10 Days IC

[the Frogman]

After the mysterious darkness disappears, normalcy returns surprisingly quickly in the Watertown Square. The children's laughter returns as they continue in their game of tag. You look about, seeing tents in every color, each tent providing goods "much better" than the other tents. Officers direct a dirtied man in manacles through the crowd. The bards restart the familiar tune they were playing before the bizarre interruption. The old man in the billowy robes waves his fingers as the mysterious spout of water returns. Towards the city entrance, you see a Welcome to the Water Festival! sign fluttering in the gentle breeze. The sun is high above you casting short shadows underneath every figure.

"Last call for Zax's Homebrew! Get some while they still have it!" A Gnome in leather rags calls out into the crowds. He hands out some tickets to anyone displaying any form of interest. A large beast towers behind him, eyeing his every move.


This is an opportunity to familiarize yourself with your surroundings or to purchase some things!

[samduke]

while looking about Siro carefuly eye's the crowd looking for an easy mark, when he see's the Officers marching someone through the crowd

[Nebula]

Marstel returns to casually observing the bards, slowly walking to each one and tutting (in disgust) or humming (in approval), judging their sense of fashion before he notices the officers...

When he sees them he starts shifting through the crowd to stay out of their line of sight, while watching them go by...

[~Corvus~]

The whole business with the stopping of the sun gave Sammy pause. He'd been about ready to have Mercy perform for some local guards that didn't believe him when he said his "companion" was actually a circus performer. He paused to reflect upon what had just happened to make sense of it, and perhaps change his tact.



https://subidaipfblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/riddleport.jpg

It's that time of year!

The Water Festival has begun in Watertown! Jovial tunes fills the air as a band of bards wander about, playing songs on their various instruments. A group of children giggle as they run from tent to tent, eager to find any sort of free goodies and treats. The streets of Watertown are filled with smiles and lined with colorful tents with music and the occasional bouts of laughter echoing in the pavilion. As you look up, you see circles of lights dancing in the sky; each light seems to bounce in synchronization with the music of the wandering bards. Multiple streams of water shoot from hidden spouts, disappearing as mysteriously as they appear. Another group of children chase the mysterious appearing and disappearing water about, shrieking with delight each time the water appears. An old man smiles as he sits besides a tent, subtlety waving his arms about, watching the children chase the mysterious water streams.

A darkness looms over the festival, quickly silencing the crowds. Eyes dart to and fro, trying to determine the appropriate response to the sudden darkness. The dancing lights fade out, leaving the inky blackness to spread across the horizon. A deep low humming is heard, replacing the jovial tunes and laughter from before. After a few moments, the darkness dissipates and a cloudless sky replaces it.

Silence continues momentarily before the bards begin again on their instruments. The lights reappear above you. The crowds continue on their way from tent to tent. Normalcy has returned.


He nods, a smile playing on his lips.

"You see, sir, that is a sign from the Gods themselves that your attempts to waylay my--I mean OUR " as he sweeps his hand to both Mercy and Bertram "entry to this town is a terrible idea. This man Bertram is a necromancer, see, trained on how to waylay and stop the darkened arts. Now I am Bertram's escort and guard, and no harm shall come to him, especifically from...well, no offense, but commoners like you. It is my expert recommendation that not only you give us passage gratis to the town, but that you pay us. Right, Bertram?"


Mercy is acting well (under the down and come commands) he will take Diplomacy at a +2 assisted from Mercy.

[roll0]

Edit: aw, a poor roll. Time to fudge it a little bit.

He looks at the wizard, who at this point is likely cringing from the halflings over-eager assertions.

[Orderic]

After a few seconds of looking at the sky and thinking of what these strange events could mean, Bertram soon finds his attention drawn to his gnomish companion who, yet again, seemed to be talking endlessly without saying much. Still, it might be best to play along with whatever idea he had come up this time.

"Uh, yes, of course. I am well versed in the dark arts and know how to stand against them. Mostly it involes a curse of blindness against the one using them. Few can still use dark magic effectively when they can not see what they are doing."

[the Frogman]

As you look around the square, you notice multiple easy marks. An old man arguing with his presumed wife; a young lady sitting on a nearby bench, staring at a pair of musclebound men; A drunk staggering about.

As you see the officers marching a man through the crowd, he appears to be trying to talk to the uninterested guards.

As you approach the band of bards, it does not take long for you to notice their all in uniform. They all appear to be wearing a red silk pantsuit with white stripes. If you know anything about popular bands of bards, you know this group to be the rather famous White Stripes.

As you notice the manacled man and make your stealthy approach, you can see that he is trying to talk to the guards. The two guards roll their eyes and shake their heads as they continue through the crowds. From your vantage point, you cannot quite hear what is being said over the rumblings of the festival.


Sammy:


The guard looks at you unamused. He holds a hand to his head and rubs his brow. A quiet sigh escapes his lips as he looks at you. As you look over his shoulder, you can see hundreds, maybe thousands, of good citizens with large smiles as they wander about the festival grounds. The aroma of delicious foods hits your nostrils, and the sound of laughter echoes about the entrance. The guard lets out a light groan, reminding you that he is the one blockade keeping you from the fun.

I already told you, have a nice day and enjoy the festival. Why do you keep rambling on about the gods and your Necromancer friend?

[PersonMan]

Tirin is exactly the kind of person the gnome's advertisement would be meant for - if only she hadn't already compiled a list of every local brew she wanted to sample. For the time being, she's out between the tents, staying on the move as she slips through the crowd in a vague pattern. She doesn't have a destination in mind; the unusual occurrence has put her on edge and the priestess can't help but feel hemmed in by the tents.

[samduke]

this man that the officers seem to be escorting seems of interest, Siro will walk in close enough behind in an effort to overhear what it is the man is saying, while looking the guards over for things like keys, weapons, or unguarded coin purses

listen +8 [roll0]
spot +10 [roll1]

[Nebula]

"Mhymnnnnn... the 'clothes shopping' can wait for a bit..."

Marstel said quietly to himself, briefly eyeing up the victims (the white stripes) he would revisit later...

Marstel then proceeds to sneak behind the guards and the manacled man out of curiosity, trying not to look conspicuous while listening in...

Rolling for sneak:
Just a 1d20 plus my dexterity modifier yes?
Roll: 13 + 2
I get the impression this is not going to be enough... lol

[~Corvus~]

"Hmmm..." Gnomes are covetous, underground creatures that like dust and metal and curious inventions, and he seems to be regarded by the wizard like he lives under a mountain, like a gnome whose head is full of dust. He needed along rest. Sammy was, after all, a halfling. A cursed halfing, he thinks to himself ruefully, apparently also cursed to make a fool of myself among humans.

He blushes furiously to the guard. He shakes his head and runs his hands through his dusty hair. He finally gives a hearty laugh. "I am so used to being told that it will COST for passage through the town that I didnt understand you said no charge! I think I've been on the road too long. Is there a decent inn nearby?"

