A Time of Need [D&D 3.5] (IC)

[Jukebox Hero]

You sit in the Prancing Lobster, surrounded by the citizens of Goldhaven. In these dark times, these simple people have learned to appreciate simple pleasures: mead, dance, and song. And tonight is no exception. A bard on the stage plays a jaunty tune, and the customers are clapping, stomping, and dancing, spilling their drinks all over the place. All around you, people are laughing, smiling, drinking, and chattering away. The time of harvest is approaching soon and everyone is looking forward to the rich bounty that is to come. They forget the mayor's recent disappearance, the grisly murders of his wife and child, and the fact that they must yet still be wary of draconian agents.
Thera, the bartender's daughter, scurries about, dodging dancers, tables, suitors, and groping hands alike with an experienced grace. You see her father bumbling about, his hands struggling to keep up with the requests. He's a large man, both in height and girth, but usually moves with speed and precision. But tonight is different, he struggles to find the right taps for ale and mead, almost as if he'd never worked here in his life.

[Linguz]

Kimberly sat near one of the corners of the bar, watching the bar and its patrons. Bulwark stood behind her, keeping watch of things that went on behind her, even though there weren't many people there. Upon noting the bartender seeming to be having trouble with his work, which she had noted before he did fine at. Bul, go ask Thera how her father is doing. He's acting... strange. He nodded and began to make his way between the tables, trying to follow the girl and catch up to her. When he does get close to her, he asks, "Kim says you're father is acting strange. Is something going on with him?"

[Really?]

Synec sits at the opposite corner of the bar, his back against the wall. He debates ordering a drink, but seeing the bartender fumble with his orders, he decides that its not worth the wait and instead turns to face the crowd. He sizes up the populace, searching out easy marks and dangerous faces.

Anyone else who stands out in the crowd aside from the father/daughter team?

[Jukebox Hero]

@Kim:
I'm not sure, I guess he's not feeling well right now. I tried asking him what was wrong, but...I think he wants to be left alone right now. She looks confused, as if she's doubting her own words. But she has no time to worry, patrons are waiting for their drinks, and besides, such things can wait until the end of the night.

@Synec:
You look around the inn, and only one face is unfamiliar to you. A man sits at the bar, quietly sipping his drink. He wears a dull gray cloak and is almost imperceptible in the chaos of the inn. Squeezed in between two large men, he simply sits, hunched over his drink. He doesn't appear to be conversing with anyone, or even making the slightest effort at interaction.OOC: His back is to you, if you're going to try anything.

[Starbin]

Galarial walked through the darkness, robe held close and his hood down. It was no chill in the air, however, that encouraged his withdrawn appearance, but simple caution - even a village as far from the big human cities as Goldhaven had their fair share of prejudices ... sometimes more. It was easier to hunker down and hurry along then invite trouble by way of street toughs. The last group to test the monk had learned it was a bad idea the hard way.

Soon he found himself standing in front of the Prancing Lobster, a particularly unfunny name for the town's only inn. Humans definitely had a strange sense of humor. Shaking his head slightly, Galarial slipped inside, the sounds of laughter and music washing over him. Rather than stopping in the doorway and drawing attention to his still sillouhette, he moved deliberately to the side, then found his way to a seat at the end of the bar, away from most of the commotion. Raising a hand, he motioned the bar keep, who appeared to be out of sorts and on edge.

Regardless of who came to take his order, Galarial would speak softly, but clearly. "Wine, cheese and bread, if you please." Settling onto his stool, he turned to sweep the room once before turning back.

[Jukebox Hero]

@Galarial:
A small boy, maybe 12 years of age, comes to your table. After hearing your request, he wordlessly returns to the bartender's side, and fetches you, as you requested, wine, bread and cheese. Whether you dismiss him or not, he stands there by your side, his large brown eyes staring at your face. His face is small, angular, and even for his age, he seems rather small. His eyes move to your staff, and then to the tattoos that pepper your skin. "Yer an elf," he observes, "Do you know my mother?"

[Ballista]

Renalto rode down the dirt streets of Goldhaven, mounted atop a pitch-black courser. The gaunt, pale man seemed to be heading to an abandoned farm that he had taken residence in. As he turned onto the rode leading to the decaying barn house, he halted his horse.
The pain's got worse now, what are you trying to tell me Tyr? No matter... maybe a drink or two can calm it down.
With that, Renalto turned about and head back for the small town.

He arrives at the Prancing Lobster, musing at the rather peculiar names that bar-owners tend to give to their taverns.

Dismounting, Renalto grabs the attention of a stable boy;
Make sure he gets plenty of feed and water, and be careful, he can have a bit of a temper sometimes.
With that, he gives the reins to the boy, along with a silver piece.

He walks through the entrance of the tavern, the smell of beer, ale and a few other unsavory stenches hit him full in the face. Yet the music and laughter seemed to bring a calm to his mind. He steps towards the bar, sitting a seat away from a mysterious figure, whose face is obscured by the shadows of a hood.

Speaking with a rather raspy and strained voice, A pint of your strongest ale my good bartender.

