The Heroes of Canalport

[evilfork]

For Miki
You walk slowly down the worn flagstones, flanked by a cadre of four of your father's guardsmen. A gust of wind speckles you with mist from the canal that winds its way past on your right. Your father strides confidently ahead, metal boots commanding attention as he clicks across the flagstones. Despite his adventuring past (or, perhaps, because of it) he is immensely enjoying the attention he receives as the head of the legendary house Firentis. You are escorted down the canal until you finally reach your destination: The Laughing Jester Tavern. Your father nearly throws open the door and strides inside, and you are quickly ushered in after him. You strain against your constraining garments to look around - You can hardly move your head under the thick hood. You see your father's gaze pass over many groups huddled around tables, from the legendary Fire Viper adventuring party to the group of paladins in the corner, before he finally rests his gaze upon a group, obviously sloppily drunk, sitting at the bar. He nods at you and the guards, then strides over to the group, calling out a greeting.

Everyone else
You had all just finished celebrating your newly formed adventuring group, to the tune of quite a few alcoholic beverage, when a resplendently armored man, wearing an orange and red tabard with the symbol of a firebird emblazoned in the center, strides into the tavern you are in. Bromok and Vostok recognize the symbol as that of house Firentis, the second most important family of the city. He pauses for a minute or so, surveying the tavern, before he strides over to your group and hails you.

Lord Firentis: "Ho there! How would you folk like to earn some coin?"

Everyone but Miki role spot checks.

[sargeras000]

Lord Firentis: "Ho there! How would you folk like to earn some coin?"

Everyone but Miki role spot checks.

"What's it to you, Human?" I say, the words slurring together. I gesture at him aggressively with my mug, causing some ale to slop over the sides.

[roll0]

[haffelygaffely]

STHEREVOS:

I glare at the drunken heathen to my left, then rise to greet Lord Firentis with a blessing.

(1d20-1)[19]

[fatlotus]

VOSTOK (oof- he needs a better name):

I glare quietly at the Lord- Firentis... why is that name so familiar? Strictly speaking, I made an oath not to work for money, but the offer of coin certainly sounds appealing. I furtively look left and right for members of my order, and then lean in closer to hear what Firentis has to say.

1d20+4

[ezryder]

Bromak:

Not is only is this a human, but THE HUMAN. I stare at him to try to make him uncomfortable.

Spot Check: [roll0]

[evilfork]

Lord Firentis: "Whoa, there, no need to get testy, an attitude like that could be liable to get you killed around these parts, especially for one of your... stature."
He says, looking at Hrulg petulantly. Then he smirks, and gestures to Stherevos. "You should follow your fine dwarven friend's example."

He turns to Stherevos, bowing slightly, before leaning in close.
For all but Miki
"Anyway, down to business. I am willing to offer each of you a fine bag of gold to take up a job very important to me. You see, I have reason to believe that someone, I know not who, wishes my only daughter dead.
He gestures towards the entrance of the bar, where you see someone, cloaked head to toe in what appears to be the most uncomfortable garment ever designed by man, flanked by four scowling guardsmen.
For Stherevos
Despite her seeming innocuous nature, you notice the imprint of a sword hidden beneath the massive cloak of the lord's daughter.
All but Miki
"I need a group such as yours to protect her for a few days, three to be precise. My only request beyond that is that you first allow me to ensure that you are fit for the job. If you do that, I am willing to offer you fifty gold pieces each up front, and another one hundred and fifty at the end of the three day span."

Miki, you can read everything that says "All but Miki" if you make a DC 12 Listen check.

[ezryder]

I glance over at Hrolg, give him a nod, then lean in and say, "tell me more".

[fatlotus]

"Yes, yes- we're all ears."

[haffelygaffely]

"My lord, pardon my audacity, but she seems to already be heavily guarded. Could you explain our specific duties a little further? I'll need some time to ready the appropriate spells."

I say all this as calmly as I can, doing my best to mask my excitement. Perhaps, instead of gold, he could repay me with a pledge of faith in the Archdragon! Certainly such a powerful lord would be a great asset to the order.

Diplomacy check: (1d20+0)[17]

[sargeras000]

I lean back in my chair, grumbling and scowling at Firentis.

[evilfork]

All but Miki
He leans in close. You see, unfortunately, there are members of my household that I believe cannot be trusted. Your duties would be to follow her everywhere - within reason, of course. Come, I believe that it would be wise if we left this place. Discussing large sums of money tend to draw greedy eyes. I can give you more information about the situation on the way to my estate, should you desire to join me.

Once again, you may read this Miki with a DC 12 Listen check.