[the Frogman]

You sneak your way through the crowds like a predator on the prowl. Within moments you find yourself in earshot of the guards leading the manacled man.

"I didn't steal that coin purse! I swear!"

The guards push the man through the crowds silently ignoring the man's pleas. You hear the footsteps of another curious individual, this one a blonde man. He stares down the guards quietly.

You make your way through the crowds, each footstep making a little more noise than you were hoping. The scuffling of your feet draws the attention of a nearby man with black hair and dark features. He watches you as you "spy" on the guards. The guards turn and watch you. Their cold gaze stares into your soul before they shrug and continue on their way.

The guard shakes his head. "Whatever..."

He then slowly staggers to a nearby chair and plops into it, grabbing a nearby stein and takes a long, slurpy drink.


A woman's bloodcurdling scream comes from the festival ground entrance. The sea of people separates as a black horse gallops across the fairgrounds. A knight sits hunched over on the horse, bobbing with each gallop. The armored knight slumps forward inch by inch before falling off his horse just a few feet away from the guards and the manacled man. The manacled man lets out a shriek as the guards let go of the manacled man. The knight hits the ground with a loud thud and lays motionless between a blonde-haired man and a black-haired man. (Siro and Martel) A rather visible stake pokes through the knight's armored chest as a pool of blood forms beneath him.

The crowd backs away from the knight slowly, forming an opening around his motionless corpse.

[Orderic]

"What the-"
The wizard whirls to face the direction the scream could be heard from, just before running towards the dying or perhaps even dead man, exploding into action at these unusual events.

"Sammy! I hope you have a healing spell prepared!"

[~Corvus~]

Of course he does. Almost an afterthought, the halfling runs over to the armored man ehile asking Bertram to remove his helmet. He mutters the proper incantations and draws the minor pattern of the healing orison while Mercy looks on. He touches the man's temple, letting the spell absorb into his skin.
A man, dead so quickly from a chest wound?

Cure Minor Wounds - heals man 1 HP. Stops bleeding effects and stabilizes the man automatically, preventing additional blood loss.


He moves around him carefully. "Easy now. Dont move fast there." He takes out a rounded piece of glass from his pack and holds it close to the man's mouth, looking for condensation (a sign that he is breathing and thus alive).

"Bertram, go and see if we can find a cleric. Ladies and gentlemen, more space,
stand further back please, thank you. Mercy, defend here," as he indicates the space where the man has fallen.

Mercy will attempt to ward others away from her space, and will only allow Bertram and Sammy near the armored man. If a cleric shows up, he will praise her and cancel the command.

If the cleric or the glass determines him alive, Sammy will use one of the 10 remaining lesser vigor charges of his wand to heal the man 11 HP.

If there is no fog that appears on the glass, he will pronounce the man dead.

[Nebula]

"Corellon's sweet mercy!"

Marstel steps back a bit with his shock displayed on his face, and then regains his composure, and goes to address the two men by the fallen knight:

"Excuse me my fellows, but I think it may be a bit too late for that..."

He then shouts to the crowds:

"Does anyone know who this knight is? Anyone? Anyone at all?"

Rolls:
Gather information: Nat 20! Also +10
EDIT: wait, this isn't the right skill isn't it? Should I re-roll for the correct one?

[the Frogman]

The Zax Homebrew Gnome snakes his way to the front of the crowd and raises his hands to calm the noisy crowd. With each arm motion, the crowd quiets. He looks over to Marstel and nods. As his gaze drops to the body, however, he freezes. His eyes grow wide and he points to the stake. A piece of parchment is pierced by the stake, crudely pinning the parchment to the knight's corpse. The parchment flaps occasionally with each gentle breeze blow, but the text is clear:

Evil will come upon Watertown in 10 days.

[samduke]

Siro watches as this man falls from his horse and observes the guards dropping their prisoner looking to see who all is distracted by these events ...

spot +10 [roll0]
slight of hand +13 [roll1]

Siro attempts to lift a coin purse from a distracted person, and then hears



Evil will come upon Watertown in 10 days.
on hearing this siro seeing some gathered at the knight will take his fresh loot and go and see to this fallen knight and what these others are doing.

[Orderic]

With a frown, Bertram looks at the piece of parchment, muttering "This seems to be quite an ominous day...", before rising to full height and, not quite yelling but still rather loudly exlaiming "A cleric! We need a cleric capable of casting spells of the third circle!"

[the Frogman]

You silently make your way behind one of the guards that was holding the manacled man. Amidst the chaos, you're able to lift some easy coin. You deftly slide your hand in and out of the guards pocket, stealing 3 gold coins and a brass key.

The crowd stares blankly at Bertram. The Zax Homebrew Gnome lets out a squeal.

Evil is coming!

The Gnome disappears in the crowd, causing an eruption of cries, shrieks, and squeals as chaos breaks out from the large festival crowd. People storm in every direction, shoving each other, toppling over each other, and stampeding over anyone who dares to fall in their wake. Tents topple two, three, at a time as the crowds scramble about the festival grounds. You hear the crashing of glass, yelling, and horrific screams as the people storm around the scene like a hurricane.

The manacled man breaks his way through the crowd and stops just short of the corpse. His curly black hair bounces momentarily with his abrupt stop. He pauses a moment to check over the corpse before looking over to Bertram.

This is a knight of Lizard's Keep! It's just a short distance west of here. You need to warn the knights of Lizard's Keep of their lost man and the damning note! Gods know the guards around here won't be of any help...

[Nebula]

Marstel rolls his eyes, and then he tries to calm the crowds by playing on his best flute:

Rolls:
Fascinate: with the ruckus going on around in the crowd, Marstel is going to have to roll pretty high, no?
I rolled a nat 2, so 12 with my +10 to perform. Well then...

[~Corvus~]

This is a knight of Lizard's Keep! It's just a short distance west of here. You need to warn the knights of Lizard's Keep of their lost man and the damning note! Gods know the guards around here won't be of any help...
Sammy sidles around to talk with the man and peppers him with questions, seeing as he wasn't going anywhere.
"'Scuse me, wha's your name? Sammy by the way. How do you know oll this? How many hour's ride would it take to reach this place, and is it hard to reach?

[samduke]

Sammy sidles around to talk with the man and peppers him with questions, seeing as he wasn't going anywhere.
"'Scuse me, wha's your name? Sammy by the way. How do you know oll this? How many hour's ride would it take to reach this place, and is it hard to reach?

Siro wanders up close to this knight of Lizard's Keep that the manacled man is talking about, You sir what do you know of this man and this keep you claim he is from? Siro looks the knight over for anything that would mark the man as a knight of lizards keep that could be easily removed

Spot +10 [roll0]
Search +8 [roll1]

[the Frogman]

As the chaos gets louder, the sound of a flute flows through the air. The noise seems to feed the chaos as the yelling gets louder and the cries persist. The manacled man looks to Marstel.

