L |P W  |  |  |  |  W T|  |T W  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--W--+
4 |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |GH| K|K |G6|  | T|G8|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | T|T |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+DD+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--D--+
5 |  |  |  |  W  |  | T|TT|TK|KT|T |  |  |G9|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  D  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--WWWFFFFWW+--+-T+T-+--+WW+DD+WW+WW+--+
6 |  |  |  |  W  |C |  |  |  |G3|  |  |G7| FF  |  |  FF | T|T |  W  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+W-+--+--+--+-W+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |D W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+-W+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+

W = Wall      SC = Glass Sculpture    ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
D = Door       x = Shattered Glass (Treated as Caltrops)
I = Window    G# = Goblins            GH = Thok
T = Table      F = Furnace Opening    P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:
Attacks of Opportunity:

G3 (Urt) Attack of Opportunity on Pisca.  (Atk +2 (1d4 (19-20))
G6 (Nikip) Attack of Opportunity on Pisca. (Atk +2 (1d4 (19-20))
Thok Attack of Opportunity on Pisca.  (Atk +5 (1d8+1 (x3))

Moves:

GH (Thok) takes 5-foot step to H4, attacking Liseth (Total Atk +5, Dmg 1d8+1 (x3)).
G3 (Urt) takes 5-foot step to J6, attacking Kellan with +2 flanking bonus (Atk +4 (1d4 (19-20)).
G6 (Nikip) takes 5-foot step to K4, attacking Kellan with dogslicer and flanking bonus (Atk +4 (1d4 (19-20)).
G7 (Xik) remains stationary, firing shortbow at Kellan (Atk +2, 1d4 (x3)).
G8 (Rint) remains stationary, firing shortbow at Kellan. (Atk +2, 1d4 (x3)).
G9 (Arbik) remains stationary, firing shortbow at Kellan. (Atk +2, 1d4 (x3))

Attacks:

19:32, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Thok, rolled 9 using 1d8+1. Thok Damage to Pisca.
19:31, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Thok, rolled 24 using 1d20+5. Attack of Opportunity on Pisca.
19:30, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 6 (Nikip), rolled 6 using 1d20+2. Attack of Opportunity on Pisca.
19:29, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 18 using 1d20+2. Attack of Opportunity on Pisca.
19:41, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 2 using 1d4. Shortbow Damage on Kellan.
19:40, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 20 using 1d20+2. Shortbow Attack on Kellan.
19:40, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 4 using 1d20+2. Shortbow Attack on Kellan.
19:39, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 7 (Xik), rolled 14 using 1d20+2. Shortbow Attack on Kellan.
19:38, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 6 (Nikip), rolled 2 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Kellan.
19:38, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 6 (Nikip), rolled 13 using 1d20+4. Critical Confirmation on Kellan.
19:37, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 6 (Nikip), rolled 23 using 1d20+4. Dogslicer Attack on Kellan.
19:36, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 3 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Kellan.
19:36, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 21 using 1d20+4. Dogslicer Attack on Kellan.
20:08, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Thok, rolled 5 using 1d8+1. Horsechopper Damage on Liseth.
20:07, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Thok, rolled 22 using 1d20+5. Horsechopper Attack on Liseth.

Opponents' Status:  G1 killed.  G2 asleep. G3 damaged 1 point.  G4 killed.  Thok 12 points of non-lethal damage.
Party Status:  Pisca at 10/18 hit points.  Kellan takes 7 points of damage, is at 8/26 hit points.  Liseth takes 5 points of damage, is at 13/18 hit points.


This message was last edited by the GM at 18:51, Tue 17 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 219 posts
Former Red Shirt
Tue 17 Dec 2013
at 18:56
  • msg #96

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Somewhere in the last few moments the amount of punishment Kellan had endured seemed to catch up with him. He gave out a low pained sound as he plucked a goblin arrow out with his off hand, the shaft clattering to the floor amid the roar of the furnaces and the chaos of battle.

Seeing how the goblins attention had suddenly turned to Liseth, Kellan lashed out with a right hook in an effort to try and force the goblin away, or at the very least divert his attention back over towards himself.

OOC:
HP: 8/26
AC: 18
Standard: adjacent non lethal attack on Thok (-4 to hit)
Move: 5' step to H/I 5/6 if GH goes down
Instant: Return Polearm to reach weapon if GH goes down and move is successful
10:46, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 11 using 2d6+5. Non Lethal Damage Thok.
10:45, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 18 using 1d20+2. Non lethal attack Thok.
(Did the same thing this time, what I get for referencing scores off the DR)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:38, Tue 17 Dec 2013.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 341 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 18/18
Tue 17 Dec 2013
at 19:41
  • msg #97

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth could not have reached Pisca at a better moment.  With a gasp she watched her gnome friend become impaled by the goblin's sword, but Liseth was able to close the injury quickly.  But before she could do anything else, that same goblin blade was swinging towards her!

With a cry the teenage girl tried to get away, but found herself stumbling over her own feet in her haste.  When she fell to her knees Liseth was certain that she was done for, but the blade passed right over her head!  She didn't have time to thank whatever providence had seen fit to keep her safe; Liseth's panicked mind could only conceive of one thing: escape!

But there was nowhere that she could go without the goblin getting her with his menacing blade; nowhere except for backwards into the alcove behind her.  Picking herself back up onto her feet as quickly as she could, Liseth was about to fall backwards towards the window when Kellan simply smashed the goblin!  She had almost forgotten about the sizable soldier in her haste to heal Pisca; and it seemed that the goblin had as well!

A breath of relief escaped, until Liseth saw just how wounded Kellan had become.  His new size was drawing the attention of the goblins, but he didn't look like he would be able to take another barrage of attacks from them.  After he knocked that mean goblin down though, there was nothing to keep the acolyte from tending his injuries now.

"Sarenrae, please grant this brave warrior respite for his weariness and recovery for his wounds."  Liseth wasn't able to actually reach the wounds on the tremendous trooper, but she was still able to see an incredible improvement in him at her touch.

Standard Action: Cast Cure Light Wounds on Kellan. (12 Hit Points Healed)

11:28, Today: Liseth Thoradin rolled 12 using 1d8+4. Cure Light Wounds.

Another perfect healing roll!  I'm on a roll!
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:43, Tue 17 Dec 2013.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 228 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Tue 17 Dec 2013
at 20:22
  • msg #98

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato scowled again as his acid dart missed his intended target.  The wizard supposed he could summon a celestial dog again.  Those had always seemed to work fairly well in the past against goblins, who seemed to hate the animals.  But that was his last spell left of any consequence, and it was probably good to keep something in reserve in case they found more goblins in this place.  Still, Pisca and Kellan had taken more than their fair share of abuse.

Cato looked at the situation again.  It was obvious he wasn't going to have much luck trying to fire into the confusion that surrounded the giant warrior.  Maybe he'd try and take down some of the goblins firing from range, instead.

Cato took another step forward, trusting on Kellan to keep the goblins locked down and Cato free from their savage blades.  He flung another acid dart at one of the short bow wielding goblins behind the front lines.

OOC:
Move Action: 5' step to G6.
Standard Action: Acid Dart vs G7
15:22, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 6 using 1d6+1.
15:21, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 12 using 1d20+3. Ranged Touch.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 380 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 17 Dec 2013
at 20:59
  • msg #99

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Pisca reeled.  She blinked her eyes to regain focus before realizing that it was her body that was swaying on legs of rubber and not the world that had decided to weave back and forth, a plum bob of the gods set in motion at the bottom of its line.  With an effort of will, the gnome set her feet.  Goblins.  They were fighting off a horde of the gobbies, and she would have to get back to that or they would all die.

One consolation was that the body of Mouthy-Suspicious now lay on the ground at Stomper's feet.  Serves you right, dumb Thistletop.  Pisca stepped over the fallen goblin and set up a keening hum.  Her hands wove in an intricate and sinuous, rhythmic pattern.

"Drop all things," suggested the gnome as her spell came to its fruition.  "Drop all things and gather glass.  Gather mountain of glass to throw at humans."

5ft step / Cast Hypnotism

Hypnotism 3HD catching G7-G9; Duration 5 rounds. (DC13 or be Fascinated.  This includes the -2 Penalty to the DC from combat.)

11:13, Today: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 5 using 2d4. Rounds.
11:13, Today: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 3 using 2d4. HD.

Position:  H4

AC15
HP 7/18
Archaeologist's Luck 6/7
The Raconteur
GM, 352 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 17 Dec 2013
at 22:12
  • msg #100

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Urt was known among goblins as being skilled with a dogslicer, but this was literally his biggest test yet.  He was wounding the huge human but the man seemed to have inexhaustible endurance.  Urt began to attack again when the huge warrior stepped out of the way to reveal Thok’s motionless body lying on the ground.

Thok!!  He had been distracting the giant from Urt and Nikip.  In an amazing display of bravado, probably fueled by his recent martial success, Urt decided that someone needed to take Thok’s place, and that someone would be HIM!  He raced forward, dodging a rapier thrust as he moved around inside the giant human’s reach and attacked, striking home as the warrior looked around for him.

Urt grinned.  The tribe was going to need a new warleader.  And it might as well be him.

Meanwhile . . .   

Xik was an excellent archer, even if he did say so himself.  He ducked as a dart of acid flew over his head and reached back for another arrow from his quiver when he suddenly saw a gnome, of all things.  Normally Xik would shoot the gnome but there was something special about this one.  She seemed so . . . reasonable.

And she had good ideas too!  She recommended that Xik drop his bow and start throwing glass at the big human.  That sounded like fun to Xik.  As his bow clattered to his feet and he stooped to pick up glass, he saw the sleeping body of Kikip, who was missing out on all the fun.  “[Language unknown: Te.  Era Ilplpa!]”  Said Xik, shaking his friend’s shoulder.  He saw Kikip begin to stir and look at him blearily.  “[Language unknown: Tril li sture dievta, tiostider i t saadll!  Whe!]”

Meanwhile . . .

Rint and Arbik looked at each other.  Urt had always been an idiot.  A brave idiot, but an idiot.  The two archers had been friends for a long time, and hadn’t survived this long by throwing themselves away in fruitless battles.  Rint could tell that Arbik was thinking what he was thinking . . . without Thok their chances of winning THIS battle were pretty low.  They nodded at each other and started moving as one towards the other side of the room, but still turning to shoot the giant human.  They were still part of the battle.  Just not an easily-reachable one.

GLASSWORKING ROOM

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+
2 |  |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |  |  |  |  | W|SC|W |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+
3 |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |L |P W  |  |  |  |  W T|  |T W  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--W--+
4 |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |ii|  |  |  |  | T|T |  |  |  |  |  |G8|  |  | T|T |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+DD+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--D--+
5 |  |  |  |  W  |  |G3|TK|KT|G6|TT|G2|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|  |  |  |  |  D  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--WWWFFFFWW+--+-T+T-+--+WW+DD+WW+WW+--+
6 |  |  |  |  W  |C |  | K|K |  |  |  |G7| FF  |  |  FF | T|T |  W  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+W-+--+--+--+-W+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |D W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+-W+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+

W = Wall      SC = Glass Sculpture    ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
D = Door       x = Shattered Glass (Treated as Caltrops)
I = Window    G# = Goblins            GH = Thok
T = Table      F = Furnace Opening    P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

13:04, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 18 using 1d20-1. DC 13 Hypnotism Will Save.
13:04, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 17 using 1d20-1. DC 13 Hypnotism Will Save.
13:04, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 7 (Xik), rolled 5 using 1d20-1. DC 13 Hypnotism Will Save.

Attacks of Opportunity:

13:48, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Pisca Neep Freemish, rolled 9 using 1d20. AoO on Goblin 3 (Urt).

Moves:

G3 (Urt) moves to G5 attacking Kellan with +2 flanking bonus (Atk +4 (1d4 (19-20)).
G6 (Nikip) takes 5-foot step to J5, attacking Kellan with dogslicer and flanking bonus (Atk +4 (1d4 (19-20)).
G7 (Xik) remains stationary, dropping his shortbow and picking up broken glass.
G8 (Rint) moves to T4, firing shortbow at Kellan. (Atk +2, 1d4 (x3)).
G9 (Arbik) moves to T5, firing shortbow at Kellan. (Atk +2, 1d4 (x3))

Attacks/Standard Actions:
G7 (Xik) wakes up G2 (Kikip)

13:51, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 6 (Nikip), rolled 4 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Kellan.
13:51, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 6 (Nikip), rolled 20 using 1d20+4. Dogslicer Attack on Kellan.
13:50, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 1 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Kellan.
13:50, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 22 using 1d20+4. Dogslicer Attack on Kellan.
13:53, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 10 using 1d20+2. Shortbow Attack on Kellan.
13:53, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 5 using 1d20+2. Shortbow Attack on Kellan.


Opponents' Status:  G1 killed.  G3 damaged 1 point.  G4 killed.  Thok unconscious (H4).
Party Status:  Pisca at 10/18 hit points.  Kellan takes five points of damage, and is at 15/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 13/18 hit points.


This message was last edited by the GM at 22:14, Tue 17 Dec 2013.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 345 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 15/18
Tue 17 Dec 2013
at 23:31
  • msg #101

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Being removed from immediate danger made things so much more simple for Liseth.  Not that she felt that their situation was anything but precarious at the moment.  Sparing a glance down at the unconscious goblin, who moments before was threatening her with his blade, she knew how close she had come to being cut down.

The battle was far from over though, and Liseth watched as some of the remaining goblins moved to surround Kellan, slicing at him with their small goblin swords.  While she was out of danger, the large lanceman most definitely was not; even after the healing energy that she just used on him.

[Language unknown: "Ort Onilhi!  Thoainons wa lelat thieauproout i essherantent hout ouwhti!"]  Liseth closed her eyes and spoke strongly, but her healing energy came in only a trickle this time; the weakest that she had ever summoned.  Still, she knew that it would be a welcome relief to everybody, however minor.  Noting the number of injured goblins strewn about, Liseth was certain to exclude them from being healed.

The last thing that she wanted was for them to get back up and continue fighting!

Standard Action: Channel Energy (Heal for 2; Excluding G1, G3, G4, and Thok)

15:22, Today: Liseth Thoradin rolled 2 using 1d6+1. Channeled Healing.

Had to happen sooner or later!  2 points back for everybody.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 228 posts
Former Red Shirt
Wed 18 Dec 2013
at 05:58
  • msg #102

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan felt a wave of relief come over him, the pain dulling to more of a distant ache for the time being. Hemmed in on both sides Kellan reached down and tore his newly purchased flail free of his belt loop, the spiked head coming around with an audible whooshing sound as he tried to strike out at the goblin nearest to Cato.

OOC
HP: 17/26
AC:18
Move: Draw Flail, Pole Axe going to off hand
Standard: Attack g3
21:55, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 12 using 1d20+5. Flail Attack against Goblin 3.

Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 230 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Wed 18 Dec 2013
at 14:22
  • msg #103

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato was starting to get more than a little bit angry.  Although his spells on Kellan certainly seemed to be working well enough, his offensive magics had so far failed to have any effect on the combat.  He had forgot what concentrating in the heat of chaotic combat was like, and trying to hit an enemy engaged in close combat with your ally was like.

Cato decided he'd try a different tactic.  Kellan had captivated the attention of the closest goblin to him, so Cato decided to use that to his advantage.  He wound up his quarterstaff, taking a step and swinging it with all his might at the goblin.

OOC:
Move: 5' Step to F5
Standard: Quarterstaff attack vs G3
09:21, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 6 using 1d20+3. Quarterstaff Attack (with Flanking).

Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 394 posts
The Gnome!
Wed 18 Dec 2013
at 21:33
  • msg #104

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Ook.  That might not have been the best thing to suggest after all. "More glass.  More glass!" the gnome urged the goblin before poking her head around the corner to catch the two goblins making their way toward the far side of the rooms and the doors that lay there.  Franj and badger butts.  It wasn't hard to guess where they must be going from there.  And they were beyond the range of her spell.

"We have to stop them.  They're going to warn Tsuto!" the gnome cried over the noise from the furnaces.

First think would be to free up Stomper.  Though it looked too late for even the giant guardsman to do anything.  Pisca transferred her rapier to her other hand and grabbed the whip on her belt.  With a crack she sent the barbed end at the dogslicer of the nearest goblin.  The leather coiled about the blade and the natural grip of the coils held fast when Pisca jerked the weapon from the gobbie's grasp.

However, with little more that she could do to stop the fleeing goblins who were making for the far end of the room, the gnome did the only thing that she could think of.  [Language unknown: "ONERE ATI, TICWERTICREDICH!"] she shouted in goblin.  [Language unknown: "ACUTLINACH NDEHATART!  EVEMANVIROERENC!"] she laughed, but her laughter held the hollow ring of desperation, even in her own ears.

Draw Whip / Disarm Attempt

Disarm 13 vs DC12??? (+1AL +1vsGoblin +2DisarmWeapon)

Edited per Liseth's information on OoC Board.

13:26, Today: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 11 using 1d20+1. Disarm w/Whip.

Position:  I3

AC15
HP 12/18
Archaeologist's Luck 4/7
This message was last edited by the player at 22:44, Wed 18 Dec 2013.
The Raconteur
GM, 372 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Thu 19 Dec 2013
at 06:00
  • msg #105

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Kikip groggily shook his head and looked around.  What was going on?  The last thing he remembered was a Mosswood warchanter standing on a table telling them how they needed to change their plans, and the next thing he knew Xik was bending over him saying something about glassware and there was a . . . HOLY CRAP THERE WAS A GIANT HUMAN RAMPAGING AROUND!

Kikip scrambled to his feet and backed away from the giant warrior as fast as those feet could carry him.  He saw Rint and Arbik on the other side of the room firing their shortbows at the monster; Kikip thought theirs was a much better idea than Xik's.

Kikip drew his own shortbow as he gingerly found his balance, turning and firing at the outsized guardsman.  His arrow merely glanced off the human's armor, but he saw Rint's arrow strike home and Xik's glassware, of all things, open a gash in the human's face.

Maybe Xik wasn't just crazy . . . he was crazy like a fox!  Kikip nodded to himself and drew another arrow as a gnome, of all things, started yelling something that Kikip couldn't quite make out over the din of the furnace . . .

Meanwhile . . .

Urt grinned as he easily avoided the robed human's quarterstaff strike and barely managed to dodge the giant's flail.  Urt wasn't sure where the flail had come from. The human seemed to be some sort of war diety; he was armored and had an endless supply of weapons coupled with a seemingly inexhaustible endurance.

Urt was about to dodge in for another strike when his dogslicer suddenly disappeared from his grasp!  It took Urt a second to process the fact that his weapon was now on the floor rather than in his hand; he looked for the source of his misfortune and saw a satisfied look on the gnome's face as she drew back a . . . whip.  Urt was pretty sure she hadn't been wielding a whip before.

Where do they get all these wonderful toys?

The distraction allowed Urt to see the blonde human finishing saying something while holding some sort of symbol.  A light washed out from her a bathed her companions.  A healer!  Urt blanched; there was no way they had any sort of chance in this battle with a healer still up and about.  He ducked down to grab his dogslicer, dodging another quarterstaff blow.  As he did, he felt the giant flail whisk by his head, missing it by only inches.

Newly rearmed, Urt sprang toward the blonde, yelling "[Language unknown: icome les chfifi'aise ionterday, lossbe te inghasthu!]" and hoping Nikip heard him . . .

GLASSWORKING ROOM

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+
2 |  |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |  |  |  |  | W|SC|W |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+
3 |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |L |P W  |  |  |  |  W T|  |T W  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--W--+
4 |  |  |  |  |  W  |G3|  |G6|  |  |  | T|T |  |  |  |  |  |  |G8|  | T|T |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+DD+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--D--+
5 |  |  |  |  W  |C |  |TK|KT|TT|TT|  |  |  |  |  |  |G2|  |  |G9|  |  |  |  D  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--WWWFFFFWW+--+-T+T-+--+WW+DD+WW+WW+--+
6 |  |  |  |  W  |  |  | K|K |  |  |G7|  | FF  |  |  FF | T|T |  W  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+W-+--+--+--+-W+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |D W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+-W+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+

W = Wall      SC = Glass Sculpture    ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
D = Door       x = Shattered Glass (Treated as Caltrops)
I = Window    G# = Goblins            GH = Thok
T = Table      F = Furnace Opening    P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

Attacks of Opportunity:
20:57, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Kellan Storval, rolled 15 using 1d20+7. AoO on Goblin 3 (Urt).
20:57, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Cato Crispin, rolled 9 using 1d20+3. AoO on Goblin 3 (Urt).

Moves:

G2 (Kikip) moves to R5, drawing shortbow and firing at Kellan.  (Atk +2, 1d4 (x3)).
G3 (Urt) picks up weapon, takes 5-foot step to G4, attacking Liseth with dogslicer (Atk +2 (1d4 (19-20)).
G6 (Nikip) takes 5-foot step to I4, attacking Pisca with dogslicer (Atk +2 (1d4 (19-20)).
G7 (Xik) takes 5-foot step to L6, hurling broken glass at Kellan.  (1d3 (x2)).
G8 (Rint) takes a 5-foot step to U4, firing shortbow at Kellan. (Atk +2, 1d4 (x3)).
G9 (Arbik) takes a 5-foot step to U5, firing shortbow at Kellan. (Atk +2, 1d4 (x3))

Attacks:

21:29, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 9 using 1d20+2. Shortbow Attack on Kellan.
21:29, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 2 using 1d4. Shortbow Damage on Kellan.
21:29, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 19 using 1d20+2. Shortbow Attack on Kellan.
21:28, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 7 (Xik), rolled 3 using 1d3. Glassware Damage to Kellan.
21:27, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 7 (Xik), rolled 19 using 1d20. Hurled Glassware at Kellan.
21:27, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 14 using 1d20+2. Shortbow Attack on Kellan.
21:26, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 6 (Nikip), rolled 10 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer attack on Pisca.
21:25, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 4 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer attack on Liseth.

Opponents' Status:  G1 killed.  G3 damaged 1 point.  G4 killed.  Thok unconscious (H4).
Party Status:  Pisca at 12/18 hit points.  Kellan takes five points of damage and is at 12/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 15/18 hit points.



This message was last edited by the GM at 09:08, Thu 19 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 233 posts
Former Red Shirt
Thu 19 Dec 2013
at 09:38
  • msg #106

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan just could not seem to avoid those arrows, granted he was a big target now, but all the same those little goblin barbs hurt just as badly as if he were normal sized, not to mention the crushed glass working it's way under his shirt.

It seemed Liseth was the latest target of the goblin attack, and as such he did his utmost to defend her. Whipping the head of the flail around he brought it up and over in an arc, smashing through a small roof support as he brought it down full force towards the goblin in front of Pisca.

OOC:
HP: 12/26
AC: 18
Move: None
Standard: flank attack on Goblin 6
01:31, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 12 using 1d10+4. Damage.
01:30, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 18 using 1d20+7. Flanking Flail Attack!
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 355 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 17/18
Thu 19 Dec 2013
at 17:35
  • msg #107

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Eek!"  Now the other goblins were coming for her!  One from each side, at least Pisca was there to distract one of them.  But one lunged right at her with his slicer!  Luckily he seemed off balance and missed by a wide margin; not that Liseth was willing to stand around and let him try again!

Quickly pressing herself backwards, Liseth retreated into the alcove behind her.  With Pisca right there, the goblins won't be able to get to her; she hoped anyway.  If they did, she would be trapped in a terrible way.

When Kellan smashed one of the goblins, Liseth got a good look at him.  He was in bad shape; which stood to reason since he was taking the brunt of all of the goblin's attacks.  But she couldn't reach him where he was with focused healing; those goblin archers would fill her like a pincushion were they to spot her.

[Language unknown: "Meadwe ne Isioss!  Utus derme moning ithticave!"]  It was becoming hard to keep channeling like this.  Beads of sweat began to appear on Liseth's brow from the concentration.  She knew that she could only do this one more time before she was exhausted.

Free Action: 5-Foot step to H2

Standard Action: Channel Energy (2 Healed; excluding G3, G6, G1, and Thok)

09:33, Today: Liseth Thoradin rolled 2 using 1d6+1. Channeled Healing.

(Ugh, I seem to have a love/hate relationship with the dice.  At least my actions haven't required a hit roll!)
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 404 posts
The Gnome!
Thu 19 Dec 2013
at 18:06
  • msg #108

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"They're after Lysa because they recognize her as a healer," the Pisca said, relaying a basic summary of what the goblin had just said.  With the thumping that Stomper had just dealt to her gobbie playmate it seemed fairly safe to use the whip again.  The gnome lashed out a second time with the barbed leather and again she snatched the dogslicer from the goblin's hands.  Then, dropping the whip, she stepped into the place that Liseth had just vacated.  There, with the weaponless goblin pinned between herself and Cato, she waited for the little green slug-eater to bend down for the blade, leaving itself open for a swift stab.

Disarm Attempt / Drop Whip & Switch Rapier back to Primary Hand / 5ft Step

Disarm G3 AC4 vs DC12(-1CM +1AL +1vsGoblin +2DisarmWeapon)
AoO if Needed Hit AC13 (+0Base +1AL +1vsGoblin +2Flanking w/Cato?)

Position: H3

AC15
HP 14/18
Archaeologist's Luck 3/7
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 232 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Thu 19 Dec 2013
at 20:11
  • msg #109

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Trying to go for Liseth, goblin?  You shouldn't turn your back on the wizard, either!"

Cato once again swung his quarterstaff, trying to land a solid hit on the goblin's head.  At the very least, he should be able to distract the goblin while Pisca had her way with the beast.  And maybe if it was distracted enough, he'd have another chance to land a shot.

Cato surveyed the room.  Maybe it was time to use his last spell.  He certainly didn't want the goblins bringing in reinforcements right now.

OOC:
Standard Action: Melee Attack against G3

15:09, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 8 using 1d20+3. Quarterstaff Attack (with Flanking).
Gah, I know what you mean about the dice, Liseth.

The Raconteur
GM, 374 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Thu 19 Dec 2013
at 23:42
  • msg #110

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


"NIKIP!!!!!"  Kikip screamed as the oversized warrior's flail disintegrated his brother's head.  Kikip's terror grew as he became more-and-more aware of the situation.  Was everyone here STUPID?  Did they not SEE the four people who were attacking them?  Sure, the warrior was bigger, but Kikip knew these four.  He knew EXACTLY who they were.

He panicked.

"[Language unknown: Iv!  Ter TERTHISTR!!  Stron asttioons thosomyinwilwas din andvoroer isma chel!  Teare be usca hissus]!!!"

Kikip immediately took his own advice and beat feet for the slightly-ajar door on the opposite side of the room from their fearsome opponents.  As he ran past, he saw Arbik's and Rint's terrified looks; they each loosed one final arrow at the large human then scampered after Kikip to escape what had become a Room of Goblin Death.  Kikip glanced back as he hit the door with his shoulder and burst through . . . it looked like even Xik had decided to stop playing with glass and run for his life.

Kikip fervently hoped the longshanks found whatever they were looking for in the Glassworking Room.  He even more fervently hoped that what they were looking for wasn't HIM.

. . . Meanwhile . . .

Urt snarled as the gnome's whip snaked out and yet AGAIN pulled the dogslicer from his hand.  He would have loved to kill the gnome slowly, but right now survival seemed like the more-important task.  He turned to yell at Nikip, only to see his friend's skull explode in a red mist as the giant warrior's flail continued through where that skull had been as if it hadn't even hit anything.

That settled it.  Urt was surrounded by enemies and it looked as if the other goblins were running for it.  Urt was brave, but he wasn't THAT brave.  His luck had to run out SOMETIME.

Urt left his dogslicer on the ground, concentrating completely on avoiding the blows of the gnome, who had leaped forward with her rapier, the robed human with the quarterstaff, and the dangerous giant with the flail.  It was a close-run thing, but he just made it to the nearby door, which had thankfully been left open.  He drew his shortbow as he ran through it, hoping he could get away before his luck ran out.

Far away.

GLASSWORKING ROOM

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+
2 |  |  |  |  |  |  | W|L |W |  |  |  |  |  | W|SC|W |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+
3 |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |P |  W  |  |  |  |  W T|  |T W  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--W--+
4 |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |ii|  |  |  | T|T |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | T|T |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+DD+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--D--+
5 |  |  |  |  W  |C |  |TK|KT|TT|TT|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G7|  D  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--WWWFFFFWW+--+-T+T-+--+WW+DD+WW+WW+--+
6 |  |  |  |  W  |  |  | K|K |  |  |  |  | FF  |  |  FF | T|T |  W  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+W-+--+--+--+-W+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |D W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+-W+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+

W = Wall      SC = Glass Sculpture    ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
D = Door       x = Shattered Glass (Treated as Caltrops)
I = Window    G# = Goblins            GH = Thok
T = Table      F = Furnace Opening    P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

Attacks of Opportunity:

15:15, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Pisca Neep Freemish, rolled 13 using 1d20+3. AoO on Goblin 3 (Urt).
15:08, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Kellan Storval, rolled 16 using 1d20+7. AoO on Goblin 3 (Urt).
15:08, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Cato Crispin, rolled 13 using 1d20+3. AoO on Goblin 3 (Urt).

Moves:

G3 (Urt) employs total defense, moving through doors at E4-E5.
G2 (Kikip) withdraws, moving through the doors at Y5-Z5.
G6 (Nikip) dies to Kellan's blow.
G7 (Xik) withdraws, moving to X5.
G8 (Rint) fires shortbow at Kellan (Atk +4, 1d4 (x3)), then moves through the doors at Y5-Z5.
G9 (Arbik) fires shortbow at Kellan (Atk +4, 1d4 (x3)), then moves through the doors at Y5-Z5.

Attacks:

15:17, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 1 using 1d4. Shortbow Damage on Kellan.
15:17, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 20 using 1d20+4. Shortbow Attack on Kellan.
15:16, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 6 using 1d20+4. Shortbow Attack on Kellan.

Opponents' Status:  G1 killed.  G3 damaged 1 point.  G4 killed.  G6 killed.  Thok unconscious (H4).  G2, G3, G8, and G9 have fled the room.

Party Status:  Pisca at 14/18 hit points.  Kellan takes one point of damage and is at 13/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 17/18 hit points.



Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 359 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 17/18
Fri 20 Dec 2013
at 01:32
  • msg #111

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

With her heart beating a mile a minute, Liseth almost collapsed in relief when the goblins began to flee.  But she didn't have the luxury of time at her disposal; there was no way that she could rest while the goblins were still nearby.  And with Kellan hurt as badly as he was.

"Thank you Pisca," the acolyte said to the gnome when she stepped forward to pass her, carefully avoiding the dead and unconscious goblins.  Seeing that one of the archers was still inside the furnace room with them, Liseth walked between Cato and Kellan so that she wouldn't be so visible behind the mountainous man-at-arms.

"Erastil, please grant me the power to make well these wounds..."  Liseth recalled Kellan talking about Erastil, so she was sure that the guardsman favored that deity.  She once again laid a white, glowing hand upon him; filling Kellan with a cleansing energy that closed nearly all of his injuries.

Move Action: Walk to G5

Standard Action: Cast Cure Light Wounds on Kellan (10 Hit Points Healed)

17:29, Today: Liseth Thoradin rolled 10 using 1d8+4. Cure Light Wounds.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:37, Fri 20 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 237 posts
Former Red Shirt
Fri 20 Dec 2013
at 05:32
  • msg #112

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan did not seem to be aware that blood from the goblin that he had just struck down was now arced brilliantly across his face and some of his right arm. He swung fruitlessly at the fleeing goblin, just missing him as the flail head wrapped around the leg of the heavy marble table. When one tug was not enough to free it he left it there along with his pole axe, reaching down to un clip his new crossbow from the ring at his belt.

Kneeling awkwardly against the table to the north end of the room he watched as the goblin sprinted towards the eastern door for everything he was worth, casting a glance behind him just in time to see the gargantuan figure exhale deeply and line up the shot. With the quivering bolt tip dancing over his fleeing target Kellan applied pressure to the lever until he felt the satisfying "clack!" of the bowstring's release, the bolt whipping towards it's target at blinding speed.

HP: 23/26
AC: 18
Free: Drop Flail and Pole Axe I5
Move: to M/L 4/5, draw Light Crossbow
Standard: Crossbow Attack on Goblin 7
21:21, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 7 using 2d6. Crossbow damage.
21:21, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 17 using 1d20+4. Light Crossbow Attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:47, Fri 20 Dec 2013.
The Raconteur
GM, 381 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Fri 20 Dec 2013
at 05:59
  • msg #113

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Xik was confused and terrified.  Mostly terrified.  The roar of the furnace drowned out the sound of his ragged breathing as he sprinted toward the double doors that promised both freedom and escape.

He saw the other goblins race through it just ahead of him.  Xik was just a few feet from that blessed exit when he felt as if a giant hand punched him in the back.  For a second Xik couldn't understand what had happened.  The giant warrior couldn't have possibly have run far enough to hit him.

Xik's curiosity was sated for the last time as a crossbow bolt burst from his chest.  As the goblin flew through the air, head back, hands outstretched, dropping the pieces of glass he had been unaccountably carrying with him, he understood.

And then he died.

GLASSWORKING ROOM

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+II+--+--+
2 |  |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |  |  |  |  | W|SC|W |  |  |  |  |  | W|  |W |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+--+--+--+--+I-+--+-I+--+
3 |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |P |  W  |  |  |  |  W T|  |T W  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--+WW+WW+II+WW+WW+--+--+--W--+
4 |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  | T|T |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | T|T |  W  |
  +--+--+--+--+DD+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--D--+
5 |  |  |  |  W  |C |LT|TT|TT|TT|TT|TK|K |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |ii|  D  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--WWWFFFFWW+--+-T+T-+--+WW+DD+WW+WW+--+
6 |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  | K|K | FF  |  |  FF | T|T |  W  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--W--+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+WW+FF+W-+--+--+--+-W+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |D W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+-W+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+

W = Wall      SC = Glass Sculpture    ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
D = Door       x = Shattered Glass (Treated as Caltrops)
I = Window    G# = Goblins            GH = Thok
T = Table      F = Furnace Opening    P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

Moves:

G7 (Xik) killed by Kellan's crossbow bolt.

Attacks:

None.

Opponents' Status:  G1 killed.  G3 damaged 1 point.  G4 killed.  G6 killed.  G7 killed.  Thok unconscious (H4).  G2, G3, G8, and G9 have fled the room.

Party Status:  Pisca is at 14/18 hit points.  Kellan is at 23/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 17/18 hit points.


