War of the Burning Sky

[Grimtina]

Gate Pass (http://www.krath.org/arania/War%20of%20the%20Burning%20Sky/Gate%20Pass.jpg) has always been between the chairs, so to speak, but things are getting desperate. By now, every magic-user in Gate Pass knows of the Scourge. The Emperor of Ragesia died barely a month ago, and in a move to cement herself as the next emperor of Ragesia, Leska, leader of the Ragesian inquisitors, has decreed that all disloyal users of magic — arcane or divine — are to be tracked down and killed, to prevent future threats to the empire. The inquisitors, clerics specialized in countermagic, travel with military escorts to the borders of Ragesia. Their first target is Gate Pass, its neutrality long viewed as an insult to the nation’s honor. Those who resist them will have to face the searing power of the Ragesian Empire.

An entire army marches for Gate Pass, and the people of the city fear that they will not be able to resist the might of the Ragesian military. The city leaders are bowing under pressure, and have barred the exit from the city, intending to welcome the inquisitors that come with the army, for they foolishly hope that the Ragesians will reward their cooperation with mercy.

The Ragesian army is nearly at Gate Pass’s doorstep, so time is short. The war is about to begin.

It is New Year’s Eve, and near midnight on this frigid evening. The people of the city know an army is on the way, so the streets are fairly deserted and normal festivities muted, letting the heroes travel unmolested. The pub is in a poorer district about a mile from the western city wall, filled with slush-covered cobblestone streets and dark, snow-filled alleyways. The evening is dark and claustrophobic, the multistory buildings of the city looming in the night, no lights in most windows.

You have followed the call of the resistance movement to assist in an urgent matter for the sake of the city, and been told to meet someone named Torrent at the Poison Apple Pub (http://www.krath.org/arania/War%20of%20the%20Burning%20Sky/PAP.jpg) a little before midnight on New Year’s Eve, and to use the alley door. The pub has been closed down since its owner was arrested, that's known in wide parts of the city. The pub is a two-story building attached by a rooftop bridge to a neighboring house. The door and windows are boarded up, and the curtains drawn. A notice has been posted on its locked door:


“Trehan Finner, owner of the Poison Apple
Pub, has been taken into temporary custody
under the protection of the city guard, until such
time that he can be questioned by representatives
of the Ragesian Empire, and found innocent of
hostile collusion. The Poison Apple Pub is hereby
closed until further notice.”

[ProudGrognard]

Deran
HP 11 AC 18

Deran approaches the pub slowly, darting from shadow to shadow. He has no problem seeing and avoiding the few obstacles waiting him there. He has never learned to move noiselessly and even if he had, the mail he wears would make it very difficult. As he approaches the pub, his thoughts jump around.


Noone said this was gonna be easy. Old Man Talos always said that the greatest challenges are within. Here I am, skulking and ready to break in in a lawfully closed building.

But it is not really breaking in when you are invited, is it? Let 's hope so.


Deran carefully and slowly tries the doors and windows, to see if anything is open. He also takes the time to look around. It would be bloody difficult to explain things if guards were waiting inside.

Perception [roll0]

[Tyeal]

Inside the pub were a few lit torches around a table, with a lone figure seated at said table, facing the door. A crossbow lay in front of him, loaded and seemingly ready to shoot those he didn't recognize. Ragde had been the first to arrive ahead of the others it seemed. He had gone ahead as soon as he had received the order, having waited for some time to hear word from this Resistance. Hoping they could help him, and offering aid whenever he could to further their cause. Even going so far as to ensuring this meeting place had been checked for traps and other persons hiding in the shadows before settling in.

And, judging from this person's odd choice of armor and weapons, he at least wasn't part of the city guard. One hand grasping the stock of his trusted weapon, he asks,

"Your name. And whom you are supposed to meet." His voice was firm, and had a kind of practiced eloquence to it, even in his demanding tone.

[ProudGrognard]

Deran

Going in, Deran gets in, only to be confronted with a loaded crossbow.

He instinctively knows that he can be within reach before a second bolt is in the air. But some precautions would be needed. Was Deran part of teh underground now?

"Deran. Torrent."

He then proceeds slowly to a nearby chair-with or without permission- one can that cover the windows and the door. He moves slowly, to show that he is not about to threaten anyone. When he sits, his falchion within reach, he asks.

"You?"

