Second Darkness AP (IC) with Party Animals

[Ediwir]

http://i.imgur.com/5zEgrXv.png

Among the least frequented streets of the sailor town of Riddleport, one seems to have gathered a more consistent crowd tonight. People of various ethnicity and social statuses are walking the narrow and crooked streets to reach the old gambling house of the Golden Goblin, which after renovations has launched a great reopening event, and by the amount of pushing and shouting, it seems to be a success: everyone wants to Cheat the Devil and Take his Gold tonight.

From outside, the place looks like it has seen better days. The top of the building shows a large copper dome which, if it wasn’t ruined and tarnished by the years and weather, would shine clearly from the sea for the ships coming to port. The fountain at the front is chipped in multiple places, and a few of the windows seem to be brand new - but just a few. Above the entrance looms a lifesize statue of a goblin, in what seems to be polished gold, the cleanest and most look-after part of the building.

Just inside the main doors, two young beauties scantily clad and wearing sewn bat wings, devil horns, and tails play the part of alluring succubi. Both are employees of the Gold Goblin, and they cheerfully register contestants for the tournament and process entry fees. Armed guards stand nearby to either side of an immense treasure chest into which each patron’s entry fee is added. The guards seem to be on hand to not only protect the money, but also to prevent any overzealous admirers from trying to dare the infamous touch of a succubus.
Beyond the registration table is the hall’s game floor. Dozens of gamblers, waitresses dressed as succubi, and bouncers mill about the room, wandering amid tables offering various games while dealers shuffle cards, roll dice, and spin wheels. Moving through this throng are a dozen more of the barely clad, bat-winged vixens serving drinks and batting coal-black eyelashes flirtatiously for tips. In the center of the chamber is a short podium atop which sits a massive gold chest affixed to the floor by similarly gaudy chains. On either side of it stands a bare- chested bouncer in the exotic garb of some foreign sultan’s court. Each stands with muscled arms crossed over his chest and with a naked scimitar of prodigious size tucked through his waistband. High above them, from the hall’s cloth-draped ceiling, hangs a brass birdcage within which crouches a small, bat-winged, pointy-tailed devilish creature that sulks as it gazes over the room and occasionally rattles the bars threateningly.

OOC Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?424249-Second-Darkness-AP-(OOC)-with-Party-Animals)

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Cyrill walks into the Golden Goblin with a confident stride and a smile on his face. He keeps his eyes open for pick pockets an flirts with the 'succubi' seeing if any have any real interest in him. He wanders checking the games out and checking to see if any are rigged or if there are any cheaters, looking for the best table.

Perception [roll0] to avoid pick pockets
Profession(Gambling)[roll1] to check out games and find the best one
Diplomacy [roll2] to flirt
Sense Motive [roll3] to chec out the attentions of the girls.

[Yanisa]

Crowd like these are the best, Sasruta thinks to herself as she walked inside. The sights, the smells, the busy people all made it easy for her to move around without feeling stared at. She spots the birdcage atop and wonders if they got a real thing or if this is another prop like the succubi. After studying it for a moment she shrugs, it not the reason why she got here, but it does proof their dedication to their theme. She wanders around a bit, looking at the various tables to learn what is being played. Back home they had a game with bones and shiny stones, but humans tend to favor dice and cards. She wasn't a gambler by nature, she preferred to do things she knew they had success, but it can be fun once in a while. And besides, how hard could a card game be?

Knowledge the Plane for the devilish thing in the cage: [roll0]

[Ganis]

Kaeru makes his way through the crowd, being mindful that these larger folks don't look down, only ahead. After taking a seat on the tallest stool he can find, Kaeru looks out over the crowds, thinking, I really wish I knew what gambling is, this may have been a horrible plan to find work. Ordering a cheap ale, which still looks comically big for his size, he sighs.

[Cyclopean]

Melekko saunters into the Gold Goblin with the swagger of a humanoid twice his size. After casually handing up the entrance fee to one of the bouncers, the gnome paused a moment to take in the spectacle--he had planned to look into pursuing a job, maybe as a croupier or bartender, but there was just so much to do here. He could go get a drink with what looked like a frog as big as himself, maybe join a game with that odd-looking ratfolk lady. First, though, he just had to find out what the deal was with what looked to be a caged imp.

"Hey, buddy!" Melekko shouts up at the cage. "How'd you wind up in there?"


Rolling planes to identify the imp, if that indeed is what it is.

Knowledge (Planes): [roll0]

[DaOldeWolf]

Stephan decides to check out the place as he moves around the tables seeing the games. He asks a succubus for a drink and then he decides to talk to one of the bouncers. "Hey. This place looks real nice, isn't it? The pay´s good, right?" He says trying to initiate a chit chat with the bouncer.

[Ediwir]

The creature is definitely a real Imp, and he doesn’t look very happy about his situation. Snarling and clawing at the cage, he sure attracts attention and laughter from the nearby (but not TOO near) patrons. When Melekko approaches him in Infernal, however, he answers in the same language, slightly surprised.
Not now, frogman. I’m on the job.
Cyrill checks out a few tables, managing to find a nice table for pre-tournament games at the Ghoulette, where an undead head spins in circle gnawing at the patrons, and after a few rounds manages to find himself with ten shiny silver-colored new chips, shaped like teeth. As for the girls, a couple seem to reciprocate his smiles, but the bouncers notice the attention too, and they quickly call them back to their duties.
The bouncers don't seem very talkative, and answer with vague nods and single-word answers, so casually that it doesn't look like they're paying attention to anything other than the safety of the place.

