IC The Coils of the Serpent [Archive] - Giant in the Playground Forums

Beta Centauri

2015-01-30, 03:38 PM

Jeegathda is never completely quiet: boatmen ply the canals at all hours, singing the tunes that set their cadence and advertise their services; commerce is always afoot, even among races who normally require sleep; and every day is a holiday to at least one religion or cult. On top of this, the footbridges regularly rattle with chases between the city guards and those who hoped that the din of business and celebration might cover their criminal actions. And those are just the crimes that are caught....

And of course, like any population of intelligent beings, there is an undercurrent of whispers. In recent days these whispers have taken on a different tone, in response to several odd goings on.

Most mystifying is the complete disappearance of the Cult of the Demon's Finger. Every member, possession and dwelling of the cult seems to have disappeared (or stripped bare, in the case of buildings) on a single night that slightly predates the arrival of the PCs. The cultists were apocalyptic zealots who got on everyone's nerves, so while their disappearance is remarkable, they're not really missed.

Other whispers concern the disappearances and killings that have been occurring for months. Both were seemingly random, striking at all levels of society and with either no evidence of their perpetrators - or else a concerted effort to cover for them. The killings were shockingly excessive, and apparently the result of an attack by an enraged large cat, except for the fact that the animal would have had to have been able to open locked doors and perform other feats normally reserved for humanoid beings.

Two days ago, a leading priest of Cult of Zehir pointed out that the disappearances were centered around the eladrin district, and noted that the eladrin would be able to teleport across the canals, explaining why patrols have had difficulty catching anyone on the nights of the disappearances.

The animosity between Zehir and the eladrin god Corellon being well known, no one gave this accusation serious consideration - until yesterday when the priest who made the accusation was found dead, apparently killed by the same animal that has been hunting in the city.

This was the spark for the keg of alchemical blast-sand. Anti-eladrin mobs are roaming the streets beating up anyone they believe to be fey or friendly with fey and fey gangs are exacting retribution. The city guard divided rapidly on how to address the unrest, and is now fighting amongst itself. Crowds have been streaming toward the eladrin quarter, via bridges and via gondolas, getting out and walking along the decks when the waterways become too jammed.

In the midst of this, a small animal, clearly exhausted from avoiding the chaos, approaches you, beckons for your ear and whispers the following to you.

"Church of Corellon accused of disappearances, murders. Damage done, but exoneration may mitigate it. Meet Mindartis at Taj Toolen, noon today. Confirm via attached ritual."

Attached to the animal is a tiny ritual scroll of Animal Messenger, apparently created by a knowledgeable caster.
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Per the OOC post, please take the hook, establishing whatever you need in order to make it a decision you feel your character would make.

Taj Toolen is an ancient ornate royal crypt at the top of one of the older towers on the opposite edge of the city from the eladrin quarter. It's secluded, open to the public, and has plenty of places to hide.

Mindartis is a highly-placed eladrin politician. He's not necessarily perfectly good, but he can be worked with.

You can travel to Taj Toolen however you like, singly or with other party members. Please describe your journey there, along with one incident related to the current events that momentarily delays or diverts you. Remember that you are paragons: most beings in a city in this world will not pose much of a threat to you. The incident you describe can be considered to be complete, with no repercussions to really worry about. I'm merely interested in your description.

Ridai

2015-01-30, 06:00 PM

Chai's muscles stopped having trouble lifting her own body weight a long time ago. The elf overlooks her haunt from up on the roofs, where she jammed a steel pipe between two close walls. Rep after rep, her breathing remains steady like her motions. A little bird lands on the shoulder of her wiry body and she allows it to stay and whisper. Having heard the message, Chai finishes her set before gently lowering her body down onto the ground, steps without sound guiding her to the edge of the roof. Taking the scroll, she does not need to think long about the response.

"I'll come. Because of the missing and murdered. You owe me. A lot. Cross me or my family, and I'll kill you. Not threat. Promise." Chai names Mindartis and Taj Toolen and sends the little bird away once more. Chai does not care for rotten politics. She does not care about cults and churches and gods and idols. She cares even less about Mindartis. He is a means to an end. She does care about finding the murderers and killing them in turn. One soul of her haunt has already lost a sister to them. One too many.

Donning her gear, Chai strides across the roofs, traversing them with quicksilver motions as she steps over tiles, leaps across gaps and balances on precarious beams spanning house row chasms. It is nicer up there. Fewer people. And people rarely look up. Same goes for scum. Chai is on route to meet Colette, the elf knowing exactly where her family members like to be.

After walking across a lonely roofed bridge, Chai walks into an ambush. Of course, it would have been one, had she not seen it coming ever since people followed her for the last three blocks and thought they were innocuous about it. Three behind her, four before her. Humans and dwarves. Lynch mob, mostly homeless, confusing bloodlust and venting both fear and frustration with justice.

"That one of 'em?"
"Nah, the eyes're wrong."
"Could be a trick."
"You dandelion-eating broad should know better than to come here. Looks like ya already got messed up and didn't learn your lesson, ugly bitch."
"Yeah, pointy ears're all the same anyway. She's armed to the teeth, too. Good thing we stopped her before she can kill another innocent."

Good. They are making this easy. "You are wrong. Regardless, step aside or attack me. I don't have time for loudmouths."

"You want trouble? You got trouble! Kill this murdering scum!"

They charge. Uncoordinated. Untrained. Stupid and weak. Two curved white blades are smoothly drawn from their sheaths, made from a single piece and lacking any kind of decoration except for the red that always colors the edge. There is no need to move yet. The mob surrounds her, flailing at her in impotent rage, weapons only striking air or the white weapons moving to intercept. Now.

-------

The demon teeth shaped into swords have fed, returning to their sheaths without complaint. Chai leaves the bridge behind her. The bodies are already being devoured by the things down in the water of the small basin, the new blood on the bridge blending with the stains of old blood from past dumped bodies. She had discovered this lonely bridge a week ago, along with its originally unintended purpose and the deathly things that sprung into existance because of it. Guards don't come here, they have better parts to take care of. At least it was useful to her as well, as of right now.

Not far to where Colette is. Chai walks to the spot where she often is and when she sees her, greets her with a simple "Hello." and a rare smile. "I got a message."

Raine_Sage

2015-01-31, 01:08 AM

Her day was busy enough without the rioting. There were plenty of sick and injured in a city as large as this one. Now her apothecary, such as it was, was swamped with Eladrin fleeing violence being visited upon them by men they had once called neighbor. It was dejavu. Her mind jumped between scenarios as she worked fervently to tend the wounded. One minute she was in Jeegathda, setting a broken bone, one moment she was in Pyrite, stitching together a sword wound, and then she was back, washing blood from her hands and sweat from her brow as family members helped the injured party back to their feet. She'd run out of herbs for potions hours ago, and had needed to fall back on her own limited knowledge of first aide to get by.

Her small shop finally empty once more she filled a silver basin with cold water and splashed it across her face before washing her hands and getting ready for whoever came in next. She was a tall young woman, all angles and sharp edges, her face gaunt and her skin pale. Eyes a vivid acid green, troubled, more than a little haunted. She's roused from her memories by a faint tapping at the dusty window. Opening it she found a raven sitting there, a scroll tied to its leg. It whispered its message to her and she did not even think twice before accepting. The sooner a culprit was found the sooner this senseless violence could stop.

Untying the scroll she completes the ritual and sends the crow back with a succinct message. "I'll be there shortly."

She gathers her things together, takes a moment to run a brush through her hair and grabs a small bite to eat. She's been on her feet all day and has not had time for a proper meal. A slice of bread and a piece of fruit will have to suffice for now and after she is done she heads out the door and to the market square where she will be able to stock up on supplies and hopefully meet with some of her friends. She doubts she is the only one who has received this summons.

She casts a long shadow as she moves quickly and silently through the streets, avoiding the rioting where she can. She feels bile rising in the back of her throat at the thought of what atrocities are being committed in the name of "justice" right now but more violence on her part will only fuel those flames not quell them. There is a time and a place for retribution and now is not either of those.

However as she passes by a hand reaches out and clutches her robes and she pauses to find an eladrin girl laying against the wall of an alley way. Her clothing dark with blood. It's hard for Colette to tell how long she's been laying there but it's clear to her that she is beyond help. The spark of life in her wavers like a candle flame in a strong wind, on the very verge of going out. There is only one kind of peace left that Colette can give. Kneeling down beside her she takes her hand and looks her in the eye.

"When this is over I will find the one who did this to you. You have my word. Rest now, there are better things waiting for you beyond this place." she says softly. She can feel the Eladrin woman's life ebb away through her fingertips and as her soul passes on from her body Colette takes the last dregs of her life away and into herself. Allowing a sense of who this person was to wash over her briefly before she straightens up and continues on her way. When there is peace in Jeegathda again she will find the killer if he is not dead already by the time she comes. For now she must move quickly to prevent more slaughter before it can occur.

----------------

She has not been in the market square long before she finds Chai. Or rather, before Chai finds her. The elf has an uncanny sense of direction and a natural talent for tracking. Just one of a long list of things Colette admires about her friend.

"If the message you received was from Mindartis then I believe I got the same one. I've already told him I'm coming." she sighs and looks weary. "No rest for the wicked I suppose. Are you alright? The mobs have been getting violent. They're going after anything even remotely elvish." she looks up at her, evidently concerned for her wellbeing despite that fact that she knows Chai is as deadly as anyone in a fight and she would be genuinely surprised to find there was anyone in this city who could lay a hand on her. Still sheer numbers could be dangerous on their own. And there were thousands of people in Jeegathda. "We should find the others, I'm sure they've gotten something as well, and honestly I feel safer traveling in a group at this point."

Ridai

2015-01-31, 09:22 AM

Chai nods in response to what the message is about, implying she answered likewise. She takes the time to embrace Colette, both women the same height, Chai's body smooth and muscular, save for the large scar running starting on her temple and running all the way down to her chest. Colette smells the oncoming storm fragrance of the elf, knowing she and the other good people in the world are sheltered by it, but the others will not have that luck. At the start of their journey, words like "pretty" and even "cute" fit her appearance, she had a sunny demeanor, smiled and laughed a lot. Her eyes are now severe and the color of lightning, her hair straight as rain and hued like storm clouds, skin pale regardless of how long she stays outside. Souvenirs of their journey. Most of them from the abyss.

"Seven tried. What I am was their excuse. They are gone now." Chai's eyes and her scar glow with faint blue light briefly, involuntarily. Chai feels the indomitable, consuming life within Colette, glad to find it as she left it, and nods once more. "Linus isn't far. Small distance from him to Abraxus." Chai leads the way, always alert, always ready. She stays groundbound en route to Linus, so Colette can follow. The selfless medic hardly needs protection, power within her very veins. Chai still guards her, come what will. Because that is what family does.

Dr.Samurai

2015-02-02, 07:35 PM

Abraxus sighs, nods to his relief, and leaves the guardhouse. This was his second double-shift since some Zehir cultist had been found murdered two days ago. Too many of the people were willing to blame the eladrin communities for the murders, and seek vengeance in their own way. As part of the guard, Abraxus enforces the law in Jeegathda. No one else has the freedom or authority to do so. Still, the little sleep and constant vigilance was catching up with him. The last two days have left him feeling exhausted. He makes his way home, looking up from time to time to see if he might manage to spot Chai moving through the rooftops. He can hardly tell the difference between an elf and an eladrin, so he worried that vigilantes might target her.