[Miki Firentis]

Miki makes a listen check:
[roll0]

[Miki Firentis]

and makes another listen check for the second section she might be able to hear.
Listen Check: [roll0]

[fatlotus]

"Of course! Charles, my friends and I would be happy can help- mind if I call you Charles? How about Chuck? Great, great! Now, what was that you were saying about large sums of money...? Yes, yes, strictly of academic interest, of course mumble mumble no, they're more like the ten recommendations, yes mumble mumble spells prepared too mumble armor and stuff mumble."

Avoid infuriating possible employer check: [roll0]

[ezryder]

"Do you mind if I speak to my associate outside for a second", I say, I gesturing at Hrolg.

[evilfork]

"Certainly, my unnecessarily large friend, feel free. Please, meet us outside, if you are interested. Would the rest of you like to come with me?" He says, before spinning on one heel, a cape which you previously had not noticed swishing past. He then heads back over to his group.

Any of you who walk over to him and Miki, please give a short description of your character.

[sargeras000]

"Do you mind if I speak to my associate outside for a second", I say, I gesturing at Hrolg.

[since it appears that Firentis et al. are going outside ... ]

"What do you want, dad?" I ask brusquely, once everyone has left. "He's going to try and use us, just like all the others."

[evilfork]

From across the room, lord Firentis shouts, "But of course I am! Why else would I be offering you money?" He then laughs, motions to hia guards, and walks out the door.

Miki, the guards now begin to lead you outside.

[sargeras000]

"By Talor's bloody axe, I hate that bastard!" I mutter in Orcish. "It's clear that he wants us for something other than protecting his daughter - his henchmen could do that well enough, it looks like, and unless he's all bark and no bite under that armor of his, he'd probably do well enough in a fight too. And another thing: why did he pick us? There are plenty of other groups in this tavern. And another thing! Why this tavern - the Laughing Whatsit? Something's fishy, you can be sure of that! I don't like the look of him; I don't like the look of his henchmen; I don't like the look of his daughter; I don't like the look of that insane dwarf who was so happy to please him!"

All in Orcish, of course.

[ezryder]

In Orcish:

"It certainly seems fishy, but that's just all the more reason to do it. If there is a conspiracy, (and there may indeed be one) it makes sense to be at the center of it. And besides," I say, lowering my voice, "being near a man this important can only yield benefits, either in information or certain, opportunities" I say, raising my eyebrows at he last word. I rise from the table and in a louder voice, still in orcish, say, "I think the dwarf is just a drunk fool"

[sargeras000]

I rise from the table and in a louder voice, still in orcish, say, "I think the dwarf is just a drunk fool"

I rise. "He hasn't taken a single drink, and he's been babbling about his dragon parents, or whatever he said, all afternoon! The man's insane."

[haffelygaffely]

I ignore the drunken orcs (partly because I have priorities, and partly because I have no idea what they're saying) and follow Lord Firentis outside.

[haffelygaffely]

Description: I am an undersized adolescent little dwarf wearing a dirty white robe. In short, at first glance, I look like a rat could beat me up. However, I give off a strange feeling of power, and the air around me is faintly charged. That, coupled with my religious fervor and the big swinging axe on my back, makes most people think twice about approaching me.

[Miki Firentis]

I make a sense motive check against the dwarf in the dirty white robe.
[roll0]

[fatlotus]

My character is a short but otherwise totally plain-looking elf in vaguely religious garb. He has spent altogether too much time at catered ceremonial meetings and too little at the group yoga sessions, lending him rough appearance of an overstuffed but underused armchair.

Naturally, he eagerly looks around the tavern with the brightness of one who is not at all aware of his surroundings. He seems to prepare his conversations ahead of time, and has an accountant's blank stare when confronted with unexpected events.

[ezryder]

I follow the big cheese out the door.

[sargeras000]

Hrolg is a massive creature. He stands a hand above the average human, and nearly doubles one's weight. His limbs bulge with lean muscle, the product of years scrambling up mountains; and he moves with, if it cannot be called grace, a certain smoothness that betrays a well-developed awareness of his body. He rarely, if ever, moves without purpose.

His voice is gruff but soft; he hasn't used it in a very long time. On his chest, before it is covered by a tattered shirt that is a very far cry from its original off-white, can be seen a mixture of scar and tattoo, intricate in design but amateur in execution. His clothes are worn and dirty.

His skin is a grey that has been tanned a deep brown. His hair is scruffy and long. His beard is of a length and shape that suggests that it has been trimmed by something that is not very similar to a razor: perhaps a dull knife or a sharp rock.

[ezryder]

After Hrolg comes an even larger creature, he's taller, wider, heavier and even more muscular. He hits his head coming out of the door, let's out a growl And holds his bald head. He then puts on hood which has been hastily sewn to his armor.

