AVB - Perry

[planswalker]

Lokio or dm only. All others will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law

"We've got an unpublished bounty out on a gang called the Jacks."

[Lokio]

"Interesting. What can you tell me about these fine, upstanding gentlemen?"

[planswalker]

"For five silver? That they have a price on their heads, worth more if still attached to the bodies they came with. For five gold, even more. Five platinum tells you all."

[Lokio]

"How about this. You tell me what I want to know for a platinum, and we'll make a business arrangement, where I give you a three percent cut of whatever I make as a result of any further work you direct me to? Call it... an agency fee."

[planswalker]

His eyes light up with greed. "Deal. What do you want to know?"

[Lokio]

Perry extends his hand to the guardsman. "Your name, first." He smiles and hands the man his platinum.

1p removed from character sheet.

"Then I'd like to know everything you know about the Jacks. In the future, I want exclusive access to everything you learn that could be lucrative. In exchange, you get your 3% upon completion of the jobs. All you have to do is give me good intel, and we both get paid very nicely."

"I would also like to know if there are any less-well patrolled areas of the Wall so that I can move freely in and out of the city at night. I'm a rather... proficient climber."

[planswalker]

"Call me Jon. Jon Snow. The Jacks are the largest and most powerful gang in the city. They are highly organized and rule the underworld of the city. They have an open war against us in the underbelly of the city, and they cannot be bought, threatened or persuaded to stop. They won't be satisfied until they rule the city. The Skulks at least stay out of the city, and the other gangs are all worthless nothings."

"Most of their upper members go by code names such as 'eye', 'hand', 'toe', and such. I'm sure there's a system there, but I don't know it. As for the wall, passage over the wall can easily be arranged with my brave and loyal brothers there. They're very good at turning a blind eye to trouble and keeping both on profit."

"We offer 100 for any low-level criminals, 350 for their thieves, and the bounty on the more elite members ranges from 500 for Knarl the Knee to 20,000 for Jimmy the Hand. If one can catch the Dayman or Nightman, it's said they're worth 25,000 apiece."

[Lokio]

"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Snow. The Jacks and I are going to have a little chat soon enough. Where can I find some of their low level functionaries? I find a... physical approach is quite good for getting intelligence on a group."

"Oh, by the by... stay alive, and stay available. We'll be in touch."

[planswalker]

"There's an inn nearby where they pay me 3 silver a night to ignore their shenanigans. You've covered their next several months pay. Can't say I'll miss their noise." He points out an inn called the Gander and the Goose.

[Lokio]

"See you soon, Jon."

Perry takes note of the bar, then looks for the Crier. The climbing competition seems very interesting. If he finds the Crier, he greets him and asks about the details of the competition.

[planswalker]

"The Aldhaven Royal University of Magical Esoterica has an annual contest. First one to climb to the top of the Tallest Tower wins. Sign up at the university."

[Lokio]

Perry nods and thanks the Crier, then heads off to the university to sign up. On the way, he listens for rumours, etc.

Gather info: [roll0]

[planswalker]

[roll0] hours later, you find out nothing useful.

[Lokio]

Once Perry arrives at the University, he goes to find the person to sign up for the climbing competition. If he finds them, he signs up and asks about rules, prizes, etc.

[planswalker]

"The rules? Simple. No magic, no flight. If you cheat, you're locked in an alternate plane. You must climb the three-mile tower before any other. First one to the top will receive the prize that awaits up there."

[Lokio]

"And when is the competition, good sirv"

[planswalker]

"It started last week. It ends when someone makes it to the top."

[Lokio]

"I guess its one of those violent ones, eh? Okay. Point me where I need to go."

Perry removes his magical enhancement items and prepares to go.

[planswalker]

She points up to a ten-story spire in the Mages' Quarter. "Seventh story will portal you to the seventh story of the tower."

[Lokio]

Perry nods, thanks her and heads to the portal. If he arrives ok, he proceeds.

[planswalker]

He arrives at the tower, and told the entrance fee is 250 gold.

[Lokio]

Perry pays the fee, equips his tower shield and asks the tender if there's any dangers a few gold might entitle him to know abou on the sly.

[planswalker]

She looks highly insulted at being bribed. "I am not for sale." She says crossly. "The other climbers, and the natives to the elemental plane of air."

[Lokio]

Perry smirks at her and checks her hand for a wedding ring. If there isn't one, he says, "Too bad. You could've had all kinds of fun. I suspect it get a bit lonely up here, no?"

[planswalker]

"Just get started."

[Lokio]

"In your honourable and thoroughly uncorruptable name." He winks and enters the portal, tower shield up in the total cover position.

[planswalker]

You find yourself on a ledge 5ft wide surrounding a circular tower that appears to be about 200 feet thick. The ground is about 200 feet below you, and you see a sign that reads simply: "The top: 15,750 feet" The brick masonry provides only the barest of handholds.

climb check dc 25. I highly recommend you take advantage of your climb speed to mean that you can take 10 even when rushed or threatened.

[Lokio]

Fastening his tower shield onto his back to provide cover from the rear, diCarto begins the long climb up, using his impressive climbing abilities to move quickly up the wall.

taking 10 on climb + 17 is 27.

[planswalker]

For the first three hours (5,400 feet), it is merely an exercise in climbing skill. Then you come across your first other climber. He is an orc with climbing gear. He seems to be making slower progress than you.

[Lokio]

Perry circles around a bit to put some distance between himself and the orc as he passes, keeping an eye out to ensure he doesn't take any agressive actions.

[planswalker]

You manage to evade him. Three hundred and fifty feet later, you see a ring of signs along the tower that reads "10,000 feet to go. Beware the residents."

[Lokio]

As Perry passes the signs, he listens and looks up to try to see any incoming enemies, and keeps going.

Spot check [roll0]
Listen check [roll1]

[planswalker]

Another 1,020 feet up, you spot a winged lion approaching your position.

[Lokio]

Perry ties his 50 feet of rope around his waist and to a handhold as an extra measure of security, then readies himself to strike the lion when it closes.


readied decisive strike for lion entering range

[planswalker]

You recognize it as a griffin as it approaches. You get to punch it in the face right before it tries to claw out your guts.

[Lokio]

Perry shouts a kiai and punches hard at the creature. If he hits, he grapples the creature.

[SPOILER]punch! [roll0]

If hit then [roll1] damage and grapple check [roll2]/SPOILER]

[planswalker]

um... if you grapple the creature, how will you stay on the wall?

You strike it and deal your damage. It in turn tears into you with its beak, deading [roll0] damage.

and I'm ruling that this breaks your grapple just as if an AoO hit you while initiating it.

which, since you must enter a creature's square to grapple it and it is in fact occupying a square of thin air, if you win the grapple, you fall to your doom.

[Lokio]

OOC: I have imp grapple, so there's no AOO. As well, i am tied to the wall by my rope. And since it can only attack by winning a grapple check on its turn, I suspect it won't be able to sever my rope easily. As well, the grapple check resolves as a portion of my attack, doesn't it?

So, I would be all up on its body, strapped to the wall by a 50 foot tether of rope.

[planswalker]

I'm aware there's no AoO. The attack wasn't an AoO. It was the creature's charge attack that you interrupted with your attack. Didn't notice the rope. But still, you'll fall 50 feet when the griffin is defeated. Do you really want to take 5d6 falling damage when you hit the side of the building?

[Lokio]

OOC: will I? It came to me on the wall, so would I not have a chance to catch myself? If not, then that's ok, ill take the damage and fight on. Btw, how does tripping a flying creature work in your game?

