AvB - Marqhu

[Rizban]

The butler answering the door points to a house down the street which has several City Guard members standing around outside.

[planswalker]

Marqhu walks over to them and says, "I am seeking to hire myself out as a mercenary to Viscount Meister. Is he home?"

[Rizban]

The guard looks at him. "He's dead. He was killed just this afternoon. You can talk to his widow later though, as she's offering a bounty on the head of the man who did this. We have a surviving witness in questioning right now. If the widow hires you, then you can talk to him when we're through."

Mwahaha! I know just how much you love murder mysteries.

[planswalker]

in a sudden frenzy, marqhu murders the widow and the whole murder mystery plot is derailed

"Very well. I shall talk to her."

He goes inside and finds the widow. When he finds her, he tells her, "I am Marqhu. I have heard that your husband has just been murdered. I offer my services to avenge him and ask for the chance to try to claim the bounty on the murderer's head."

[Rizban]

She looks him over once through tear filled eyes which seem also to be brimming with barely restrained fury.

"I'm offering a general reward of 2,000 gold to the person who can bring me the murderer's head... preferably on a spike!"

Her voice spews venom with every word.

[planswalker]

"That i can do. Anything you know about the one who did this? Is there a special little bit of extra vengeance i can inflict on him for you, such as mutilated hands or disfigured facial features? If it has a spouse, would you like vengeance to be inflicted upon that as well? I am very sorry for your loss and will try to ease your pain in any way i can."

[Rizban]

"No, no, just the murderer's head is enough for me. Feel free to do whatever else you want, but I don't want to know about it.

A silver platter would be an acceptable alternative to a spike."

[planswalker]

"I will probably go for a spike if that is your preference. May i speak to the witness now?"

[Rizban]

"He's down at the district guard garrison. You'll have to talk with the guards."

She dismisses you, and you are shown out by the house staff.

[planswalker]

He heads over there and tells them that the victim has assigned him to help her on this and has asked that he be allowed to question the witness.

[Rizban]

You arrive at the station. When you ask after the witness, the guard captain on duty says, "Why, yes, we just finished interviewing him but have not yet dismissed him. He's still in the office there if you would like to talk with him. I'll come back and listen in too, in case you uncover anything new that he forgot to mention to us."

The captain escorts you into his office where another officer is finishing up paperwork and the bodyguard in service to Meister is waiting to be dismissed. The bodyguard looks up at you with a look of slight confusion.

[planswalker]

I tell him, "I'm here to seek revenge for the widow of the person you failed to protect."

is he the witness?

[Rizban]

Yes.

"Yeah, what do you want to know?"

[planswalker]

"well, first of all, did you happen to see the person who killed your lord? or were you not even able to do that much of your job?"

[Rizban]

"Yeah, I saw him. Fought him too. He knocked me around until I was nearly dead, but I managed to crawl away and survive the encounter."

He was knocked down to exactly 0hp, and the assassin forgot to finish him off before fleeing.

[planswalker]

"Would you mind describing him to me? How did he fight you?"

a pc assassin then, i take it,

[Rizban]

"Well, he come in looking like this big, blond warrior type. But, then we get called into the room, and he ain't so big anymore. His hair turned near black and his eyes a sickly gray. Then he whips out this here wand, which blinds me. Next thing I know, he has out his sword and is attacking me. I go down but manage to stay conscious. He goes after Meister and Josef follows. I try to drag myself to follow too, but I hear Meister cry out as he's cut down and decide to flee. I hear the assassin tell Josef that he's going to hire him, Josef refuses, but then the assassin says he ain't been a 'model employee' and needs to be punished then cuts him down. I figure I'm next, but the assassin gets too busy looting the place to come looking for me."

The guard captain chimes in. "We believe he may be one of those dopplegangers or have some other form of shapechanging magic. We also believe he was not actually hired to kill Meister. We got an anonymous tip from an informant that a man was trying to find a fence for items matching descriptions given for some of the missing goods."

[planswalker]

"he sounds rather clumsy and brutish for a thief. Maybe he is simply depending on his shape-changing to protect him."

"Any leads on where the items might be fenced?"

please don't drag out the supersleuth part of this too long. I appreciate an rp challenge, but i have no clue what to do from here. If this doesn't give me some sort of lead quickly, them my half-mad illithid-loving psycho will simply look for someone who wants to hire a bodyguard. Ideally, one who gets attacked. he'll have a +20 grapple mod once he gets his mojo on.

[Rizban]

The guard answers you, "Our informant says he set a meeting with a fence he knows out in the Docks for Meeting O'Clock this evening, which is in about an hour. Perhaps if you headed over there. He says they are to meet at Pier 7, but if he knows this fence, he'll insist on going to a secured location rather than meeting out in the open. He wouldn't tell us the address, so we locked him up in Cell 13 right down the hall. Feel free to see if you can beat it out of him. Just don't leave too many marks, or we'll have to lock you up too."

He points down the hall towards the cells and waves to the guard there so he knows you have permission to pass.

[planswalker]

"Very good. May i interrogate him alone? I will be sure to pass every word on to you. Some of my techniques are most effective when there isn't a guardsman looking over my shoulder to reassure the target that he won't let me get away with what I threaten. I won't actually harm him of course. The threat of a blow is often more effective than the blow itself."

assuming the guard says yes, He heads into the cell.

[Rizban]

"Well, yeah, I kind of expected you to question him alone. Just don't leave any scars or other permanent harm, because he's still useful to us."

[planswalker]

Marqhu enters the cell and inspects the detainee without saying a word.

[Rizban]

He sits there and pretends to ignore you.

[planswalker]

"Listen up, human. I need your help to track down a murderer. will you cooperate or do i need to extract it from you head?"

[Rizban]

"I've said all I'm going to say. I'm still useful, so they aren't going to leave me locked up too long."

[planswalker]

"It won't take me too long. They need this info, even if i have to eat your brain to do it." He removes the half-mask from his face to reveal four long tentacles. they writhe out towards him. "Tell me what i want or i will eat it out of your brain. If you will not tell me what i need to know, you aren't useful right now, are you?"

[Rizban]

The man wets himself.

"Corm.. Corm... Cormor... Cormorant Street! Yellow building, two stories, the only one." He seems much too terrified to speak anything more and will likely pass out if pushed.

[planswalker]

"Thank you. You have been most kind and helpful in me easing the aching heart of a grieving widow."

he places the mask back on his face. and departs.

Outside the cell, he tells the guard in charge what the man said, " 'Cormorant Street. Yellow building, two stories, the only one.' He told me that when i pressed him for where this fence would take place. He was under the impression that he had the guardss special protection and that he was above the law because of it. I am not sure that you meant to give him that impression. Either way, I am off to help the widow."

[Rizban]

The captain nods.

"Well, seeing as you'd be getting paid for this and we're not... good luck."

He watches you leave.

[planswalker]

I head over to cormorant street. I seek out the yellow building and walk over to the building just across the street.

[Rizban]

Just after you arrive at the building across the street, you see a human of average build, slightly taller than average with sandy brown hair, beady brown eyes, and a nose broken a few too many times to set right whose clothes are perfectly tailored and made of exotic fabrics being led by a boy of about 9 with black hair and green eyes and simple peasant clothes which are in good repair and only slightly dirty. You notice they are walking down the street quite purposefully towards the yellow building.

Seriously, the timing just happened to work out that way. It wasn't arbitrary at all.

[planswalker]

I wait beside the other building to see where they enter.

[Rizban]

The kid walks up to the front door, knocks twice, waits 5 seconds, knocks twice again, then immediately opens the door and enters. The man follows him inside.

[planswalker]

Figuring subtlelty is for the sane, he walks over to the building and enters through the same door they do.

[Rizban]

Do you do the same knocking routine or not?

[planswalker]

yes i do. meant to include that.

[Rizban]

When you walk through the door, you see a well kept but old house. You are standing in an entry hall. An door to the right opens to a simple seating area, while a door to the left opens to what appears to be a small dining area. There is another door on the right further down the hall and a door at the very end of the hall. You can see no doors in either of the two side rooms.

[planswalker]

i poke my head into the dining area.

i think instead i will just walk through the far room, unless i see one of the two i was following in the side rooms.

[Rizban]

{table=head]|A|B|C
1|W|D|W
2|W||W
3|W||D
4|W||W
5|D||D
6|W|M|W
7||D|
[/table]
D = Door
W = Wall
M = You
A5 = dining room door
C5 = sitting room door
C3 = other door (closed)
B1 = other other door (closed)

[planswalker]

I open the door in B1

[Rizban]

Stairwell going both up and down. It seems dark in both directions.

We're going to have to stop here for a bit, because the other player you're stalking has only gotten this far, so unless you want to attack him here on the stairwell, you'll have to wait until I can advance him a bit.