Why?

He looks to Sammy, a little surprised to see such confidence from such a small figure.

My name is not important. I was a scout for the local guard not too long ago, but was dismissed due to... extra-curricular activities. I'd love to chat some more, but if the threat is real, it means trouble for me too. Perhaps we can chat when this is all over. Just go west. It's a large stone tower. Hard to miss!

A pair of guards emerge from the hysteria and grab ahold of the manacled man. They both possess worried looks on their face and their uniforms are a bit rumpled; one of the guards is even missing a shoe. They declare that he is still under arrest and lead him into the chaos. Before disappearing in the crowd, the manacled man looks over his shoulder to Bertram and nods.


As you look over the corpse, there does not appear to be anything that differentiates him from the local guards. After a bit more digging through the corpse, which draws a few stares, you do happen to find a small green feather. You aren't sure if there's any significance to the feather, but it's the only thing you can pull from the body without drawing unwanted attention.

[Nebula]

Marstel stops playing the flute a bit after the manacled man addresses him, and looks annoyed.

He stuck around to listen to what he had to say, before the guy got dragged away...

[~Corvus~]

Sammy follows the manacled man as he begins to disappear and orders Mercy, "Fetch Him!"

While he's waiting for an even larger commotion to break out, he looks to Siro. Addressing him, he says "You look like the shifty type, eh? How much trouble d'ya think he was up to? Would it be tough to pick the locks of his chains?

Oh, and Bertram? Is there any magic that was used to kill this knight? Is there anything magical on him?"


Mercy (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/ape.htm) will do her best to retrieve the manacled man, per the rules of the Fetch command. (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/skills/handleAnimal.htm) She has a +6 to Listen

[Nebula]

Marstel sighs and faces the people left around the body:

"Are you all seeeeeriously that gullible?"

"I mean, all it took was some darkness and a dead knight, may he rest in peace, and now everyone thinks the town is DOOMED? *sigh* Well, if there does turn out to be a real threat, I could be of assistance..."

"Now about those locks good sir, I am quite well-versed myself, or I could even STUN the guards with my GOoooooORGIOUS looks, should it come to that..."

[Orderic]

With a sigh, ignoring the antics of the gnome - wait no, halfling - yet again, Bertram looks intently at the corpse. "I do indeed take care to prepare this cantrip every day."

And with a single, slow and measured gesture and a word in the tongue of dragons, Bertram performs one of the simplest spells taught to all wizards, and looks at the corpse again.


Detect Magic, obviously, concentrating for the entire three rounds.
Spellcraft in case it is needed:
[roll0]

Also, Knowledge (local) to see if I know anything about those knights.
[roll1]

[the Frogman]

As Mercy disappears into the frenzy, you hear a few screams.

The ape is going to kill us!

After a few brief moments, you hear the clanging of metal and Mercy quickly emerges from the slowly dwindling crowd, manacled man in tow. He looks rather confused at the party, his black curly hair a rumpled mess, as he tenses in Mercy's grasp.

Thanks for breaking me from custody, I suppose. We best be on our way before the guards come after you too!


As you attempt to Detect Magic on the corpse, you detect a slight aura, but it's rather faint. As you detect the corpse for magic, you do know of Lizard's Keep; after all, Lizard's Keep is not a secret. It is indeed a stone tower a relatively short distance west. The knights of Lizard's Keep typically carry a small green feather on their person, a token of their brotherhood.

[Orderic]

"There is some faint magic present, although not much and I find myelf unable to properly identify it. However, he should have a green feather with him, if he truly is such a knight. I propose taking corpse and feather to these knights and make further inqu... Now what is that ruckus over the-

He stares at the atrocious ape.

"Of course. That."

[~Corvus~]

With Mercy's triumphant return he stifles a laugh as he gives Siro a look that says Ah well. Sammy tosses a whole carrot--one of her favorite vegetables--to Mercy and she eagerly lets the unshackled man go to catch the root. Sammy showers her with praise, telling her she performed marvelously.

"Bertram, well done. Do you think we can slip past these people with this man? Can you make someone look like him for the guards?"

While Bertram thinks, the halfling leans in to the guard and lowers his voice. "We have a bi' of a wolk to the keep. Do you think you can help us? I can protect you if you tell us what you know. I..." he looks askance at Bertram as he scans the body. "I have some mates that could help you out of this bloody mess and get far away. We don't 'ave much time." He gives the man an earnest look, full of promise and a hunger for knowledge.

[samduke]

Siro attempts the key in the lock of the manacles on the man, to see if they open

failing that

open lock +10 [roll0]

[Nebula]

Marstel will try to help Siro open the lock if he has to pick it...

That would be a +2 to Siro's roll, yes?
Also Marstel would say "Allow me to help you with that, fellow"

[the Frogman]

The manacled man looks at Sammy, a subtle smile crossing his face.

I s'pose that could work... (manacled man)

Siro appears behind the manacled man, fussing with the manacles. The key pulled from the guard earlier turns on the first try, releasing the man from his tightly-cuffed manacles. (Siro now possesses manacles) With a grunt, the manacled man raises his arms, now manacle-free. He rubs his wrists and looks back to Siro, offering a nod.

Before any real thanks is able to be given, a pair of guards appear as the crowd slowly begins to thin out. They rest their gaze on the group surrounding the knight's corpse. They motion to other guards and point.

Aiding a criminal! Arrest them! (guards)

The guards that take notice of the command eye up the group around the corpse before rushing in. The manacled man motions his head to his left.

Perhaps now is a good time to leave? (manacled man)

[Nebula]

Marstel looks towards the previously manacled man, and says:
"I believe so my fellow, to Lizard's keep!"

Marstel starts running away from the guards.

[~Corvus~]

Sammy can't resist. He motions everyone else onward, including the former prisoner.

Sammy mounts Mercy, and has her keep out of reach of the guards. From his vantage, he announces to rhe guards, THIS MAN IS NEEDED TO AID YOUR PEOPLE. YOU LET HIM GO, AND YOUR TOWN WILL HAVE A CHANCE AGAINST THIS CURSE. I GIVE YOU MY WORD I WILL MAKE SURE HE IS NO MENACE TO YOUR TOWN AGAIN."

He leans down to him and says "Hear that, eh? This town woll see no more of yeh."

[samduke]

Siro quickly puts the manacles away then turns on his feet and follows the group out

[Orderic]

As he sees the prisoner being retrieved and unlocked, Bertram mutters to himself "This is a terrible idea..."

And no Sammy, I do not have such a spell. I am a real wizard, not one of those illusionists."

Then, as Sammy makes his anouncement to the guards, Bertram sighs and prepares to run from this town as fast as he can. "I should have learned Expeditious Retreat or Haste...