[Starbin]

Watching the boy peer into his hood and look at the tattoos on his arms, Galarial could almost hear the gears turning within the lad's head. However, the question caught him off-guard.

Blinking, Galarial stared for a moment, then shook his head. "I ... I do not think so, young one. Why would you ...?" He trailed off as he paused to peer a little closer at the boy. Small, lithe ... probably what the humans would refer to as elfin. "Is your mother like me?"

Spot check: [roll0]

[Jukebox Hero]

@Galarial:
If you don't know her, then I guess not. Elves don't come by very often, so I just thought...maybe you'd...know something...his voice trails off as he loses confidence, and he quickly returns to the bartender's side, ready to deliver more drinks.

@Renalto:
Ale? Ale ale ale ale....ale....ale...ah! Here we are! Ale! He mutters incomprehensibly under his breath, Anything else? He forces a smile. You see that from up close that tiny beads of sweat are starting to form on his shining bald head, and that the "ale" he gave you is actually mead.

As you turn your attentions away from the obviously perturbed inkeeper and to your drink, you catch a few words come from the figure to your left, That's...you bumbling fool...that one...thought you had...this. Even though he speaks with authority, his voice is thin and weak.

[Ballista]

The voice of the man besides Renalto catches his interest.
Strange man... who the hell is he talking to?
He takes another swig of the mead, looking over to his left as he raises the mug to his face, directing most of his attention to try to discern what the man is saying.
Listen Check: [roll0]

[Linguz]

Bulwark returned what Thera told him to Kim and waited for orders, which took a moment before she sent them out. So she doesn't know either... guess we'll just have to drop it for now. Come back, we'll wait until closing. Bulwark began to make his way through the crowd again until he was back at Kim's side.

[Starbin]

Watching the boy return to the bar, Galarial shook his head slowly. Leaning back in his chair, he slowly chewed on a piece of bread and cheese, the wine sitting untouched for the time being.

Strange ... but I wonder who has the worse of it, an elf in human lands or a human in elf lands? Or would it be the half-breed offspring of both races in either realm?

With the boy gone, he glanced around the room, wondering what the evening would bring ...

Listen check to hear any interesting tidbits: [roll0]

[Jukebox Hero]

@Renalto:
You fail to make out any more words, and at least for the moment, it seems that he has stopped talking.
He turns, and for a second, your eyes meet; his eyes are small black slits, his skin pasty and white. His nose would be a fine handsome nose were it on the face of a giant, but on him, it is a bulbous monstrosity which takes up far more space than it should. On the right side of his face, he has a horrible scar, likely from some sort of burn; then, he continues and looks behind him. He scribbles something on a piece of paper and stands up. He takes a brief look at the room, paying you no special attention, and begins to walk out the door.

@Galarial:
The cloaked figure at the bar lifts his head, but you can't quite make out his words from where you are. However, you do note that as he returns his attention to the still near-full mug in front of him, the bartender gives a slight bow and returns to his work with renewed enthusiasm.

@Synec and Galarial:
You see the cloaked figure stand up to leave, and as he walks towards the door, three men burst through it, laughing raucously. You've never seen them before in your life but you can tell that they're the sort of patrons to make trouble. They bump into the departee, but as they do so, you see him slip a piece of paper into the hand of one of the new arrivals.

Everyone:
Three men burst through the door, laughing raucously. You've never seen them before in your life but you can tell that they're the sort of patrons to make trouble.

[Ballista]

Renalto follows the hooded "man" with his eyes, shocked at what the face he had just seen.
What in the name of the 9 Hells was that thing? Uh, maybe it's just the mead...
He looks down at his mug and places it back down on the bar in disgust and flips his bangs out of his eyes. Turning his head around, Renalto sees a trio of rather gruff looking men elbow their way through the door and past that strange hooded man.
Damn, something feels off here...
His muscles tense up, his sword hand itching to grab the handle of the great sword strapped to his back.

[Starbin]

Galarial chewed in silence, watching the man and the bartender exchange words. His eyes slid across the room, catching the various patrons in differing stages of release and relaxation.

When the door burst open to three loud men, his eyes were naturally drawn to the ruckus. He took a sip of his wine as the three moved into the room, his eyes widening in anticipation of trouble when the hooded man bumped into one of them ... but nothing.

Wait, there it was ... an almost imperceptible hand movement, giving a small square of paper to one of the toughs, before the hooded man continued on into the night.

Strange, thought Galarial. I wonder what secrets those two are exchanging, during such times as these?

He could think of no reason to follow the hooded man right now, so he kept his eyes on the three new arrivals, wondering what would happen now.

[Linguz]

Kimberly focused on her powers and began to gather the general feelings of people around her. She set her eyes on the three people that recently entered and told Bulwark, Get close to them but don't do anything. It's just a precaution. Bulwark did as he was told as Kim read their feelings. A soft chime happened in her head and she smiled, knowing it was working.

Unless the power didn't work, then remove the last sentence and substitute "No chime happened in her head and she frowned, knowing that it wasn't working."