[planswalker]

well, actually marqhu has made the assumption in his head that the child must be the shapeshifter and was going to attack on sight.

[Rizban]

Correction: When you open the door, you see the kid about to lead the well dressed man down the stairs.

[planswalker]

how far away are they?

[Rizban]

They are just on the other side of the door. There's a 5ft gap between you and the man, and the kid is 5ft beyond him. I'll get a battle map up shortly, so roll for initiative. No one gets a surprise round.

Map:
http://www.mornproductions.com/images/AvB/KvM.png

[planswalker]

[roll0] initiative

[Rizban]

You manage to react first.

Initiative Order:
Dark Guy - 13 (higher modifier)
Thug Guy - 13
Kid Guy - 13 (negative modifier)

((Yes, that just happened.))

[planswalker]

I take use expansion to go up 1 size category to large(standard action), then cast grip of iron modified to 5pp to gain +8 to my grapple (immediate action, used on my turn for my swift action). I remove the mask from the lower half of my face to reveal the tentacle which writhe out menacingly (move action) i then take a 5' step back into the hall (free action). "Do not move, shape-shifter! I have come to seek vengeance on behalf of the widow whose husband you killed so you can steal his jewels!" (fee action)

i have 15' reach and will take the AoO against the child should he provoke one.

ac is now 23, touch is 10, and flat-footed is 22. tentacle (my attack of choice) each have an attack bonus of +7 and deal 1d6+6 as well as acitvating the improved grab that illithid grapple gives me on each of them. grapple modifier is currently +22. I have 36 hp. In addition, if i deal grapple damage, i also deal 1d8 points of lethal piercing damage as well, from the armor spikes.

would it be possible for me to take a -20 to my grapple to do so with just 1 tentacle and not be treated like i am being grappled? as per the rules entry on several grapple-centric big monster where they state it like it is a rules option and not a special ability, but i cannot recall if it has been explicitly stated as such.

[Rizban]

would it be possible for me to take a -20 to my grapple to do so with just 1 tentacle and not be treated like i am being grappled? as per the rules entry on several grapple-centric big monster where they state it like it is a rules option and not a special ability, but i cannot recall if it has been explicitly stated as such.

It's explicitly stated as a rule in several places, just not in the PHB. It's available to anyone who want to use it.

Waiting for other player to respond.

[Rizban]

Note that you're in a 5ft wide hallway, so you're squeezing, giving you a -4 to attack rolls and AC.

[planswalker]

crud. thought the hallways were 10'. may i change that to animal affinity (strength) for my standard action and move 5' forward to into the room instead of 5' back out? i misunderstood the hallway dimensions.

if so, then that changes the relevant stats in the following ways: ac is 25, touch is 12, ff is 24. grapple is +19, attacks are at +9 and deal 1d4+7. that'd be 10' reach then.

[Rizban]

Just go with the expansion. You'll be fine if you move into the area with the stairwells. I've already posted the action in his thread...

[planswalker]

ah well. the animal affinity will cone next turn then. as well as the pc getting grappled right here an now if he chooses to approach or leave. now all my luck would be great if he is a melee with a significantly lower grapple.

[Rizban]

Honestly, I don't remember what his character is or can do at the moment. I'd have to pull up his sheet. I guess we'll just both be surprised, huh?

[planswalker]

yep. i hope you are giving him sufficiently menacing descriptions of my actions. I mean for this guy to seem like a monster more than a pc. one with no level adjustment or racial hit dice.next level he'll learn to eat brains and might just decide to go sylar on everyone he can. he might wait up on that though.

[Rizban]

His cover blown, the thug reverts to his normal form; a pale, thin elf with silver hair and lavender eyes.

"I am guilty of only one part of the crime of which you speak. I killed the man in cold blood, but I took his jewels as retribution for his slight against me. I would happily return them to avoid such harsh words."

He tosses the bag of loot at your feet.

[Rizban]

The kid is too scared to move and cowers by the stairs.

It's you turn.

[planswalker]

"Oh, it's you, not the boy? well then. The widow doesn't want the money, she wants your head on a spike or a silver platter. She didn't specify which. The money isn't the issue here, it's the death. You die now."

I manifest animal affinity for +4 strength then readies a move action to follow the guy if he tries to run and my AoO doesn't start a grapple. he should be 15' away and i have 15' reach.

attack is at +5 and damage is now 1d6+8 (including the attack penalty for squeezing)

grapple is now a +24. should be real nasty if i can start one, dealing grapple damage +1d8, and pinning the guy to wail on him with my tentacles.

[Rizban]

"Look, I wasn't joking. If you're that set on killing me, go ahead and try. If I might be able to change your mind, however... You have to admit that a creature of my talents could be a useful ally. I can be anyone, go anywhere... How did you find me, anyway?"

The kid tries to run down the stairs, provoking an AoO.

[planswalker]

since he now realizes that the kid isn't the mark, he ignores him.

marqhu isn't great at diplomacy, but his cunning mind has developed a plan.

"Someone you talked with was easy to scare into talking. You could indeed be useful. What are your capabilities, anyways? Can you assume non-humanoid forms?"

I walk over to him, ending up on his left.

not dropping out of combat, not even finishing my turn, just trying to keep him from taking his AoO as i get into position.

i mean to give him a chance to respond as i walk over next to him. Once i get there, i will attack with a tentacle, cutting him off mid-word if i can.

regardless of whether or not he falls for it, i will move and then attack with a tentacle, for [roll0] and damage of [roll1] starting a grapple if i hit for [roll2]

edit: oh come on. a 13?

[Rizban]

The thug reaches around his cloak. "Now that wasn't very nice." He pulls out his longsword and shouts "Kluchuduun rechan!" A surge of rainbow light emanates from the tip of the weapon.

color spray... I think. He didn't specify, but that's what it looked like he was doing... and he hasn't clarified when I asked.

So... Will save.

[planswalker]

shouldn't that be an AoO then?

[roll0] the save

[Rizban]

No AoO, sorry. I think, let me double check...

You actually failed the Will save and are stunned 1 round...

I don't know. I really need a clarification from him on what he was doing and how. It was a bit confusing, and I'm not sure I know exactly what he did. He also logged off, so... sorry.

[planswalker]

i guess i'll have to wait to finish this up then.

a two on that roll really was horrid. whatever the crap that was, i'm sure it will hurt.

I just need 1 decent attack. That'll really close this up. if he has full bab and 21 str, that will still only be a +11 mod. on a 7 or higher for me he is helpless, and he would have to roll at least a 16 if i get a 1.

[Rizban]

He said there was no AoO due to one thing, but according to what I'm reading, it still provokes one. I'm trying to settle it with him, but he's slow to respond. *shrug* It'll play out eventually though.

On a separate note, I have a player who is interested in joining up with team AjahUvag.

[planswalker]

sure thing. I don't mind, so long as he doesn't cramp our style.

what effect did he place on me anyways?

[Rizban]

Okay, it was definitely a color spray, so a failed save makes you stunned for one round.

However, you do get an AoO. If he manages to still cast the spell, you will be stunned and unable to act on your round after this AoO.

[planswalker]

attack: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]
roll to start the grapple: [roll2]

unless his ac is so high that i might as well just forfeit, my tentacle reaches out and squeezes him hard in the waist, and attempts to wrestle him to the ground. (starting grapple)

[Rizban]

The spell fizzles out as you hit him, and he loses the grapple check, only because he has a lower modifier.

That makes it your turn.

[planswalker]

winning that grapple check deals [roll0] nonlethal damage and [roll1] lethal damage from my spikes.

I enter his space and use the "damage your opponent" option try to harm him with an opposed grapple check.

all four of my tentacles latch on to his body and try to sqeeze him to submission against my armor. the spikes on my armor pierce his skin, tearing into his flesh

if [roll2] overcomes his roll, he takes [roll3] nonlethal and [roll4] lethal.

whether this is successful or not, he then gets the grapple options found on page 156 of the phb for his turn.

[Rizban]

You're crushing him helplessly against your armor. He can't escape the current grapple. Still have to wait for his turn though.

[Rizban]

I'm not sure about the other player's style, but he seems to want to be a team player. He's the one who beat Jallorn in PvP and is currently trying to find information on The Jacks' leader to bring him down.

[planswalker]

well, my guy is wacko but consistent. he saw a bereaved widow who asked him for revenge by bringing back the killers head either on a spike or a silver platter. Marqhu is planning on buying both and putting the spike through the silver platter and the head. He thinks that she can have it both ways, just to be sure that the one she likes better happens. to him, he is doing a noble thing by helping the widow find peace. The money she is offering seals things for him. A chance to do a good deed and get money? he can't pass this up. Him having confessed to killing the man in cold blood and taking the jewels just because keeps him from feeling a tiny bit of remorse for this. he is going this with the best of intentions, though his means of "help" are hardly good. I just don't see how he could spare this guy's life without betraying his (admittedly warped) code of chivalry.