[planswalker]

tripping a flyer doesn't. Logically, I just don't see how being prone while flying isn't fixed when it recovers. I've actually never had it come up before, so if you can come up with a reasonable explanation for what it would do, I'm open to being persuaded.

as for the falling thing, I'd say not.

well, roll for initiative and we'll get this combat resolved.

[Lokio]

ok. Btw, ac with tower shield on is 23.

Init roll 1d20+3

The trip I imagine is essentially that I turn it on its axis, forcing a temporary loss of lift (which stalls its flight until it rights itself as a move action that provokes because its not an easy defensible movement). That's how its been played in other games I've seen.

[Lokio]

OOC: ****. Init [roll0]

[planswalker]

um... in order to use a tower shield... you must use it on your arm. and take a -10 acp and -2 to attack rolls. wearing it on your back is not sufficient to use it as cover. at least not after that initial attack.

It wins initiative, takes a swipe at you with his claws which misses, then flies off, allowing you an AoO as it does.

[Lokio]

I take penalties even though I'm proficient from my fighter levels?

Dodging the attack, Perry kicks twice at the creature with his opportunity.

attack one from two weapon AOO . Dmg if hit [roll1]. Atk two [roll2]. Dmg if hit [roll]1d8+6

Since the creature flew off, Perry readies a heavy strike for when it comes back into range.[SPOILER][/SPOILE

[planswalker]

yes. armor check penalties and the penalty on attacks is WITH proficiencies. without it, you take the acp to attack rolls in addition.

You deal the above damage and [roll0] damage.

Provided it survives that attack, it swoops over again. You get your readied action once more.

[Lokio]

Perry roars his defiance and punches a precise strike into the FACE of the griffon.

atk [roll0]. If hit [roll1]

[planswalker]

You barely make it through the creature's tough hide, but when you do, you hear a wet squishy sound.

As it plummets, you hear a thump and a scream as someone below you gets an overhead griffin to the face, causing him to fall.

600 xp for that. an extra 150 due to the difficulty of this circumstance.

[Lokio]

Perry spits down at the bird and continues climbing.

[planswalker]

when you reach the 7,500 ft mark, the conspicuous sign says, "danger: 5,000 feet until repairs stop, 7,000 to reach the live zone. 7,500 feet to the top. Climb safely."

[Lokio]

Perry reflects on the mountain's history for a moment to see if he knows what this means.


know local [roll0]

Barring any revelations, he continues to the 5000ft mark and looks around, listening and scanning for any threats.

listen [roll1]. Spot [roll2]

[planswalker]

At the 5,000 foot mark, there is a ledge 10' wide. You did not realize the ledge was there until you reached up and realized that your hand was grasping a flat surface. Seven other people are waiting there, resting and recovering.

"Welcome to the One Rest." says a being whose upper half is a gorilla and the lower half is an enormous tarantula. It is large. Five of the other Resters appear to be humanoids, one of them a halfling. The seventh one is a lizardfolk.

[Lokio]

"Good seeing you. I think I'll be okay." He keeps an eye on the others and continues climbing as fast as he can.

[planswalker]

"You'll wanna take a rest. The fatigue will kill you if you don't."

[Lokio]

"What fatigue?"

am I fatigued? I'm high con with a climb speed... Or is this part of the plot?

Know arc to see what this creature is 1d20. Know dung 1d20

[planswalker]

sadly, you can't edit in rolls.


Know arc to see what this creature is [roll0]. Know dung [roll1]

You have been climbing for over 6 hours. Including a combat. Yeah, you'll be fatigued if you don't take a breather.

You think this creature's race begins with an L.

[Lokio]

Perry seperates a bit from the others and takes a seat, not taking his eyes off from the other resters.

[planswalker]

The halfling says, "Well, buddy, what brings you up here?"

[Lokio]

"I just love to climb". Perry thinks about how he's going to head on asap.

[planswalker]

"Nifty. I'm climbing for the only pure reason, the Ultimate Truth."

[Lokio]

"The ultimate truth? Is that what's at the top of this mountain?"

[Lokio]

"Is that what's at the top of this mountain?"

[planswalker]

"The Ultimate Truth is the reason to climb anything: Because It's There. Surely your own path has revealed that to you?"

[Lokio]

"Life is chaos. My path is the random collection of assorted decisions of my own and those around me. And I love that it is that way."

[planswalker]

"And the Mountain is There."

[Lokio]

"The mountain is home. I know it well, but it holds no truths. That it's there... well, I guess that's an okay reason to climb it."

[planswalker]

"The mountain holds no truths. It is the truth. It existing is all the reason one has."

[Lokio]

Perry narrowed his eyes. This seemed odd. Either this halfling was a complete crackpot, coming up to someone he'd never met before and talking about a mountain as if it were the truth of the world, or something strange was going on here.

"The mountain is truth? Interesting school of thought. What brought you to this conclusion?"

He panned around, looking at each individual briefly and seeing what their postures had to tell him. He also looked at the halfling, and listened to the spider-monkey.

Re: the group - sense motive
Re: the halfling - sense motive [roll1]
Re: the spidermonkey - listen [roll]1d20+4
Re: the spidermonkey if I can hear it, sense motive [roll2]

[planswalker]

One of the other humanoids, an elf, says, "Don't mind him. He's definitely an odd one. Seems to think that climbing is the only truth. Nutjob. Anyways, this spot here is a chance to rest before moving on to face the dangers above. We're the climbers who could get along well enough together to not throw each other off the face of the cliff. We've got a truce going where we all agree not to harm one another or interfere, and in exchange, we will all continue the climb at the same time. After that, it's everyone for themselves. We've witnessed more than one fool climb up ahead only to come back down the hard way."

[Lokio]

"What's the story with the spidermonkey?" he said. "He a climber, too?"

Perry pursed his lips. "When do you plan to leave?"

[planswalker]

"Indeed he is. An odd one, that one. Don't know his story, but he's the leader who keeps the more fractious ones in line and keeps them from killing the crazy halfling."

"We'll be leaving in about two hours if you wish to join us."

[Lokio]

Perry nods, thinking that he is probably fast enough to get ahead of most of these guys, and settles in, keeping his eye on the happenings. He begins focusing his mind and believing that what he is seeing is not real, that something hinky is going on here and that his perceptions are being fooled.

[planswalker]

you may roll a will save.

[Lokio]

Will save - [roll0]

[planswalker]

You concentrate really hard, focusing your will....

and the truth is revealed to you!

everything is still just as it was. There was no elaborate illusion in this dead magic zone.

[Lokio]

Perry takes a breather and has a bite to eat from his rations.

"So, sir," Perry says, looking over at the spidermonkey. "I've not encountered a being of your kind before. May I ask what we call you and yours?"

[planswalker]

"We are the Lhosk." He says.

[Lokio]

Perry nods, trying to remember if anything jars free in his memory.

If you're willing to give it to me now that I have a specific name, knowledge arc/know dung [roll0] [roll1]

He waits, chatting idly. He asks the Lhosk and the elf, "Do we have any idea about the dangers that lie ahead?"

[planswalker]

"People come down smelling of ozone with scorch marks. Most are dead before they ever stop falling."

sadly, neither knowledge seems to apply.

[Lokio]

"Okay. Fire creature, then. And no magic allowed. Nice. Don't get caught in a grapple with it... or dragon?"

Perry was musing, but he didn't like the idea of fighting a magical creature without the aid of his magical items.

He settled in and listened, waiting the hours out.

Gather info, but only for the time period allotted. [roll0]

[planswalker]

You learn that the last 50 feet of the climb is in fact not a dead magic zone.