After about twenty minutes, as the last light of the sun fades out, all tables stop the games, and a gong call the attention to the small podium where the Imp keeps thrashing and spewing insults.
There, accompanied by two of the beautiful “succubi”, a short man with a formal suit, thin and slick black hair, and a missing hand, with what appears to be a key-shaped stump, awaits for everyone’s attention. You understand this should be Saul Vancaskerskin, the owner and organizer of the event.
After a group of workers lights red fiery braziers, casting the room into a hellish hue, he bows before the crowwd and starts speaking in a strong voice:

“Welcome, one and all, to the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall and your chance to cheat the Devil and win back not only your soul but all of his gold as well.” He says this last as he pats the large chest before which he stands. “I hope you found your reception by the Devil’s lovely temptresses suitably entertaining.”
This is met by a general murmur of laughter and a few catcalls.
“Let’s take this moment to thank Old Scratch himself for attending this event. Not only did he loan us these lovely, dark angels, but he also emptied the deepest vaults of Hell itself to provide the gold for this tournament.”
At this, the Imp in the cage behind him start thrashing violently at the cage bars, spitting, howling and trying to scratch everyone who’s close, spewing insults and curses at the man and his workers. Many from the crowd laugh at the efforts, while the man continues.

“Of course, he plans on replacing what he loses in gold with the souls of those of you who don’t win. The tournament rules are quite simple—as you play, you’ll earn more chips. And with those chips, you’ll be able to bribe your way out of the current Hell you’re trapped in, working your way down deeper until you get to Old Scratch’s treasury. Currently, all of you are Old Scratch’s prisoners in the first of the Hells, Avernus. If you want
to work your way down to the ninth circle, you need to win games. Each time you win, you’ll be awarded a golden eye, a silver tooth or a copper heart. These bits of flesh and bone are what the devils use in Hell for currency, and they’re what you’ll need to pay in order to bribe your way into the next layer of hell. The first player to win a game after reaching Nessus not only keeps his winnings forthatgame,but also earns back his soul and the ten thousand silver coins that the Devil put up for this tournament. You can, of course, decide to cash out your winnings at any time you want, but if you do, or if you run out of money entirely... well,
that means Old Scratch gets you.” Vancaskerkin grins evilly and the caged imp cuts loose with another profanetirade.“Andthatearnsyouthe Devil’s Mark and an escort out of the game hall until the tournament is over. What, you ask, exactly is this Devil’s Mark? Well, it’s something too utterly horrible to even contemplate. The forfeiture of your very soul, it is. But I suppose I can show you what it is— gods know I more than deserve the Devil’s Mark. In fact, better make it two, girls!”
With that, the two succubi accompanying him lean over and each firmly plants a kiss on Saul’s cheek with her ruby-red lips. When they pull away, their lip rouge has left clearly visible prints in the same shocking red on his cheeks. Saul beams as he cries out, “The Devil’s Mark, everyone!” which is greeted by a flurry of shouts, catcalls, and hoots. “Now, let’s cheat the Devil and take his gold!” which prompts one more rabid flurry from the imprisoned fiend above, and with that, the tournament begins.

If you want to partecipate in the games, either check Charisma or Profession[gambler].

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Cyrill winks at the girls pushed back to work by the bouncers and carries on. After Saul has spoken Cyrill returns to gambling, enjoying the flavor of the games.

Professional(Gambler) [roll0]

[Yanisa]

Looking at Saul Vancaskerkin performance, Sasruta enjoys the amount of effort he puts in it. The crowd gobbles it up as honey and she can't help herself to be enjoyed with the crowd. Of course she was going to play, she was her anyways so why not.

Charisma check for gambling: [roll0]

[DaOldeWolf]

Stephan decides to watch the matches go. If something got out of hand, he could probably assist and show his capabilities. It was probably for the best to wait for the end of the event to talk to the owner Saul Vancaskerskin.

[Ganis]

Kaeru, still very unsure of what he is suppose to do, places his token randomly on that spiny wheel game, for better or worse.

Profession check it seems. [roll0]

[Cyclopean]

Melekko grins even wider. Now this was his kind of party! After some deliberation, he follows the frog-person to the ghoulette tables and throws himself into the games with more enthusiasm than prudence. He makes a mental note to chat with that imp after the tournament, though.



Charisma: [roll0]

[Ediwir]

Cyrill changes a few tables before trying his luck, spotting an opportunity thanks to his gambling experience. It only takes a couple turns for him to earn another 4 golden eyes at a game of cards, plus a wooden chip representing a labirynth and the word “Erebus”, which marks him as a winner for the first stage.
Sasruta isn’t as lucky, and after a couple rounds she loses her golden eye and is left with only five silver teeth, and a warning that she is “about to lose her soul” from one of the dealers. “You should get some more chips at the counter” he adds, pointing to a corner of the hall.
At the Ghoulette, Kaeru and Melekko see the undead face stopping right on the line between them, earning them an extra five silver teeth and a badge of Erebus.

All in all the games proceed normally, and everyone seems to be having fun. A few patrons, out of money, find themselves escorted to the door by one of the beautiful succubi, while one or two, with more liquor than money, only get to be pulled away from the bouncers. Everyone who gets thrown out gets either a bright red kiss or a stamp of paint, marking them as unacceptable from the entrance.

Since Stephan is not playing he can make a perception and sense motive check.
As for the others, you can bet higher or lower than 1g, but keep in mind the chips are NOT coins and need to stay separated.

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Cyrill continues to play as he has been.

Profession(Gambler) [roll0]

[Cyclopean]

Melekko whoops with glee as the head stops in front of him and Kaeru. "Seems we're lucky tonight, friend!" he says, clapping the Grippli on the back. "Shall we go deeper into hell?"

Melekko will try to move for a card game next, but will stick with Kaeru if he's resistant to the idea. He'll float a gp for the next game.

Charisma: [roll0]

[DaOldeWolf]

Stephan decides to check the game more closely out of curiosity about why it was such a big deal.


I assume you meant perception since I don't think there is a spot skill on pathfinder.
Perception: [roll0]
U. Sense Motive: [roll1]

[Ganis]

Kaeru nods and with a smile says, "Absolutely, some times no plan is the best plan."