Manifesting Empathy (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Empathy). 1 power point. You detect the surface emotions of any creature you can see that is in the power’s area. You can sense basic needs, drives, and emotions. Thirst, hunger, fear, fatigue, pain, rage, hatred, uncertainty, curiosity, friendliness, and many other kinds of sensations and moods can all be perceived.

You gain a +2 insight bonus on any Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, or Sense Motive checks that you make in the round when you cease concentrating on this power.She's trying to figure out what their motives are as to why they're here, what they expect to do, the works. To see if they're going to mess with the barkeep, who already has enough on his plate.

[Really?]

Synec's eyes narrow as he sizes up the patrons who have just entered the bar. Smelling the opportunity for business, he especially focuses on the man who bumped in the cloaked figure, watching carefully to see what he does with the note.

[Jukebox Hero]

@Kimberly:
All around you, you sense curiosity, happiness, hunger, and thirst. Common basic emotions for tavern patrons. But these new arrivals, from them, you sense a certain...not hunger...bloodlust. These men did not come here for food, for drink, or for the company. They came here with a purpose, to hurt and possibly to kill. But they seem docile enough for now. But one man in the room is different from the rest, he is not hungry nor curious. From the bartender, you sense relief.

@Everyone:
The new arrivals head towards a table in the center of the room and one of them pulls out a small folded sheet of paper. They crowd over it, blocking sight of their faces. They then turn to look in turn at the four of you in turn. Kimberly, Synec, Galarial, and Renalto. After muttering amongst themselves, they stand up collectively, almost as if rehearsed, and walk to the closest of you, the elf. The apparent leader announces, Avalis Talevol, you are wanted for your crimes against the crown: murder, larceny, burglary, and kidnapping.
I warn you, if you make an attempt to resist or escape, blood will likely be unnecessarily spilt. You feel two strong hands clap onto your shoulders, as the two other hooligans move to your sides.

[Starbin]

Seeing the conspiratorial glances the men made towards himself and some others in the tavern, Galarial prepared himself for trouble. Is this how it begins?

However, he did not expect the accusation. Glancing up at the men, he shook his head slowly. In a loud tone of voice, he spoke clearly. "I do not wish to fight. However, I am not the person you said. Perhaps the note the hooded man handed you was incorrect."

Galarial simply watched the men, leaving his body loose and ready for anything that might happen. Outwardly, his face remained calm, and his voice pleasant. But deep down, in a part of himself he thought long dormant, a desire to resolve this violently slowly burned ...

Nice ... pick on the elf, he's a second class citizen! Let's see how this one plays out.

Oh, thanks, Jukebox, for updating the OOC thread. That's VERY helpful!

[Jukebox Hero]

The others quiet down instinctively, and begin to back away from the elf and the three men now surrounding him.
The men exchange glances, before one goes on, ignoring your protest, "We too seek to resolve this peacefully, but this can only be achieved if you cooperate with us. And there is no point in feigning ignorance, elf. We are certain that you are the man we are looking for, along with your three compatriots. Now why don't you call them out, tell them to face their crimes like men instead of hiding in the shadows."

[Linguz]

Noticing that they had looked her way, thereby apparently putting her as his companion and a criminal, Kimberly decided to take a bit of revenge. As her power was still active, she could tell that the elf they were accusing was in fact innocent. Kimberly sighed and thought, Bulwark, you best be ready. She then smirked and focused on the man who was apparently their leader. She broke off the first power, so he couldn't feel the emotions of others anymore, so that she could focus on her new one that she just activated. Let's see what you do if you suddenly find out you have an attraction towards males.

Concentration (No Display): [roll0] [DC: 16] [Failed, refer to the spoiler for the display.]
Manifesting Attraction (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Attraction) on their leader. Making him attracted to the elf. Will DC to resist the effect is 15. It lasts 2 hours if it doesn't get resisted. You plant a compelling attraction in the mind of the subject. The attraction can be toward a particular person or an object. The subject will take reasonable steps to meet, get close to, attend, or find the object of its implanted attraction. For the purpose of this power, “reasonable” means that, while attracted, the subject doesn’t suffer from blind obsession. He will act on this attraction only when not engaged in combat. The subject won’t perform obviously suicidal actions. He can still recognize danger but will not flee unless the threat is immediate.Display: In the case that the no display check fails, there is a bass-pitched hum, eerily akin to many deep-pitched voices, coming out of the leader that grows from hardly noticeable to a soft sound in a second. The soft sound can only be heard within 15 feet with a successful DC10 Listen.

[Starbin]

As the crowds parted, Galarial continued to sit where he was. Mentioning three companions, the monk assumed the thug was referring to the other people they had visually marked. With a slow shake of his head, he simply stared, somewhat sorrowfully, at the lead man. He spoke again, his voice clearly heard across a room that had become much quieter.

There is no feigning; only truth. And the truth is I do not know the person you are looking for, nor what companions you speak of."

He glanced around at a few patrons, letting his hood fall back to reveal his elven ancestry. "I had heard that being an elf in these lands was often cause for trouble, but I hoped that Goldhaven would be different."

[Really?]