This message was last edited by the GM at 07:22, Fri 20 Dec 2013.
The Raconteur
GM, 382 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Fri 20 Dec 2013
at 06:11
  • msg #114

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Kellan lowered his crossbow as he watched the distant goblin fly forward and fall flat on his face, pierced clean through, quite dead.  Now that the immediacy of combat was over, or perhaps simply because he had moved further into the room, Kellan noted that the stench of decaying bodies was particularly strong.

But the horrible, nigh-overwhelming odor didn't affect the warrior's cast-iron stomach in the slightest.

Goblins and glassworkers weren't the only dead things in the room.  As Kellan turned to his left to check on the other members of the group, he spotted a grotesque sight . . . Lonjiku Kaijitsu, propped up in a chair in the central alcove and encased in thick, runny sheets of hardened glass.  Even from fifteen feet away Kellan could see the expression of fear, pain, and shock on the noble's face.  Apparently whoever had done this had not killed the elder Kaijitsu before starting his gruesome glasswork.

On the ground, the horsechopper-wielding goblin began to stir . . .


This message was last edited by the GM at 06:12, Fri 20 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 239 posts
Former Red Shirt
Fri 20 Dec 2013
at 07:12
  • msg #115

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan's horrified expression was drawn from the late Lord's body by the stirring goblin. Clipping the crossbow back to the brass ring he vaulted the table and kicked away the goblins weapon, stooping to roll him onto his stomach and draw his hands behind his back. With some help from the others he managed to pull the coil of rope from his pack, the manacles simply being too large for the spindly large headed creature.

Hog tying the goblin with a firm knot, he reached over for his weapons on the ground and secured them, menacing the goblin with the point of his pole axe if he tried to squirm. With that business handled he wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his gloved hand, his features flushed from the battle.

"We should warn the watch" Kellan suggested "I counted at least two that made it out...and gods forbid another incident like what happened at the Barett's" he was breathing heavily now, looking to each if his comrades in turn "Is everybody alright?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:18, Fri 20 Dec 2013.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 361 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 17/18
Fri 20 Dec 2013
at 15:05
  • msg #116

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The adrenaline from the battle faded immensely when the last goblin in the room with them was struck down.  But that only caused a cascade of other effects to stir in Liseth.

The horror of the room hit her even harder than it had before now that the acolyte wasn't concentrating so much on keeping her friends, and herself, alive.  The mutilated bodies strewn about, mixing with the blood and bodies of goblin corpses.  The open furnaces spewing heat and light mixing with the bodies to create a terrifying hellscape.  And that horrible stench, the smell of decaying bodies; that was the worst.  Added to her strained nerves, Liseth could not stop herself.

Becoming green and pale, she managed to make it only a few steps, placing herself into a corner of the room, before she vomited.

"I think I'm sick," was her response to Kellan's question.  Turning to see that the now-bound goblin, who had almost killed her, was waking up, Liseth carefully moved around the long table and placed herself on the other side of Kellan from the goblin.  Making sure to keep a good distance away from it the whole time.

She wanted to leave this horrible room of death and get some fresh air, but those other goblins had gotten out and could be anywhere.  Even though staying amidst all of the gruesome horror twisted her stomach in knots, Liseth knew that staying here, with the others, was the safest thing that she could do.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 408 posts
The Gnome!
Fri 20 Dec 2013
at 15:07
  • msg #117

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

What a mess.

"What a mess," the gnome said as she surveyed the room.  For the first time she had the leisure to truly take in what had gone on here and it presented itself as a pure and quintessential example of the goblin character.  Horrifying cruelty and ... "Mess.  What a mess."

Fortunately for the gnome, or unfortunately as the case may be, she'd seen worse.  "No time to inform the watch, Stomper."  Pisca sheathed her rapier and scooped her whip up off the floor.  "Give that one on the floor a punch, Stomper.  We can come back for him later, but we don't want him waking up before then.  We have to go after them.  Those were Thistletop goblins, and there are two things that characterize Thistletops.  First is, they think they're smarter than anyone else because their Warchief is supposed to be some sort of goblin tactical genius or some other such contradiction in terms.  Second is that they have the best lair of all of the tribes, which is a view held by the other goblin tribes too who tend to be jealous of it."

"AMIEKO!"  The gnome shouted the name of the Tian owner of the Rusty Dragon, her voice competing with the roaring din of the furnaces.  "Blast."

"If these Thistletop gobbies take Ameiko to their lair, we'll have a devil of a time getting her out.  Maybe no hope at all.  Now, I'm not so sure they'd stop to take unwilling prisoners with them, with the way they were running out of here.  But, if Tsuto's around here somewhere too, he just might want to take his sister along with him.  Or worse," added the gnome with a pointed glance at the glassified body of Lonjiku Kaijitsu.

"Is everyone alright?  Are we fit to move on?  We need to stop this."  Pisca took off without waiting for a response, heading for the far doorway through which the goblins had escaped.  At the doorway, she stopped and listened for any sounds from beyond.  Into her own stillness she muttered, "If it's not too late already."

Perception check, please.

HP 14/18
Archaeologist's Luck 3/7
This message was last edited by the player at 15:15, Fri 20 Dec 2013.
The Raconteur
GM, 383 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Fri 20 Dec 2013
at 19:29
  • msg #118

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Pisca padded across the Glassworking Room towards the double doors through which the goblins had so recently fled.  The doors were wide open from where the fleeing goblins had recently barreled out in their haste to escape the Glassworking Room.

As Pisca moved across the smooth stone floor, avoiding the various bodies and other obstacles, her sharp eyes saw a flash of movement in the room beyond the double doors.  It was difficult to tell through the heat and glare of the Glassworking Room what the movement might have been, and when Pisca arrived at the doors all in the next room seemed to be still.

As Pisca cautiously looked through the double doors, she saw that they led to some sort of loading room.  The gnome could see another set of double doors on the opposite side of the room, about 20 feet away.  Two separate single doors were set into the wall on the gnome's right, 10 and 15 feet away from her respectively.  The door 10 feet away hung open.  The wall to her left ran for 10 feet, then jutted in for five feet, then continued in its original direction for another five feet, a span that contained yet another door, which also hung open.  This door was adjacent to the final wall, which ran up to the other set of double doors and contained a window to the building's exterior.

A wheelbarrow had been knocked askew against the wall under the window, and shelves on the walls contained what looked like reagents used to create different colors of glass, such as manganese, cobalt, and tin.  Some sort of small doorway into the floor hung open; it looked as if it might be very hard to detect when closed.

Since Pisca was standing almost right next to the largest furnace, she could hardly hear anything.  But that doesn't mean that there would be nothing to hear; the furnace's noise would overwhelm all but the loudest of commotions.


Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 234 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Fri 20 Dec 2013
at 20:12
  • msg #119

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato looked over as Liseth was sick in the corner.  He waited for her to return to the group, remembering with suddenly clarity the first time he had vomited after the sights...and especially the smells...of a large battle with the Hellknights.

He tried to comfort the cleric.  "Nothing to be ashamed of, Liseth.  I think it says admirable things for you that this makes you feel this way."  He motioned around the room.  "What the goblins have done here is monstrous, and it makes me glad I happened to go to the Barett house when I did."

Cato sighed.  "Honestly, I'm a little sad that this room doesn't make me feel sick."  He leaned on his quarterstaff, feeling suddenly weary.  "I wish I hadn't seen things that have prepared me for this."

Cato took a few steps towards Lonjiku's grisly corpse.  "I'm thinking this probably wasn't done by goblins, though.  Or at least not solely by goblins."  He motioned to the partially-dismembered corpses around the room.  "I think this was Tsuto's revenge.  The fact that Ameiko isn't here as well might be good.  Maybe Tsuto's trying to convince her to do whatever he's trying to do."

Cato sighed again.  "I fear that we're all somewhat spent by this encounter, but I'm also quite certain that Ameiko might need our help sooner rather than later.  Hopefully, we can handle that much."
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 409 posts
The Gnome!
Fri 20 Dec 2013
at 20:21
  • msg #120

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Bostisch!"  The gnome spoke the word again, and, as before, wove a short length of copper wire between the fingers of one hand.  This time, instead of Cato and Liseth, she chose Kellan and Liseth, pointing a finger down the long room filled with its goblin mischief at the two humans at the other end.

After these curious, but otherwise, ostensibly meaningless acts, Pisca peered back into the room.  She scratched her head in apparent puzzlement, and then turned as if to wander away.  Once out of the line of sight, however, the gnome crept back and approached the door from the side, inching up to it with her back to the wall.

"Stomper.  Lysa, I think I saw something in the other room," said Pisca into her Whisper Magic.  "It was just a flash, but it might not have been a flash.  It might have been something that was, you know, not just a flash.  Hurry.  There are a couple of open doors here and what looks to be a trapdoor into something underground.  The flash might be getting away even as we speak."

The gnome peered with as much stealth as she could muster around the doorjamb and into the room once again.

"That is, of course," she said after pulling back, "unless it wasn't really anything except a flash."

Cast Message again.  This time on Kellan and Liseth.

Bluff check (to appear to be leaving).  Stealth check.  And Perception check again, please.

Active Effects:  Message on Kellan and Liseth.  Duration 20m

HP 14/18
Archaeologist's Luck 3/7
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 240 posts
Former Red Shirt
Fri 20 Dec 2013
at 21:52
  • msg #121

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Coming!" Kellan assured the gnome, still dealing with his prisoner. He seemed reluctant to simply slobber the goblin again and instead looked around for some other solution. He seemed to find it in the wheelbarrow, picking up the goblin and dumping him in while looking for a sack to throw over it's head to keep it from biting, or looking too closely.

"Go on ahead, I'll catch up." Between his heavy armor and the burdensome prisoner the guardsman was bringing up the rear, but at least he was still moving.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeolgist, 414 posts
The Gnome!
Fri 20 Dec 2013
at 22:45
  • msg #122

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Hmmm.  Don't see anything now," Pisca said through her Whisper Magic.  With her back to the wall beside the door, the gnome puzzled over what she had seen through the door.  "There are four doors out of the room in there.  Four and what looks like a trapdoor.  Looks like a storeroom.  One on door on the right is open and a door on the opposite, the left side of the room is also open."

But ... why would there be two doors on the right side of the room?  Two different spaces.  And the one nearest to her was the one open.  Pisca pictured the long glasswork room in her mind, setting it within the long building she'd seen from outside.  They'd entered at the south end of the building and then entered the glasswork room at its far south end as well.  But ... wasn't there also a corridor that seemed very much as though it was traveling around the outside of the glasswork room?  And, if it did do that, wouldn't it very possibly end up here?  In the north?  At a door very much like the one standing open to her right?

And, if that one goblin who had escaped out the door through which they had entered the Glasswork room, wanted to leave by the same exit that its fellows had, wouldn't it run through just such a corridor that wrapped around the Glasswork room and came out at a door just like this one on the right before passing through this room to the door across the room on the left through which its fellows had already escaped?

Pisca nodded to herself.  "I think I've figured it out," she said, relaying the fact of her conclusion to the others, if not the actual conclusion itself.  "That's what the flash was," she added, without realizing that, lacking her chain of reasoning, there was little chance that either Kellan or Liseth would know what she was talking about.  Then, "I'm going in," Pisca said.  She drew her rapier, feeling the steel leave its sheathe as much as she heard it over the roaring of the furnace.  Quietly, the gnome crept up to the first open door on her right.  With one eye on all three, the door on the left, the trapdoor, and the apparently jostled wheelbarrow, Pisca took a quick look into the open door on the right, hoping to confirm her very cleverly arrived at conclusions.

Perception Check again, please.

Active Effects:  Message on Kellan and Liseth.  Duration 20m

HP 14/18
Archaeologist's Luck 3/7
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 363 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 17/18
Sat 21 Dec 2013
at 00:56
  • msg #123

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Thank you Cato."  Liseth sounded weary and spent, and was still sick-looking.  "No one should ever have to see something like this."  She followed the wizard closer to the glass-covered body of Lonjiku Kaijitsu, "That's Lord Kaijitsu..."  The young acolyte frowned and turned away, closing her eyes.

"Tsuto hated his father this much."  Her hands clasped at her chest, "I hope that Ms Kaijitsu is safe.  If he could help goblins attack Sandpoint, and do that his own father...Tsuto might do anything."

Liseth's head cocked slightly when Pisca's words came to her through the whisper magic again.  She assumed that Cato could not hear them since Pisca didn't mention his name, "Pisca says that she saw something in the next room, and wants us to hurry."  That sounded fine to her, Liseth would be only too happy to leave this particular chamber.

Watching Kellan handle their goblin prisoner, Liseth nodded when he said for them to go on ahead.  She started out of the room when Pisca spoke again through the whisper magic, "She's going in...wait for us Pisca, it might be dangerous!"  Liseth wasn't exactly sure how to speak back to Pisca but decided that it would have something to do with whispering herself.

With that she galumphed quickly across the furnace room, carefully avoiding the mutilated bodies of the glass workers and the dead goblins.  She had to catch up with Pisca before the gnome stumbled into more goblins waiting in ambush.
The Raconteur
GM, 388 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Sat 21 Dec 2013
at 04:13
  • msg #124

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


As the rest of the party trundled across the Glassworking Room to join her, Pisca crept forward silently through the tomblike loading area towards the open door to her right.  The roar of the furnace continued unabated, but nothing stirred except for a very, very slight breeze that seemed to flow between the two open doors.  Keeping a wary eye on the other entrances to the room as well as the overturned wheelbarrow, the gnomish explorer quickly glanced through the open portal and into the space beyond.

In doing so, she saw a narrow, five-foot-wide corridor that went on for about ten feet before widening out into a larger area to the left, and about 15 feet before it expanded to the right.  The opening to the left continued for 10 feet before another wall began.  From her vantage point she could see only one door, located on the left wall of the corridor about 25 feet away.  A wall about 30 feet away ran directly perpendicular to that door and off out of sight to the right.  Pisca could see that the wall was decorated by a slender, golden tapestry running down from the ceiling; it displayed the black shadow of some sort of elongated, birdlike creature flying up towards what looked like a representation of the sun at the artwork's apex.

The stonework in this area was just as finely-crafted and well-hewn as it had been in the other areas of the Glassworks.  The area was notably clean and well-maintained.  The gnome saw nothing moving in this area; it seemed just as deserted as the loading room in which she stood.


Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 245 posts
Former Red Shirt
Sat 21 Dec 2013
at 09:13
  • msg #125

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

At Pisca's repeated urging Kellan gave the goblin another blow to the side of the head with the butt of his pole axe, shackling the creatures ankles with his manacles and taking the creature with as he made his way down after the gnome. It was an awkward proposition as the dead weight took up most if his efforts, but he seemed determine not to let the prisoner out of his sight.

As he navigated the hallway he finally tried out this magic business, his voice coming across as unsure "Hows it going down there Pisca?"
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 415 posts
The Gnome!
Sat 21 Dec 2013
at 20:10
  • msg #126

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Wall.  30 feet away.  Running out of sight to the right.

Sounds about like it.  Of course, she hadn't been expecting the left-ish bits.  But, then again, didn't things always seem to turn out to be more complicated than one expected them to be?  Even if one expects them to be complicated to begin with.  'Pisca's Law of Unexpected Complications'.  That name had a nice ring to it.  As well as having the additional benefit of describing the problem with a fair enough degree of accuracy.

The gnome turned away from the right door with a reasonable certainty that her view of things was good enough to base any future plans and actions on.  It was really the trapdoor that bothered her.  And the barrow.  One never knew when a barrow might turn around on you and present you with something that you couldn't even anticipate with a Law of Unexpected Complications.

From the voices of Stomper and Lysa that came over the Whisper Magic, it sounded as though they were on their way.  Best prepare things for them.  And, in this case, that meant ... minimizing the number of things that might be expected to happen.  Yes.  That certainly did seem to mean just that.

Pisca turned back to the open door next to her and eased it quietly shut.  Then, after a quick look at things, the gnome contrived to jam the door shut.

"I think I've figured out which direction the goblins have run off to," she reported through her whisper magic.  "But there's a trapdoor in here and a wheel barrow," added the gnome.  "And I'm not sure that I like the way that they're looking at me."

Disable Device to jam the Right-hand Door.  With Clever Explorer time for this is reduced to a Standard Action.

Active Effects:  Message on Kellan and Liseth.  Duration 20m

HP 14/18
Archaeologist's Luck 3/7
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 365 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 17/18
Mon 23 Dec 2013
at 05:34
  • msg #127

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

While she was disconcerted by Kellan carrying the goblin prisoner along with them, Liseth did understand that it might be best to keep him where they could see him.  In case he managed to get out of his bindings, or another of the goblins came back and freed him.  The girl still did her best to maintain distance between herself and the little savage; even after Kellan performed his own version of sleep magic on him.

"What did you find out Pisca?"  Upon entering the room that Pisca had preceded them into, Liseth went straight towards the gnome.  That had to be the safest place.  She cast a wary eye on the open trapdoor and was certain to place her back to the wall.  Goblins were supposed to like ambushes; and Pisca did say that they were after Liseth specifically...

"Did they go down there?"  She pointed at the trapdoor.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 418 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 23 Dec 2013
at 14:10
  • msg #128

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"No.  I think they went that way."  The gnome turned from the work on Her Door to point at The Other Open Door which stood across the room on the last five feet of the left hand wall that ran for 10 feet, then jutted in for five feet, then continued in its original direction, creating the final section of wall on which the door gaped, pregnant with its implications.

"I saw a flash when I was coming up on the door, and I think it was that gobbie that got away from us at the very end there."  Pisca turned back to her work, speaking in a quick, steady stream as she put the final touches to jamming the door shut.  "The one who ran out through the door that we came in through.  I think he ran all the way around the outside of the glassworks room using a theoretical corridor that ends at this door here.  He came through this door, crossed the room and went out the other door, which was probably already open.  That was the flash I saw.  It was the goblin crossing the room"

"I don't know anything about the trapdoor, though.  Or the barrow, Lysa.  I would consider their loyalty to be in question until we know otherwise.  Though, why they would side with the goblins over us is something I don't think I'll ever understand."

Disable Device to jam the Right-hand Door.  With Clever Explorer time for this is reduced to a Standard Action.

Active Effects:  Message on Kellan and Liseth.  Duration 20m

HP 14/18
Archaeologist's Luck 3/7
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 246 posts
Former Red Shirt
Mon 23 Dec 2013
at 14:17
  • msg #129

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan looked towards the door, the goblin limp in his off hand although the weight was clearly no small burden. He seemed to be catching his breath although one again he was covered in blood and drying sweat. He was still struggling with the magical communication but it came across clearly enough

"So what's the plan? Would you prefer to scout things out again or would it be better if I just wade in there and hope for the best?"
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 420 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 23 Dec 2013
at 14:36
  • msg #130

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"I think we wade," replied the gnome.  "With Ameiko at risk, I don't think we have the time to take things slowly.  And with the way the goblins were running from us, I don't think they'll be much problem."

"Unless Tsuto's here," Pisca then added.

"And he turns them around," she added some more.

"How about wade.  But with eyes and ears open?"

Disable Device to jam the Right-hand Door.  With Clever Explorer time for this is reduced to a Standard Action.

Active Effects:  Message on Kellan and Liseth.  Duration 20m

HP 14/18
Archaeologist's Luck 3/7
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 237 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Mon 23 Dec 2013
at 16:16
  • msg #131

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato followed Liseth, Kellan, and his goblin cargo in search of the scouting gnome.  He mentally reviewed his remaining spells and hoped the remaining goblins were in no state to put up serious resistance.  Still, if Tsuto was around to rally the goblins, things could get ugly, fast.

Cato approached Liseth and quietly whispered to her, to avoid breaking the silence.  "What's Pisca found ahead?"
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 367 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 17/18
Mon 23 Dec 2013
at 16:35
  • msg #132

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Of course they weren't done fighting yet.  Liseth realized just how silly that thought was; it isn't as though they could just leave those goblins in the Glassworks building.  But she was almost exhausted on her divine resources; the acolyte didn't know how much she would be able to help if things went poorly again.

"Pisca thinks that she saw one of the goblins run through that door there."  Liseth indicated Pisca's suspect door while whispering back to Cato.  "I think we're going to have to fight again..."  She finished with a frown.

"Gods keep us safe..." the acolyte whispered a short prayer before once again invoking a small upspring of life energy.  Everyone wants to hurry and she agrees with them; Ms Kaijitsu needed to be rescued.  But before allowing the others to push through the door after the goblins, Liseth touched each of them in turn.  Granting them a small amount of increased vigor.

OOC: I'm casting Virtue first on Kellan, then Pisca, then Cato, then myself.  Unless I get interrupted again.  They don't have to wait for me to finish with everyone before pushing ahead though.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:36, Mon 23 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 248 posts
Former Red Shirt
Mon 23 Dec 2013
at 18:21
  • msg #133

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

It was amazing how such a small gesture from the little Acolyte could make such a difference. Bolstered by Liseth's faith and with his friends at his back. Kellan dropped the goblin near the I jammed door and gave a quick peek, seeming to expect an arrow to the face any moment.

He had reloaded his crossbow and had his pole axe in hand, still glistening with the coagulating blood of the Thistletop tribe.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 422 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 23 Dec 2013
at 19:16
  • msg #134

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

With the only other obvious exit now blocked, and with the three humans now here to bolster her courage, Pisca turned her attention to the two inimical objects in the room.  Or, at least one of them.  Drawing her rapier, the gnome approached the trapdoor.  Or, what she had assumed was a trap door.  Unless it was a goblin who'd been able to make himself exceptionally flat.  And square.  And set in the floor much like a trapdoor.  And even partially ajar.  That was a good disguise.  Diabolical, but highly impressive.

With blade in hand, Pisca hauled open the *ostensible* trapdoor.

Active Effects:  Message on Kellan and Liseth.  Duration 20m

HP 14/18
Archaeologist's Luck 3/7
The Raconteur
GM, 393 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 24 Dec 2013
at 05:23
  • msg #135

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


The three humans entered the room just as Pisca completed her jamming efforts on the previously-open door.  As they took in the reagents, wheelbarrow, and doors in the loading area, and Kellan casually tossed the unconscious Thok on the floor, Pisca drew her rapier, strode toward the "trapdoor," and heaved it all the way open.  The door opened on some sort of hinge and was much lighter than Pisca had expected.

The door into the floor was cunningly made; everyone in the room could tell that just by looking at it.  If the door had not already been opened it would have been very difficult, if not impossible, to tell that there was any sort of portal in the floor at all.  The stone lining the top of the door was indistinguishable from that of the floor, and a closer inspection showed that small flaws and imperfections in the stone carried over from the stone of the floor to the stone of the door.  Like everything else in the Glassworks, its craftsmanship was superb.

When Pisca cautiously peered into the space revealed by the door, she found that it did not lead to any sort of passageway at all.  Instead, she found a small space, maybe four feet wide by four feet long and three feet deep.  The compact compartment was actually exquisite; it was lined by fine, carved mahogany from which wafted a rich, woodish smell.  The space was clearly not large enough for any but the smallest creatures to use as a hiding place, and a couple of scraps of paper on the bottom of the space indicated that it had probably been used for some sort of storage.

Exactly what had been stored in the space, however, was a mystery.  The compartment was almost entirely empty.  Whatever had been hidden here, if anything, was no longer present.


Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 250 posts
Former Red Shirt
Tue 24 Dec 2013
at 08:22
  • msg #136

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan reared up with his pole arm, ready to stab downward into...nothing. Just the empty storage compartment. He looked a little puzzled, snatching his prisoner up off the ground once more and giving off a kind of disappointed sound.

"What do you suppose they kept here?" He asked his friends, using the end of his pole axe to ruffle the papers at the bottom of the compartment. "And where do you suppose those Thistletops ran off to?"
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 424 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 24 Dec 2013
at 13:59
  • msg #137

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"I know *exactly* what they kept here, Stomper," replied the gnome.  With the trapdoor now proven to be nowhere near the threat it had implied that it had been, Pisca's attention turned, with the focus of a magic beam of light, to the door through which she was convinced the goblins had fled.  The trapdoor was now in the past, as was the barrow - a sad and needy confederate of the trapdoor's, both clearly dysfunctional in their desire for attention.  "They kept something valuable in there," she added, and, as was now quite plainly characteristic of her, she failed to elaborate on how she'd come to that conclusion, leaving it to others to Read the Mind of Pisca.

"And those gobbies ... "  The gnome lead the way, exiting the storeroom through the open door.  The urgency was now even greater.  They'd spent precious seconds on the stupid trapdoor and the stupid barrow, and Ameiko's life might now be forfeit because of it.  Gone was the luxury of stealth.  All she could count on was a prior warning of danger bought with the currency of her senses.  "The gobbies, they went this way," she said, and followed in pursuit.

Perception Check, please.

Active Effects:  Message on Kellan and Liseth.  Duration 20m, Virtue? Duration 1m

HP 14/18
Archaeologist's Luck 3/7
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Tue 24 Dec 2013.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 239 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Tue 24 Dec 2013
at 14:52
  • msg #138

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato was intrigued by the empty secret compartment.  What had been kept in this compartment?  Was it a safe?  It seemed rather odd, but it might be very secure.  You could keep a fair amount in a compartment that size.

Cato walked over to the edge, and lowered himself into the compartment, bending over to examine the scraps of paper, hopeful for some sort of clue as to the intended purpose.  Curiosity gnawed at him, and thoughts of rampaging goblins and treacherous Tsutos momentarily fled his mind while he pondered the small mystery before him.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 369 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 17/18
Tue 24 Dec 2013
at 18:45
  • msg #139

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Trying to keep a safe distance from so many things at once required some effort, so Liseth was happy when it was revealed that the trapdoor didn't harbor any goblins.  She didn't put much thought beyond that into its presence, even while watching the others poke and prod inside of it for a moment.

Pisca had the right idea though.  They couldn't spend any time investigating things just yet; not when they haven't found Ms Kaijitsu yet.  When the gnome went for the door that she was certain the goblins escaped through, Liseth moved towards Kellan and Cato.  Giving the unconscious goblin a lot of space while she did so.

"We have to hurry," she urged them to follow Pisca.  "We need to find Ms Kaijitsu!"
The Raconteur
GM, 395 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 24 Dec 2013
at 19:54
  • msg #140

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


As Cato explored the hidden compartment and its contents more closely, Pisca, Kellan, and Liseth moved towards the room's final open door.  When they looked through it, they saw it led to a dark 10-foot-long and five-foot-wide stone corridor.  The passageway took a sharp turn to the left and continued on out of sight.  The only light in the passageway came from the loading area in which the three observers stood.  The air coming from the corridor was slightly cooler and mustier than the air in the loading area, which caused an ever-so-slight breeze to flow between the two rooms.

There was a small drop of dark liquid on the floor about halfway down the passage.  Otherwise the corridor was as pristine and clean as the rest of the building.

Meanwhile, Cato hunched down and looked at the remnants of whatever had been kept in what seemed like a floor safe.  He couldn't make much out of the scraps of paper on the bottom of the compartment; most of them were written in Minkaian.  But he did discover one-half of what looked like a torn invoice, which read as follows.

su,

range request.

cially Goblins.

ivery as promised.

portant for storage.

eparation Room.

Podiker

OOC:  Even Liseth knows that Aliver Podiker is the town alchemist; the pockmarked and portly man runs a shop called "The Pillbug's Pantry."


Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 426 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 24 Dec 2013
at 20:26
  • msg #141

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Blood!" the gnome whispered, pointing at the dark spot on the floor ahead.  "A drop of blood from a wounded goblin.  Or a dab of molasses from a fleeing gingerbread man."  Not the moment after the words came from her mouth, the gnome wondered where such an idea might have come from.  One of those many queer and curious things from out of the Fey Barrow, no doubt.  And with as little thought or concern than that, Pisca dismissed the odd and quirky image that had come unbidden from her mouth.

"Jibber."  The magic word and its accompanying gestures call up a glowing gnome-shaped figure that appeared at the bend in the corridor, lighting the way.

"Lets go," Pisca said, making her way to where the corner and peering around before sending her Dancing Lights spell on ahead.

Cast Dancing Lights.

Also, another Perception Check, please.

Active Effects:  Message on Kellan and Liseth.  Duration 20m, Virtue? Duration 1m, Dancing Lights Duration 1m

HP 14/18
Archaeologist's Luck 3/7
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 373 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 17/18
Wed 25 Dec 2013
at 01:52
  • msg #142

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Quick to follow when Kellan did go after Pisca, Liseth stopped for a moment when she saw that Cato had found something interesting inside the floor vault.  At least, something interesting enough for him to pick it up and read it.  Her eyes returned to Pisca as the gnome whispered about goblin blood and gingerbread.

The thought of those two things together riled Liseth's already weakened stomach.

But Pisca was already moving on, summoning her floating lights before following them down the passage.  Knowing that Cato would be well able to catch up when he was finished with his examination, the acolyte stayed close to Kellan and Pisca.  As close as she could without bumping into them or getting in the way.

So that she could, ostensibly, help them in case something else went wrong.  But more likely because she felt so much safer with the bulk of the group.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 253 posts
Former Red Shirt
Wed 25 Dec 2013
at 08:12
  • msg #143

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The sound of Kellan's jingling chain mail and heavy boot fall resounded in the close underground space, the slight cool breeze rustling at his hair.  Even though the gnomes legs were shorter he had to focus to keep up. He threw a glance behind himself every few moments to make sure that Liseth was close at hand and safe.

The goblin was limp as a boned fish, it's toothy bulbous head wobbling as the guardsman shuffled along.
The Raconteur
GM, 400 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Wed 25 Dec 2013
at 09:37
  • msg #144

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


As the other members of the party moved up in support and Cato hurriedly stuffed the quickly-read invoice into one of his pockets, Pisca followed her gnome-shaped apparition down to the end of the hallway and peeked around the corner.  Under the flesh-and-blood gnome's watchful gaze, her summoned homunculus moved forward, its faint glow revealing a short, steep staircase.

A staircase leading down into the depths below the Glassworks.

At its creator's behest, the shimmering figure moved down that staircase, revealing a curious opening in the corridor at the bottom of the stairs not more than 15 feet from where Pisca stood at their top.  It looked for all the world as if a 10-foot gap in the wall had been opened by the application of main force; rubble from what seemed to have been the destroyed portion of the wall was strewn about the floor.  Further on, the corridor itself continued for another 10 or 15 feet before veering off to the left and out of sight.

The construction of this corridor at the bottom of the staircase was less pristine than that the party had previously encountered in the Glassworks, and not just because a portion of its wall had been destroyed.  The passageway's stone looked more roughly hewn, and it did not seem fitted together with the same care, skill, and precision that were the hallmarks of the building's upper level.  The ceiling at the bottom of the staircase was lower than it had been at the top, giving only seven feet of clearance at best.  After the upper level's wide-open spaces, the sub-level's relative constriction gave the observing gnome a sense of foreboding claustrophobia even despite her small size.

As the shining form of Pisca's summoned apparition reached the end of the visible corridor, the gnome again saw what she thought to be a flash of movement.  But the poor light and healthy distance between her and whatever she saw made it impossible for her to tell exactly what, if anything, she had seen.  She blinked and stared harder, but whatever it had been was gone, leaving nothing but still air and a dimly-lit, empty corridor reverberating with the now-dull roar of the Glassworks' mighty furnaces.


This message was last edited by the GM at 09:51, Wed 25 Dec 2013.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 430 posts
The Gnome!
Thu 26 Dec 2013
at 01:17
  • msg #145

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The human girl was really better at this sort of thing than she was.  "Lysa, could you take a look at this hole in the wall and see whether it was broken into from this side out to wherever it is that it goes, or whether it was broken into from outside into the Glassworks?"

Who knows whether that would be important or not.  But, it was a question that came knocking at the door of the gnome's mind, and it couldn't hurt to be civil.  Offer it a seat, maybe tea and biscies.  Listen to what it had to say.

Uh?  There was something again.  "Did you see that?" she said into the Whisper Magic.  "I saw another flash up ahead."  Without waiting for an acknowledgement, the gnome forged ahead, clearing the distance from the hole to the corner where her Dancing Lights waited.

"Go, go," she hissed at the gnome-shaped lights, speaking to them as though they could hear and understand.  Then Pisca peered around the corner.  So many corners.  So much peerage.

And, yet another Perception Check, please.

Active Effects:  Message on Kellan and Liseth.  Duration 20m, Virtue? Duration 1m, Dancing Lights Duration 1m

OoC:  BTW, gnomes have Low Light Vision.  Dim/Poor light should be the same as regular light for Pisca.

HP 14/18
Archaeologist's Luck 3/7
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 375 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 17/18
Fri 27 Dec 2013
at 00:43
  • msg #146

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"O...okay Pisca."  Something about where they were and what they were doing made it difficult for Liseth to speak above a whisper, so Pisca's whisper magic helped a lot.  Not that the young acolyte was enthusiastic about investigating a dark hole that looked to have been smashed through a wall.  But Pisca seemed to think that the goblins must have gone the other way.

The first thing that Liseth did was to place a hand firmly on her divine focus, causing it to glow brightly.  The white light was a comfort, and upon reaching the bottom of the stairs she held it up to the hole in the wall.  With her divine light, Liseth peered as deeply into the crevice as she could; making sure that there were no goblins or other monsters hiding inside to pounce on her.

"Be careful."  Liseth whispered again when Pisca hurried down the passage on the trail of the fleeing goblins.  Then she turned her attention to the section of destroyed wall, to see if there was anything that she could learn that might be useful.  Not that the girl knew anything about stonework.

I suppose that would be Survival?  Looking for tracks and trails that might teach me something.  Maybe Knowledge (Nature) to determine if it was caused by something natural like an earthquake or a large burrowing animal that is waiting in the darkness inside to pounce on unsuspecting acolytes?

Also, I'm casting Light.  It should last 20 minutes.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:49, Fri 27 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 256 posts
Former Red Shirt
Fri 27 Dec 2013
at 08:14
  • msg #147

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

As they passed the area where the wall had been demolished Kellan slowed then stopped. Using what little light they had and the glow from Pisca's light Kellan ran a gloved hand over the brickwork before squatting and picking up a few fragments.

Cocking his head this way and that and examining a fee of the bricks closely he eventually stood and dusted off his hands, hefting his prisoner again.

"If I had to guess..I would say they tore it down from the outside" gesturing with his weapon "The passageway itself is original...and fairly old, but the wall they built to brick it up is newer...maybe a few decades old. It was torn down pretty recently too...all this spalling is still fresh" gesturing to some of the fragments.
The Raconteur
GM, 405 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Fri 27 Dec 2013
at 19:08
  • msg #148

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Liseth crouched to look at the tracks in the dust and debris caused by the wall's destruction.  The young acolyte could tell there were a number of goblin tracks going back and forth between the passageway they were in and the one revealed by the destroyed wall.  She could also tell some goblins went off down the corridor Pisca was exploring.  But the tracks were so many and varied that she could not tell how many goblins there might have been in total or how long ago any of the tracks were made.