[planswalker]

I'm not sure about the other player's style, but he seems to want to be a team player. He's the one who beat Jallorn in PvP and is currently trying to find information on The Jacks' leader to bring him down.

sounds like a tragedy that he had be the one to kill my employer's husband then. marqhu was asked to bring in a head, and the head of the killer is exactly what he will bring in. he takes most things way too literally.

[Rizban]

I was talking about the assassin that wants to join team AjahUvag, not Lyndworm's guy.

[planswalker]

oh... well then, take down the jacks sounds like as good a mission as any for my guy

[Rizban]

I don't know how involved you'll get in that though.

Also, sorry to send your guard off on an assassin mission. I really didn't expect you to take the job.

[planswalker]

well, this guy is a wild card. he has a certain view of the world that is 15-23 degrees off from standard. his motivations are rather convoluted. he is fine with either assassin or bodyguard work, but more bodyguard work is likely to appeal to his mentality. In fact, if lyndworm hadn't confessed to killing him in cold blood, he could have been persuaded to let him go. he's just managed to say exactly the wrong thing every time.

[Rizban]

It's okay, because Lyndworm is already psyched about his next character. I went ahead and approved my homebrewed kreen stuff, and he absolutely loves it. It's actually not very easy to break the game with that stuff. Believe me, I've tried. :smallbiggrin:

[planswalker]

i look forward to ganking him as well :smalltongue:

[Rizban]

That is a fight I would love to see.

[planswalker]

lovecraftian wannabe versus bug-man? sounds fun.

[Rizban]

"Traitor..."

The thug falls silent as he dies.

[planswalker]

i use my tentacles to rip off his head, loot his corpse, then pick up the stolen goods.

mind if i read through his version of these events now?

[Rizban]

Wand of Burning Hands, 38 charges
Wand of Color Spray, 37 charges
Wand of Lesser Vigor, 39 charges
Wand of Shocking Grasp, 40 charges
Candles, 10
Flint & Steel
Ink, 10 Vials
Inkpens, 5
Oil, 15 pints
Sealing Wax
Smokestick, 5
Hat of Disguise
Dark Reaver Powder, 4 Vials

3gp 3sp

Miscellaneous Loot (120gp) (items stolen from the dead lord)
Battle Axe, mw (taken from the dead noble's bodyguard)

You can read it if you want.

[planswalker]

read through it. I love your description of my character. you got all the details. I especially love how you did the dramatic unveiling of the tentacles. exacly how i envisioned it.

edit: i take all the loot (including the head), spend 10 gp on a silver platter, another 1 gp on an iron spike, punch the spike through the head and the platter, then return to the widow with her trophy.

how much xp? the standard 1800 for a lvl 6 taking on a cr 6?

[planswalker]

I return to the widow's house and present her the head on a silver platter with a spike in it. "Here is the head of the one who killed your husband. He confessed to the crime himself." he presents it to her bowed on one knee. "Does this ease your pain?"

note: marqhu places his mask back to cover his face after the fight. can I just assume that he does so? just like most fighters assume that they clean the blood off their swords so they don't rust in their scabbards even though they don't explicitly say so?

[Rizban]

She laughs maniacally and orders the servants to mount it above the front entrance. She seems slightly less sane than the last time you met her as she mutters to herself incessantly and slowly rocks back and forth in her chair. After a moment, she remembers you're still in the room.

"Oh, right, right... money... Heh... Snrk!"

She walks over to the desk, rips a drawer out of place, carries it back, and dumps its contents on the ground in front of you. In addition to a large number of coins, several pens, a few sheets of paper, and two glass ink jars fall out. The ink jars obviously shatter and send ink everywhere. You react fast enough to not get any on your clothes. The widow returns to her chair and stares into the corner while muttering gibberish to herself.

[planswalker]

how much money did i just get?

Marqhu scoops up the cash and gems.

"May i be of further assistance to you? Can I help you in some other way to comfort you in the loss of your husband?"

[Rizban]

Let's find out:
[roll0]gp

You also gain 1800 XP for hugging the guy to death.

"Blood... more blood. Yes. Blood to feed... them..."

She twists her head around to look at you, a glazed look in her eyes indicates that her mind has been thoroughly shattered.

[planswalker]

"How much blood do you need? And who should i feed this blood to?" he asks, as if this is an everyday conversation.

beware the danger of letting this nutjob talk to a crazy woman.

[Rizban]

Metagame knowledge: I'm trying to make you start a psychotic cult type thing and get other players to come up against you.

She points to a 5 gallon metal milk can (http://www.ziggytc.com/MilkCanToss.jpg) then goes back to staring at the wall.

[planswalker]

"I shall go at once and see to it that it is brimming full."

ooh. sounds fun.

btw, i am totally going to use that hat of disguise. i almost bought one myself.

Marqhu dons the hat he just got and changes his appearance. He now seems to be 6' tall and wearing a black hooded robe. Underneath the hood is the face of some sort of alien demon, complete with tiny horns and bloodred orbs for eyes without eyelids, pupils, or irises. His tentacles are disguised as four short horns jutting out of his chin. his skin is pale pink. he keeps the hood on and concealing the face beneath from closer inspection.
He walks over to the docks and tries to find as many homeless people as he can and bring them back to the lady's house, preferably keeping them in the basement. He promises them that they will be fed two good meals a day and be given power and wealth greater than their current station if they will swear to serve him and follow him unfailingly.
he will provide a good meal for 5sp to each and every one of them when they join. he will continue to provide two meals a day for as long as they survive.
Once they have eaten, he tells them that his mistress who rules his domain asks them to give blood to the sacred urn so that she can continue to feed them. If the mistress is pleased with the amount of blood given, she will look on him with favor and he will reward them according to their giving. One day the mistress will have been given all the blood it takes and they will transcend to the next level. Once there, the problems and weaknesses that they had in this world will seem dim and far away.
Once he has a following, he will fellowship with them every day in their feasting and befriend them, telling them that they are building a family here. He will try to bring in as many homeless women as men, and encourages street urchins to come with him for food and a safe place to stay. he is genuinely trying to better their lives and thinks that this is the best way to do so. He thinks that a demon is a nice and friendly face compared to his. he will continue to gather more followers every morning until he fills the 5 gallon milk can. He himself will also give, though only a small amount. He feels it important for him to keep up his strength. He asks that everyone who will come and live with him pool all they have into a common pot, so that they will all be blessed equally. He himself will deposit 100 gold himself into the pot, along with his 3 silver.

in the evening, he will bleed himself for enough to deal 1 con damage right before he takes his 8 hours of rest and heals 1 point of ability damage. How devoted his followers are determines how much con damage for blood they are willing to give, which i will let you determine. how long does it take to fill the milk can?

any resemblance to a demon-worshiping cult for his homeless project is completely coincidental.

[Rizban]

Most people run screaming, but you do find 5 people who join you: a blind cripple, an elderly, retired prostitute, Tim, also known as The Tim, a mute child of about 10, and an awakened dog who rolled all 1s on his Int increase.

[planswalker]

how long does it take to get 5 gallons of blood this way?

I encorage them to give in the rituals of blood. I ask the dog to go out and find other dogs to bring into the fold.

The next morning, I ask The Tim over breakfast, "Why do most people run screaming from me?"

[Rizban]

8 pints in in a gallon. 8-10 pints in an adult human body.
An average adult human can donate a pint about every 2 weeks without suffering tissue death.

"Well, The Dude Man, it's the horns. They give, like, the totally wrong impression. They just see them and think 'Whoa! It would be like really crazy painful to kiss that dude, yo.'"

The dog brings home two chihuahuas.

[planswalker]

the horrid rat things are also forced to donate. they are given the scraps from everyone else's food.

"The horns? Well then, would tentacles be more friendly or less? Or should I go with a beard? I can disguise the horns if they are the problem."
edit: i calculate then that it'll take 94 days or so if i don't get more followers.

[Rizban]

The horrid rat dogs die the first time they are bled, but congrats, you got a full pint out of them.

Yep, that's quite awhile...

"Wow! Yeah, a soul patch would totally work, man. Maybe you should do something about that sunburn too, ya dig?"

[planswalker]

"Ah. Is this better?"

he now has a pale but definitely human complexion and the four tentacles are disguised as a soul patch.the eyes are still lidless red orbs.

total blood so far: 1 and 6/14 of a pint. only 38 and 8/14 more to go! i'm bleeding each person for 1/14 of a pint a day.