The hair on the back of Synec's neck raises at the mention of the elf's "compatriots," remembering the look that the three warriors had given him when they entered the bar. Just my luck, out of everything to get busted for, I'm about to be caught for something I wasn't a part of. Hopping down from his stool, Synec attempts to take advantage of the unfolding conflict and hide in the crowd as he makes his way towards the nearest exit.

[Jukebox Hero]

@Everyone:
One of the men holding the elf leaves momentarily, heading towards the bar. The lead man looks around, momentarily confused, and then looks around the room, his eyes searching the room. His eyes stop on the woman sitting next to the...earth elemental. "You. Get up, now. You too," he points at an armored human sitting at the bar (Renalto), "And don't think I don't see you, goblin filth; you continue where you're headed, you'll find a knife in your back." Delwyn, we're leaving, hurry up. The man called Delwyn returns to his side, drink in hand.

@Renalto:
Thera, after the new entrants arrived, escaped to the bar, at your side. You see the man called Delwyn take an ale off of her tray, and leave a coin in its place. He winks at her and takes a long lewd gaze before turning to return to his leader. "Keep the change," he says. But it isn't the stare or his obvious foreignity that perturbs you. It is the coin. Upon it, you see engraved the image of Her Majesty Kezzerax. These men, for some reason, are carrying coins of draconian mint.

OOC:
The only exit is the front door, although someone of small size might be able to squeeze through a window. There's another door behind the bar, which likely leads to some sort of storage room, although this is unconfirmed speculation. And Linguz, I got a 16 to save, sorry, fortunately, nobody seems to hear the sound.
Also, if you've forgotten, Kezzerax is the draconic ruler of the region. Stygia and Etrya are simply free-standing city-states which lie within her kingdom. Goldhaven sends food to these cities, and is not a part of Kezzerax's empire, although she would very much like it to be (along with the cities).

[Ballista]

Renalto does not move an inch, his cold eyes stare intently at the mug that still laid on the bar.
Who are these men that spout these accusations? Bah, the world's gone to hell.
As one of the men draws nearer to the bar, Renalto's hand inches its way closer to the handle of his sword. The man stopped however, just outside his reach. Renalto sees from the corner of his eye that the man had simply picked up a drink from Thera's tray. A glimpse of silver had caught his attention.
The mark of Kezzerax... These are the men of the dragon... Well this makes it all the more interesting.

Renalto stands up from his chair, turning towards the men.
Under whose authority do you have leave to command us, free men and women? What proof have you of these accusations?

Oops, second dialogue was actually thought process, please don't mind the albino man who talks to himself.

[Linguz]

Damn. I was hoping he would figure out he's actually gay for elves. Also, the elemental is closer to them.

Kimberly stood up, as she was asked and thought, Come back here, Bul. Seems this might get a bit messy and I'd rather not get touched. The elemental made his way back to her, getting in front of her and staying in that location (relative to her). She sighed as she moved around the tables until she was two tables away from them. "Who ever you are, I want an explanation. So, tell me... who am I and exactly what did I do?"

[Really?]

At the sound of the word "filth," Synec's face contorts into a snarl, revealing his sharp, yellowing teeth, and against his better judgement, he steps out of the crowd to face his accusers. "And why exactly aren't I free to leave?" he spits through his gritted teeth.

[Jukebox Hero]

"The four of you are all conspirators in the murder of Rorick Silversun and his family." Turning to Synec, he continues, "That is the reason you are not allowed to leave, not because of your supposed racial inferiority."Having finished addressing the goblin, he turns to Renalto, "And we serve the true power in these lands, what business is it of yours?"

@Galarial & Renalto:
One of the other men looks towards Renalto and mutters something to the apparent leader. The language is foul in itself, twisted and mangled in a soft cacophony.

@Galarial:
You recognize the words as Draconic and they translate roughly into, "That one suspects. Hurry it up, Boris will finish soon."

[Starbin]

Galarial continued to sit patiently, his body still relaxed and at ease. "Saying a thing repeatedly in increasing volume does not make it true. These things, however, are true.

First, I recognize the name of the missing Mayor, but I do not know the name you called me by.

Second, I do not know and have not previously met these others you call my companions.

Third, I have not committed murder, larceny, burglary or kidnapping as you originally accused me of.

Finally, I may not know what you say to one another, sir, but I do recognize you are using the tongue of the Dragon tyrants.

My questions to you are what proof do you have of any person's guilt here? And what power do you serve if you speak the tongue of agents of the Council of Six?"

He stared at the lead man, eyes fixed and steady. Sooner or later, the men would have to act, and when that happened, Galarial would be ready.

Readying an action to kick the closest person next to me should they become overtly aggressive (i.e., attack us, drawn steel and close in, cast spells, etc.)

[Ballista]

Looking at the bartender's daughter:
Thera, why don't you tell us who's visage is stamped onto that coin, these gentlemen have just payed you with.

Assuming she does respond with the truth:
Your ruler holds no power in these lands. Lands that belong to the free city of Etrya.

If she does not respond:
That coinage that you have used to purchase your drink, it is the mint of the dragon Kezzerax, is it not? Your traitorous blood shames us all.

With that, Renalto draws his greatsword, aiming its point at the leader of the group.
I give you the chance to leave this town, to go back to your families and reconsider your allegiance lest more blood would be spilled because of your masters.