Liseth could also discern the tracks of a booted, medium creature among the goblin tracks.  These tracks also went back and forth and headed down both passageways, and again it was impossible to tell when exactly these tracks were made.

In fact, now that she looked at it, there seemed to be tracks from TWO medium creatures, one much-more petite and stylish than the other, if their footwear was any indication.  The tracks of this smaller person were much less prevalent than the others.

While Liseth pondered what all this might mean, Cato murmured some arcane words and a small, smooth rock he had picked up burst into radiant light.  He then whispered over the brilliant pebble and it floated in the air towards the debris, taking up station over its less-lit and inert brethren as if it were a radiant rock king.

Cato studied the demolished wall with a practiced eye.  "I agree, Kellan," he nodded affirmatively.  "This recently-destroyed wall was not a part of the original construction.  It was bricked up much later, and not by," he raised an eyebrow as he toed an inexpertly-mortared brick, "a professional.  No," he looked with interest down the dark passageway revealed by the destroyed barrier, "this wall was hastily built by a person or persons unskilled in masonry."

Meanwhile, Pisca reached the point where the passageway turned to the left, joining her bright apparition.  As she sent the apparition further on, she was shocked to see three figures bursting from behind barrels directly toward her.  Two goblins moved to harass her from the front, while a larger but lithe and agile figure rolled past her, coming to his feet directly behind her.

As the gnome turned in astonishment, she saw that the figure was a fit-looking, well-dressed half-elf with vaguely Minkaian features that made his tapered ears and smooth cheeks look even more fey and strange than they might otherwise.  He was wearing a white dress shirt along with a dark vest, dark pants, and expensive boots.  The first four buttons of the shirt were open, exposing a well-muscled, hairless chest.  His shoulder-length raven-black hair was pulled back into a short ponytail by a black band.  The half-elf had a bow and a quiver slung over his back.  He was, if Pisca was any judge of this sort of thing, a very good-looking man.

The newcomer gave her a quick and ironic bow.

"Pisca, if I'm not mistaken."  He gave her an apologetic grin as he spoke to her in a measured, cultured tone and dusted the dirt from his trousers.  "I've heard so much about you.  Unfortunately," he sighed, "I can't let you or your friends leave, especially after all the havoc you've caused.  I do hope you understand."

"You tell her, boss!"  One of the goblins chimed in in common.  The half-elf shrugged.

"One cannot always choose one's allies," he said, a tad wistfully, before crouching and moving towards the gnome.  Although his hands were free of weapons, Pisca got the feeling that this one didn't need to be armed to do some serious damage . . .

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G2W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G8|P W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  WT |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|LdW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WddWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

Cato picks up a pebble, casting Light and Prestidigitation on it.

Surprise Round:

Tsuto moves through a surprised Pisca's square to J4
G2 (Kikip) moves to J2
G8 (Rint) moves to I3

10:44, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblins, rolled 20 using 1d20+6. Initiative.
10:43, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 12 using 1d20+7. Initiative.

Roll for initiative.  If you beat a 20, you may take your combat actions for Round One.



This message was last edited by the GM at 19:36, Fri 27 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 257 posts
Former Red Shirt
Fri 27 Dec 2013
at 19:23
  • msg #149

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan was caught completely off guard by the sudden appearance of their assailant. Dropping the goblin prisoner with a dull thump, he readied his pole axe with frantic haste. The boys wide eyes, fresh face and slightly agape mouth showed all too clearly his inexperience however the dark crimson staining his blade told a slightly different story than appearances may have suggested.

Initiative: 6
HP:23/26
AC:18


This message was last edited by the player at 19:51, Fri 27 Dec 2013.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 433 posts
The Gnome!
Fri 27 Dec 2013
at 19:47
  • msg #150

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Ook!  What had she said before?  If Tsuto rallies the goblins, was it?  Well, guess what?

And now here she was.  Trapped again.

"You're not mistaken.  But you are!  Mistaken, that is."  It was all she could think to say, surrounded by both the gobbies and this notorious half-elf.  But where were the other two?

"It is we who cannot allow you to leave.  Here.  This place.  Until you're subdued."  That didn't sound very convincing.  Ook.

"Where's Ameiko," Pisca asked, in her attempt to will away what she knew must be coming next.

11:24, Fri 27 Dec 2013: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 16 using 1d20+4 ((12)).

HP 14/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 3/7
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 377 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 17/18
Fri 27 Dec 2013
at 22:09
  • msg #151

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Lots of goblins.  Lots and lots of goblins, back and forth.  They must have been sneaking through this tunnel for a while.  And other people too.  Bigger people.

Liseth was kneeling over these larger, non-goblin footprints, paying special attention to the smaller set.  They must belong to Ms Kaijitsu!  She must be down here somewhere...

Before her investigation into these footprints could be finished, however, Pisca was ambushed!  The acolyte shot up to her feet and looked on with startled terror when it was revealed that none other than Ms Kaijitsu's brother surrounding the gnome with a pair of goblin flunkies!  And deadly intent.

"Pisca!"  Her hands shot to her mouth in her alarm, and Liseth tried to fumble for some plan to rescue her gnome friend.

13:30, Today: Liseth Thoradin rolled 7 using 1d20+1. Initiative.
The Raconteur
GM, 408 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Fri 27 Dec 2013
at 22:35
  • msg #152

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Rint grinned nastily.  He thought Tsuto was pretty smart, distracting the gnome with talk so that Rint and Kikip had an opportunity to stab her in the back.  Rint seized the opening and slashed at the gnome with his dogslicer, but her armor was thicker than he'd anticipated.  He heard her give a little grunt when he hit her, but he knew he hadn't really struck home.  Kikip didn't look like he was doing any better; the overexcitable goblin hadn't taken the time to set his feet before his attack and missed the gnome completely.

Oh well, thought Rint.  He was pretty sure they still had the upper hand on the gnome and her friends.  They had Tsuto.  Tsuto was smart.  Tsuto was strong.  And he was going to teach their opponents the meaning of pain.

A flash of light caught Rint's eye as he drew his dogslicer back into a defensive position and looked for another opening.  It looked like the robed human was waving his hands and casting some sort of spell.  That can't be good.  But there was nothing Rint could really do about it right now.  First they needed to take down this gnome.  Then they could deal with the wizard and his magic.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G2W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G8|P W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  WT |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|LdW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WddWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

14:15, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Cato Crispin, rolled 19 using 1d20+6. Initiative.

Initiative Order is as follows:

Goblins
Cato and Pisca
Tsuto
Liseth and Kellan

Goblins

Moves:  None

Attacks:

14:18, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 6 using 1d20+4. Dogslicer attack on Pisca.
14:18, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 1 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Pisca.
14:17, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 18 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer attack on Pisca.

Cato:

Does not move.
Begins casting Summon Monster I

Party Status:  Pisca takes one point of damage and is at 13/18 hit points.  Kellan is at 23/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 17/18 hit points.




This message was last edited by the GM at 22:36, Fri 27 Dec 2013.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 435 posts
The Gnome!
Sat 28 Dec 2013
at 00:25
  • msg #153

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"What did you do with your sister, you twisted ... "  The danger of the moment seemed to steal all wit and word from the gnome.  " ... gobbie lover!"  That seemed the best she could do at the moment.  So too with her rapier.  Pisca took a guarded swipe at Tsuto which did little more than flail the air.  Then the gnome moved in the only direction she could that would place a wall at her back.  She moved further into the corridor and away from her friends.

Attack Tsuto fighting Defensively / 5ft Step

15:42, Fri 27 Dec 2013: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 2 using 1d20-1 ((3)).

Position: I2

HP 13/18
AC17 Fighting Defensively
Archaeologist's Luck 3/7
The Raconteur
GM, 409 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Sat 28 Dec 2013
at 12:16
  • msg #154

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


"You really think your biggest concern right now is my SISTER?!?"  Tsuto mocked Pisca as he easily dodged her rapier attack and she backed away from him towards the wall, waving her weapon threateningly at his goblins in order to keep them at bay.  "I think you have larger problems right . . ."

Tsuto saw movement from the corner of his eye and glanced back to see the scholar waving his hands and casting a spell.  That wouldn't do.  That wouldn't do at all.  Who knew what mischief such a spell might cause?  Tsuto had seen enough to know that wizards shouldn't be allowed to complete such castings if it could at all be helped.

In this case, it could be helped.  As fun as his conversation with the gnome was, Tsuto suddenly had more important things on his mind.  He moved away from the diminutive woman, leaving her to his goblins as he closed with the scholar, taking care to avoid an attack from the lumbering human and his polearm.

Tsuto lashed out at the scholar with his fist, focusing his ki with a quick exhalation of breath and a sharp exclamation of sound.

"HAI!!!!"

He struck the human right in the pressure point on his temple, stunning him and causing him to lose his concentration on his spell.

Excellent, Tsuto thought to himself. He grinned at the three humans in whose midst he had suddenly placed himself.

"Much better," he commented.  "Shall we dance?"

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |P |G2W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G8|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|LdW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WddWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

Tsuto

Moves: Move to L6 (double move cost to enter square L6).

03:55, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 18 using 1d20+10. Acrobatics Check to Avoid AoO.

Attacks:  Unarmed Stunning Fist attack on Cato

04:00, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 16 using 1d20+5. Unarmed Stunning Fist Attack on Cato.
04:02, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 7 using 1d6+1. Unarmed Damage to Cato.
04:03, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Cato Crispin, rolled 13 using 1d20+2. DC 14 Fort Save v. Stunning Fist.

Party Status:  Pisca is at 13/18 hit points.  Kellan is at 23/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 17/18 hit points.  Cato takes 7 points of damage and is at 11/18 Hit points.  Cato stunned until start of Tsuto's next turn.  Cato's spell casting is interrupted.




This message was last edited by the GM at 12:18, Sat 28 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 259 posts
Former Red Shirt
Sat 28 Dec 2013
at 13:08
  • msg #155

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Before Kellan had even processed what was occurring Tsuto was right in front of him and braining Cato. Once again be reached for his newly purchased flail, the chain rattling against his mail as he drew it forth. Unstable as he was on the small pile of brick and mortar he swung haphazardly, attempting to sweep the legs out from beneath the half elf before he could continue his assault on the Mage.

"Back! Back damn you!" He yelled, his voice echoing in the close space.

HP: 23/26
AC: 18
Move: Draw Flail
Standard: Trip Attempt w/ Flail
05:01, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 14 using 1d20+7. Flail Trip Tsuto.


Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 378 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 17/18
Sat 28 Dec 2013
at 22:18
  • msg #156

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

He's so fast!  Liseth hadn't even been able to react before Tsuto was already right there next to her.  And worse; without realizing it, she had gotten herself trapped!

Liseth found herself pressing her back into the walls behind her when Tsuto made such a loud and awful shout while striking Cato.  There was nothing that she could do from here, Tsuto would be right on top of her if she tried to call on divine aid.  But there was nowhere that she could escape to either; not without drawing his attention.

She had to risk it.  When Kellen swung his flail Liseth began slinking with her back to the wall, slowly and carefully picking her way through the debris strewn about the ground.

"Mr Tsuto, we know why you're angry."  Liseth startled herself when she started speaking.  She was trying to not draw attention to herself.  "Nobody should be treated the way that you were; especially by their own family.  But hurting people isn't the answer."

Maybe he would listen.  Not that Liseth had had much luck with getting people to listen to her.  But he had to at least be more reasonable than a goblin!

Standard Action: Total Defense (+4 AC for a total of 15)

Move Action: Move 10 feet from M7 to L8 (Difficult Terrain; equals 20 feet of movement)
The Raconteur
GM, 410 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Sun 29 Dec 2013
at 07:04
  • msg #157

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


"That's the signal!"  Urt nodded to Arbik as Tsuto's loud exclamation echoed down the corridor in which they were hidden, indicating it was time to attack.  At Tsuto's instruction, the two goblins had hidden themselves in the hallway to the left of the staircase, with firm orders not to move unless their opponents started climbing over the debris and heading down the hallway or they heard Tsuto engage them in combat.

Tsuto had definitely engaged them in combat.

Motioning with his dogslicer for Arbik to follow, Urt ran around the corner to find a white-robed blonde human stumbling back through the wall debris, reeling in response to a well-placed kick from Tsuto.

Urt wished he knew to fight like Tsuto.  The half-elf was extremely dangerous even when he wasn't holding a weapon.  A fact these intruders were about to discover the hard way.

Urt took advantage of the woman's disorientation, slashing at her while she had still not found her balance and drawing blood from her arm.  Arbik hadn't been as fortunate, but the two goblins weren't done.  They closed on the small human woman, savage smiles reflected strangely by the eldritch light in the marred surfaces of their dogslicers.

. . . Meanwhile . . .

Rint was a little taken aback as Tsuto ran the other way down the corridor instead of pressing his attack on the retreating gnome, but Rint figured the half-elf knew what he was doing.  Rint danced toward the wall, putting the gnome directly between him and Kikip.  Rint feinted towards his strawberry-blonde opponent, drawing her attention as Kikip darted in and slashed her in the leg, renting her leathers and drawing a distressed grunt.

Rint was glad Tsuto was here.  The half-elf's hastily-developed plan couldn't be working out very much better.  Rint figured that's why Tsuto was in charge.  As a flashing rapier drew his attention, he figured he should think less about strategy and more about the gnomish opponent in front of him.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |G8|P |G2W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdLWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|G3WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

Attacks of Opportunity:

20:32, Today:  The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 2 using 1d6+1. Unarmed Damage to Liseth.
20:31, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 18 using 1d20+5. Unarmed AoO Critical Confirmation.
20:30, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 25 using 1d20+5. Unarmed AoO on Liseth.

Goblins

Moves:

G8 (Rint)takes 5-foot step to H2, attacking Pisca with flank and dogslicer
G2 (Kikip)does not move, attacking Pisca with flank and dogslicer
G3 (Urt) moves to L9, attacking Liseth with dogslicer
G9 (Arbik) moves to K9, attacking Liseth with dogslicer

Attacks:

22:44, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 4 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Liseth.
22:43, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 6 using 1d20+2. Critical Confirmation on Liseth.
22:43, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 22 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer attack on Liseth.
22:39, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 4 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer attack on Liseth.
22:47, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 2 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Pisca.
22:46, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 22 using 1d20+4. Critical Confirmation on Pisca.
22:45, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 24 using 1d20+4. Dogslicer attack on Pisca.
22:45, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 11 using 1d20+4. Dogslicer attack on Pisca.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one hit point of damage.

Party Status:  Pisca takes four points of damage and is at 9/18 hit points.  Kellan is at 23/26 hit points.  Liseth takes eight points of damage and is at 9/18 hit points.  Cato is at 11/18 Hit points.  Cato stunned until start of Tsuto's next turn.

Surely these critical "to hit" rolls will balance themselves out as the game goes on.

Surely.



Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 439 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 30 Dec 2013
at 14:08
  • msg #158

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Look at the way he does that.  Then Pisca remembered her own dashing leap off the table and concluded that Tsuto wasn't all that much better than she was.  It was only that ...  And for the first time, the gnome envied the humans their longer legs.

But this was no time for stride-envy.  This was a bad spot, and they'd gotten here largely on her own bad advice.  If she'd only taken the time to close the door at the top of the stairs so as to be able to hear better over the noise of the furnaces.  If she'd only sent the Dancing Lights down the other passage (she'd wondered where the other gobbies had gotten to), if she'd only been able to anticipate this ambush.  If, if, if, if, if.  Definitely an iffy situation.  Time for some iffy solutions.

"Your sister is our ONLY concern Tsuto!" the gnome said in retort.  "We're here to rescue her or die trying."  Then the gnome put action to word and made a dash through the escape route that Tsuto had opened up for her by clearing from his place in the corridor.  No time for fancy dodging.  This was their one chance to turn the tables, and she had to take it.  She left her relatively safe place against the wall, passing beneath the blade of the gobbie in the corner.  She could see her place up ahead.  From there she could pin the half-elf in, just as she had been pinned in before.  From there, both she and Stomper could work on him until he was dead.  Or they were dead.  One of the two.

"Kill him, Kellan," Pisca said into her Whisper Magic once she'd shown up opposite Tsuto, her rapier menacing the half-elf from behind.  Even in a whisper, the gnome's voice managed to carry a grim and desperate challenge to death.  "Take him down and the gobbies run away.  It's him or us.  Hit him till he's dead."

"Cato, distract him.  Anything to give Stomper the edge."

Double Move Withdraw.  Taking AoO from G2 (happens in square J3).

Position: L5

HP 9/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 3/7
The Raconteur
GM, 414 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Mon 30 Dec 2013
at 16:26
  • msg #159

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Tsuto grinned as he felt more than saw the gnome pursuing him down the narrow hallway.  The girl had pluck!  But he would deal with her later; right now the half-elf was more interested in making sure this wizard went down and stayed down.  With half an eye on the flail-armed human, Tsuto jumped in the air and kicked the scholar in the head again.  Or tried to, anyway.  The man managed to lean to the side and take the blow in the shoulder rather than the head.  He then stumbled against the wall, causing Tsuto to miss his follow-up turn-back-side kick.

Inelegant, Tsuto grimaced to himself.  And he noticed that he was now surrounded, which probably wasn't the best tactical situation.  He would need to deal with that once he saw what is opponent's plans were.  For now, he dropped into a defensive crouch and yelled out directions to his smaller minions:

"[Language unknown: Anttinati icha ieerut, a hohis ver!  Manha resa uschri il om allameset!!]"

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |G8|  |G2W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |P W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdLWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|G3WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

Attacks of Opportunity:

08:11, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 2 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Pisca.
08:10, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 20 using 1d20+2. Attack of Opportunity on Pisca.

Tsuto

Move:  None.

Attacks:  Flurry of Blows on Cato (1st blow with Stunning Fist)

08:17, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 3 using 1d6+1. Flurry of Blows Damage v. Cato.
08:16, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Cato Crispin, rolled 15 using 1d20+2. DC 14 Fort Save v. Stunning Fist.
08:15, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 7 using 1d20+4. Flurry of Blows No. 2 on Cato.
08:15, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 22 using 1d20+4. Flurry of Blows No. 1 on Cato.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one hit point of damage.

Party Status:  Pisca takes two points of damage and is at 7/18 hit points.  Kellan is at 23/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 9/18 hit points.  Cato takes three points of damage and is at 8/18 Hit points.



Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 266 posts
Former Red Shirt
Mon 30 Dec 2013
at 19:58
  • msg #160

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan was getting mad, this fight was not turning out like anything he had imagined. In the confines of the hallway the weapon he had trained with for so long was useless and his flail seemed awkward and foreign in his hands. He used the momentum to. Ring the head of the flail back around for another swing only to feel himself overreach and see the spiked head overextend, tangling the chain harmlessly in between the half elves legs.

 HP: 23/26
AC: 18
Move: None
Standard: Flail Trip Attempt, Flanking
08:45, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 17 using 1d20+9. Flail Trip Tsuto.

Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 390 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 9/18
Tue 31 Dec 2013
at 01:47
  • msg #161

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

A swift kick wasn't the response that Liseth was hoping for when she spoke to Tsuto.  It certainly managed to cut off anything else she might have said to follow it up with, eliciting a startled gasp of pain instead.  But at least he couldn't get her now that she was safely behind Kellan...

Staggering from the punishing kick a moment ago, some slight noise caused the acolyte to turn just in time to see that more goblins were coming out of the tunnel!  Her arms went up instinctively when the goblin's blade slashed at her; but that only resulted in a long cut as the metal blade slid through the flesh of her arm.

Liseth's shriek was filled with equal parts terror, pain, and dismay when she pushed backwards in a panicked attempt to get away from the goblins; directly into Kellan's back.  She couldn't go any further, and those goblins were pressing in on her; the girl only had one chance and she knew it.

"Sarenrae, Iomedae, Erastil, Desna!  Somebody!  Please Help!"  Both of Liseth's hands clutched at her divine focus, smearing blood from her wounded arm across her white robe.

Standard Action: Cast Sanctuary on Self (Using the Herb Champion bonus to increase the DC to 16)

OOC: That should draw an attack from Goblin 3.  Fingers crossed!  If he hits, my Concentration bonus to maintain the spell is +6, against a DC of 11 + damage dealt.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:47, Tue 31 Dec 2013.
The Raconteur
GM, 426 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 31 Dec 2013
at 04:01
  • msg #162

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Kikip snarled as the gnome dodged away; he lunged out with his dogslicer and just missed a clean strike straight through her throat.  As it was, the gnome somehow managed to bend under his blade, give him a dirty look, and head off in the same direction as Tsuto.  Kikip immediately followed her, hacking with his dogslicer the entire way, doing little but scuffing her armor and forcing her to expend additional energy trying to avoid his attacks.

But she was focused on Tsuto, and as Kikip rounded the corner he could see why.  The half-elf was in full combat mode, having just leaped over the armored warrior's flail and kicked the wizard into the wall.  Kikip wasn't sure the half-elf had seen the gnome yet; he yelled something about getting the scholar and the acolyte.  Unfortunately, as far as Kikip could see there was no way he was going to be able to do anything to either one; the corridors were narrow and there was simply no way for him to slide through to attack.  He figured he and Rint would have to beat on the gnome until another opening presented itself.

"Tsuto, [Language unknown: ncenan ioain]!"  He yelled.

Kikip glanced at Rint and could tell that he had come to the same conclusion about attacking the gnome, although things were tougher because Rint had to fight her around the jutting wall corner.  Kikip grunted in frustration and readied his dogslicer again, hoping Tsuto kept on keeping everyone's attention.

. . . Meanwhile . . .

Urt heard Tsuto's order and grinned; he obediently cut at the white-robed acolyte with his dogslicer.  She grabbed her necklace and started to call on what Urt figured were the names of her pathetic gods, a good sign she was nearing the end.  Urt managed to cut her robe; the small woman stumbled back, frightened.

But also . . . resolute.  The girl glared at Urt with a strength that she hadn't possessed only seconds before.  Urt reversed his dogslicer for a backwards slash but found that he couldn't meet the gaze of this blonde-haired demoness.  He didn't know what she had done, but his arm felt as if he was trying to swing his weapon through a thick, gooey sludge, and it only became harder the closer it came to the woman and her deep eyes and brightly-glowing symbol.

Urt glanced at his companion and saw that Arbik was having similar problems.  Urt was slightly scared by this demonstration of power but he knew they had to do something.

"[Language unknown: Icsawi, ichca!]"  He shouted.  "[Language unknown: Si ersineson heera wehi eint ivecontho.  Ckceei entwh!]"

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |G8W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG2|P W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdLWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|G3WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

Attacks of Opportunity:  Goblin 3 (Urt) attacks Liseth.

18:01, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Liseth Thoradin, rolled 25 using 1d20+6. DC 13 Concentration Check.
17:59, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 2 using 1d4. AoO Damage to Liseth.
17:58, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 20 using 1d20+2. Attack of Opportunity on Liseth.

Goblins

Moves:

G2 (Kikip) moves to K5, attacking Pisca with dogslicer.
G8 (Rint) moves to K4, attacking Pisca with dogslicer
G3 (Urt) draws bow, attempts to attack Liseth with dogslicer.
G9 (Arbik) draws bow, attempts to attack Liseth with dogslicer.

Attacks:

18:06, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 7 using 1d20-1. DC 16 Will Save v. Sanctuary (fail, no attack).
18:05, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 14 using 1d20-1. DC 16 Will Save v. Sanctuary (fail, no attack).

18:08, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 1 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Pisca.
18:07, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 19 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer Attack on Pisca.
19:14, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 8 using 1d20-2. Dogslicer Attack on Pisca.

Cato

Moves:  None.  Begins Fighting Defensively.

Standard Action:  "Aid Another" action benefiting Kellan on Tsuto.

19:55, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Cato Crispin, rolled 12 using 1d20-3. Aid Another on Tsuto (Fighting Defensively).

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one hit point of damage.  Neither G3 (Urt) or G9 (Arbik) may target Liseth next turn.

Party Status:  Pisca takes one point of damage and is at 6/18 hit points.  Kellan is at 23/26 hit points, gains +2 to his next attack on Tsuto.  Liseth takes two points of damage and is at 7/18 hit points.  Liseth is under the effects of Sanctuary until the start of her turn after next.  Cato is at 8/18 Hit points.



This message was last edited by the GM at 20:19, Tue 31 Dec 2013.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 444 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 31 Dec 2013
at 13:41
  • msg #163

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The red Mist of Combat (a close cousin of the Fog of War) stirred as much blood as it drew.  Every miss by her friends, every hit from her foes sent the gnome's heart racing up into the heights of exaltation and then back down through the vales of despair.  But the main theme here was blood, and Pisca suddenly became aware that she'd been losing a lot of it.  This had to end now.  Now with a capital NOW.

"Kill him, Stomper!"  Eschewing her Whisper Magic in the urgency of the moment, Pisca screamed her plea as a war cry.  At the same time her slim blade arched in imitation of Cato's attempt at distraction, the needle sharp tip coming dangerously close to poking the half-elf's eye out.

When she had drawn back to a ready stance, she found her whip in her hand.  Why had she drawn it?  When had she drawn it?  What could she possibly do with it hemmed in as she was?  Who knew?  But the feel of the braided leather in her hand gave her comfort.  And Desna only knew, a little comfort before death could not be a bad thing.

Aid Another Using AL for +1 / Draw Whip

05:14, Tue 31 Dec 2013: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 19 using 1d20+1 ((18)).

Another +2 to Kellan to Hit.  Too bad there's no Critical option to Aid Another.

Position: L5

HP 6/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 2/7
This message was last edited by the player at 14:26, Tue 31 Dec 2013.
The Raconteur
GM, 430 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 31 Dec 2013
at 16:06
  • msg #164

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Tsuto was getting slightly annoyed.  The gnome woman had somehow gotten away from his goblin minions and begun to harass him from behind, while the wizard was warily poking at him with his staff.  None of these were particularly dangerous, mind, but it was making it hard for Tsuto to concentrate on avoiding the big warrior's flail, which looked as if it might do some serious damage.

Tsuto figured he needed to take down his lighter opponents before ganging up on the big warrior.  He pressed his attack on the wizard, but this time was unable to connect.  The man was able to dodge out of the way of Tsuto's hand strike, and his follow-up kick was stopped by some sort of invisible field.

Tsuto grimaced; it shouldn't be this hard to hit a sage.  Mage Armor, Tsuto thought to himself grimly.  It might be tough to finish this man off without additional help, and he needed to get out of this poor tactical situation before the big warrior finally connected with his flail.

Time to change tactics.

Tsuto glanced backwards at Rint and Kikip.  "[Language unknown: Ti ec reano one ecun notartoer!]"  He ordered.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |G8W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG2|P W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdLWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|G3WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

Tsuto

Moves:

None.

Attacks:

07:47, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 10 using 1d20+4. Flurry of Blows Attack No. 2 on Cato.
07:46, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 17 using 1d20+4. Flurry of Blows Attack No. 1 on Cato.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one hit point of damage.  Neither G3 (Urt) or G9 (Arbik) may target Liseth next turn.

Party Status:  Pisca is at 6/18 hit points.  Kellan is at 23/26 hit points, and gains +4 to his next attack on Tsuto.  Liseth is at 7/18 hit points, and is under the effects of Sanctuary until the start of her turn after next.  Cato is at 8/18 Hit points, and has a +2 Dodge AC bonus until the start of his next turn.

Fighting defensively saved Cato this turn.  Yay tactics!



This message was last edited by the GM at 16:20, Tue 31 Dec 2013.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 268 posts
Former Red Shirt
Tue 31 Dec 2013
at 16:25
  • msg #165

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan couldn't understand it, it was like he was a child all over again. He couldn't connect, his friends were being beaten to a pulp and he felt powerless to help them. His attacks had devolved into uncoordinated flailing, and with a weapon as ponderous and finicky as the one he was currently wielding that meant he might as well be unarmed.

He voiced his feel is with an angry series of grunts, sweat standing out in his brow and his features flushed. He dropped the pole axe with a clatter and grasped the flail with both hands, swinging it for all he was worth only nearly lose the thing when his momentum is broken by a section of jutting masonry

HP:23/26
AC: 18
Move: Holster Poleaxe
Standard: Attack Tsuto (Natural 1)

Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 403 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 14/18
Tue 31 Dec 2013
at 16:43
  • msg #166

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

It worked!  Liseth could feel the divine presence fill her entire being and saw the goblins stand down from their assault on her.  She might be excited if it weren't for all the pain she was in at the moment.  But even though she had managed to ward the goblins off for the moment, Liseth still knew that her reprieve would not last long; so she had to do something to take advantage of it.

[Language unknown: "Vir roceus!  Trte taman meal menfortra o icman areck asonekat ckhane!  To it wer leut'ieio in ispa er houastcom p not poie!"]  Filled with divine energy from her blessing of Sanctuary, Liseth stood as tall as her small frame could and called out in a high-pitched voice to carry over the din of battle.  White, soothing energy poured from her and enveloped the cellar, healing herself and her companions; at the same time passing over and ignoring the goblins and their wicked leader as though they were anathema.

Sweat beaded on the girl's forehead and her limbs shook slightly from the exertion; she was lucky that she had a moment to recover while the goblins still could not reach her.  But one thing was certain, Liseth would not be able to do that again.

Standard Action: Channel Energy (7 Hit Points healed to everyone; Exclude G2, G3, G9, and Tsuto)

08:33, Today: Liseth Thoradin rolled 7 using 1d6+1. Channeled Healing.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:54, Tue 31 Dec 2013.
The Raconteur
GM, 434 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 31 Dec 2013
at 20:28
  • msg #167

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Urt and Arbik sheathed their dogslicers as they turned their attention to someone besides the untouchable witch, each drawing an arrow and firing their shortbows at Cato with a fluid motion but little effect.  Urt gritted his teeth; with the scholar's cover and Tsuto leaping about it was going to be very difficult to do anything to the human at range.

Meanwhile, Kikip and Rint stabbed, jabbed, and jibbered at Pisca, keeping her on her toes and perhaps leaving an opening for Tsuto to attack.  How effective they were at their task was a tale only time would tell.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |G8W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG2|P W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdLWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|G3WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

Goblins

Moves:

G2 (Kikip) does not move, aiding Tsuto's attack on Pisca.
G8 (Rint) does not move, aiding Tsuto's attack on Pisca.
G3 (Urt) sheathes dogslicer, attempts to attack Cato with shortbow.
G9 (Arbik) sheathes dogslicer, attempts to attack Cato with shortbow.

Standard Actions:

12:21, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 4 using 1d20-2. Aid Tsuto Against Pisca.
12:21, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 20 using 1d20+2. Aid Tsuto Against Pisca.
12:23, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 6 using 1d20-4. Shortbow Attack on Cato.
12:23, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 6 using 1d20-4. Shortbow Attack on Cato.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one hit point of damage.  Tsuto is at +2 "to hit" Pisca this turn.

Party Status:  Pisca is at 13/18 hit points.  Kellan is at 26/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 14/18 hit points, and is under the effects of Sanctuary until the start of her turn.  Cato is at 15/18 Hit points.




Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 242 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Tue 31 Dec 2013
at 21:01
  • msg #168

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato surveyed the scene in front of him again.  How much would it take to hit this man?  Tsuto certainly was an effective combatant, and the party was lucky that his goblin allies weren't adding all that much to fight.

Cato remained where he has, intent on aiding Kellan in combat.  That certainly had to be the best way to bring down Tsuto.  He was too mobile for Cato to withdraw and hit him from afar.  Cato fought cautiously, carefully waiting for an opportunity to swing at Tsuto, trying not so much to hit the man as to create a better opening for Kellan while trying to avoid leaving himself open.

OOC:
Aid another for Kellan, fighting defensively.  Failure.
15:58, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 6 using 1d20-3. Aid Another on Tsuto (Fight Defensively).

HP: 15/18
AC: 16

Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 454 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 31 Dec 2013
at 22:45
  • msg #169

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Pisca recognized the moves.  They were the same ones that she had just used on Tsuto.  They were all ganging up on her next.  And yet, the way out of this was still the same.  Tsuto must die.  That would solve all their problems.  She tried the same maneuver again.  This time, however, her aim was not quite right.  Her blade did little more than swipe at the air.  It would have been easy to blame it on her injuries.  But she felt much better after the burst of holy light that Liseth had sent washing over them.  The truth is, she had just missed.  And that might have lead to their downfall.

Still, that did not stop the gnome from gaping incredulously at her blade, as though the steel itself was to blame.  And the only sounds that came from her lips were a soft eep and the words, "Stomper.  Help?"</i>

Aid Another Using AL for +1 +2Flanking / Draw Whip

14:00, Tue 31 Dec 2013: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 6 using 1d20+3 ((3)).

Position: L5

HP 13/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
The Raconteur
GM, 437 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Wed 1 Jan 2014
at 05:22
  • msg #170

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Tsuto grinned as he saw his goblins harass the gnome and create a brief opening in her defenses as she moved her rapier to block a threatening dogslicer.  He spun, bringing his right leg around in the air in an inside kick intended to take the gnome in the side of the head.  Unfortunately his left foot was apparently not securely planted on the floor and slipped slightly, turning his kick into more of a ridiculous-looking flail.

Tsuto snarled.  He hated looking silly.  He used his momentum to spin himself around into a jump-inside-kick, this time connecting solidly with the side of the gnome's head, staggering her into the jutting wall and almost bringing her to her knees.

He smiled nastily.

That was much better.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |G8W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG2|P W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdLWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|G3WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

Tsuto

Moves:  None.  Full-Attack on Pisca.

Standard Actions:

21:14, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 4 using 1d6+1. Unarmed Damage to Pisca.
21:13, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 24 using 1d20+6. Flurry of Blows Attack No. 2 on Pisca.
21:13, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 7 using 1d20+6. Flurry of Blows Attack No. 1 on Pisca.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one hit point of damage.

Party Status:  Pisca takes four points of damage and is at 9/18 hit points.  Kellan is at 26/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 14/18 hit points.  Cato is at 15/18 Hit points.

Guess "ones" are just in the air today.



Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 414 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 14/18
Wed 1 Jan 2014
at 07:21
  • msg #171

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth watched as the goblins put away their slicing swords to draw bows.  For a startled moment she thought that they had managed to circumvent her divine protection somehow, but their arrows sailed well past her to clatter against the wall.  The fact that the divine presence left her moments later did not fill the acolyte with any good feelings, however.

Risking a moment to turn around while the goblins were fumbling with their bows, it was easy to see that her friends were in need of help.  There was no way that she could possibly reach Pisca to try and heal her though; as much as the gnome seemed to need it right now.  But there was one thing that she could do to help.