[Lokio]

Perry straps on his magical gear, suppressing it. He realizes that, given the choice between a prize and survival, he might want to be blurring and dodging rather than getting struck by whatever is up on top of the mountain.

"We good to go?" he asks.

[planswalker]

"Yes." Says the Lhosk.

As the nine of you begin to climb, you leave all but the Lhosk in the dust. He moves at nearly triple the speed that you do and is quickly climbing out of sight.

[Lokio]

Perry doesn't worry too much about the Lhosk's speed. Whatever's up there, he'll be engaging it first. He carries on up the line, ahead of the others but conscious of any attack so that he could fall back. He secures himself using the rope every now and again to take a moment to look around and listen for the sounds of battle.

Listen [roll0] spot [roll1]

[planswalker]

two hundred fifty feet from the top, you see the Lhosk battling with a blue and orange bird with two sets of wings and no feet. It is shooting lightning at the Lhosk while it is firing arrows at it.

[Lokio]

Perry circles the tower a bit, getting out of line of sight and continuing to climb to be even with the Lhosk. He watches the combat to determine how the spidermonkey is doing, and to learn about the bird.

Knowledge arcana/nature/dungeoneering re bird:
[roll0] [roll1] [roll2]

[planswalker]

It seems to be an arrowhawk. They shoot lightning. And never land.

The Lhosk seems to be losing, then he suddenly shoots a web out from his spider end. It entangles the arrowhawk and the Lhosk uses it to bring it closer. He then proceeds to tear it to bits.

[Lokio]

Perry continues climbing as this happens, keeping a weather eye out. If anything comes, he plans to bring it toward the Lhosk and force it into the fight.

If he makes it to the 50 foot mark uninterrupted, he looks and listens for any incoming enemies.

Spot [roll0] Listen [roll1]

[planswalker]

Just as the Lhosk gets done tearing the bird to shreds, an adult blue dragon appears near your side of the tower. It spots you, and begins to close.

[Lokio]

Perry begins circling and rushes toward the Lhosk and the others. "Incoming!" he yells, climbing down and around as fast as he can.

[planswalker]

The Lhosk sees the dragon and makes a frenzied attempt to reach the top. He just gets there when the blue dragon blasts him with electricity and strikes him.

The tower must have been subtly slimming down, for at the top it seems to be only 50 feet across.

[Lokio]

Perry grits his teeth and makes a mad dash for the top, ready to trigger his displacement if things look bad. The Lhosk having been bolted, Perry figures he has a shot... GO!

[planswalker]

you clamber the rest of the way to the top just as the Lhosk gets in a bite on the dragon. For a moment, it looks as if the dragon is about to flee, and the it tears into the Lhosk with claws, jaws, wings, and tail.

the prize stands before you, a wooden carving of a hawk grasping a trophy

[Lokio]

Perry sprints for the prize and grabs it, ready to rush for a ledge and start a fast climb down if needed.

[planswalker]

Just as he approaches the prize, a juvenile arrowhawk sticks its beak out of the trophy and, startled, shoots a ray of electricity at you for [roll0] damage.

[Lokio]

Perry yelps and ***** his fist back, throwing a massive, precise punch at the arrowhawk as he touches the trophy with his other hand to claim it.

Precise strike atk [roll0] dmg [roll1]

[planswalker]

You miss the annoying little bird but grasp the trophy. Just as you do so, the dragon turns and looks your way, and readies to breathe again as you and the arrowhawk vanish into thin air.

Back at the starting line in Aldhaven, a triad of judges say, "Congratulations! We have this year's Spire Hawk!" The arrowhawk proceeds to shoot another ray of electricity at you which misses. One of the judges casts banishment to return it where it belongs.

you gain your choice of skill focus (climb) or agile athlete as a bonus feat, as well as a 1000 gold or 10% discount (whichever is smaller) from npc merchants. You also gain +2 on charisma based checks towards residents of the city. the discount if for npc merchants only.

1000 story xp.

500 encounter xp.

[Lokio]

Perry raises his fists above his head in victory and smiles. "Any chance of a free heal?"

He checks the time and wonders if it would be time to get to work on the Jacks.

I'll take Skill Focus (Climb). Please note my character sheet is still having trouble. I'm going to transcribe it to another one that will work and be accurate.

I get 1000g or 10% off, whichever is smaller? For how long?

[planswalker]

a year. Only good in Aldhaven.

"We're wizards, not priests. Sorry champion. You'll have to find a priest."

It took you approximately 9 hours to climb that tower. It's now the middle of the night.

[Lokio]

Perry nods and thanks the judges, offering each of them a warm handshake before hitting the road and quickly going in search of a priest to bind his wounds and an inn to set up shop in.

[planswalker]

The priest decides to be generous to the Spire Hawk and heals you free this time.

You find a suitable inn for 1 gold a night. discounted 10% for your title to 9 silver.

[Lokio]

Suspecting that the inn is simply highway robbery, he pays for the one night and leaves, detouring to scope out the Jack's inn.

Spot [roll0] Listen [roll1]

Note that I'm not sleeping yet. Just getting intel before I do.

[planswalker]

He notices a shadowy figure lurking about the common room of the locked inn.

[Lokio]

Perry takes a closer look to see how many are in the room, and then observes the figure, looking for weapons, bearing and marks of skill. He also looks at the door for its worksmanship.

Sense motive for skill as a combatant [roll0]

[planswalker]

There are two, and best you can tell, they're somewhere between a housecat and a grand master swordsman in skill.

[Lokio]

Perry breathes deeply and listens to see if there are any interactions. He also looks for any weak points on the door for his portable ram to strike for a stronger hit.

Looking for a circ. bonus for my STR check to burst the door...

[roll0] to hear if they're talking and what they're saying.

[planswalker]

Sadly, that type of think would be a knowledge (architecture and engineering) check.

[Lokio]

Hearing nothing else, diCarto fished into his backpack, pulled forth his portable ram, and rushed the door, striking it hard just above the lock.

Strength check to burst... [roll0]

If he was successful, then he barked, "You are bound by law! Keep your hands where I can see them!"

If not, he tries once more...
[roll1]

[planswalker]

In two swings, he succeeds. Whoever had been lurking around isn't in plain sight any more.

[Lokio]

Perry walks in, ready to counterattack.

action readied to punch an attacker, and free action to activate displacement if engaged.

Spot to see hidden [roll0]

[planswalker]

No one jumps out at the shadows to attack you.

[Lokio]

did my nat 20 spot anything?

[planswalker]

no.

remember, on skill checks, nat 20's mean nothing other than getting a 20.

[Lokio]

Can I get a description of the room, including probable hiding places, then, from the check?

[planswalker]

The common room at the inn has several large tables with chairs around them. two doors on the far wall and a staircase provide other exits from the room. To your right there is a fireplace, although at the moment there is no fire.

[Lokio]

Something tells me discretion may be the better part of valor here...

Perry stands 10ft back from each table and looks beneath each for a hiding rogue, as well as looking into the shadowy corners.

If there are hiding rogues, he attacks them. If there are not, he goes up the stairs as quietly as he can... ready to punch any hostiles who pop out.

Move silently [roll0]

[planswalker]

You find no one hiding under the tables. You reach the top of the stairs unmolested, and the door there is locked.

[Lokio]

He listens at the door. Listen [roll0]

If he hears anything, he thinks about what it might be.

That is, ignore the STR check below and give intel.

If he doesn't, he takes out his tower shield, hides behind it as total cover, and then rams the door with it, hoping to remain covered as he bursts through.