[Linguz]

Kimberly smiles and snapped her fingers. "And don't forget about me. You've accused me as well, so I'd be on his side. Bul too." She pulled the heavy crossbow from behind her back and aimed it at the leader. "And from the looks of it, this is getting to be a pretty even fight so far."

[Jukebox Hero]

IC:
"Huh?" She looks around momentarily before picking up the coin, before her eyes widen in shock and horror, "It's Kezzerax!"

The other patrons begin to murmur amongst themselves, and slowly, you see their faces contort into angry snarls as they begin to close in on the three men.

Sensing danger, the leader cries out, "People of Goldhaven, hear my plea! Does it matter who we serve? We are all men and women of Tyria! It may be so that we serve a dragon lord, but who was it that cared enough to send royal guardsmen to investigate the disappearance of your beloved leader? And who was it that even after a fortnight, ignored your plea for help? Kezzerax was the one who showed you compassion, while the Etryan nobles sat behind their walls, unwilling to affiliate themselves with humbler folk. And look at these men, these vile criminals who would dare to threaten your rescuers so? Did you think it coincidence that the times of their arrivals were so close to that of the Silversuns' deaths? How often is it that 4 armed men, all unaffiliated with each other, come to Goldhaven within a week of each other?
And behold this man in front of you, so willing to shed the blood of fellow Tyrians..."

"You always did talk too much." You see a long, wiry man standing in the doorway. He is tall and lanky, as if someone had grabbed his ankles and hands and had simply pulled them, trying to rip him apart. His hair is stretched back in a pony tail, pulling the skin taut across his face, which only adds to his skeletal appearance. His hair is long and black, in stark contrast to his pasty skin. At his side, he carries a longsword, with a ruby embedded in its hilt. He is dressed simply, in traveler's garb, although he is (tastefully) adorned with a few bits of simple jewelry. But emblazoned upon his tunic, you see a blue dragon's head, the symbol of Kezzerax.
In each of his hands, he carries a flask filled with a clear liquid. Almost lazily, he tosses them up in the air, before they come crashing down on the wooden floor. The tavern bursts into flame, spilled ale combusting and broken glass flying across the room.
Cries of pain and terror overwhelm you. Everybody crowds towards the stage, a wall of fire blocking the only exit. Several men try futilely to crawl through the windows, you hear wailing as Thera begins to cry and the crashing of glass hitting the ground as tables are knocked over in a rush to escape from the flames.
"Father! Help us!" You hear Thera cry out towards the bartender; you see the corners of his mouth turn upwards, as he attempts a smile, but his face simply contorts into an evil grimace.
"Help you? Stupid wench, can't even tell who your father is, why would I help you?" He pulls out a crossbow from underneath the bar and shoots a bolt into her chest, and then turns to leave the inn. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a potion. "See you in the afterlife," he waves his hand goodbye as he makes his exit. The three goons in front of you look at each other before fumbling at their pouches.

OOC:
I'll have a (very bad) map up soon (hopefully). I'm just using an excel spreadsheet, so bear with me (sorry). In the meantime, know that the inn is roughly 30x40 feet, with the door in the corner. The stage is in the corner furthest from the door and covers a 10x5 area. The bar is on the wall opposite the stage and is about the same size. Behind the bar is a large amount of alcohol and a door, although this is probably only to a small storage space.

There are about two dozen people inside the tavern right now, a few of which are rolling desperately to put out the flames. Some are (futilely) trying to beat out the flames with their cloaks (alchemical fire is hard to stifle), while others are cowering against the wall, praying desperately in their time of need.

If you would like to do anything while everything is going on around you, just say the word, and the actions of the NPCs affected will change accordingly. There's a lot that just went down, and I'd like to give you the chance to do something in the events culminating up to the present's chaotic state.

Also, relatively unimportant note: There were no typos in my last post. The information you get if you find the hint is irrelevant, although it does add a little bit to unimportant IC knowledge. Kudos if you find it, there isn't really another incentive.

[Starbin]

Things in the tavern turned even more tense as the realization these brutes were connected to a Dragon sunk in. But even as the leader of the thugs attempted to gain control of the situation, a new player stepped in and with two small vials threw the room into chaos.

Twin explosions knocked people down, flinging liquid flame across tables, chairs and patrons. In the screaming and commotion, Galarial saw the members of the brute squad frozen for a moment, while people stormed the exits. Across the room, Thera was screaming something, but it was lost in the noise and confusion. He did note the bartender drawing forth a weapon, however, and taking aim at the girl, an evil rictus gripping his face.

The time for indecision gone, Galarial jumped up and moved to aid the girl as best he could.

Initiative: [roll0].
Move action to get within striking distance of the barkeep.
Standard action to attack with Stunning Fist
Attack roll: [roll1]
If successful, damages: [roll2] and Fort save vs DC 12 for Stunning Fist (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/feats.htm#stunningFist)
(Whiff and a miss, I'm guessing!)


If Galarial is unable to get into position to attack, his second priority would be to get to the girl and knock her out of the way.