He stops at a vendor on the side of the path to buy a bread roll, when a small bird swoops down onto the roof of the vender stall and starts hopping about. Abraxus grumbles at the thing and shoos it away, but the little sparrow is persistent. Leave me in peace little birdy, he says as he pays the vendor for the bread, but the sparrow only jumps down to the stall, continuing to chirp and hop about at Abraxus. I have had a long night, now begone! Abraxus takes a swipe at the bird to knock it off the stall but it leaps onto his arm and hops up to his shoulder, whispering Church of Corellon accused of disappearances, murders. Damage done, but exoneration may mitigate it. Meet Mindartis at Taj Toolen, noon today. Confirm via attached ritual.

The bird quickly flits back to the roof of the stall before Abraxus can retaliate, and as the dragonborn looks more closely at the creature, he can see it carries a scroll. He looks around to see if anyone is paying him attention, Come along then little birdy, I must speak with my friends on this. The bird flies down to his shoulder and the two carry on down the path.

The content of the message occupies Abraxus' mind as he walks. The fear and violence against the Eladrin seem premature to Abraxus. It is common knowledge that the eladrin can leap through the spaces. It would be little effort for one to get behind a closed door. But that line of thinking painted the eladrin as the criminals behind many unsolved crimes. And that was a dangerous road to travel. Not only for the innocent eladrin that might be hurt for crimes they did not commit, but also for the many criminals that would still be free if others took the blame for their crimes. Still, the city is in turmoil, and while the reasons seem weak to him, Abraxus also knew that many rumors had a kernel of truth in them. It is worth investigating.

Before he reaches the next intercession, Abraxus can hear the commotion around the corner. He rushes forward to find a handful of his fellow city guard between a mob of citizens and a group of eladrin. He quickly jumps into the fray, and organizes the tired city guard into a functional bulwark between the battered eladrin and the would-be vigilantes. At the last, he unsheathes his sword and whips his head back, sending a blast of flame and a throaty roar into the sky. Everything stills for a moment and Abraxus points his sword at the mob of people, We are the city watch! If there is justice to be dispensed here, WE will dispense it! If any of you find that difficult to accept, step forward and be the first to taste steel! We will not tolerate unruliness and vigilantism here! Now MOVE!

The crowd begins to disperse, though not without complaint. It is like this all over the city, says one guard, and Eladrin all over are being targeted. But how do we know it isn't them killing people? Stow it! says Abraxus, Escort these folk to get aid. He turns to one of the eladrin, clearly the victim of violence, We can keep you in our cells until this blows over. It may not be right, it may not be fair. But it will be safe. The eladrin looks up at him, I have a child to look after. I must get home and make sure she is ok. Abraxus nods an understanding. He steps up to the squad leader, Jarvel, and puts a hand on his shoulder, How long have you been out here? The tired young man manages to stand a little straighter in the presence of Abraxus, Since yesterday, around noon. Abraxus frowns, As soon as you get them to safety, send word to the Captain that you need relief. Good luck.

Turning to leave, Abraxus suddenly remembers the sparrow. He looks around in a small panic, hoping the bird didn't get crushed in the melee. He spots it pecking at the loaf of bread Abraxus had just bought and must have dropped when he entered the fight. The bread had been crushed underfoot, but the sparrow didn't seem to mind. Looking at the aftermath of the encounter on the street, Abraxus makes up his mind. He unrolls the ritual scroll on the sparrow's leg, activates its magic, and sends a message, I will meet with you. Hopefully with help. The sparrow stops pecking at the bread as if on command and takes flight. Abraxus sighs and turns toward the temple of Kord. It is a safe bet that Linus will be there, the warrior almost always was. From there, they could look for Chai, and then meet at Colette's apothecary, where she would likely be. Abraxus feels strongly that the truth needs to be found one way or the other, but doesn't want to get involved without the others by his side.

Ridai

2015-02-03, 03:35 AM

"Hello," Chai repeats, this time to Abraxus as she stands beside him, followed by Colette as well as a slight variation. "We got a message." For him as well, she stops to embrace him. He towers over her by almost a foot in height and a multitude of her bulk, filled with powerful muscles, voice and breath. Elven arms looking like twigs in comparison. Twigs that have broken beasts, men and other monsters when needed. They remind him of massages able to get through thick scales and strong, tense muscle. The hug remains the same, as family demands and deserves.

Step back, look into his eyes. "You got a message," Chai observes, senses keeping track of everything around her, always keeping close to Colette. Abraxus knows she doesn't like the guard or much of any kind of organization short of charitable ones, burned too many times (sometimes literally). There have been a few incidents. One involving Chai beating sense into drunken guards who became too touchy. Another beating a lesson into guards thinking she was an eladrin assassin due to her appearance and aggressively acting on it. Chai isn't much of a talker these days, as far as voice is concerned. At least she left no permanent damage, other than to their pride and prejudices and bad decisions. The authority she accepts is that of her family, and lesser authorities ought to be more like them. The vigilantes from earlier already escaped Chai's mind.

"Linus is close." Near motionlessly, standing in smooth tension, she waits for Abraxus to take the lead, an understanding that needs no thought. Things work better with his kind of direction.

GPuzzle

2015-02-03, 11:33 AM

A small bird entered the library Linus was sitting in. Despite being someone with an incredibly athletic physic and becoming a member of Kord's Church (and even then, the temple was more of a military training ground than a library, unlike Ioun's temples) only recently, Linus had spent most of his time reading and trying to figure out the origin of the sword. For a starter, it was a sword that was basically electrified, a veritable piece of lightning crystalized into an instrument of divine justice. How there were no sources on it but a book written in a bizarre language that no one had figured out how to translate. When he wasn't reading, he was training and trying to figure out how to mix his martial prowess and his divine abilities into different strikes, or helping a soul, frequently the sailors. He helped with the prayers, and for the last few weeks there were no tales of rainstorms from the dock workers.

The bird made a noise, snapping Linus out of his reading trance. The mercenary-turned-paladin had spent too much time trying to figure out what was written in the book. Maybe Colette would figure it out after a while. The girl was probably one of the smartest and kindest persons Linus knew, and Linus had seen plenty of the world already, and some things out of this world too, both from the Abyss and the Astral Sea.

Spitting out a message, Linus figured out the bird was more of a ritual carrier than a bird itself. Chai probably was close, she had found a place she liked to stay at in the docks. After digesting the bird's message for a minute, Linus formulated a message.

"I will come. Mindartis, Taj Toolen."

Leading the bird to the window, Linus walked his way to the front of the temple, just to find a familiar face. Dragon face.

Linus was not exactly sure how to describe a dragonborn's face.

"I suppose you've seen a small bird with a ritual too, haven't you, Abraxus, Chai and Colette?"

Ridai

2015-02-03, 01:10 PM

Chai nods. "Hello." Linus' walking bastion self, too, received an embrace. Divinely inspired or not, he fights, he protects. He siphons the heat of battle from Chai and the rest of their family, so that they can sear and tear their enemies instead. Just like with Colette and Abraxus, Chai would have been dead several times over if he hadn't been there.

"I know the way," she says, evenly, bordering on the monotone, to her assembled family.

Raine_Sage

2015-02-04, 01:56 AM

"It's good to see you too Linus. It's been a....it's been a long day." Colette sighs heavily and runs a hand through her hair in a weary gesture. She doesn't know if she's happy that Linus appears to have had a relatively uneventful day or annoyed by it. She decides not to dwell on it. She's tired and that never really results in a good mood for even the most saintly of personalities. She's certainly no saint.

"We did get a message and it looks like we've all agreed to meet Mindartis at Taj Toolen. That's good, we can go from here then." she glances over at Chai. "You're free to lead the way if you like. Frankly the place is hard to miss but I don't doubt you probably know a shortcut or five so I'll follow you."

It feels good to have everyone together now. It's like a small island of stability and with it comes the reassuring sense that they will be able to get things done. Find the killer. Put this terrible day behind them and enjoy some well earned peace and quiet until however long it took for the next crisis to find them.

Ridai

2015-02-04, 03:58 AM

"Riots among main road. Saw two setups for ambushes in the alleys directly beside it, half dozen to dozen each. We'll go through Dyer's Lane and get into Eladrin district via the runways along the channel. Little going on there, mostly the people living there being there." The riots and the other parts of unrest made Chai investigate during the last few days, ensure that her family and her haunt Oakleaf Square are safe. Alone, she would have taken to the roofs, but with her family, that is not an option. Luckily, despite being a city of channels, docks and harbors, people don't like getting wet or near water, so just like people never look up when walking in the street, they don't think twice about stepping across the narrow wooden platforms along the channel connecting walkways and terraces of the various homes and establishments.

Beta Centauri

2015-02-04, 06:19 PM

The tower of Taj Toolen is a rather rickety affair these days, having dealt with the elements and the locals for an unknown number of centuries. The foliage-choked base has multiple entryways thanks to opportunistic beings who saw no need to quarry stone when there was a useful source of cut blocks nearby, to say nothing of the root systems that have made slow but steady progress under and through the foundation. Soot-stained walls, and worn inscriptions denote campsites around the base, meetings held and missed over the years.

The broken and treacherous stairways lead up through levels that smell richly of life odors, and dust, but when the party reaches a certain level the ambiance changes. The stonework is untouched, except by time, and nothing appears to have ever lived here, or even passed through. There's not even any dust on the floor.

As you proceed, you can see why. Wispy, shadowy forms slide along the stonework and flit through the air. They seem busy with the surfaces of the structure, fastidiously checking them for damage or dirt, finding none, and moving on, shortly to be replaced by another. Before long, though, they take notice of the dirt and scuffs your feet are leaving behind and then take to fastidiously checking you. They actually do some useful work for a little while, if you let them, but as you near the crypt itself they become more aggressive. Progress is made as if against a stiff and biting wind. Efforts to drive them off work for a moment, until they return with even more insistent force.

But, after all, they are small and mostly ineffective against much more than dust. You reach the top where the bodies of an ancient family are encrypted. In each room and in every available inch of space stand sepulchres that form a cramped labyrinth. Here and there stand honor guards consisting of two more ghostly forms that regard you and the swarm of shadows with such disdain and annoyance that you can see it even even on their vague and translucent faces.

"In here," says Mindartis, his voice coming from a nearby crypt chamber. "You may want to step inside the circle I have inscribed. The servitors cannot cross it. I do not know about the guards, but they seem content to stand if no one disturbs the crypts."

The eladrin noble stands in the center of the small room. Servitors stand and hover sulkily around him just outside of an arcane circle chalked onto the floor. As you step through, the ones pestering you peel off and join them.

"Thank you for coming," he says in a low voice, glancing around the tightly clustered group. "I am sorry for such an inconvenient meeting place, given the urgency of the issue. Briefly, my people have not perpetrated the crimes of which they are accused. It is true that we have not been victims of them, the way other groups have, but I believe this is because we sleep so little, and are less reliably affected by enchantments.

"There are several dozen disappeared people, more than most citizens are aware. While it is possible that they no longer exist in a physical form, there is no good indication of that, nor that they have been moved out of the city. If the intent is to transport them, the present chaos would be a good cover for that. I would look to the bridge, the main gate, and the outermost dockyard, and soon.

