AVB - Denhear

[Rizban]

HerbieRAI and DM only

You reach King's Causeway, the bridge across the river that connects the city with the Docks and slums on the other side. Both side of the bridge are protected by a gatehouse, and a large fortress sits on an island in the middle of the river. King's Causeway connects to the downstream edge of this island.

A guard at the gatehouse says, "Best be careful if you go over there. The gangs have gotten out of control, and it's practically a full war in the streets now."

[Lokio]

Hello, Herbie!

I'm Lokio. I'll be your DM for the duration of your character's survival in Aldhaven. As such, I will begin the conduct of your PC's file now.

Welcome to AVB ;)

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear peers off across the river and debates on his previous decision to come this way. Of course he would have to take risks eventually, but he did not like the idea of taking them without an escape plan. After all, running away was his best talent.

Denhear turns to the guard Thanks for the warning. Are there no guards or police over in the area?


Congrats on the DM-ship. Also roughly what time of day is it? I don't want to be caught by a suprise nightfall.

[Lokio]

It's early afternoon, just slightly after lunchtime.

The guard shrugged. "Like I said... be careful. It's a warzone."

[HerbieRAI]

I see. Would you know how to get to the Shady Side Inn? I know it is in the Slums somewhere

[Lokio]

The remarkably human guard raises an eyebrow and straightens up a bit. "Sir, do I look like the kind of man who would hang out at a Slums inn? If you really want to know, you can ask around town, or better yet, go to the Slums and ask. They're on the other side of the warzone."

"Here's a bit of free advice: don't get caught out there at night."

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear leaves the guard and heads into the docks towards the slums. while in the docks, he keeps an eye out for anyone taking staring at him or hiding in dark areas.

[Lokio]

The Docks are hellish when Denhear arrives. Brutish hobgoblins strut around the streets, but in the alleys is where he hears muted pleas for help and the slashing of daggers. Hobgoblins eye him up and down, and one group, clearly drunk, is harassing a pair of humans.

"Halt!" A hobgoblin with a blue hand tattooed on his face has his hand on the hilt of a massive axe. He is staring right at you. "You shall pay tribute to the Khan if you wish to pass!"

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear spends a few seconds looking around to see if the hobgoblin has any support, and looking for any escape routs and the heights of the buildings around him. He then responds to the hobgoblin, studying him closely.

How much tribute are you looking for?


if a spot check is wanted
[roll0]

[Rizban]

Unless you're actively trying to find something specific, such as a particular person in a crowd, you don't actively roll spot checks. The DM rolls them secretly for you.

[Lokio]

From what Denhear can see, there are other hobgoblins around. However, many of them appear to be harassing passersby, or peering down dark alleyways. The buildings around him are of various heights, with the average being about two stories. He can also go back into the city if he so chooses.

The hobgoblin sneers and says, "One hundred gold should do nicely, in the name of the Khan."

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear smiles, and tries to calm his mind

Alright. If you escort me to the slums I can pay you a little more. And that would be money in your pocket, not the Khans.


Concentration check to become psionically focused (DC 20)
[roll0]

I got to remember to do this before I get into situations

[Lokio]

The hobgoblin smirks and nods. "Pay, and let's go. You under protection of Blue Hand Clan for this trip."

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear gives the Hobgoblin 150 gold.

Lets get moving then.

Denhear follows the Hobgoblin, until they get to away from the others. If they are followed the whole way then he follows him to the slums.

While walking, Denhear focuses on the Hobgoblins movements and walking pattern. When they get away from the others, Denhear gets a little closer behind the goblinoid, draws his mindblade, and stabs him in the back.


attack roll
[roll0]

If it hits
regular damage [roll1]
sneak attack damage [roll2]
expending psionic focus for physic strike [roll3]
also death attack (fort save DC 14)

[Lokio]

At this point, you are in an alleyway that is moderately well lit, but not particularly inhabited. The streets, however, are.

The hobgoblin roars in pain as your mindblade slams into his back. Blood gushes from his mouth at the force of your strike. Unfortunately, you missed his heart by just a small amount.

Please roll initiative.

[HerbieRAI]

Initiative
[roll0]

[Lokio]

The muscular hobgoblin reacts quickly, spinning and sizing you up for a brief second before grabbing you by the arm and swinging you into a grapple. You struggle against one another... and you get the sense that he's pretty good at this sort of thing.

I'll need a grapple check - BAB + str.

[HerbieRAI]

Grapple Check
[roll]1d20+4[roll]

And don't I get a AAO if he is trying to grapple me? I understand he may have a feat, so I'll just do my attack in case.