[Krakard Vakurt]

Perception (Will be filled once I figure this rolling thing out...(Honestly don't understand this roller thing...)) 1d20+4

Orias took a glance about. He found it odd that a closed establishment would be unwatched, you know, just in case. Regardless, he hadn't seen any guards near by, and thus tested the knob. Finding it unlocked, which itself would've been slightly odd if Orias hadn't been expecting it. Stepping in he found the quaint little pub rather cosy, though he had no plans on shedding his coat, the crisp air pierced the building, and created a cool atmosphere.

Orias immediately noticed the man sitting facing the door, a hand on a crossbow that lay upon the table, another man had recently entered and had just responded to a question, and was now sitting by a window. Before Orias could speak, the man with the crossbow posed him the pair of questions.

"My name is Orias Stone, cleric of Abadar. I am here to meet with Torrent, as I was told I could be of help." Orias replied politely, keeping his eyes focused on the man. "Are you perhaps him? Or maybe you're here for the same reason..."

Orias shifted to the left from the doorway, it stood to reason that if there were more, he should not block their entry.

[DeRerumNatura]

Xue is humming a festival tune as she enters the tavern.
As she recognizes Deran and Orias she quickly joins them at the table.
Deran, Orias! How are you?
She drops her backpack, puts her crossbow down before her, sits down and turns to the surly fellow.
I am Xuesheng Gongshu, here to meet Torrent. What is your name? Also it is wrong to sit in a tavern without something to drink! She smiles broadly Can we fix that?

As she speaks her familiar, a large beautiful raven, has started to investigate the room, searching for something to eat or atleast something to satisfy his curiosity.

[ProudGrognard]

Deran

Deran reflexively fixes his cowl when the third man comes in. He looks familiar... Flashes of the Festival of Dreams come to his mind. He knew this man but what was his name?

And then, a familiar voice pipes in. Could it be Xue? It was! It seems that half of the Abadar church was to be in attendance. Deran cannot suppress a smile at the irresistible mage.

And yes. Orias was the name.

"Orias. Xue. Welcome. It is better that you are here. Familiar faces are always reassuring in clandestine meetings, or so I have been told."

He turns to the first-comer, who had yet to divulge his name.

"How many are we waiting for?"

[Tyeal]

"Two of them are oddly chipper." He thought to himself as he shifted his crossbow out of the way of Xue, still keeping it aimed at the door. He had his own reasons for his staunch guarding of the closed tavern.

"My name is Ragde Ogarif II. I've been in contact with Torrent for a couple months now. I've been assisting them however I can. We'll just say I don't belong in this part of the world, and have been working to get back home. We are expecting one more person to arrive. A Cleric of Pharasma by the name of Maruicio."

His other hand has been kept under the table this whole time. But, in the odd moments of complete silence, listening and waiting, sharp ears could ear something metallic-sounding shifting and moving against itself under the table.

[Prehysterical]

Walking slowly through the darkened streets of Gate Pass, Mauricio hoped that he did not look too out-of-place in his priestly robes. He had lived in the city for a few decades now, and during that time had made house calls to various citizens during later hours. Still, the clandestine nature of the meeting he was heading to made him nervous.

The encroaching armies of Ragesia, and their inquisitor overlords, threatened everything that both the city and his faith stood for. Only such a looming threat could cause him to abandon his usual neutrality and answer the call of this "Torrent" character. His tiefling heritage made him blend into the darkness, with ash grey skin and sunken cheeks. His eyes, however, glowed a bright, almost hostile yellow in the darkness, allowing him to see into the darkest corners.

Finally edging up to the alley door, he slowly opens the door... only to be confronted by a seated man with a crossbow. Mauricio raises his hands up slowly.

"Torrent, I presume? Because if not, I suppose that this coming year will only bring me pain."

[Tyeal]

As the door creaks open again, Ragde's hand places itself on the stock of his crossbow, finger hovering outside the trigger as the last person to arrive tot heir little gathering came in, mentioning Torrent by name. His hand relaxed slightly, but still stayed on the weapon's stock.

"No, I'm not Torrent, but I imagine he'll be here soon. You must be the Cleric of Pharsama that we've been waiting for. Maruicio I presume?" He motioned to the others also in the tavern common room around him. "The others had only just arrived, so you're not late if that crossed your mind. You can call me Ragde. Or 'Ro' if that's too clumsy to say."

[Prehysterical]

"And you may call me 'Mauricio', if that is not too clumsy." His tone is somewhat dry at Ragde's mispronunciation.