"The murderous beast is more puzzling. Information about it is being suppressed, and investigation into it is obliquely dissuaded. Here, the chaos might work to your advantage, by hindering efforts to obscure the truth." He pauses.
__________

That's plenty long, and I'll give you a chance to chime in if you want. If you have a question as to why you should help Mindartis, please supply me with what kind of answer would satisfy you and your character. In general, please continue to establish any facts you feel are necessary for this to make sense to you and to be fun for you. There is no need to roll any skills, unless you are looking for inspiration as to how your character reacts. If you want something from Mindartis or want to keep something from him, please make it clear to me, even if your character is being circumspect. Apart from the topic that he will not admit the truth of, he is a relatively plain dealer.

GPuzzle

2015-02-04, 08:23 PM

Linus was getting anxious. He had heard of the creature. A sailor claimed that the sea was the only safe place now, since they could barely find the bodies, nor the killer, and people would disappear more often than not. Indeed, the port had felt lonely since the last week or so. As much as that gave Linus time to figure out about the sword, loneliness afflicted even the sternest warriors.

"So we're supposed to find something that can hide itself, and its victims? A stealthy killer with unusual strength, a coward? May Kord help us, and I'm pretty sure he will."

Strife was relatively awful for basically all deities - people united and got more pious under the worst circumstances. Unfortunately, Tiamat did not think so.

Dr.Samurai

2015-02-04, 10:42 PM

Not long after he decided to find Linus, Abraxus hears a "hello" behind him and turns to be embraced by Chai's wiry frame. Simply seeing her somewhat calm, relaxed around him and Colette, is enough to ease some of the weariness and tension from Abraxus. He returns her smile and holds the embrace maybe a second longer than most would.

Before they arrived at the lands known as Isheran, or to the city Jeegathda, Abraxus and the others had been hurled through a portal into hell. The journey to survive in that place, long enough to find a way back, was as nightmarish as one can imagine. For some more than others. Abraxus had, at a young age, and like all dragonborn, made a decision to walk a certain path for the rest of his life. At the Age of Choosing, Abraxus chose to honor the dragon god Bahamut and devote his life to fighting evil and tyranny. That commitment was made earnestly, and he took it seriously. When Abraxus found himself transported from Demon's Finger into the Abyss, he fell back on not only on his training, experience, and comrades, but also on that choice he made years ago to fight evil in all its forms. Perhaps out of the group, he was the best prepared for that struggle.

Which is not to say he was left unchanged by the experience. He doesn't think now that any amount of conviction can render someone immune to evil like the kind they fought there. But he did his best not to break, not to be overwhelmed by it, and not to fail his friends. He fought to lead them out of there. And they did escape. All came out with wounds and scars, some more deep than others.

He looked again at Chai. She bore obvious physical scars from the ordeal, they all did, but the journey had changed her spiritually as well. She was hardened now, and desired little of the outside world. It pained him to think about, the price that was paid to save the people of Rockfest. But her smile was an ointment against that pain.

She looks into his eyes, You got a message, she observes. Yes, Abraxus replies, concerning the murders and the reprisals against the eladrin folk. He nods to Colette, who looks as tired as he feels, I imagine you have been busy Colette, with all the wounded. Something must be done, and I think we are the ones to do it. We should meet with this Mindartis.

By way of agreement, Chai says, Linus is close.

The group makes their way toward the temple and find Linus coming toward the front to meet them. I suppose you've seen a small bird with a ritual too, haven't you, Abraxus, Chai and Colette? he says.

Aye, Abraxus replies, eyes narrowed, Mindartis must need our help greatly if he went to the lengths of sending us each a messenger.

The group goes on toward Taj Toolen, with Chai deftly leading the way. They make it there without incident, and the place proves to be neglected and run-down. At first, the trip there had helped keep Abraxus awake, but it wasn't long before he started to feel his eyes and feet getting heavy. He needed to sleep. Hopefully there would be some time to rest after speaking with Mindartis.

As they rise higher into the tower, they come across slithering wisps of shadow. The slivers of darkness begin crawling on them, a force that, though seemingly harmless, can be felt nonetheless. The strange experience is enough to get Abraxus' blood pumping and he experiences a second wind, putting his hand on the hilt of his sword and they climb the stairs further.

"In here," says Mindartis, his voice coming from a nearby crypt chamber. "You may want to step inside the circle I have inscribed. The servitors cannot cross it. I do not know about the guards, but they seem content to stand if no one disturbs the crypts."

The eladrin noble stands in the center of the small room. Servitors stand and hover sulkily around him just outside of an arcane circle chalked onto the floor. As you step through, the ones pestering you peel off and join them.

"Thank you for coming," he says in a low voice, glancing around the tightly clustered group. "I am sorry for such an inconvenient meeting place, given the urgency of the issue. Briefly, my people have not perpetrated the crimes of which they are accused. It is true that we have not been victims of them, the way other groups have, but I believe this is because we sleep so little, and are less reliably affected by enchantments.

"There are several dozen disappeared people, more than most citizens are aware. While it is possible that they no longer exist in a physical form, there is no good indication of that, nor that they have been moved out of the city. If the intent is to transport them, the present chaos would be a good cover for that. I would look to the bridge, the main gate, and the outermost dockyard, and soon.

"The murderous beast is more puzzling. Information about it is being suppressed, and investigation into it is obliquely dissuaded. Here, the chaos might work to your advantage, by hindering efforts to obscure the truth." He pauses, and Linus speaks up, "So we're supposed to find something that can hide itself, and its victims? A stealthy killer with unusual strength, a coward? May Kord help us, and I'm pretty sure he will."

Abraxus gives him a sidelong glance, before turning his attention back to the eladrin, Mindartis, we are not unsympathetic to the plight of your people. But, how are you so confident that no eladrin is involved in the attacks and disappearances?

Raine_Sage

2015-02-04, 10:42 PM

"I'm inclined to believe him, if only because anyone who thinks an eladrin kills someone by ripping their throat out is a gibbering fool." Colette responds dryly. "And I'm also inclined to agree that the persons responsible for the quiet disappearances and the person leaving behind messy crime scenes are not working towards the same end. So I think his information is sound and that it would be prudent to look into it."

She turns to look at Mindartis now. "Though I don't suppose you have more information as to what kind of beast is leaving these corpses? I won't press but I would like to say that the more you can give us the more likely we are to effectively put a stop to this nonsense. And you seem fairly certain that it is some sort of creature. I'd simply like to know how you came to that conclusion since last I checked tigers can't open doors."

Colette looks to her companions now as if mentally running calculations in her head. "We'll probably have more luck splitting up so we can cover all the potential exits from the city. I'd suggest pairing off in groups of two personally. At times like this it might be good to have someone watching your back."

Ridai

2015-02-05, 05:03 AM

Chai is at ease among the decay, but ceases to be when meeting Mindartis. As he speaks, as the others speak, Chai remains quiet, deafeningly so. Her eyes and scars begin to glow with lightning, her posture changes, her gaze pierces and cuts into the eladrin. She knows his kind. Nobles make games out of other people's lives. She remembers the eladrin from way back. Even oppressed as they were in Pyrite, their leader played, doing his part in escalating the issue until once more the family had to flee, taking other families caught in the crossfire with them. He wants to help his people, yes. And only his people. Just like back then. He is playing games. He is playing games with her family. Chai begins to see him as game. Not yet, though. Unless he crosses her family. Or uses them. Then nothing will save him.

"Talk." Chai's voice is harsh, almost a growl of an animal and an oncoming storm, a barely audible hum in her voice. "All you know. Out with it. Now." The lives of the people are important, as is ending the riots. But she won't become someone's pawn. She doesn't care who he is. He doesn't care who his friends are. He will speak, or he will hurt. He knew what he was getting into when he requested her to come. If not, then he has no one to blame but himself.

GPuzzle

2015-02-05, 10:28 AM

Linus' didn't exactly remember his early life, but he knew that he didn't become a hero-for-hire because his life was full of money. As a result of the years he spent doing small mercenary jobs, he knew when to see a good job and how much money it could net him. After all, despite having recently converted to Kord, he still had mercenary roots.

And Chai was probably going to ruin it all. He could see that she wanted to have negotiations rather than orders: Chai was known for distrusting authorities, any kind of them. Unfortunately, she wasn't exactly the best person for negotiations.

He wasn't either, but at least Colette and Abraxus were pretty good at diplomatic speakings.

"Chai, I know you don't want to become someone's pawn. But I don't think we'll be able to pay for a roof to sleep under and food to eat if you actually kill the people that are trying to hire us. I'm not exactly good with words, can you help me a bit, Abraxus?"

Ridai

2015-02-05, 11:17 AM

"I'm done being a godsdamned mercenary, Linus," Chai hisses back, but with far less harshness than towards the eladrin. Her hatred is not directed at her family, even if a fight or two at times is normal in all families. She has a life in the city, she doesn't need riches. Having said what she had to say, Chai falls silent, but never neglects keeping her surroundings closely observed, especially the eladrin noble.

Raine_Sage

2015-02-05, 11:28 AM

Colette seems almost amused by the exchange and lays a soothing hand on the elf's shoulder. "Easy now, I know it's a dubious lead but it's the only lead we have yet and frankly he hasn't done anything suspicious in my book. Save the anger for when he actually does something noteworthy."

Unlike Chai Colette has no particular compunctions about being used. One does not generally become a warlock if they're big on personal freedoms. And while she can see the political scheming behind Mindartis' eyes she doesn't doubt that there is a logic to his words and she is more eager to catch whoever is behind the disappearances than she is to satisfy her own pride.

"We'll be fine." She says softly. "We always are. It takes more than one Eladrin politician to undo that."

Ridai

2015-02-05, 01:04 PM

Chai closes her eyes, feeling Colette's hand and voice. She takes a deep breath. Her family has spoken. Chai will bow to the needs of her own. Chai opens her eyes, calm as a leaf drifting down a quiet river, looks at Mindartis, then leaves, her steps eerily making no sound whatsoever. He knows what he saw. She is watching. He now knows the fire he is playing with. That is enough for Chai, for now. She leaves for the outermost docks, the roughest location of the three, slow enough to let whoever wants to come with her come with her, knowing how to find the others.

Dr.Samurai

2015-02-07, 12:13 AM

Abraxus sighs and rubs the part of his scaly snout that rests between his eyes, These attacks and disappearances have everyone tense, and that can make us lose sight of certain things. He grips Chai's shoulder reassuringly, I know how you feel. We're going to help those people Chai. We will. How we do it will not matter so much as that we do it.

Now, Mindartis, we know where to look and what to look for. What should we expect from you when the job is finished?

Beta Centauri

2015-02-09, 08:24 PM

Mindartis raises an eyebrow at Chai's behavior, but doesn't address it.

In response to speculation as the the nature of the true perpetrators, Mindartis says: "As people like you are aware, not all animals are always animals. And there exist ways to move unseen and abscond with hapless victims. The common folk tell their stories and," he sniffs, "fairy tales, but the true scope of what goes on in the world would frighten them out of their wits."

In response to Abraxus's question, the eladrin gives an elegant shrug. "Even those of us who have always lived in the world are often considered outsiders. The current violence proves that. Thus, we tend to form closely knit community and at least in this region we police ourselves rather harshly. I suppose I can give you no true guarantee that no one of my people is involved in this unpleasantness, but I am as sure as I can be. Of course, that isn't enough to halt the anger at my people. We need proof."

""Find proof that an eladrin are not responsible for the killings or the disappearances. In the best case, return with the perpetrators or missing victims. Do these things and, the eladrin community will owe you a great debt. You could reliably call on favors from any of the three major houses, though I expect the House of Craft will be of most interest to you.