[the Frogman]

You disappear quite quickly in the crowd, following manacled man on the fastest path out of Watertown. He leads you into the dense forest that neighbors Watertown and quickly doubles over, gasping for air. Thick trees block your line of vision in every direction, but at least it's quiet. You can hear the occasional chirping of birds, but outside of that, you just hear manacled man gasping. After a few moments, he looks over to the party, rather embarrassed.

Sorry, but that was quite some run! Now... where were we?

[Nebula]

"..."
Marstel puts his hand under his chin and appears to be in deep thought

Nat 19 -1, for knowledge (geography)
EDIT: To see where he would be in relation to where the lizard knights are

[~Corvus~]

Sammy dismounts from Mercy and gives the man a nod to his efforts. He tells his ape, "Fetch Food!" When she disappears, he turns to the former prisoner. "First, cheers to meet you, erm, Scout. Siro here so expertly freed you from your shackles. Surely you agree, it takes a proper thieve's eye to spot the roight key on a copper."

Reaching into his pack, he takes out a (full) medium-sized waterskin to hand to Scout.

"So, why don't you tell us what you know? 'bout this keep, 'bout the curse, 'bout Watertown...Anythin' you think could 'elp us." he looks to his companions, leans in his head and raises an eyebrow, inviting them to speak up. "Anyone else 'ave useful ideres?"

[the Frogman]

You look up at the sun, curious to get an idea of where you are. By a rough guess, you would say you're a little west of Watertown, just inside the treeline. If you know anything about Lizard's Keep, you know it's just a short distance away.

Manacled man takes a moment to catch his breath and looks around. He takes a moment to He runs a hand through his curly black hair and lets out a quick exhale.

That was quite some action back there! Well perhaps I should start with my name. The name is Vance Zakarias, former scout of the Watertown guard. Vance straightens up for a moment before relaxing his shoulders again. Well I don't know much about Lizard's Keep, or what this evil thing in ten days would be. I... was really nothing more than a run-of-the-mill guard for Watertown. They let me go for doing... extra-curricular activities.

He pauses, cranking his head to his left. He gets into position as you hear a ruffling of leaves. A large, earthy figure emerges from the brush, gaze fixed on the party. It let's out a strange earthen tone and raises mighty arms.

*Roll Initiatives*

[Nebula]

Marstel's line of thought breaks off with the sudden appearance of the earthy figure, and starts reaching for his rapier...

Initiative right here

(1d20+2)[22]
Dice not working for me on this thread...
I rolled here:
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?360840-Dice-Roller-Test-Thread-IV-A-New-Hope&p=20773572#post20773572

[samduke]

on hearing the noise siro draws his bow and notches an arrow aiming in the direction of the noise as A large, earthy figure emerges from the brush


Initiative [roll0]
and when its siros initiative turn he will fire the arrow
attack [roll1]
damage [roll2]
possible crit confirm [roll3]

[~Corvus~]

Sammy figures his options. Mercy is gone to look for food, so she can't help. He can summon a hippogriff, but it would take until next turn to act. Not bad, though. He could become a Babboon, but he would not be able to make any other shapes for the day. He could summon a bunch of crocs, but it doesn't seem necessary with one enemy. Or he could go even more simply: use the forest to their advantage. Entangle the brute, wait to see what happens. Great idea. Simple.


[roll0]
Siro will shoot the bugger before him. If the enemy retreats, he will call for Mercy. If he attacks, Sammy will cast Entangle (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/entangle.htm) in a cube that encompasses the enemy but no one else.
Sammy says to his friends, Retreat away from the forest. I 'Ave a surprise there. Vance, could you use this staff I 'ave? Instead of moving, he tosses his staff to the former guard; in his hands, it would be the size of a cudgel.

[Orderic]

Staring at the earthen figure, Bertram tries to figure out what the hell that thing ist, before raising his hands in preparation for a mighty spell...


Initiative: [roll0]
Knowledge check for the creature: [roll1]
I did not add the bonus, because I don't know which knowledge is relevant.

Action: Cast Blindness at that thing. CL 5, Fort DC 18. Unless my Knowledge tells me that it is immune to blindness or it is defeated before my turn.

[Nebula]

...Marstel changes his mind and starts reaching for the better of his two flutes...


Action: Marstel will use inspire courage, and will play something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwFWBD1ftpM

[roll0]

[the Frogman]

Battleground:

Battle Ground (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JcOCMpJjhNWYpEOl-vbqZJD-RXn6-Qt7AaHaa5i3wpI/edit#gid=0)

[the Frogman]

First Round:

Before the combat begins, you hear horrific shrieks coming from Marstel, smiling as he attempts to play on his flute. (result of rolling a 1) The music hurts your ears, but you oddly feel inspired. (giving you a +1 from Inspire Courage)

Inspire Courage does not require a roll, so it goes through... even if the music playing is less than stellar.

Bertram mutters words in an unknown language, almost gibberish sounding. The Earth Elemental is blinded and deaf. After the spell is cast, Siro whips out the bow, locking in an arrow and firing away! The bounces off the Elemental, getting a loud roar out of the Large creature. It waves its arms wildly, snapping branches off of the nearby trees. The branches then fight back, entangling themselves onto the Elemental. A quick look at Sammy would reveal a little smirk as the spell makes the Elemental immobile.

Vance looks over to the party members and shrugs. He runs in and makes an attack with the small Cudgel-like item. He swings furiously at the Elemental and lands a powerful blow at the Elemental's left knee. It lets out a painful sound and shakes in an attempt to break the branches that have it stuck in position. Fortunately, the branches snap slightly, but hold the Elemental in place.


*Begin Round 2*

Battle Ground (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JcOCMpJjhNWYpEOl-vbqZJD-RXn6-Qt7AaHaa5i3wpI/edit#gid=0)

[samduke]

when its siros initiative turn


Initiation Action: 1 standard action
Concentration check [roll0] using the target creature’s AC as the DC of the check, If Concentration check
succeeds, the target is flat-footed against your attack, and deal an extra 1d6 points of damage. If your check fails, attack is made with a –2 penalty and deals normal damage
single move to within melee range
attack [roll1]
damage [roll2]
sneak attack damage [roll3] in addition to the maneuver
possible crit confirm [roll4]


*Edit well I think he misses, not entirely certain siro can even get there depending on the distance from him to the elemental

[~Corvus~]

Sammy will call to Mercy, telling her to Come. Noticing that it is indeed an Earth Elemental, and that Siro's ranged attacks have little effect, he backs up to the right. As he moves he throws a pinch of dirt into the air and chants,
"Furious Sky, hear my call!
Disgorge your Wrath!
Lightning, fall!"


Move - 15' to the right, hoping that Mercy will be smart enough not to get herself entangled while she returns.

Free - call to Mercy, "Mercy, Come!"