Profession check: [roll0]

[Yanisa]

Even though she was losing, Sasruta was enjoying it. She had no clue how some of the games works and although she could figure out the mathematical probabilities, it didn't help her win. She also enjoyed putting a lot stakes on simple things, believing luck was in her favor, which turned out it rarely was. When one of the dealers told her to get more chips, she wanders to the corner of the hall and searches for whoever was giving out more chips. She wasn't planning to spend more money, but still had the invitation she got, perhaps that would help. "So, one of the dealers warned I was loosing my soul and I wouldn't want that. But all I got left is this piece of paper... And a couple of them silver tooths. Any chance I can get more here?" Sasruta smiles polity.

[Ediwir]

With the continuing lucky streak, Cyrill gets a new golden eye and a wooden chip representing the river Phlegethon, his next step in the voyage trough Hell.
Melekko, not as lucky, ends up betting on the wrong table and loses his golden eye, gaining only five silver teeth for it, and Kaeru only marginally manages to keep his bet safe.
At the counter, a well-built half-orc shakes his head at Sasruta, claiming a very simple "No coins, no chips. It's the rule."

As the games proceed, with more patrons clearing the room and several victory cheers, not to mention the flow of drinks, Stephan notices a noise from his side. One of the patrons, a young woman that would be beautiful if not for her scarred eye, has dropped some of her gambling chips and is bent down to retrieve them. However, Stephan notices she is not looking for them, but closed her eye instead. A similar movement is made by a couple of the nearby gamblers.
Just one moment before Stephan can realise the reason, one of the braziers erupts in a loud bang and a flash of fire and blinding lights, causing the entire room to panic in a loud series of shouts and bumps as people, blinded by the lights, try to take cover or save their gold.
"Alright, folks! Drop to the ground and don't try anything stupid and we might let you live! This tournament is over!", a female voice shouts over the confusion.

Will save for everybody to avoid being blinded, i'll roll initiative after those

[Ganis]

Kaeru shrugs at the randomness of the games as he gets his bet back.

Will save +1, [roll0]

[DaOldeWolf]

Stephan wonders what could the act mean but before he could even react to the vent. The flashing light caught him by surprise.


Will save: [roll0]

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Cyrill continues gambling when the explosions go off.

Will Save [roll0]

[Cyclopean]

This night is getting more interesting by the minute, thinks Melekko.


Will Save: [roll0]

[Yanisa]

No chips and now this. It's exciting, but Sasruta feels like she only has the bad lucks.

[roll0]

OOC Edit: all the bad lucksss. :smallbiggrin:

[Ediwir]

Sasruta and Kaeru have the bad luck of looking directly at the brazier just while the blast goes off, and the light burns deep in their eyes, blinding them completely as the confusion erupts.
The others find themselves dazzled, confused, shocked, and Cyrill is almost crying from the flashes, but manage to see the shapes and, quite quickly, the details of the action, as most of the patrons and, unluckily, all of the bouncers hold their hands on their eyes, lamenting their blindness as the woman and four of the gamblers stand up looking perfectly fine and turn towards the large treasure chest that holds the Devil's Gold.
As for Old Scratch, he's in a similar bad position, unable to get out and now also to see, imprecating loudly in Infernal against everyone and their mothers.

Party acts first... if possible.

[Ganis]

Kaeru blinks.... blinks some more.... and then decides it would be worth drinking his special vial to make him even more froggy, if you can imagine that.

Poping his dexterity amphibious mutagen, giving him +4 dex, +2 natural armor, -2 wis, swim speed of 15 and the amphibious special quality.
Total AC 12 Flat-footed, will go up to 19 once he can see again.
10+1 size+2 natural armor+1 armor -2 blind

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Straining through the dots in his vision from the bright flashes, Cyrill sees the five move towards the gold. A robbery, it would seem. What to do? A reward might be nice. Ducking down blow the heads of the masses he sneaks towards the door and shouts. "Robbers, they are after the gold!"

Stealth[roll0]

[DaOldeWolf]

Stephan feels a bit dizzy as he is recovering from the light effect wanting to stand up and fight because he knew this was his chance to prove himself worthy to the owner by helping against the robbery. He decides to attack one of the two gamblers that was close to him.


Since I am not sure if I am confused and dazzled. Here is the roll to see what my character does. [roll0]

So, Stephan moves just attacks the closest person? Will then post an attack roll at the OOC. Just hope I don't hit any other PC.

If the confused and dazzled bit is just fluff, then my character attacks one of the two gamblers that are close to him instead.

[Yanisa]

Sasruta stumbles around blind for a moment, before she realizes what is happening. It sounds like some sort of robbery, perhaps she could orientate herself by magic. She utters some magic words and makes some fancy hand movements.

I cast Detect Magic to check if there are any magical auras.

[Cyclopean]

Melekko blinks rapidly as his vision returns. Appraising the situation, he decides his best bet is to trip up the would-be robbers. Can't let them steal the pot while he still has a chance of winning it, can he?


Melekko will cast Grease beneath as many of the robbers as possible. He'll then move 20 feet away from them.

[Ediwir]

Kaeru quickly grows greener, bright green as the vial takes effect, giving him nimble movements and a slick, thick skin.
Cyrill sneaks to the entrance, shouting out and attracting the attention of a few people that were passing by, who approach unsure to check what's happening.
Stephan unsheats his sword and approaches one of the would-be thieves, but maybe because of the confusion, his blow is easily avoided.
Sasruta's spells gives her the familiar feeling of magic nearby, but will take time before giving her more informations.
Melekko places his spell under the feet of two of the robbers, plus the one-eyed woman. As the two thugs fall on the ground, the woman seems to manage to move trough it, focused on the chest of gold.

Noticing the spell, the woman turns halfway in her track, pointing a hand at Melekko and chanting a short formula, attempting to numb his mind. "Hold them, boys! We're doing great!" She adds, while a tall man with olive skin runs trough the crowd from one of the side doors, holding a scroll in his hand and smiling as he is about to reach the chest.
The two thugs that remained standing outside of Melekko's spells turn to Stephen, now right next to them, and standing at his sides attempt to hit him in the head with saps.

Please state AC and conditions during combat rounds (and save DCs if casting spells).

Melekko, Will save (DC12 negates) to avoid being Dazed.