[Rizban]

Your numbers look good to me.

The prostitute looks at you and says, "Yeah, you're much cuter now, honey."

The Tim: "Score! You got that down pat, The Boss Man. Oh, but you might want to wear these."

The Tim takes the blind cripple Stefan's dark tinted glasses and puts them on you. They are sleek and perfectly in style.

The Tim: "That's perfect, now you're set for a night out."

Nonobaddog pants happily, and the mute kid stares at you while Stefan has not yet realized his glasses are gone.

Yes, I named the dog.

[planswalker]

"It looks like i am. Why don't we let our friend here keep his glasses and I just copy the design." I imitate the glasses in detail, then return them to the blind guy. I have business about town today. I will bring more good food when I get back. Please encourage others to join."

With that, I head out to find a merchant.

[planswalker]

He sells the masterwork battleaxe and the dark reaver powder for 755 gold (half market price)

After finishing mis shopping trip, Marqhu seeks out other desperate souls who could use his help in exchange for a little blood. Selling it to them like he did before, not even mentioning the blood until they have had breakfast and can witness the others who are doing it.

as he is about to head back, he decides that the darkest alleyway in the seediest part of the docks might be a good place to look for someone desperate. He rather boldly walks back there, uncaring that there is a good chance that thugs would try to prey upon him.

[Rizban]

He manages to convince one more poor soul, an adventurer whose dungeon crawling days ended when he became paraplegic and unable to afford magical healing. His name is Sir Ricfalcon Falconsflight the Unflinching in Darkness. He insists on being called by his full name and title and generally ignores the pronoun "you."

Upon entering the darkest alleyway in the seediest part of the docks, you are immediately set upon... by numerous... social workers! They all begin to jostle for position, offering you blankets, food, and a warm place to stay. A few minor fist fights break out as they try to determine who gets to be your beneficiary. A few notice that your clothes are not rags, and the hang back muttering to themselves about "even more competition."

[planswalker]

come on! when Punchinello wandered the streets hoping to get mugged, I let him get attacked. when i ask for the same favor, you throw a corny and anachronistic gag at me? The least you could have done was a gag that wasn't anachronistic.

"Foul Beaurocrats! You all must die!" he says as he drops his disguise. he hadn't bothered with the mask now that he has a magic hat.

he unleashes a full attack, each tentacle targeting a different bureaucrat. he also kicks one with his spiked knee. all with an inhuman 10' reach.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]

[roll4]
[roll5]

[roll6]
[roll7]

[roll8] the armor spikes attack.
[roll9]

should any of them hit, he will activate grip of iron as an immediate action to give him a +17 for grapple. he will then try and establish a grapple with every bureaucrat that he hits. If he ends up succeeding against more than one, all of the others will be grappled at a -20 penalty in order for him to be treated as not grappled.

[Rizban]

I figured an inane encounter for an insane character was appropriate.

I also thought that giving you a large number of easily slain mooks from whom you could potentially collect blood might be helpful...

He hits with his 1st, 3rd, and 4th tentacles and his spiked knee. The charity people are completely shocked by this turn of events and fail to act.

[planswalker]

eh true. It's more that you used the anachronism of social workers, who, while they existed in this time period in a fashion, were not called that. I don't mind the lunacy. After all, this guy is Mr Tentacles and is collecting a blood bank because he thinks it will ease a grieving widow's heart.

i start a grapple with the first tentacle victim and take -20 on my grapples with the others to do so with just a single tentacle. Those i still have in my grasp then are squeezed and raked against my armor spikes

[roll0]
damage if successful grapple: [roll1] nonlethal and [roll2] lethal

[roll3]
damage if successful grapple: [roll4] nonlethal and [roll5] lethal

[roll6]
damage if successful grapple: [roll7] nonlethal and [roll8] lethal

then on my turn I will manifest expansion to go up a size category. concentration: [roll9] to manifest while grappling (dc:20). This will increase my grapple by 5.

No grapple checks are required, but they will have to make them if they want to escape.

[planswalker]

that first grapple check should have a +17 modifier, not -3. copy paste error. add 20 to that first roll, so that it conforms with what i said i would do in the post. If you'd rather I reroll, it'll be [roll0]

[Rizban]

The second social worker manages to escape, but the other two are crushed into unconsciousness against your armor spikes.

[planswalker]

once they fall unconscious, he drops them.

If there are four more social workers in his now 15' reach, he attempts to nab another four of them. and kicks at the one who escaped his grasp. If he left his threatened area, this is the AoO.

[roll0]
[roll1] damage if it hits, [roll2] to establish the grapple. [roll3] nonlethal and [roll4] lethal if successful grapple

[roll5]
[roll6] damage if it hits, [roll7] (taking a -20 hit to use just a tentacle) to establish the grapple. [roll8] nonlethal and [roll9] lethal if successful grapple

[roll10]
[roll11] damage if it hits, [roll12] (taking a -20 hit to use just a tentacle) to establish the grapple. [roll13] nonlethal and [roll14] lethal if successful grapple

[roll15]
[roll16] damage if it hits, [roll17] (taking a -20 hit to use just a tentacle) to establish the grapple. [roll18] nonlethal and [roll19] lethal if successful grapple



[roll20] (-5 if it's not an AoO but a secondary attack due to the one who escaped not fleeing)

if they fled, he manifests psionic lion's charge and charges after them and then does his above mojo with +2 to the attack roll.

[planswalker]

[roll0] damage if that last attack hits

[Rizban]

One of your tentacles crits, killing that worker outright.

Two of them manage to grab onto and hold another two.

The fourth tentacles misses.

Your kick connects, but you didn't roll damage.

Note that I'm godmodding your PC in another thread at the moment, because I have a player who wants to join your cult. She wants to help you gather blood...

[Rizban]

*nudge* filler

[planswalker]

he attempts to damage the last two in a grapple.

[roll0]
[roll1] nonlethal and [roll]1d8[roll] lethal

[roll2]
[roll3] nonlethal and [roll]1d8[roll] lethal

satisfied with the number of bureaucrats he has taken care of, strangles all the unconscious one (coup do grace), resumes his disguise, brings them back to the lair, and drains them all of their blood into the jar.

we can fast forward to the point where you are godmodding me now.

[planswalker]

[roll0]
[roll1]

lethal damages

[planswalker]

[roll0]

[roll1]

try again.

[Rizban]

You obtain
[roll0] + [roll1] + [roll2] + [roll3] + [roll4]
pints of blood from the bodies.


A man approaches you as you are leaving your alley, his dark black and blue clothing hides his body, and a hood covers most of his head. What you can see of his face is so pale as to be almost white and has a soul patch on his bottom lip. He wears dark glasses which hide his eyes, though you are occasionally able to glimpse them, noticing they are glassy red orbs with no pupil.

"Hey, I see you're out on the streets. I know a nice place you can come live that's warm and dry and has good food. We don't ask too much of you in return either."

[hr]She considers for a moment. She has spent some work on this hovel, and, though it is still just a musty alleyway, it's as much home as she has in this city, as much home as anyone could have. She is reluctant to leave it, but this strange man intrigues her. She shakes her head, and replies.

"Such comforts you may have, but I like my home, bleak as it is. Still..." She pauses, "I do wonder what sort of man offers such comforts to a stranger, unless you are thinking of taking advantage of a poor woman in need. You don't strike me as the sort, though. I am no fool. What do you offer, and what do you request?"

[hr]"My patron's husband was recently slaughtered in cold blood. I avenged that death, and now she wants to use her finances to help the less fortunate. Of course, we ask that those who are slightly more fortunate amongst the less fortunate to contribute what they can to help out."

[hr]She shakes her head.

"I do not care much for charity. I have my talents, and they serve me well enough. If you require some assistance avenging any other deaths, then maybe I can help you. My talents do not lie in the preserving of lives."

[hr]"Well, we're collecting blood...
See, we're establishing a blood bank, so we don't want blood taking from the unwilling."

[hr]"I apologize. Your pursuit is... noble. To be sure. However... I find myself with a vast dislike for noble pursuits. By your appearance, I had hoped you might have a more sinister motive. Something by which I could get some small revenge on this accursed city. Perhaps something profitable. If I want to do a good deed, I'll join a clergy."

She sighs and leans against the wall.

"For a city that devastated my life those years ago, I'm finding this place is too full of morality for my taste."

[hr]He looks around quickly.

"Well, maybe the mistress wouldn't mind too much is the blood wasn't taken... willingly. Just don't tell her, and you're hired."

[hr]She shook her head in disappointment. This had looked promising, but charity work was most definitely NOT what she wanted. Even killing people lost its appeal when it was for a charity like this. Still... there was a chance, just a chance, that the charity was just a facade. She'd have to determine that for sure before making her decision.