Looking around, he recognizes a few of the faces. He bows slightly before Orias.

"Father Orias. I trust your presence here means that this little meeting is legal and sanctioned." A slight wry smile crosses his lips, knowing fully well that it does not. The oread's presence only confirms Mauricio's own worrisome suspicions.

[Krakard Vakurt]

Orias smiles at the sight of his acquaintances, it was nice to know he'd be working with familiar faces, even if what they were to be doing wasn't quite sanctioned by the law. Several minutes later came with the arrival of Mauricio, a face Orias had become accustomed to. Another priest from a different religion that had been living in town nearly as long as Orias had been himself.

"It's nice to see you too, Mauricio. Sadly no, we both should be well aware that this meeting, and the activities that will follow are not sanctioned by the law. But, they are necessary to bring peace and perhaps order to our fair city." Orias replied with a heavy heart, forcing a smile to hide his dismay with the circumstances.

"I should say that, whoever this 'Torrent' may be, certainly has his ways, as attracting two lawful clerics to this sort of cause would not be an easy thing..." Orias's expression became more pensive and worried, he knew that coming times were to be harsh, but had no idea he'd be led to become a resistance fighter.

'Abadar guide me, for I fee what may be expected of me these coming weeks shall be difficult and troublesome'

[ProudGrognard]

Deran

Deran spends the time talking in his usual crisp manner with Xue. She has not changed which is good. She always brings an air of cheerfulness wherever she goes and this room needs it.

Then another priest arrives. Orias seems to know him and that was good enough. He does not seem to recognize Deran. That had its merits also.

Deran stretches his legs and looks at Ro.

"All of us waiting here is not a good idea. I hope Torrent is coming soon."

[Grimtina]

The darkened pub is mostly empty now, its many tables and chairs pushed to one wall and covered with sheets. A single table sits in the middle of the room, with enough chairs for all of you. A small oil lamp and a keg sit on top of it, along with several mugs. At the back corner of the common room beside the bar, a staircase leads upstairs. The windows and door facing onto the street are closed, and you know they have been boarded up from the outside. On the wall behind the bar hangs a bronze bust of the former emperor of Ragesia, Drakus Coaltongue, a regal, aged half-orc with a scar cutting diagonally across his face.

Torrent comes down from the top floor just this instant, however long she has been up there is hard to say. "Drinks will come up in a moment," she declares. While the door to the storage room is hidden behind stacks of tables and chairs, the kitchen is easily accessable, and within a moment, a barrel of beer and some kegs are brought in. "Something for a sort of new year celebation," she laughs. As tall and strong as the typical warrior, Torrent is a distinctive looking woman with tanned skin and short white hair. Under a dark winter coat she wears a breastplate decorated with blue wave-like etchings, and a holy symbol to Gozreh, god of the storm and sky and also a goddess of the wave and surf, is tied to her wrist with a leather cord. Her demeanor is smooth but forceful, like an ocean wave. "I'm so glad you could make it."

[DeRerumNatura]

Xue takes a draft from her mug. Ahh. Thats better. She turn to Torrent, smiles and says What can we do for you?


Caaw Caww, no peanuts. does the raven comment from under the sheets and continues his search.

[Tyeal]

(To be fair, Mauricio is kinda hard to get stuck in my head.)

Ragde unloaded the bolt from his bow and flicked the safety on, taking it off the table once Torrent arrived. No reason to have it loaded when everyone was here to help. He kept the weapon in his lap, fiddling with the draw string, the loading channel, the amount of tension on the bow. Now more visible was the hand that was under the table. He wore a glove on that hand, his other hand not wearing anything. The glove had several metal plates running along the back of it, looking much like a Cestus, but the metal seemed to shimmer in the light. Like it was made of crystal, subtly changing colors depending on the angle.

He remained silent and just tinkered with his crossbow while Torrent spoke. He could have been mistaken, but he may have had contact with the Resistance before the others assembled here. He'd wait and see if that was true or not.

[ProudGrognard]

Deran

Deran watches Torrent come down with a guarded look.

Way to go, champ. You assumed she would be a man. What was that old man Talos used to say? Assumptions kill, in diplomacy and war alike.

Deran does not drink from his keg but takes out a cinnamon stick and starts chewing it like a cigarette. At least the man with the crossbow seemed to know what he is doing.

"A lot of Men of the Cloth are here, it seems. If we are all here, we should start. Why are we here lady?"