Thug1 on Stephen, sap [roll0]
non-lethal damage if hit [roll1]

Thug2 on Stephen, sap [roll2]
non-lethal damage if hit [roll3]

[Ganis]

Kaeru gently pulls his net from its pouch, prepping for when his eyes shake of the flash so he can help catch these scaly-wags before the abscond with the booty

Sleight of Hand to draw his net stealthily, [roll0]
Ac still 12, blinded

[Cyclopean]

Melekko once again managed to keep all his faculties about him, if only just. Deciding that the the scroll reaching the chest is a more urgent threat than the swordsman getting knocked out, Melekko attempts to conjure a slick of grease on the scroll.


Will Save: [roll0]

Casting Grease to affect the scroll.
Reflex Save (DC 15) to avoid dropping the scroll. If the save fails, a saving throw must be made again each round a creature attempts to pick up or use the scroll.

AC: 12

[DaOldeWolf]

Stephan feels the pressure about his current situation. Despite this, he decides he might as well go down taking one of them with him and tries to strike on of the thugs down especially if it bought time for others to capture the rest.


AC 15 (because I didn't take the shield out.) HP Total is 14
Stephan attacks Thug 1 [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
One more hit and its lights out.

[Yanisa]

Still seeing stratch, Sasruta sharpens her spell sensing stronger.

Standard Action Concentrate on Detect Magic.
AC: 10 (or 11? I forgot, can't check).
Status: Blinded.

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Cyrill draws a dagger and prepares to sneak attack the closest thief.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
Sneak Attack Damage [roll2]

[Ediwir]

The gambling hall is getting more confused by the minute, as many of the patrons now cry out in despair as they believe to now be blind for the rest of their lives, and Kaeru prepares his net without really knowing where he's facing, if not "towards confusion".
The tall thief fumbles for a moment with the greasy scroll, but manages to keep a hold of it as he step on the podium and starts reading, a hand resting on the large chest. In a matter of seconds, the immense treasure chest shrinks to the size of a pouch, and is quickly snatched by the one-eyed woman. "Got it! Almost there, boys!" she says, hurrying trough the crowd towards the exit.
Stephan's attack catches the thief right above his hip, slashing clean trough him but not well enough to kill him on the spot. It is enough, however, for the man to look down horrified, as the wound bleeds copiously. With a terrified look and a "Screw the cow! I'm 'ere for muscles, not pigmeat!", he steps away and throws the sap to the ground, walking precariously towards the exit, while the other one eyes Stephan warily, his weapon ready. "Right. Y're good, lad, no need to fight. Say you're in, an' you're in. In?"
A couple of passerbies poke their heads in, checking the place, and, seeing the mess around, smile to each other, walking in and hiding in the confusion to pick a few pockets, while Cyrill stabs one of the thieves that fell in the grease puddle, right when he was trying to stand, and he screams before trying to crawl away. The other one attempts to stand quickly to face the new threat, but slips again, hitting his head on the floor.
Sasruta starts being able to see shapes again, and in a few seconds her sight returns completely, just when the spell gives her a clear feeling of a relatively powerful Transmutation aura, possibly around the third circle of power, somewhere in the middle of the room.

[Cyclopean]

Melekko curses when the thief manages to hold onto the scroll, but his smile returns when the chest shrinks down instead of being teleported away as he had feard. Interesting, but more importantly it meant the robbers could still be stopped.

Melekko eyes the exit, and starts formulating a plan--first, to keep the chest from leaving the building, and second, how he can turn the situation to his advantage after. He draws his crossbow, just in case.



Mel readies an action to use his Conjurer's Focus to summon an Entropic Dog in the doorway just before the woman reaches it. The dog will then attack the woman.

Mel AC: 12

Dog AC: 13
Dog HP: 6

Dog Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Spellcraft (to identify the Reduce Object spell, specifically its duration): [roll2]

[DaOldeWolf]

Stephan thinks about the current situation. He isn't sure if he can beat the other one but its probably safe to bet he might bail like the other thief without having to fight if he was offering some of the money. Afterall, the leader was most likely the woman with the scar based on how the others were acting and getting rid of the rest would make capturing her easier.

"Thanks but I am not really interested. I am looking for something more long term for the time being. Still, I wonder about you. Why don't you escape? One left already, and the the rest don't seem to be doing that much better either. If you ran away now I won't interfere with your escape and I won't tell anyone you were involved either. Even if you could manage to take me down, considering the number of people against your group, you would most likely fall down in the hands of someone else. So, what do you say?"


Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Yanisa]

Getting her sight, hearing the chaos and sensing the magic aura's, Sasruta realizes that the one with the magic item is the most important one to stop. she runs towards the female. Then she suddenly stops and stomps on the ground, causing a small earthquake targeted at the lady thief.

I move closer to the lady thief and then cast Thunderstomp. Trip attempt time. CMB = Caster level + Int due spell
[roll0]

[Ganis]

Kaeru waits patiently as he would be more of a burden than help while unable to see the perpetrators.

Ready action to move to the female barking orders if she isn't detained when he can see again.

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Cyrill throws a dagger at the leader, doing his best to stay hidden in the crowd.

Stealth [roll0]
Attack [roll1]
Damage [roll2]
Sneak attack damage if appicable [roll3]

[Ediwir]

"Loot what you can, bo-Oh sh*t!"
The one-eyed woman quickly falls down as the floor rumbles beneath her, with a loud "thump!", and slowly manages to get back on her feet. "Troublemakers..."
The tall man turns to Sasruta, following the spell, and pointing towards her hurls a quick spell against her, a white sliver of light than hits her square in the chest, painfully burning trough clothes and fur.
Melekko calls forth a dog-shaped creature, which appears innaturally fast close to the woman and bites her leg before she can get entirely up. A scream of pain lets Melekko know she's been hit, even trough the crowd.
Cyrill throws his knife trough the crowd, but it's hard to aim in the confusion, and he ends up hitting one of the patrons, who falls flat on the ground. Still, nobody seems to have noticed except for him, and maybe it's a good thing.
The two wounded thugs reach the exit, leaving the gambling hall as quickly as they can, while the one near Stephen nods, and quickly bolts out, following them. The last one, finally, manages to stand on his feet and looks around quickly before deciding to snatch a couple purses and heading for the exit himself.