"I'd like to meet this mistress before making my decision, if it's all the same to you. Or at the very least someone who knows more than you do."

Your turn to speak. I hope that was acceptable for your character. I figured he was trying to pass as sane and came across as just a little bit off and clumsy.

[planswalker]

ooh. that was perfect. exactly what I was hoping it would be.

"I can take you to meet her If you wish. I must confess that I don't know why exactly she wants five gallons of blood in a milk can, but she does."

[planswalker]

btw, that gives me a total of 45 and 12/14 pints of blood. I will deliver the blood to the mistress when I show this lady to her. I will use my cutists to do other errands for me, if whatever my mistress asks of me next could be helped by them.

[Rizban]

She nods. "Take me to her, then."

[planswalker]

Marqhu leads her there, and brings along the blood pail, which is now overflowing with blood.

when they arrive, he tells the mistress, "I have brought back the blood you have asked for. What is next, great mistress?"


do i get xp for the bureaucrats and/or completing my blood collection quest?

[Rizban]

Let's see.
You killed 5 CR 1/4 guys, that gives you... 375xp.

Filling the bucket of blood nets you an additional 1625xp.

You earn a total of 2000xp.

I'll give you an update later. I need to go double check on your computer to make sure the fix sticks.

[planswalker]

no problem. i'm just loving this character, btw. he is definitely different from everyone else i've ever made. and of course, i just had to get a hat of disguise off of my first pc kill, the one thing i really wanted but didn't have yet.

[Rizban]

She follows you back and enters your patron's room with you. You set down the milk can and take a step back, watching your patron watch the wall from a wooden chair. You don't speak, waiting for the woman you led here to speak first.

[planswalker]

Apparently, I am waiting for the other person to speak first.

[Rizban]

I have a fun idea to mess with her a bit if I make her speak first...

[planswalker]

okay. hope it'll be funny enough to be worth the wait. Marqhu is close enough to a level up and brain-eating that i'm kinda tempted to attack her full-out. not being a total jerk and a 500 xp gap is keeping me curbed

[Rizban]

A level 6 character is worth 1800xp to another level 6 character, but I really like this character and player, so please don't... at least not yet.

[planswalker]

i'm not actually all that tempted. besides which, i'm not sure if i can win.

[Rizban]

Against this one... I'm honestly not sure. It'd certainly be a tough one, significantly harder than the last.

[planswalker]

with full buffs on, all i gotta do is hit once, though, and it's hard to escape. the trick is getting that much time.

[Rizban]

Can you respond to my multitudinous rolls?

[planswalker]

as soon as i figure out more about weredawn

[Rizban]

The woman stands slightly behind the milk jug, and off to the side a ways. She nods to the widow on the chair.

"So, you're the person in charge of this... charity." She laces that last word with obvious distaste, "I can't help but wonder why you need so much blood. Surely a bloodbank does not see so many fatally wounded as would need so much surgery."

Widow Meister bends her head back over the chair until it is completely upside down and just grins at the woman. You notice blood stains on her teeth. Finally she stands, turns, and straightens.

"Don't you look... tasty. Bank? What bank? I shall have my vengeance on all who oppose me!"

She points to the top of the main entry's door frame and grins. Mounted atop the door on a spike attached to a silver platter is the head of the man who killed her husband.

"All will pay for what happened to me." She cackles madly, and the new woman realizes her mind is thoroughly broken.

[planswalker]

"Here is the blood you asked for, mistress. Does it make you feel better?" He asks in a tone of genuine sincerity. He drops his disguise and kneels on one knee. "How next may I comfort you in your loss?"

[Rizban]

A brief, quiet conversation between the two woman occurs just before you drop your disguise, and the 'homeless' person leaves on a 'quest' of her own.

The widow turns and looks at you for a moment, then says, "There is a group of people planning to kill me tonight, or so I have heard. Stay and protect me."

[planswalker]

"Of ourse, mistress."

Marqhu resumes his disguise, goes and feeds his cult for tonight, then patienly stands near to his mistress, keeping an eye out for trouble.

1d20+2 spot
1d20+2 listen

[Rizban]

Rolling it for you. :smallwink:
"Of ourse, mistress."

Marqhu resumes his disguise, goes and feeds his cult for tonight, then patienly stands near to his mistress, keeping an eye out for trouble.

[roll0] spot
[roll1] listen

[Rizban]

Shortly after 2am, three small rat creatures burst into the room, chittering loudly in their ratty language. You hear a bestial rat-like roar from in the hallway.

NPCS:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

Marqhu:
[roll4]


Initiative:
Rat 1 - 15
Mysterious Roar - 15
Rat 3 - 14
Marqhu - 13
Rat 2 - 5

[Rizban]

You turn to face the door as the rats kick it open.

Rat 1 maneuvers around you to your right and stabs at you with his short sword.

Shortsword
[roll0]
[roll1]+[roll2]


You hear more rat noises from out in the hall.

Rat 3 circles around to your left, taking up a flanking position and stabbing at you as well.

Shortsword
[roll3]
[roll4]+[roll5]


Both miss. Badly.

Marqhu's turn.

[planswalker]

did he provoke an AoO from my 10' reach? if not, i'd like to know why.

[roll0] AoO
[roll1] damage - will not grapple

Marqhu will take a move action to walk 10feet away, counting on his armor, shield, skin, and agility to protect him. he will then manifest expansion. should anyone provoke an AoO this roud, he will manifest grip of iron for 5 pp to gain +8 to grapple.

grapple mod is now a 22. he has 15' reach, 24 ac, +7 attack, 1d6+6 for damage with a tentacle. successful grapple deals 1d4+5 nonlethal 1d8 lethal.

[Rizban]

Both make AoOs against you, which are deflected by your armor.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]

Map:

[Rizban]

Rat 2 attacks you and misses.Shortsword
[roll0]
[roll1]+[roll2]

Bite
[roll3]
[roll4]+[roll5]
Rat 1 attacks you and misses.Shortsword
[roll6]
[roll7]+[roll8]

Bite
[roll9]
[roll10]+[roll11]
A much larger rat creature appears in the hallway behind Rat 2.

Rat 3 takes a 5 ft step towards you and attacks, his sword slipping between the pieces of your armor and piercing your skin.Shortsword
[roll12] <- Possible Crit
[roll13]+[roll14]

Bite
[roll15]
[roll16]+[roll17]

Map:

[Rizban]

[roll0] umm.......
[roll1]

[Rizban]

One more time...[roll0]

20, 20, 1. Is this pattern familiar in any way?

You take a total of 9 damage. Your turn.

[planswalker]

a tentacle against each rat next to me. grapples at -20 all around. fourth tentacle against either a rat that isn't grappled or the brute if all three are grapple. I will grapple the brute at full grapple

[roll0] attack, [roll1] for damage with a tentacle. successful grapple [roll2] deals [roll3] nonlethal [roll4] lethal

[roll5] attack, [roll6] for damage with a tentacle. successful grapple [roll7] deals [roll8] nonlethal [roll9] lethal

[roll10] attack, [roll11] for damage with a tentacle. successful grapple [roll12] deals [roll13] nonlethal [roll14] lethal

[roll15] attack, [roll16] for damage with a tentacle. successful grapple [roll17] (+20 if the brute) deals [roll18] nonlethal [roll19] lethal

If i am not considered grappled, he will kick a spiked knee at the weakest guy still conscious at [roll20] attack, [roll21] for damage with a kickwill also move so that I protect the Insane Widow if i am not considered grappled and won't provoke more than 1 AoO

[Rizban]

Rat1 is hit and grappled, taking 15 lethal damage and 6 nonlethal.
[roll0]

Rat 2 evades your tentacle.

Rat 3 is hit but manages to wriggle free of your grab, taking 12 lethal damage.
[roll1]

Rat 2 is hit by your fourth tentacle attack and is grappled. He takes 11 lethal damage and 9 nonlethal.
[roll2]


Your kick misses.

[Rizban]

Rat 2 attempts to wriggle free. [roll0]

Rat 1 bites at the tentacle wrapped around him.
[roll1]
[roll2]

The rat brute notices Rat 2 is in his way and smashes him into a bloody pulp with a greatclub then moves into the room to attack you, provoking an AoO.
[roll3]
[roll4]

[Rizban]

Map:filler text

[planswalker]

I take my AoO with one of my spare tentacles, starting a full grapple if I can.

attack: [roll0] [roll1] damage grapple for [roll2] on my grapple to establish a hold, which does [roll3] nonlethal and [roll4] lethal

[Rizban]

Rat 2 is actually still alive, but he is bleeding out. So... do with that information what you will.