"Sarenrae, grant us the power of your blessing!  Fill us with your holy fire and guide our hands to victory!"  Liseth hoped that it would be enough, because that was the last thing she could do; her divinely gifted power was all but exhausted.  Now her greatest concern was just how to keep the goblins from getting her...

Before turning back around to face them, a bad idea occurred to Liseth.  But it was the only thing that she could think of which might possibly help.  Catching sight of the pommel sticking up from Kellan's belt while he was swinging his flail, the girl grimly grabbed the hilt of the militiaman's dagger and drew it from within its sheath.

Inexpertly holding the dagger in both hands and obviously unused to the weight of a weapon, Liseth swallowed before placing her back against Kellan's.  Keeping the dagger in front of herself as though its presence might deter further assault.

Standard Action: Cast Bless (+1 to Hit and Saves vs Fear to everyone for 20 rounds)

Move Action: Draw Kellan's dagger

OOC: Not that I plan to attack, mind you.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:51, Wed 01 Jan 2014.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 276 posts
Former Red Shirt
Wed 1 Jan 2014
at 07:44
  • msg #172

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Another swing, another terrible miss. The flail had only just missed coming out if his hands.

Kellan took a moment to center himself. It was unfortunately during this moment that Tsuto smashed a fist into Pisca but he was no good to anybody like this. He needed to get himself together.

"Remember your training, just like The Sheriff said...breath, breath"

HP: 23/26
AC: 18
Move: None
Standard: Two Handed Flail Attack: Tsuto
16:01, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 10 using 1d20+7. Flail Attack Tsuto.

The Raconteur
GM, 441 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Wed 1 Jan 2014
at 08:46
  • msg #173

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Kikip was in awe.  He and Rint were darting and stabbing at the gnome, but it was hard to concentrate while Tsuto was putting on such a masterful martial clinic.

The half-elf was simply untouchable.

The gnome tried to distract him, but failed.  The wizard tried to distract him, but failed.  The huge human tried to hit him with that dangerous-looking flail, but Tsuto just never seemed to be in the same place when the armored man finished swinging the flail he had been when he started.

Tsuto was fluid lightning.

He was a finely-honed weapon of retribution against Sandpoint.

He was Kikip's hero.

Kikip was not the bravest goblin in the tribe, but he had never had more confidence in battle than he did right now, at this very moment.  As he watched Tsuto perform his deadly dance amongst their opponents, Kikip thought he might follow Tsuto anywhere.

. . . meanwhile . . .

Urt grunted in frustration as the blonde human cast yet another spell.  Urt didn't know what the spell was, but he figured it probably wasn't good news for him and his companions.  As the power spread out from the girl, Urt aimed his shortbow at her in frustration . . .

Wait.

He could aim at her?

Urt's adrenaline surged as he realized that whatever power had been keeping him from attacking the white-robed woman was no longer there.  He dropped his shortbow and drew his dogslicer, immediately attacking the acolyte, drawing blood from her forearm when she unconsciously raised it to ward off his attack.

As the acolyte stumbled backwards, Urt yelled at Arbik.

"[Language unknown: Ome oer!  Te ntsi tioconave]!!"

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |G8W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG2|P W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdLWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|G3WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

Goblins

Moves:

G2 (Kikip) does not move, aiding Tsuto's attack on Pisca.
G8 (Rint) does not move, aiding Tsuto's attack on Pisca.
G3 (Urt) drops shortbow and draws dogslicer, attacking Liseth.
G9 (Arbik) drops shortbow and draws dogslicer, attacking Liseth.

Standard Actions:

00:26, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 4 using 1d20-2. Aid Tsuto Against Pisca.
00:26, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 15 using 1d20+2. Aid Tsuto Against Pisca.
00:29, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 3 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Liseth.
00:28, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 14 using 1d20-2. Dogslicer Attack on Liseth.
00:28, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 5 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer attack on Liseth.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one hit point of damage.  Tsuto is at +2 to hit Pisca during his next turn.

Party Status:  Pisca is at 9/18 hit points.  Kellan is at 26/26 hit points.  Liseth takes three points of damage and is at 11/18 hit points.  Cato is at 15/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).




Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 459 posts
The Gnome!
Thu 2 Jan 2014
at 14:00
  • msg #174

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

That.

Hurt.

Small silver sparks danced like thistledown on the breeze before the gnome managed to clear her head.  That did hurt.  And she couldn't take many more of those before ...  Before what?  Death?  The end?  And not even a fade into The Bleach either.  Blood and finality.  Her body broken.  No longer able to contain the essence that is Pisca Neep Freemish.  Mortality.

But there was no time for regret.  No time for fear.  And there was only one path to victory.

"For Ameiko!" Pisca cried.  She lunged, and her needle thin blade drove straight at the half-elf's face coming just short of driving into his eye.  "FOR SANDPOINT!"

Aid Another Using +2Flanking

05:43, Thu 02 Jan 2014: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 21 using 1d20+2 ((19)).

+2 to Kellan to hit Tsuto.  With Flanking and Bless = +5.

Active Effects: Message on Kellan and Liseth 20m; Bless 2m

Position: L5

HP 9/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
This message was last edited by the player at 14:27, Thu 02 Jan 2014.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 244 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Thu 2 Jan 2014
at 21:53
  • msg #175

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato watched as Pisca expertly struck out at Tsuto, aiming to provide an opening for Kellan.  Cato waited, trying to time his own strike for maximum benefit to Kellan as well.  He swung his quarterstaff at a brief opening in Tsuto's defenses, hoping to draw the man's attention for another split-second.

OOC:
Standard Action: Aid Anothe
16:52, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 14 using 1d20+2. Aid Another on Tsuto.


The Raconteur
GM, 447 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Thu 2 Jan 2014
at 23:03
  • msg #176

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Tsuto had been doing well to this point, but the constant vigilance required to keep all three of his opponents at bay was starting to take a toll on his ability to concentrate.  Both the gnome and the scholar had been particularly troublesome lately; he cursed as he dodged another stab from her rapier and unloaded a low spin kick intended to topple her to the ground for a finishing blow.

But as Tsuto crouched and began his kick, his heel glanced off the mage's accursed staff, spoiling the spin and almost causing him to fall over.  Tsuto managed to recover and lunge into a dragon strike against the gnome, but she was able to dodge backwards and completely avoid what was (for him) a very-clumsy attack.

Tsuto was becoming more and more aggravated by his pint-sized opponent.  It should really have been much easier to take her down than this.  The half-elf regrouped, then suddenly realized that in his frustration he had lost track of the human warrior.  He quickly spun to find the man's deadly flail in mid-swing . . .

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |G8W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG2|P W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdLWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|G3WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

Tsuto

Move:  None.

Standard Action:

14:55, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 12 using 1d20+4. Flurry of Blows Attack No. 2 on Pisca.
14:54, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 7 using 1d20+6. Flurry of Blows Attack No. 1 on Pisca.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one hit point of damage.

Party Status:  Pisca is at 9/18 hit points.  Kellan is at 26/26 hit points and has +4 "to hit" Tsuto on his next attack this turn.  Liseth is at 11/18 hit points.  Cato is at 15/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).



Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 423 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 11/18
Fri 3 Jan 2014
at 03:39
  • msg #177

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

She tried to raise Kellan's dagger to ward off the goblin's attack, but Liseth just wasn't prepared for it.  A sharp gasp escaped from her when her arm was slashed, again, so soon after having closed the initial wound.  This plan wasn't turning out very well.

That's not the way you do it.  She could almost hear her brother lecturing her, back on the practice field.  Take your other hand off of the hilt, you'll never accomplish anything like that.  Liseth obediently lowered her wounded arm.  Now adjust your stance.  Stand sideways, narrow your profile and keep your weapon between yourself and your opponent.  You will find it much easier to parry and avoid your opponent's attack.  The girl did as she was told.  Finally, take your eyes off of their weapon.  Look them in the eyes as they attack; that will give you a split second edge to predict their movements and counter them with your own.

That last part was perhaps the most difficult for Liseth.  Looking the goblins facing her in the eyes only revealed them to be full of hatred and murderous intent.  But she had to suffer through it if she expected to survive at all.

Liseth really wished that Nivlak was here with her.

Standard Action: Total Defense (+4 AC for a total of 15)

Effects: Bless (19/20 rounds)
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Fri 03 Jan 2014.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 284 posts
Former Red Shirt
Fri 3 Jan 2014
at 07:44
  • msg #178

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Alright, moment of reflection over, time to get back in the fight. You have not even been injured. See? His back is even to you now, just watch the arc, don't hit the beam...there you go, one, two...

Kellan's steadying breath could be heard only by himself over the din of combat the cramped corridor, but the sound of the incoming flail head was as clear as a bell. He took a few wind up passes just to reacquaint himself with the weight, each "whoosh" growing a little louder until he whipped the thing forward with both arms, teeth bared.

HP: 26/26
AC: 18
Move: None
Standard: Two Handed Attack, Flail, Tsuto
23:38, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 5 using 1d10+4. Damage.
23:37, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 24 using 1d20+12. Two Handed Flail Attack Tsuto (Please?).
Active Effects: Bless
The Raconteur
GM, 453 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Fri 3 Jan 2014
at 08:18
  • msg #179

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Tsuto barely managed to dodge out of the way of Kellan's flail, which only grazed the half-elf's chest as he bent backwards in an amazing display of flexibility.  As Ameiko's wayward brother reoriented himself, Kikip and Rint continued harassing Pisca, with Kikip having far better success; Rint mostly menaced the intervening wall, resulting in loud "clangs" that seemed oddly loud given the relative silence of the combat for the past few moments.

. . . Meanwhile . . .

Urt laughed with cruel amusement as he saw the young acolyte attempt to wield her purloined dagger with some semblance of defensive expertise.  The goblin warrior feinted to the left, drawing the expected overreaction from the girl, then darted in and cut her again with his dogslicer.  Urt realized that none of his hits were in any way critical, but he knew these cuts would add up.  He was in no hurry; from his admittedly-imperfect view it looked like Tsuto was still taking the attention of the big warrior, and no one else was in any sort of position to interfere with Urt as he toyed with the white-robed woman.

Except Arbik, Urt realized as his companions dogslicer came whistling down and almost chopped off his nose as he pressed his attack on the blonde human.  "[Language unknown: Ntithaers HEOME, offi ur, ugh ardtertin!]" He yelled.

Sometimes you had to do everything yourself.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |G8W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG2|P W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdLWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|G3WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members

OOC:

Goblins

Moves:

G2 (Kikip) does not move, aiding Tsuto's attack on Pisca.
G8 (Rint) does not move, aiding Tsuto's attack on Pisca.
G3 (Urt) does not move, attacking Liseth.
G9 (Arbik) does not move, attacking Liseth.

Standard Actions:

:06, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 0 using 1d4-2. Dogslicer attack on Liseth.
00:05, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 2 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Liseth.
00:05, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 18 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer attack on Liseth.
00:04, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 0 using 1d20-2. Aid Tsuto's Attack on Pisca.
00:04, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 18 using 1d20+2. Aid Tsuto's Attack on Pisca.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken point of damage.  Tsuto Kaijitsu has taken five points of damage and is at +2 "to hit" Pisca on his next attack.

Party Status:  Pisca is at 9/18 hit points.  Kellan is at 26/26 hit points.  Liseth takes two points of damage, is at 9/18 hit points, and employing total defense until the beginning of her next turn.  Cato is at 15/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).



Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 463 posts
The Gnome!
Fri 3 Jan 2014
at 14:00
  • msg #180

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Aha!  A hit!  A very palpable hit!

The gnome swings again, this time with less success than before.  Still, undeterred, she goes on to taunt and probe with words rather than weapons.

"How does it feel, Tsuto?  To be on the receiving end?  How could you even have let yourself stoop so low as to work for Ripnugget and the Thistletops?" she said, taking a wild stab with her verbal blade.  "Working for goblins?" she added, and then took an even wilder swing.  "Working for bugbears?"

Then, with little but a thought, Pisca called her gnome-shaped Dancing Lights from down the corridor.  Soundlessly it glided over the floor to block the exit of the goblins behind its mistress.

[Language unknown: "Siet hasiad inil tithe icil ac,"] hissed the gnome to the gobbies from the corner of her mouth.  If that didn't distract them, at least it was a last bit of amusement before a possible descent into death.

Aid Another Using +2Flanking +1Bless / Bring Dancing Lights to J4 adding Bluff for Fun.

05:47, Fri 03 Jan 2014: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 6 using 1d20+3 ((3)).
05:47, Fri 03 Jan 2014: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 21 using 1d20+9 ((12)).

Active Effects: Message on Kellan and Liseth 20m; Bless 2m

Position: L5

HP 9/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 245 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Sun 5 Jan 2014
at 12:12
  • msg #181

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato smiled as Kellan's attack finally hit home.  Tsuto couldn't do this dance forever.  He was bound to get hit a few times.  Cato looked over his comrades.  Hopefully Pisca and Liseth could stand up to the goblins until they had defeated Tsuto, though.  Cato carefully observed Pisca's barbs, and tried to sweep out Tsuto's legs when the man's concentration wavered from him for a second.

"Get him, Kellan!"

Inwardly, Cato winced.  Get him, Kellan?  He could bend the world to his will, and this was his contribution to battle tactics?   Get him?

OOC:
Aid another using +1 Bless
07:09, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 11 using 1d20+2. Aid Another on Tsuto.


The Raconteur
GM, 458 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Sun 5 Jan 2014
at 12:43
  • msg #182

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Tsuto was getting tired of this gnome and her sass.  She was trying to get a rise out of him; to throw him off his game.  It wasn't going to work.  He would focus it.  Use it.  To defeat her.

"I work with the tools I've been given," Tsuto responded to Pisca, as he saw Kikip dart in and stab at her, leaving an opening.  "And, if you don't mind me saying," he unleashed a flying spin kick that crashed perfectly into the gnome's head, throwing her small body against the wall, "I think my tools," he followed up with a straight punch to her solar plexus, "might be better than yours."

The gnome crumpled around Tsuto's fist, then, as if in slow motion, fell to the floor, unconscious, with blood trickling from her scalp where the crown of her head had banged against the wall.

Tsuto crouched warily, looking around at Cato with a feral grin.  "One down.  And come now, wizard.  You really think he'll," he jerked his head towards Kellan, "get me?  Before I get YOU?!?"

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |G8W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG2|xxW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdLWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|G3WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members
xx = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Party Member.

OOC:

Tsuto

Move:  None.  Full-attack action on Pisca.

Attacks:

04:23, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 4 using 1d6+1. Flurry of Blows No. 2 Damage to Pisca.
04:21, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 7 using 1d6+1. Flurry of Blows No. 1 Damage to Pisca.
04:20, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 20 using 1d20+4. Flurry of Blows Attack No. 2 on Pisca.
04:20, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 21 using 1d20+6. Flurry of Blows Attack No. 1 on Pisca.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken point of damage.  Tsuto Kaijitsu has taken five points of damage.

Party Status:  Pisca takes 11 points of damage and is at -2/18 hit points.  Pisca is unconscious in square L5 and dying.  Kellan is at 26/26 hit points and +2 "to hit" Tsuto next turn.  Liseth is at 9/18 hit points, and employing total defense until the beginning of her next turn.  Cato is at 15/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).



This message was last edited by the GM at 12:44, Sun 05 Jan 2014.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 431 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 9/18
Sun 5 Jan 2014
at 19:27
  • msg #183

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The goblin was laughing at her.  Liseth tried her best to parry but her inexperience showed itself when he so easily tricked her.  Then slashed her again.  Her wounded arm unconsciously reached towards the new injury; it was just a scratch, the blade must have mostly cut her robe.  Or the goblin was just playing with her.

She reset her defensive stance when the goblin paused his assault to yell something at the other goblin.  But she couldn't keep herself from hearing what was going on behind her.  Liseth risked a glance backwards just in time to witness Tsuto send Pisca to the ground.  The blood drained from her face, and turning back to face the goblins she could see the point of the dagger shaking.

Liseth quickly realized that it wasn't just the dagger shaking.  Her whole body was shaking.  She felt the panic coming on, and tears of terror welled up in her eyes.  Not for herself, but for the knowledge that there was absolutely nothing that she could do to help Pisca.

All she could do is try to fend off the goblins in front of her for as long as she was able.  But maybe she could say something?  Maybe if she kept talking, Tsuto might listen?

"Please stop!  You have to know that what you're doing is wrong!"  Liseth tried to plead with him, and the words came out in a choking manner.  "What your father did to you was wrong, but hurting people won't help anything!  Don't you know that the goblins are killing people?  They even killed little children!  How could children be responsible for any of the bad things that happened to you?"

Standard Action: Total Defense (+4 AC)
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 288 posts
Former Red Shirt
Mon 6 Jan 2014
at 12:24
  • msg #184

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan's mind turned bloody when he say Pisca collapse after the savage blow, Liseth's pleading only seemed to stoke the smoldering rage at this half elf and his arrogance. People like Tsuto were why he had embarked in his career in the first place. Where as most say an idyllic little community, others saw a target.

Following up on his last blow he kept the momentum going and came around again horizontally this time. Cato was no slouch but he was unarmored, he needed to bring this guy down before he ended up killing again.

HP: 26/26
AC: 18
Move: None
Standard: Two handed attack, Tsuto
  04:17, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 6 using 1d8+4. Damage Tsuto.
04:17, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 23 using 1d20+8. Two handed Flail Attack Tsuto, Aided, Blessed.
Active effects: Bless
The Raconteur
GM, 465 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Mon 6 Jan 2014
at 18:27
  • msg #185

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


"Argh!  Die!"  Kikip heard Rint's exclamation behind him and turned to look, only to see Rint attacking the ghostly glowing apparition one of their opponents had summoned.  "[Language unknown: Mi na menectestlin, ilnctr]!!"  Kikip yelled at Rint.

Rint wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Kikip grinned ferociously as he saw the gnome fall under Tsuto's sustained attack.  He moved forward over her supine body, jabbing out with his dogslicer around the wall to keep the scholar off balance.  His efforts didn't seem to do much, but every little bit helped.

. . . Meanwhile . . .

Urt was having fun.  If goblins had anything that passed for a trained swordsman, Urt was it.  So to have a private duel with a scared, untrained human girl was something of a joy.  He savored her trembling form as she held onto her dagger for dear life, watching him with frightened eyes.  It was clear she was absolutely no threat to him.

Urt decided to toy with her.  "You're going to die, precious," he said in Common.  His voice was raspy, as if sandpaper was being run over a particularly-rough piece of wood.  "Your warrior can't save you, he's," Urt glanced at where the victorious Tsuto was confronting Kellan and Cato, "busy.  It's just you and me, dearie."  The goblin licked his lips.

In a flash, Urt's dogslicer darted out, slicing Liseth's other arm.  She was now bleeding freely.  "Death, it comes."  He gave her an evil smile as he ostentatiously waved his blade in a pattern.  "How does that FEEL?"


GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |G8W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |G2W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdLWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|G3WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members
xx = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Party Member.

OOC:

Goblins

Moves:

G2 (Kikip) takes 5-foot step to L5, aiding Tsuto against Cato.
G8 (Rint) does not move, attacking Pisca's Dancing Lights.
G3 (Urt) does not move, attacking Liseth.
G9 (Arbik) does not move, attacking Liseth.

Standard Actions:

10:15, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 5 using 1d20-2. Aid Tsuto vs. Cato.
10:14, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 3 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Liseth.
10:14, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 10 using 1d20-2. Dogslicer attack on Liseth.
10:13, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 12 using 1d20+2. Critical Confirmation on Liseth.
10:12, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 22 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer attack on Liseth.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken point of damage.  Tsuto Kaijitsu has taken 11 points of damage.

Party Status:  Pisca is at -2/18 hit points.  Pisca is unconscious in square L5 and dying.  Kellan is at 26/26 hit points.  Liseth takes three points of damage and is at 6/18 hit points, and employing total defense until the beginning of her next turn.  Cato is at 15/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).



Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 476 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 6 Jan 2014
at 19:04
  • msg #186

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The gnome lay still, the dark stain on her headscarf growing wider as the soft silken material became soaked with her life's blood.  And yet, within the black vacancy that was unconsciousness, Pisca was at peace.  Ignorance *was* bliss.  Death was the end of strife.  And the descent into death was ...  Well, as the bard would say, there's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold.

Through the night of her mind, Pisca heard the crooning of soft winds.  A steady rhythmic beat soothed her, whispering affirmations of life.  And into the whispering void crept a question.  It was a single spark of light in an unimaginable dark.  And yet it was.  It existed.  Is that a heartbeat? it asked.  I think that sounds a lot like a heartbeat.

Stabilize CON +1, Damage -2 vs DC10

09:13, Today: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 17 using 1d20-1. Stabilize Pisca.

Active Effects: Bless 2m

Position: L5

HP -2/18 and Stable
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
This message was last edited by the player at 19:05, Mon 06 Jan 2014.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 246 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Mon 6 Jan 2014
at 22:09
  • msg #187

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato watched in alarm as Pisca tumbled to the ground.  He had to help Kellan bring down Tsuto before he suffered the same fate as Pisca, and do so quickly enough to drive off the rest of the goblins and save Liseth, too.  But the scholar didn't think he could actually hit Tsuto, either.  What he had been doing seemed to be the best option.  Cato would risk his own safety for now, to increase the chance the guardsman could bring down Tsuto, and depend on his mage armor for protection.

OOC:
Standard Action: Aid another vs Tsuto.

17:09, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 17 using 1d20+2. Aid Another on Tsuto.

The Raconteur
GM, 468 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 7 Jan 2014
at 00:01
  • msg #188

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Tsuto dropped into a defensive crouch as he recovered from the big warrior's flail attack.  This time it had grazed his arm, and only Tsuto's highly-trained reflexes had prevented him from being turned into a red smear on the side of the narrow tunnel.

The half-elf breathed heavily as he quickly evaluated the situation, glancing first at the scholar and then back at the warrior.  His heart was beating fast, and he could feel the adrenaline flowing through his veins.  He quickly sprung towards the scholar, intending to put him off balance with a kick and then roll behind him to get away from the bigger human's fail.

Then it all went wrong.  And it went so wrong because it had started out so well.

When Tsuto unleashed his desultory kick, he unexpectedly connected with the human's head.  Rather than merely move him back or to the side, the human stumbled into the wall, almost dropping his staff.

Unfortunately for Tsuto, the scholar's unexpectedly-extravagant reaction to what the half-elf thought would be a simple clearing kick threw him off balance, causing him to hesitate for a second, which allowed the huge warrior to bring the flail whistling around again.  Only Tsuto's preoccupation with defending himself saved him; he managed to dodge out of the way, but only back the way he had come, leaving him in exactly the same position he was before.

Tsuto ground his teeth.  The gnome was down, but these humans were getting plenty annoying all on their own.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |G8W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |G2W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdLWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|G3WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members
xx = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Party Member.

OOC:

Tsuto

Standard Action:

Attack Cato, fighting defensively.

15:40, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 2 using 1d6+1. Unarmed Damage to Cato Crispin.
15:39, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 16 using 1d20+4. Critical Confirmation on Cato Crispin.
15:38, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 24 using 1d20+4. Unarmed Attack on Cato Crispin.

Move:

Attempt to move to N6 with Acrobatics check.  [Fail, incite AoO from both Kellan and Cato]

15:32, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 16 using 1d20+10. Acrobatics Check to Avoid AoO.

Attacks of Opportunity:

15:38, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Cato Crispin, rolled 5 using 1d20+1. AoO on Tsuto Kaijitsu.
15:36, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Kellan Storval, rolled 18 using 1d20+7. AoO on Tsuto Kaijitsu.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken point of damage.  Tsuto Kaijitsu has taken 11 points of damage, and is fighting defensively until the beginning of his next turn.

Party Status:  Pisca is at -2/18 hit points, unconscious and stabilized in square L5.  Kellan is at 26/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 6/18 hit points, and employing total defense until the beginning of her next turn.  Cato takes four points of damage and is at 11/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).



This message was last edited by the GM at 00:19, Tue 07 Jan 2014.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 440 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 6/18
Tue 7 Jan 2014
at 07:48
  • msg #189

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

I can't do this!  Liseth almost dropped Kellan's dagger when her arm was cut open; her hand felt numb.  Her heart was pounding in her chest and her breath was coming in short, rapid gasps.  I can't fight goblins!

Liseth's blood was getting everywhere too.  And it didn't help that the goblin was taking malicious pleasure in carving her up.

"Kellan...HELP!"  She reached behind herself to grab for Kellan, pulling herself towards him until her back was pressed up against his body.  It wouldn't be very long before the goblin got tired of playing with her...

Non-Action: Delay

OOC: I'm delaying until after Kellan's turn this round.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:48, Tue 07 Jan 2014.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 297 posts
Former Red Shirt
Tue 7 Jan 2014
at 08:05
  • msg #190

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth's cry for help was loud in Kellan's ear and her urging he cocked his head back to tell to her "Come on! Follow me!". Basically using his broad frame as cover for the young acolyte he retrieved his pole axe and sidestepped with her around the corner. As he moved he pressed the flail's handle into Liseth's hand then lashed out with his pole arm at Tsuto, trying to spear the martial artist.

HP: 26/26
AC: 18
Free: Drop Weapon
Move: L7 to N7, Draw Poleaxe
Standard: Reach Attack Tsuto
23:56, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 15 using 1d20+9. Reach, Aided, Blessed Guissarme attack vs Tsuto.


Changed to (Pending Racon's Permission)

Liseth's cry for help was loud in Kellan's ear, at her urging he cocked his head back to call to her "Come on! Follow me!". Basically using his broad frame as cover for the young acolyte he sidestepped with her around the corner. Once she was more or less safely ticked around the corner he turned to his previous position to halt the goblin advance, taking another ineffectual swing at Tsuto with his flail

HP: 26/26
AC: 18
Move: From L7 to M7, back to L7 with the intent to provoke Tsuto
Standard: Two handed flail attack Tsuto
23:56, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 15 using 1d20+9. Reach, Aided, Blessed Guissarme attack vs Tsuto.

This message was last edited by the player at 20:42, Tue 07 Jan 2014.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 445 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 6/18
Tue 7 Jan 2014
at 18:52
  • msg #191

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Holding onto Kellan's belt when he started to move, Liseth kept her dagger pointed shakily at the goblin.  Until they had moved beyond his reach; then she let her arm drop and did her best to keep her head down and stay hidden behind the larger warrior as they moved past Tsuto.

As soon as she was deposited behind Cato, Liseth ducked around the corner and placed her back against the wall.  Gradually, her breathing began to slow down and the acolyte took a moment to finally examine the extent of her own injuries.

If she managed to survive this, she was definitely going to need a new robe.

Full-Round Action: Withdraw to square N7
The Raconteur
GM, 476 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 7 Jan 2014
at 21:53
  • msg #192

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Tsuto watched the warrior move back and forth over the difficult ground, apparently looking for the best position from which to attack him.  In doing so, the human left the half-elf an opening to attack, but Tsuto's side kick merely glanced off the big man's armor, failing to do much more than almost-imperceptibly knock him off stride.

. . . Meanwhile . . .

Urt was unaccountably surprised as the blonde human fled away from him, past her big warrior friend and off right down the corridor.  He lunged at her as she fled, but she had lulled him into a sense of complacency and he wasn't able to do much more than snarl in frustration at her retreating figure.

More positively, this gave Urt an opening to help Tsuto attack the big human.  Urt moved forward carefully over the debris-strewn ground, but was unable to do more than ineffectively wave his dogslicer at the warrior.  As Urt set his feet, he readied himself for this new, bigger challenge.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG8|G2W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddWL |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG3WWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members
xx = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Party Member.


OOC:

Attacks of Opportunity:

13:40, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 13 using 1d20+1. Attack of Opportunity on Kellan.

Goblins

Moves:

G2 (Kikip) does not move, aiding Tsuto against Cato.
G8 (Rint) takes 5-foot step to K5, drawing shortbow.
G3 (Urt) moves to L8, attacking Kellan with flanking bonus.
G9 (Arbik) takes 5-foot step to L9 and draws shortbow.

Standard Action:

13:41, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 10 using 1d20-2. Aid Tsuto Against Cato.
13:43, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 10 using 1d20+4. Dogslicer Attack on Kellan.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one point of damage.  Tsuto Kaijitsu has taken 11 points of damage, is fighting defensively until the beginning of his next turn, and has +2 "to hit" Cato on his next attack.

Party Status:  Pisca is at -2/18 hit points, unconscious and stabilized in square L5.  Kellan is at 26/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 6/18 hit points.  Cato is at 13/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).


</Blue>
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:51, Wed 08 Jan 2014.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 249 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Wed 8 Jan 2014
at 00:41
  • msg #193

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato let out a soft sigh of relief as Liseth managed to step out to (relative) safety.  His mind quickly snapped back to focus as he warded a snap kick with the end of his staff.  He launched a series of quick attacks against Tsuto, which were easy for the monk to avoid, but hopefully would once again let Kellan slip a more powerful attack home.  Cato held back this time, though, knowing he would be the focus of Tsuto's attacks, and tried to concentrate on warding against more of the monk's attacks.

OOC:
Standard Action: Aid Another on Tsuto, Fighting Defensively
19:37, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 17 using 1d20-2. Aid Another on Tsuto (Fight Defensively).

The Raconteur
GM, 478 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Wed 8 Jan 2014
at 01:01
  • msg #194

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Tsuto grinned.  The small woman had slipped right past.

Leaving the big warrior's back exposed.

Perfect.

Urt knew what to do.  He moved in, menacing the guardsman from the rear.  As the warrior turned to deal with this new threat, Tsuto unleashed a leaping roundhouse kick directly to the man's unprotected throat, followed by a hook kick to the sensitive area behind the knee.  As the warrior grunted in pain, Tsuto knew he had hurt the man, and badly.  We'll see how confident he is with that flail now, the half-elf thought to himself.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG8|G2W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddWL |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG3WWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members
xx = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Party Member.

OOC:

Tsuto

Moves:

No move.  Full-attack on Kellan

Standard Action:

16:50, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 6,4 using 1d6+1,d6. Flurry of Blows Damage No. 2.
16:49, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 5,4 using 1d6+1,d6. Flurry of Blows Damage No. 1.
16:49, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 25 using 1d20+6. Flurry of Blows Attack No. 2 on Kellan.
16:48, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Tsuto Kaijitsu, rolled 20 using 1d20+6. Flurry of Blows Attack No. 1 on Kellan.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one point of damage.  Tsuto Kaijitsu has taken 11 points of damage.

Party Status:  Pisca is at -2/18 hit points, unconscious and stabilized in square L5.  Kellan takes 19 points of damage, is at 7/26 hit points, and is a "+2" to hit Tsuto next round.  Liseth is at 6/18 hit points.  Cato is at 13/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).



This message was last edited by the GM at 01:47, Wed 08 Jan 2014.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 487 posts
The Gnome!
Wed 8 Jan 2014
at 01:19
  • msg #195

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Tyger, tyger, burning bright.  The lone, shy questioning light stalked the awful threshold of night's final door with only the company of the whispering breeze.  And, of course, the soft, gentle beating of a heart.  It was a heart, the question had decided.  But answering that question had only lead to further questions that presented themselves as yet unanswered.  If this was indeed a heartbeat, then where was the heart?  Could a heart be where in a place in which there was no where?  And, if there was indeed a heart, for whom did it beat?

Active Effects: Bless 2m

Position: L5

HP -2/18 and Stable, Prone, Unarmed, Unconscious
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 309 posts
Former Red Shirt
Wed 8 Jan 2014
at 14:10
  • msg #196

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Somewhere in his mind during the savage beating that was being inflicted upon him, he reminded himself that this could have been Liseth. It could have been Liseth.

His throat felt like it had collapsed and his spine gave a nasty jolt that made him feel numb and sick at the same time. He coughed and sputtered, staggering back under the assault and bringing his arms up in vain to try and ward it off. The blows just kept coming.

Tsuto was well inside the arc of the flail now, so in desperation Kellan wrapped the chain around his knuckles in one motion and palmed the spiked head in his sizable hand while absorbing the blows to his shoulder and back, waiting for an opening which Cato thankfully provided he turned suddenly and lashed out with the cupped flail head at Tsuto's face like he was trying to crack a stubborn walnut.

HP: 7/21
AC: 19 (Combat Expertise)
Move: None
Standard: Flail Attack, Tsuto
06:00, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 12 using 1d8+4. Damage.
06:00, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 24 using 1d20+8. Flail attack Tsuto, Combat Expertise, Aided, Blessed, Two Handed.
Active Effects: Bless
This message was last edited by the player at 14:30, Wed 08 Jan 2014.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 458 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 6/18
Wed 8 Jan 2014
at 19:09
  • msg #197

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth's eyes were fixated on the long gashes in her arms.  Each one of them has blood streaming out, staining her once pristine white robes with their redness.  Another trickle of blood leaks out from the light cut on her abdomen.  She tried to summon up healing energy but she just couldn't.  The girl was exhausted; a healer who couldn't even heal herself let alone anyone else.

Remembering the healer's kit in her knapsack, Liseth let it drop from her shoulders and set it on the ground; laying Kellan's dagger next to it.  She quickly opened the knapsack and looked inside for her bandages, trying her best to keep all of her blood from getting all over it.  But her eyes alighted on something else; a small vial that Pisca gave to her during that first horrible night with the goblins.

Pisca said that it was a magic healing potion.  As much as Liseth might want to drink it herself, she knew that the others needed it a lot more.  She grabbed the vial and held it tight.

Peeking around the corner at the fight, Liseth saw Kellan finally land a really telling blow on Tsuto.  But he had taken some of the most brutal hits yet in order to do so.  Liseth couldn't reach Kellan, but Cato was close by and still trying to help.  Reaching a hand out, she touched the wizard on his side.

"Be strong Cato.  You can do this."  Liseth whispered encouragement to him, channeling what small amount of energy she still could.

Standard Action: Cast Guidance on Cato (+1 to an Attack, Skill Check, or Save)

Move Action: Retrieve Stored Potion

Effects: Bless (16/20)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:28, Wed 08 Jan 2014.
The Raconteur
GM, 487 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Wed 8 Jan 2014
at 21:13
  • msg #198

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Tsuto was impressed.  Woozy, but impressed.  He hadn't expected the big warrior to be able to use the flail at such close range, and the man's improvisation had caught the half-elf off guard.  Tsuto had just managed to avoid having his entire face collapsed by the guardsman's flail-fist when the cursed scholar had briefly distracted him with his endless staff prodding.  As it was, blood flowed freely down the side of Tsuto's handsome face as he recovered from the warrior's attack.