[Grimtina]

"Ah, right to the point, I like that." she says.

Right then, the bells in the city are ringing the new year in, loud and clear as always, ignorant of the current situation. Torrent grimaces and straightens in her chair, saying, “That’s one year gone. I guess it’s time to get down to business.

The city’s in trouble. The Ragesian army is marching on us, and will be here by tomorrow. Before then, we have a mission.

I used to study at a magic academy to the south, called Lyceum. They’re good people. So when word reached them about Ragesia’s ‘Scourge,’ they sent out messages calling for anyone fleeing Ragesia to come to them. They want to stand against the Ragesians, and the resistance wants their help. We just need to get a message to them.

Normally we would have sent something by teleporting courier, but something strange is going on with planar magic. The last courier who teleported into Gate Pass, rumor is that he showed up burnt to a crisp. Not that I have that sort of magic anyway, but if we’re going to talk to Lyceum, we’re going to have to go overland. And that’s a problem, because the city’s walls are sealed.

Ever since their emperor died, the Ragesians have been trying to show that they’re not weak, and they’re marching an army in our direction, since the mountain pass we’re in is apparently ‘strategically valuable.’ Either way, a few idiots on the city council want to negotiate with the Ragesians, and rumor is they’re going to invite a group of inquisitors into the city to look for ‘magic-users who are hostile to the empire.’ They’ve sealed the gates of the city so no one can get out, to make sure they look like they’re cooperating, and only military personnel can get in or out.

We’re going to have to get out of the city, and I’m open to suggestions on how. Once we’re out, I can get us safely to Lyceum, but before we get ahead of ourselves, we have a mission tonight.

The short version is that we’ve got to meet a contact — a gnome named Rivereye Badgerface — in about an hour at a guarded depository about a half-mile from here. He’s carrying a case of vital military intelligence which he stole from the Ragesian palace, and the heads of the resistance think that it needs to reach Lyceum. We’ve got to get that case, get out of the city, and get far away from here before the idiot city council lets the Ragesian inquisitors in. Once that happens, the odds of us escaping are — “ she finishes off her mug of beer in one long guzzle “— slim.

I know I’d love to stay here and fight against the Ragesians, but I’m no soldier, and this mission might be more important. Worst case, you get away from the Ragesians and we can part ways a few days down the road. Best case, you can come with me to Lyceum, and we come back with an army of our own to drive off the Ragesians. But we’ve got to act fast either way. Are you ready for this?”

[DeRerumNatura]

Xue thoughtfully tap's her finger against her mug
I do have a couple of questions first. From the top, Rivereye Badgerface, how does he recognize us, and how do we recognize him, ya know him?
Thinking out loud she continues:

Getting out would be easy if we had orders for the guards to let as through. If Fletcher still had command I would go to him, but I am not sure about Sawman. Erdan Menash might be a better bet.

She continues

Also depending on the exact route after we have left the city we might need to get some extra gear, and doubt creeps into her voice horses if we can scrape the money together. Are we traveling from inn to inn or are taking a route through the wilderness? And I would like to inform my family that I will be away for a while.

And with the lost words she sounds a little lost.
Making clear what my actual question is in the last paragraph

[Tyeal]

The blonde sighed softly to himself as he began considering their options. Xue had a couple good points about their contact, Badgerface, and was already considering ideas should the worst-case scenario happened. He did have an ace he had been saving up to this point, and cleared his throat to gain attention before standing up.

"I believe I have something that can help us get past the guards." Drawing his long sword, he taps on the engraved emblem in the steel, just below the guard.

"In actuality, I am an exiled king, forced out of my own lands by a ruthless, power hungry mad man. This sword is the only proof I have of my house and title, as King of Ogarif. Perhaps the guards will recognize my status, or we can bluff it, passing the rest of you gentlemen and ladies as my escort. I don't think they'd question even a foreign king too heavily if given sufficient proof."

[Prehysterical]

As the others discuss details for the mission, Mauricio looks on disapprovingly. He finally says,

"Under what authority does Leska think that she can override the edicts of the gods themselves? If they are to ban our miracles and healing powers, how is the city expected to thrive? If these inquisitors think that they can come in here and tell the clerics to stay their hands, then they are sadly mistaken."