Str check [roll1] [roll2]

[planswalker]

He hears a dull grinding noise.

[Lokio]

Perry ponders for a moment about what could make that sort of noise.

Know eng untrained [roll0]

If he doesn't know, he carefully lies down on the step backward and kicks the door in as low as possible so that he isn't framed in the doorway when it shatters in.

STR check [roll1][roll2][roll3]

The idea is that only my foot can be seen in the door because the rest of me is below line of sight on the steps.

[planswalker]

-4 penalty on your str check for such an awkward position.

You understand clearly that it must be the sound of children playing with chainsaws. You don't know what a chainsaw is, but you're sure children are playing with them.

Your three loud kicks don't break the door open, but the grinding noise stops.

[Lokio]

Perry changes strategies, bringing his tower shield up to generate complete cover, and then ramming the door with it.

Perry pops his head up and down quickly to peek the room. If nothing comes shooting at his face, he will peer into the room more generally to see what he sees, routinely checking his six to see if he's about to be ambushed.

Spot [roll0] Listen [roll1]

[Lokio]

Relevant str checks [roll0][roll1][roll2]

[planswalker]

You burst open the door as a very startled man in a nightshirt says, "Please don't hurt me! I'll keep the snoring down, I swear!" You are in a hallway with doors to individual sleeping quarters spaced regularly. The one nearest the entrance is half-open and the terrified man is closest to that door.

[Lokio]

"Sorry, sir." He says quietly to the man. "Police business... did anybody come through this door in the last few minutes?" He rubs his fingers together in a palm-greasing kind of way. "It's important, sir. Lives are at stake."

[planswalker]

"I don't know. I was asleep until your racket breaking down the door woke me up. Sir."

[Lokio]

Perry nods. "Thank you for your help." He heads downstairs and purses his lips. He struck the front door twice in six seconds. Within six seconds, the figures either became invisible, or went somewhere... he didn't hear any doors open or shut, which suggests...

Perry goes back to the common room and looks around, searching for a trapdoor.

Taking 20 on the search for a result of 20.

[planswalker]

If such exist, they're beyond his ability to find.

[Lokio]

Perry checks the room for any useful items in the search as well, for loots etc, then goes to the doors on the ground floor and checks them.

[planswalker]

he finds [roll0] silver and [roll1] copper for his troubles.

The two other downstairs doors are locked.

[Lokio]

He listens at the doors.

Listen [roll0][roll1]

"Police! Open up!"

He waits a few seconds for a response.

If there is none, he uses his great strength behind a tower shield to break through them in the name of the law and his wallet.

Str checks. [roll2][roll3][roll4]

[planswalker]

No one answers and his attempts to break them open fail.

[Lokio]

Acutely aware of the possibility that his quarry may be gone, he makes a few more tries at the doors.

can you do severall d20 plus 6 rolls for str checks, I'm phone now

[planswalker]

do you just want to take 20?

[Lokio]

Sure. Ooc...

[planswalker]

Just as you break the door open, you hear a knock at the door. "City Watch! Open Up!"

[Lokio]

"****". Perry realized he had made a critical error staying so long. He knew, however, that if he could get out, at least the watch detectives would search the place and may come across evidence that he could get out of Snow.

I need to know what I learned about the layout from scouting the place before I came in. Climbable ****, windows, anything I can use to extract myself.

[planswalker]

There is a window along each side wall and two along the front. You recall that the side windows up up behind a fence. There is a space underneath the stairs you could hide in, and there's always the tables. Or you could climb up the chimney to the fireplace.

[Lokio]

Without stopping, Perry sprinted to a side window and leapt through it, tumbling to ensure no damage to his body and keep his speed up.He then looked for the best escape routes, including easy spots to quickly climb to the rooftops.

OOC: can you do a spot at 1d20+4 and a tumble at 1d20+9

[planswalker]

the glass shards of breaking through the window deal [roll0] damage.

tumble: [roll1]
spot: [roll2]

[Lokio]

OOC: what do I see that suggests possible escape routes? Are the rooftops good for running along?

[Lokio]

OOC: what do I see that suggests possible escape routes? Are the rooftops good for running along?

[planswalker]

In this back alley, there are no obvious exits except into locked back doors. Unless one thinks to climb up on the roofs, which are not so steep but what they can be walked along without too much difficulty. Especially for a skilled climber. The gaps between rooftops is about 5 feet or so.

[Lokio]

Perry smiles and climbs straight up, ably and as fast as he can, then begins running along the rooftops, jumping the gaps.

Taking ten on the climb check = 30. How many jump checks do you need for me to get away from this?

[planswalker]

four to get away. The slant to the roof requires a balance check to get a running start or you'll have to make the jump check without. If you run and don't want to attract attention, that's also a move silently check with the penalties for running.

[Lokio]

I can make running jumps from standing as per goliath racial trait, so no need to run.

JUMP 1 [roll0]
JUMP 2 [roll1]
JUMP 3 [roll2]
JUMP 4 [roll3]


Perry leaps from building to building from a standing position, using his goliath-bred athleticism. He doesn't run unless there is signs of a guard somehow catching him on the roof and getting after him. He pulls his cloak over his body to cover his race and features.

[planswalker]

with mountain-bred athleticism, the Spire Hawk once more proves himself equal to the physical task.

[Lokio]

Smiling to himself and wondering how he got so damn good at athletics, the Spire Hawk climbs down to an alleyway and makes his way back to his inn.

If he arrives unmolested, he turns in for the night and gets some much-needed and well-deserved rest.

[planswalker]

he reaches there unmolested and sleeps.

you cannot recall much of your dreams, but a lingering image of a shadowy beast wreathed in flame lingers...

[Lokio]

He awakes and takes to the city streets after breakfast.

Headed to the city streets thread...

[Lokio]

Returning from the square, he thought about what to do. He should probably follow up with Snow, and the dream haunted him... perhaps the clerics could help figure out what happened.

He went looking for Snow briefly where he found him last, and passed the inn from the night before, looking to see if an investigation was ongoing.

[planswalker]

You find Jon in the same place as last time. It appears that a city watchman is going around asking people questions in the inn, but you don't see the old man from the night before on a casual viewing from the outside.

[Lokio]

Perry nods to Jon. "What's happening in the inn, boss? And is there anything new that you've heard re: the Jacks or anything else that might be lucrative for us?"

[planswalker]

"Someone was reported to have broken in last night. Didn't take anything, but smashed in a pair of doors and broke a window. Owner thinks it was the Kobolds harassing him."

[Lokio]

"Interesting." Perry smiled. "I wonder if the watch detectives could use help. Do you think the watch detectives could use help, Jon? Perhaps a zealous guard with a good eye for trapdoors and investigations could find his way up in the world and show his superiors how valuable he is if he were to help the watch detectives."

He looks Jon in the eye and winks. "And perhaps a particular bounty hunter could find his way in the world if he helped a particular up-and-coming watch detective to find some clues."

[planswalker]

"Indeed so. I like the way you think."

[Lokio]

Perry motioned toward the door. "Then, Mr. Snow, I suggest you lead the way and we go in. Perhaps people will be inclined to assist the watch knowing that the Spire Hawk is here helping. I'm kind of famous, apparently."

"By the by... I might have been the attacker last night. I was pursuing a couple of rogues and they got away from me. So try not to gather evidence that suggests I did anything. Let's take this chance to look for evidence of how the Jacks use the place... trapdoors, hidden doors, anything like that. I suspect you're probably pretty decent at looking out for that sort of thing."

[planswalker]

"No one would call me a grand master, but I'm decent."

He leads the way in.