"To aid you in your mission, take this." He brings forth a delicate-looking scroll. "This will call forth a chest that belongs to me and resides in one of my homes. It currently contains a few useful items - including another of these scrolls - and will return to me once you dismiss it. It also contains writing materials, so that you may report back your progress, and request any other items you may need."

He also hands you a commonplace book, mostly filled with notes. "This book provides details about the crimes and the victims."

"If that is all, I thank you again and I wish you luck."
__________

The scroll he gives you is for Leomund's Secret Chest. Anyone can take 5 minutes to cast it to summon the chest. It can be dismissed at any time. Yes, it could potentially transport a Medium living being, two if they were very friendly.

Quest: Rescue disappeared citizens.
Reward: 150 XP each (up to 40, for 6000 XP total);
1-10: Treasure packet 1.
10-20: also Treasure packet 2.
20-40: also Treasure packet 4.

Quest: Deliver a kidnapper (dead or alive) to Mindartis.
Reward: 1200 XP (dead) or 6000 XP (alive)
Dead: Level 12 magic item.
Alive: Level 14 magic item.

and either:

Quest: Obtain an item of proof from the creature responsible for the murders.
Reward: 1200 XP, Level 13 magic item.

or

Quest: Hand the killer over to the eladrin.
Reward: 6000 XP, Level 15 magic item.

Ridai

2015-02-10, 11:53 AM

Chai scans the book of notes with the others, but her course remains the same. Her list of priorities is simple: find the victims, gather what she can about why and where they were taken once she found them, use that to track down the culprit. She leaves the more high-minded detective work to Colette. Grai handles the legwork. She has become a good bloodhound and she intends to act like one. And to think that innocents are about to be shipped away, sold into slavery or far, far worse makes her blood boil with hatred. So the people have priority.

Chai knows the harbor. The kidnappers will need places to store their captives and be able to quickly ship them when the time comes. There are plenty of warehouses, plenty of buildings with obvious or hidden basements, even some ships turned real estate. Simply knowing the neighborhood doesn't help. But Chai knows how to look for traces, knows how people move, even those who seek to stay hidden. So she begins to look. Even the careful ones leave signs behind or can get caught going to and from locations.

I'm not sure what to roll, as I can see Perception (look for traces) as well as Stealth (understand the mentality of someone wanting to remain hidden and traffic people unseen) working in this. So I will give you both rolls and let you pick what applies.

Perception [roll0]
Stealth [roll1]

Raine_Sage

2015-02-13, 02:46 PM

Colette looks over the list of victims more studiously than Chai, picking through names and faces until she finds one she knows. Well "knows" is perhaps too generous a word for it. Recognizes would be more appropriate. Peter, the baker's boy. It's a long shot, but she has a spell that may provide a clue. At the very least it will tell her if he's alive or dead.

She waves a hand and a shadow appears in front of her, imp-like albeit less substantial. She conveys her message to it. "Peter, it's me Colette. If you can speak, please tell me where you are, who took you. We're coming to help."

The shadow vanishes in an instant. It is gone only as long as it takes to relay the message before it reappears in front of her and informs her that Peter was not able to reply to her message.

"He's dead then?"

"No alive, but most curiously bound up in a barrel of water. Which understandably limited his ability to respond to "blub." Now if you'll excuse me." and with that the shade vanishes as quickly as she called it up. Still this is useful information. It's a starting point.

"Linnus, head to the docks and inform Chai about this. Tell her to look for waterbarrels, hopefully where waterbarrels should have no business being though I don't expect they'd make it so easy for us. Abraxus we should head to the main bridge and do the same. You go ahead. I'll catch up."

As she sets out from the tower Colette takes a slight detour down the side streets. As a healer she doesn't ask many questions, and as a result she knows some of the shadier parts of town, where men and women who live at knifepoint often find themselves in her clinic. She doesn't linger long here, she does need to get to the main bridge to meet Abraxus after all. But she asks a few pointed questions. Any unusually large shipments making their way out of the city, by who, and perhaps if anyone has bought waterbreathing potions in large supply lately.

[roll0]

Beta Centauri

2015-02-13, 06:03 PM

Chai feels the wind picking up as she approaches the docks, looking for likely hiding places. The sky darkens, and she hears the rumble of thunder. Then another, much louder. Coming out from around a building, she can see a huge thunderhead moving in toward the port. Lightning spears down from it, lightning that doesn't look altogether like normal lightning. The first drops of rain begin to fall, and in moments there's a drenching downpour... yet it only seems to be near the port.

*****
As Abraxus approaches the bridge, the going gets tougher. People of the city are trying to make their way out over the bridge into the hills. The storm, even though it seems to have confined itself near the port, along with the strange goings on and the unrest, have driven many people to flee. More than that, the local animals and oddities have gotten ornery too. A nearby horse screams, overturns its cart, breaks free, and bolts only narrowly avoiding a group of refugees. Accordingly, Abraxus can't see any wagons or large objects on the crowded bridge. No one's sneaking anything out that way.

*****
The alchemist Colette finds hasn't moved an elixir of water breathing for some months. He has a few for sale, but warns that they're only good for an hour and defensively mentions that he's not responsible if customers can't tell time.

She finally finds a tiefling shopkeeper who is closing down early for the day and who furrows his horned brow at the mention of barrels. "Hm, you know, I had trouble finding anyone to move supplies for me today. Before they ran off, my usual lads mentioned that they were being paid extra to move some barrels from a warehouse this afternoon. That was a few hours ago, though."

He directs Colette to the warehouse, but the barrels are already gone. Not far away, a horse screams.
__________

The barrels have started moving, but not toward the bridge.

GPuzzle

2015-02-13, 06:22 PM

Linus' eyes filled with horror. A gigantic storm, straight out of something that looked like a hurricane, heading towards the port. Not only was the temple, and therefore his belongings in there, but also families. He could not let people die.

Rushing with heavy footsteps towards the temples and homes of the port, Linus turned around, muttered something, and screamed to the pale elf near him :

"Chai! Let's get going! The port is in danger, and we're putting entire families at risk! You said you didn't want to be a mercenary anymore - c'mon, let's be a hero this time, alright?!"

Ridai

2015-02-13, 07:02 PM

Chai searches through warehouses and storages as Linus finds her, informing her of the barrels. She inclines her head, mentally rushing through the locations she has been in, then physically follows suit. She finds a conspicuously empty area in the corner of a storage house in the middle of a veritable maze of clutter and alleys. Scratch marks on the ground, iron, water and wooden splinters. Signs of carts leading away. She knows how difficult to maneuver this port is for vehicles like that. Chai has found the scent.

"Found a trail," she shares with Linus as she returns. Then, she becomes still for a moment and turns to face the sky. Seeing the furious storm coming, the elf's face is unfazed marred alabaster, her eyes and scars glowing as the first really big crack of lightning slams into a pier. "Tricks," she comments to the world. With some truth. Like the lies of nobles. Hearing Linus' words, Chai's head snaps around to face him, and nods. "You, temple and families. Favor strong structures. Avoid main roads. Me, the missing." The end of the sentence coincides with Chai whirling around and into forward motion, darting down the alley. One might think there is not a single straight path in this mess of crooked lines they are in right now, but it turns out to be a matter of perspective, as Chai navigates the warehouses without hardly ever stopping, walls and boxes and structures shielding her from the wind, obstacles cleared with leaps or scrambled across with fearless steps suddenly leading upwards.

The trail is flickering, fluctuating, the fake hand of nature puppeteered by the wicked, covering their tracks. Rain has long become a second skin, but it doesn't matter. Chai is hunting, closing in on another complex of storage and hiding spots just before the trail can no longer help her. She will need a new one. She knows how to find one.

Dr.Samurai

2015-02-14, 01:26 AM

After leaving Mindartis, everyone has an idea of how to move forward. Chai immediately takes off for the docks, with Linus fast behind her. Colette summons forth a shadowy imp, and through it learns that at least one of the victims is alive and being held underwater in a barrel. Abraxus steels his heart at the thought of innocent people bound, confined, and nearly drowning. Colette suggests that they investigate near the bridge, and tells Abraxus she will meet him there shortly. Within moments of leaving Mindartis, Abraxus is standing outside alone. He looks after the team as they depart. They have been like this since he has known them; full of energy and good will, and concern for others before concern for themselves. That is what he believes his part to be in all of this, to look after them when no one else does. He hates to split up, especially in times like this when something is clearly afoot. But people were missing, and likely being moved. Time is of the essence. With that thought, Abraxus hurries to the bridge.

As he approaches, the winds are picking up and gaining momentum. Storm clouds in the distance warn of inclement weather. The people on the bridge are in a panic trying to get to shelter, but Abraxus tries to pierce the unruly crowd for a sign of barrels or anything else suspicious. He can't see much of anything that piques his interest. But then he spots someone he recognizes; an owner of one of the haulage firms, and one known for dealing in illicit activities time to time. Abraxus makes his way toward the man. He grabs his shoulder from behind and wheels the man around. The two argue a bit before Abraxus gets the feeling he is being lied to and this man knows something about the kidnappings. Abraxus tries to get the information out, going so far as to threaten to bring the City Guard down to his warehouses and having them searched and inspected fully. But the fear in the man's eyes is not of Abraxus, it is of something else. The man won't say anything, and proves to be a dead end. With contempt, Abraxus shoves him on his way. He continues to look around, hoping to catch sight of Colette. He isn't sure much can be gleaned from the mob on the bridge, and if not they need to move on.

Raine_Sage

2015-02-16, 03:19 AM

Colette is growing more and more agitated by the dead ends, so when she finds the warehouse in question long since deserted she is understandably upset. However she knows who runs this haulage firm. She knows he knows the routes. And after a few moments of some very...intense questioning she leaves again. Though she missed the barrels before they left she now knows where they are headed and that is something to take to Abraxus at least.

The unnatural storm brewing by the docks is of course something of a clue, but also a distraction. The already chaotic streets are now flooded with livestock and other less savory creatures but she manages to meet up with Abraxus by the bridge.

"I've found out where they're transporting the barrels. Or, not the destination persay but the way they're taking to get there. Come on I think I know a shortcut."

It's such a long day, even longer than she thought it would be before all this mess started. She just wants all the noise and confusion to stop but she forges on ahead with her companion as the two of them move to head off the barrels. She knows these streets fairly well, she's walked them with Chai on several occasions. However with this city in the state it's currently in even well worn roads seem somewhat unfamiliar.

Perception: 18 can happen more or less in tandem with Abraxus' efforts.

She must have taken a wrong turn. Gods Damn it all, how could she make such an elementary mistake. She's too tired, to frustrated. She has to stop and try and collect herself before she does something she regrets to someone who does not deserve it, taking deep breaths of cold wet air as she tries to calm down and focus.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm useless..." she apologizes faintly. "I've only slowed you down..."

Beta Centauri

2015-02-17, 06:31 PM

Over the sound of the wind come the noises of the dock workers trying to keep things as intact as possible. Soon, she's able to see gangs of beings trying to secure boats, ships and cargo against the gale. A wave slaps up against a low wall and hurls a small dhow, sail in tatters, into a crowd of stevedores, not all of whom immediately get back up. Caution, never the highest priority on these piers, has apparently gone entirely by the wayside, as a pallet of cargo swings over Chai's head, hanging from a wooden crane whose burly operators are being given at least two sets of conflicting orders that they can scarcely hear. There's another flash of the almost-lightning, and humanoids jump for cover as a heavy crate tumbles down toward Chai.