The tiefling leans forward, eyes blazing with outrage.
"I have lived in this city for over two decades now. Its people are my people. I have watched some of them since birth, seeing their lives play out before them. I serve the goddess of fate, and I will not be driven out of my own city by a torch-wielding rabble of pelt-wearing apostates!"
Mauricio may require a little more convincing before leaving. He doesn't undertake ventures lightly.

Not trying to be a pest here, but I gotta play IC as much as possible.

[ProudGrognard]

Deran

Deran chews his cinnamon stick for a bit and shakes his head slowly. He gives a sideways glance to the man professing to be a king, as if to determine if he is crazy or for real.

"This is not us being driven out of the city, Father. This is about defending it against an attack.The question is, do you believe you will serve its people better if you stay, or if you do something to repel the attack all together?

I have seen the politics of this city. The clergy usually do not agree if the sun sets in the West. We have no time for this.

This is why I will try this fool 's errant. I would much rather stay and fight. But I fear that I will get an order to stand down.

The thing is, I do not see how to help you. I have no horse. I have no skill in stealth. And I have no clout with the guards, though I have done my share of the rounds."

Deran starts again on the cinnamon stick. He seems surprised he talked so much.

Damn for making Deran a man of few words!

[Tyeal]

As the others discuss details for the mission, Mauricio looks on disapprovingly. He finally says,

"Under what authority does Leska think that she can override the edicts of the gods themselves? If they are to ban our miracles and healing powers, how is the city expected to thrive? If these inquisitors think that they can come in here and tell the clerics to stay their hands, then they are sadly mistaken."

The tiefling leans forward, eyes blazing with outrage.
"I have lived in this city for over two decades now. Its people are my people. I have watched some of them since birth, seeing their lives play out before them. I serve the goddess of fate, and I will not be driven out of my own city by a torch-wielding rabble of pelt-wearing apostates!"
Mauricio may require a little more convincing before leaving. He doesn't undertake ventures lightly.

Not trying to be a pest here, but I gotta play IC as much as possible.

"And what will you accomplish if you stay?" Ragde shoots back, sheathing his sword. "Do you believe that this encroaching force will give two ****s about the opinion of one tiefling? They won't care how long you've been here, nor will they debate with you. They have the muscle to back their claims. You do not. If you do not join us, then you will simply be throwing your one chance to actually DO something about the state of this city! Surely you are not so foolish as to not recognize this fact!"


Diplomacy to help sway his opinion:
[roll0]

[DeRerumNatura]

Xue raises her tentatively Please Radge, keep calm..
She turns to Mauricio Father, the city have already started to round up so-called enemies, she spits the word of Ragesia. You have read the notice nailed to the door.
If we were lead by anyone but that yellowbellied coward Merrick I would say stay and fight, but at the moment the fight is already lost, with him opening the doors of Gate Pass to Ragesia.

Her voice becomes pleading.

Comes with us, fight them another day, when the rest of the people here have remembered why we threw them off once, fight when you have a chance to win, and then help the city to heal, instead of just being imprisoned or killed by the very same people you helped into the world.





Roll was 12 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=18045604&postcount=20)
Surprisingly coherent ^_^
Aid another to give Tyeal +2 for a total of 15 ?

[Grimtina]

"I know the gnome, yes," Torrent says as she watches the exchange. "And I know there is only one road to take once we are out of the city. We will take a little-traveled road south from the city to the border of the Innenotdar Fire Forest, thirty miles away. All the other roads are either impassable in winter, as you probably know, or they'll be crawling with Ragesian soldiers. I've prepared for the journey through the forest, enough potions to let us survive the heat. I doubt the Ragerians would be prepared to follow us in."

[DeRerumNatura]

Hopefully Mauricio will join us.

Xue turns to adress the group.

My suggestion is to
She rises her right index finger

First meet up with the gnome

she adds her middle finger

Second, hit up Erdan Menash for order for the guards and maybe additional equipment and monies, he has in the past done so for adventurers.
Plan B being hell if I know and Plan C being to claim to be King Radges escort, risking to be recognized or the guards just escalating to an higher level.


she adds her ring finger


Third, go to my school and get the a scroll of Stand the heat and add it to my spellbook as a fall back for Torrents potions.
For that someone has to lend or spot me 20 gold.


she adds her little finger


Fourth and last, get the hell out of dodge (after I went by my family to tell them I wont be in the city for a while).


She smiles and looks around the table.



Any objections, complains or suggestions?
Also does anybody else need some specific gear for our journey?

[ProudGrognard]

Deran

"This sounds as good a plan as any. "

Deran sits up and fixes his cowl by reflex.