He briefly wondered if the resulting scar would be mysteriously attractive, or just disfiguring.  He greatly hoped for the former.  But these were thoughts for another time.  Right now, this battle was a close-run thing.  Tsuto needed to take this warrior down quickly; the man was clearly finding his battle-legs.  Maybe he was one of those people who didn't really start fighting hard until they got hurt.

Tsuto may have unintentionally released a whirlwind.

Oh well, there was nothing for it now.  The guardsman was clearly just as hurt as Tsuto, if not more.  It looked like this battle would come down to a duel between the two heavyweights.  As Tsuto coiled for his next attack, he promised himself that he would be the victor.

. . . Meanwhile . . .

. . . Urt was definitely not having as much success against the big warrior as he had enjoyed against the white-robed acolyte.  The man's armor seemed completely impervious to Urt's dogslicer.  In point of fact, Urt wasn't sure that the man even realized he was being attacked from behind at all.  That just wouldn't do.  Didn't the man realize that Urt was one of the finest living swordsgoblins?  That should at least merit a glance.  Urt cursed whatever smith had crafted his useless weapon.  But who knew he would have to fight an armored human at such close quarters?  Urt redoubled his efforts.  At least Tsuto seemed to be having more success . . .

. . . Meanwhile . . .

Rint had kind of felt left out in this battle, but he wasn't sure that was a bad thing.  There was a nice, open corridor if things went sideways, and no one was really threatening him with any sort of pain.  That was always a plus, in Rint's book.  He sheathed his dogslicer and drew an arrow, surveying the battlefield.  As he did, he spotted the small, white-robed blonde woman kneeling and pulling something out of some sort of pack.

It seemed to be his best shot, seeing as everyone else was whirling around in combat.

Rint drew his bow and concentrated on his breathing, letting the arrow fly.  He grinned triumphantly when he saw the shaft strike the startled young woman, scoring her shoulder.  As Rint drew another arrow, he thought to himself that he could get used to battles like this.  His grin grew even wider.  He could get very used to them.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG8|G2W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WT |C |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddWL |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG3WWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members
xx = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Party Member.

OOC:

Goblins

Moves:

G2 (Kikip) does not move, attacking Cato with dogslicer.
G8 (Rint) does not move, sheathing dogslicer and firing shortbow at Liseth.
G3 (Urt) does not move, attacking Kellan with flanking bonus.
G9 (Arbik) does not move, sheathing dogslicer and firing shortbow at Kellan.

Standard Actions:

12:52, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 3 using 1d20. Shortbow Attack on Kellan.
12:51, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 10 using 1d20+4. Dogslicer Attack on Kellan.
12:51, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 2 using 1d4. Shortbow Damage on Liseth.
12:50, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 17 using 1d20. Shortbow Attack on Liseth.
12:50, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 12 using 1d20-2. Attack Cato with Dogslicer.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one point of damage.  Tsuto Kaijitsu has taken 23 points of damage.

Party Status:  Pisca is at -2/18 hit points, unconscious and stabilized in square L5.  Kellan is at 7/26 hit points.  Liseth takes two points of damage and is at 4/18 hit points.  Cato is at 13/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).



Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 499 posts
The Gnome!
Wed 8 Jan 2014
at 21:41
  • msg #199

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The little question, or, rather, the question that had begun as little, had felt itself grow from a lack of answers.  That, in itself, was a curious thing, as how does one grow from an increase of lack?  Regardless of how this might happen, though, it most certainly seemed to have been so.  The questions led to more questions and few of these led to answers.  And soon the little light in the darkness grew to a hot white brightness.  The question grew weighty and ponderous.  And still the questions multiplied.

What am I?  Why am I here?  What gave rise to my existence?  Is there something more than this?

Active Effects: Bless 2m

Position: L5

HP -2/18 and Stable, Prone, Unarmed, Unconscious
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
This message was last edited by the player at 21:43, Wed 08 Jan 2014.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 252 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Wed 8 Jan 2014
at 22:25
  • msg #200

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Carefully watching the combat, Cato decided to try a different tactic.  He took a quick step backwards towards Liseth, grateful for the aid the young woman had provided.  He took a long moment to line up his shot, flinging an acid dart directly at Tsuto's face.  He grinned as he executed his shot perfectly, the sizzling stream flying straight towards the injured Tsuto.

"How's that feel, Tsuto?  Goblins, there's more where that came from!"

OOC:
Move action: 5' step to N6
Standard Action: Acid Dart vs Tsuto

17:20, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 6 using 2d6+2. Acid Dart Damage.
17:20, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 25 using 1d20+5. Acid Dart Crit.
17:20, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 25 using 1d20+5. Acid Dart Attack vs Tsuto.

The Raconteur
GM, 491 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Thu 9 Jan 2014
at 02:36
  • msg #201

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Tsuto screamed in equal parts pain and anger as his incipient finishing attack on the big warrior was spoiled by a burning, boiling strike to the already-damaged side of his face.  He spun to confront this new threat, only to see the scholar, who had stepped back, lowering his hands with a shit-eating grin on his face and snark on his lips.

Tsuto wanted to rip the beating hearts out of every single one of his opponents and burn them while they watched, gasping their last.  But the half-elf's vision was blurring and he was slightly unsteady on his feet; he knew there was no way he was going to be able to continue fighting, especially now that the scholar had shown himself not to be completely bereft of spells after all.  Tsuto knew he wouldn't be able to stand up to either another burning bolt or another hit from the big warrior's flail.

It was time for the better part of valor.

Tsuto crouched, gathering himself, and then sprang backwards, away from the surprised warrior, who looked as if he couldn't decide if he was more shocked by Tsuto's sudden retreat or the fact that the wizard had hit him in the first place.  Tsuto pushed his way past his goblin allies, rushing back down the corridor, one hand covering the ruined side of his face as he stumbled over the barrels behind which they had been hiding to start the combat.

Tears of frustration streamed down Tsuto's ravaged face as he ran.  And it had all started out so very well.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG8|G2W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |C W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddWL |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG3WWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members
xx = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Party Member.

OOC:

Tsuto

Full-Round Action:  Tsuto withdraws out of sight.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one point of damage.  Tsuto Kaijitsu has taken 29 points of damage.

Party Status:  Pisca is at -2/18 hit points, unconscious and stabilized in square L5.  Kellan is at 7/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 4/18 hit points.  Cato is at 13/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).



Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 313 posts
Former Red Shirt
Thu 9 Jan 2014
at 07:37
  • msg #202

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Come back here you coward!" Kellan roared after the monk "This isn't over!"

Cato had saved the day it seemed, Kellan wasn't so sure he could have stood another minute against Tsuto's martial arts. Even without the half elf to contend with however they still had four eager goblins after blood. Deciding to play it safe he fell back to a more defensive stance and lashed out low, the flail head scraping along the floor as he whipped it towards the nearest goblins ankles.


HP: 7/26
AC: 19 (Combat Expertise)
Move: None
Standard: Trip Attempt, Goblin 3
23:31, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 15 using 1d20+7. Flail Trip Goblin 3, Bless, Combat Expertise.
Active Effects: Bless
This message was last edited by the player at 07:43, Thu 09 Jan 2014.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 467 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 4/18
Thu 9 Jan 2014
at 07:44
  • msg #203

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

With a cry of utter pain, Liseth fell backwards as an arrow struck her; piercing her shoulder.  Landing gracelessly on her rear, her free hand went instinctively to clutch at the shaft.  Her eyes flowed freely with tears of worry, fear, and pain.

Liseth couldn't see the battle and she wasn't about to peek her head around the corner again.  When Cato stepped backwards and shot off his magic, she had to imagine that something, finally, had happened in their favor; based on his taunts.  She reached forward to touch his leg with a shaky, pale hand.

"See?  I said you could do it.  Thank you Cato.  Go finish this fight!"  The acolyte tried to sound strong and confident; but even to her own ears the effort failed.  Having all of her blood leak out into the cellar did nothing good for her morale.

Standard Action: Cast Guidance on Cato (+1 to an Attack, Skill Check, or Save)

Free Action (Fall Prone; +4 AC vs ranged attacks)

Effects: Bless (15/20)
The Raconteur
GM, 493 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Thu 9 Jan 2014
at 18:40
  • msg #204

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Urt was getting a quick and brutal education in the wisdom of the phrase "be careful what you wish for."  His pride had demanded that the big warrior at least acknowledge his existence, but now that he had it his instinct for self-preservation suddenly informed him that having the warrior's undivided concentration didn't do much for his life expectancy.

Urt certainly hadn't expected Tsuto to run off like that.

Urt was thinking about following Tsuto's example and making a run for it as well, but when he began to turn he found the warrior's flail taking his feet right out from under him.  As Urt unceremoniously crashed face-first into the rough-hewn stone floor, he contemplated the unfairness of it all.

A goblin like him just never got a break.

He knew he had to get to his feet and face the warrior's flail again.  But he needed the other goblins to help him if they were to have any hope of either victory or organized escape.  "[Language unknown: Allardwhi ateionthu!  Avehasare ouncec os sta!  Lo nipa NI ut]!!!!" Urt yelled, steeling the nerves of his jittery companions as he willed them to fight.

The other goblins might have run anyway if Urt hadn't performed an amazing feat of agility and derring-do by leaping to his feet TOWARDS the big human, bringing himself inside the effective reach of the accursed flail.  Although his dogslicer again clanged off the human's armor, Urt's bravery and seeming invulnerability encouraged the others to stick around and press the attack.

For now.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |G8W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG2|  |C W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WdK|ddWL |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG3WWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|  WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members
xx = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Party Member.

OOC:

Attacks of Opportunity:

10:08, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Kellan Storval, rolled 7 using 1d20+4. AoO on Goblin 3 (Urt) with Flail.
(-1 "to hit" from Combat Expertise, -4 to Urt's AC for being prone)

Goblins

Moves:

G3 (Urt) stands up from prone, provoking attack of opportunity from Kellan, and attacks Kellan.
G2 (Kikip) takes 5-foot step to L6, attacking Kellan.
G8 (Rint) does not move, firing shortbow at Liseth
G9 (Arbik) takes 5-foot step to K9, firing shortbow at Cato

Standard Actions:

10:16, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 8 using 1d20. Shortbow Attack on Cato.
10:16, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled -3 using 1d20-4. Shortbow Attack on Liseth.
10:14, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 8 using 1d20+4. Dogslicer Attack on Kellan.
10:14, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 10 using 1d20+4. Dogslicer Attack on Kellan.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one point of damage.  Tsuto Kaijitsu has taken 29 points of damage.

Party Status:  Pisca is at -2/18 hit points, unconscious and stabilized in square L5.  Kellan is at 7/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 4/18 hit points.  Cato is at 13/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).



Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 507 posts
The Gnome!
Thu 9 Jan 2014
at 19:06
  • msg #205

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Am I alone?  What does it mean to be alone when all one has ever know is one's self?  How is it that I even know to ask this question?  How do I reconcile the dualistic nature of self and not-self with the multiplicity of things that can be imagined?

The questions had become overwhelming in their number and complexity.  They had so overcome the thoughts of the little question, the original question, that it found itself startled to look about itself and find that the darkness surrounding it was no longer as vast as it had been.  It had grown to fill the infinity of the void, and now threatened to overtake it.

How this was possible in a blackness of infinite dimensions was yet another question.  *sigh*

Active Effects: Bless 2m

Position: L5

HP -2/18 and Stable, Prone, Unarmed, Unconscious
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 255 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Fri 10 Jan 2014
at 00:37
  • msg #206

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato was still beaming over Tsuto's ill fortune.  His pulse was racing, and the exhilaration of combat was making him forgot some of calm.

"You goblins still sticking around?  Want a taste of what Tsuto had?"

Cato flung out his arm again, sending a streamer of acid at a goblin.  His cockiness ebbed as the sizzling stream sailed wide, pitting the rough wall of the chamber.

OOC:
Standard Action: Acid Dart vs G2
19:31, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 7 using 1d20+1. Acid Dart Attack.

Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 317 posts
Former Red Shirt
Fri 10 Jan 2014
at 06:23
  • msg #207

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan kind of sidesteps back to put himself between the others and the goblins, still wanting to get to Pisca to drag her to safety. Lashing out at the goblin that had filed in behind Tsuto he realized just how badly the beating had effected him. If he could only hold on a little longer

HP: 7/26
AC: 18
Move: 5' step to M6
Standard: Attack G2
 22:19, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 5 using 1d8+4. Damage?
22:19, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 16 using 1d20+6. Two handed Flail attack, G2, Blessed.
Active Effects: Bless
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 472 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 4/18
Fri 10 Jan 2014
at 13:28
  • msg #208

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The goblins are still closing in on us.  Liseth saw Kellan step into her peripheral and heard the dull thud as his flail struck one of the goblins, though she couldn't see just how effective it was.  Still sitting on the ground and keeping her head down in case more arrows headed her way, Liseth closed her eyes and tried to concentrate.

"Sarenrae, please grant us the boon of life..."  With strain showing on her pale face from the effort, Liseth succeeded in summoning up the most minor of life energy.  Reaching her hand across to Kellan, she laid it on the back of his leg to gift the warrior with this small boost of vigor.  "Stay strong Kellan."

Standard Action: Cast Virtue on Kellan (1 Temporary Hit Point)

Effects
Bless (14/20)
Prone (+4 AC vs Range, -4 AC vs Melee)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:29, Fri 10 Jan 2014.
The Raconteur
GM, 499 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Fri 10 Jan 2014
at 23:42
  • msg #209

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


"Haha!"  Urt yelled in triumph as the big human backed AWAY from him, looking for all the world as if he were concerned about Urt's martial skills.  Urt briefly blanched as the warrior used the space to slam his flail directly into Kikip, nearly knocking him to the floor and almost causing him to drop his dogslicer.  Kikip recovered, but his off-arm hung loosely, flopping about.

Kikip looked as if he were in a bad way, and Urt saw him glance quickly at the dark, welcoming corridor; he definitely needed encouragement.

"That's right, human!!!" Urt said in Common, more so that Kikip could see his bravado that to actually taunt the guardsman.  "You SHOULD be afraid!  Take THIS!!"  Urt knew his legend would only grow as he chose this time, right now, with the eyes of all the goblins and all the humans on him, to make his most artful and devastating attack yet.  Urt took advantage of the human's follow-through on Kikip to lunge forward and stab him through the vulnerable portion of his armor right under his arm.  The human grunted in pain and Urt could see a dark, red liquid dripping from his dogslicer as he withdrew it.

"SEE!?!" He yelled to his compatriots.  "Press the attack!!  FINISH THEM!!!!"

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |G8W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG2|K |C W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG3|ddWL |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WddWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |G9|  WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members
xx = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Party Member.

OOC:

Attacks of Opportunity:

10:08, Today: The Raconteur, on behalf of Kellan Storval, rolled 7 using 1d20+4. AoO on Goblin 3 (Urt) with Flail.
(-1 "to hit" from Combat Expertise, -4 to Urt's AC for being prone)

Goblins

Moves:

G3 (Urt) moves to L7, attacking Kellan with dogslicer
G2 (Kikip) does not move, attacking Kellan with dogslicer
G8 (Rint) attacks Liseth (cover, prone) with shortbow
G9 (Arbik) does not move, attacking Cato (cover) with shortbow

Standard Actions:

15:31, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 16 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer Attack on Kellan.
15:30, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 4 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Kellan.
15:29, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 20 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer Attack on Kellan.
15:29, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 4 using 1d4. Shortbow Damage to Cato.
15:27, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 15 using 1d20. Critical Confirmation on Cato.
15:26, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 20 using 1d20. Shortbow Attack on Cato.
15:26, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 3 using 1d20. Shortbow Attack on Liseth.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one point of damage.  G2 (Kikip) has taken five points of damage.  Tsuto Kaijitsu has taken 29 points of damage.

Party Status:  Pisca is at -2/18 hit points, unconscious and stabilized in square L5.  Kellan takes four points of damage and is at 4/26 hit points, with one temporary hit point.  Liseth is at 4/18 hit points.  Cato takes four points of damage and is at 9/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).



This message was last edited by the GM at 02:07, Sat 11 Jan 2014.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 475 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 4/18
Sat 11 Jan 2014
at 00:56
  • msg #210

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth cringed when she heard the goblin's raspy voice again.  He was rallying the other goblins, pushing them to keep fighting.  If they could just stop him, the others would doubtlessly flee.  But everyone was weak and tired, and Liseth saw that even Kellan was slowing down.  He took the goblin's sword right in his side, an attack that she was certain he would have been able to avoid had he been in top shape.

Now Kellan was bleeding badly too.

She had to help him, do whatever she could to keep him on his feet.  If the goblins got past Kellan, Liseth was certain that she and Cato would be done for.  Once again she closed her eyes and concentrated, calling out to the gods to grant even the smallest boon to aid them.

"You're stronger than any goblin Kellan."  Liseth's words barely reached his ears and she knew it, but she had to encourage him, "They can't beat you if you don't let them."  She reached her hand out once more to touch the militiaman, hoping that the small surge of life would be the edge that he needed.

Standard Action: Cast Virtue on Kellan (1 Temporary Hit Point)

Effects
Bless (13/20)
Prone (+4 AC vs Range, -4 AC vs Melee)

OOC: that should put him at 4(5)/26.  Right?

Raconteur:  Right!
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:02, Sat 11 Jan 2014.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 257 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Sat 11 Jan 2014
at 02:06
  • msg #211

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato winced as the arrowhead nicked his shoulder, narrowly missing a much more grievous injury.  His gaze locked on the offensive goblin, and Cato gave another wicked smile as he flung out his send, sending a streamer of sizzling acid through the air at the shortbow wielding goblin.

"Want to trade attacks?  Ever faced a Scholar of Thassilon in open combat?  I have a few tricks you've probably never seen."

Cato was feeling confident, even cocky after the retreat of Tsuto.  He had beat a goblin commando in single combat; surely these few would be an easy match for Kellan, Liseth and him.

OOC:
Standard Action: Acid Dart attack on Arbik
21:02, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 5 using 1d6+1. (Acid Dart Damage)
21:01, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 19 using 1d20+5. Acid Dart Attack.

Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 318 posts
Former Red Shirt
Sat 11 Jan 2014
at 06:49
  • msg #212

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan winched as the little knife caught him in the leg, drawing fresh blood. He felt woozy, weakened and exhausted all at the same time, but he had to hold the line. He had the armor, he had the weapons. He had signed up for this. He swung his flail in an ineffective sort of way at the goblin in front if him, breathing heavily.

HP: 5/26
AC:18
Move: None
Standard: Attack
22:46, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 12 using 1d20+6. Two handed flail attack goblin 2, Blessed.
Active Effects: Bless
The Raconteur
GM, 502 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Sun 12 Jan 2014
at 10:38
  • msg #213

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Arbik yelled in surprise and pain as the scholar's acid bolt came flying down the corridor and hit him in the chest, seeping through his armor and burning him horribly.

It HURT!!  In a rage, he drew another arrow, pulled, and released it at the wizard, but it clattered harmlessly against the wall.  It was just too hard to aim at the man with all the obstacles in the way, even for a talented archer like Arbik.

Arbik made a quick decision.  Urt and Kikip were still engaged in that whirling melee with the big warrior, but didn't seem to be doing much.  No one was really going to miss him.  After all, he couldn't very well fire a shortbow in the kind of pain he was in, could he?  Plus, Tsuto had fled, and he was the REAL leader, not that jumped-up footgoblin Urt.

Right?

Arbik nodded to himself.  These fools were done for.  He could tell any damn story he wanted when he got back.  But if he stuck around, Arbik was pretty sure he was going to die.

Arbik was no hero.  He hadn't signed up for THAT.

The acid-burned goblin faded back into the shadows and padded silently down the corridor, hoping never to see these longshanks or the Glassworks ever, ever again.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |G8W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG2|K |C W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG3|ddWL |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WddWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members
xx = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Party Member.

OOC:

Goblins

Moves:

G3 (Urt) does not move, attacking Kellan with dogslicer
G2 (Kikip) does not move, attacking Kellan with dogslicer
G8 (Rint) attacks Liseth (cover, prone) with shortbow
G9 (Arbik) attacks Cato (cover) with shortbow, then moves out of sight

Standard Actions:

02:26, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 2 (Kikip), rolled 17 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer Attack on Kellan.
02:25, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 8 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer Attack on Kellan.
02:25, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 3 using 1d20. Shortbow Attack on Liseth.
02:24, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 9 (Arbik), rolled 7 using 1d20. Shortbow Attack on Cato.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one point of damage.  G2 (Kikip) has taken five points of damage.  G9 (Arbik) has taken five points of damage.  Tsuto Kaijitsu has taken 29 points of damage.

Party Status:  Pisca is at -2/18 hit points, unconscious and stabilized in square L5.  Kellan is at 4(5)/26 hit points, with one temporary hit point.  Liseth is at 4/18 hit points.  Cato takes four points of damage and is at 9/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).



This message was last edited by the GM at 11:03, Sun 12 Jan 2014.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 321 posts
Former Red Shirt
Sun 12 Jan 2014
at 10:45
  • msg #214

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan did not seek to realize that the goblin in the rear had fled, indeed he seemed hard pressed to do anything at all, including hitting the goblin directly in front of him. The fortunes of war were not in his favor today, perhaps Erastil had been dissatisfied with some aspect of his observances or perhaps Abadar was feeling a little neglected. But Kellan just could not see to hit these goblins

HP: 4/26
AC: 18
Move: None
Standard: Attack
02:42, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 10 using 1d20+6. Two handed flail attack G3, Blessed.
Active Effects: Bless
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 481 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 4/18
Sun 12 Jan 2014
at 19:52
  • msg #215

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth's hands were soaked with blood by now.  Her blood, running down from the slashes in her arms.  And the arrow stuck in her shoulder.  Her left still held a tight grip on the magic healing potion; she had to get the potion to Pisca!  Her right hand she tried in vain to wipe off on her robe; the garment was ruined anyway.

Then she watched Cato lob one of his magic acid bolts and heard a goblin scream.  The girl peeked around the wall to see how the battle was going...just in time to see that one of the goblins was still shooting arrows at her!  The arrow missed by a wide margin, but Liseth figured that the goblin was going to get a lucky shot sooner or later; even past the wall the she had her back to.

And she didn't need another arrow stuck in her.

Goblins were supposed to be superstitious, right?  She didn't remember where she heard that, but it sounded right enough to Liseth.  They certainly looked startled when she used her blessing of sanctuary earlier.  Maybe with a little creativity she could scare the archer goblin away?  Or at least distract him.

"Gods, send a cascade to wash away these wicked creatures!"  Liseth tried to shout the prayer so that the goblins could hear her, but her voice was weak.  She only hoped that the goblin found it more threatening than it really was when a bucket's worth of water condensed above his head and dropped down atop him in one mighty splash.

Standard Action: Cast Create Water above Goblin 8 (Rint).  I can summon 4 gallons.

Effects
Bless (12/20)
Prone (+4 AC vs Range, -4 AC vs Melee)
Virtue: Kellan (9/10)

OOC:  I've been wanting to do this for a while, so I figured that I might as well!
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 259 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Mon 13 Jan 2014
at 12:26
  • msg #216

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Another one down, three to go" Cato thought to himself grimly.  Cato couldn't see the goblin attacking Liseth, but maybe he could give Kellan a little bit of help next.  It was difficult to line up a shot past the guardsman, but Cato prepared, waited for an opportune moment, and then...there it was!

As Kellan feinted to the right, Cato flung an acid bolt past the guardsman against the goblin right in front of him.

OOC:
Standard Action: Acid Dart vs G2

07:25, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 5 using 1d6+1. Acid Dart Damage.
07:25, Today: Cato Crispin rolled 15 using 1d20+1. Acid Dart Attack.

Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 509 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 13 Jan 2014
at 13:50
  • msg #217

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Am I the creator of all I survey?  There is darkness.  There is light.  There is knowledge.  And there are questions.  But what if there was something different?  What if I wanted ... something called vanilla?

The little question thought, and so was born desire.

Am I a god?  If I create somebody else, would they be able to create?  And if they're able to create, would they be a god too?

The little question waffled, and so were born the twins hesitation and indecision.

Active Effects: Bless 2m

Position: L5

HP -2/18 and Stable, Prone, Unarmed, Unconscious
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
The Raconteur
GM, 507 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Mon 13 Jan 2014
at 18:03
  • msg #218

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


The scholar had taken Kikip down, but Urt was in his element.  All his training.  All his work.  All his hopes and dreams.  All culminated in this one combat.  He was going up against the best the human guards had to offer and he was WINNING.

Urt dodged yet another flail strike and darted in to inflict yet another small, bleeding cut on the big warrior.  Urt knew he probably wasn't going to take the guardsman down with a single, crippling blow, but these small wounds would add up.  Already the man looked as if he were in pain and laboring through the combat.  It might not require much more to take him down.

Urt grinned.  Imagine it.  Tsuto had fled.  How his mouth would hang open when Urt informed him of their VICTORY against these intruders.  The half-elf would listen in amazement at the story of how Urt had saved the day.  Then, maybe then, Urt would finally get his due as the swordsgoblin he knew he was.  He could see it now.  Maybe even a chieftainship!  Right-hand goblin to Ripnugget!  Trusted bodyguard.  That would be the life.

Urt refocused to see the human swinging his flail again.  He wasn't out of the woods yet.  The human was still dangerous.  All the humans were.  Well, except maybe that white-robed woman.  She didn't seem to do much.

. . . Meanwhile . . .

Rint lined up his shot and waited for the white-robed acolyte to show herself again.  She was a difficult target, what with being sprawled on the ground behind a wall, but Rint knew he could get her if he concentrated.

THERE she was.

She stuck her head out again and was moving her hands.  Rint breathed, pulled, and . . .

. . . was deluged with water.  Out of NOWHERE a huge sheet of liquid fell on Rint, spoiling his shot.  The surprised goblin almost choked on some of the water that had made its way into his mouth, but he recovered.  Coughing, Rint checked his bow; now the string was wet!  He grunted in frustration but drew another arrow all the same.  Now that he knew about the woman's rainmaking abilities he could account for them.  She couldn't avoid his arrows forever.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |G8W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  Wii|K |C W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WG3|ddWL |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WddWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members
xx = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Party Member.

OOC:

Goblins

Moves:

G3 (Urt) does not move, attacking Kellan with dogslicer
G8 (Rint) does not move, attacks Liseth (cover, prone) with shortbow

Standard Actions:

09:34, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 3 using 1d4. Dogslicer Damage to Kellan.
09:33, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 3 (Urt), rolled 18 using 1d20+2. Dogslicer Attack on Kellan.
09:32, Today: The Raconteur, for the NPC Goblin 8 (Rint), rolled 14 using 1d20-2. Shortbow Attack on Liseth.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken one point of damage.  G2 (Kikip) has taken ten points of damage and is down.  G9 (Arbik) has taken five points of damage.  Tsuto Kaijitsu has taken 29 points of damage.

Party Status:  Pisca is at -2/18 hit points, unconscious and stabilized in square L5.  Kellan takes three points of damage and is at 2/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 4/18 hit points.  Cato is at 9/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).

RULING:  I'm ruling that Liseth's water trick caused a -2 "to hit" penalty on Rint this turn due to the surprise knocking him off his shot and a -1 "to hit" penalty subsequently for the wet bowstring (I don't think goblins wax their bowstrings).  Liseth therefore avoids the hit she otherwise would have taken this turn.



This message was last edited by the GM at 18:30, Mon 13 Jan 2014.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 325 posts
Former Red Shirt
Mon 13 Jan 2014
at 18:17
  • msg #219

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan felt like he was going to collapse at any moment, the flail just seemed so heavy, his armor felt hot and burdensome and his breath was coming in gasps. He was still moving however and he focused in that one bright spot in all this.

"Keep moving, just keep moving...guardsman Storval...your a guardsman...do it for Hemlock...and Alergast...and Sandpoint...don't quit...you can't lose...they don't pay you to lose"

Purposefully he struck out like he was going to hit the goblin in front if him then continued on, the head of the flail coming down at an angle an the goblin to his left with a loud whooshing sound.

HP: 2/26
AC: 18
Move: 5' step to L6 if G3 goes down
Standard: Two handed Flail Attack, G3
10:10, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 5 using 1d8+4. Flail Damage.
10:10, Today: Kellan Storval rolled 25 using 1d20+6. Two Handed Flail Attack G3, Blessed.
Active Effects: Bless

Edit: Added 5' step

This message was last edited by the player at 19:19, Mon 13 Jan 2014.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 511 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 13 Jan 2014
at 18:39
  • msg #220

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

And so the pantheon grew and grew and grew.  They were many.  Legion.  And yet, born of the same source, they were all one.  And they birthed the many things of imagination.  Caterpillars came to be, both the yellow furred kind and green skinned ones.  Marshmallows.  And existentialism.  And the Heimlich Maneuver.  Bowls of cherries.  Bronze baby shoes.  Wire transfer.  Chrysanthemums.  Buttons.  And a thing called Space Food Sticks.

Active Effects: Bless 2m

Position: L5

HP -2/18 and Stable, Prone, Unarmed, Unconscious
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 489 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 4/18
Mon 13 Jan 2014
at 19:29
  • msg #221

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Under different circumstances, Liseth might have found splashing the goblin with water funny.  As long as those circumstances didn't involve him trying to kill her with his bow.  Instead of laughing, she gasped as the goblin's arrow was released just as the water hit him, only barely missing her head by a matter of inches.  That was far too close.

She did see Kellan take another slash from that wicked, evil goblin however; getting in just under his armor once more.  The guardsman was hurt very badly, and Liseth could tell that he must only be able to fight thanks to her efforts, as paltry as they were.  So she determined to keep these efforts up for as long as she was able.

"You're strong Kellan."  Liseth whispered encouragement as she once again laid a hand on him from around the corner.  "Stronger than these goblins.  Stronger than Tsuto.  You will win!  Keep on fighting!"

Then she pulled her head back behind the wall with an eye on the goblin archer.  He looked really irate after getting wet.

Standard Action: Cast Virtue on Kellan (1 Temporary Hit Point)

Effects
Bless (11/20)
Prone (+4 AC vs Range, -4 AC vs Melee)
Virtue: Kellan (10/10)
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 260 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 03:31
  • msg #222

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Another goblin down, but Cato didn't have time to savor these small victories.  It looked like Kellan was barely able to remain standing, and Cato was almost out of magical tricks.  In fact, his arcane energy was so severely tapped he had but one more acid dart before his abilities were completely exhausted.

Cato pivoted and eyed the final goblin engaged with Kellan in melee.  He waited for a few moments, watching the play of dogslicer and flail back and forth, before sending forth another deadly dart.

OOC:
Standard Action: Acid Dart on G3

The Raconteur
GM, 514 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 04:44
  • msg #223

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


All dreams end sometime.  That was the thought that went through Urt's head as he finally took a direct hit from the big warrior's flail.  It HURT.  Urt staggered back; only his armor had saved him from an immediate death.

Urt quickly took stock of the situation.  Kikip was dead.  Arbik had fled.  Rint was still up and firing, but didn't look to be a game-changing presence.

This battle was over.

Damn it.

"[Language unknown: Ur un!!]"  Urt yelled at Rint.  He took the opportunity offered by the big guardsman's recover to scamper away, over the debris from the destroyed wall.  "[Language unknown: Mawhi eeet ic norat!  Ilulce om i n ss an!!]"

Urt didn't wait around to see if Rint took his instructions; he fled down the darkening corridor.  As he ran, he thought one last time about what might have been.  He had been so close to victory.

A victory that was now so far away.

Damn it.

His rasping breath, the padding of his feet, and the throbbing in his side were his only companions now.  Hardly the company of a warchief.  Urt sighed as he ran for his life.

Damn it.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |K |C W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  Wdd|ddWL |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WddWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase ii = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Opponent
T = Tsuto     G# + Goblins
P, C, L, K = Party Members
xx = Recently Killed or Incapacitated Party Member.

OOC:

Goblins

Moves/Standard Actions:

G3 (Urt) withdraws out of sight.
G8 (Rint) withdraws out of sight.

Opponent Status:  G3 (Urt) has taken six points of damage.  G2 (Kikip) has taken ten points of damage and is down.  G9 (Arbik) has taken five points of damage.  Tsuto Kaijitsu has taken 29 points of damage.

Party Status:  Pisca is at -2/18 hit points, unconscious and stabilized in square L5.  Kellan takes three points of damage and is at 2/26 hit points.  Liseth is at 4/18 hit points.  Cato is at 9/18 Hit points.  Party under the effects of Bless (+1 "to hit" and saves v. Fear).

STATUS - The battle is over.  The party stands victorious on the field of battle.  You may return to non-combat posting unless you wish to try and catch the fleeing goblins.



This message was last edited by the GM at 07:53, Tue 14 Jan 2014.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 494 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 4/18
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 07:51
  • msg #224

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Hearing the goblin shout something again, Liseth pressed her back tightly against the wall expecting an arrow to follow in short order.  But when no arrow came she quickly glanced to where the archer was, only to find him gone.  The goblins must have finally fled!

She released a massive sigh of relief and sagged where she sat, amidst the drops of her blood staining the cellar.  Liseth could not allow herself to relax for long however; Pisca needed help and Kellan was hurt very badly.  Not to mention herself.  She struggled slowly to her feet, using the wall for support and gladly accepting any offer of assistance.

Once standing, she grabbed up her knapsack and Kellan's dagger then cautiously advanced into the area of the recent melee.  Keeping an eye out just in case the goblins had not completely fled away.

"Thank you Kellan."  The acolyte spoke as soon as she passed by the wounded warrior.  Liseth offered him back his dagger, "I borrowed this from you.  You can have it back now..."  Taking that weapon was a bad idea in the first place, Liseth felt.  It certainly didn't help her any!

Then she passed by Kellan and bent down on her knees next to Pisca.  Liseth wished that she was able to get to the gnome sooner, but all those goblins were keeping them all away.  First she checked quickly to make sure that she wasn't too late...

"Thank you Desna."  She whispered upon finding a pulse in the unconscious gnome.  Carefully opening the potion that she had her grip on, Liseth propped Pisca's head up with one hand while she slowly allowed the magical liquid to flow down her throat.  While massaging Pisca's throat lightly in order to facilitate swallowing.

"Pisca..."  Liseth spoke to her after the potion was all used up, "Pisca, can you hear me?"

23:50, Today: Liseth Thoradin rolled 3 using 1d8+1. Healing Potion for Pisca.

OoC: At least healing 3 points is enough to get her above 0!  Oi...
This message was last edited by the player at 12:16, Tue 14 Jan 2014.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 329 posts
Former Red Shirt
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 09:15
  • msg #225

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan leaned against the wall, breathing heavily and sweating profusely. While not actively bleeding his mail seemed to be covered in little patches where it had dried to the rings. Coughing a few times  and wincing in pain, he managed a nod when Liseh handed him back his dagger.