Magic Missile against Sasruta: [roll0]
Kaeru is still blind.

[Yanisa]

Heavily wounded, Sasruta looses her calm mind. "What, do you want a piece of this?" She shrieks out the top of her longs. "Two can play this game!" With exaggerated movements she sends a flash of white light back to the tall man.

Cornered Fury is kicking in, which gives +2 AC (Like that helps with Magic Missile) and +2 attack (Like that helps with Magic Missile)
Current AC: 16

Magic Missile at the Tall Man: [roll0]

[Cyclopean]

As much as he hates to turn his attention away from the one-eyed woman and the prize in her hand, the rat-lady was in trouble, and Mel was starting to think he'd need her. Besides, he reflects, the mage blasting her is a threat, too.

"Hey, you!" he shouts, pointing at Stephan. "Make sure the ringleader over there doesn't get up!" Melekko was hoping his summoned dog would take care of that--oh, and there it went, snapping at the prone woman again--but having a big man with a sword as well as a multicolored mutt from Limbo standing over her decreased the odds of someone getting the bright idea of grabbing the shrunken chest and running for it.

Melekko considers grabbing the shrunken chest and running for it. Instead, he sighs and conjures up another slick of grease. It's not like he could outrun anyone.


The dog bites again, and Mel will cast grease on the ground around the man in the magic missile duel with Sasruta. He'll burn a point from his arcane reservoir to increase the DC by one. I'll also remember that my feat is Spell Focus (Conjuration). :smallredface:

Mel AC: 12
Reflex Save DC: 17

Dog AC: 13
Dog HP: 6

Dog Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Edit: the dog crits! The actual rolls are in the OOC thread and reproduced below for convenience.

Confirmation: (1d20+2)[17]
Damage: (1d4+1)[5]

[DaOldeWolf]

Stephan decides to follow instructions and goes to guard the treasure and attack the leader as soon as he can. "I won't let you get away with this." He says daringly.


[roll0]
[roll1]

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Cyrill moves through the blind crowd like an otter swimming in the river to get close enough to strike.

Stealth [roll0]

Attack [roll1] if he gets close enough
Damage [roll2]

Sneak Attack [roll3] if applicable

[Ediwir]

As Kaeru starts to regain his vision, the scene he sees is still chaothic, with some patrons running into each other or into tables, others collecting chips from the ground, others running for their life. A group of individuals seem to be fighting against a couple of humans, and the bouncers are busy managing the looting and thieving. Bolts of light fly between a tall human and what looks like a weretrat, wounding both, and a black-eyed human approaches him with a sword, threatening him. A woman on the ground is being attacked by a weird-looking hound, and someone, sneakily and silently, approaches with the intention to stab her. In all this, with the Imp shouting insults and blasphemies, the cries of pain and the shouts of the crowd, the owner is nowhere to be seen.
Cyrill notes how the woman, after the bites from the dog, is now bleeding to death on the floor, unable to move, but he is still too far from the man to attack him.
Stephan tries his best to seem threatening, but the weight of the blows he received is heavy and the man knows. "Get off me, fool!" he coughs, a blackened scar visible under the burnt clothes where the magic missile hit him. He manages to stand trough the grease, and, weaving a sickle dangerously, tries to get rid of Stephan to get a better view of the woman on the ground. "Thuvalia, no! Don't kill her, you bastards! ...We give up" As he raises his hands, dropping the sickle to the ground, looking worryingly to the bleeding woman.

[Ganis]

Kaeru will make his way over to the bleeding woman and tries to stop the bleeding as best he can with what ever cloth he can use from her outfit.

Here's hoping for a good heal check
Heal +1 [roll0]
AC 19
If he can, he will stash his net as he walks over, if not he will drop it once he gets there.

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Cyrill rises to his full stature and pulls out another dagger and picks up the man's sickle. "Lay down your weapons and no one else need die."

[DaOldeWolf]

Stephan sighs in relief, still feeling a bit tired after the fight. He just hopes the owner managed to see anything.

[Yanisa]

Still aggravated by being heavily wounded, Sasruta goes off in a tirade. "Bastards? You are the bastard! You bloody attacked me while I saw doing like nothing to hurt anyone. I am like almost dead and now you cry your little girlfriend is dying. It's your stupid fault!" She sighs. "But fine, you surrender. Let's see if we can save that girl, I'm not planning to kill anyone here. Unlike some other people here." Sasruta walks over towards the woman and Kaeru. "So, errrm, doc? Hows she looking? Anything I can do?"

Going for an aid another.

[roll0]

[Cyclopean]

Melekko dismisses his summoned minion and moves towards the woman it had been attacking. "You all hear that?' he shouts over the confusion. "We need medical attention for the heroic rat-lady here! And, I suppose, for the unfortunate sould on the floor." He bends down to pick up the treasure chest, if he is able. "Incidentally," he adds, "is anyone else here trained in the arcane arts?"

[Ediwir]

Kaeru doesn't seem to manage well in his attempt at making bandages, and Sasruta, with her heavy injuries and not-so-much-better skills, doesn't really help: a bit of burnt fur ends up falling off her chest and under one of the bandages.
Cyrill disarms the wizard, who now, with his hands behind his head, looks worryingly to his accomplice on the ground. "Look, i... I've got something, just... In my belt purse, there's a potion. Please let me give it to her, i can't let her die". Of course, nobody expects much pity in Riddleport.
The people around the group are now mostly able to see again, and while some have followed the developing and are now clapping or cheering, most appear upset, angry, and with missing or confused chips and purses. Some argue between each other over the state of the tables, others over piles of chips spilled to the ground, and almost everyone demands to see the owner. Owner that, just now, seems to make his appearance again, looking at the room puzzled and concerned, his hands still on a set of keys that he hurrily hides in an internal pocket before jumping on the stage again.
"Everyone, please! Please, calm down for a moment! Please." He calls, as even the Imp now quiets down, curious to see what'll happen. "Now. I'm afraid we'll have to interrupt the tournam-" and at this, a roar of disapproval comes from the crowd. "Please, please! Do not worry, you'll be cashed out at FULL VALUE! More, even! Ten percent more!" The grumbling continues for a while, but it slowly dies down, as people realise that it's a lot more than what they'd have in the tournament (if they managed to hold onto their chips).
After the crowd slowly and reluctantly queues up to cash out their chips, Vancaskerskin approaches the small group near the wounded woman, which has by now been approached by the bouncers, too. He clears his throat, looking unsure at each one of you. "Seems like i owe someone a great debt, my newfound friends..." And in saying this, he spreads his arm (and the key stump at the end of one of them) and smile, tired but grateful.