If he is unable to do either of those things (too many attacks of opportunities, can't make it through the crowds, etc), then he will flurry one of the men next to him with his staff.
Attack #1: [roll3]
Damage #1: [roll4] (Guessing a miss, too!)
Attack #2: [roll5] (This one we'll see, I suppose)
Damage #2: [roll6]


Sorry if that's too many caveats, but I figure more information is better than less ... that way you can progress no matter what the answer. I hope :smallsmile:

[Linguz]

Kim's Initiative: [roll0]
Bul's Initiative: [roll1]

At Kimberly's mental command, Bulwark slams the ground with a foot, sending out a shockwave just to the area around the enemies.

Nonlethal Damage: [roll2]

Bulwark is manifesting Stomp (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Stomp) as a psi-like ability. If he can make it less than 20 feet of cone, then he does and makes it so that it'll affect the enemies only. If not, tough luck for others. Your foot stomp precipitates a psychokinetic shock wave that travels along the ground, toppling creatures and loose objects. The shock wave affects only creatures standing on the ground within the power’s area. Creatures that fail their saves are thrown to the ground, become prone, and take 1d4 points of nonlethal damage.
Augment: For every additional power point you spend, this power’s nonlethal damage increases by 1d4 points.

Kimberly sent out a message to Bulwark to deal with them as she ran over to Thera, moving faster than a normal human would. (40 feet per move action due to being focused and Speed of Thought.) She knelt by her side, as Bulwark moved to block off access to her position, and tried to patch up the crossbow wound and the like.

Heal: [roll3]

[Ballista]

Fire, fire everywhere. Renalto's eyes widened at the chaos that ensued, the townsfolk screaming, the tavern burning and the twang of a crossbolt.
Renalto turns his head toward the noise, seeing the barkeeper's bolt pierce Thera's chest before the man announces his false identity.
Alternatively:
The elf that the three men had been accosting earlier sprung into action, dashing towards Thera and pushes her out of the trajectory of the bolt.

Renalto hears the thump of bodies hitting the floor. His eyes lock with the would-be bartender, his lips curling in anger and charges at Thera's assailant as he tries to flee the burning tavern.

Combat:
Initiative: [roll0]
Initiate Charge, then Bull Rush the bartender into the door frame.
Strength Check: [roll1]

If there are less than 10 feet or obstructions in the path:
Lethal Attack with Greatsword: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Jukebox Hero]

The elf bursts into action, fists flying, one managing to connect with one of the men's chins, knocking him out cold. The flames lick hungrily at his boots as Renalto charges through them towards the bartender, his sword opening a large gash in his side. The woman with the elemental races to Thera's side, ripping the bolt out of her chest and struggling to stop the flow of blood. The men draw their weapons and move into position. Both men swing their weapons, but fail to connect with the wiry figure in front of them, momentarily knocked off balance by the elemental's stomp. Both now have potions in their spare hands, identical to the one the bartender just swallowed. The bartender dives away from the building, tumbling away from danger before reloading his weapon.
Renalto takes 1 point of fire damage, Thera's still dying, and the bartender's now sporting a large wound. Also, Renalto, roll a reflex save.

@Renalto:
Now standing in the doorframe, you see outside, about a dozen more men, similarly dressed to the arsonist, some of them forcing women and children onto a pair of wagons. One of the children lands a kick on one of the men's face, and is promptly punished with a strike on the cheek. They seem to be paying the burning building little heed, and it is obvious that they see you as little threat. Why should they? After all, you're outnumbered, at least 13-to-1 (including the bartender). You hear crying, pleas for help from the covered wagons, as the invaders continue their work. You hear over the screams of pain, the cries of help, the roar of the flames behind youtwo of the soldiers closest to you,
"Where're Willem and Thom?" one asks, yelling over the din.
"They're...struggling...trapper's family," comes the equally loud reply.
"Go...hurry up!" With that, he draws his weapon and advances towards you while his companion runs off towards the trapper's home.

[Ballista]

Reflex Save: [roll0]
OOC
Not sure how I format reactionary checks o.O
Edit: Dang it, I hit the wrong button :smallannoyed:

[Linguz]

Kimberly is alerted of the potions by Bulwark and is told to burst them. He summons up a bit of sound and punches in their direction, sending a shockwave through the air.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Target: One of the potions. The one that's easier to hit or that is in the way of one of the people. The sonic wave ignores hardness.

---

If the shockwave hits the potion or else sets the person on fire, then Kimberly stays down and tries to patch the girl up again.

[roll2]

---

If the shockwave doesn't get the person on fire, Kimberly stands up and does her own, except she launches a blast of fire.

Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]
Target: Same as Bulwark.

Not sure what these are, but vials have an AC of 13, 1 hit point, and 1 hardness.

:smallannoyed: Those were all low rolls. That's a wasted turn for Kim.

[Ballista]

Blood lept from the barkeep's wound as Renalto's greatsword connected with the man's side. Renalto strides away from the burning wreckage and towards the scrambling bartender.
He sees that the townsfolk are being rounded up into a couple of wagons, with about a dozen guards overseeing the kidnapping.

Tyr protect us...
Renalto turns around and bellows out in the strongest voice he can muster:
The other townsfolk are being taken away, we need to protect them!