AAO
[roll0]
damage
[roll1]

[HerbieRAI]

curse, I was trying to keep my posts down and I screw up the roll

[roll0]

..... I'll try again in a few minutes.

[HerbieRAI]

Hopefully it'll work this time.

[roll0]

[Lokio]

Your attempt to take advantage of a weakness fails -- there simply isn't one there in this goblin's technique. (Ooc: he's got imp grapple.)

You are grappled. Your turn.

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear attempts to throw the goblinoid off of him.


grapple check [roll0]

[Lokio]

The hobgoblin is thrown off and you have a move action.

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear moves back and puts some distance between himself and the Hobgoblin

[Lokio]

The hobgoblin lashes out as you leave his threatened area, spinning and snapping a kick into your jaw for [roll0].

AOO from movement... lucky -- it was a crit but did not confirm.

It is the hobgoblin's turn. He then walks right up to you as a move action and goes to grapple you. Please roll a grapple check.

[HerbieRAI]

Grapple Check
[roll0]

[Lokio]

The hobgoblin grapples you, sneering. His blood is on your clothes, and he growls, "Surrender and maybe we'll take you to the Khan."

He yells for backup. "We've got ourself a prisoner here, boys!"

It's your action.

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear continues to struggle to get away.


grapple check
[roll0]

[Lokio]

Through a feat of luck and struggling, you somehow manage to slip his grip again, and have a move action.

You notice that the sun's position is moving slowly across the sky, but the shadows are beginning to fall in this alleyway...

Twice I've rolled natural 1s vs your escape attempts haha!

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear realizes his window is closing, and with this hobgoblins unarmed ability he cannot fight on these terms, and so he runs down the alley again.


He will use his burst ability, which rasises his base movement to 45 ft, and runs down the alley. He will be looking ahead for a turn or a place he can get out of sight of the hobgoblin to hide.

[Lokio]

The alley ends twenty feet down the line and so Denhear can turn the corner left or right. To the left is the way back to the city. To the right is the continuing path toward the slums.

As you round the corner, you hear the unarmed combatant yell, "Skulks! Skulks! Hellpp----" and then he screams. Hobgoblins are looking at you, and hear the cries.

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear turns right towards the slums, then hides. Thinking this is probably a bad option, but you can always run some more.


hide check
[roll0]

edit: apparently lying in the middle of the alley is a good hiding spot.

[Lokio]

You are seen. A pair of hobgoblins begin to chase you, beginning to shout an alarm. As you round the next corner, a door opens and you hear, "Quick! Xeph! In here!" and a stout dwarf in a chain shirt beckons.

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear jumps inside. When he gets in, he looks at the dwarf and asks Pretty brave of you to let a runaway in

[Lokio]

The door is closed and barred behind you, and you have a mild urge to put your hands up. You are in the front room of a Docks house. The dwarf smiles, and you see a strong-looking wood elf with a composite greatbow aiming a pair of arrows down your throat, a stout gnome staring at you, a housecat standing on a shelf with his paw an inch from your head humming with magical energies from a touch spell he is holding, and the dwarf has a massive waraxe with a stout tower shield.

The tension in the room is palpable as he locks the door. He chuckles quietly at your comment and smiles, and the tension in the room breaks. "Brave is one word for it." The elf relaxes and lowers his bow, and the dwarf leads you down the hallway down which the ranged combatants were aiming. You hear the mage mutter a spell and the dwarf slides a wall across the hallway.

In the back room there is a table, and he motions you to sit.

"Aye, son. Brave is one word, indeed." He takes a seat himself, putting his axe on his belt. He extends his hand to you. "I'm Yacob Pardunn, a humble servant of Moradin. This motley crew is Aryn Longshaft and Gibbs McCoy." He motions at the elf and the gnome respectively. The kitty brushes up against your leg and lets out a little 'mew'. "And that's Cat. Gibbs hasn't told us his actual name."

"So, who are ye? And what's a slip like you doing in a place like this? You look injured." Yacob leans in and looks at the bruising on the side of your head. "Someone hit you in a big way."

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear lets his sword dissipate.
My name is Denhear. I'm new to Aldhaven, and was on my way to the slums looking for work when the hobgoblin was trying to extort me. I thought I could take him, but it turned out his greataxe was just for show. He caught me with his foot on my escape. If you don't mind me asking what you all are up to? It doesn't look like you guys are running an inn.

[Lokio]

Aryn Longshaft smirks and the gnome chuckles. The cleric says, "Different weapons for different enemies, my boy. Any good warrior knows that."