[Yanisa]

"I am schooled at the noble arts of blowing things up." She responds to the gnome. "At least far better then repairing people." She glances at the woman on the ground, the bandage doesn't really seem saving her life and Sasruta wondered if the doctor was even a real doctor. "This Rat-lady here is named Sasruta by the way, pleased to meet you."
When the man offered a potion Sasruta reluctantly accepts it. "But if you are hiding a second one and not telling me... then" Sasruta imitates the sound of an explosion, then pours the potion down the throat of the unconscious women. "We do need something to restrain her... and him... Chains, shackles, ropes?"
When Vancaskerskin arrives on the scene Sasruta turns a bit boastful. "Ah, it was no big deal." She says as she plucks out burned hair. "You must be glad you invited me."

[DaOldeWolf]

Stephan stays in place until the bouncers are capable of seeing. He then accepts the gratitude from Vancaskerskin. "Its a pleasure to be of assistance. Fighting is my life. " He replies trying to look good. He decides to wait to ask for a job until he hears what he might have in mind to pay his debt.

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Cyrill reaches into his bag and pulls out a spool of twine and begins to tie up the two. He coils the twine around their wrists behind their back, such that they are back to back. "I was once told, if you can't tie knots, tie lots.", h says and he winds and winds the twine around their wrists.

"Happy to be of help." He grins. "Besides couldn't let them take my pot!"

Profession (sailor or something else that ties ropes and such) [roll0] but he will use all 50' of the twine so this may be superfluous.

[Ganis]

Kaeru sighs, Well, I feel pretty useless here. Blind for all the action, can even tie a bandage. but smiles at the end. "Looks like this tournament is kind of a bust." and looks around. "These crowds are kind of crazy."

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Cyrill looks at he Grippili and shrugs. "You were not alone in that."

[Ediwir]

Vancaskerskin nods at the statements, watching as the culprits get tied down. One of the bouncers keeps the woman on the ground as she regains consciousness, with a sudden gasp and several coughs and kicks, stopping once she realises it's over.
"Hans, search those two and make sure they didn't steal anything. And most of all, find out where the Devil's Gold went. Beyar, you go and call the Gendarmes, i'm sure they'll want to know..." At this, the two closest bouncers nod, one of them running to the exit and the other starting to check the thieves's pockets. "As for you, if you could just wait a moment, i'd like to properly congratulate, and..." As he says that, one of the waitresses comes over and whispers something to Saul, looking concerned. He pales. "WHAT?"
Turning to the door, following his stare, you notice the crowd thinning and leaving the establishment, each one carrying their gold and refunds, mumbling, discussing, and with them, slowly trickling out, there's a crowd of waitresses, bouncers and croupiers, each one leaving their wings, aprons or badges near the counter.
"No no no, this is bad, very bad..." Mutters Saul, running behind them, talking to a few, at first calmly, then more agitated as almost everyone responds by shaking his head and walking out. It seems like the establishment is suffering from lack of employees...

The two thieves notice the confusion, and can't help but smile. "Well. No loot, but at least some satisfaction". The man just nods.

[DaOldeWolf]

"Well, sir. This is your lucky day. I just recently arrived to town and I am currently unemployed." he declares with a grin. "So, what positions are you looking to fulfill?"

[Cyclopean]

Melekko ditches his plan to con Vancaskerskin. It's possible that he could trick him into thinking he's capable of performing a slow-acting dispel on the magic that shrunk down the chest, but with the tournament off it's not like Saul needs the coin urgently. Besides, the man is clearly grateful already...and he'd rather not risk Sasruta being honest or the thief being spiteful enough to expose him.

"Looking for this?" he says, holding the chest up to Vancaskerskin. "I didn't want for it to be grabbed up by some unscrupulous fellow. Incidentally, I'm looking for work myself."

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

"It is bad...they were sexier with the wings."

He looks to see if the ones who were responsive to his flirting are staying or leaving.

"I am open to working here as well and have a plethora of skills." He pulls out his unmarked cards and does some fancy shuffling.

Sleight of hand [roll0]
Professional(Gambler) [roll1]

Awareness to spot the girls [roll2]
Knowledge(Local) [roll3] to know who the Gendarmes are

[Yanisa]

Looking at Melekko, she gives an approving nod, she was planning to mention it anyways. She was wondering why he pocketed the chest, but figures he is just a very protective gnome.

Sasruta suppresses the urge the shrug, this seems like human business. However leaving now seems rather untactful and this poor organizer had invited her here for free. Least she could do is stay a while longer. "Well, I can always offer a hand, but I am not a serving girl type." She says jokingly.

[Ganis]

The two thieves notice the confusion, and can't help but smile. "Well. No loot, but at least some satisfaction". The man just nods.

Kaeru hops up on a table to look the male one in the face, "Satisfaction for what? Why would prompting people to stop working be a good thing for you? Don't thieves need people working so there is something to steal?" He still looks extra froggy as he gives the man an "eyebrow" look, which does seem a little awkward, as he doesn't have eyebrows.