Standard - Call Lightning (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/callLightning.htm)

[Nebula]

Marstel, oblivious to how his music actually sounded like, grins over-confidently...

He then sprints over to a tree near the elemental, switching out his flute with his rapier as he goes...


Movement: from F19 to F13 (6 squares)
Standard:-
Free: Switching out his flute for his rapier

Note: he will start crouching down once he is next to the tree, this is just him getting ready to sneak (he is not sneaking yet).

[Orderic]

Bertram nods, obviously satisfied, exclaiming "No further spellcasting should be necessary.", before drawing and loading his crossbow.

"Also, does someone need magical protection against attacks?"

[~Corvus~]

"Perhaps the guard?"

[the Frogman]

Round 2:

Marstel ends his jovial flute-playing as the fighting continues on. He deftly trades out his flute for a shiny weapon (a rapier for those who don't know) and crouches behind a nearby tree. He appears to be preparing for an attack of epic proportions, but it must not be time yet. As Marstel moves, you hear Bertram yell out "No further spells should be necessary!" as he begins preparing his crossbow. The crossbow takes a moment, but appears to be ready to be fired at the hulking piece of earth. Siro moves closer into position, careful not to draw unwanted attention while also avoiding getting wrapped up in the entanglement. The mysterious man has his weapon readied, also waiting for the moment to strike. As the commotion moves closer to the Elemental, Sammy calls out to Mercy, the hulking gorilla. He runs off to the side, eager to gain the attention of his favored animal. In moments, you hear rumbling as Mercy sprints to Sammy. After calling to Mercy, Sammy cries out the following:

"Furious Sky, hear my call!
Disgorge your Wrath!
Lightning, fall!"

You hear the clap of thunder as a bolt of lightning touches down.

Roll damage on Call Lightning


Vance prepares himself for another vicious swing, but trips into entangled roots below. He falls over, falling prone. The Earth Elemental lets out a vicious roar as its sight seems set on Vance Zakarias. Fortunately for Vance, the creature is still stuck in the branches, but you hear more cracking and snapping!


Battle Ground (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JcOCMpJjhNWYpEOl-vbqZJD-RXn6-Qt7AaHaa5i3wpI/edit#gid=0)


*Begin Round 3!*

[samduke]

*Begin Round 3!*

Siro

Emerald Razor Strike Maneuver - As part of this maneuver, make a single melee attack against an opponent.
This is a touch attack rather than a standard melee attack. If you hit, you deal normal melee damage

Move from H12 to H10
Attack: [roll0]
Confirm Critical: [roll1]
Dagger Damage: [roll2]
Sneak Attack Damage as the elemental is grappled : [roll3]

[~Corvus~]

Sammy puts his effort into mounting Mercy. He gives her reassuring pats on the head, and tells the group, "It's time for lightning!!"

Focusing on the spell, Sammy opens himself up to the pulse and thrum of the air and ground. Split seconds before the first bolt slams down onto the elemental, he imagines the bolt doing exactly that.


Call Lightning actually unlocks Caster-level number of uses of lightning, a max of 10, each a 30-foot vertical strike. Earth elementals take 50% more damage from lightning:
[roll0] * 1.5 or 11 + 5, or 16 total.
Edit: oops, each is 3d6 damage.

Move: Mount Mercy
Standard: Call down lightning bolt.

[Orderic]

Moving a few feet farther away from the elemental, Bertram calmly aims at it, awaiting an opportunity to shoot.

Moving.... I'm not sure where. Can't currently see the battlefield. From what I remember, let's say south 20 feet. And ready an action to shoot as soon as it is not adjacent to one of my allies.

[Nebula]

Marstel leaps out from behind his cover, and sprints out shouting "EN GARDE!" as he goes to thrust with his rapier into the elemental's body...


Marstel moves to F10
[roll0]

Marstel attacks with his rapier
To hit:
Damage: [roll2]
Critical confirm: [roll]#d#+X

Sneak attack (if applicable): [roll3]

[the Frogman]

Marstel jumps out from behind his tree, rapier glistening in the sun. He yells to the Elemental before driving his blade into the earthen beast. Siro follows up this sneaky-ish attack with one of his own. He slices into the Elemental as rocks and debris crumble off of it, bringing out a shriek of pain from the Elemental.

It's time for lightning! Sammy yells as the crackling finally turns into a bolt of lightning, striking the elemental and slicing the creature in half.

It crumbles from the branches clutches, creating a silent mound of rock. After all the shrieking and roars coming from the creature, the silence is deafening. It is abruptly ended though as you can hear Vance rustling in the entangled roots.

[Nebula]

Marstel sheathes his rapier, brushes off his clothes, pulls out his flute, flicks back his hair, and proceeds to play a victory song...


[roll0]
Also the song would sound like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jsa32iXHnQ

[~Corvus~]

Sammy grumbles, "I conjure some spells and this bloke isn't even decent enough to take more hits." He asks Mercy to hunt for "big food."
Since he has 4 bolts of lightning left he will try to use them. He will then spend the next 5 minutes hitting any large-sized animal that is, by his estimation, edible. Should Mercy's scent and tracking be needed, he gets a Survival roll...
[roll0] plus scent, meaning they can follow...pretty much any trail. Elk preferred, and Sammy will direct Mercy to his preferred one.
"Tha' one righ' there, Mercy, is a 'uge bugger. You find us that, and we'll feed oll of us, eh? Best we get goin' sweetheart, trail's fresh. Seek!!

[the Frogman]

As Sammy goes hunting with Mercy, Vance slowly cuts his way through the thick roots. He lets out a grunt as he finally gets to his feet, eyeing the party. He offers a sheepish smile as the soft music hits his ears.

Nice music Marstella... We're still going to Lizard's Keep right?

[Nebula]

Martel's eyes widen with an uncontrollable rage at the mispronunciation of his name, and he takes out his flute to say:

"IT IS MARSTEL!"

He then lets out a deep breath and says in a more polite tone:

"Good fellow, it would do you good to remember my name in its full grandeur... now I shall play us a tune until we reach the keep!"

He puts his grand flute to his mouth and begins to play another tune...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txz268v3r4M

[Orderic]

"It seems that you were right, Sammy. The forest is truly a dangerous place."

Bertram looks around for a moment, before addressing the group: "Now, I believe we should continue our journey, unless anyone needs to rest, in which case I will provide an extradimensional resting place. As far as I am concerned, however, there is no need to rest, just to regain a single spell."

[~Corvus~]

Not ten minutes later, Sammy returns, perched upon Mercy who carries a lightning-schorched deer in her arms. When Bertram talks to him, he nods carefully. "Well, if we stop to cook this deer now we're set with food for several days. Mercy and I are a good hunting team. But we could always cook it at the keep. I'll follow your lead, but if it takes more than three hours to find the keep, let's stop and eat. Deal?"