He pours the Xeph a tankard of ale and slides it over to him, pouring one for himself and his companions after. "As for who we are--"

A pounding can be heard on the front door. He looks over sharply at the gnome, who nods and stands up, going out to the front and closing the false wall behind him. A pair of loud voices can be heard, and Longshaft nocks a pair of arrows, holding his finger to his lips.

"In the name of the Khan, let us in! There's a fugitive on the loose."

McCoy says, "Feel free to look if you must. There's nobody here but me and my wife."

"A looker, isn't she? Hah! Give us one hundred gold for protection and we'll be on our way. Or else we might have to take you in for harbouring fugitives, if you know what I mean." You get the sense that the mage has made some kind of illusionary wife for the front room, as you hear a female voice saying, "But there's nobody here!"

The gnome mage says, "This isn't the house you're looking for."

The voices in the front sound strangely different, as though their will has been overcome. "This isn't the house we're looking for."

"You should carry on now, leaving a hundred gold pieces for my trouble."

"We're going to carry on now. Here, sorry for troubling you, sir."

The door is closed and locked, and McCoy returns with a small pouch of gold in his hand, saying, "Funds for the operation. We're clear."

Yacob laughs. "Well done, laddie. As for your question, xeph... what we're doing in particular is no matter of yours, but let's just say we protect the people who actually live in the docks from abduction, rape, murder, and worse..."

[HerbieRAI]

He was caught for that last comment for a few seconds. Why would they help him if they didn't need anything from him?
The guard said it was a warzone, are there other factions besides the Khan fighting over the docks?

[Lokio]

"Oh, there's the Skulks -- stay out of the shadows, by the way --, the Blue Hand Clan under Khan Drogo, maybe elements of the Watch, though we can't be sure, a bunch of minor gangs running around... it's bad news, friend. What brings you out this way? Nobody in their right mind would pass through right now."

[HerbieRAI]

I see. When I was running my assailant started yelling something about skullz. I assumed he was trying to get others to follow me. I take it the skullz tend to show up when it gets dark out and attack any they can? Are they trying to accomplish something?

I'm new here and trying to look for some good work. Unfortunately I while I can run, I'm not an exceptionable fighter. There is a tournament taking place in the slums somewhere and I was hoping to find some people to work with.

[Lokio]

"Laddie, they're pushing back. The Skulks had these docks on lockdown at night. By day, the Watch owned the place, but by night, the gates are locked and anybody outside, especially humans, are fair game... and many people died. Then the Blue Hand Clan decided it wanted more territory. There were explosions in the sewers and two nights ago there was a massive battle between the hobs and the Skulks... and the Watch tower exploded under mysterious circumstances. The Docks have been a warzone ever since."

McCoy chuckles at the idea of Denhear in a tournament. Yacob smiles and says, "Son, if yer goal is to go fight in the arena that has opened up in the Slums, ye're more than welcome. But remember, that sort of thing is illegal in Aldhaven... we won't stop ye, arena-goers aren't our interest... anyway."

He finishes his ale and says. "We can offer ye two options. There is a tunnel running from this house to one near the Gate. That will allow you to go back. The other is, we can check out the window to see if there are any hobs and send you on your way. There is also the roof, if you're of a mind to hop from roof to roof... but I know not your athletic capability. I do know it's possible, as Longshaft here does it."

[HerbieRAI]

Do you know anything else about the Skullz?

[Lokio]

"Sadly, not much, laddie. They don't sit around and talk. They're in the business of killin', and at this point, they kill real good. And it's skulks, my boy -- a race, not a crappy gang title."

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear almost chokes on his drink when he hears of his misinterpretation.

I feel like an idiot now, things are making a lot more sense. Do you think there's still time in the day to get to the slums? If so I'll take the roof, otherwise I'll try and get back to the city before they close the gates.


My dyslexia has gotten the better of me again. I thought you've been saying skulls this whole time.

[Lokio]

Heh, now I feel like a bit of an ass hole. Didn't know you had dyslexia...

"There's time, laddie, if you don't mess around. Get in, get back, or stay the night in the Slums. Just remember though... we aren't there to protect you. While it's not a warzone in the Slums, it's firmly in the grasp of Khan Drogo, and that thug is a right fascist bastard. Unless you want to work for him... in which case, don't cross my path again."

[HerbieRAI]

I'll have to take my chances. Thank you for your help.

Denhear leaves the group through the roof, and when he gets up there, he checks that the coast is clear, then spends a few minutes clearing his mind before heading off in the direction of the slums.


take 20 to gain psionic focus.