[Lokio]

Perry follows Jon in, looking around the room in the daylight to see what the place looks like. Looking for any watch detectives or Jacks personnel, he takes stock of the room.

He quietly mutters to Jon, "Search for a trapdoor or a hidden door, and take as long as you need to find it. If there is an elf on the watch, perhaps you should send for him... they're good at sensing that sort of thing, I hear. There's more to this place than meets the eye and we finally have probable cause to be here and figure out why. I'll ask folks about last night and make it look like we're doing a legitimate investigation."

If you could have Jon take 20 on the search after sending for an elf guard, that'd be great.

[planswalker]

Jon says, "No need to send for an elf. I've found something." He presses on the door frame of one of the back doors, and a panel slides away between the two doors. "Looks like you're right."

"Snow, what are you doing? This is my investigation." The detective on duty says, noticing him and ignoring you.

"And such a wonderful job you did too. I got an anonymous tip that there were crooks here last night who escaped through a hidden passage. Took me ten seconds to guess where and thirty to find it. How long did it take you?"

He stares at Jon coldly, then notices you. "Hey, you match the description that one of the patrons gave of the intruder last night. You will submit to questioning."

[Lokio]

"Well done, Detective Snow -- I mean, Guardsman Snow."

Perry nods with a smile as the detective turns to him. "I'm happy to tell you exactly where I was last night, as would hundreds of people -- I'm Perry diCarto, sir." He offered the man a handshake. "I'm the Spire Hawk. I won the climbing competition that ran all of last night. There are at least three high magi who would be happy to testify to that, too. I spent my entire afternoon and night on the mountain. I was busy dodging lightning blasts from an adult blue dragon last night. Was there anything further?"

Perry figured that given how short a timeframe there was between him winning and him breaking in, the odds are good that his alibi would check out. There was no way a magistrate would accept the word of a bleary old man with an inexact timeline over the word of three high mages and the fans of the competition... and he didn't expect that this bumbler of a detective would be getting a perfect timeline from the mages, either.

"Oh, by the by, Detective... you may be more successful at your job by spending your time investigating the obvious escape route and criminal links of a SECRET DOOR IN AN INN than by questioning a professional athlete who was busy winning a highly publicized sports event when your crime was happening."

Since nobody has clocks, especially not some old man who blearily woke up...

[planswalker]

His eyes narrow. He doesn't like you. "Just because you good at climbing, mountain monkey, does not give you the right to be disrespectful to a member of the King's Detectives. You can answer my questions without mouthing off."

[Lokio]

Perry looks at Snow with a look of "is this guy for real?" then smiles at the detective. "Of course. Should I have a barrister present while I repeat exactly what I just said to you over and over, or does the fact that I couldn't have been in two places at once answer the question of whether or not I was your guy?"

[planswalker]

"Fine, you may go. I will now tell both of you to leave. This is neither of your business."

[Lokio]

"We'll see about that, won't we, Detective Snow? Let's go have a word with the Captain of the Watch, shall we?"

He leads the way out and grins to Snow as they exit. On the way out the door, he calls to the detective, "By the way, boss... this is a Jacks bar. You may want to get a few more men to secure this crime scene."

As they hit the street, he says to Snow, "We may want to go talk to the Captain, now. You need to get credit for this, and that idiot's going to get killed just the second the Jacks decide they want the Watch not to see what they're doing."

[planswalker]

In response to you calling out, he says, "When I want a gorilla's opinion, I'll go to the zoo."

[Lokio]

Perry stops in his tracks. "Guardsman Snow, you are our witness. I challenge this racist, useless 'detective' to a duel at high noon, tomorrow, in the plaza, for all the world to see."

He turns back to the detective. "So, Detective, will you cower and have the world know you for what you truly are -- a racist coward -- or will you face this 'mountain monkey' and be judged by your peers?"

[planswalker]

"I'll be sure to bring a banana."

[Lokio]

Perry smirks. "We'll see you then, Detective."

He leads the way toward the Fortress, Snow in tow. If they arrive unmolested, he asks Jon, "Can you get us in to see the Captain on a rush basis?"

[planswalker]

"Probably. On what basis should this be rushed?"

[Lokio]

"A huge break in the Jacks case that you need to report. A complaint against a watch detective. Also some various other matters from a loyal citizen who wishes to assist the watch."

[planswalker]

"I'll see what I can do."

He goes in the Fortress, and thirty minutes later he comes out saying, "I've got us one for two hours from now. Best I could do."

[Lokio]

He nods. "Perfect. Why don't we grab a bite to eat and I'll check out what postings are around here for work?"

Perry first goes to the board to determine what work is around.

We don't need to RP the next two hours if you don't want to. I'm going to sit and wait for the Captain after you tell me what work is available that's posted at the Fortress.

I'll be listening for the duration for stuff that's happening too.

[planswalker]

At the fortress is copy of the Town Criers' top news along with a notice that there is a bounty list inside. Ask for details.

[Lokio]

After lunch, Perry asks Snow to take him inside the Fortress to inquire about the bounty list.

[planswalker]

He does so and finds out that there is a standing bounty on a criminal gang called the Jacks. The City Watch offers 100 for any low-level criminals, 350 for their thieves, and the bounty on the more elite members ranges from 500 for Knarl the Knee to 20,000 for Jimmy the Hand. If one can catch the Dayman or Nightman, it's said they're worth 25,000 apiece. Half price if not brought in alive for questioning.

[Lokio]

Perry rolls his eyes and waits for the Captain.

[planswalker]

"The captain will see you now."

[Lokio]

Perry smiles, stands, and motions for Snow to lead the way in.

"He's your boss. I'll let you introduce me, then I'll make you look awesome."

[planswalker]

The two of you enter. Captain Marcell Herman is sitting behind a desk, writing idly on a piece of parchment. "So, Perry, is it? I heard about you winning the title of Spire Hawk. Well done. What can I do for you?"

[Lokio]

Perry smiles and offers his hand to Captain Marcell.

"Thank you. My lord, we appreciate you seeing us so swiftly. We know that you are busy, but there is a break in the Jacks case that I think you may want to hear about personally. Your young man here," he clapped Jon Snow on the shoulder, "has found the connection between the Goose and the Gander Inn and the Jacks' operation. There is a hidden passageway, and while some bumbler of a detective missed it, Mr. Snow here cought it, and I wanted to commend him to you. He's got a sharp eye, my lord. While you are the expert on these things, if his eye is always so sharp, he could be of great service to you on the Detectives. And given your leave, I would be pleased to lead an expedition into the tunnel to see what we can see."

Perry smiled at the Captain and Snow, then paused, a concerned look on his face. "Speaking of your detective at the inn... he decided that racism and rudeness was a proper way to speak to a citizen. I let it slide once, but when he shouted to call me a 'mountain monkey' and a 'gorilla' in front of all sorts of passersby, the honor of my clan dictated that I challenge him to a duel. He accepted."

Perry sighed. "He's one of your detectives, Captain. If you want me to spare his life, I will, though I would ask for compensation as damages in return, for the damage to my family name. I would simply ask that he be chastised for his conduct and reminded that the citizenry of Aldhaven come from all sorts of places. Racism is not acceptable."

Perry waits to hear from the Captain before moving on to the other subjects.

[planswalker]

"That's very good to hear. We've needed a lead in that case for months. I'll take watchman Snow's merit under consideration, but he ihas a hearing for suspected misconduct that will need to be cleared up first before I even consider that."

"I think I will contract you to lead such an expedition. If I entrust you with 5,000 gold to do this, will ti get done?"