Still approaching the bartender, Renalto tries again to cut him down.
The blood of the innocent are on your hands!


Smite Evil: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Really?]

At the mention of "racial inferiority," Synec puts his hand to his rapier and, like the others, begins to advance on the servants of the dragons. Before he can even draw his blade, however, the interloper appears and ignites the tavern, distracting Synec. In the aftermath of the attack, however, Synec turns to the two remaining of the group that had accused him and advances. "Oh no," he says with a grin, waving his hand as they draw their weapons, "you're not going anywhere." He whispers a harsh Draconic word, and, with a flick of his wrist, a burst of color explodes from his palm into the eyes of his enemies.

Initiative: [roll0]

Cast Color Spray, attempting to hit only the two enemies and not Galarial.

[Starbin]

Galarial turned to face the remaining thugs gathered around him. With Renalto's shout of the townspeople being taken, he frowned at the thugs."It is apparent you always meant for this to end in violence. Very well ... you shall reap what you sow."

Stepping forward, he attack again, this time his staff sweeping out in two quick blows.

Full Round - Flurry of blows w/staff. Both attacks will be against the second 'henchman' ... if the first blow knocks him out, then Galarial will attack the leader with the second. Added damage to rolls, assuming these guys are human!

Attack 1: [roll0]
Dam 1: [roll1]
Attack 2: [roll2]
Dam 2: [roll3]

[Jukebox Hero]

You see the "racially inferior" being raise his hands, and speak in garbled tongue. With a final thrust, a burst of colors spray from his hands, hitting the two men. One falls unconscious, while the leader remains standing. The elf swings his staff wildly, and the ends whiff through the air. Two bolts fire from the female caster's direction, but land harmlessly in the wall.
"Look at what you have done?! Such needless destruction could have been avoided had you simply accepted your fate!"
The remaining foe makes a tactical retreat, heading towards the doorway, quaffing his potion as he does so, towards the last man to...where'd he go?
Then, you hear his cry from beyond the doorway, "The other townsfolk are being taken away, we need to protect them!"

@Renalto:
You charge at the foe, and you feel your sword crunch through his bones, and embed itself deep within his chest, blooded blade protruding from his back.
"Hey! We got a troublemaker! Help!" You see the man in front of you cry out, his face contorted in fear. He raises his mace in front of him with a shaky hand, adopting a defensive stance. You see in the darkness, more figures coming this way, as the last of the citizens are loaded onto the wagons.OOC: You will probably die unless you retreat. Don't be stupid. I like your character, and everybody else's. But feel free to try to save them, I mean, the last time I ran this, they actually managed to save some (3) people.

@Starbin:
Galarial gets an AoO

[Starbin]

Galarial's wild swings did little to bother the leader, but when the man turned to move the elf found a potential opening.

AOO: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Jukebox Hero]

Your third attack finds its mark, landing a resounding blow on the man's skull, and you hear the satisfying crack of wood against bone.

[Ballista]

Seeing the approaching shadows, Renalto is overcome with a feeling of impending dread.
None of the other have escaped from the tavern as of yet...

Without much thinking, Renalto whistles loudly; hoping to call his steed to him.
Come Tarcona, in my time of need...

OOC
Just saying, but I'm calling my horse...

[Linguz]

Kimberly again tries to dress the wounds. [roll0]

Bulwark looks around and looks for any approaching fire.

[Jukebox Hero]

@Linguz:
You apply pressure on the wound, and blood pulses out with renewed vigor. You're doing something wrong and this woman in front of you is slipping away, her tenuous grasp on life becoming yet weaker, with you helpless to stop it.

[Starbin]

(OOC - assuming the leader is still standing)

Galarial moved to follow the brute leader, his staff whirling in front of him. "You have called for violence ... stand and recieve your due ..."

Not sure, but guessing G has to move to attack, so
Move Action: Close with Leader (40 ft move available)
Standard Action: Attack w/Q. staff
Att: [roll0] / Dam: [roll1]

[Linguz]

Bulwark turns back and throws his backpack down to Kim. Take it, we have to go. She grabbed onto it as he lifted the girl up and both headed towards the outside. Bulwark went around the flames, even if it took him more time. Kim followed along with him.

Standard: Changed to Move, lifted the girl.
Move: Both moved towards the door. Probably 20 feet for Bulwark, if she weighs more than 57 pounds.

[Really?]

Synec growls in frustration, rolling up his sleeves as he gives chase to the leader of the group. "Stay!" he shouts at his target, his fingers twisting in intricate patterns in the air before him. With another harsh Draconic phrase, he points at the escaping foe, and the air before him seems to ripple.

Synec moves as close as he can to the line of fire and casts Sleep on the area around the escaping villain. Again, I'm so sorry for making everyone wait.

[Linguz]

(Since I can't get through without burning...)

Seeing no way out that wouldn't result in burning, Bulwark went up to the wall and punched it.
Attack: [roll0] (AC of the wall should be 5... maybe lower.)
Damage: [roll1]

According to the DMG, a wooden section of 10' by 10' is 60 health, but he's trying to break down a 5' wide and 10' high section. Also, break DC is 20.