Your AoO hits, and your nat 20 and higher mod ensure that he is indeed grappled. In response, he flies into a frightful rage, frothing at the mouth and chittering obscenities at you in his native tongue. His rage is quite fearsome, and you begin to feel slightly frightened by it.

[roll0]

Make a save: (1d20 + Hit Dice + Wis mod + modifiers on saves against fear)

[planswalker]

[roll0] my save

[Rizban]

Marqhu strangely finds himself slightly fearful of this rat creature.

Marqhu becomes shaken until the rat guy's rage ends, either by running out of rounds or by knocking him unconscious.

Rat 3 bites at the tentacle wrapped around him, but his teeth fail to puncture Marqhu's skin.
[roll0]
[roll1]

Your turn.

[planswalker]

I shall choose to deal damage to the big one. the little ones are still grappled, but i've run out of actions to do stuff to them.

[roll0] opposed grapple
[roll1] nonlethal and [roll2] lethal

[Rizban]

Shaken gives you -2 on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

That makes your grapple roll total 24.

You fail to harm the big rat.

[roll0]

[Rizban]

Rat 1 bites at your tentacle.
[roll0]
[roll1]

The larger rat bites at you.
[roll2]
[roll3]

Rat 3 bites at your tentacle.
[roll4]
[roll5]

None of them pierce your thick hide and armor.

Your turn.

[planswalker]

I shall choose to deal damage to the big one. the little ones are still grappled, but i've run out of actions to do stuff to them.

[roll0] opposed grapple
[roll1] nonlethal and [roll2] lethal

once again

[roll0]
[roll1] and [roll2]

okay, I just learned something about forum roller. besides the fact that it hates marqhu's grapple

[Rizban]

Oh yeah? What did you just learn?

[roll0]

He avoids the damage.

[Rizban]

Rat 1 bite.
[roll0]
[roll1]

Big rat bite.
[roll2]
[roll3]

Rat 3 bite.
[roll4]
[roll5]

[Rizban]

You resist the two smaller bites.

Big rat bite crit confirmation.
[roll0]
[roll1]

The big rat hits you for 11.

[planswalker]

that [ roll0 ] and crew can be added to a post to duplicate the results

I try again....

[roll]1d20+20[ let'e see something bigger than a 4, please
[roll0] and [roll1]

[Rizban]

Try that again.

And, yeah, the [roll#]s can be duplicated.

[planswalker]

[roll0] a real check

edot: aw yeah!

[Rizban]

You cause 9 nonlethal and 2 lethal damage.

Rat 1 bites.
[roll0]
[roll1]

Big Rat bites.
[roll2]
[roll3]

Rat 3 bites.
[roll4]
[roll5]

No hits. Your turn.

[planswalker]

[roll0] [roll1] [roll2]

I squeese him agaig, givinng him a spiked hug

[Rizban]

Opposed Grapple
[roll0]
Your huggles hurt.


Rat 1 bites.
[roll1]
[roll2]

Big Rat bites.
[roll3]
[roll4]

Rat 3 bites.
[roll5]
[roll6]

None of their bites harm you.

[Rizban]

You should really get some enchantments on those armor spikes to crank up the damage.

[planswalker]

i sure will, once I get some cash

the hugging continues

[roll0] [roll1] [roll2]

[planswalker]

please please update. i really wanna finish him off

[Rizban]

Sorry, was looking into stuff for the fraternity. I emptied the mail box there at the Set too. Most of it was junk, but I kept the account balance sheets for the past couple of months that had been piling up...

Opposed Grapple
[roll0]


Rat 1 bites.
[roll1]
[roll2]

Big Rat bites.
[roll3]
[roll4]

Rat 3 bites.
[roll5]
[roll6]

[Rizban]

The two little rats still can't pierce your skin.

Big Rat crit confirm...
[roll0]
[roll1]

He crits, dealing 17 total damage.

[planswalker]

his total lethal and nonlethal damage taken is 55 (no, this doesn't include the times he successfully resisted). he should be dropping soon. barbarians in a rage can get silly high hp totals, though.

the hugging continues

[roll0] [roll1] [roll2]

[Rizban]

I'm aware of how much damage he's taken.

Opposed Grapple
[roll0]
He takes damage.

Rat 1 bites.
[roll1]
[roll2]

Big Rat bites.
[roll3]
[roll4]
His rage ends, and he falls unconscious from the nonlethal damage.

Rat 3 bites.
[roll5]
[roll6]

[planswalker]

that's col. I figured that you probably had. I did that as much for my benefit as yours.

Marqhu drops the uncnscious one and gives a tentacle coup-de-grace to the neck.

maximized crit damage is 24

[Rizban]

Rat 1 bites.
[roll0]
[roll1]

Monster rat is still alive but slightly more unconscious.

Rat 3 bites.
[roll2]
[roll3]

[planswalker]

i'll do another coup de grace

just refreshed myself on the rules for them. that's an auto crit for [roll0] and then a fort save dc 10+damage dealt or die.

[Rizban]

Okay, he survived the first blow but died after the second.

Rat 1 bites.
[roll0]
[roll1]

Rat 3 bites.
[roll2]
[roll3]

[planswalker]

[roll0] opposed grapple
[roll1] nonlethal and [roll2] lethal

I shall bring rat 1 into my full embrace and keep the other one at tentacle's length.

[Rizban]

[roll0]
You hurt him.

Rat 1 bites.
[roll1]
[roll2]

Rat 3 bites.
[roll3]
[roll4]

[planswalker]

since he cannot win against the 22 even if i roll a 1 and he a 20, can I just deal my damage and move on? or do i need to still roll [roll0] ?

I continue to hug him

[roll1] nonlethal and [roll2] lethal

[Rizban]

Just skip the roll and do damage.

You hug him into unconsciousness.

The last remaining rat panics and attempts to escape but cannot extricate himself from your grasp.
[roll0]

[planswalker]

my now single- minded embrace will not let him go
just in case you won't let me stop taking -20 on his turn, [roll0]
edit: if you will, add 20 to that


I begin to hug him, and will continue to do so until he is knocked out.
[roll1] and [roll2]
and again next turn
[roll3] and [roll4]
and again next turn
[roll5] and [roll6]
and again next turn
[roll7] and [roll8]
and again next turn
[roll9] and [roll10]
and again next turn
[roll11] and [roll12]
and again next turn
[roll13] and [roll14]
and again next turn
[roll15] and [roll16]
and again next turn
[roll17] and [roll18]
and again next turn
[roll19] and [roll20]
and again next turn
[roll21] and [roll22]
and again next turn

[Rizban]

The first hug knocks him unconscious.

[planswalker]

yay!

I coup de grace the unconscious rats four times each or until dead, whichever takes longer

i loot the corpses.

xp?
in the morning, i tell the widow that she is safe for as long as she has me around. I will protect her

[Rizban]

Upon crunching the bodies, you find 3 small +1 shortswords, a medium mw greatclub, a medium +1 chain shirt, and 3500xp.

[planswalker]

Marqhu patiently waits for the widow to tell him what she next wants him to do.

[Rizban]

She informs him that he should remain vigilant should anyone else attempt to take her life.

[planswalker]

He does so, spending every waking hour guarding her person, barely taking time to sleep and feed his cultists. He has them each go out and seek others who would benefit from their help.

[planswalker]

Should the lady not get attacked in the next three days and not have anything else for him to do, he will go to Punchinello's to get stuff

[Rizban]

He heads to Punchinello's after several days of no action.

[planswalker]

he heads back to his patron lady of madness with his shiny new gauntlets on hand. He will continue to protect her day and night another 4 days before believing her secure enough to not have to guard her during the daytime and doing other stuff. he sleeps from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm since this seems to him the least likely time for her to get assaulted. even then, he makes sure to sleep in the same room as where she is and will wake upon hearing her scream or anyone else makes any loud noises.

[Rizban]

It seems the ratlings were a one time random attack against her. They have been plaguing the city quite a bit recently. No one else seems to bear any ill will towards her.

[planswalker]

after all the time that he has spent around her, Marqhu has begun to develop an attraction to her, the way that she huddles in the corner, her mad cackling, the unkempt appearance. He decides to woo her. The next morning, he wakes her up with a gentle touch from one of his tentacles. "Mistress, there is something I must say to you, something that I feel we need to discuss."

[Rizban]

She freaks out a little bit and just stares at him.

[planswalker]

"I love you. I know that the death of your husband has hit you hard, and I have tried to be there for you in whatever way you need. I know that my appearance in not like that of a normal man, but it is my heart that should really matter, and that beats only for you. If you feel that I am approaching you too soon after his death, just say so and I will never mention this again. I just want to know if my feelings are returned in any way at all."

btw, i'm just fishing here to see how this plays out. I thought I would do something a little crazy with my supposedly insane guy who thus far has acted pretty rationally.