"As for Detective ROyce... yes, please spare his life. Would 3,000 gold in dmages be sufficient?"

[Lokio]

Perry pursed his lips. "If you were to give me ten thousand for the whole, I would be able to better equip myself and hire more men. I believe Detective Royce's life is worth a bit more than three thousand. As well, if I can be of any assistance regarding Mr. Snow's merit at the hearing, please, let me know. Since I have met him, he has been a courteous and capable man."

"There were a couple of other matters I wished to inquire about. Some folks going missing in Old Town... and spies that were captured."

[planswalker]

"Officially, the missing persons are being handled by the watch. In truth, I have no clue who's doing it. If you can find out anything I'd love to know why my watchmen can't seem to solve the case that's been ongoing for ten years."

"The captured spies are a Royal Guard matter of secrecy. All I'm allowed to say is that we will recompense any person who aids in the capture of their associates."

[Lokio]

Perry pursed his lips. "Okay. I'll investigate. The spies from the Empire... I presume they've been thoroughly questioned. What came from the questioning?"

Does he accept my 10k counteroffer?

[planswalker]

yes he does.

"I'm afraid that such things are also top secret."

[Lokio]

Perry pursed his lips. "Okay, Captain. I will take my ten thousand gold and see to it that it is well used on an appropriate raid. But with regard to the spies, if I don't know what intelligence they gave regarding their compatriots, that will make it a lot harder to find them."

"As for Detective Royce, I will ensure that he returns to you bloodied, but alive, for your discipline."

He nodded to the Captain. "Thank you very kindly for meeting with me so swiftly. If you need to get a hold of me, just send word through Mr. Snow here. He is a good man and a good friend. I am always looking for work."

[planswalker]

"Honestly, just bring in anyone who is from the Empire of Seven Dragons. That's what the Archduke really wants. In the king's name, of course. Regardless of my personal interest in the matter, that is what I am commanded to do."

"Thank you. However, do be aware that I will not pay you to start duels with my honest guardsmen every time, even if they are bigots who should know better."

"Very well. That is good to hear. Let's stay in touch."

[Lokio]

Perry nods. "Of course. By the by... you may want to send a contingent to the Goose and Gander Inn to secure the passageway. We don't need the Jacks killing your detectives."

He bows to the Captain and takes the purse of money. As they leave the Fortress and get out of sight, Perry slips Snow his cut of 300g.

"For your service. Try not to get caught doing anything that's going to get you investigated... I think we'd both benefit from you being a detective. I have some business to take care of in the Mage's Quarter and at a shop. I'll be staying at the Sad Flint tonight. You know where to find me."

With that, he places the remaining 9700g in his purse and heads to find a magic item shop. He finds Hagan's and goes inside to the appropriate thread.

[planswalker]

"I thought that securing that entrance was what I just payed you ten thousand gold for."

[Lokio]

"I mean, for the moment, while I gather a team to raid it. I'm talking about claiming the inn as a crime scene so that the Jacks don't kill all of your men while I get people together to go raid it."

[planswalker]

"Very well. It shall be done."

[Lokio]

When he finished his order at Hagan's, he checked the time. Between five and seven, a young man was looking to hire some able-bodied men. He wondered what for.

If it is between those times, Perry goes to the inn to meet the young man.

[planswalker]

It is between those times. The Perry sees the red-haired young man talking to... a walking tree? They both are drinking water.

[Lokio]

Perry nods to both and speaks to the redheaded man. "I understand that you are looking for some able-bodied men for a particular job."

He orders an ale from a serving girl.

[planswalker]

"It seems we may have someone else joining us... would you care to stay and take part? I believe I may have the same information for him as I had for you..." he says as he motions to the goliath to approach and offers his hand towards him.

"Welcome. I am Ishmael, though people call me Ish and this is Silvanus! Are you hear for the ad I put at the Town Crier? Shall I order you a drink or something to eat?"

[Lokio]

Perry smiles and thanks the man. "I just ordered, thanks -- I'm Perry diCarto. And yes, I'm responding to the ad." He has a seat and offers his hand to Silvanus.

[planswalker]

"Okay then mr DiCarto lets get down to business. I will tell you two things about me before we continue. If those are okay with you then we can work together. So here goes. Firstly I am very paranoid... it means you will have to abide with my weird sense of logic some times and accept my crazy ideas as they are..." he pauses to see if the goliath is still following.

"The second is... I am not a really good person. But more importantly the people I am against are REALLY BAD people... If you are interested in helping a paranoid not so nice person against a large group of really nasty REALLY evil people we can work together you and I!" he says his voice lowering significantly.

"So, these people, they are my mortal enemies... actually they are enemies of the city and of all the good people that live in it... but some times I take things personally..."

[Lokio]

"I'm interested in hearing more." Perry pursed his lips. "Who are they?"

[planswalker]

"That comes lasts and not in an open space like here... this tavern was chosen as neutral ground. I already told to Silvanus that we can meet tomorrow at dawn or later depending on what you have to do and I can give the precise details..." he says with an apologetic tone.

"I can tell you the following though..." he says and repeats parts of what he told the Treelike warforged.

"I serve diffrent patrons in the city. Some good, some bad, some low born, some high born, some rich and some poor. They all have reasons to have one or more grievances with said gang and all wanted to bring down Nemesis upon them. Do you know what Nemesis is? A righteous infliction of retribution in this case personified by me... by us. Money is off course involved as always, fame for those who care to claim it, and off course it is also a matter of accepting a challenge..." his voice has become less joking as time passes and they delve deeper into the discussion. His tone is very soft and low and he does give occasional looks at the other patrons of the inn despite the fact that the table they have chosen is one that is surrounded by other empty ones.

"I can tell you that said gang is wanted by the City Guard. There are rewards for bringing them alive. Just know that I have gathered the backing of many of the citys other denizens and inhabitants and although not all are out to catch prisoners that will be my aim if possible..." he says finishing his own water.

"The primary aim is the destruction of said gang from top to bottom... hopefully while being able to catch as many of them alive as possible especially their leadership..."

[Lokio]

Perry narrowed his eyes. "In a deck of cards, there is a ten and then a queen. Is the enemy you're after what comes between?"

"Because if so..." Perry whispered, "I've been working that case. And I have some information that you may find extremely valuable."

[planswalker]

"Possibly. As I said, this place was chosen for its neutrality not for it being the best location to talk about names..."

"Forgive my inquiry but since I have shown you... at least part of mine I have to ask you... are you a member of the Guard or working with them directly? As I mentioned I know the Guard despises my targets but on the other hand their ways of working would jeopardise my mission and I doubt some of my backers would like to get involved with them in a direct fashion... furthermore though my plan is to bring criminals to justice some have more personal and direct ways to end the threat this Gang represents and having to worry about getting arrested afterwards wont work for them... I dont mind if you also work WITH the Guard but what we discuss between us and what information I give and share is for your ears only... I have spent weeks and countless resources, risking my life and the life of others for this and I wont have it blow up due to a leak from the Watch..." he said carefully.

[Lokio]

Perry sat back in his chair and smiled. "What I am is a clever private investigator with contacts in the City Watch and a man close to the Captain. I'm also a bounty hunter... and apparently, I'm clever enough to have you tell me about the questionable legality of your plan. But worry not, my friend. I am no watchman. Tomorrow, in fact, I have a duel against one of the detectives -- that couldn't happen if I was one of them."

He leaned forward and whispered to Ishmael alone so that the tree couldn't hear. He was going to go ahead and assume that the Jacks were the problem that needed destruction. "You want me on your side for this. I have found an entrance at one of their hangouts. Where it is will cost you and your backers extra, but I have it secured. You can buy my martial arts, you can buy my intelligence, and you can buy access to my contacts... whatever you need."