Sheathing the knife and tucking his flail back in his belt he again hefted his pole axe, seeming a little unsteady on his feet. Shuffling over he checked on his prisoner once more, squatting with a painful grunt to inspect the chained goblin. That fight had been close, far too close.

As Liseth tended to Pisca, Kellan went about the task of shaking down the goblins for anything that might suggest what their next plans might entail, and of course any valuables they had absconded with during the raid. It helped to keep his mind on the task and off of the constant pain radiating from so many cuts and blows, his throat in particular still felt partially crushed.

"How's she doin?" he asked Liseth while tossing aside a rusty dog slicer.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:18, Tue 14 Jan 2014.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 262 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 09:39
  • msg #226

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato watched with relief as the two remaining goblins fled.  He managed a weak smile, relieved to still be alive.  He looked around, and his brief euphoria turned to sadness.  Liseth was tending to the unconscious Pisca, and Cato moved over to help Kellan.  Cato was hurting more than he had ever hurt before, but it looked as though his companions were in far worse shape.  Although the mage didn't have any way to directly help the wounded guardsman return to help, he concentrated on helping Kellan inspect the goblins and gather their valuables, so they could all return to Sandpoint and seek more help as quickly as possible.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 330 posts
Former Red Shirt
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 13:47
  • msg #227

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Couldn't have landed that last blow with you Cato" Kellan said softly as the wizard jointed him in his macabre task. "And that acid...well, it could have gone a lot differently if you had not been there...is all I'm sayin" he added as he rolled a goblin over, dark blood running from it's open mouth. "So thanks"
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 516 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 14:25
  • msg #228

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Oh.  Liseth.  It's you.  I was in this place.  I went away."  The sights, the sounds, the corridor, all of it came rushing back.  There was a wetness on the floor under her hands.  Blood.  The darkness here - a different darkness, less pure - choked the air.  It was difficult to determine where the ache in her body ended and where the darkness began.  Pisca sat up, necessity pushing back the pain.  With difficulty, the gnome once again conjured a small gnome-like light before climbing to her feet, slowly, as though stricken with age.

"It wasn't a dream," she said, muttering on.  "It was a place. And you and you and you...and you were there. But you couldn't have been could you?  No.  This was a real truly live place and I remember some of it wasn't very nice, but most of it was beautiful--but just the same all I kept saying to everybody was 'I want to go home.'"

"I remember you, Cato.  You were a fighter.  Black.  There was a symbol.  Does a green hornet mean anything to you?"

"Why does my head hurt so much?"  The memories slammed back into the gnome with near physical force.  "Tsuto!?!"  She looked around herself.  He had been right there in front of her.  No half-elf now.  Only goblins.  "Where's Tsuto?  He's gone.  We're still alive.  You ran him off?"

"Badgers," the gnome swore.  Then, "Ow."  She held her head as the vehemence of her emotion set pain once again lancing behind her eyes.  "I really thought we had him there.  He could have told us so much.  Well, at least we have some of the gobbies.  They have to know something."  Pisca turned her head experimentally from one side to the other, finding that the slow and even movements did not result in blinding agony.  "I don't think Ripnugget could be behind this.  Tactical genius aside, he's still a gobbie.  Besides, what would a gobbie want with the body of Father Tobayn?  How would a gobbie even know where to find ... the ... body ... "

Little lights glimmering in an endless darkness.  Some of the lights were questions.  Some were answers.  One light twinkled for the gnome, dancing for her eye, drawing her to it for a closer look into its curious depths.

"Ameiko!"  The thought fired the single word from the gnome's mouth, and the sound of her own voice, more than anything else, galvanized her to action.  Pisca scooped her weapons up off the floor.  "Ameiko.  We still have to find Ameiko.  Which way did Tsuto go?  We have to make sure he's gone.  We have to make sure he doesn't ... "  The words unsaid spoke more loudly of Pisca's fears than a complete sentence ever could.

"AMEIKO?"  Following in the footsteps of the fleeing half-elf, Pisca called out the name of the Tian proprietor of the Rusty Dragon.  "AMEIKO?!"

"Desna, let us be in time," she muttered the simple plea to the god of fortune.  "Please let us be in time."

Active Effects: Bless 2m, Dancing Lights 1m

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 263 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 15:46
  • msg #229

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

In reply to Kellan Storval (msg # 227):

"Kellan, there's no way I would have been able to land any of those blows without you here.  And Liseth and Pisca, too.  You're certainly a tough one.  Apparently your years of working for the guard have given you an extreme tolerance for injury.  I'd never be able to survive half of what you faced today.  And the fact that you're still on your feet..."

Cato shook his head.  "Really, it's nothing short of amazing.  Nothing the rest of the us did would have worked had you not tied up the goblins and Tsuto so well."  Cato nodded at Liseth.  "And of course, you, for keeping all alive just long enough."

Cato grinned sheepishly.  "I certainly hope we don't end up in future fights like this.  I don't fancy coming this close to death again."

Cato looked at Pisca in concern, somewhat concerned over what had to be near-death visions.  "Pisca!  Wait, don't go running off by yourself!  We're all barely functioning, and you must have been closer to death than any of us."
The Raconteur
GM, 515 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 19:26
  • msg #230

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Following in the footsteps of the half-elf took Pisca back up to the corner where she had been ambushed by Tsuto and his goblins what seemed like a lifetime ago.  Now that the battle was over, the air in the area seemed cool and still.

As her gnome-shaped lights went dancing in front of her, she could see that the passageway went on for 40 feet before coming to an abrupt end at a wheelbarrow and a rough stone wall.  The barrels behind which her assailants had been hiding were knocked askew and strewn across the floor, looking for all the world like they belonged to a giant child who had not yet learned to put away his toys.

She was disappointed to find that none of them contained any dwarfs.

On the left, about 25 feet down the hall, a small opening to the left seemed to be the only exit.  The gnome could see what looked like a bloody handprint on the far corner of the opening.  As she approached, she could suddenly feel a slight shift of air that seemed to come from that direction.  Then it stopped.

Other than the noise of her questioning companions, silence reigned.


Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 495 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 4/18
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 20:09
  • msg #231

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Yes, it's me."  Liseth smiled weakly when Pisca awoke.  She imagined that she must be quite the sight: cut, torn, bloody robes; bleeding slashes on her arms and even an arrow sticking out of her.  The girl never pictured herself in such a state before, and was suddenly glad that there were no mirrors down here in the cellar.

Liseth helped Pisca get to her feet, watching her with concern.  "Pisca, I think that you have a concussion..."  But the gnome was already talking about her theories, then she started shouting for Ms Kaijitsu!  "Pisca, wait!  You have to take things slowly or you might hurt yourself..."

Of course Pisca was already off and on her way.  Liseth started to go after her but quickly discovered that it was difficult to hurry when the shaft of an arrow was sticking out of one's self.  That and it hurt!  She gasped and came to a stop.

"Cato, would you please go with Pisca?"  Cato was easily the most able of all of them at the moment, "Maybe the two of you can find Ms Kaijitsu together.  And she is in no shape to find more trouble by herself."  Taking several deep breaths, Liseth came to a decision and slowly walked to Kellan.

"Kellan, I'm going to need your help."  Upon reaching the militiaman, Liseth set her knapsack back on the ground and retrieved a rolled bandage and a small jar.  She offered the implements to Kellan, "I can't get the arrow out myself.  I need you to pull it out for me."  Liseth hoped that the goblin wasn't using barbed arrows; that would make for a very painful and messy wound.  "Then the wound will start to bleed heavily, so I'll need you to smear the poultice from that jar on it before wrapping it up in a bandage."

Liseth looked up at him to make sure that Kellan understood what she was asking, and to see if he had any questions.  Then she closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on her breathing.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 331 posts
Former Red Shirt
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 20:23
  • msg #232

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan looked up from a goblin corpse, the small limp creature still grasping it's jagged knife. It always amazed him what a fine line separated the living from the dead. Pisca had to have been close, and this goblin just a few minutes before had been nimble, alive, full of energy. Now it was rapidly cooling and would soon be stiff as a board. He tried to push the thought that it could have been any of them out of his mind.

Then again, there are worse things than death.

Kellan agreed to help Liseth before she had even outlined the request, so when she finished he was a little surprised. He did not know a thing about bandaging wounds, his job had mostly been to cause them, not remedy them.

Standing he moved closer to her and once again realized how delicate the acolyte was, her thin arms, slender fingers, she was like a little doll in some ways. The ugly goblin fletched arrow sticking out from her fair skin just looked to out of place, the drying blood a mockery of her innocence.

"Sure, I'll give it a shot" he replied softly, shuffling over and leaning his pole axe against the wall. As he leaned forward to examine the wound he noticed how grimy his thick leather gloves were, tugging them off with his teeth for finer manipulation. After a few double takes he sighed "I'm going to defer to you, but from what I can see it might be better just to push it all the way through " his tone had no small amount of regret it in. "Then snap off the head"
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 496 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 4/18
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 21:23
  • msg #233

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth winced at Kellan's suggestion.  She couldn't get a proper look at the injury herself and was hoping that the arrow was not stuck as deeply as he suggested.  She swallowed before nodding to Kellan.  Looking on the bright side of things, at least that meant that it hadn't lodged itself in a bone...

"That might be best...wait!"  Her eyes opened suddenly and Liseth's voice dropped to a whisper, "I can hear someone in there still!"  She pointed into corridor beyond the nearby ruined wall.  "I think that they heard us; it sounds like they're hurrying away now..."  With a frown Liseth looked up at Kellan again.  Were the goblins spying on them?  They weren't in any shape to get into another conflict.

"Should we try to see who it is?"
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 517 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 14 Jan 2014
at 22:48
  • msg #234

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

It was a door.  Opening and closing.  It had to be.  There was a way to the outside just around the corner.  So far, however, there seemed no places where an innkeeper might be stashed or detained.  So, if Tsuto, or the goblins, had wanted to either killed Ameiko or dragged her with them on their way out, they wouldn't have been able to do it from here.

Still, probably best to follow this all the way to the door and to make sure they were gone.

Pisca crouched low and creeped forward.  Going slow also had an added benefit in that it reduced the jarring pains to her head.  Maintaining the degree of alertness that would help her avoid being ambushed again, on the other hand, was somewhat taxing, and the gnome felt her vision blur from time to time.  Maybe Lysa was right.  Maybe she shouldn't run off.  But she had promised to come back with Ameiko.  She promised.  And she'd fulfill that promise if it killed her.

Stealth and Perception, please.

Active Effects: Bless 2m, Dancing Lights 1m

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 264 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Wed 15 Jan 2014
at 00:19
  • msg #235

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato ran after Pisca, hoping the goblins and Tsuto hadn't had second thoughts and decided to ambush the party.  Pisca and he couldn't survive long against the survivors if that was the case.

Cato almost ran into Pisca where the gnome had slowed and was creeping forward.  Cato did his best to copy the gnome's slow, careful movements, but such things didn't come naturally to him.

For now, he just concentrated on trying to make as little noise as possible and listening for any sounds of Tsuto or the goblins ahead.  Trying to talk with Pisca might only draw their attention.

OOC:
Stealth and Perception for me as well, please.

The Raconteur
GM, 516 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Wed 15 Jan 2014
at 05:28
  • msg #236

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


As Kellan and Liseth performed their impromptu battlefield surgery, Pisca crept forward down the long hallway toward the dark gap in its left-side wall.  Her recent experience made her wary and watchful for any sign of enemies lying in wait, but even with her enhanced watchfulness she could detect nothing but stone, dust, barrels, and the wheelbarrow.

Cato came up the passageway to join Pisca as her gnome-shaped light stopped curiously at the corridor's sole aperture.  The gnome and the wizard surreptitiously approached the opening, and Pisca sent her light-gnome down the new hallway for a better look.

This exercise revealed a a 25-foot long corridor proceeding straight ahead, then heading off to the left.  There were two doors on the right-hand side of the corridor; one 15-feet down the hallway and one all the way at the end, right before the corner where the passageway turned.

As Pisca and Cato looked down the hallway, they felt the air shift yet again.  Then all was still and quiet.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  | P|C |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  |  |  W  | K|L W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  |  |  |  D  W  |  |  |  |  |  Wdd|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  |  |  WddWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  D  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase  D = Door
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 332 posts
Former Red Shirt
Wed 15 Jan 2014
at 06:24
  • msg #237

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan sighed "We should catch up with them..." He replied with a touch of frustration, handing her back the bandages and jar. Snatching up his pole axe from where it rested against the wall he lifted his prisoner and began to stomp down the hallway towards where Pisca and Cato had gone. He did wait for Liseth so that they could walk together for mutual protection.

As he turned the corner and saw the pair he felt a slight wave of relief, they had not gone that far.

As he neared he spoke in a near whisper "What've we got?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:43, Wed 15 Jan 2014.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 518 posts
The Gnome!
Wed 15 Jan 2014
at 13:50
  • msg #238

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Basements were spooky places.  They always gave you the feeling that someone was following right behind you.  But when you turn around, there was ...

"Eep!"

"Oh.  It's only you Cato," Pisca said after a moment spent composing herself.  "And Kellan," the gnome added when the other human joined them.

"Shhh. Be vewy vewy quiet."  Pisca wove her fingers in the proper sequence for the cantrip and then spoke the word of invocation.  "Bostisch!"

"Whisper magic," she said to the two Bigguns over her Whisper Magic.  "Two doors up ahead.  Both closed," she reported.  "I don't think this is where these tunnels exit out.  But I think there's an exit here somewhere.  I felt a breeze.  From a door opening and closing somewhere."

"I'm going to see what's around the corner.  Then check the doors," Pisca added just before heading down the dark corridor behind her gnome-shaped light.

Cast Message on Cato and Kellan.

Proceed south down the corridor and peer around the corner to the east before backtracking to door at D7.  Listen at door.  Examine door.  Then open it and look inside.

Another Stealth and Perception, please.

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan), Bless 2m, Dancing Lights 1m

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 497 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 4/18
Wed 15 Jan 2014
at 18:29
  • msg #239

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

It looked as though Liseth was going to be stuck with an arrow in her shoulder for a while longer.  She accepted the bandages and poultice back from Kellan with a nod; there were pressing matters to attend to first.  Like whether or not the goblins weren't just sneaking around to try and ambush them again.  And Ms Kaijitsu's safety of course.  She picked her knapsack back up before starting to walk after Kellan.

While following him to the others, she moved extra slow.  Liseth wasn't able to do anything about the arrow, but she could at least tend to the slashes on her arms.  First summoning a small splash of water in order to clean at least some of the blood off, Liseth proceeded to rub some of her poultice into each wound.  Then, lacking a third arm, she held one end of her bandage with her teeth and wrapped the wound on her left arm first before copying the action on her right.

At least that should control all of the bleeding.  Liseth sighed after examining her freshly bandaged arms; she should have been able to fix them easily with her divine energy, but in her exhaustion she couldn't conjure it up.  Then the girl looked up to see that she was lagging behind Kellan.  Her pace quickened to catch up, which forced her to limp while at the same time causing the arrow to dig into her shoulder again.  She slowed, only slightly, and didn't come to a stop until she was on Kellan's other side; with her back facing an innocent wall instead of a dark passage.

Liseth watched Pisca keep moving, going down the next corridor.  At least she was going slowly and carefully this time though.  But Liseth endeavored to remain at Kellan's side.  She can't sneak, and she can't move fast.  And at the moment she couldn't even ask the gods for a simple blessing.  So she waited at the back with Kellan; keeping an eye turned towards the passage behind them in case any sneaky goblins tried to get the drop on them.  Again.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 265 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Wed 15 Jan 2014
at 19:58
  • msg #240

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

As Pisca moved off down the corridor, Cato immediately followed her.

Using her whisper magic, Cato replied to the gnome.  "Pisca, while I fully share your desire to try and rescue Ameiko, can I suggest one small alteration to your plan?  It still looks like you're at death's door.  Would you consent to having me open and peak through the doorways instead of you?  My mage armor has proven to be relatively effective against the goblins, especially in one on one combat.  And it looks as though you might fall over if someone looks at you wrong.  Maybe you should test your luck a little bit less until you're feeling a little stronger?"

Assuming no objections from Pisca, Cato will scout the corridor with Pisca and then return to open the doors.
The Raconteur
GM, 517 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Wed 15 Jan 2014
at 20:18
  • msg #241

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Pisca quietly crept down to the end of the hallway and peeked around the corner, sending her gnomish light source down further for a better view.  As she did, she could see a straight 35-foot corridor that seemed to head back in the direction where the battle had occurred.  About 5-10 feet away from her there looked to be more rubble strewn about the floor, rubble that looked very similar to that over which they'd just fought; the remains of a makeshift wall hastily destroyed.

Pisca could see that the dust from the rubble had been disturbed, but wasn't close enough to make heads nor tails of what might have caused the disturbance.

There were two doors on the right side of the corridor.  Although they were not double doors, there were right next to each other.  One was about 20 feet down the hallway and the other was about 25 feet down the hallway.

Satisfied that no enemies were lurking in that direction, Pisca turned about to see Cato coming up behind her and offering to take the lead in opening the recently-discovered doors.  As Cato moved back to the middle door in the far hallway, Pisca could see Kellan and Liseth moving into the corridor as well.

Neither of them looked incredibly well-off.

Cato stopped before the door and glanced at his three companions.  Pisca moved forward and they both listened at the door, but heard nothing.  Cato nodded at Pisca, and Pisca gave him a curt nod in return.  Cato grabbed the handle of the door and opened it . . .

. . . to find a storage room.  A large, 15-foot by 15-foot storage room lay behind the door, apparently used to store glassware, windows, and other finished goods.  From what Cato and Pisca could see, the items stored here were well-made and quite nice.  But there was no evidence that anyone had ever been in the room other than the workers who had placed those items in it for storage.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  WL W  |  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  W  |  |  WK W  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  W  |  |  DC W  |  |  |  |  |  Wdd|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  W  |  |  WP W  |  |  |  |  |  WddWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  |  |  D  |  |dd|dd|  |  |  |  WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+DDWDD+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase  D = Door
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 333 posts
Former Red Shirt
Wed 15 Jan 2014
at 20:32
  • msg #242

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan moved after the pair, peeking into the storage room as he came to the door. "We should probably clear this real quick..." Kellan suggested "They seemed to like hiding behind the barrels before, and let's face it, they aren't exactly creative things"

Edging in he used the hook of the blade of his poleaxe to overturn some of the barrels from a distance, looking for any scurrying or shifting from among the storage bins.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 519 posts
The Gnome!
Wed 15 Jan 2014
at 20:37
  • msg #243

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Alright fine.  Alright fine," the gnome repeated as though keeping the full impact of her terrible wounds at bay through the powers of positive affirmation alone.

"Same thing.  Different door," she whispered.  "And two more doors around the corner," said the gnome through gritted teeth.  "And maybe ... maybe another tunnel."

Another Stealth and Perception, please.

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan), Bless 2m, Dancing Lights 1m

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 498 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 4/18
Wed 15 Jan 2014
at 21:51
  • msg #244

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth's demeanor had about it a feeling of forced calm as the group moved slowly down the passage.  Her panic and fear was kept just barely under control, wound up like a spring in the trembling form that followed closely behind Kellan.  But she knew that they couldn't leave until they had found Ms Kaijitsu.

Full of apprehension, she watched as Pisca and Cato opened the first of the doors.  They must not have seen anything right away, though, becuase then they started moving to the next door in line.  Then Kellan went to investigate the first one more closely, but Liseth was sure that he would have trouble without any light to see by.

She looked down at her still glowing focus, then back to where Kellan was prodding inside of the room, "Kellan, let me see your weapon for a moment.  I think that I can help."

Waiting first for Kellan to show her his poleaxe, Liseth then placed a hand on the blade and whispered a short prayer.  The light in her focus faded, then reappeared on the blade of Kellan's long weapon.  It now glowed brightly with a white light.

"So that you don't have to prod for them in the darkness."  She smiled weakly at the larger man before he turned back to his search of the supposedly goblin-free storage room.

Then she returned to her nervous watching.

Cast Light on Kellan's poleaxe (20 Minutes).
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 266 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Wed 15 Jan 2014
at 22:23
  • msg #245

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato watched tensely as Kellan prodded the first few barrels.  He kept his quarterstaff at the ready, though it seemed like a laughable threat in the face of their condition.

"Yes, one room down.  Let's check the other rooms.  Hopefully Ameiko is in here safe somewhere.  Or else...wherever Tsuto and the goblins went.  We could rest up and investigate further.  There must be some sort of exit here that can lead them back...well, probably outside of town, at least.  I'm sure someone would have reported goblins coming to the Glassworks.  This isn't exactly in an inconspicuous place in town."
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 520 posts
The Gnome!
Wed 15 Jan 2014
at 22:39
  • msg #246

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"There's only one place these tunnels could let out to, Cato," Pisca said as she waited for the door to be opened.  "The beach.  Unless the tunnels go on much further than they look from here.  There's nowhere else to go.  Unless," she added, "you have a really, really, really long tunnel."

"And gobbies are known to scavenge the garbage down below Junker's Edge north of here.  The real question is, who dug these tunnels?  And why do they look like they're sealed up and then broken down again?"

Another Stealth and Perception, please.

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan), Bless 2m, Dancing Lights 1m

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
The Raconteur
GM, 518 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Thu 16 Jan 2014
at 01:01
  • msg #247

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Kellan and Cato warily explored the storage room, taking particular care to look behind (or in) the barrels, but they found nothing aside from masterfully-crafted pieces of glass.  It looked like this room was exactly what it seemed; no goblins could possibly be lying in wait unless they were invisible or decidedly un-goblin in shape or size.

At Pisca's prodding, the group filed out of the room and traveled down to the door on the corner, preparing to encounter what might be yet another dangerous repository of sandblown artworks.  The door itself seemed unexceptional and almost an exact copy of the door into the storage room.

Cato nodded at Kellan and his newly-glowing sword as he moved to open the door.  The scholar gripped his staff tightly, prepared for anything, as he placed a hand on the handle and slowly turned . . .

. . . but nothing happened.  The door was locked.  Cato silently raised his eyebrows and looked at the rest of the group, but most especially Pisca.  It looked like Aldern Foxglove's gift was going to come in especially handy today.



This message was last edited by the GM at 01:03, Thu 16 Jan 2014.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 522 posts
The Gnome!
Thu 16 Jan 2014
at 01:15
  • msg #248

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Someone ... is inside this room," the gnome declared, forgetting for the moment her Whisper Magic.  With a vigor renewed by her excitement, a vigor that shoved aside all pain and fatigue, Pisca brought out the prized gift from Aldern Foxglove and began working on the lock.

Disable Device, please.  Taking 20 should only take 2 minutes for a 26.

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan), Bless 2m, Dancing Lights 1m

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
The Raconteur
GM, 520 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Thu 16 Jan 2014
at 04:19
  • msg #249

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Pisca worked with a will on the lock, and her tenacity soon paid off with the satisfying "click" of success.  She stepped back and Cato once again moved to the fore, this time turning the handle without issue and opening the door to reveal a surprisingly well-appointed ten-by-ten room.  The rough stone walls were hung with artwork and the cot in the far-right corner was draped with silk sheets and furs.  A well-made wooden desk stood in the far-left corner of the room, while a similar-looking table with the remnants of some already-eaten meal stood in the near-left corner.  A sturdy, well-stocked bookcase stood along the rightmost wall at the foot of the bed.

On a fine-looking chair at the desk sat Ameiko Kaijitsu, a book in her hand and a look of shock on her face.  She appeared none the worse for wear, other than being attached to a fine-looking chain by a metal cuff affixed to her right ankle.  The chain ran back to an eyelet where the middle of the back wall met the floor; it allowed her the run of the room, but looked to be not quite long enough to let her to reach the door.

Ameiko closed her book with a snap.  "Ah."  She said, with the characteristic eloquence of someone who has been caught completely off their guard.  "Cato?  PISCA?!?  Thank Desna you're here!  But . . . but how did you get here?"  A thought occurred to her.  "Have you seen my brother?  He has a whole troop of goblins with him!  You must go before he finds you!"  The woman looked somewhat frantic.  "You are all in danger!  I'm afraid of what he might do!"

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  W  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  W  |  |  DL W  |  |  |  |  |  Wdd|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  W  |  |  WK W  |  |  |  |  |  WddWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  W  |C DP |  |dd|dd|  |  |  |  WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+DDWDD+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  W A|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
11|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase  D = Door
A = Ameiko


This message was last edited by the GM at 06:48, Thu 16 Jan 2014.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 334 posts
Former Red Shirt
Thu 16 Jan 2014
at 07:55
  • msg #250

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

As the group filed into the room Kellan allows himself a brief moment of satisfaction. Ameiko was alive and well, and while he dreaded telling her of her fathers fate, he let this little victory salve his mind and bolster his heart for the moment.

Shuffling over he gave a brief wave and a weary smile to the girl from the doorway before turning and beginning to keep watch down both avenues of the hallway. "Hey Ameiko" he managed with a few coughs. He would let the others fill her in on what had happened with Tsuto. It didn't seem right telling her about how they had fought. Perhaps Liseth would be a more sensitive news bearer.

The respite was dearly appreciated and the guardsman used the time to catch his breath and take stock of his wounds while he kept watch.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:19, Thu 16 Jan 2014.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 525 posts
The Gnome!
Thu 16 Jan 2014
at 14:43
  • msg #251

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Ameiko!"  The gnome unwisely made to rush the Tian proprietress of the Rusty Dragon to wrap her waist in gnomish arms of both relief and delight.  That was a mistake.

"Ow.  Owowowowow."  Shooting pains leapt upon Pisca from all directions.  A second ambush, this time from her wounds.  The gnome slowed her pace to a limping shuffle, pausing only to pull up the lower hem of her leather vest and show her belly where the fresh, blood-crusted cut from a dogslicer marred her pure white skin.

"Um ... yes.  We've seen your brother.  And his goblin minions.  I think we've driven them off.  For now.  Bethana noticed you were gone and found Tsuto's note.  She was worried, so we came to find you."

"Sit."  Pisca eased the Tian woman into the chair she had just risen from, and then sat herself gingerly onto the floor next to Ameiko's ankle.  "I ... I think I'll sit too."  The relief at having found Ameiko both alive and well drained away much of the gnome's sustaining resolve.  Things were more difficult now.  More painful and limpy in a staggering around sort of way.  But things still had to be done none the less.  Seated on the floor next to Ameiko's ankle, Pisca turned and twisted the restraining metal cuff in search of a way to remove it.

"By the by," the gnome said, her voice distant and casual in tone.  There seemed, for all the world, little more meaning behind the words than the idle conversation that commonly bubbled up from the depths of one's concentration upon a task, "you haven't, perchance, seen your father lately, Ameiko?" Pisca asked.  "Have you?"

Examine the cuff securing Ameiko's ankle, and use Disable Device if possible to remove it.

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan), Bless 2m, Dancing Lights 1m

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
This message was last edited by the player at 18:27, Thu 16 Jan 2014.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 267 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Thu 16 Jan 2014
at 18:03
  • msg #252

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato stared in amazement at Ameiko from the open door.  In all honesty, the wizard hadn't really believed that Ameiko might still be alive.  The abattoir upstairs had convinced Cato that only death followed in the wake of the goblins.  How Tsuto could ally with such creatures was beyond the wizard.  Cato hoped some of the man's hatred toward Sandpoint had been vented in the terrible display that had been made of his father, but given his actions against them, Cato felt that probably wasn't the case.

Now, though, someone had to tell Ameiko what had happened.  At least her brother was still alive.

"Ameiko, you needn't worry about your brother or the goblins right now.  We've already met them.  There's a few less goblins left to menace Sandpoint, and your brother is alive.  Though probably not very happy with any of us.  We should probably get back to the safety of town.  Who knows if they might decide to bring back reinforcements.  We're certainly in no condition for another fight right now."

Cato watched Pisca work on the cuff for a few moments.  "Do you know if there's anything Tsuto might have left down here?  There's another room we haven't checked yet."
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 502 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 4/18
Thu 16 Jan 2014
at 19:54
  • msg #253

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

We found her!  When Pisca shouted Ms Kaijitsu's name and rushed into the next room, Liseth found herself filled with a sudden surge of energy that banished all of her uncertainty and anxiety.  She hurried forward with Kellan and limped past him into the room when he turned around to stand guard.

"Ms Kaijitsu!  I'm so glad that you're okay!"  Liseth had to stop herself from moving forward to try and hug the captive woman; not only would the arrow make things awkward and probably painful, but she didn't want to smear blood all over Ms Kaijitsu.  In fact, Liseth didn't realize before just how pale her skin was from the recent bout of blood loss and stress.  And Pisca even had a cut on her in addition to the bloody welt on her head.  Some heroic rescuers they all must look like.

"We were so worried when Ms Corwin told us what happened and then when we found out that your brother was working with the goblins we feared that anything could have happened!"  Then just like that all of Liseth's energy was gone.  She sagged on her feet and took a few clumsy steps towards the cot before she sat gratefully upon it.  The girl let Cato explain how they chased off Tsuto and the goblins while she gathered herself for a few moments.

Liseth watched as Pisca started working on Ms Kaijitsu's shackle, but suddenly shushed the gnome when she brought up Lord Kaijitsu, "Pisca, this isn't a good time for that.  We can talk about everything that's happened once we're all out of here safely."
Ameiko Kaijitsu
NPC, 4 posts
Rusty Dragon Proprietor
Daughter of Lonjiku
Fri 17 Jan 2014
at 07:39
  • msg #254

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


"Pisca!"  Ameiko spread her arms with a smile, then paled as she noticed her rescuers' injuries.  "Oh!"  She said, putting a hand to her mouth, once again flummoxed.  "Did . . . you've already confronted Tsuto?  And his goblins?"  A mix of emotions passed over the woman's face:  concern, anger, sadness, shame, regret.  She rose from her chair, kneeling next to Pisca, lightly touching her wounded stomach.  "I'm so glad you're okay!  And I am SO sorry you had to go through that."  She hung her head as tears welled in her eyes.  "Tsuto has so much for which he must answer."

She sat back down in order to allow the gnome to inspect the cuff and chain that bound her to the wall.  "Bethana."  Ameiko said with a small smile, seizing on Pisca's mention of the comforting and familiar name.  "Yes, she has always been a good friend.  I have no doubt she was worried sick about me.  I'm glad she was able to set you on the right path."

As Pisca finished speaking and started working on freeing the captive woman, Ameiko shook her head.  "No, I haven't seen my father since our confrontation at the Dragon."  Her hand again flew to her mouth as her eyebrows shot skyward.  "But we must warn him about Tsuto.  He and my brother have always been at each other's throats; I fear what Tsuto might do now that he seems to have completely given in to his darker impulses."

Ameiko nodded as Cato confirmed that her rescuers had already defeated her brother and his minions.  "Still alive.  Well, that's something."  Her face crumpled slightly.  "Although given his actions lately I've come to wonder if he isn't courting death for its own sake."

The innkeeper shook her head again at Cato's question.  "I really haven't seen any more of this place than this room."  She gestured around her well-appointed holding cell.  "I met Tsuto here yesterday at midnight.  At that point I had no idea of his plans or how far he had fallen into his particular . . . well, madness, I suppose."

Her mouth twisted.  "When I arrived all seemed well.  He invited me in and we shared a glass of wine upstairs.  There were no signs of goblins."  She shrugged.  "He was trying to convince me of father's evil, and how Sandpoint itself was corrupt and had to be cleansed.  He was quite . . . animated about it."

"Of course, I was having none of it.  I actually got up to storm out and head back to the inn, but I immediately collapsed, and woke up here, with this."  She shook the chain, then nodded at the cot where Liseth sat.  "He came in later and told me that he was sorry to have drugged me, but he knew me well enough to know that I wouldn't see the 'righteousness' of his plan.  That I was the only person in Sandpoint he loved, and he couldn't allow me to be a casualty of what was to come."  She sighed sadly.  "It was . . . sweet, in a crazy sort of way.  He was so . . . earnest.  Yet his plans were so horrible!  Our father also has much to answer for."

She looked around at the group.  "I know this won't mean much to you, but he was such a sweet boy.  I visited him as often as I could, and wrote him constantly.  Bethana," Ameiko nodded at Liseth, "would be our go-between and arrange our meetings.  I could SEE the rejection and the hurt and the bitterness gradually taking hold of him, but there was nothing I could do."  Her eyes pleaded for understanding.  "What else could I have done?"

"I loved him.  I still love him.  But he has fallen into darkness.  The sadness of it rends my heart."  She fought back the tears again.  "Why is it that the punishment for sin so rarely falls on the head of the sinner?"

While Ameiko spoke, Pisca had been working diligently on the clasp of the cuff that bound her to the wall.  It was a difficult design, but with Aldern Foxglove's incredibly-useful gift and the gnome's own hard-won talents, she knew that defeating the mechanism was only a matter of time.  And then it was done.  Ameiko's final question was punctuated with the "clang" of her cuff falling to the ground.  She was free.

Ameiko leaned down and gratefully rubbed the reddened skin that had chafed under the shackle's metal grip.  "Thank you, Pisca," she smiled.  "I think Liseth is right.  The sooner we return to Sandpoint proper the sooner we put ourselves beyond Tsuto's reach.  At least for now."


This message was last edited by the player at 08:58, Fri 17 Jan 2014.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 529 posts
The Gnome!
Fri 17 Jan 2014
at 14:48
  • msg #255

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Oh, I think the punishment has probably fallen on the right head," muttered the gnome as she continued her work on the locked cuff.  But, Ameiko didn't know.  And Lysa was right.  Now was probably not the right time to bring it up.  If they told her, she'd probably want to go upstairs and see it for herself.  But, then again ... is there ever a good time to learn this sort of thing?

Aha!  A triumphant grin spread across the gnome's face as the cuff fell away at last.  She gave a stern look and shook an admonishing finger at the restraining hardware, but the cuff and chain seemed little chastened from having performed the functions expected of them.

"Did Tsuto give any detail ... ow ... as to the manner of the cleansing that he'd planned for Sandpoint?" Pisca asked as she climbed painfully to her feet.  "You said something about horrible plans.  In what way were they horrible?"

As she made her enquiries, the curious gnome followed the chain back to the place at which it was secured.  If there was one thing out of place in this room it was this chain and cuff.  Why would such a thing be in a reasonably well appointed room like this?  Or, why would Lonjiku Kaijitsu have a room below his Glassworks designed, from all appearance, to house captives in reasonable comfort?