[Ediwir]

As Saul keeps going from worker to worker, trying to convince them to stay, the waitress that brought him the bad news, a tall half-elf with red hair and varysian tattoos on her face, shakes her head and talks again.
"I guess it's the last night for many of us. This kind of thing wasn't supposed to happen... But anyhow, I'm sure the boss will want to talk to you. Maybe it's better if you wait in the office while the mess is cleaned up... I'll escort you, if you like. We should have a few healing potions, too." With that, she takes the miniaturized chest and points to a corridor near the back, accompanying you to a wide office with a small fire and several chairs spread in front of an ancient-looking desk, the symbol of Desna carved into it.
She speaks a couple words near the fireplace, sparks dancing out of the wood and into a warm fire in a few seconds, and then picks a bottle of wine and glasses for everyone, adding a small vial for Sasruta and Stephan.
"By the way, my name is Samaritah. Thank you for your intervention... I really need the pay, right now." She admits in a sigh.

Ding! Sasruta and Stephan obtain Potion of Cure Light Wounds

[DaOldeWolf]

Stephan drinks via and thanks Samaritah for the assistance. "Yeah, just give a day or two to get the money if you may. I am a little short right now." He explains.

[Ganis]

Kaeru takes a seat, "I go by Kaeru, nice to meet you all, I think. This whole situation is just rather, Odd."" and then looks around the room, mostly to see what kind of things are prominently placed in the office.

[Yanisa]

In one gulp Sasruta drinks the healing potion. "Glad I could be of assistance. I do hope everything gets sorted out properly." She says it a carefully, unsure of which side is right or not. "Not sure if I already said so, but my name is Sasruta.".

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

"Nice to meet you, my dear. My name is Cyrill. We could all use money I am sure and the chest was saved, so I am sure everything will be okay."

[Ediwir]

The girl nods, pulling the miniature chest out of the pocket and examining it quickly. "I must admit, it's been a clever trick. And we won't be able to use the money for at least a few days..."
In that, a sighing Vancaskerkin opens the door, walking in and halting just a moment to straighten up and wear a fake but pleasant smile on his face. By his feet you see what seems to be an old leather bag. The waitress continues, this time addressing the owner: "Mister Vancaskerkin, I was just saying that it might take a few days before the effect of this spell wears off. I do not think i can reverse it, but perhaps I could go to the Cypher mages and..."
"Now now, no need for that. I know you can't wait to get trough those doors, but we can't afford it now, especially if all we need is wait out a couple days. Now, as for you all..." He says, spreading his arms and taking a moment, "I owe you a lot, and i want you to be well rewarded. This," pointing to the bag, "Is what i'd like to call a bouncer's reward." chuckling. "Turns out those two won't need much of their stuff in the city's jails, and you, i'm sure, deserve it way more than the Gendarmes. Plus, of course, i'll have Larur refund your entry fee and cash you out with a bonus. He's the floor manager, the old dwarf, i'm sure you've seen him."

Those of you who are Riddleport locals, born and raised, know very well the fame of the Gentlemen-at-Armes, and hopefully never had much to do with them. They're mercenaries in the service of the current Pirate Overlord, former pirate Gaston Cromarky, enforcers of peace and honesty... as much as peace and honesty are valued in Riddleport. Mainly, they ensure that the city's crimelords keep their businesses from stepping on each other's, and that petty thieves are kept in check. Crime lords which, until a year or so ago, Vancaskerkin was one of...

"Now i know what you're all thinking." He says, walking to the desk and sitting down on the opposite chair, "Man thinks he'll buy us cheap, give us some trinkets and send us off. No such thing. I may not be doing as well as a while ago, but i still got my honour. And I still got the Goblin," pointing up to the ceiling. "I need some new blood to get the place going. And by the look of things, i need better security..."

Roll for the heals. You can do Knowledge [local] checks to see what more you know about the politics of the city, gendarmes, crimelords and such. Locals get a +5 and already know the information above.

[Ganis]

His froggy-ness perks up a bit, "Well sir, I just happen to be new blood myself. What kind of positions would you bee needing?" While he tries to not look to excited about a job, it is clear he doesn't know how. He is still very green, both literally and figuratively.

[Cyclopean]

"You honor me, sir and madam. My name is Melekko Cobblerun Twisp, and to your good fortune, I just so happen to be looking for work. Bouncing, was it? Sounds like it could be fun. I've got this one trick that can knock a couple of lowlife brawlers out cold. And what's more," he continues, leaning forward to tap the chest, "If you give me a moment to confer with my good friend Sasutra here, there's a chance we might be able to help you out with your miniaturization problem here."

Melekko cracks the sincerest grin he can manage. Trying the con now when he'd gotten everything he'd came for was getting greedy, but the setup was just too perfect to turn down. Besides, if he was going to be working with Sasutra in the future, now was as good a time as any to see if he could bribe her.

[Yanisa]

"Well, I ain't no cypher mage, although I wish I was, but if I can help." She says more to Melekko then anyone else. "Then again I do have other plans, I don't mind sticking around to help but I am not looking for a job." Sasutra doesn't really needed any sort of reward, but she rather just would have some trinkets and be send off then a job. "Besides..." She says half thinking aloud. "...I got free entry, how are you going to refund that one?" She says jokingly to Vancaskerkin

I still need to roll this one: Healing [roll0]

[DaOldeWolf]

"I am fine with this. I have been doing small jobs similar to this one for almost my whole life so it comes with the territory." Stephan replies with confidence.


Lets see how much I get back. [roll0]

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Cyrill reaches for the bag. "Never been one to judge something unseen."

[Ediwir]

"It should reverse itself in a few days. Before next weekend, for sure. I could work on a counterspell, but it'd get expensive, and i'm not sure it's worth the money."
After the girl quickly explains the situation, Vancaskerskin nods and fits the miniaturized chest in a pocket, before turning back to you.
"First of all," he starts, raising his palm slightly, "You should know this isn't gonna be easy. This today, well... You might've heared some rumors about me, or something more. I used to have a fair amount of deals goin' on. Nothing too legit, nothing too prideful. I've been trying to take my distance from it... It never earned me anythin' good. Costed my wife, my home, my fortune, an' some other little things." As he says that he raises the key-shaped metal hand at the end of his left arm, nodding at it.
"Going legit around here ain't simple, and the past always catches up. That man you got today, Angvar, and his woman... They've been around in the last few days, and i know they work as contractors from various crimelords. Should've thought about it. I still got enemies in town, it seems. Now, i don't want to end up under someone's protection -hard to think of someone who'd really want my best- but i've seen what you can do. You've handled that pretty impressively, and i know what i'm saying. Obviously i need some bouncers, croupiers, dealers, bartenders, yeah, sure, to run the operations, but... What i'm thinking of is, I might need y'all to help me keep this going, safely. Let's say... Kind like junior partners. What d'ya all say?"