[planswalker]

Ishmael does not manage to supress a smile at the whole -I made you tell me your questionable acts-.

"Yes you caught me admitting everything... its actually getting me to the City Guard that would be the problem sir... but lets not get into a pissing contest as we are all probably powerful enough to back our claims" he says seriously.

"We can discuss details before or after your duels. My research has paid fruit and I already have quite a few locations that lead to hideouts. They have a big one as well that just scouting it almost got me killed..."he says and he shivers remembering the encounter with the Nose.

"If your location is one we have not uncovered then we would be interested off course as this has to be a complete operation." he says as he stands up.

"And now gentlemen I have to depart, I shall meet you tomorrow at a time of your choosing behind the Hangman Inn in Northmarket. Its a relative secluded area and easy to see if anyone is watching or trying to overhear... I have business to attend to now and reports to fill..." he says and grins.

"Dont try to follow me by the way, I will not take kindly to that.... and that includes pets, animals, spirits and anything else..." he says as he opens a pouch and leaves the correct amount for whatever their table has consumed and a 20% tip.

"Oh and one more thing, tomorrow I will most obviously NOT come as the orange headed youth. Its far too obvious... it was necessary here to make it easy to be identified. Tomorrow I shall be much more discreet and I suggest the same for you..." he says considering how discreet a walking tree and a walking rock can be...

[Lokio]

He laughed -- he was really just joking around with the redheaded boy. "Perfect. Pleasure to meet you, Ish. I duel at noon and, assuming that the detective hasn't stuck a sword through my heart, I will be available to meet you behind the inn shortly thereafter."

He stood up, nodded to the tree, and headed off, climbing onto the rooftops and bounding in the fastest way he could to the Goose and Gander. His goal was to ensure Ishmael did not follow him. From the rooftop, he peered down to see if the police were still holding it.

If they are, he appears and heads in, speaking to the guards. "My name is Perry diCarto. I was working with Jon Snow when this was discovered and the Captain of the Watch has hired me to work this passage."

Barring any problems, he headed in, his trusty ten foot pole out, sweeping in front of him for traps. He also lights a torch.

[planswalker]

His ten foot pole becomes a nine foot pole when the last foot of it is snapped of in a bear trap dripping poison.

[Lokio]

Perry breathes deeply and continues along the way, listening and moving as quietly as he can. While his light made him obvious visually, he figured it was sound that would do him in in the long run.

Move Silently [roll0]
Listen [roll1]
Spot [roll2]

[planswalker]

His 9 foot pole becomes a 7.5 foot pole when more of it is lost to a swinging blade out of a side wall.

[Lokio]

Perry gulps slightly and keeps moving down the hall, probing with his shortened pole.

[planswalker]

His pole finds a pit trap with spikes at the bottom a half-step before Perry would have. it seems to be about 20 feet long and the width of the corridor.

[Lokio]

Perry looks for any handholds along the side or outcroppings on the far side. If he finds handholds, he climbs along the wall. If outcroppings, he pulls his rope out and throws it across with the grappling hook.

If not and he sees no other intelligent ideas, he takes a sprinting start and jumps across the gap at high speed. If he falls short, he tries to catch himself on the far lip.

since goliaths can jump as running at the halt, if I'm running, do I get a bonus to jump?

Jump roll if needed [roll0]

[planswalker]

you don't get a bonus. Fortunately it's a moot point.

The walls are slick, but not impossible to climb.

[Lokio]

Perry skitters across like the big pro climber he is and carries on, scouting with his pole and marking the location in his mind for the extraction.

(Ooc took 10 for 30)

[planswalker]

The next trap his pole encounters leaves him with a 3 foot section. A 10' long pressure plate in the floor was triggered and the ceiling dropped down and poisoned spikes crunched the pole. When the pressure on the plate receeded, the spikes went back up.

[Lokio]

Perry purses his lips and quickly taps the pressure plate with his big toe, pulling it back to ensure it's disabled. If it's not, he leaps over the pressure plate after the ceiling comes back up.

Jump check if needed [roll0]

[planswalker]

It is not disabled and he leaps across, landing right in front of a locked door.

[Lokio]

Perry listens at the door for a moment. If he hears nothing, he stands to the side of the door and pokes the locking mechanism to see if there are any traps. If there is nothing, he tries to open the door, wary for any pokey things coming out at him.

Listen - [roll0]

Come to think of it I think I'll spend a couple of minutes listening and take 20.

[planswalker]

He hears low voices talking, but nothing he can make out.

[Lokio]

Perry knocks on the door and says loud enough to be heard, "I bring word from the Nightman."

Below the line of sight of any sliding door panels, he prepares his ram and his shield, ready to smash the door in to hit someone on the other side if they get uppity.

[planswalker]

You hear someone say, "Really? What do I say?"

[Lokio]

"You say, dodge this." He checks the door handle and throws the door open with his tower shield up in total cover. If it is not unlocked, he smashes into the door with the ram and pulls his shield up in total cover.

Str - [roll0][roll1]

[planswalker]

Two heave-ho's later, he's broken the door open.

With total cover, he cannot see the room beyond. However, when three crossbow bolts bang into his shield, he counts that a good thing.

[Lokio]

He peeks out from the cover of his shield to see the situation after the bolts (free action).

[planswalker]

Two humans and a drow stare back at you. The drow says, "Did you come by yourself? Brave but foolish man. I could use some muscle like you if you're for sale. If not, I'm sure you're useful in other ways. Such as a trophy."

[Lokio]

He walks up to one of the humans on the side furthest from the others, kicking at his legs to try to sweep him off his feet. "Everyone's for sale, friend. Just make your offer." As he closes, he mentally triggers Displacement and flies into a whirling frenzy, roaring his defiance. How dare this drow scum mock Perry diCarto?! He activates his precision strike ability for the round.

Melee touch [roll0]
Trip [roll]1d20+16

If he trips the opponent, he lashes out with two savage precise kicks to the chest as the man falls.

AOO precision strike #1 [roll1]
AOO #1 dmg [roll2]

AOO precision strike #2 [roll3]
AOO #2 dmg [roll4]

Blurring and dodging with magical quickness, Perry barks, "Hoo-rah." as he prepares for their defense.

[Lokio]

Whoops, trip [roll0]

[planswalker]

You trip him, but you fail to hit him with your attacks.

Their defense takes the form of the Nightman laughing and saying, "Look, your demostration has proved you've got nerves of steel. How does ten thousand gold per job sound?"

[Lokio]

Perry takes advantage of the situation and his opponents lack of action, kicking in a blur three times into the fallen man.

ATK #1 [roll0] DMG [roll1]
ATK #2 [roll2] DMG [roll3]
ATK #3 [roll4] DMG [roll5]

He then hears the Nightman's offer. "What kind of jobs are we talking about here?"

[Lokio]

Sense motive to see if I can get specifics of his class/abilities/relative power vs. me. [roll0]

[planswalker]

You kick the fallen man to death.

His swagger would indicate that he's got the sort of confidence that takes years of experience to build up to. He's likely to be very powerful.

He says, "Are you going to stand there kicking my minoins to death? Very well."

"Sit."

will save

[Lokio]

[roll0]

Perry grits his teeth as he feels some kind of assault on his mind.

[planswalker]

He feels compelled to sit on the floor.

"Good. Now, can we discuss this without further violence or do I have to get mean?"

[Lokio]

Perry nods, his reflexes primed to interrupt the spellcaster if he casts again.