"Regardless of the reason," Pisca said, oblivious to the fact that the others might not be blessed with the ability to read her mind and through such divine power know of the reason of which she spoke, "I think I'd like to follow these tunnels out to where they let out.  I'm still thinking that it's the beach."

"You're in the tunnels, or rooms, or whatever below the Glassworks, Ameiko," Pisca added, with the realization that she might not know where she was.  "Did you know that your father had these rooms and corridors down here?"

"At any rate," the gnome left the curious cuff and chain behind and made something of a slow and painful way to the door, intent, from all appearances, on following the tunnels as she'd stated, "I think we need to find Shalelu.  Those were Thistletop goblins.  They're famed for their hideout.  I'm almost certain that's where Tsuto is headed, and I'm betting that Shalelu knows where it's at."

OoC Question:  How is this chain and cuff secured to the wall?  Does it appear to have been recently installed?  Or does it appear to have been here for a while?

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan), Bless 2m, Dancing Lights 1m

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 337 posts
Former Red Shirt
Fri 17 Jan 2014
at 15:41
  • msg #256

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

If there was one thing Kellan was good at, it was standing in places keeping an eye on things for long periods of time. He was practically in his element. While he kept watch and recovered he thought about how he would report this to Alergast or the Sheriff, and how the town would react to such a brutal murder of a high status citizen.

The glassworks brought in a lot of coin for Sandpoint and without the expertise and reputation of Lonjiku it might suffer. While he had not known the man closely and he had something of a severe reputation he had been a part of Sandpoint, part of Kellan's home and this weighed on the boy.

It seemed they had just washed the blood off the streets from the last attack and now this.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 504 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 4/18
Fri 17 Jan 2014
at 19:48
  • msg #257

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

A frown fueled by anxious worrying formed on Liseth's face when Ms Kaijitsu said that she hadn't seen her father since the other day.  It was obvious that, even after everything which had happened between them, she still cared for her father.  Liseth dreaded having to tell Ms Kaijitsu what Tsuto had done to their father.  And how he had allowed the goblins to murder all of the workers in the Glassworks.

Liseth forced herself off of the cot when Pisca finished removing the shackle from Ms Kaijitsu's leg; it was time to go.  But first she tried her best to reassure the older woman.  As much as Liseth's own wounds might sting and throb with pain, she knew better than most how easily they could be healed.  Ms Kaijitsu's family had fallen apart; her brother was helping goblins kill people, had killed their father, and even abducted her and held her prisoner.  That kind of pain wasn't so easy to recover from.

"Don't worry Ms Kaijitsu, we'll stop any plans that he might have to hurt more people."  Liseth took one of Ms Kaijitsu's hands and held it with both her her own, "I'm sure Tsuto will realize that what he's doing is wrong.  He has to."  Her side suddenly ached where he had kicked her earlier; while she was trying to convince Tsuto of just that.  "He's your brother; he has to know that you love him.  And that he's only hurting you by doing these things."

The short acolyte released one of her hands from Ms Kaijitsu's own and turned to stop Pisca's wandering off again, "Wait Pisca, we don't need to explore these passages ourselves.  We need to get Ms Kaijitsu out first, and then tell the Mayor and Mr Barret what we found.  I'm sure that Mr Barret can come down here with more guards and find out where these tunnels lead."  Liseth suddenly hoped that the Sheriff would be back soon with those extra guards he was seeking in the city.

"And we need to tend to our wounds before we do anything else."  Her tone was surprisingly firm, "You can barely walk Pisca; if you have a concussion it could be very serious."
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 269 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Sat 18 Jan 2014
at 03:32
  • msg #258

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato's expression turned serious as he pondered some of the conversation with Ameiko.  He didn't think Tsuto would leave Sandpoint in peace.  It seemed the man remained deadly earnest, and he was probably running back to Thistletop to lick his wounds and gather more goblin cohorts before getting whatever justice he thought he deserved.

"Ameiko, do you think there's any way to reason with Tsuto now?  I know Liseth tried her best during our encounter with you, and you as well.  I fear what he's done so far, and what he still might do."

Even more, Cato worried about what else an entire tribe of goblins could do to Sandpoint, let alone multiple tribes.  Was Tsuto the only one controlling the goblins?  He seemed to be a competent fighter, but competent enough to command the respect of multiple tribes of goblins?  Shalelu was a competent fighter herself, but there was a bugbear out there amongst the goblins who was supposed to be her equal, and he hadn't been able to command more than one tribe.

But starting with Thistletop would be good.  Putting the goblins on the defensive would, at the very least, cause whoever was in charge of these attacks to rethink their strategy, maybe delay further attacks on Sandpoint.  Unless it was all for some kind of revenge, like this.  Maybe attacks from Sandpoint would only inflame them more.  Still, they couldn't just sit here, waiting for something to go wrong.  There was too much town to protect, and too many ways for goblins to sneak in and wreck havoc.

Cato nodded in response to Pisca's last comment.  "I agree, Pisca.  I think we should talk with Shalelu about Thistletop.  It's time to take the fight to the goblins."
The Raconteur
GM, 526 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Sat 18 Jan 2014
at 07:07
  • msg #259

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Ameiko shook her head at Pisca.  “Detail?  No.  But I was able to piece together the broad outlines of a plan.  Tsuto is apparently working for someone who has managed to bring all five goblin tribes together.  A woman.  And he is,” she sighed, “quite smitten with her.  In fact, I’m very inclined to blame his recent actions on her bad influence.  She’s let him think that she loves him, and if Tsuto is anything he is starved for love.  But in my opinion she’s just using him, along with everyone else who might be working for her, goblins included.  She’s the one who has fanned the flames of Tsuto’s resentment and rage into the wildfire you experienced firsthand earlier.”

“As far as the actual plan goes, I believe they are organizing the five tribes for a big assault on Sandpoint.  I think,” her voice caught, “they plan to burn it to the ground.”  While she spoke, Pisca followed the chain to where it was affixed to the eyelet in the back of the room.  The eyelet looked relatively new; Pisca could see chips of paint and dust under the area where it had been pounded into the wall.

“I hope you’re right, Liseth,” the innkeeper said sadly.  “I hope you can keep Tsuto from hurting anyone else.  And yes, Cato, I want to believe that he can realize what he is doing is wrong.  Of course, I’m not sure that the middle of a fight is the best place to try and convince him.  But if someone sits down and just TALKS to him, he might come around.  I thought I might be getting through to him when we talked earlier.  He seemed to be hesitant and conflicted; even reluctant.  Maybe if I’d had a little more time with him . . . I think I might be the only one who could get through to him.  To counteract the pernicious influence of that goblin-loving witch with whom he’s consorting.”  Ameiko’s mouth twisted sourly.

“And I did know about these rooms, Pisca; it’s the basement.”  Ameiko gave the gnome an amused grin.  “This is my father’s study.  He will stay at the Glassworks for days when he is working on a big project; this is where he sleeps and plans when such a project is underway.  Or when he can’t stand being in the house anymore.”  Ameiko moved towards the doorway.  “There’s a storeroom right next door,” she said, gesturing to her left, “and . . . ah.”

Ameiko stood dumbstruck, staring at the corridor that stretched out straight in front of her.  She reached out an arm, pointing at it.  “THAT, however, is new.  That used to be a wall!  I guess they . . . broke it down?”  She waved her hand at the debris.  “I didn’t even know there was anything back there!  My goodness . . . .”  Her voice trailed off, as if she were deep in thought, then looked around at the group.  “What do you want to do?”


Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 530 posts
The Gnome!
Sat 18 Jan 2014
at 12:52
  • msg #260

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

It wasn't hard to piece together what had happened.  Tsuto and his Thistletop goblins had broken in here through the tunnels.  They'd surprised Lord Kaijitsu and secured him in his own study with a chain that they'd brought for that very purpose.  With forward planning like that, they must have intended to stay for a few days.  They must have needed Lord Kaijitsu's cooperation for something.  The Glassworks must have been important to their plans in some way.  Maybe they had intended to launch their attack from here.  It would be ideal in a way.  They could sneak a small army in through the tunnels.  From here, the gobbies could easily spread out to all parts of town.  With a coordinated feint from outside the walls they could draw all of Sandpoint's forces outward.  Then ...

Something happened then.  Someone had decided that they no longer needed Lord Kaijitsu.  Maybe Lord Kaijitsu refused to cooperate in some way.  Maybe it was something that had happened at the meeting between Ameiko and Tsuto.  It must have happened at about the same time.  Lord Kaijitsu was taken out of the cuff and dragged upstairs to his fate.  A drugged and unconscious Ameiko was replaced in the cuff.  There was an orgy of violence and death, probably beginning in the early hours of the morning.

"Huh?  What?  Do?"  Pisca rose from her thoughts to find herself standing just outside the breech into the corridor.  "We need to go down this tunnel, Lysa," the gnome complained.  "It's part of their plan.  It's not far to the where it lets out.  It can't be.  I felt the breeze.  There must be a door real close nearby.  The gobbies are gone.  They must be.  I'm pretty sure it's safe."

"Stomper can protect us."  With those words, the gnome spoke a few words of power, shaping them with a series of graceful hand movements, and then touched the Sandpoint guardsman.  A white light transferred from gnome to human, melting many of his injuries away.

"Come on.  We have to."  Pisca pointed to the badge affixed on her headscarf at her left temple.  "It's our duty."  Then she send her gnome-shaped light ahead, drew her bow and entered the tunnel.

"Ameiko," asked Pisca over her shoulder, "Tsuto didn't, perchance say anything about Father Tobayn, did he?  Or, maybe, Lamashtu?"

Cast CLW on Kellan for 10hp. (Last one.  No more here.)

04:42, Today: Pisca Neep Freemish rolled 10 using 1d8+2. CLW.

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan), Bless 2m, Dancing Lights 1m

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 338 posts
Former Red Shirt
Sat 18 Jan 2014
at 14:11
  • msg #261

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan felt the wonderful effects of the healing magic spread throughout his body like liquid warmth. Closing his eyes as the spell took hold, knitting his flesh and soothing battered muscle, he felt immensely better once the energy had worked it's way through his system. Letting out a relieved sound he turned to the Gnome.

"Thanks for that Pisca, I'll go see what waits for us behind those doors...with luck we may have a clear path straight to the beach"

With that he plodded forward, opening one of the doors to the south cautiously, his weapon ready should any more horrors await them.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 505 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 4/18
Sat 18 Jan 2014
at 21:53
  • msg #262

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Ooh..."  Liseth whined when Pisca insisted on following the tunnels out.  She wanted nothing more right now than to just be quit of the glassworks.  Her wounds hurt a lot more than she was letting on and Liseth was not accustomed to suffering such injury in the first place.  She felt woozy from blood loss and really just wanted to find a place to lie down.  And there was an arrow sticking out of her that she could do without.

It didn't help that Kellan agreed with Pisca right away and started towards the goblins' tunnels.  But wait...did Pisca just use healing magic of her own on Kellan?

"I didn't know that you could use healing magic Pisca."  Liseth was temporarily distracted by this turn of events, "Did Desna give that to you?"  Pisca did speak about how she favored Desna, but maybe she learned to do that someplace else entirely?  Of course, Pisca must be just as exhausted as Liseth by now; otherwise she should heal herself too.

Liseth sighed, "At least let me bandage your injuries before we go into those tunnels.  Pisca, you have blood in your hair."  She rummaged in her knapsack again to retrieve another set of bandages and her herbal poultice, "I'm most concerned about your head injury.  Now take off your bandana please, so that I can get a good look at it and bandage it up."  The acolyte was steadfast in this; she wasn't going to let Pisca or anyone else go exploring those tunnels while the gnome was still bleeding from her wounds.

Of course, all of the movement jostled the long shaft sticking out from the girl's shoulder; eliciting a gasp as a spike of pain shot through her.  Liseth gritted her teeth while she worked on Pisca, and tears began to well up in her eyes.  When she had finished she clutched the shaft pathetically.  "Could someone at least help me break the shaft off before we go deeper?  To keep it from wiggling around so much when I try to move..."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:41, Sun 19 Jan 2014.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 270 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Sun 19 Jan 2014
at 03:29
  • msg #263

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato sighed in relief as Pisca's healing magic restored Kellan to...well, not to full health, but at least to some measure of hardiness.  Cato was more than happy to have Kellan take the lead in exploring unopened doors.  Before that, however, someone must attend to Liseth.

"Liseth, I'm willing to help you with this arrow, though I'm afraid I don't know much about tending to battlefield injuries.  Can you talk me through what we need to do to stabilize this arrow wound?  I don't want to make things worse.  Do we just need to cut or break this shaft?"

Cato gingerly touched the protruding arrow, seeing if it was possible to adjust it without causing more pain to the young woman.
Ameiko Kaijitsu
NPC, 5 posts
Rusty Dragon Proprietor
Daughter of Lonjiku
Sun 19 Jan 2014
at 06:34
  • msg #264

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Cato was clearly out of his element when it came to healing.  “I think I can be of help here, scholar.”  Ameiko politely moved the wizard aside as she knelt to help Liseth with the arrow in her shoulder.  “Did I ever tell you I have an adventuring background myself?  Oh yes,” she said, looking at Liseth and motioning at her healing satchel.  “Do you mind, dear?”

Without waiting for a response, Ameiko quickly searched through the bag, making surprised and satisfied noises as she found various items and substances.  “Where did you get THIS?" She asked, holding up a jar of greenish paste.  "This is incredible!  Oh, and this is just the thing.”  She nodded as she sat Liseth down in a chair and laid her chosen items out on the table.  “I think we’ll be able to do you up just fine, sweetie.  Yes, just fine.”  She patted the acolyte comfortingly on her non-injured shoulder.  “Fortunately, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to employ battlefield medicine.”

The innkeeper was too busy working on Liseth to focus on Pisca, but she answered her question anyway.  “Father Tobayn, you say?  No.  Nor Lamashtu either.  Ready, Liseth?  Here, bite on this.”  She placed a clean, wadded-up cloth in the young acolyte’s mouth.  “This will hurt a great deal, but only for a second.”

She laid a hand tenderly on Liseth’s forehead as the young woman obediently chomped down on the cloth.  “My conversation with Tsuto was more . . . personal.”  She looked at Liseth questioningly and received a nod in return.  Suddenly she pushed the arrow all the way through the shoulder.  As the acolyte screamed into the gag, Ameiko cut the arrow cleanly with her knife and pulled both parts out of the girl’s shoulder.  “There, there,” she said comfortingly, but Liseth could only respond with another muffled scream as her impromptu battlefield medic poured alcohol on her wounds to disinfect them.  "I know."  Ameiko then rubbed the greenish paste from Liseth’s medical kit over those wounds, finally placing a sterile bandage over them and wrapping them up with a long strip of silk torn from the bedsheets.

Ameiko sat back and gave the sniffling Liseth an encouraging grin.  “I think that’s going to be a lot better, sweetheart.  But we should really get you to Father Zantus sooner rather than later.”  She winked at the girl.  “Or Kerr, if you prefer.  I hear he’s . . . good with his hands.”  If she was trying to keep a saucy grin off her face, she was unsuccessful.

The innkeeper finally turned towards Pisca.  “We didn’t really discuss the events of the Swallowtail Festival or, um . . . religion.”  She gave Pisca a perplexed look.  “If you don’t mind my asking, how do you believe Lamashtu is involved?  I know my brother, and he is for certain no religious zealot.  And I have trouble imagining that he would take up the worship of Lamashtu, of all deities.  Isn’t she the goddess of deformity and monstrosity?”  She laughed ruefully.  “There is simply no way.  Tsuto places too much value on his pretty face and that muscular body.”

OOC:  Liseth recovers four hit points from Ameiko’s treatment of her wounds.  -1 use from Liseth’s Masterwork Healing Kit.


This message was last edited by the player at 06:53, Sun 19 Jan 2014.
The Raconteur
GM, 528 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Sun 19 Jan 2014
at 06:50
  • msg #265

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Meanwhile, the newly-rejuvenated Kellan was picking his way across the rubble towards the doors further down the hallway.  As he came to the closest door, he warily opened it, weapon as at the ready as it could be when held in only one hand.

As the guardsman opened the door, he discovered another ten-foot by ten-foot room, almost the mirror of the one that had held Ameiko, in design if not in dĂ©cor.  This room was not nearly as well-appointed or well-kept as the innkeeper’s makeshift prison.  Although it was similarly furnished, with a cot, a table, a couple of chairs, and what looked to have been a fine writing desk, complete with inkwell, quills, and drawers, the room smelled musty and the furnishings seemed older and less well-maintained.

But this room had clearly seen recent use.  A rucksack nestled at the foot of the bed.   Several empty bottles lay in one corner, and two half-empty ones sat unfinished, one on the table and one on the desk.  The sheets on the bed were unkempt and tossed aside.  A lantern on the writing desk still burned brightly, filling the room with its flickering illumination.

The room smelled strongly of alcohol, perhaps unsurprising given the immense amount of the substance that had apparently been consumed in the small chamber.  As Kellan looked more closely, he could see the broken shards of a bottle that looked to have been hurled against the wall across from the writing desk with some force.  A small amount of liquid still pooled under the shards of shattered glass strewn about the floor.

All in all, Kellan got the impression that this room had been lived in for at least a few days, and had been hurriedly abandoned by its former occupant.


Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 339 posts
Former Red Shirt
Sun 19 Jan 2014
at 09:53
  • msg #266

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan took another look down both segments of the hallway before making his way cautiously into the room. He reflected briefly on just how many of his duties to Sandpoint were in some way connected to alcohol. While he certainly enjoyed a malty beer out of a freshly opened cask himself, and the Taldan Fire Brandy was sure to be put to good use soon, drunkenness and the chaos that followed in its wake had formed the cornerstone of his guard duties.

When he was satisfied that no lingering goblins were waiting in ambush he began to process of searching the room, starting with the promising looking rucksack near the bed. He hazarded that perhaps Tsuto had made this his den for his duration in the Glassworks and he hoped that the bastard had left clues behind as to what he intended next. He had to admit that Pisca had been doing remarkably well at deciphering the half elf's intentions thus far.

Setting the room up like a little grid he went from section to section, knocking on walls and nudging furniture much in the way he had been taught to search prisoners or shake down suspected smugglers.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:11, Sun 19 Jan 2014.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 531 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 20 Jan 2014
at 03:05
  • msg #267

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The gnome was surprisingly obedient, and halted just outside the dim spill of light that fell from the main corridor of the Glassworks basement into the rough and intrusive tunnel.  As Kellan began opening the remaining doors and Ameiko prepared for the removal of the goblin arrow from Liseth's shoulder, Pisca quietly seated herself next to the blond acolyte, and, as instructed, removed her headscarf.  After fluffing out her hair, and combing it into some semblance of order with her fingers, Pisca folded her headscarf into a neat triangle.  She unpinned her badge of office and placed both into her pouch.  All of this was done with occasional glances over her shoulder.  She watched Liseth's face at each step of Ameiko's preparations.  And, when the moment came, Pisca winced in sympathetic pain, but said, "I knew that was coming."

"Could be Desna who gave me the magic," Pisca said in reply to Lysa's earlier question.  "It would be nice to think so.  It would be nicer still if it came with butterflies, don't you think?  But really, any magic that I do just ... sort of comes as I make it up.  Airy fairy big and scary.  I just think it up and it happens.  Gnomes are magical creatures, did you know?  Shaped and descended from a magic plane of wonders."  Pisca drew in a deep breath and puffed it out in a sigh.  She hooked an arm around Liseth's calf and hugged it to her.

"You're really very brave, you know, Lysa.  To have an arrow driven all the way through your shoulder."

The gnome leaned into the warmth of the human girl's leg, and her eyes drifted shut as she spoke on.  "Desna was cast to earth by Lamashtu, Ameiko.  Lamashtu is Desna's arch nemesis.  The evil goddess of monsters killed Desna's beloved mentor, Curchanus.  Terribly wounded, Desna was found by a blind gnomish child, and the child nursed Desna back to health.  In thanks, Desna transformed the gnome into a beautiful, immortal swallowtail butterfly so that she could explore the wonders of the world for all eternity."

"You're warm, Lysa."

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan), Bless 2m, Dancing Lights 1m

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 271 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Mon 20 Jan 2014
at 03:12
  • msg #268

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato sighed in relief when Ameiko volunteered to help Liseth. One thing the Hell Knights hasn't bothered to teach the young wizard was even the barest rudiments of battlefield medicine. Any formation was expected to have a dedicated healer, even if just someone as experienced with a healers kit as Ameiko, while the arcanists were expected to spend their time honing their own unique skills. Well, if Ameiko was taking care of Liseth and Liseth taking care of Pisca, Cato might as well do what he could to help Kellan.

Cato followed Kellan down the hallway and entered Tsuto's room, looking for anything that could shed light onto the plans for the upcoming goblin invasion or the identity of the person behind everything.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:48, Mon 20 Jan 2014.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 508 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 8/18
Mon 20 Jan 2014
at 20:28
  • msg #269

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth was relieved when Ms Kaijitsu interposed herself in front of Cato and started going through the acolyte's medical supplies.  Relieved that the innkeeper was skilled with medicine.  She needed to get the arrow out, but the girl was also aware that somebody who didn't know what they were doing could cause more harm than good.  And she wouldn't be in a state to help them once they started.

"Mr Vinder gave me all of his best medicines and supplies; to thank me for healing Katrine..."  Relief soon changed to consternation as Liseth watched Ms Kaijitsu set everything up and get ready to perform the arrow extraction.  Without access to magical healing it was going to hurt; a lot.  But a brief moment of intense pain would be far better than suffering with a goblin's arrow stuck inside of her shoulder for any longer.

And now Liseth had reminded herself about Katrine.  But it wasn't exactly a good time to think about how she could apologize to the other girl.

After receiving the gag and nodding to show Ms Kaijitsu that she was as ready as she was going to get, Liseth closed her eyes...only for them to burst open again the instant the arrow was pressed forcefully through her.  She didn't recall much after that until Ms Kaijitsu had finished dressing the now arrow-free injury.

For the next several moments all that the acolyte could manage was to nod at the comment of seeing Father Zantus as soon as possible; all the while whimpering and making no attempt to keep the tears from streaming down her cheeks.  She knew that she should be embarrassed about what Ms Kaijitsu said about Kerr, but if her face was flushed it was due to the pain more than anything else.  Now that he had been mentioned though, Liseth longed to be back at the Cathedral with the other young acolyte.  But how would he react when Kerr saw Liseth in the state that she was now?  He was so worried and scared for her during the first battle with the goblins.  What might he say or do when she showed up covered in bandages and wounds?

"Th...thank you.  Ms Kaijitsu."  Liseth finally tried to move her arm now that the arrow was freed from it.  It still hurt, but not nearly as much as it had when the arrow was stuck in.  And she had full range of motion.  Both of which were very good signs.  "And thank you too Pisca."  She laid her good hand on top of Pisca's head as the gnome hugged her, trying to distract herself from her own pain by examining the head injury.  "But I think that I would prefer to avoid having arrows stuck in me at all."

Using her good hand, Liseth called down a light sprinkle of pure, room-temperature, water to clean the blood from around Pisca's injury.  It dampened her hair and dripped off at some points, but was a great deal more focused than the blob of water that she dropped on the goblin earlier.  The the acolyte leaned down from her chair and closely examined the wound.  Then she got wearily down off of the chair and on to her knees in order to look Pisca in the face and closely examine her eyes.

"I think that you'll be okay Pisca."  She pushed herself back into the chair, "It looks superficial; I don't think that anything inside was damaged.  Father Zantus can fix everything once we get you to him."  Liseth retrieved some of her supplies still on the table and smeared a paste on the head injury to keep it from inflaming and forming into a nasty bump.  "Ms Kaijitsu, can you help me dress this please?"

Finally, a bandage was wrapped around Pisca's head to cover the injury.  Liseth sighed; if she was stronger they wouldn't need all these bandages and other things.  She should be able to just clean and fix all of the wounds easily using her divine energy.  But she never expected to need to use it so much.  Father Garrick did tell her that the more she used her powers, the stronger they would get.  And the easier they would come to her when she needed them.  But right now she was too tired to perform anything more than the most basic of orisons.

"Let's go and see what Cato and Kellan found.  I hope that they haven't gotten into trouble..."  Liseth stood from the chair and took a few weary steps in the direction that the two men went before stopping and leaning against the wall.  Then she watched Pisca to make sure that the gnome didn't need any help walking herself.
The Raconteur
GM, 530 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Mon 20 Jan 2014
at 21:47
  • msg #270

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Seeing that the room was apparently free from immediate threats, Kellan walked over to the rucksack at the foot of the bed, knelt, and quickly rifled through it.  He found nothing other than changes of clothes of the style Tsuto had been wearing earlier, a couple of unopened bottles of what looked like alcohol, and a small, empty leather purse.  Dropping the rucksack, he began a systematic search of the room, tapping the walls in an attempt to determine if there might be secret doors or passageways.  As he did, he found that the wall on the left side of the room (as one entered through the door) seemed thinner or less solid than the back or right-side wall.

He found nothing else out of the ordinary.

As Kellan was tapping the walls, Cato walked in.  The wizard nodded in acknowledgement at the warrior and immediately began assisting with the search.  He looked around the chamber, then strode over to the writing desk, looking it over and bending down to see if there was anything interesting on the floor or in the small wastebasket he found on the desk’s bedward side.

Nothing.

As Cato started going through the desk’s drawers, he found it.  A small leather-bound journal, secured with a clasp, lay innocently in the top drawer as if had been hastily tossed inside.  Cato called Kellan over as he removed the book from the desk and sat down in the chair to review it.  Undoing the clasp, he opened the front cover to read the block letters on the first page of what amounted to an intelligence jackpot:

THE JOURNAL OF TSUTO KAIJITSU

The leather-bound booklet contained over two-dozen parchment pages, most of which were filled with either annotated maps of Sandpoint or quite-detailed drawings of a beautiful-looking woman in various states of undress.  The drawings themselves were of high quality; apparently Tsuto was something of an artist when he wasn’t organizing goblin raids on his erstwhile hometown.

The maps each depicted different battle plans.  The first set outlined an attack for a group of 30-40 goblins; one of those maps was circled, and both Cato and Kellan recognized it as the plan followed by the goblins who attacked Sandpoint during the Swallowtail Festival.  The page following contained a brief after-action report:

The raid went about as planned.  Few Thistletop goblins perished, and we were able to secure Tobayn’s casket with ease during the commotion.  I can’t wait until the real raid.  Nualia’s right; this town deserves a burning. 

Of more pressing concern were the next several pages, each of which illustrated an assault on Sandpoint by a force of what appeared to be 200 goblins.  None of these were circled, and while many were scratched out as if they had been rejected, the implications were clearly ominous.  Tsuto’s thoughts on the various operational ideas were scattered throughout:

Ripnugget seems to favor the overwhelming land approach, but I don’t think it’s the best plan.  He may be what passes for a goblin tactical genius, but that's not saying much.  We should get the quasit’s aid.  Send her freaks up from below via the smuggling tunnel in the Glassworks, then invade from both there and the river in smaller but more-focused strikes.  The rest (except Bruthazmus) agree, and I’m pretty sure the bugear’s just being contrary to annoy me.

My love is too distracted with the lower chambers to make a decision.   She says that once Malneshfekor is released and under her command, we won’t need to worry about being subtle.  I hope she’s right.

Tsuto seemed to have a firm grasp on strategy and tactics; many of his suggestions made a lot of sense to Kellan, who had received some rudimentary training in such things, and to Cato, who had studied with the Hellknights.  The last page of the diary was damaged by some sort of liquid spill, but Cato and Kellan could still make out most of it:

My love seems bent on going through with it.  Nothing I can say convinces her of her beauty.  She remains obsessed with removing what she calls her “celestial taint” and replacing it with her Mother’s grace.  Burning her father’s remains at the Thistletop shrine seems to have started her transformation, but I can’t say her new hand is pleasing to me.

The next script is in a shakier hand.

I’m beginning to wonder if, well, if she loves me at all.  There.  I wrote it.  She doesn’t seem to care anything about what I want.  She’s going through with the transformation despite my reservations.  She instructed me not to contact Ameiko.   But that is something I just cannot do.  I understand why the rest of them need to burn, but not Ameiko.  I refuse to see her harmed as a result of this raid.

I’m going to bring her down to the basement and keep her in father’s study.  I’ve moved father up to the Glassworking Room where he can be watched over by the goblins; I don’t want them together and the least father deserves is a little fear after what he’s done.  I’m sure after he’s spent a few hours in their company he’ll be begging to tell me what I need to know.  They’re crazy.  And these are the SMART ones.

The final entry followed:

Well, that was easier than I thought it would be.  Ameiko is in the study and father upstairs.  The terrified look on his face when I left him with the goblins was priceless.  I just hope the bastard doesn’t have a heart attack; I need that information.

Had a conversation with Ameiko when she woke up.  I probably shouldn’t have.  I knew she would never understand about the cleansing of Sandpoint, and she certainly wouldn't about me and Nualia.  My sister has tied herself to the people of Sandpoint.  She tried to convince me that what I was doing was wrong.  Ha!  As if.  If only I could get Nualia to talk to her, she would come around.

Still, I . . .

A blob of ink stained the page.

. . . sounds like the goblins are downstairs again.  How many times have I tol

The journal stopped there.  Cato and Kellan looked at each other.  The rest of the group was DEFINITELY going to want to see this.


This message was last edited by the GM at 00:39, Tue 21 Jan 2014.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 532 posts
The Gnome!
Mon 20 Jan 2014
at 22:03
  • msg #271

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Mors buggufle ... "  Things were stirring.  Her comfortable support was shifting, telling the gnome that it would soon move itself out from under her, leaving her to fend and balance and do all of the things normally expected of her, by herself.  Pisca lifted an incredibly heavy eyelid, and a striking violet eye peeked out.  The coast seemed to be clear.  Besides, the testaments of certain long-necked birds to the contrary, They-Can't-See-You-If-You-Can't-See-Them tends not to hold true most of the time.  So, Pisca opened both her eyes.  Things didn't look much different than they had when she'd closed them.  But, given that there was an equal chance than any new thing that might show itself here in the basement of the Glassworks might as much be a bad new thing as a good new thing, no change was, all in all, not too terrible a thing to open your eyes to.

"Alright, Lys.  Getting up.  I'm getting up here.  The gnome climbed first to all fours, and then, from there to her feet.

"I don't think there's anything in the rooms," Pisca called, somewhat unsteadily to Kellan and Cato.  "Just rooms.  With stuff.  For the Glassworks.  Ameiko said she knows it.  And I really don't think any goblin is going to be hiding in any closets this time."

"We need to go down here."  Once again, the gnome entered the breech in the wall.  Her fingers wove in the pattern of her cantrip once again and she spoke the word of power.  "Jibber."  The Dancing Lights blinked, disappeared, and then reappeared, this time, vaguely in the shape of a monkey with wings.

"Lets go," said the gnome as she staggered into the darkness after her Dancing Flying Monkey.  "To the beach."

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan), Bless 2m, Dancing Lights 1m

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:03, Mon 20 Jan 2014.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 341 posts
Former Red Shirt
Mon 20 Jan 2014
at 22:06
  • msg #272

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan had been reading over the young wizards shoulder, and given Cato's superior schooling it was only natural that the farm boy turned soldier needed a little more time to work through the pages than the Mage. As he continued to read he experienced a conflicting assault of emotions.

The first was joy, that Tsuto had been so vain, or careless, or prideful that he had left such a damning piece of evidence. Kellan was immediately certain of it's authenticity as it contained details that could be validated over a long enough span of time. He thought of the Sheriff and Alergast and Mayor Deverin being able to rally Sandpoints forces and perhaps enlist the aid of nearby organizations to meet this threat. Now they had names, numbers, tactics. It was almost too good to be true.

The second was disgust, or perhaps he was just disturbed at how casually the half elf wrote of slaughtering the people of Sandpoint, his friends, neighbors and family. No mention of demands for surrender, no mention of any goal except devastation. There was no goal here but to raze the entire town to the ground.

The third was a touch of sadness, for Ameiko and the boy that had been Tsuto. What had driven him this far? How would Ameiko ever recover from this? She was strong certainly but this exceeded what anybody could be expected to endure.

"Liseth!...Pisca!, we found something" he called out into the hallway, his tone making it obvious that it was the good "we found something" and not the "Oh Desna I just got punched in the throat" found something.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 534 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 21 Jan 2014
at 14:10
  • msg #273

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Pisca returned from the gullet of the mysterious tunnel for the fifth time.  Or, was it three?  And, as irksome as it was, it turned out to be well worth the turn around and walk back.  One thing in particular struck the gnome as she read Tsuto's journal pages when it came her turn.

"He does actually seem like he can be saved, Ameiko."  Pisca held two pages up side by side as she spoke.  This strategy, however, yielded nothing more than viewing them individually had.  "He does.  Second thoughts.  And there's a third thought.  And a fifth.  The biggest problem I think we'd have coaxing him back to our side would be that he seems to hate Sandpoint so much."

"Why is that?  Surely he can't have it in for the entire town.  What about Bethana?  Didn't he like her too?  From what I've learned, most of the problem that he's had here were with your father."

Ook!  And there was another thing too.  There's no mention here anywhere of ... what happened to Lord Kaijitsu.  It just says that he left him up there.  With the gobbies.  Maybe he didn't know.

"Um ... "  The gnome gave Ameiko a covert look, wondering once again when the right time was to tell her.  "Maybe if we can convince him that not everyone in the town is bad ...  I wonder how he got that idea anyway?  From what I know it sounds as though he hadn't spent a lot of time here."

"And ... um ... anyone notice that from what Tsuto says here, this Nualia is Father Tobayn's daughter?  Didn't ... didn't both Father Tobayn and his daughter die in a fire during the Recent Unpleasantness?  But ... here, Tsuto mentions a celestial taint.  And then Mother's grace.  I wonder what that means.  But some sort of angelic or demonic heritage might explain how she survived."

"Why she seems bent on destroying Sandpoint, though ... "

"There's so much here.  Malneshfekor.  Shrines ...  I think we need to go to the Mayor with this."  Pisca shook her head.  "And with Sheriff Hemlock out of town with a goodly contingent of the guard too.  We might have to take matters into our own hands here.  And soon."

Knowledge Religion check, please for Malneshfekor.  (Bard can use Knowledge skills untrained.)

Also Knowledge Local for Nualia's mother.

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan), Bless 2m, Dancing Lights 1m

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
This message was last edited by the player at 14:09, Wed 22 Jan 2014.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 273 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Tue 21 Jan 2014
at 18:57
  • msg #274

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato eagerly opened Tsuto's journal and started reading, barely noticing as Kellan stepped up behind him to read the journal as well.  The revelations were as amazing as the journal was damning.  Cato seconded Kellan's feelings of astonishment, disgust and sadness as he read the journal.