The bag contains a masterwork leather armor, a rapier, a light crossbow (with 10 bolts) and a yellow, metal-pointed wand.
There's also 25 gold pieces in cash.

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Cyrill smiles. "I like the sound of partner."

He rifles through the bag. "Not much of value here, we could sell the items and make some gold though."

[Ganis]

Kaeru nods in agreement, "Sounds good to me. At least this way we have a bit more of our own fate to works towards. I'm primarily an alchemist by trade, but fairly adaptable for most things. Mixing drinks shouldn't be that hard.

[Cyclopean]

"Well, you can count me in! It's been a while since I've found a job half this interesting. Ooh...let me take a look at that wand." As he examines it, he makes a mental note to ask Kaeru if he's had experience brewing anything stronger than alcohol. Melekko hadn't managed to find a shiver dealer yet, but that was probably for the best.

[Yanisa]

"Well... I don't know." Sasutra frowns. Vancaskerkin seems awfully enthusiast and she hates disappointing people. "But like I said, I'm not looking for a job, I got other things to focus on." The cyphermages and that weird shadow in the sky. She couldn't afford to spend her time not doing research. "Besides, my spells and talent don't lend well to protect things..." Her full potential would have set the building ablaze, funny, but it would only have made things worse.

[DaOldeWolf]

"Sounds interesting. You can count me in." Stephan replies before taking a look at the bag. He gets a wide smile as he sees the rapier seeing it as a sign from his Cayden to accept the job. "Actually, I would like to keep the rapier if no one else minds."

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Cyrill shrugs at Stephan's suggestion of keeping the rapier.

"As for jobs, I can do most jobs, but would likely excel at spotting cheaters or running a game."

[Ediwir]

Vancascerskin nods repeatedly at your comments, a hint of greed in his eyes as he sees opportunity.
"Great, great, so... I'll set you up with some "daylight" jobs, and if anything happens, you'll be around to help. I'm thinking..." As he looks at each one in turn, "A spot at the bar won't be a problem, last barman walked out today. Be nice to the customers and you won't have a problem. And yeah, right now i'll need more bouncers and croupiers than spotters... But there's hidden walkways on the ceiling, if anyone else has a good eye. And advertisement... Or convincing, well, it's always welcome. As for you," looking now at Sasruta, "Well, I can't really push you to do so. I'm guessing you're here for the Cyphers, you haven't stopped looking at the blot the whole weekend. So is Samaritah. Why don't you tell her?" As he grins, the half-elf girl smiles sourly. "Many came to study Blakey's Shadow, most of them Cyphermages or apprentices. For others like me... Well, most of the papers are in the Cypher's Lodge, be it because they're cyphermage's work or because they've been brought there. I sold them some of my notes myself to get access for a few days. However, the visitor fee is huge... At two-hundred silvers a day, I could not afford it. I am petitioning for an apprenticeship with one of the Cyphermages who followed my notes, but I did not receive an answer yet, so for now, i'm... Dedicating myself to a more practical workline." Eyeing Vancaskerskin as she pronounces the last line.
"Hey, it's honest work. Well, most of it. And if you're in for this, you wouldn't just get a waitress' pay, mind you. We're talking a hundred silvers a week, more if we're doing well. What do you say," After saying this, he extends a hand, and will be moving to shake each one's in turn. "Partners?"

The wand seems of the same craftmaship as most magical wands, with the word "beesting" carved into the handle. Until magical analysis, however, you won't be able to know much more.

[Cyclopean]

"Partners," agrees Melekko, putting out his own hand.


Forgot to roll Spellcraft on the wand. I'll cast detect magic and do that now. I'll roll Arcana as well, in case the Spellcraft roll doesn't cut it.

Spellcraft: [roll0]
Knowledge (Arcana): [roll1]

[Ganis]

Kaeru shakes his hand when offered, "Sounds like a plan sir."

[Smileybastard]

Cyrill

Cyrill shakes Vancascerskin's hand. "Let's do this."

[Yanisa]

"You convinced me." Sasutra says while shaking his hand.

Then she turns to Samaritah "We should swap notes, sometime, later, if you don't mind."

[DaOldeWolf]

"I am ready any time sir." he declares with a grin.

[Ediwir]

As Vancaskerskin shakes each one of your hands, he grins happily, and you notice a glint in his eyes as he probably smells opportunity.
"Great! I'll inform the rest of the staff immediately. Of course you're welcome to stay at the Goblin for the full duration of your employment... And I'll show you around personally. There's a few hidden passages you might miss, otherwise."

Samaritah, at Sasruta's comment, nods and adds, "I'll set up your rooms. As for our studies... I'd welcome an exchange, definitely. I'll make sure our rooms are near." Smiling at Sasruta, she then leaves.

Along the course of the evening you all meet the remaining staff: an unusually friendly dwarf named Feldin, the floor manager. Hans and Boyar, old time bouncers at the Goblin who apparently love the place too much to fear the Crimelords. And, recovering from a hangover, a muscular human named Bojask, Saul's bodyguard, who apparently had the night off during the heist. As you all notice how little remains, Saul just nods and comments with "We'll hire, we'll hire. You got us the money back after all."

First break:
You all receive 5gp and 150% of your chips in real coins, plus what you've been given during the chat.
You are free to shop around town (please use the OT thread to list purchases or eventual requests).
Samaritah is happy to exchange spells or provide them at half cost (as long as she knows them)
A short description of your daily activities as Goblin employees can influence the arrival of new staff or customers, hopefully positively ;)