[Rizban]

"Squiggly Squiddly Wiggly Piggly Jiggly..." You aren't certain she understands what you said, but she does at least recognize who you are.

[planswalker]

mistaking her babbling for words of affection, marqhu will gently caress her face with his tentacles. "I knew we had something special between us. Tell me, what is it that you most want in this world? whatever it is, I will make it yours."

coincidentally enough, Marqhu's mother used those very same words as nicknames for him as a child.

[Rizban]

"J-E-L-L-O!"

Weird... try to do that with all caps. It doesn't let you post it, unless you edit it in after posting it.

[planswalker]

"J-E-L-L-O?" Marqhu looks rather confused for a moment before his eyes light up. "of course my mistress. As you command." He had no idea what this "J-E-L-L-O" was, but he would get it to his mistress or die trying. He walks over to the library in his "street" disguise and asks the librarian to help him research a subject that he hoped he could find at the library.

[Rizban]

Weird, it made mine lowercase on me... twice. Did you preview it or do something different than just posting?

The librarian has never heard of such a thing. After several hours of intense research, the two of you manage to find one reference to "J-E-L-L-O." It is apparently formed for the first letter of the name of each deity in a particular pantheon which fell out of favor with humans several hundred years ago. They were apparently dark and potentially evil entities. Not much else is known about them, not even their actual names.

I guess it only happens if you post it by itself or was some weird forum glitch.

[planswalker]

I thank her for her time and leave. If the mistress wanted him to worship them, he would do so. Religion was not as important to him as his lady's heart. If she wanted J-E-L-L-O worship brought back to Sesbury, J-E-L-L-O worship it would be. Now to find someone who might know more about dead religions. he decides to alter his disguise to that of a richly dressed dwarven scholar and head over to the temple to Pelor. he asks the doorman if it would be possible for him to have an audience with a scholar from the temple for a research project he was doing on ancient dead religions. He had found one obscure reference to a particularly odd one, and wanted assistance in finding out more.

[Rizban]

He is informed that the Pelorite... Pelorian... Peloric... whatever library is for the clergy of Pelor only. It is not open to the public without specific written permission given by the high priest.

[planswalker]

"Then am I at least able to speak to him about my request? or does that require written permission from Pelor himself?"

[Rizban]

"Well, with that attitude..."

He turns and walks away. You are left standing in the courtyard of the temple, though it is obvious you are expected to leave.

[planswalker]

heh. that's what 6 charisma does for you.

I leave the temple, take on the guise of a rich human merchant, and head back to the library. I ask the receptionist, "Excuse me, but I came across an odd reference in my travels recently. I was wondering if there was anyone who could help me discover more. It is something that's a bit antiquarian. Who here in town is an expert on such things?"

[Rizban]

The library at the temple or...?

Also, sorry about being away all weekend. I had friends (S.&G. Jordan) come in from out of state and didn't have time to get online.

[planswalker]

no problem. I missed most of saturday to a family canoeing trip that spontaneously happened. Stuff comes up.

I meant the library where I had done my primary research. the one where I had learned that J-E-L-L-O was an old religion.

[Rizban]

"There are several researchers here who might be able to help you out. Failing that, you could always petition Tameral, but she only researches things which interest her. What was it you were hoping to discover?"

[planswalker]

"I came across an odd reference to a dead religion, one with a possibly dark connotation. I have reason to believe that the one who told me of it wishes to bring worship of it back. If i knew more about it, I could do something about this, or at least hire adventurers to do something. Would this interest her?"

btw, Flutter, one of my pc's just stepped into this same library. would you mind taking over her thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9007850#post9007850) for a bit?

[Rizban]

I suppose I can.

"I do not know. You would have to petition Tameral yourself. She may not even agree to meet with you."

He points to a narrow stairwell.

"You can find her in the tower."

[planswalker]

Marqhu thanks her for her time and heads to the stairwell. Before he does so, he will look around to see if there are any possible dupes he could persuade into helping him do this research. Specifically, anyone who looks to be the scholarly type.

[Rizban]

Most of the people here appear to be absorbed in their own research or busy helping someone else. There aren't really any lackwits hanging out at the library. That said, there are a few novice scribes looking to be of use for more than just copying texts. There's also a small, blue winged girl who seems to be eager to explore the library fluttering about near the librarian at the front desk.

[planswalker]

Still in my human merchant guise, I walk over to the girl and patiently wait for her to conclude her business. As she steps away, I will say, "Excuse me, miss, but I was wondering if you could help me with something."

[Rizban]

I can try, but I have something of my own that I am trying to find help with.

white text

[planswalker]

"Well, it is possible that we can help each other out. You see, I have wealth and connections, but I'm not really a scholar at all. I can possibly aid you in your quest for knowledge by providing the means to access it if you can help me research a problem of my own. I have a meeting with a knowledgeable archivist to attend, but my lack of expertise in the area of personal research may disincline her from helping me. If you will act as a spokesperson for me, I shall use my resources to help you discover what you want to know."

[Rizban]

I guess that can work. What did you want me to ask for you?

placeholder

[planswalker]

"I have recently come across a reference to an ancient cult of dark deities known as J-E-L-L-O. I have reason to believe that someone is trying to revive this cult. I want to know all about this cult, what it would take for them to achieve their goals, and how they can be stopped. Will you help me in this?"

[Rizban]

Vile gods, worshiped by vile people. I see no reason to have anything to do with forgotten deities and dark rites. Simply show them the better path, encourage them towards changing from their darkness. The Sovereign Host encompasses all creation, and surely they should be able to see this. If a dark cult has been forgotten, then its "gods" were likely nothing of the sort, else they would not have fallen out of memory.

It may be completely out of the ordinary for me to say so, but perhaps the simplest path would be to... eliminate the most fanatical among them. If they are trying to create a false religion, then they can do naught but harm to those around them. Convert those who will and remove those who won't. That is the answer on how to stop them.

another copy/paste

[planswalker]

"So you are so judgmental as to assume that any god who is not currently worshiped in the city must be powerless and that murdering misguided fanatics is better than learning if they do indeed pose a real threat and trying to stop them without killing them first? Well, you definitely are so judgmental and sanctimonious to be unsuitable to actually helping people do something worthwhile. Never mind then. I do wonder though why it is you abuse the name of the Sovereign Host by your words. Surely they would be willing to try to save them. If I wanted a judgmental priest who assumed that they knew everything about how the world works, I would have gone to the temple to Pelor."

[Rizban]

She looks genuinely confused for a moment.

I'm not sure I understand your anger...

I suggested showing them compassion and trying to turn them from evil. I only suggested dealing harshly with any that might be so obsessed with a dead religion or false gods that they cannot change and then also pose a danger to society. I apologize if I misspoke and led to a misunderstanding.

She bows her head to you in reverence.

Please accept my apology and grant me forgiveness for offending you. That was never my intention.

Once more, with feeling.

Remove Once More with Feeling from the game as well as all cards in play and in all graveyards. Each player shuffles his or her hand into her or his library, then draws seven cards. Each player’s life total is set to 10.

[planswalker]

he smiles, "Please, forgive me for jumping to anger. however, do be warned: just because a religion is dead does not mean that its gods are powerless. It is possible to stop the worship of a deity either by killing it or by killing its worshipers. If that happens, the god does not stop existing, it merely stops being active in the mortal populace. If it should regain followers, that could change and the pent up power of untold years of waiting could be released all at once. Right now, I do not know if these cultists are misguided madmen worshiping a divine corpse or madmen guided by a dark presence ready to resurface upon the world once more. I need your help in determining which it is."

[Rizban]

Flutter seems ever so slightly impatient.

I had not considered that, but I would still prefer to not become involved with dark cults. Still, I will ask about it for you, okay? Now, who did you want to be question? All the people around here seem a bit busy.

Are you even reading what I put down here?

[planswalker]

"There is a top-level researcher named Tameral whom I hope to petition for her to help me with this research, but the word is that she will only help with research that interests her. As you can tell, I am not the best at winning friends and influencing people. Would you mind helping me by talking with her on my behalf? I just know that once she is introduced to the subject in the proper manner that she would be willing to work with me on this even if you find trying to stop a potentially dangerous threat to 'icky' for your pretty little wings."

After realizing that he just insulted you yet again, he pauses, regains his composure again, and says, "Look, I am sorry. I just always say the first thing that comes to my mind and do not think of the consequences. I believe this research to be one of the most important things I have ever undertaken. If you will help me in this, I would be grateful. If you don't really want to get involved, I cannot force you to, but I need help. I know that if I petition her on my own that my uncouth manners will turn her off and she will reject me out of hand. Please help me convince her to undertake this project."