*********
There are deep puddles in the dead end where Colette and Abraxus find themselves - odd, since the storm seems to have stationed itself over the harbor. A burbling sound draws their attention to the mouth of the alley where there's an old grate at the mouth which must have led to the city's sewers in days when the canals were lower. Slimy water is gushing out of this portal and into the street, coming in strange pulses. The next wave seems to consist of a thick mud, but then they realize that it's rats, boiling up through the water in a blind panic. Suddenly, the flow of both water and rats stops as a viscous substance flows up through the grate: a huge ochre jelly. Whatever instincts the ooze has are apparently telling it to get away from the storm, but outside of the sewer it seems confused. It heaves around in the alley, apparently not sure where to go. It's not hostile, but it is blocking the way out.
__________

A by-the-book ochre jelly is not a real combat challenge for the characters, which is why this one is not attacking, but is merely creating an obstacle, and an opportunity for Colette and Abraxus to use skill to get past it.

When I have skill challenges go on the offensive, you're never required to roll a check related to what I've described, in order to deal with the situation. If you'd rather hand wave a response to the immediate situation (or ignore it entirely) and roll against some other aspect of the situation, that's fine. For instance, Colette and Abraxus could state that they slice up the hapless ooze or find a way through the dead end. My interest is purely in giving some extra life to the challenge, by describing things that are going on during the course of it.

Dr.Samurai

2015-02-17, 09:46 PM

Abraxus does his best to keep order among the people on the bridge rushing to get away from the oncoming storm. He continues to look around for any sign of the barrels or of Colette. Finally, she appears, turning him around from behind. He gives her a grim nod, I have not seen any signs of the barrels, any kidnappers, or any sneaking beast. I thought I had a lead with one of the men that runs a haulage firm. Either he was telling the truth, or whatever has him involved frightens him more than the Guard. I pressed him, but I didn't learn anything either way. You?

I've found out where they're transporting the barrels. Or, not the destination persay but the way they're taking to get there. Come on I think I know a shortcut.

Abraxus' eyes light up, You have? Then there is still a chance. Which way? Colette points the way and Abraxus takes the lead, using his considerable size and guard's uniform to make his way through the crowd. After some time, it is clear the two are not making any ground, somehow they have gotten turned around. They find themselves at a dead end in an alley, and Colette seems close to despair, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm useless... she apologizes faintly. I've only slowed you down...

Abraxus turns to regard her, Nonsense. You have given us a destination, which is more than we had before, more than anyone had to try and save these people. Come! We will return to the bridge and start again. You know the way. But the beasts, the storm, and the crowd got us turned about. Remember, we still have a choice Colette, and we can still act. Those people are bound within barrels. If we fail them, there is no one else. He grabs her hand and turns to exit the alley, and notices the puddles of water swelling from the sewer grate, followed by swarms of rats, Just in time, he mutters. But before they can make their way out, a thick fluid substance flows up through the grate and settles into a huge jelly-like mass. It quivers in the mouth of the alley entrance, and slides back and forth, never moving far from its position. Abraxus narrows his eyes at the creature, Now what?

Ridai

2015-02-18, 11:32 AM

Even with the hazard, Chai keeps sprinting, transitioning into a slide as the crate comes closer. As it shatters on the drenched stones, Chai is already back on her feet and continuing her full sprint. No time to waste.

Reaching her destination, the elf quickly iterates through the list of locations that could serve sinister purposes or those to be kept away from the eyes of the public. Operating on instinct, cluttered streets and flying debris do not slow her, stepping over, around and at times beneath obstacles, weaving through increasingly airborne chaos. She is thoroughly drenched at this point, so when she kicks in the cellar door of her current target, stepping into the half-flooded cellar hardly makes a difference anymore (not that she cares anyway). A rapid search, accompanied by splashing water seeping through the broken door and all sorts of cracks, reveals a few empty barrels, well-made and made to look old and inconspicuous. Tools to seal the barrels. Magic tools. Shackles. Chains. Drugs. A map of the harbor with hardly readable notes in a language she doesn't know and marks that likely were cryptic to begin with. But the trail is warm again. Leaving the cellar and everything in it to be swallowed by the waters, scrapes on the cobblestones and the walls confirm her direction. Without further ado, Chai dashes and makes a hard right as soon as possible, towards the coastline. She knows a safer way. It is also longer. Thus, it is ignored.

Beta Centauri

2015-02-18, 05:29 PM

Another being is stalking the docks, its course intertwining with Chai's. Sometimes she has a sense that the creature is behind her, lingering over the area she just investigated. Other times, she arrives at a point of investigation with a sense that the creature has just departed. Its speed and mobility at times seem to exceed Chai's, unless a route requires fine manipulation in which case it falls behind. She herself is not being hunted; the creature, if it can be said to have goals, appears to have goals similar to that of the party: locating the captives.
__________

That's just the prose. I'm not actually intending to be mysterious here, nor to distract from the main goals. However, I'll spoiler tag it on the off chance you want to see if the answer surprises you. I don't mind if Chai catches sight the creature, and if she does, please refer to the spoiler.

Maharajah Geetha is aware of the disappearances and is frustrated by an inability to put a stop to them from his position as ruler. Under great mental strain, he is trying to keep his lycanthropic forms (weretiger and dire tiger) focused on tracking the disappearances, in hopes of finding and killing the perpetrators. His heightened senses have put him on a trail similar to Chai's.

Ridai

2015-02-18, 05:48 PM

Another predator. But if it has the same goal, Chai doubts it is an enemy. Still, it is a distraction she really doesn't need right now. Progress is already extremely difficult because of the winds that just get stronger and stronger, the port seemingly disintegrating around her. She is powerful, but her weight works against her, getting battered around and having to dodge wood, stone and iron getting thrown about. Chai can't do anything but grit her teeth and curse inwardly and head onwards, barely halfway to the coast when she already should have been there.

Raine_Sage

2015-02-19, 05:58 PM

Colette looks around for something to distract the creature with. They don't have time for this thing but the solution seems simple enough. The swarm of rats from earlier have brought a few dead ones floating to the surface. These things eat meat right? Er, dissolve it? Picking one up she lobs it in the general direction of the ooze and watches as it wobbles towards the potential meal.

"That's right, over there now..." she coaxes, picking up a few more and tossing them away from they entrance to the street. As the monster slowly clearly the way Colette hurries forward with Abraxus. "Alright, lets get to the docks then. Even if we're too late to strop the transfer I don't want to leave Chai in that storm alone. We should..." she pauses as she hears a burbling sound from behind them and turns to see the ooze slowly creeping along behind them. She pauses. It pauses. She takes a step. It creeps forward once more. She throws her hands up in the air in exasperation.

"Damn it all to the nine circles we don't have time for this! Fine the blasted thing can follow if it wants. We need to move!"

Beta Centauri

2015-02-20, 04:59 PM

Colette and Abraxus close in on the docks, the jelly glorping eagerly behind them. Suddenly, what they can see of the steel-gray sky is obscured by an enormous flock of birds, apparently fleeing the storm. And not just birds: small drakes (and not so small), stirges, large insects and other small winged beasts. Fortunately, they seem to be flying well above the level of the path Colette and Abraxus are taking.

Unfortunately, it seems that some of these creatures have either a taste for or murderous hatred of jellies, perhaps explaining why jellies and their ilk prefer dark, enclosed spaces. Squadrons of mismatched flying things begin divebombing the jelly, slicing it with beaks and talons and claws, and carrying bits of it off as they continue inland.

Not incidentally, the sorties by the birds also impede forward progress by the adventurers. In addition the ochre jelly tries to get closer to them, possibly in hopes of protection from its attackers, and this has the effect of drawing the flyers even closer.

Ridai

2015-02-20, 05:49 PM

Cold anger crackles within Chai. Not at the weather or the beast or the obstacles, but at herself and the time she wasted. Her eyes and scars glow with a storm's fury and the elf pushes herself forward, taking the storm by its throat and kicking it to the curb as far as its efforts at slowing her down go. She rushes at full speed towards the coastline, overcoming and soon arriving. Huge waves splash against the piers and wash across the stones, debris and ships and the transitions in progress between both getting tossed around in the sea. Chai's head snaps to the left, gaze going along the waterfront. There's the weathered wooden pier, precarious like nobody's business in this fake storm. But it is the straightest path to her destination. Thus, Chai continues to run, pushing through wind, water and lightning.

Beta Centauri

2015-02-23, 02:02 PM

Chai's search has brought her to the other end of the functional port. Beyond this point is the delta of the river Jernal, which is spanned by the city's bridge a mile or so inland. Ships do navigate the delta, apparently going to and from some of the settlements said to lie upriver, but extending the pier and docks out onto the silty delta bed must have been deemed unprofitable.

The barrels may have been hidden in a way to stymie direct inspection. If Chai is going to find them in time, she could benefit from more information, or a different take on the situation. Despite (or perhaps because of) the storm, several dockside establishments still have lights on behind their shuttered windows, and even a snatch of music makes it to Chai's ears. What she does not sense is the presence of the stalking creature.
__________

Again, no need to roll any check you're not up for. "Shake a leg" type checks are still fine, but I wanted to describe a way in which the other checks might be applied, and why they might be tried.

Ridai

2015-02-23, 02:19 PM

Chai loathes the idea of entering those establishments, but she needs a fresher trail. Entering, the whole place rubs her the wrong way as she tries to listen for anything useful, but she comes up empty, having wasted more time. Frustrated, she yanks the door open again and storms out, rather wanting to rely on herself than a crowd.

Dr.Samurai

2015-02-23, 09:35 PM

Abraxus growls in frustration as he and Colette try to maneuver away from the jelly and its would-be devourers, but the flock of birds and other flying creatures is thick and unpredictable. He unsheathes his sword and makes a try hacking at the winged beasts but to little avail. And whichever way the duo moves, the jelly presses in on them seemingly for protection, impeding their progress further. We have more important things to attend to! he shouts, and he begins to hack chunks of jelly off the ochre beast, helping the birds in ending its aberrant life.

Raine_Sage

2015-02-23, 09:58 PM

The shrieking of the birds and the thwack of metal on goo has frayed Colette's nerves to the breaking point. She raises her hand at the squawking cloud above them and shouts "Enough!"

Acid green fire bursts forth from her fingertips, engulfing the flock of birds in a brilliant green burst. There is a brief earsplitting wail as the birds go up in flames, then silence, then the thud thud thud of roasted bodies hitting the streets. She tugs Abraxus Away from whatever is left of the Jelly. If it's still alive there are more than enough bird corpses there to keep it satisfied and more importantly distracted.

She moves towards the docks with a singular determination. The storm without is quickly growing outmatched by the storm within and she is determined to make it down there to help her friend if she has to blast her way through the streets to do so.

---------
Though she does not have Chai's tracking skills she manages to locate the elf through the wind and rain, standing perplexedly outside of the dockside establishments. She moves towards her with Abraxus in tow. She looks tired and wet and her robes are still covered in bits of jelly. "No luck on our end, we had a lead but we got turned around in the alleys. Have you fared any better?" she asks wearily.

Ridai

2015-02-24, 03:40 AM

Chai looks thoroughly soaked and wind-battered. Then again, nowadays, that doesn't change much about her. Still, there is a telltale little glow in her eyes and scars, born of frustration, her lips pressed together to form a severe knifeslash line. She notices her friends approaching and in a way, it only makes her frustration grow. The victims at the docks should have been long found by now. Instead, she is standing in front of a stupid tavern filled with useless noisy people.