[Jukebox Hero]

The goblin draws closer to the flames, his small frame almost invisible behind them. Speaking draconic words of power, you see an invisible force ripple forth from his hands, washing over the retreating villain. You see his eyelids begin to droop, an expression of horror forming on his face; he drops to the ground, flames licking hungrily at his feet.
Only several meters away, the elemental begins hitting the wall, but to no avail. Its fist bounces off the wall harmlessly, but causes a piece of wood to fall from the cieling and come crashing down only a few feet from where it stands.

OOC @LinguzYou don't need to post the rules associated with all your actions. If I'm not sure about them, I don't mind looking them up myself. I find that the more rules are mentioned, the more it detracts from the game. Thanks.

[Ballista]

Renalto sees the black silhouette of his warhorse, Tarcona, fly out of the shadows cast by the burning tavern.
There you are, my old friend... Come, we have work to do.
He gives Tarcona a pat on her haunch and mounts the light warhorse.

Turning Tarcona, Renalto comes to face the man before him, raising his sword at the guard:
You will pay for the pain you have caused, the gods will have their vengeance. But not today.

If I cannot save those that have been captured, pehaps I can rescue those that burn within the inn...

With that, Renalto rides off behind the the tavern. [M|N,2|3]

[Jukebox Hero]

The men outside give little heed to Renalto's challenge, and proceed with their work, perhaps with a little more caution than before. "Alright, that's it. This one can go ahead first, the second can catch up once Thom and Willem get that woman under control."
Several guards pile onto one of the wagons and with the crack of a whip, the wagon is off, rolling away into the night.

[Starbin]

Glancing around the inn, Galarial tried to flip a couple of tables on top of the flames, to create mini-bridges for the huddling masses to use to escape.

"Rise and run, citizens. Cowering will only net you a slow, burning death ..."

Without checking to see if they follow his directions, the elf moved to the doorway cautiously and peered out to assess the situation.

Figure that is enough for a turn ... checking to see what's going on out here.
Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]

[Really?]

"Good boy." A grin spreads across Synec's face as his target collapses, but vanishes as he scans the area for another escape route. Taking a deep breath, he steels himself, then lowers his head as he charges through the fire towards the door.

This isn't a complete action, but I need to know if Synec is going to catch fire before I can decide where he'll move and what he'll do.

[Jukebox Hero]

@Galarial:
You land a pair of large tables onto the flames, and succeed in your goal...The tables hit the flames with a loud bang and bits of flaming oil splash around the area, dotting the floor with bits of fire. The flames lick at the table's edges hungrily; your impromptu bridge across the fire holds, but it won't for long.You see the town outside, the perpetrator of the whole mess nowhere to be seen. You see a group of men surrounding a cart, and three men struggling to drag a kicking, screaming, bleeding woman in its direction. Another guard lugs an unconscious kid after them.

@Synec:
You dash through the flames, and it seems Kossuth has looked favorably upon you today, for the fire, although it licks at your feet, does not grab hold of you.

[Linguz]

Kim again tries to heal the girl, while Bulwark looks up and considers the risk of breaking through the wall. He grits his teeth and goes again to the wall, trying to break it with sheer strength alone.

Heal: [roll0]
Strength: [roll1]

[Jukebox Hero]

The girl begins to breathe easier, and it slows down to a barely audible level, but she's alive (and relatively well). Bulwark...doesn't fare as well in his task, succeeding only in making loud bangs, and scaring the still huddled patrons, trapped by the flames.

[Starbin]

Standing at the door, Galarial stared at the hell that the outside had become. Glancing back at the citizens, he pointed to the makeshift bridge, waving for them to use it before it was destroyed.

Seeing the goblin had made it through the flames, he motioned for the shorter man to come over. "Friend goblin, have you any more magiks to fell this bastiches? They wreak havoc on this town ... a crime that we cannot watch continue."

Reaching back for his longbow, Galarial drew an arrow back in one smooth move and fired one of the three men struggling with the women. "Let us see how strong your convictions are ..."

I know G goes after the men, but my intent is to disrupt the men dragging the women, if they are still there.
Move action to draw weapon; standard action to fire: [roll0] (if they count as in melee; if not, add +4).
Damage: [roll1]

[Really?]

I'm not sure where the intended targets are, so I may have t go back and change this post, but in the interest of continuing the game at least:

The goblin looks up at Galarial and lets out a short, mirthless chuckle. "I'd love to help, friend elf," he replies with a sneer, "but thanks to you, I've got some unfinished business with the sleeping beau-"

As Synec turns away from the door, his eyes is caught by the sight of the child being dragged to the wagon. A look of disgust flashes across his face, and he wheels back away from his sleeping target. "Guess I'll have to postpone that," he mutters, his hands twisting in arcane patterns as he runs to the door.

Move outside the inn and cast Sleep on the soldier carrying the child. Let me know if any of this doesn't mesh with what's actually on the board.

[Starbin]

Glancing over at the goblin, GalariCal snorted. "If you accept their accusation as readily as they implicated you, then you're just as bad as the humans ..."