Sammy looks to Vance. "What sort of extracurricular activities did you engage in? Its not like we dont have the time. And you said that the disturbance meant trouble for you. What were you on about? "

[the Frogman]

As Sammy reappears with the venison, Vance offers a smile. He shrugs at Sammy's question and smirks. Nothing you wouldn't expect of a young guard!

You hear birds and a quiet whirring noise somewhere in the dense forest, but outside of the few noises, the forest is surprisingly peaceful and serene. Vance cranes his neck to get a view of the sky and looks to Bertram.

We're probably a good hour away from the Keep. Judging by the sun, I'd say we could make it to the keep before nightfall, but we would have time for little else. So my friends, the decision is yours. Would you rather spend the night out exposed in the forest or just trudge straight to the Keep? Also... mind if I keep my hands on this cudgel? It feels quite nice!

[samduke]

well if its all the same I would rather not spend the night here exposed an hours travel you say, then I say lets get going.

[Nebula]

Marstel stops playing his tune, and says:

"I agree, if it were to rain and I were outside, my attire would be RUuuined!"

He then bears a quizzical expression and asks:

"How do I look anyways? Is my hair still good? My face-powder isn't running, is it? Is it!?"

[~Corvus~]

Nothing you wouldn't expect of a young guard!...Also... mind if I keep my hands on this cudgel? It feels quite nice!

Sammy is not happy. He growls, and snarls to Vance as he talks, using his left hand with his thumb and pointer finger pinched together in a gesture of held-back aggression. "The deal was we break you free, you TALK. So far, I've lent you a staff that has a good deal of meaning to me, I let you be useful in a fight, and kindly asked you a few questions which you more than readily agreed to do earlier, and now you ask to keep one of my few prized possessions."

Sammy pauses, menace barely contained by his scowl. He thinks, unwittingly projecting his thoughts to Vance, Told us fock-all, tha's what. And a hedgy bugger besides. I'm about thirty seconds from me and Mercy making him our main course for tonight. I doubt the town'll miss 'im

"Let's review your answers, shall we?" As he rattles off the list, Sammy tilts his head in a cocky re-iteration of what he remembers.
"1) You need to warn the knights of Lizard's Keep of their lost man and the note.
2) I was a scout for the local guard, but was dismissed due to extra-curricular activities. If the threat is real, it means trouble for me too.Perhaps we can chat when this is all over.
I 'ad Mercy 'ere rescue you so we could chat now.
3) I don't know much about Lizard's Keep, or what this evil thing in ten days would be. I was really nothing more than a run-of-the-mill guard for Watertown. They let me go for the same bloody piss of an excuse I told you before.
4) I've done nothing you wouldn't expect of a young guard."

Sammy pauses to give Vance a really hard look. Mercy, his large ape, towers over Vance and still carries a large deer--likely over 300 pounds--with relative ease. Easily identifiable scorch marks from the deer make it clear that Sammy and the ape managed to kill it without much struggle.

"We killed this deer without too much bloodshed, eh? So again, I ask you--kindly--why don't you tell us something useful, such as 1) why if this threat is real, it will mean trouble for you, too. And 2) What little you know about Lizard's keep. And 3) if your activities involve more than a few shaggings while on duty. I think you'd be a lot more use to us as a scout and a friend than otherwise. Please, for your protection, TALK."

[Nebula]

Marstel awkwardly looks at Sammy and then to Vance, and then starts to slowly back away to where Siro is...


"Siro wasn't it? Do you think we should intervene in the matter between these two fellows? I would hardly want the blood of either of them to splatter over my clothes, should they start to go at each other..."

[samduke]

Siro looking at the pair whom seem to be engaged in an otherwise heated discussion.


I'll wager 2 copper on the monkey doing its business before this is resolved
unless they start going to blows I am staying out of it

[the Frogman]

Vance looks at Sammy, then Mercy, then back at Sammy. He straightens himself, looking defiantly to Sammy. He watches as Marstel and Siro back away slowly and furrows his brow to Sammy. Even the birds go silent, as does the ambient noises of the forest.

Remember... I did not ask for you help, nor did I need it. To answer your silly question, if evil comes to Watertown, whatever it may be, that means I'm affected too. After all, I am a citizen of Watertown. The little I know of Lizard's Keep is that they're a private bunch. Unless you join the Keep, you are an outsider that is not privy to their business. As a guard of Watertown, I was not privy to their business. Now, I hope that clears things up for you; or maybe you are as dense as your beast here. Vance waves an arm to Mercy before turning on his heels.

Vance pauses and offers a smile to Marstel. You look dashing, my good man. Onto Lizard's Keep?

[~Corvus~]

Sammy smoulders but holds himself back. If he'd been sharper of wit, he'd certainly have a retort of his own. For now, he settled with a grunt and urged Mercy forward. "P'raps we could camp in a place of our choosin' an' a few of us invite some of the knights to talk with us there? We woll be nearby, stock up on food, and they don't have to invite us in."

[Nebula]

Marstel's face brightens up at Vance's last comment
"Why thank yoouuu..."

He then turns around to the rest of the group
"I think we should let Vance do whatever he wants to do! Now I'll go ahead with whoever wants to greet the knights of lizard keep!"

[the Frogman]

Vance nods and directs the party to the Lizard's Keep. As you wander through the dense forest, Vance pauses periodically, listening to the sounds of the forest. Each of you feel random critters crawl and brush against you, but nothing jumps out of the seemingly endless brush. After marching for what seems like an eternity, you see a gray stone tower through the treeline. As you approach, there is a clearing in the forest where the tower stands, but the area is clear. You see a light flickering inside, but there is little other commotion.

Looking out above the trees, you see the sun setting in a splash of pink and orange. You hear the buzzing of insects, but the rest of the forest seems to be quieting down for the night.

[~Corvus~]

Sammy surveys the area from his vantage while there is still light. He's looking for a decent spot to set up camp that also is somewhat defensible. "Roight, I'm off to gather materials for our feast, but before we do that, does anyone see a spot that'd make a good camp? I say.. over there, by that little ridge? Vance, is that a river? Bloody brilliant place to make camp if y'ask me. Surrounded on two soides by a decent cliff, cut off by a river. Bloody tough to find a better spot. Or are my eyes misleadin' me?"


Spot: [roll0]
Survival: [roll1] for gathering food-preparation materials and rabbits, whatever game is close by and accessible by use of his Sling.

Oh yeah!!! NAT 20 ON THE SPOT BABY!!

[samduke]

On reaching the area of the would be camp siro begins to search around gathering wood, branches anything else that might burn easily, then starts a fire in the center of the would be camp. afterwords siro walks over to marstell.

Here I lost , siro hands over 2 coppers

[Orderic]

Looking around the soon-to-be campsite, Bertram scowls slightly.