"Losing trail. Wasted time in fake storm and with people." Water is flung through the air as she speaks and she has to raise her voice to be heard over the storm. The last bit might be a little worrying. Chai doesn't often attempt to mingle and everytime she gets burned because of it, it sends her much further down the slippery slope than a positive experience lets her climb up. Whether or not she deserved to be burned. "Go inside. Need to find it again," she adds. Her friends have done enough. Leave the elements to Chai.

Beta Centauri

2015-02-27, 06:54 PM

A few bedraggled seahands struggle past the party to reach the tavern. They goggle at you as they pass. "Look at these ones!" one shouts to his companion. "First those ogres, now this lot. I told you this weren't no natural storm, and the odd folk out in it are proof! This used to be a nice city...."

"Nah," says one of the others, "Not since the rajah's inspectors started checking all the cargo. I hope those nosers get swept out to sea."
__________

The challenge to find some of the barrels will wrap shortly. What do you do? If you think a bonus or penalty on a roll would be appropriate, please just describe the circumstances that are providing it. In case I haven't been clear, you're free to establish things about the environment, if you think they'd be there, and use those as helpful or hindering circumstances.

Ridai

2015-02-28, 01:42 AM

Chai feels the need to splatter their faces across the curb, but she settles for a cold, hateful, potentially murderous look. Unprovoked slaughter for no good reason is not what she does. And not what her family needs. But she now has a new direction, knowing how the authorities operate. And knowing how ogres think. At least one of those should provide something. Chai charges off, incidentally knocking one of the men on his ass and making it look like he fell over because of his own stupidity, the others laughing at him.

Charging through the storm, the elf sticks to the bigger routes, with the occasional alley authorities would classify as suspicious. She gathers a few indications about what they might be looking for, but what tips her off is a pile of smashed wood, glass and pulped foodstuff. Ogre handwriting, in all its clumsily destructive glory. As well as signs of passage not yet swept away by the storm. Chai is getting closer, she can feel it, like closing in on her prey on a hunt. There is only one likely area left, snug between being dangerously conspicuous and suspiciously inconspicuous.

Ridai

2015-03-01, 02:16 AM

(I'll just post for the result of the final check. The challenge already went on long enough.)

So much time wasted. But with having narrowed things down to one area, Chai quickly zeroes in on her target, experience filtering out unsuitable buildings, tells giving her direction. It does not take long until the trail ends. Only to be revealed again when she pulls aside a few crates and barrels, revealing the trap door she has been looking for. No time like the present. Down she goes.

Dr.Samurai

2015-03-01, 11:48 AM

Something one of the seahands says piques Abraxus' interest, but Chai takes off deeper into the storm. Chai, hold a moment! he calls after her, but either she ignores Abraxus or doesn't hear him. The dragonborn offers a hand up to the man that had fallen, The rajah's inspectors have been nosing about have they? When did this begin?

Beta Centauri

2015-03-02, 01:34 PM

The dragonborn offers a hand up to the man that had fallen, The rajah's inspectors have been nosing about have they? When did this begin? "Eh, a little after the rest of the unpleasantness started in the city, the disappearances and murders. I suppose it was part of a general crackdown on crime. Fat lot of good it did. Now, d'ya mind?"

*****

And there they are.

The room is fairly small, probably serving as a smuggler's drop. Half of it was sunk down below the level of the rest of the pier, and appeared to have been a lower section of boat hull at one time. The upper half of the room had been cleverly camouflaged to hide the fact that it was raised above the level of the flooring. This disguise had recently been pushed aside in places, apparently by rough, strong hands, to clear a path to the trapdoor.

The door itself is quite wide enough for large loads or people to be passed through, and the scuffs and splinters around the edge indicate recent use. Something sizable had been taken out recently, and it's a good bet that it was barrels like the two remaining in the hidden hold. As it's unlikely that the kidnappers would leave even one such item behind, they probably haven't left yet. Above the storm, Chai can hear some shouts, followed by an animalistic roar.
__________

Good job. It's a matter of a few moments to free the prisoners, during which time, the others can catch up, or you can meet back up near the ship that's being loaded with barrels a short distance away, or you can let me know what else you'd rather do.

Ridai

2015-03-02, 04:23 PM

Blades flash, barrels are decimated, hostages swept out. Chai isn't the most personable rescuer, but she motions to the hostages to be quiet and not just run off immediately. "Wait for an opening, watch your backs." So many barrels already gone. Chai growls, but fortunately, she hears what will soon bleed in retribution. She could wait and take them there, but that isn't how she works. Instead, she bursts from the hideout, turning tables after having been sent scrambling all over in order to chase after them.

Beta Centauri

2015-03-03, 06:46 PM

From what the man is telling Colette and Abraxus, the maharajah may have also been thinking about the possibility of the victims being moved out of the city via the port, though apparently his inspectors were unable to locate them. The taverngoers have little else to offer of any real use, except to point again in the direction of the ogre sighting.

*****

The contents of the barrels are revealed to be two human men, one not long out of his youth and one not long before his old age. They are groggy from their long confinement and with the drugs they had been given to sedate them, but excitement at their release and fear of the situation they're still in seem to sober them quickly. They thank Chai profusely, and then take to muttering prayers of gratitude, one to a goddess of luck the other to a goddess of nature, as they wait for their opportunity to escape the hold.

*****

"Did you hear a roar? Like animal?"

"No. Is your imagination. Let's finish, and get our pay."

"Yes! Lifting sloshing barrels has given me strong thirst. Do you think...?"

"Think what?"

"Think barrels contain good drink? From city? I think we are owed small share."

"Hum. Yes, is good point... we tell pirates that lid came loose and some sloshed out. Not our fault. But we must hurry."

The two ogres step up to the trapdoor. The two victims huddle together and try to stay quiet, unsure what's about to happen.
__________

I'm unsure what's about to happen too. The hold is inside a warehouse and so Colette and Abraxus could open the door to see the ogres, and Chai busts out, or whatever you understood the situation to be. The two ogres are minions so it won't be a long fight, especially since you get a surprise round.

Or, if you were thinking of surprising the whole group here, we can do that.

Two githyanki warriors, a githyanki mindslicer, two more ogres and a severely wounded weretiger.

Ridai

2015-03-04, 04:54 AM

(The way we agreed on things, as far as I understood, is that Colette and Abraxus open the front door of the warehouse, alerting the kidnappers, immediately followed by Chai bursting out from the trap door inside the warehouse, potentially killing the minion ogres. Then we have a battlefield and get to clobberin'. So assume that Chai's action happens immediately after Colette's and Abraxus')

One of the ogres reaches down to the trap door, only to have the wood almost explode outwards and into his face, leaving him reeling and flailing and cursing. With glowing eyes and scars, Chai snarls at the creatures, demonic teeth shaped into blades in hand. She weaves beneath a flailing strike from the splinter-faced ogre and assaults the other staring dumbly at the soaking wet and savage elf with storm in her eyes and voice.

Both attacks aimed at the non-splintered ogre

[roll0] vs AC (includes CA from surprise)
Hit: [roll1] damage

[roll2] vs AC (includes CA from surprise)
Hit: [roll3] damage

The second ogre is killed by Chai's Blade Storm at the end of her surprise turn, which deals automatic damage equal to her Dexterity modifier against one target in melee range.

Initiative: [roll4], [roll5] (use higher roll due to Danger Sense)

Dr.Samurai

2015-03-04, 07:22 PM

Abraxus thanks the seahand before taking off after Chai. He has difficulty catching up to her, but keeps sight of her until she enters a warehouse, Dammit Chai, he hisses. This is the exact direction the men had said an ogre had been seen. Arriving mere moments behind Chai, Abraxus slams through the doors and stumbles upon two ogres. He slides to a stop before them, and shares a dumbfounded look with the two of them. Without warning, Chai erupts from a hatch in the ground, startling the ogres and Abraxus alike. Within seconds she fells both of them. Abraxus gives her a curt nod and then asks, Did you find anything? Are we too late?

Ridai

2015-03-05, 03:21 AM

Chai stands among the bloody, splattered remains of the ogres, a head and a choice of extremeties flung further, where they each landed with a wet thud. The elf doesn't mind the blood splatter on herself. "Mostly. Only two hostages left, rest gone." She indicates the hold with a motion of her head. "Slavers should be here soon, get ready." The demon teeth are done feasting on the blood, now eerily clean unlike they were moments ago. They have a habit of doing so when no one is actively looking. Abraxus and Colette see that the elf remains tense, battle-ready, instincts on full alert.

Beta Centauri

2015-03-12, 06:25 PM

The door of the warehouse bangs open again, shouldered aside by a third ogre, followed by the load he's dragging with the help of a fourth ogre. That load is a humanoid, covered in fur that is striped orange and black and - owing to spatters of blood - red, with a jeweled pendant around its neck, tattered finery on its body and a curious silver longsword shoved through its back, the blade emerging from its left breast. Gripping the sword is a humanoid with mottled yellow skin, a jaunty hat, and a leather longcoat that could be pulled up against the rain and wind, but isn't.

"... what's going on, and dispose of His Highness here. Stay alert," the humanoid is saying as the group enters. One of the ogres grunts when he catches sight of the party and the remains of the other ogres.
__________

Githyanki Mindslicer:
Initiative: [roll0] 14 + 11 = 25

Grunting Thug:
Initiative: [roll1] 9 + 5 = 14

Snarling Thug:
Initiative: [roll2] 18 + 5 = 23

Weretiger:
Initiative: 3 + 9 = 12

The PCs and the enemies are all currently about 10 squares apart.

Chai (29): Near hold.
Mindslicer (Init 25 98/98 27/24/26/23): Behind other, engaged with
weretiger. Just inside warehouse door.
Snarling thug (Init 23 23/25/20/20): Holding weretiger's left arm.
Abraxus (16): Near hold.
Grunting thug (Init 14 23/25/20/20): Holding weretiger's right arm.
Weretiger (Init 12 80/172 25/23/22/22): Bloodied. Regeneration 10 not functioning. Restrained.
Colette (??): Near hold.
Civilians: Near hold.

Location: As described in the OOC thread. Everyone in the warehouse is always within about 20 of anyone else. There is plenty of partial cover to be had. Total cover is never more than a move action away on the floor level, but it blocks both ways.

Ridai

2015-03-13, 04:05 AM

With no warning or hesitation, Chai whips forward, faster than most elves can even run, crossing the entire distance in just a few racing heartbeats as a blur of soaked warrior and eery glow. Suddenly, the ogres and the gith are close enough to smell the storm scent of Chai's skin, and become the victims of her blades. Altered demon teeth hunger for blood as they strike at all of them, wishing for nothing but their swift and gruesome end.
Minor Expeditious Stride
Effect: Chai gains +4 to speed (total of 11), +1 to shift range until the end of her next turn.

Move Cross the entire distance and engage the ogres and the githyanki.

Standard Clearing the Ground (close burst 1, targetting enemies)
[roll0] vs Mindslicer's AC
[roll1] vs Snarling thug's AC
[roll2] vs Grunting thug's AC
Hit: [roll3] damage and get pushed 1 square, moving them to close distance to Chai and the weretiger.
If one of the thugs survives Chai's attack, she kills him with the automatic damage from Blade Storm at the end of her turn. If both ogres die, she applies the 5 damage to the mindslicer if she missed him and he is thus still in melee range.

Result: Chai missed the mindslicer and the snarling thug. Grunting thug killed by attack, snarling thug killed by auto damage.