His armor is old, a bit scratched, but seems like it should still be functional. Strapped to his back is a greatsword with a few spikes driven into the hilt to increase its ferocity.

His face seems amiable enough, clean shaven, scarred from years of... orcish pastimes. It has a bit of a green tint. His voice Is very deep, very loud, and surprisingly clean.

[evilfork]

OOC: Fatlotus' character is named Carlton, not what was said earlier.

Miki
The Dwarf seems normal enough - strange looking, to be sure, but nothing seems incredibly out of the ordinary. However, there is an unmistakable aura of something - power, magic, or some such - that radiates from him.

Lord Firentis: "Ah, good, you all came. Once again, this here is my daughter, Miki Firentis. And I believe I have not yet introduced myself. My name is Thomas Firentis, Lord of my house, fourth of my line and first of my name."
He holds out his hand towards no one in particular, and stands there expectantly.

[sargeras000]

"Ah, good, you all came. Once again, this here is my daughter, Miki Firentis. And I believe I have not yet introduced myself. My name is Thomas Firentis, Lord of my house, fourth of my line and first of my name."
He holds out his hand towards no one in particular, and stands there expectantly.

"Get to the point," I growl.

[ezryder]

Lord Firentis: "Ah, good, you all came. Once again, this here is my daughter, Miki Firentis. And I believe I have not yet introduced myself. My name is Thomas Firentis, Lord of my house, fourth of my line and first of my name."
He holds out his hand towards no one in particular, and stands there expectantly.

I cross my arms.

[haffelygaffely]

"Well met. I am Stherevos, Prophet of the Coming of the Archdragon. And," I add somewhat haughtily, "I serve no one but He."

[evilfork]

"Well met indeed. It is fine to see that there is one of improved manner amongst your company, if no less strange. Come now, we should head to my home. If any of you have any particular questions, feel free to ask, elsewise I will try to explain as much as I can."

[ezryder]

"Lead on."

[evilfork]

Lord firentis turns, and begins heading south along the canal. As you follow, he begins to explain the situation.
"I recently recieved an anonymous tip that my daughter's life was in danger. While normally I would simply increase my household guard. However, due to my family's history, I believe that extra precautions would be prudent."
He now leans close and begins talking in secret to the party.

Miki make a DC 17 listen, everyone else automatic
The main reason that I am hiring you all, however, is that my daughter is a bit of a free spirit. I hope that you all will be able to accompany her to places and events that my household guard cannot. I am unsure, but I am fairly certain that some of her activites are not strictly legal.

"I will unfortunately be gone for important diplomatic matters for the next three days. Your job would simply be to protect and accompany my daughter for that duration of that time. You will accompany her everywhere. Within reason of course."

"Any questions?" He asks, turning to face you all in front of a large, two storied building, im engraved in scarce carvings and blue paint. The building is certainly impressive, but is actually failry modest for a lord's dwelling.

In addition, everyone roll a seperate listen check.

[Miki Firentis]

Listen check: [roll0]

[Miki Firentis]

Another listen check: [roll0]

[Miki Firentis]

"Father! How can you accuse me of going against the law? As a citizen of Canalport, I love nothing better than to obey the law in every way possible. If *that* is your sole reason for these... guards... surely you realize that they are completely unnecessary."
Bluff Check: [roll0]

[evilfork]

"Pardon me, daughter, I have spoken to freely. Still, I believe that my prudence is not, at least, harmful. At the very least, this extra guard will help to assuage my own nerves. I am certain you understand."

Edit: Everyone roll sense motive checks.

[sargeras000]

"Why do we need to accompany the girl? Why don't we just hole up in your house for three days?"

Listen check: [roll0]

EDIT: I guess I can't edit extra rolls into a post (I forgot the sense motive check).

[sargeras000]

Sense motive check: [roll0]

[evilfork]

Hrolg
You're not sure why, but you are certain that Miki is lying.

"Because my son is not in town, my daughter will have to take care of my duties. Besides, it would not do for a lord's daughter to cower in her father's absence, no matter the reason."

[ezryder]

I stare in sullen silence.
Sense motive check: [roll0]

[sargeras000]

"Where exactly did this 'anonymous tip' of yours come from? Why don't we go out and find those that are trying to kill her?

Also: how are we going to be paid?"

[evilfork]

"The anonymous tip was a note left for me, it would obviously not be anonymous , now would it? And believe me, if I had any leads on who these people were, I would be going after them. Unfortunately, I don't. One thing I do find curious, however, is how determined you all seem to be to not let me pay you all any money."