"Very well. If we are to rest here and invite those knights to our campsite, so be it. However, I am not willing to sleep in this... natural habitat."

He sets his pack down on the ground, removes a silken rope from it into which several knots have been made and throws it into the air.



"R̎̎̆̅ȯ͔̏ͦͨ͌p̎͗̊̄̔̾ͩͅe̼͓͉̯̩ͅ ͓̑̄ͮ͑T̖̩̙͍͉ͫͤ̍ͮͧ̀ȓ̯̭̣ͨͧi̷̹̖͛ĉ̰̻̩kͪͣͮͭ̒̆ͮ"


Rope Trick, extended for 10 hours of rope trickery.

[the Frogman]

As Sammy looks, he finds a spot shining with what appears to be a holy light. Thick tree trunks surround the area, offering cover from the area, and there's even a small dip in the ground for a concealed campfire. As you approach the area, you notice a comfortable hammock of thread with "Sammy" stitched into the fabric. A small jar of liquid rests on the hammock and a hearty plate of food sits just beside, fresh with delicious tomatoes, meats, cheeses, and even a doughnut!

(Perks of rolling a nat 20)

Vance follows Sammy to the perfect campground and glances over his shoulder to the tower. It still stands, silent as before.

So... who's going in the Keep?

[Nebula]

"That would be me, but who else?"

[~Corvus~]

Sammy nods to the camp and the potential food. "I'll stay 'ere, an if one morra ya stay, we can get a feast goin' Maybe we should invite 'em 'ere, tell 'em together?"

[samduke]

After getting the camp fire going Siro sits down near Sammy, I'm staying here at least until daylight

[the Frogman]

Vance sighs and steps towards Marstel. I'll go with you. Only the gods know how the Lizard's Keep knights will respond to the circumstances.

Vance looks back to the rest of the party and offers a reassuring nod. Don't expect any help, but be ready for anything... Vance motions Marstel to follow him and leads him to the entrance of the stone keep and motions Marstel inside.

As you enter the stone keep, the first thing you notice is that it is rather dark in the keep. You can still see, but corners are a bit shadier. A dimly lit torch sits on a perch along the far wall, offering some semblance of light for the room. The sound is what hits you most though, or rather, the absence of sound. No clanking of swords, no chatting or arguing. You see no movement and hear no sound. Vance is behind you, but outside of that, there is no sign of life. Disrupting the silence, you hear a soft sobbing noise, coming from one of the shadowy corners...

As Marstel and Vance walk into the keep, you are now left with Sammy's found campground. The hammock still visible, Sammy's name still stitched into it, and food a-plenty sitting beside it. A small liquid bottle sits in the hammock. You are surrounded by the sound of chirping birds and chattering critters. The symphony of nature sounds beautiful, but mercifully quiets down with each passing moment.

[~Corvus~]

Sammy nods to Siro. "Roigh' then, let's get to puttin' this deer on these sticks, then we'll get it propped up 'ere...."

Soon after they've left, Sammy shows Siro how to carve the leathery flesh off the deer while the fire is barely going, and how it's also somewhat cured in the process.

"Now, 'ere we go, slip it past there...yeh, jus' like tha! Yer good, Siro, well done! Any bloody better and I'd call you a natural!

[Nebula]

Marstel steps in the direction of the sobbing noise, and says gently:
"Hello? Are you alright? Is everything ok?"
He then whispers to Vance:
"I think we were too late..."

[the Frogman]

The sobbing softens as you call out. The flame of the small torch dances off the wall, it's dim light offering a small glimpse of a figure huddled against the wall. It mutters softly to itself, barely above a whisper.


They're gone... they're all gone...

[Nebula]

Marstel tries to sound comforting:
"Who's gone? The knights? Don't worry, we're here now, we can help."
Marstel takes another step in the figures direction...

Marstel tries to figure out who he is looking out by their voice and also by discerning their features. Marstel is also trying to get get a rough understanding of how the figure is feeling right now.
Spot[roll0]
Listen[roll1]
Sense Motive[roll2]

[samduke]

siro finds the process of curing meat interesting, do you suppose I should set some defensive traps about?

[Orderic]

"That depends on the severity of expected danger. Sammy, would you recommend securing our campsite with traps?"

[the Frogman]

You see the lone figure wearing a hooded cloak, concealing much of his identity. As you approach the figure, you get the sense that this figure is more struggling with insanity that anything. His voice has a slight shriekiness to it, and you feel it on the ears as it echoes through the keep. Vance is directly behind you, following your every step. After coming just a few feet from the figure, its head pops up, eyeing you up. The face is twisted and leathery, saggy in many parts as if made of melting wax. His wild eyes blink and he jumps to his feet.

Look what they did to me! Look at me!

The figure pulls at his skin. It seems to just be hanging on his body like a canvas, thick and leathery and dark. He pulls at skin on his face, stretching it out to an uncomfortable distance. He let's out a growl, releases his skin, and stares at you with crazy yellow eyes.

They're all gone... and now you shall join them!

*Roll Initiative*

Battle Ground (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j10hJ3DkaBSGLEi-1DlUDvH9GDAgo9v-cTTqd3cG0FI/edit#gid=0)

[~Corvus~]

Sammy looks about the site. He smiles at Siro and says "Oi'm not one to say no to somethin' you think we need. If you think we do, I'll trust ye. "

He looks over to the keep. "I can't 'ear a bloody thing from tha' keep. And 'ere we bloody roasted a deer. "

[Nebula]

"By Corellon's sweet mercy, kill it! kill the ugly thing!"

Marstel immediately goes to draw his rapier

Marstel Moves to I 11 (unless the figure comes to him first)
Marstel attempts to stab the ugly thing (and put it out of its misery)
Attack Roll [roll0]
Criticcal Confirm Roll [roll1] (if applicable)
Damage Roll [roll2]

[the Frogman]

As the combat begins, Marstel charges bravely at the mysterious figure, narrow blade drawn. He takes a stab at him, piercing the figure through the shoulder. The figure lets out a painful shriek, but quickly regains focus and eyes Marstel. Before it can react, however, Vance charges in and takes a mighty swing with the "borrowed" cudgel from Sammy. A loud clunk echoes in the room as the cudgel connects on its head. The figure growls, baring human teeth and furrows its brow. Instead of swinging back, however, the figure waves fingers around. You hear a liquid sound as the area behind you gets drenched in a yellowy liquid.

*being round 2*

Battle Ground (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j10hJ3DkaBSGLEi-1DlUDvH9GDAgo9v-cTTqd3cG0FI/edit#gid=0)

[Nebula]

Marstel goes to stab the deranged figure again with his rapier...

Attack [roll0]
Critical confirm (if needed) [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

[samduke]

siro cures meat and contemplates building traps

[~Corvus~]

Sammy looks to Bertram and Siro. "Say, I've got an idear. Why don't we see what's happened in tha keep? We could even roll some dice to see who goes!"