[Lokio]

Denhear gains his psionic focus and is able to begin hopping from roof to roof. The distance between rooves is approximately five feet, and while he will be able to maintain his momentum between jumps (DC 5 long jump with a 20 foot running start), he will need to make three balance checks of DC 10 to make the trip to where the rooves end and the climb down back to the street begins.

[HerbieRAI]

Balance Check [roll0]

[HerbieRAI]

check 2 [roll0]
check 3 [roll1]


As he falls down at the second check, he casts featherfall on himself. When he reaches the ground he looks around at his surroundings to see his options.

[Lokio]

He falls into an alleyway, and it's not well lit at all...

--stay out of the dark--

He fell fifteen feet, and it's possible to hoist a knotted rope with a grappling hook to climb back up using a Use Rope DC of 13. Otherwise, the climb DC is 20for half movement speed up the wall.

His alternatives are to run north out of the alleyway, as south is blocked.

He notices two very-well hidden, thin, almost sickly looking humanoids in the alleyway coming toward him in the shadows. They are north of him and in the way.

Spot roll of 20 + 10 = nice!

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear puts his foot on the wall and using his Psychic abilities walks back up the wall


I took the "Up the walls" feat, so as long as the wall isn't over 25 ft tall I can walk up it.

[Lokio]

The Skulks continue to approach, but Denhear successfully walks up the wall. He can continue his jumping and must make 2 more balance checks at DC 10, and 3 more DC 5 jump checks.

Well done. I always approve of athletic feat/skill tricks.

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear looks behind him before continuing to see if the skulks can climb, then continues on his way.


Can I get some relative distances? I have 2 more uses of my burst ability today, and while I have it active I have an additional +4 to jump due to speed. Would I be able to get both jumps in one use of burst? (it only lasts for 3 rounds).
back to balance to probably fall again.
balance 2[roll0]
balance 3[roll1]

[Lokio]

Yeah -- sorry, the jumps are about 30 feet apart, the width of small buildings.

The roof is very well lit and the skulks do not follow.

[HerbieRAI]

Seeing his destination so close, Denhear boosts his adrenilane to get there faster and help his jumping


Using boost, speed is 45 ft.
jump 1 [roll0]
jump 2 [roll1]
jump 3 [roll2]

[Lokio]

Denhear makes the necessary jumps and finds the Slums in sight. There is a ladder on the roof that he can use to get to the ground.

From his vantage point, he can see the bustle of the Slums. There are hobgoblins and bugbears with blue hands on their faces all over, and the poor denizens of the area seem downtrodden, keeping their heads low. Denhear can see, right near the 'entry' road, a hobgoblin assaulting a woman and stealing her small pack. He yells, "Tribute, for the Khan!" and smashes her in the teeth, knocking several out and her unconscious before running off with her bag, leaving her to her stunned children. This area is truly destitute.

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear makes his way down the ladder, and begins to move through the crowd with his head down, making his way to the lady who was robbed. When he arrives, he asks What did they take from you?

[Lokio]

The woman stammers, "M-m-my pack and my bread... That was all we had to eat this week..."

[HerbieRAI]

I dont think I can get your food back, but if you can show me to the shady side Inn I might be able to spare some coin for you.

[Lokio]

She spends a minute telling you the way to the inn.

[HerbieRAI]

Thank you. Denhear gives the woman 10 gold then heads off to the inn.

[Lokio]

OOC: Hey! I am so sorry that this has taken me two days to post. I've been birthdaying it up and moving and finally am in class, so I can post easily now.

The woman begins to cry tears of joy - ten gold is more money than she would've received all month.

The Shady Side Inn is, in a word, sketchy. There are people brawling, wenches wenching, and gambling all over the place... and almost all the drinkers are hobgoblins or goblinoids with blue hand tattoos on their faces.

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear moves to the counter and gets one of the bar tenders attention.

I'm here looking for Wilfred and a room for the night. Can you help with either of those?

[Lokio]

He nods and charges you a silver a night for a room in the Slums. Wilfred is indicated as being seated in the corner.

[HerbieRAI]

He tosses the man a sliver, then finds a place to sit down. spending a few minutes to see who if any other people are talking to him, Denhear approaches

I heard some rumors that you know where there's a fighting tournament that someone can gamble on.

[Lokio]

The hobgoblin with a blue hand on his face shrugs. "Just finished up. Next one at some point."

[HerbieRAI]

I'll see you then.

Denhear walks away from Wilfred thinking to himself. It costed him 160 gold to get out here to find out the tournament was over. There was nothing he could do about it now, so Denhear goes up to his room and rests for the night. Throughout the night he can't get the skulks out of his mind. Everyone seems to be scared of them, yet the goblins have managed to fight them off somewhat. Denhear wanted to find out how strong a skulk actually was.