[sargeras000]

"Harrumph! It's not often that an imperialist human offers to pay one of my people. Usually it's the oppressed who have to pay," I mumble in Orcish to Ezryder [that's the name of your character, right?].

"When do we start?"

[ezryder]

In Orcish to Hrolg I say, "I have no doubt that this money came from one of us, maybe now it will be back in the hands of those who could do good with it".

[evilfork]

"You can start as soon as I know you are capable of your duties. If you will, head inside." He says, gesturing to the door as the guards begin leading miki inside.

[ezryder]

"A test? Well then..."

[sargeras000]

In Orcish, "Hah! There's no test a flimsy human could make up that we couldn't crush!"

[evilfork]

He leads inside, through a plushly furnished entryway - nice but not extravagant - then outside. You walk through a garden, a nice fountain in the middle, and various exotic looking plants around. Just past the garden appears to be a practice yard. The floor is loose sand, and there are a few practice dummies. Surrounding the yard is a pillared terrace with many doors leading inside. Standing in the practice yard are five men of the household guard, two in scale mail and the third in chain. Each carries a large shield, while the two in scale wear a longsword at the hip and the last holds a heavy mace.

Carlton and Stherevos, Miki already knows about this.
You both notice faint blue runes ringing the practice arena - quite faint, but not hidden

Lord Firentis: "The test is simple, I simply mean to ensure that, should anything go wrong, you are capable of protecting my daughter. All you have to do is defeat these Five guards in combat, as a group. And don't worry about being hurt. This arena is magicked so that any injuries you sustain will be superficial at worst. It will even protect from magic, so feel free to let loose any spells you want to use. When you all are ready, we can begin."

OOC: We are about to start some combat, so everyone respond with an initiative roll along with anything your character does. I wont start until you are all ready.

Edit - got the numbers wrong, there are Five guards

[ezryder]

I draw my greatsword!

Initiative: [roll0]

[sargeras000]

I grunt and tighten the grip on my quarterstaff.

1d20+2

EDIT: goddammit I am not good at using this rolling thing

[sargeras000]

Initiative: [roll0]

[haffelygaffely]

I touch one of the dragon claws on the leather cord around my neck and whisper in Draconic. Instantly, the air around us begins to crackle and glow bright green. I heft my axe.

Initiative: (1d20+2) [10]

OOC: Energy Shield does 2 points of acid damage to an enemy striking any member of the party with a nonreach melee weapon. Just so y'all know what I did there.

[fatlotus]

Initiative: [roll0]

"Huh?"

[evilfork]

Combat order - Guard 4, Guard 5, Bromok, Guard 3, Stherevos, Guard 2, Carlton and Hrolg, Guard 1.
One of the guards, wielding a heavy greatsword, charges at Stherevos, and swings in a powerful downward arc, the blow deflecting off of Stherevos' armor.

The lightly armored guard in the back hefts a crossbow, sending a bolt whizzing off to the side of Hrolg.

edit: More info
One of the two guards I didn't mention is wielding a greatsword, and the other a glaive.

[ezryder]

I charge at the guard with the crossbow (assuming he is in range).

Attack roll: [roll0]

[evilfork]

As you charge past, the guard with the glaive takes the opportunity to swipe at you with his weapon, hitting you across the side and giving you a huge bruise for a total of 4 nonlethal damage.
However, you manage to reach the guy in the back, your greatsword sweeping across in an arc, knocking the guy out cold and sending the unconscious man flying at least ten feet off to the side. Even as you do so, you feel fire immolate you. Being on fire is a strange feeling though - instead of the intense burning that you would normally feel, the fire just seems to make you so very tired (you take 6 nonlethal damage)
The guard with the glaive then backs away from Bromok, stepping off to the side of Hrolg and spinning the glaive at Hrolg's head, hitting him and knocking him out (11 non-lethal damage).

OOC: In the future, just roll damage whenever you roll to hit. I'll apply it then if you hit. Also, Bromok, remember that you have a -1 to hit because of the sunlight.(You still hit though.)

[haffelygaffely]

I attack the guard with the glaive.

Attack roll: [1d20+2][4]
Didn't roll for damage.

[evilfork]

One of the guards with a the longsword turns and steps towards Bromok, his sword slashing out across Bromok's side for 3 nonlethal damage! He then suddenly recoils as if in pain, his skin turning slightly red(2 nonlethal damage).

[fatlotus]

"Guys! I-... I'm sure we can come to a mutually profitable arrangement in this matter!"

* draws sword hammer *

Edit: Hits guard with hammer.

[evilfork]

*rolling for Carlton* [roll0] if it hits: damage [roll1]
(attack on guard w/ glaive)

Carlton swings his hammer at the shoulder of the man with the glaive, who steps back and blocks with the haft of his weapon.