[planswalker]

of course I am. they are chuckle-worthy.

[Rizban]

Okay, than I will go to see this Tameral.

Last one? Maybe so...

[planswalker]

If you'd like, make a teamup thread so you can stop dancing back and forth. I was actually hoping she would say the exact wrong words and set him off. He would then excuse himself and revert to his normal form, then he would come and give her a tentacle hug. she managed to avert that, though.

"Thanks. Let me take you to her now."

he leads her up the stairs that had been pointed out to him, getting to Tameral's office. If the door is closed, he knocks on it.

[Rizban]

She flies up the stairs just behind you.

When you reach the top of the stairs, you see a wide open library several times larger than the tower, larger even than the library below. In the middle of the many shelves of books is a smaller tower. On second glance, you realize it is not a tower but a very ornate perch with attached desk. Reclining on the perch is huge white dragon, it's glistening metallic scales reflecting many hues in shimmering patterns as it breathes. A mane of fine, white hair frames its wise face and cascades down its neck to its shoulders, gathering into a finely plaited braid of great complexity. Its unusually long tail ends in a wide fin, not unlike some great fish, upon which several large tomes are balanced, waiting to be read.

As you enter the dragon looks up from the tome it is reading and motions for you to enter freely but returns to reading without a word.

[planswalker]

"Would you be the renowned archivist and historian named Tameral?" your companion asks, bumping you on the shoulder to break you out of your reverie.

[Rizban]

The dragon raises a single finger to her mouth.
"Shhh... This is a library."

[planswalker]

"sorry" your companion whispers.

I peer at the titles to the book while waiting for the blue-winged girl to introduce us.

[Rizban]

Being several hundred feet away, the titles are understandably difficult to read.

[planswalker]

the rich merchant walks up closer to the dragon and begins to examine the titles of the books.

[Rizban]

They appear to be the medieval equivalent of science fiction novels. Several of them appear to be in the Star Quest series, starring Captain Kurt from planet Holy Wild.

[Rizban]

Flutter quietly approaches the dragon and stands before her a moment. Realizing she is likely to small to be noticed, she flies straight up until just even with Tameral's reading desk and attempts to read a few lines to see what it is the dragon is studying. If the dragon does not respond, Flutter will quietly clear her throat.


Upon clearing your throat, Tameral looks up at you, pushes up her spectacles, and says, "Is there something I can help you with, little dragonblood, or...?"


I am sorry to bother you, but I was told you could tell me what this is. I didn't want to ask just anyone, out of fear of drawing dangerous attention or that the object itself might be dangerous.

She produces the egg and holds it out gingerly in her palms for Tameral to see.


A light puff of smoke rises from Tameral's nose in slight irritation at such a simple question.

"It's a phoera egg."

She then waves a claw at you in dismissal and returns to reading.

FOUR QUOTE POST!!! RRAAGGH!

[planswalker]

"Have you ever heard about 'J-E-L-L-O'?" the merchant asks the dragon.

[Rizban]

*Just before you before you ask that*


Flutter hesitates a moment... the hurridly spits out the next sentence in one quick burst.

Um... the merchant there asked me to ask you if you could tell him about an ancient evil cult that may be coming back so he could stop it.

When she finishes, she grits her teeth, flinches away slightly, and awaits the dragon's ire at the further interruption.


"Have you ever heard about 'J-E-L-L-O'?" the merchant asks the dragon.

The dragon looks to Flutter slightly annoyed, then quickly turns to you, her interest piqued.

"Perhaps I have. Where did you hear this name, and what do you want with the information?

A moment..."

Turning to Flutter, "Little dragonblood, this is not something with which you should be involved. I have enjoyed meeting you, but this is something which would be better for you to not hear. Perhaps we can speak again in the future." Her tone of voice and the look in her eye make it absolutely clear that Flutter is to leave immediately but that no malice is held towards her.

[planswalker]

"I have heard of it from several sources. As to what I plan to do with it, I have no real plans in mind. I do have reason to believe, though, that there might be a charismatic leader who seeks to revive this cult. I want to know what he would have to do to revive this cult if it is possible to do so, and how he could be stopped should he prove able to do so."

[Rizban]

Tameral gravely considers your words for a few moments.

Finally she leans near you and whispers, "Their worship isn't dead, merely changed. Any fool who tries to follow the old ways will quickly find the those evil gods are still alive and active, or at least that is how the legend goes. I will say no more on it, and ask that you do NOT repeat that name here ever again. It holds the possibility of drawing their attention, and I would rather not have that, which is why I dismissed the other one. You are to leave her out of this, as I would be quite upset should she come to harm.

Now, if you don't mind, please leave. You smell like an illithid." She practically spits that last word.

[planswalker]

their worship isn't dead? then what I really need to do is to find out who worships them.

realizing that his disguise is availing him nothing against such a wise creature, he drops the disguise. "It is true, I am the son of a neolithid and a human woman. Does that mean that you refuse to help me learn more about these deities? As for the girl, I do not think she was really interested in this matter. I convinced her to come along because I thought she could help me talk with you and that you could help her identify the egg. I had no intention to place her in harm's way."

"You say that these deities are still being worshiped? by whom? The text in the library below indicates that they are no longer worshiped."

Marqhu seems to not be taking the hint that the dragon hates him.

[Rizban]

Her head recoils as the disguise drops, and she hisses vehemently. Apparently she just thought you smelled like Illithid, most likely through item trade and/or adventuring, and not that you were actually related to them.

"Abomination! Remove yourself from my library immediately! I care naught for your kind and will tell you nothing more, especially considering that you have ignored my polite request to leave. Indeed, given this new evidence, I have come to the conclusion that you are likely one to be interested in reviving said cult. As such I am even further disinclined to aid you. Rather..."

Her eyes light up in sudden realization that she is rambling and that there is a far simpler, if more primal and unsophisticated, solution. Her tail drops the books, lashes out at you, and connects with full force, sending you rolling backwards across the library towards the door.

[roll0]

Make a reflex save to grab the door frame and prevent yourself from tumbling down the stairs.

[planswalker]

assuming he survives:

"If you will judge others by who their parents are and not by what they have done, then assault them, I will leave."

Marqhu turns and leaves. "I will have you note that all I have done so far is help that dragonblooded girl find out about the egg and seek your help in learning how to stop a potentially dangerous cult." he says as he unhurriedly walks out.

[planswalker]

sorry, missed the last part.

[roll0]

modify the above post to be if he doesn't fall and as he calmly walks down the stairs.

[Rizban]

He misses the door frame but manages to grab onto the railing of the stairs just through the doorway. He doesn't fall down the stairs, but he is out of the main library room.

If he does that, just delete it there and repost it here.

[planswalker]

I call out from the stairwell, "If you will judge others by who their parents are and not by what they have done, then assault them, I will leave."

After I have turned to leave, I say, "I will have you note that all I have done so far is help that dragonblooded girl find you and seek your help in learning how to stop a potentially dangerous cult." as I unhurriedly walk down the stairs.

[Rizban]

She rears back as if to use her breath weapon, when suddenly...

A terrible explosion suddenly rocks the entire city, and the ground shakes as if an earthquake were tearing the city apart. The sky lights up from a blast many times the brightness of the sun, and you are certain that certain death has at last come to claim you. As the brightness fades, you look toward the Mages' Quarter and see the last remnants of the horror burning directly towards the sky in a seemingly endless stream of raw, burning mana which threatens to tear reality asunder. What seems like an eternity passes as you stare, though it is likely only a few seconds, and at last the blast fades away. In the distance, you hear a building collapse, and you are certain that something horrible has been unleashed upon the city.

[planswalker]

thanks for the save.

Marqhu rushes back to his love to see if she is ok.

[Rizban]

The door to the extradimensional library tower seals shut as the explosion begins, sealing and protecting the rare books in Tameral's tower... and in this one instance, protecting her enemy from her.

The building is heavily damaged, being directly next to the blast, though the walls still stand... mostly. The City Guard initially refuses to let you near, but eventually does. Two guards accompany you into the building, unless you attack them to prevent them from doing so.

[planswalker]

i rush into the house and search for my love, oblivious of the guards following me.

[Rizban]

You find her in her usual room, pinned beneath a fallen portion of the ceiling and unconscious.

[planswalker]

i try to remove it from off of her. "Help me!" he screams at the guards. he manifests animal affinity to strength and expansion to gain a +7 total str mod. does being large give me a special bonus to trying to lift the debris off?

[roll0]

[Rizban]

With your sudden expansion, the guards falter, but they quickly run to your aid anyway. Pulling the debris away, you manage to free your mistress. They suggest you carry her to the temple of Amalthea (http://loc.mornproductions.com/Amalthea) as quickly as possible.