"Alright. Let's talk. I have some information you might find most interesting, for a price."

Interrupt spellcaster action readied.

[planswalker]

"Two thousand gold. Sufficient gold?"

[Lokio]

"Add another zero, maybe. This information will save your entire organization. Someone's about to come after you folks in a big way, and I can tell you where they're going to meet their allies and who they are."

[planswalker]

"You'll have to give me more than that if I'm going to give you so much gold after kicking my minion to death."

[Lokio]

"He's a minion. If he died from a couple of light kicks he wasn't worth much anyway. I'm giving you the ability to head this off with minimal bloodshed by ambushing them at their meet. That's worth a lot of minions. In fact, that'll save a lot of minions' lives, I'm pretty sure."

[planswalker]

"Point. Tell me the info, and if it's worth it, I'll give you your 20,000 gold."

[Lokio]

"I can't walk out of here alive if I don't give you the information... but you very much can kill me once I'm done giving it to you, here, in your dank little cellar. Give me the money, and I'll tell you what you need to know as we walk to the front of the building so that I can walk out of here."

[planswalker]

"Nope. You'll be sitting there for the next 12 hours unless I release you. You don't get to dictate terms. I do."

[Lokio]

1d20

Perry attempts to bluff the Nightman.

[Lokio]

[roll0]

Perry attempts to bluff the Nightman.

[Lokio]

This is a transcript of a conversation between me and Plans on Yahoo as Perry and the Nightman.

Perry sighed. "Okay. Fine. There is an orange-haired man who is gathering allies. While he did not specifically say he was targeting the Jacks, everything he said suggested that there is some kind of coalition of noblemen and patrons who are backing him in gathering a large group of adventurers to come and kick your asses. I spoke to him today. He said he killed someone by the name of 'the Nose'".

The Nightman narrowed his eyes and glared at him harshly. "This would be the git who used spellfire to kill the Nose."

"You are familiar with him, then. How's this information sounding so far?"

"Like it's worth 5000 gold and your life."

Perry nodded. "I suspect he is a shapeshifter. I'd imagine it makes him hard to track, but I know where he's going to be tomorrow just after midday, meeting his allies."

"Go on."

"What's that particular bit of information worth to you?"

"Ten thousand," the Nightman said. "And the Suggestion spell removed. Tell me where."

Perry swallowed. "In the South Market, there is a warehouse. He said he had it on lockdown. Within the warehouse, there is a back room with a tunnel leading to the water. That's their meeting point. Apparently they figure the tunnel will give them an out if they're hit."

"Which warehouse? There are dozens in the South Market."

"Southridge Street, at an alleyway near Bond. But you've got to watch out. He's got barrels of this explosive pitch that he has rigged to blow. It'll take half the street out, so be bloody cautious."

OOC: Bluff check 15 as per last post.

"Very well," said the Nightman. "You're freed from the spell. You'll get your 15,000 gold tomorrow night. Now go."

Perry stands. "I wasn't done giving you information, though. Did you want more?"

"More can earn you gold now."

Perry shook his head. "See, now you're not dealing in good faith. You promised me gold. First, 5000 and my life when I told you who was targeting you. You didn't pay. Then a location of their meet. You haven't paid. Gold tomorrow might as well be no gold at all with criminals... no offense."

"Fair point. However, words are cheap if they are not true."

Perry shrugged. "Stand me in a zone of truth. Cast it. Let's do this."

"I'll give you half now, half when I know you've told me the truth."

"Okay." He extends his hand for the money. The Nightman throws a small sack at his feet.

"Platinum. 750 of it." Perry picked it up and checked it. The Nightman was telling the truth.

"I have one more piece of information that might be worth something to you. His primary ally. An individual of some divine power that will make things difficult for you. I suspect he is a healer and a summoner. You and I both know how annoying those can be. What's his name worth to you? I figure if you assassinate him prior to the meet, you may have an easier time dealing with the rest."

"Another 50 platinum. Physical description to single him out is another 10."

"Make it a thousand even. He's very distinctive."

The Nightman sighed. "Fine. 100 platinum. Half now, half when I know you're telling the truth."

"You'll know I'm telling the truth if your intelligence network keeps any track of who comes and goes in this city. His name is Silvanus."

"The walking tree? He's working against us?"

"You know the one?"

"My beggars took note of him as he entered town."

"That one. If you kept an eye on the inn where an 'orange-haired youth' was meeting people for a 'dangerous quest' that the Crier was crying about, you'd have seen him. Meeting with a particular orange-haired youth that we know to be a shapeshifter."

"He hired out to attack us on the Crier? He's bold."

Perry chuckled. "The man has a pair. And strong allies, it seems."

"Do you know the names of the powers that are backing him?"

"What I do know is it is NOT the City Watch. He said that his allies were illegal in their own way. So, who could that be in this city?"

"I already knew it wasn't the watch. They're firmly in our pockets."

"Not as firmly as you think. There's a bounty out on you guys... and who do you think sent me down this tunnel? You will want to clear out, by the way... the watch have this place on lock. That's a little extra, as a gift."

The Nightman chuckled. "Oh, the watch and we play a game, true. But we've never had a high-ranking member arrested ever."

"What do you think I was here to do? I was under the impression I'd be running into Jimmy the Hand down here. He's no mage. And if he's no mage, then I can put him down."

The Nightman looked amused. "Be glad you didn't. He'd have killed you before asking you questions."

Perry smiled. "If they swing a sword, then I win. Which leads me to my next point. You said you had work."

"You're not getting any more gold from me tonight. You've got too much invested in your word. Which has yet to be proven worth a damn."

"Okay." Perry picked up the 500g for his half-now from Silvanus.

"You've annoyed me. Leave now." The Nightman pointed at the door. Perry wisely headed out, jumping over the pressure plate trap and climbing around the pit.

Upon exiting, he suggested to the Watch that they seal the tunnel and repossess the inn; it had been secured, but was a Jacks facility that the State should shut down.

He returned to the shop.

(TOTAL GAINS: 8000g, 1300xp - please confirm, Plans).

[Lokio]

After the shop (other thread), he went to the inn for a pint to see if he could dredge up any player-player interaction. (City Streets)

He found himself thinking a lot about the line he was walking, giving the Nightman just enough information to suspect an attack from an obvious prior attacker, but throwing him off by giving him a false meeting place to strike... and with any luck, be captured by the Watch.

Even if they got the Hand or a group of soldiers, that'd be a few less they'd have to take down when the raid came.

[Lokio]

After the drinking at the Inn, he left a message with a guard to have Jon Snow to come find him in the morning, as soon as possible. The Watch Captain would need a little bit of time to get his men into place for ambushing the Jacks. Then he went to sleep.

[planswalker]

gains confirmed.

As you sleep, the flaming beast once more pursues you.

[Lokio]

Perry slept through the night, but has memories of being pursued by a beast... and knows he ought to handle this today.

He also elected not to contact the Watch to spring a trap on the Nightman's men. At this point, getting a few cronies arrested wouldn't be much compared to the damage he could inflict at will. "The meet could have changed places" or something like that was a far easier possibility for the Nightman to swallow than "the guard was waiting where you told me to send my men".

He woke at eleven after a good sleep, had a bath, had a hearty breakfast and lots of water, and prepared for his duel, which he suspects will occur in the City Streets.

[planswalker]

His duel will occur in this thread, and if desired, a summary will be posted in the City Streets.

[Lokio]

Perry patiently awaits the Detective's arrival.

[planswalker]

He comes swaggering up, a broadsword in hand. "You ready to die, ape?"