But Cato also felt a sense of relief.  Finally, here was information they could use to fight back against the goblins attacking Sandpoint.  They didn't have to just stand vigilant for goblins sneaking into the city.  Here were the names of those behind the assaults.  Bruthazmus, Ripnugget.  And Nulia.  Finally, there was Malneshfekor.  And a quasit.

But one line in particular really bothered Cato.  He repeated it out loud to Kellan.  "Send her freaks up from below via the smuggling tunnel in the Glassworks."

"Hmm...it looks like Pisca has the right idea investigating this.  The smuggling tunnels must lead somewhere else than just the beach.  We probably need to investigate.  Though not today, perhaps.  I don't think we could handle anything much more.  And Tsuto makes it seem as though Nulia's 'freaks' are more dangerous than just goblins.  What else could there be down here?"



OOC:
Knowledge Arcana on Quasits.  Or is Knowledge: Planes better?  I always forget.  Also for Malneshfekor.

Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 513 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 8/18
Tue 21 Jan 2014
at 20:50
  • msg #275

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

The irony might have been humorous had Liseth not been so miserable.  Almost right as soon as Pisca said that there was nothing to find, Kellan gave a shout proclaiming that they had found something important.  Instead of giggling though, she simply wandered into the small room where the two men were reading the journal that they found.  She gratefully took the opportunity to climb atop the messy cot and set herself down wearily while everyone perused the journal they had found.  Certain that they would pass it to her at some point.

Liseth's frown didn't change the whole time she read through the information.  It certainly confirmed the conspiracy theory that there were plenty of people that wanted to hurt Sandpoint.  And this Nualia was behind stealing Father Tobayn's remains...and it says that she burned them; and that they were the remains of her father.  She was Father Tobayn's daughter?  But if she was alive, why did she have so much hatred in her?

It did become apparent, even to Liseth, that Tsuto was merely a lackey in all of this.  It was obvious that the others were only using him, twisting his hatred of his father into something even more wicked and evil.  Pisca was right; he did seem to have second thoughts.  Liseth only hoped that it wasn't too late to save him from the other conspirators.  Because they don't seem like they would be very forgiving when they find out that he tried to save Ms Kaijitsu against their wishes.  And lost this journal that they were reading...

The girl wondered how Ms Kaijitsu would take the information written in here.  Especially the part mentioning her father being left upstairs.  With Goblins.  It didn't seem as though Tsuto intended to kill Lord Kaijitsu, at least just yet.  But what did he expect all those goblins to do when he left the poor man with them?

"We need to show this to Father Zantus too; it tells us who stole Father Tobayn's remains, and why.  I never believed that it would be his daughter...and she only wanted to burn up the remains for some kind of evil ritual."  Liseth sighed, "It's just terrible.  Everyone says how Father Tobayn was such a good, nice man.  How could his daughter be so malevolent as to wish Sandpoint destroyed?  Maybe we should get Father Zantus and the Mayor, and even Mr Barret too, all together and show this to them all at once?"

Liseth still wasn't sure that they were the best choice to explore where these tunnels let out at.  Not in the condition that they were in at the moment.  But...well, Pisca might just be right again.  It would be good to know exactly where the goblins were getting in at.

She just hoped that there weren't any more sneaking around in there.  Or at the passage's exit...

Knowledge (Religion) concerning evil rituals that might require the burning of your father's remains?  And maybe which god (or powerful demon/devil) the shrine at which it was performed might be dedicated to.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 20:51, Tue 21 Jan 2014.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 535 posts
The Gnome!
Tue 21 Jan 2014
at 21:23
  • msg #276

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Well, the sooner we get going, the sooner we can deliver this news to everyone."  The gnome had climbed up onto the cot and curled up next to Liseth, placing her head, quite uninvited, into the acolyte's lap.  As Lysa perused the pages, Pisca went over them as well, albeit with a sideways view.

"Look at that, Lysa."  Pisca poked a part of the page with a small gnomish finger.  "It says this Nualia was obsessed with removing a celestial taint.  That's angel blood, right?  I can't imagine it would be heavenly dirt.  But, then it goes on to say that Nualitta wants to replace it with her Mother's grace.  And it looks like part of that replacing starts in the hand.  Maybe a claw.  Or a hook.  Or a hoof.  Or a tentacle."

"But the question that comes to this gnome is this:  If the celestial taint didn't come from Nuamina's mother, where did it come from?  Father Tobayn wasn't an angel, was he?  Maybe in disguise?  Hmmm.  If he was, would he have been burned up in the fire?"

"Of course, maybe Tsuto didn't mean Nuami's real mother.  Maybe her mother really was an angel.  Father Tobayn had an angel for a wife.  Maybe Tsuto was talking about a metaphorical mother.  See how Tsuto capitalizes Mother.  Lamashtu.  I'm betting Lamashtu.  She's the Mother of Monsters, isn't she, Lys?"

It was really quite comfortable here in Lysa's lap.  Too comfortable.

"We'd better go.  Go.  Go.  Goooooo.  Ow."  The gnome winced as she sat up, the cut on her stomach reminding her of the battle she'd just gone through.  "Go.  Go and then sleep.  Maybe."  Pisca sighed.  "I bet it's not a whole lot past noon."

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan)

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 514 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 8/18
Tue 21 Jan 2014
at 21:53
  • msg #277

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"I don't think that we'll have much luck learning who Nualia's mother is with just this."  Liseth absently ran a hand through Pisca's hair where her head was laid in the girl's lap.  It was amazing just how much like an innocent child Pisca seemed at times; even though Liseth was almost positive that the gnome must be at least twice her own age.  "Kerr said that Father Tobayn didn't have any real family, that his daughter was adopted.  So if Nualia does have celestial blood from one of her parents, it couldn't have been from Father Tobayn.  Maybe Father Zantus would know more though?  About Father Tobayn's daughter?  Although according to both him and Kerr, she was supposed to have been killed years ago, in the Cathedral fire."  Liseth frowned again, "If she is still alive, why does everyone think that she is dead?"
Ameiko Kaijitsu
NPC, 6 posts
Rusty Dragon Proprietor
Daughter of Lonjiku
Wed 22 Jan 2014
at 07:43
  • msg #278

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


“You’re welcome, Liseth.”  Ameiko watched her patient closely to see how she would weather the aftermath of her spur-of-the-moment surgery, but it looked like the young acolyte was going to hold up just fine.  She looked weary, but not weak.

Well, no weaker than anyone would be who had just had an arrow pushed through her shoulder.

“I definitely prescribe arrow avoidance for the immediate future.”  Ameiko said in her best physician’s voice.  “And the far future, now that I think on it.  It’s a good thing you made a friend out of Ven."  She patted the medical kit.  "You’d have to be injured pretty badly to be beyond the healing offered by the items in this satchel.”  She gave the blonde an encouraging grin as the girl began to treat her gnomish friend.

“A . . . gnomish child.”  As the innkeeper knelt down the help Liseth with Pisca's dressing, she favored the gnome with a small, amused smile.  Her story of Desna and Lamashtu was . . . somewhat altered from the traditional version.  “I suppose there’s no reason why it couldn’t be.  And if that is the case it might indicate that your gifts ARE from Desna!”  Ameiko treated this conclusion as if it was the most natural thing in the world.  “But I’m not sure that Lamashtu’s enmity towards Desna indicates that she’s in any way interested in Sandpoint.”

Ameiko turned in alarm as a shout came down the hallway, but it was just Guardsman Storval informing them of his find.  She followed the rest of the group as they moved with varying degrees of infirmity down the hall to discover just what it was that had been discovered.

It was a journal.

Ameiko wasn’t surprised to find her brother had been keeping a journal; the boy was forever writing or drawing or doing something else creative.  He could never just sit still.  She waited patiently as the others passed the leather-bound book around.  When her turn came, she sat on the bed next to Liseth and leafed through it.

Tears sprung unbidden to her eyes as she read her brother’s thoughts.  “I think you’re right, Pisca.”  She smiled through her sorrow.  “I think Tsuto’s having second thoughts.  Maybe we can convince him to abandon this . . . evil.  And to answer your question, I think that Nualia somehow poisoned him against Sandpoint."

"Tsuto’s always been somewhat bitter about how Sandpoint treated him.  He was the scion of an important noble family, but still cast off and pretty much ignored by anyone who had any interest in political advancement or who might need a favor from Lonjiku Kaijitsu, and that was just about everyone.  It simply didn’t pay to help or even notice the shunned son of one of the most influential men in town.”

Ameiko sighed.  “I can hardly blame him for being angry.  He was not treated well.  But he never had any desire to kill anyone, much less burn the whole town down around their ears.”  She grimaced.  “I can only imagine that this Nualia woman influenced him.  I don’t know how she did it, but she inflamed his bitterness into a murderous rage.”

She scanned back over the book’s pages, pointing to a passage.  “Do you see how he’s looking for information from my father?  I wonder what information that could be.  I’m assuming you already freed him from the goblins upstairs?  Maybe you could ask him about it.  Unfortunately I do not believe we are,” she sighed again, ”on speaking terms.”

Ameiko nodded at Pisca.  “I agree.  We need to get this information to the people who most need to know:  Mayor Deverin, Sheriff Hemlock, and Father Zantus.  Any investigation that might take us away from getting it to them needs to wait.”  She did a double-take as the gnome continued to speak.  “Wait, the Sheriff is out of town?  With some of the guard?  Whatever for?  This seems to be a really inappropriate time for it.”

Ameiko shrugged at Liseth’s question about Nualia’s presumed demise.  “Everyone thought she was dead because she was in the cathedral and everyone in the cathedral died in the fire.  Everyone else, at least.  But I agree, we should go.  I can’t think of anything else we can accomplish by sitting here in my brother’s former room.  Father Zantus will be able to tell us more.”


This message was last edited by the player at 07:46, Wed 22 Jan 2014.
The Raconteur
GM, 538 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Wed 22 Jan 2014
at 08:00
  • msg #279

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


Pisca tottered up off the bed and left the room, turning to her right to explore the passageway further.  As she traveled down the hallway with her gnome-shaped light apparition, she was disappointed to find that it looped back around to the area where the party had been ambushed by Tsuto and his goblins.  There was no sign of any tunnel heading to the beach, or indeed to anywhere else except back up the stairway to the Glassworks proper.

GLASSWORKS UNDERGROUND

   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
2 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
3 |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
4 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
5 |  |  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  |  W  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
6 |  W  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  |  |  W  |  |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
7 |  W  |  |  D  W  |  |  |  |  |  Wdd|ddW  |ssW  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
8 |  W  |  |  W  W  |  |  |  |  |  WddWWW|WWWss|  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+WW+--+WW+WW+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
9 |  |  W  |  D  |  |dd|dd|  |  |  |P WWW|W |  W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+WW+WW+WW+WW+DDWDD+WW+WW+--+--+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
10|  |  W  |  W  |  |  WC |K W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
11|  |  |  |  |  |  |  WL |A W  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
  +--+--+--+--+--+--+--+WW+WW+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+
12|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

W = Wall      dd = rock debris (difficult terrain)
s = Staircase  D = Door
A = Ameiko


Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 342 posts
Former Red Shirt
Wed 22 Jan 2014
at 09:51
  • msg #280

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

After having shared the contents of their find Kelllan stooped and inspected his goblin prisoner once more. How much did this little creature know? Chances are good he may have been to this infamous thistle top camp, perhaps he might be coerced into telling him about their defenses. Did he know of this Nualia?

He ignored Ameiko's allusion to freeing her father for the moment. As much as she deserved to know, he was sure that she would want to go to the body immediately, and that could end in nothing but more sorrow. Instead he decided to try and lift her spirits in some other way. As much as his pride nagged at him for it, he could see that Tsuto had been caught up in the scheming of more nefarious beings. He at least deserved an impartial trial.

"If can't promise anything Ameiko, but if we run across your brother again I will try to take him in alive, for your sake. He is a talented fighter however, so if pressed..." He trailed off "But I will try" he added with a resolute tone.

Hefting the prisoner for what would hopefully be one of the last times Kellan moved around to check what was on the other side of the thin wall. Nudging open the final door in the hallway.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 536 posts
The Gnome!
Wed 22 Jan 2014
at 15:01
  • msg #281

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"Belor went off to Magnimar for extra troops, Ameiko," Pisca had said after hopping down off the cot.  "To help protect the town.  Looks like he'll need more than he's thinking that he'll need."

This had been before she left the room and found, to her supreme disappointment, that there was no tunnel to the beach here.  But there had to be.  There just had to.  What had she done wrong?  What had she done to make the mysterious tunnel to the beach disappear?  In her mind, the gnome carefully reviewed the things she had done between the cot and the door.

She'd turned to Cato and said, "Cato," she'd said, "didn't you say something about Thassilon scholarship?  Don't you think that the name Malneshfekor has something of a Thassilon ring to it?"  That's what she'd said.  It seemed innocent enough.

Then she'd turned to back to Ameiko just at the doorway.  "Desna and Lamashtu is a good story, Ameiko," she'd said, by way of justifying her conclusions.  One of the better ones.  It has gnomes in it.  And you know what they say," Pisca added, just before adding the key element of her proof, "there's always truth in a good story."

"Don't worry, we'll get Tsuto back," she'd said then.  "I'm betting that it's love.  If you read the stories, there's a lot of madness and magic in human love.  It can make people do crazy things.  Like set a horde of goblins on the town you were born in, for example."  That seemed fine too.  Nothing wrong with that.  How could those words possibly cause a tunnel to disappear?  Or ... hide?

A snippet of a song had then come to her.  The door to the dark barrow of the ancient Fey Ancestors had opened for the briefest of splitiest seconds, and the snippet of song had escaped and dropped down onto Pisca.

Aaaaand when love grows,
It grows like a flower or grows like a tumor
Love shows the Gods have a sense of humor ...

Maybe that was it.  Fey magic that disappeared a tunnel.  Or maybe scared it away.  The gnome sighed.  No sense looking now.  That might take longer than she wanted.

"It's gone now," Pisca called back to the others.  "The tunnel to the beach has disappeared.  But it has to be here somewhere.  Tsuto said it was here in the journal.  Maybe we can come back later and search for it.  If for no other reason than to try and seal it up."

The gnome began back up the stairs, climbing half way to the top before realizing where they were going.  They would be so close.  The double doors between that storage room with the trapdoor and the Glassworks room would be open.

"Ameiko," the gnome halted at the top of the stairs, stopping the march up and out, "I think there's something that we've been meaning to tell you.  But it's not a nice thing.  It's not nice, but it's something that you'll have to know eventually.  And probably soon."  Pisca gathered the Tian woman's hands into hers.  With the height of the stairs to equalize them, she didn't even have to look up that far to gaze with sympathy into her eyes.  "I'm sorry, Ameiko," she said.  Then Pisca pulled Ameiko Kaijitsu up the rest of the way to the top of the stairs, through the storage room and into the workroom that had become a chamber of horrors.

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan)

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 277 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Wed 22 Jan 2014
at 18:41
  • msg #282

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato looked up from Tsuto's journal, lost in thought as his mind rambled through names he had learned reading books of planar lore and Thassilonian history.

"Yes, Pisca, I remember reading about a Malneshfekor in ancient Thassilon.  A powerful barghest, and lieutenant of one of the Runelords.  I find it unlikely that he'd be still alive. More likely, someone's just using the name to try and play off the old Maneshfekor's reputation.  A quasit is interesting too, a demon that is often a familiar.  It might mean we're dealing with a wizard or something similar.  Or perhaps a free quasit, trapped on the material plane, who used to be a wizard's familiar.  Who knows how old these tunnels are?  Brodert and I speculate that some of this town might date back to Thassilon times."

Cato shook his head, returning his focus to the room.  "I guess the only way we're going to find out more is to keep exploring.  If there's an immediate threat to Sandpoint right IN Sandpoint, down here in these tunnels, that might be a more pressing concern than the Thistletop goblins.  According to Tsuto's journal, they hadn't yet decided on a plan of attack yet, but this Nualia has allies down here, below the Glassworks that might attack the town."

Cato watched as Pisca walked out of the room and explored the rest of the hallway.  After the others had finished with the journal, the wizard carefully stowed it in his pack. Cato stepped out into the hallway, stopping to inspect the last remaining door with Kellan, bemused as the gnome continued her wandering.

Cato took up his usual position alongside Kellan as they opened the last remaining door.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:57, Wed 22 Jan 2014.
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 515 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 8/18
Wed 22 Jan 2014
at 20:14
  • msg #283

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth agreed immediately with Ms Kaijitsu's assertion that they should leave and find Father Zantus.  In fact, that idea was exactly what she wanted to do.  The acolyte took a deep breath before pushing herself up off of the cot in order to follow everyone out of the room.

There was still one more unexplored place down here with that last door, but Liseth was certain that Cato and Kellan wouldn't have any trouble opening it up just to see what was inside.  She followed Pisca and Ms Kaijitsu towards the stairs; even though the girl had not been able to look the older woman in the face ever since her comment about her father.  Liseth looked hesitantly up the stairs where the room of horror waited above; they might be able to lead Ms Kaijitsu around it and get out of the Glassworks without her having to see what happened.  But that felt almost as bad as lying to her, and she would have to learn the truth eventually.

"Ms Kaijitsu..."  Liseth began, trying to find the words to say, "Um...Ms Kaijitsu, you love your father, right?  And you know that he always loved you too, even though he might have a bad temper?"  She suddenly thought of seeing Lord Kaijitsu the other night, when he had a fight with his daughter.  And how that was now going to be the last interaction that they ever had with each other.  Ms Kaijitsu was a strong woman, but the girl could not imagine her taking the news well.

Pisca seemed intent on showing the innkeeper what had happened first-hand.  But Liseth did not want to go back into that hellish furnace room for anything, and didn't think that Ms Kaijitsu really needed to see it either.  She tried to stop her instead, keep them from going inside to see all of the mutilated bodies; including the body of Lord Kaijitsu, with his expression of pain and horror forever frozen onto his face...

"Wait!  Please don't go inside there!"  Liseth tugged on Ms Kaijitsu's arm opposite where Pisca held her, "Please, you don't want to see what the goblins did in there!"  Liseth bit her lip, but now that she had started she had to finish.  Ms Kaijitsu would want to know why she was acting this way, "The goblins killed everyone...all of the workers that were in there.  And..."  She hesitated again, longer this time, "And...um..."  Liseth's voice shook with anxiety at giving such terrible news, "Lord Kaijitsu..."
The Raconteur
GM, 540 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Wed 22 Jan 2014
at 21:14
  • msg #284

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


As Kellan and Cato opened the door to what seemed like the final room in the Glassworks basement, they realized that the chances of them finding a secret door were very low.

Extremely low.

But only because they found a yawning tunnel in the left wall of the room as they entered.

While this room was clearly not a bedroom or study, it had much the same feel as the one in which Tsuto had been staying.  The empty wooden shelves abutting the walls were musty and moldering, and a utilitarian-looking desk in the far corner of the room was covered in dust.  Behind the desk, a sad-looking chair lay on its side, as if it were attempting to hide its embarrassment from view.

The tunnel itself was large, around eight feet wide by eight feet high.  Kellan strode into the room and allowed the brilliance from his poleaxe to illuminate the first part of the passage; it was buttressed by wooden supports and the dirt on the floor was packed down.

This was no hastily-constructed passageway.  It was not a nasty, dirty, wet tunnel, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy tunnel that had never seen any use.  It was clearly meant for some purpose.  But what that purpose was remained a mystery.


Ameiko Kaijitsu
NPC, 7 posts
Rusty Dragon Proprietor
Daughter of Lonjiku
Wed 22 Jan 2014
at 21:44
  • msg #285

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


“Extra troops.”  Ameiko nodded; that seemed prudent.  “Well, I hope that he gets a legion.  If Sandpoint is truly facing an invasion by over 200 goblins, he is going to need at least a company to have any chance of holding out.  And far more than that if he wants to avoid a terrible loss of life.”  The innkeeper looked as concerned as one might expect.  “We definitely need to get this information to Kendra and Abstalar and, um, well, Alergast, I guess.  He’s in charge in Belor’s absence, right?  Sandpoint needs to start preparing itself.  Now.”

Ameiko followed Pisca out of the room, chatting with her as they walked down the hallway and up the stairs.  “Yes, well, love is certainly a powerful thing.  Although I’m not sure that there is any real love here, at least for poor Tsuto.  I think he is so desperate for love that he’s latched on to this woman, who uses him for her own purposes without any care for him at all.”  Ameiko’s eyes flashed.  “My brother may or may not be beyond redemption, but either way there shall be a reckoning for what she has done to him.  And to all of us.”

Ameiko stopped short when the gnome grabbed her hands and stared telling her about a thing that she had to know.  She looked over at Liseth as the young acolyte began talking, babbling almost, about how much her father had loved her.  As if the girl had any inkling of the complicated relationship between her and Lonjiku.  Ameiko herself didn’t know what she really felt about her father.  Was it love?  Disgust?  Admiration?  Fear?  Probably some combination of all of that and more.

Ameiko couldn’t help but think back to the little girl she had been, climbing up onto her father’s lap as he stroked her hair and sung a traditional lullaby from their homeland as they watched the roaring fire together.  Her mother had been sitting nearby, sewing some garment, smiling at the scene of domestic happiness.  It had been so long ago, but it seemed as if she need only turn around and see that younger man, his wife, and his daughter, as if it were happening right now.

She wished she could go back to that time and undo everything that had happened since.  All the hurtfulness.  All the anger.  All the bitterness.  All the resentment.

Ameiko was jarred from her reverie as Liseth tugged on her shoulder and Pisca dragged her into the Glassworking Room.  She had that feeling in the pit of her stomach that one gets when one is about to face a horrible truth.

And then there it was.

Her father, dead, decorated with molten glass in a horrific fashion.

Ameiko was surprised at how little she felt.  Nothing, really.  Just numb.  She picked her way through the carnage of workers she had known for most of her life to stand before her father, and what he had become.

What the goblins had made him.

She reached out and touched a piece of hardened glass that had melted itself into his body.  It was hard, and sharp, yet brittle.

Much like her father himself.

Ameiko turned to the two women accompanying her.  She smiled; they both looked so concerned.  She should tell them it was going to be all right.  “It’s all right,” she said, the tears brimming in her eyes giving the lie to that statement.  “It’s all right.”  She said again, as if she was trying to convince herself.  She gave what could only be called a brave smile.  “Shall we go see what the boys have gotten up to?”

But it was not all right.  Her father was dead.  Her mother was dead.  And her brother was lost in the grip of an anger inspired by that father, lost and fallen under the sway of a woman who wished only to use him for evil.

Nothing might ever be all right again.


Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 343 posts
Former Red Shirt
Wed 22 Jan 2014
at 22:02
  • msg #286

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan stood silhouetted against the gaping chasm that was the opening to the tunnel, the lift emanating off of his weapon failing to penetrate the depths of the tunnel, and in turn lending an even more ominous glamour over it's recesses. The boys mind was working out the logistics already, why, you could march full grown armored men two or three abreast straight down it with little effort, as such it could easily accommodate the hundreds of goblins that Tsuto had alluded to.

Was this what it must be like for Dwarves? He had heard of the endless wars beneath the earth fought in tunnel and warren with barely enough room to swing a blade. The din of battle would be terrible down here with all the echoes and darkness, no breeze to carry away the charnel scents of the dead and dying, the close stifling miasma of sweat and fear. It would be terrible.

Turning he gave Cato a knowing look as if to say "well, here it is", before crouching and running a hand along the floor, then the wall. He wondered where it came out at. They were in no condition to find out right this moment, but soon, very soon.

"We should probably catch up with the girls, search the bodies, and go report this...I should also probably drop this off at the garrison" he suggested, referring to his bound prisoner. "Unless you have anything else you would like to examine while we are down here"
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 539 posts
The Gnome!
Wed 22 Jan 2014
at 22:27
  • msg #287

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Pisca hugged the Tian Innkeeper, her arms going around the woman's waist.  In defiance of Ameiko's actual calm, Pisca found herself overcome by all the grief and hysteria that she imagined Ameiko to be experiencing.

"I'm sorry.  I'm so sorry," the gnome sniffed.  It was good to cry.  It was good to suffer heart-wrenching loss and mental anguish.  Especially when the causes were not your own and you could simply leave them behind afterwards.

"Alright.  Okay."  Pisca wiped tears from her face.  "I wonder what's keeping them down there anyway.  There's nothing there anymore really."

Wrong.

Again.

"There you are."  The gnome wagged a disapproving finger at the enormous (for a gnome) tunnel.  "Don't you know," she continued, "the first lesson of not being seen is not to stand up."  What Pisca imagined that the tunnel might have ducked behind to avoid having been found by Kellan and Cato was not at all clear.  Though that problem was made irrelevant by the unrealistic expectation of the tunnel hiding itself in the first place.

Pisca walked to the place at which the edge of the room met the beginning of the tunnel.  With hands on hips, she examined line at which room became tunnel.

"Lysa," she asked of the most experienced woodland tracker she had available, "which way do you reckon North is?"

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan)

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 278 posts
Dark Stranger of Darkness
Wed 22 Jan 2014
at 22:33
  • msg #288

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Cato stared in wonder at the tunnel that opened up before Kellan and him.  The conscious part of his mind was shocked at the size of it.  Instead, he fell back on scholarly analysis.  Obviously, this was far newer than ancient Thassilon.  He had never heard of the Runelords using construction like this, and besides, the wooden supports would never have lasted for millennia.  But it wasn't exactly recent, either.  Something this size couldn't have been built without disposing of a massive amount of dirt, and using an equally massive amount of lumber.  Cato supposed you could hide its dispersion over years, slowly sprinkling out little trails of dirt through Sandpoint.  And maybe you could hide the purchases of the timber shorings as fuel meant for the Glassworks fires; but a large number of people would have have to be involved for years.  Cato found it unlikely that the employees of the Glassworks would all be quiet or loyal.  Even one of them getting a little too much ale in front of Ameiko might have spilled the secret.  No, it was probably older.  But for what purpose?

As Cato surveyed the tunnel in front of him, he realized he was actually quite eager to further plumb its mysterious depths, once he and the others had rested up.

The scholar nodded at the young guardsman, looking a little dazed, still considering the tunnel.  "Yes...let's get back to town.  That's an excellent idea.  Inform the garrison.  Excellent idea..."

OOC:
Knowledge Engineering for any information about the tunnel.  Age, construction?
Liseth Thoradin
Human Oracle, 517 posts
Deluge of Positive Energy
HP 8/18
Thu 23 Jan 2014
at 10:41
  • msg #289

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Liseth's heart sank as Ms Kaijitsu made her way into the glassworking room; and despite her own reservations, she followed her inside.  If only to be able to  provide some measure of support.  Though the young blonde was careful to avert her gaze from the scene of the goblins' atrocities and stay focused on Ms Kaijitsu.

"It's okay to cry,"  Liseth tried to be as empathic as she could when the stunned Tian woman turned towards Pisca and herself.  Only to try and tell them that it was alright; there was no way that was really how she felt after everything that had happened.  Liseth advanced with Pisca and attempted to comfort Ms Kaijitsu with an embrace of her own, "No one would think any less of you.  Crying is good; it lets all of the bad emotions out."

Liseth maintained physical contact with Ms Kaijitsu when they made their way back downstairs to see how Cato and Kellan were doing; holding the older woman's hand.  She was surprised to see that they had located the secret tunnel Pisca had been talking about.  Why was it even there?  It certainly didn't look as though goblins dug it out.  but regardless of how it came to be, there was a big passage and goblins were using it to sneak into Sandpoint.

"North?"  At Pisca's question, Liseth looked at the tunnel before staring blankly up at the ceiling for a few moments.  Almost as though she was attempting to draw a map in her head of the tunnel's position under the Glassworks, and how the building itself was situated in the town.  "Actually, I think that the tunnel goes north from here.  But not for very far or it would hit the water.  It probably turns northeast after a little bit, in order to get outside of Sandpoint."  She frowned; Liseth had been doing that a lot lately, "I wonder how far it does go, and where the exit is?  And how long have the goblins known about it?"
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 541 posts
The Gnome!
Thu 23 Jan 2014
at 14:35
  • msg #290

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

"North ...  North ... "  The gnome pondered the significance of the word, both in the context of the tunnels, in its relation to the geography of Sandpoint, straying even into things generally north-ish associated.  Ice.  Cold.  And mammoths.  None of the later three things, however, having to do with anything immediately at hand.

"This is disappointing," muttered the gnome herself, as she took a few tentative steps further into the tunnel, as though ascertaining something from the mere feel of walking into the tunnel.  "It doesn't look as though it goes immediately to the beach."

And then it happened again.  This time it was a light that shone out of a door opened somewhere in the barrow mound of the ancient Fey Ancestors.  Shrouded in mist, and made up of as much dark as it was made of light, this shining inspiration struck Pisca full on, blinding her in its beam.  It pinned her in place, blinking, and momentarily sightless.

"Smuggling tunnels," the gnome said.  "Smugglers.  Secret codes.  I know why he chose the White Deer."  Then, as abruptly as it had come, the light cut out.  Pisca, free to move, began pacing in an excited circle.  "He was found at the base of Junker's Cliff.  Everyone assumed that he'd fallen, or been pushed, been thrown even.  But what if he was there in the first place?  What if that's where he was killed?  What if he had business there?"

"I've got to go.  I know where this lets out.  At least one of the places where this lets out.  I know.  I'm sure I know," said the gnome, pleading with her new (relatively new) human friends.  "This tunnel must have an exit under Junker's Cliff, or somewhere just north of town.  That's the one I want to find.  It may go other places too.  But we don't want to go there just now."

"Lysa, you can help me find it.  Tsuto and his gobbies must have used this tunnel to get out.  There's no way they could have gotten past us up the stairs.  You can follow their tracks in this dirt, can't you?  Please?  Can't you?"

Pisca shuffled further down into the tunnel, from there looking back at the others.  "We won't go far," she added.

"And, I think, Lysa, a better question than how long the goblins have know this tunnel was here, would be how long did Lord Kaijitsu know this tunnel was here?"  And that thought lead onto an entirely new back street, dark and murky, with secrets lurking in every shadow.

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan)

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 345 posts
Former Red Shirt
Thu 23 Jan 2014
at 16:07
  • msg #291

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Kellan seemed surprised to say the least at Pisca beginning her jaunt down he tunnel. He had heard rumors of some other races being able to see in the dark, so perhaps the tunnel did not look quite to foreboding to the dainty gnome, but still.

"Pisca, no offense intended but you look like a stiff breeze could know you over...is there really anything down there that you have to find right away? It could be trapped...or Tsuto could have left some goblins behind to cover his escape. We have Ameiko, should we really press our luck today?"

He shifted the goblin into his other arm. It was like carrying a big smelly child who would bite your face off if awake, and given half a chance.
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 542 posts
The Gnome!
Thu 23 Jan 2014
at 17:56
  • msg #292

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded

Press?  Luck?  Pressed duck ...

The gnome took on a lost and forlorn look that seemed, if anything, to indicate that she was considering possibilities that ran contrary to her present desires.  Were they all horribly injured?  Yes, for the most part, they were.  Did they have what they came for?  Yes, to this question too.  Ameiko was with them, hale and hearty.  Would the tunnel and its secrets still be here in an hour or two?  Tomorrow?  Next week?  The answer to this was less clear.  The tunnel had already managed to hide once.  Could it escape an exhaustive search by a determined gnome now that its presence was known and confirmed?  Pah!  Unlikely.

If they went to Father Zantus he could heal her.  (And maybe fix her lunch.)  Then she could come back.  It was only still around noon-ish.  There was still plenty of time to follow the tunnel out to the cliffs.  The Glassworks would still be open.  To her at least.

"Alright."  Pisca limped back from the tunnel to the room.  "Alright.  Lets go."

But then the gnome turned briefly to the tunnel again.  She pointed a finger into the darkness in its depths and said in a voice deeper than her own, "I'll be back."  Then she turned to take the stairs up to the storage room and the doors in it that lead outside to Sandpoint.

Active Effects: Message 20m (On Cato and Kellan)

HP 1/18
AC15
Archaeologist's Luck 1/7
This message was last edited by the player at 18:14, Thu 23 Jan 2014.
The Raconteur
GM, 547 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Fri 24 Jan 2014
at 13:23
  • msg #293

Re: Chapter #6:  A Dragon Beheaded


The members of the small group looked at each other, then at the tunnel.  It had been a rough morning, and the day wasn’t over.  Now that the excitement and adrenaline of combat, finding Ameiko, and the searching of the Glassworks’ basement had subsided, each of them started to experience a bone-deep weariness that indicated how badly off they really were.  Finding a place to rest and heal up seemed like a VERY wise course of action.

Led by Kellan, who was still lugging the limp body of Thok as if it were a favorite doll without which he was afraid to face the world, the group trudged back up the stairs and away from the mysterious tunnel.  When Kellan reached the top of the stairs, Ameiko, who was far more familiar with the Glassworks than anyone else, nudged him and pointed to the double doors across from where they’d emerged from the Glassworking Room.  Kellan looked at her, nodded, and strode over to the indicated doors, throwing them open to reveal the bustling busyness of midday Sandpoint.

As the group emerged from the Glassworks, they were nearly blinded by the sun’s seemingly-overpowering brightness.  Everyone blinked in what was a harsh glare after the darkness of the building’s interior, some even throwing up a hand to protect their eyes.  At the same time they took a deep, full breath for what seemed like the first time in hours.  The clean, crisp sea air was a most welcome change from the close, stuffy, hot, death-infused confines of the Glassworks.

When their eyes adjusted, they saw a Sandpoint not much different than the one they had left.  Townsfolk went about their daily business, blissfully heedless of the horrors that had happened mere hours previously only yards from where they were walking.  What would the passersby think if they knew that goblins had killed and hewn the bodies of Lonjiku’s glassworkers while they themselves slept comfortably in their beds the previous evening?

Probably nothing good, if the startled looks the passing townsfolk gave Kellan and his unconscious goblin prisoner were any indication.  Not wanting to start a panic, the young guardsman, joined by Cato, waved to the others and headed off, making the short trip down Rat Alley and up Main Street to the Garrison as quickly as he could.  Ameiko gave everyone a hug before she headed back to the Rusty Dragon, almost demanding that everyone stop by for dinner that evening.  As Ameiko departed, Pisca took Liseth’s hand and the two girls started walking across town to the Cathedral.

As the groups started off through the idyllic, sun-drenched streets of Sandpoint, it was almost like the horrific events of the morning hadn’t even happened.

Almost.

Continued in #6a:  A Gathering Storm and #6b:  Father Knows Best 


This message was last edited by the GM at 19:09, Fri 24 Jan 2014.
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