"We all have to say goodbye 's and pick up things. I say we meet somewhere-not here, in case we were followed- in say two hours.

I do not see this thing working and I will probably be a liability until we leave the city. But I will do what I can"

[DeRerumNatura]

Xue smiles towards Deran.

I am pretty sure we are going to need someone reliable with a strong swordarm somewhere along the way.

[Prehysterical]

It is Little Xue's pleas that finally move the tiefling. If she is taking this journey seriously, if this really is our only chance...

It galled him, but he finally replied, "Fine. I will embark with you on this journey. Shall I prepare spells for us so that we might travel unhindered by the elements?

I shall speak with my brothers at the temple. Perhaps they might give us something useful for the journey, such as potions of healing. It will also give me an opportunity to get things in order before we take our leave."

[DeRerumNatura]

Good, but lets break after we have met Badgerface.


I believe we can jump to the meeting with the Agent.

[Grimtina]

The bells of the city’s celebration go silent in the span of a few seconds.

Perception checks

[Grimtina]

In the sudden silence, Ragde can hear the creaking of floor boards overhead, like steps making their way to the stairs down while trying to be silent. Everyone else seems to distracted to notice.

[Tyeal]

Ragde notes to himself the bells falling silent, and tenses when he heard footsteps overhead. As far as he was aware, they weren't expecting anyone else this evening. Loading a bolt into his drawn crossbow, he silently stands up and moves quietly to the stairs. Flicking the safety off, he peers around the corner and waits for the mystery figure to emerge. Ready to fire if he can be certain this person is unfriendly. Anyone that might try to address him is met with an angry glare and a slashing motion across his throat.

[DeRerumNatura]

After her first attempt to ask Radge gets hushed Xue glares at him before standing up and arming herself with her crossbow.

[ProudGrognard]

Deran

Deran was ready to talk to Xue some more as they were getting ready to leave, but then Ragde got up with a concerned expresssion. He gestures for silence only made more weary. Silently, he unbuckles his sword, his hand at the hilt. Long years of practice make Deran sure he can have it in the air in a split second.

[Prehysterical]

Mauricio leans forward nervously as Ragde moves toward the stairs. His overly long fingers flick as he readies himself for defensive spellcasting.

[Krakard Vakurt]

Orias notices Ragde's cautious movements, as well as his loading of his crossbow. Carefully, Orias picks a few stones up off of the ground, prepared to cast Magic Stone should things go sour.

[Grimtina]

Now that everyone listens, moe than one pair of footsteps moves to the stairs. Several people are coming down. A seond later, 4 black clad people with masks appear on the stairs.

Torrent, her crossbow in hands as well, does not hesitate to shoot first and ask questions later. Her bolt hits one of the attackers in the kneww and causes him to tumble down the stairs.

This goes as surprise round for you so everyone gets to act before they do.

[DeRerumNatura]

As the first masked person goes down Xue hesitates for a moment before shooting the second one.

Init [roll0]
Att Roll [roll1]
Damage [roll2]
Had trouble do decide between demanding surrender and shooting.

[ProudGrognard]

Deran
HP11 AC18

Deran starts moving at the first glimpse of the masked men. People that charge into a crowded room without demanding surrender would probably not consider it either.

With a few quick strides, he is facing the closest one. His falchion in his hand crashes at the man.He then addresses the surviving ones.

"Lose these weapons. You are going to hurt yourselves."

Attack [roll0] dmg [roll1]

Also Detect Evil at first opportunity

[DeRerumNatura]

The raven free himself from under the sheets and takes a short hop to the table, coming down next to Xue.
Danger! Danger! he caws.
Xues crossbow bolt meanwhile hits the stairs with a satisfying thunk.

I nearly forgot my familiar *headdesk*
Ini [roll0]

[Tyeal]

'Glad my paranoia is continuing to pay off.' Ragde notes to himself as the masked figures appear at the top of the stares, everyone having the drop on them. They probably weren't expecting any of them to hear them coming, no doubt using the very loud bells to mask their approach into this meeting place. He'd make sure to inspect the bodies afterword for more information. Until then, he fires off his loaded crossbow at an enemy that hadn't yet been hit.

Initiative: [roll0]
Ranged Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[Grimtina]

Taken by surprise, the intruders take a long moment to coordinate their defense.