If Chai is attacked in melee, she will use Disruptive Strike as an immediate interrupt.
[roll4] vs attacker's AC
Hit: [roll5] damage. Triggering attack takes a -6 penalty (3 + Chai's Wisdom) to the triggering attack.
In the blink of an eye, both ogres are turned into piles of gore, shredded to pieces and splattered back through and across the warehouse doors. The githyanki very, very narrowly escapes a similar fate, unscathed for the moment, but now standing toe to toe with a bloodsplattered, very angry elf, smelling of rain and storm and murder.

The PCs and the enemies are all currently about 10 squares apart.

Chai (29): Engaged with weretiger, mindslicer. Far from Abraxus, Colette, civilians, hold. Close to warehouse door. Disruptive Strike readied (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=18951873&postcount=64)
Mindslicer (Init 25, 98/98 HP, AC 27/Fort 24/Ref 26/Will 23): Behind other, engaged with
weretiger. Just inside warehouse door.
Snarling thug (Init 23 23/25/20/20): DEAD
Abraxus (16): Near hold.
Grunting thug (Init 14 23/25/20/20): DEAD
Weretiger (Init 12, 80/172 HP, AC 25/Fort 23/Ref 22/Will 22): Bloodied. Regeneration 10 not functioning. Restrained.
Colette (??): Near hold.
Civilians: Near hold.

Location: As described in the OOC thread. Everyone in the warehouse is always within about 20 of anyone else. There is plenty of partial cover to be had. Total cover is never more than a move action away on the floor level, but it blocks both ways.

Beta Centauri

2015-03-13, 12:51 PM

The mindslicer's eyes go wide and then narrow. The weretiger slides off the sword and whimpers, and the githyanki brings the sword around into a desperate parry of her follow-through and an attack of his own, which proves to be ineffective.
__________

Mindslicer:
Standard: Silver longsword (with -6 penalty)vs. AC of Chai. (1d20+12, 1d8+2+1d8).
Immediate interrupt: Hit for 16 damage and -6 penalty.
Attack: 7 + 12 = 19. Miss.
Move: Shift to put back to wall.

Chai (): Engaged with weretiger, mindslicer. Far from Abraxus, Colette, civilians, hold. Close to warehouse door.
Mindslicer (72/98 HP, AC 27/Fort 24/Ref 26/Will 23): Engaged with Chai. Back to wall close to door.
Abraxus (): Near hold.
Weretiger (80/172 HP, AC 25/Fort 23/Ref 22/Will 22): Bloodied. Regeneration 10 not functioning.
Colette (??): Near hold.
Civilians: Near hold.

Location: As described in the OOC thread. Everyone in the warehouse is always within about 20 of anyone else. There is plenty of partial cover to be had. Total cover is never more than a move action away on the floor level, but it blocks both ways.

Dr.Samurai

2015-03-14, 10:42 AM

Chai finishes saying the slavers will be here soon, and before Abraxus can question what she means by that, the door on the far side of the warehouse bangs open and a couple of ogres walk through, carrying a prisoner and followed by another man. That man has his sword through the bound prisoner. Abraxus' thick reptilian brow furrows and he lets out something between a low growl and a hiss. Chai explodes forward, and in a heartbeat is upon the slavers. She kills the two ogres before they even know she is there and engages the man with the sword, who is quicker than his gaunt form would indicate. Abraxus can't cover the distance as quickly as the elf, but he charges forward, and once close enough, spits a gout of flame at the yellow-skinned swordsman.

Standard Action - Move closer.
Move Action - Move... even closer!
Minor Action - Dragon Breath (Fire)
Attack vs. Mindslicer Reflex (26) - [roll0]
Damage - [roll1]

The mindslicer shifted away. I'm going to say that Abraxus double-moved to a position where he would catch *only* the mindslicer in his Dragon Breath blast.

Chai (): Engaged with weretiger, mindslicer. Far from Abraxus, Colette, civilians, hold. Close to warehouse door.
Mindslicer (65/98 HP, AC 27/Fort 24/Ref 26/Will 23): Engaged with Chai. Back to wall close to door.
Abraxus (87/87, AC 26/Fort 26/Ref 25/Will 26): Close to Mindslicer, Weretiger, and Chai. Far from Colette and Hold.
Weretiger (80/172 HP, AC 25/Fort 23/Ref 22/Will 22): Bloodied. Regeneration 10 not functioning.
Colette (??): Near hold.
Civilians: Near hold.

Location: As described in the OOC thread. Everyone in the warehouse is always within about 20 of anyone else. There is plenty of partial cover to be had. Total cover is never more than a move action away on the floor level, but it blocks both ways.

Beta Centauri

2015-03-15, 01:50 PM

A gutteral growl sounds behind Chai as the injured lycanthrope struggles to its feet. Its eyes are pools of madness, rage and pain, and it slashes out at the nearest target: Chai. Its hands are halfway between human and animal, but they are able to threaten serious bodily harm.
__________

Weretiger (80/172):
Start of turn: Regeneration does not function.
Move: Stand from prone.
Standard: Feline fury: two melee basic attacks:
2 Claws vs. AC of Chai. (1d20+16=26, 2d6+6=14, 1d20+16=26, 2d6+6=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4797007/) 24 damage.
Minor: None.
End of turn: Regeneration 10 now functional.
Chai (-24 HP): Engaged with weretiger, mindslicer. Far from Colette, civilians, hold. Close to warehouse door.
Mindslicer (65/98 HP, AC 27/Fort 24/Ref 26/Will 23): Engaged with Chai. Back to wall close to door.
Abraxus (87/87, AC 26/Fort 26/Ref 25/Will 26): Close to Mindslicer, Weretiger, and Chai. Far from Colette and Hold.
Weretiger (80/172 HP, AC 25/Fort 23/Ref 22/Will 22): Bloodied. Engaged with Chai.
Colette (??): Near hold.
Civilians: Near hold.

Location: As described in the OOC thread. Everyone in the warehouse is always within about 20 of anyone else. There is plenty of partial cover to be had. Total cover is never more than a move action away on the floor level, but it blocks both ways.

Ridai

2015-03-17, 01:29 PM

Chai grits her teeth at the sudden rush of pain. She knows between herself and a rabid animal. She knows who to bite. This thing doesn't. So she helps. Chai follows the githyanki with frightening speed, catching him between door and weretiger, putting him squarely at closest distance to it, Abraxus close enough to cut him off if he wants to run into the warehouse. Then, she lets her own teeth do the work, both huge fangs seeking to carve into the gith.
Move Shift 2 squares next to the door, putting the mindslicer into a flanked position between Chai and the weretiger (who is now close range to Chai)

Minor Hunter's Quarry on the mindslicer.

Standard Claws of the Gryphon vs the mindslicer (attack bonuses include CA from flanking)
[roll0] vs mindslicer's AC
Hit: [roll1] damage.

[roll2] vs mindslicer's AC
Hit: [roll3] damage.

If one of the attacks hits: [roll4] damage from Hunter's Quarry.
Chai (60/84 HP, AC 25/Fort 22/Ref 23/Will 20): Engaged with mindslicer. Close to Abraxus, weretiger. Far from Colette, civilians, hold. Right next to warehouse door.
Mindslicer (65/98 HP, AC 27/Fort 24/Ref 26/Will 23): Engaged with Chai. Engaged with weretiger. Back to wall close to door. Hunter's Quarry'd by Chai.
Abraxus (87/87, AC 26/Fort 26/Ref 25/Will 26): Close to Mindslicer, Weretiger, and Chai. Far from Colette and Hold.
Weretiger (80/172 HP, AC 25/Fort 23/Ref 22/Will 22): Bloodied. Engaged with Chai.
Colette (??): Near hold.
Civilians: Near hold.

Location: As described in the OOC thread. Everyone in the warehouse is always within about 20 of anyone else. There is plenty of partial cover to be had. Total cover is never more than a move action away on the floor level, but it blocks both ways.
Sadly, Chai doesn't know how to hit, both her strikes missing their target entirely, feeding the elf's fury.

Beta Centauri

2015-03-17, 06:21 PM

The kidnapper smiles wide, showing the oddly arranged teeth that are part of his otherworldly heritage. "You fight well, elf," he says in a thin voice, "If he were in his right mind, I have no doubt His Highness would be impressed." He steps to the side, touches the brim of his hat in mock respect to the weretiger, and then he's flying through the air, without even having appeared to flex his muscles. The weretiger's claws slash at empty air.

The mindslicers boots clunk lightly to the upper floor and he sounds like he's moving toward one of the openings on that level.
__________

Mindslicer:
Move: Shift away from Chai, adjacent to the weretiger.
Move: Telekinetic leap. Triggers opportunity attack from weretiger.
Opportunity action: Claw vs. AC of Mindslicer. (1d20+16=26, 2d6+6=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4799006/)
Mindslicer flies 5 to upper floor.
Minor: None.

Abraxus is up.

Chai (60/84 HP, AC 25/Fort 22/Ref 23/Will 20): Close to Abraxus, weretiger. Far from Colette, civilians, hold. Right next to warehouse door.
Mindslicer (65/98 HP, AC 27/Fort 24/Ref 26/Will 23): On second floor, out of sight from Chai, partial cover from Abraxus. Hunter's Quarry'd by Chai.
Abraxus (87/87, AC 26/Fort 26/Ref 25/Will 26): Weretiger and Chai. Far from Colette and Hold.
Weretiger (80/172 HP, AC 25/Fort 23/Ref 22/Will 22): Bloodied. Close to Chai.
Colette (??): Working to get the civilians out and safely away.
Civilians: Close to Colette.

Location: As described in the OOC thread. Everyone in the warehouse is always within about 20 of anyone else. There is plenty of partial cover to be had. Total cover is never more than a move action away on the floor level, but it blocks both ways.

There are doors on the second floor for loading and unloading directly to and from there.

Dr.Samurai

2015-03-28, 04:53 PM

Blood and scales! Abraxus exclaims as the mindslicer leaps to the second floor. Chai, are you keen on bringing him back here? I'll see if I can calm down the king here. Abraxus approaches the weretiger, Your Highness, my name is Abraxus and I'm with the City Guard. We're here to help. Do you understand?

Move Action - Move closer to weretiger (engaged).
Standard Action - Diplomacy [roll0]

Ridai, if you think you need the healing before you go after the mindslicer, I can use my Minor Action to use Inspiring Word. Just let me know.

Ridai

2015-03-28, 05:09 PM

Chai growls as the gith flees. Her eyes are flicking back and forth between the fleeing creature and the weretiger, gritting her teeth. Abraxus words reach her. Abraxus, who kept the group together, led them. A part of reason returns briefly to the elf's mind, enough to nod, enough to chase after the gith.

Just a fluff post. Also, no need to heal Chai just yet. Also that natural 20 on Diplomacy has got to have some effect.

But I'll make an Acrobatics check here to see how smoothly her next turn will go:
[roll0]

edit: Hrm, that is not too high, but should be enough for some fancy stuff.

Ridai

2015-03-31, 02:28 AM

Chai immediately gives chase, running up a stack of crates and making a terrifying leap towards a hanging chain. Without fear, she swings herself forward and upwards, lets go and twists herself upright in the air. With one boot, she lands on the walkway above, her right hand grabbing the railing to haul herself over, her other hand already grasping one of her demon teeth. She throws herself from the railing at the gith with cold fury in her eyes, her right hand suddenly holding her other sword, slashing wildly at him. She manages to score a hit, drawing gith blood, but she is not done yet.

Move combined with an acrobatic stunt using the roll from before. He flew 5 squares, Chai uses her speed 7 to give chase.