The next day he leaves the inn and heads back toward the docks. When he gets nearby, he gains his focus and walks back onto the rooftops. On the roofs he heads back in the direction of the main part of town, and peers down allies looking for any skulks.


I have memorized featherfall again.
First, taking 20 to gain my psionic focus

I'm going to do some misc balance and jump checks since I think that's what you'll be asking for. I'm going to assume the same DC's as earlier. And I'm going to stop if I see an alley with some skulks in it.
balance1[roll0](DC10)
balance2[roll1](DC10)
balance3[roll2](DC10)
balance4[roll3](DC10)
jump1[roll4](DC5)
jump2[roll5](DC5)
jump3[roll6](DC5)
jump4[roll7](DC5)


edit: so I can't balance.

[Lokio]

For things in the town crier, you may want to use some gather info checks - a DC 10 gather info would've found this out for you. You did meet some interesting people on the way though... who may be useful in the future, if you go back.

Your balance checks, etc. aren't needed; overnight, the ladder disappeared, but you see a better route. Please climb (DC 10) and if you succeed, make three jump checks of DC 5.

You don't see any Skulks... but you definately see some shadowy alleys indeed...

[HerbieRAI]

I planed on using my 'up the walls' to get on the roof again. The ability is very useful in a city. I can climb 25 ft with it normally, and 45 if I use a burst.

[Lokio]

Okay. Rolls please for jump checks. If you want to stop and look further into one of the alleys, do so -- at your own risk. Be careful and crafty.

[Lokio]

: pokes
Still here?

[HerbieRAI]

sorry, didn't notice your last post. Still here

jump1[roll0]
jump2[roll1]
jump3[roll2]

Question: Do you guys heal while resting?

[HerbieRAI]

After jumping through the roofs of the docks, Denhear heads back to the Plaza. He once again spends some time listening to the crier. Learning from his past mistakes, he asks around to find where the Drowned Mermaid is and who the orange haired youth could be.


gather information
[roll0]

[Lokio]

Denhear finds in [roll0] hours that the redheaded youth met with a tattooed, tough-looking goliath who was famous for winning the University's climbing competition, and a warforged that appeared to look like a tree. He has not been seen in several days.
The redheaded youth's mission is complete. I'll be having Rizban remove that from the Crier.

[Rizban]

Question: Do you guys heal while resting?
Yes, as per the SRD. With 8 hours of uninterrupted rest, you heal a number of hit points equal to your hit dice.

[HerbieRAI]

Upon hearing that the red head hasn't been seen in a while Denhear assumes the job is done, and decides to head up to Old Town and see what he can churn up.

Denhear spends some time looking for a good inn and a large bar in old town


gather information check
[roll0]

Sorry with the slow responses lately, been busy at work.

[Lokio]

No problem.

He hears of a bar and inn called the Sad Flint. It is medium in quality in the Plaza and costs about 2g a night.

[HerbieRAI]

Denhear goes to the sad flint as gets a room for the night. He then spends the rest of the day/ evening trying to pick up some leads on possible work.


Information on the Gnome assassination, mainly who is offering the money and where the Gnome is residing[roll0]

Information on the "cult" activity in Old Town[roll1]

Some names and residences of some wealthy people in Old Town [roll2]

[Lokio]

You learn that the cult activity could be investigated further by talking to the Watch in Old Town. [roll0] hours pass.

Little is known by the people you spoke to re: the other two items. [roll1] hours pass. It is now night.

You realize, however, that the Sad Flint itself may have work if you talk to the right people...

[HerbieRAI]

Being late at night the watch would likely not be open to talk, so Denhear sits at the bar and orders a drink, and tries to evesdrop on any nearby converstaions.

[Lokio]

I'll need a hide check and a listen check for nearby conversations...

[HerbieRAI]

spot [roll0]
listen [roll1]

[Lokio]

I said hide ;) You're trying to avoid seeing obviously listening to someone. Bluff would work too.

[HerbieRAI]

sorry bout that

Hide [roll0]

[Lokio]

Rough rolls...

You only pick up rumours of a gentleman thief and murderer by the name of Maladoro that has been making a lot of trouble in Old Town (and some say the Noble's Quarter) before someone stares you down for eavesdropping.

[HerbieRAI]

My life has a bit more goign on right now than I can handle, I think it would be best if I drop from this game. Thanks for DMing!

[Lokio]

OOC: Okay bud. Pleasure playing with you -- hope you can come by again soon.