The one that's gone down the stairs moans and doesn't get up with his damaged knee but reaches for his knives, having lost his crossbow tumbling down. The second gets disarmed by Deran, losing his crossbow as much by surprise as the force of the interception. He makes to reach for his short sword. The third gets hit by Ragde's crossbow bolt in the shoulder, cursing loudly and looking for a target . The last ducks behind the railing of the stars and starts taking aim with a crossbow.

They do not detect evil, but they do look like mercenaries, or headhunters looking for magic users to sell to the Ragesians. Talks of such a group going around have been wild lately.

[DeRerumNatura]

Xuesheng
Ini: 25 AC: 12 HP:9

After having missed Xue ducks behind the table, speaks some eldritch words and points, from behind her cover, at the Radges enemy, and a bolt of some yellow fluid leaves her hand.

Wūyā
Ini: 20 AC: 15 HP:5

Her Raven hides behind Xue.


I am assuming we are acting in initiative order now?

If the guy hit by Radge (the 3rd guy) dies before my action the order of my targets is:
Guy on the ground going for his knifes (1st guy)
Guy in cover taking aim (4th guy)

Using my spell-like ability

Ranged Touch Attack:
[roll0]
Damage
[roll1]

7 uses left.

If, after taking cover, I still got a move action I reload my crossbow.

Should about Wuya doing aid another action helping Deran, but what is when he gets hit by a short sword :smalleek:

[Tyeal]

Ragde
Initiative: 17 AC: 18 HP: 8

Ragde leans back around the corner to reload his crossbow, peeking around to see who's left. It seems this group wasn't expecting this much stiff resistance. Which was good for them. He wanted to keep them at bay, if nothing else, not wishing to use his trump card too early. He takes aim at the other crossbowman behind the railing, willing this bolt to thread the gap between them and strike true.

Ranged Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]


EDIT: Hurray! The dice have responded to my good roleplaying! Damn near a crit!

[ProudGrognard]

Deran
HP 11 AC 18 Initiative [roll0]

"You don't take a hint, do you?"

Deran parries the short sword with his much larger sword and uses its bulk to cleave into his opponent.

PA Atk [roll1] dmg [roll2]

[Prehysterical]

Mauricio
Init: [roll0] AC:13 HP: 9

Surprised by the presence of so many, Mauricio swiftly calls upon his connection to Pharasma and envelopes himself in safety with a few gestures. It should be enough to buy him a little time.
Casting Sanctuary domain spell. *mutters about clerics having too many spells*

[Grimtina]

Torrent is quick to place a perfectly aimed shot between the eyes of the mercenary already hit in the shoulder before. Then the yellow stream encircles the man with the knives now in hands just before he can throw them. With a cry of pain, it makes him miss his target and the blade clatters to the ground somewhere to the side. The guy behind the balcony shoots at Torrent; while his bolt hits true it is not able to pierce the woman's armor. Just then, Radge's bolt hits him through the reiling, resulting in a stream of curses.

Mauricio is by now safely in a sanctuary spell. and Deran parries the other attacker's sword without trouble, managing to cleave through the man's light armor, causing a hip wound bad enough to make the man tumble. He still manages to land a blow to Deran's legs, but there wasn't much force behind it. (2 damage).

[ProudGrognard]

Deran
HP 9 AC 18

Deran grunts, more from surprise than from pain.

Sloppy, blue-head. You are getting sloppy.

Daren slings his falchion downwards as he parries and uses the force of the impact to take a mighty swing.

Atk [roll0] dmg [roll1]

[DeRerumNatura]

Xuesheng
Ini: 25 AC: 12 HP:9

Taking aim from behind the cover Xue fires at the crossbowman.


std action fire crossbow at guy 4
mv action reload crossbow
ranged attack
[roll0]
crossbow damage
[roll1]

[Grimtina]

Xuesheng's attack misses, but Daren manages to cut down his opponent. Torrent waves towards the back door towards the sie alley. "We got to go, no telling how many more may come through if those fail."

[ProudGrognard]

Deran
HP 9 AC 18

Deran let his opponent fall with a gurgle as his oversized blade sinks deep. The twang of the crossbow makes him look around. Spotting the crossbowman, and in the general principle of negating fire, he rushes towards him, his blade poised.

Charge [roll0] dmg [roll1] AC-2 next turn

[Grimtina]

The crossbowman fires and barely misses, and with a curse realizes he's in trouble. Torrent gets to the door, unlocks and opens it. The snow drifts in from outside.