Standard Two-Fanged Strike at the mindslicer
[roll0] vs AC
Hit: [roll1] damage

[roll2] vs AC
Hit: [roll3] damage

If both attacks hit, the mindslicer takes an extra 3 damage.

If one of the attacks hits, Hunter's Quarry deals [roll4] damage.
Chai (60/84 HP, AC 25/Fort 22/Ref 23/Will 20): Far(-ish) from Abraxus, weretiger. Far from Colette, civilians, hold. Engaged with mindslicer. Up on second floor walkway.
Mindslicer (49/98 HP, AC 27/Fort 24/Ref 26/Will 23): On second floor, engaged with Chai, partial cover from Abraxus. Hunter's Quarry'd by Chai.
Abraxus (87/87, AC 26/Fort 26/Ref 25/Will 26): Close to weretiger. Far from Colette and Hold.
Weretiger (80/172 HP, AC 25/Fort 23/Ref 22/Will 22): Bloodied. Close to Abraxus.
Colette (??): Working to get the civilians out and safely away.
Civilians: Close to Colette.

Location: As described in the OOC thread. Everyone in the warehouse is always within about 20 of anyone else. There is plenty of partial cover to be had. Total cover is never more than a move action away on the floor level, but it blocks both ways.

There are doors on the second floor for loading and unloading directly to and from there.

Ridai

2015-03-31, 02:39 AM

Chai immediately follows her previous attack up with another flurry of strikes, catching the gith yet again, the pain making it difficult for him to think straight, his mind feeling encased in a bloody haze, pierced by the lightning eyes and scars of the angry elf in front of him.
Standard Frenzied Skirmish vs mindslicer
[roll0] vs AC
Hit: [roll1] damage

[roll2] vs AC
Hit: [roll3] damage

If one attack hits, target is dazed until the end of Chai's next turn. If both attacks hit, target is also slowed until the end of Chai's next turn.

Chai ends her turn and deals her Dex modifier (5) as automatic damage to the mindslicer with Blade Storm

Chai (60/84 HP, AC 25/Fort 22/Ref 23/Will 20): Far(-ish) from Abraxus, weretiger. Far from Colette, civilians, hold. Engaged with mindslicer. Up on second floor walkway.
Mindslicer (34/98 HP, AC 27/Fort 24/Ref 26/Will 23): On second floor, engaged with Chai, partial cover from Abraxus. Hunter's Quarry'd by Chai. Dazed until the end of Chai's next turn. Bloodied.
Abraxus (87/87, AC 26/Fort 26/Ref 25/Will 26): Close to weretiger. Far from Colette and Hold.
Weretiger (80/172 HP, AC 25/Fort 23/Ref 22/Will 22): Bloodied. Close to Abraxus.
Colette (??): Working to get the civilians out and safely away.
Civilians: Close to Colette.

Location: As described in the OOC thread. Everyone in the warehouse is always within about 20 of anyone else. There is plenty of partial cover to be had. Total cover is never more than a move action away on the floor level, but it blocks both ways.

There are doors on the second floor for loading and unloading directly to and from there.

Beta Centauri

2015-03-31, 02:11 PM

The githyanki snarls to see his pursuer closing on him. He glances at the upper-floor door he was trying to reach, and then readies his blade. Unable to withdraw toward escape, he does his best to drive the ranger back.

On the lower floor, the weretiger narrows its eyes at the dragonborn, but seems puzzled when no attack comes. It seems to understand his words, and hesistates, drawing back, comprehension beginning to dawn... then the madness returns in full and the tortured being throws itself at Abraxus. The warlord is thrown to the ground, the weretiger standing above him.
__________

Githyanki (dazed)
Standard: Silver longsword vs. AC of Chai. (1d20+18=31, 1d8+2+1d8=14) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4810850/) Hit for 9 damage and 5 psychic damage.

Weretiger:
Start of turn: regeneration 10.
Move: Far enough to allow a charge.
Standard: Charge: Pounce (with charge and confusion) vs. AC of Abraxus. (1d20+15=31, 2d8+5=19) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4810859/) 19 damage.

Chai (56/84 HP, AC 25/Fort 22/Ref 23/Will 20): Far(-ish) from Abraxus, weretiger. Far from Colette, civilians, hold. Engaged with mindslicer. Up on second floor walkway.
Mindslicer (34/98 HP, AC 27/Fort 24/Ref 26/Will 23): On second floor, engaged with Chai, partial cover from Abraxus. Hunter's Quarry'd by Chai. Dazed until the end of Chai's next turn. Bloodied.
Weretiger (90/172 HP, AC 25/Fort 23/Ref 22/Will 22): Close to Abraxus. Regeneration 10.
Abraxus (78/87, AC 26/Fort 26/Ref 25/Will 26): Prone. Engaged with weretiger. Far from Colette and Hold.
Colette (??): Working to get the civilians out and safely away.
Civilians: Close to Colette.

Location: As described in the OOC thread. Everyone in the warehouse is always within about 20 of anyone else. There is plenty of partial cover to be had. Total cover is never more than a move action away on the floor level, but it blocks both ways.

There are doors on the second floor for loading and unloading directly to and from there.

Dr.Samurai

2015-03-31, 06:58 PM

Abraxus' words seem to be having an impact on the weretiger. The creature, or man, before him begins to hesitate, an internal struggle taking place. Abraxus can see the movement of Chai's battle up above out of the corner of his eye. He hears the sound of her fang-blades ringing against the mindslicer's sword. A snarl from the enemy causes Abraxus to glance upward, and whatever effect he may have been having on the weretiger is lost. The creature lunges forward, raking at him with its claws. Abraxus can't react in time to the mauling, and the ferocity of the attack combined with the weight of the weretiger, throws Abraxus to the ground. He snarls in frustration, using his shield to protect one side of his body, and his sword to discourage further attacks to the other. He is able to regain his footing, and retaliates against his assailant. Colette, I need you here! Now!

Move Action - Stand up.
Standard Action - White Raven's Strike vs. Weretiger
Attack - [roll0] vs. AC 25
Damage - [roll1]
Effect - Chai gains 15 Temporary Hit Points

I was within a few squares of Chai and the Mindslicer. He moved 5 away, and she 7, so I imagine Chai is within 10 squares.

Chai (56(15)/84 HP, AC 25/Fort 22/Ref 23/Will 20): Far(-ish) from Abraxus, weretiger. Far from Colette, civilians, hold. Engaged with mindslicer. Up on second floor walkway.
Mindslicer (34/98 HP, AC 27/Fort 24/Ref 26/Will 23): On second floor, engaged with Chai, partial cover from Abraxus. Hunter's Quarry'd by Chai. Dazed until the end of Chai's next turn. Bloodied.
Weretiger (75/172 HP, AC 25/Fort 23/Ref 22/Will 22): Engaged with Abraxus. Regeneration 10.
Abraxus (78/87, AC 26/Fort 26/Ref 25/Will 26): Engaged with weretiger. Far from Colette and Hold.
Colette (??): Working to get the civilians out and safely away.
Civilians: Close to Colette.

Location: As described in the OOC thread. Everyone in the warehouse is always within about 20 of anyone else. There is plenty of partial cover to be had. Total cover is never more than a move action away on the floor level, but it blocks both ways.

There are doors on the second floor for loading and unloading directly to and from there.

Ridai

2015-04-01, 02:06 AM

Colette

Hearing Abraxus and seeing what is going on in the distance, Colette commands the civilians to stay behind her before moving a bit closer to the fray. The weretiger feels the weight of her dark curse and with cold brutality begins to blast the beast with her life-rending powers. She doesn't go for a kill, knocking him out is enough, but she still feels the desire to snuff it out and take its life for herself.

Move within 10 squares of weretiger (still Far)

Minor Warlock's Curse on weretiger

Standard Soul Scorch on weretiger
[roll0] vs Will
Hit: [roll1] fire and necrotic damage

Action Point: Standard Vampiric Embrace on weretiger
[roll2] vs Will
Hit: [roll3] fire and necrotic damage, Colette gains 9 THP.

If one of the attacks above hits, the weretiger takes [roll4] damage from Warlock's Curse.
Chai (56 (15 THP)/84 HP, AC 25/Fort 22/Ref 23/Will 20): Far(-ish) from Abraxus, weretiger. Far from Colette, civilians, hold. Engaged with mindslicer. Up on second floor walkway.
Mindslicer (34/98 HP, AC 27/Fort 24/Ref 26/Will 23): On second floor, engaged with Chai, partial cover from Abraxus. Hunter's Quarry'd by Chai. Dazed until the end of Chai's next turn. Bloodied.
Weretiger (75/172 HP, AC 25/Fort 23/Ref 22/Will 22): Engaged with Abraxus. Far from Colette. Regeneration 10. Warlock Curse'd by Colette.
Abraxus (78/87, AC 26/Fort 26/Ref 25/Will 26): Engaged with weretiger. Far from Colette and Hold.
Colette (82/82 HP, AC 23/Fort 24/Ref 24/Will 22): Far from Abraxus, weretiger. Can't see Chai or mindslicer.
Civilians: Close to Colette.

Location: As described in the OOC thread. Everyone in the warehouse is always within about 20 of anyone else. There is plenty of partial cover to be had. Total cover is never more than a move action away on the floor level, but it blocks both ways.

There are doors on the second floor for loading and unloading directly to and from there.
And Colette curses under her breath as both her shots go wide, slamming into and crushing part of the warehouse door.

Ridai

2015-04-01, 02:17 AM

Chai

Seeing that Colette has joined the fray and that the weretiger is on top of Abraxus makes Chai fight harder. This has to end, and soon. She slashes hard at the gith, ignoring the pain from her own wounds, soothed by Abraxus' violence.

Standard Jaws of the Wolf at mindslicer
[roll0] vs AC (includes CA from mindslicer's dazed status)
Hit: [roll1] damage

[roll2] vs AC (includes CA from mindslicer's dazed status)
Hit: [roll3] damage

If one of the above hits, Hunter's Quarry deals [roll4] damage

Mindslicer takes 5 HP damage at the end of Chai's turn due to Blade Storm.

If mindslicer is reduced to 0 HP, he is knocked out, not killed.

Move Shift to further cut off possible escape routes for the mindslicer.
Chai (56 (15 THP)/84 HP, AC 25/Fort 22/Ref 23/Will 20): Far(-ish) from Abraxus, weretiger. Far from Colette, civilians, hold. Engaged with mindslicer. Up on second floor walkway.
Mindslicer (1/98 HP, AC 27/Fort 24/Ref 26/Will 23): On second floor, engaged with Chai, partial cover from Abraxus. Hunter's Quarry'd by Chai. Bloodied.
Weretiger (75/172 HP, AC 25/Fort 23/Ref 22/Will 22): Engaged with Abraxus. Far from Colette. Regeneration 10. Warlock Curse'd by Colette.
Abraxus (78/87, AC 26/Fort 26/Ref 25/Will 26): Engaged with weretiger. Far from Colette and Hold.
Colette (82/82 HP, AC 23/Fort 24/Ref 24/Will 22): Far from Abraxus, weretiger. Can't see Chai or mindslicer.
Civilians: Close to Colette.

Location: As described in the OOC thread. Everyone in the warehouse is always within about 20 of anyone else. There is plenty of partial cover to be had. Total cover is never more than a move action away on the floor level, but it blocks both ways.

There are doors on the second floor for loading and unloading directly to and from there.
Chai's blades bite deep. The gith is teetering on the edge. Chai knows. She can smell it. She wishes she could just kill him. But they will need to squeeze him first.