Before anyone can object, he pulls out what looks like a square-shaped marble with vague number-shaped symbols on it. He rolls the die, and says "Lowest roll goes into the castle!"
[roll0]
"Well you two are buggared, innit? "

[samduke]

Sammy looks to Bertram and Siro. "Say, I've got an idear. Why don't we see what's happened in tha keep? We could even roll some dice to see who goes!"

Before anyone can object, he pulls out what looks like a square-shaped marble with vague number-shaped symbols on it. He rolls the die, and says "Lowest roll goes into the castle!"
[roll0]
"Well you two are buggared, innit? "

Siro examines the obviously loaded die.. I say if any of us goes in we all go

[~Corvus~]

Sammy gives Siro his second-best grin and points to the hammock, the roasting deer and sweeps his hand across the camp. "Y'know wha? How 'bout this. This camp won't guard itself, an' I don't trust ol' Mercy dear to not eat the deer. I'll stay an the three a ya go, how 'bout tha?" He cuts a long, juicy strip of meat off the flank of the deer and turns the spit, and gets Mercy's attention. He asks her to do him a favor and tells her that if she agrees he will give her this meat and more later. With her eager acceptance, he hands her the juicy (undercooked but delicious) deer and she gobbles it momentarily.

"Mercy, Guard Bertram." Sammy then pulls out a strip of cloth from his bag, ties it around his Ape's left fist and intones,
"Guardians of Earth,
Hear my simple plea:
Bless this one's Claws
To strike Mightily"

Magic Fang - on Mercy's Claws. Duration: 5 min (30 rounds) All Claw attacks by Mercy are now +1 magic weapons. They get a +1 Enhancement to attack, damage, and count as Magic for the purposes of bypassing Danage Reduction.
NB: this does not affect her (secondary) Bite

[the Frogman]

Marstel reaches forward, piercing the figure again with his sharp blade. You find that same shoulder, poking an identical hole next to the original one. The figure growls, but simply pushes a hand towards the torch. You hear metal grating before the lit torch falls to the ground. Immediately, you feel the heat of a fire, as the grease sent out in a previous spell immediately bursts into flame. The fire seems to be spreading rather quickly, as tapestries seem to line the walls of the Keep. Marstel also hears the door slam behind him. Vance remains focused on the figure and takes another powerful swing. As he ***** his hands back, the cudgel slips from his grasp and flies a few feet away. Vance looks at Marstel with a sheepish grin and red cheeks.

Battle Ground (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j10hJ3DkaBSGLEi-1DlUDvH9GDAgo9v-cTTqd3cG0FI/edit#gid=0)


Siro, Bertram, and Mercy run towards the keep only to be cut off by a closed door. As you approach the door, the door bares sharp teeth and waves the large door handles towards Siro. The handles fall just out of reach, forcing an unintelligible sound from the door...

*Roll Initiatives*

Battle Ground (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K9dq_UORk2PjsoDT2cv-M-LV6t9b8u8pWqDlxZ-wFQs/edit#gid=0)

[~Corvus~]

Mercy growls back at the door, the hair on her neck rising. She warily waits to see what happens to Bertram.


Delay Standard
[roll0] <--Initiative

[Nebula]

Marstel face drops when he sees Vance drop his weapon, but then he pulls out one of his daggers with his other hand, and outstretches it in Vances direction.

He does this while continuing to attack the man in the corner

Attack [roll0]
Critical confirm (if needed) [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

[samduke]

What the heck it is a possessed door..

free knowledge (local +5 & history +5 [roll0] / [roll1] to see if there is something that would say this is not a possessed door

5 ft step to 10 J
draw and fire an arrow at the "door": [roll2]
confirm crit [roll3]
damage [roll4]

[the Frogman]

Battle at Lizard's Keep: Round 1

Marstel (init 16)
Marstel ignores the scorching flames behind him and remains focused on the darkened figure before him. He thrusts his blade forward once more, piercing that same shoulder and producing that same shriek as before. Blood is pouring out of the wound.

Vance (init 12)
Vance slowly steps back from the figure before running back to get the cudgel. He picks it up off the ground and mumbles to himself.

Mercy (init 10)
Mercy stands idly by and watches Bertram, who is distracted at the moment.

Door (init 8)
The door lunges its handles out, to no avail. The door then shakes violently, but nothing happens.

Siro (init 6)
Siro is taken aback by the attacking door, but still manages to remained focused on the situation. This is no ordinary door, but instead a Mimic. You pull out an arrow and fire into the door, hitting it right above a handle.

Acolyte (init 3)
The Acolyte waves his arms around again, spreading the fire rapidly. Marstel and Vance feel the heat of the flames grow around them.

Bertram (init 1)
Bertram is ready to fight the door, but is distracted by a childhood flashback...


Battle Ground (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j10hJ3DkaBSGLEi-1DlUDvH9GDAgo9v-cTTqd3cG0FI/edit#gid=0)

*Begin Round 2*

[samduke]

It's not possessed its a blasted mimic !


note to DM Siro should be 15 ft from the door not 20 comparing from battle map 1 <5 ft step to 10 J>
to battle map 2 < 31 L >
and on that 1st round I did not roll an initiative roll ...
Initiative [roll0] - edit and looks like init 6 is better oh well so be it either way
attack [roll1]
confirm crit [roll2]
damage [roll3]

[Orderic]

"It is still a door that tries to eat us. I had heard stories of entire rooms and buildings where everything wants to eat you, but it is still ridiculous."




"E̸͢͜x̸҉̸̧̛t҉̴̨̀̕e̷͠n̢̕̕͡͠d͢͜͠͝e͜d̨̨ ̶̢͜
̡͠Ḿ̸̛͢a̷͢͠ģ̸é̶͟͞ ͟À̸̧̛҉r҉͘͢͟m̡̧͢o̧̕͠͠r͜͜͝҉"

He exclaims, while touching a hand to Mercy's back.

"So, 'Mercy', can you attack that door for me?"



initiative: [roll0]

Extended Mage Armor on Mercy. +4 Armor for 10 hours.

[~Corvus~]

Mercy tilts her head. She looks to Bertram, then at the door, hair still raised. If she could speak, she'd likely remind the wizard that he was OK. Her orders were to Guard the wizard, not attack doors.

She looks up at the tower to try and spot a window.

Spot [roll0] Unless it's in plain sight, nope.

[~Corvus~]

Curious, Mercy's head tilts to one side. She might hear (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=20813021&postcount=91) the commotion inside. In this case, she will find a window she can climb up to and do so.


[roll0] to climb up the tower. NB: she can counts the combined weight of Bertram and Siro as light, so they could technically climb onto her and wouldn't affect her climb roll. If they let her, she will carry them in one arm / support them as she climbs. Apes are well-known to climb like this.

[the Frogman]

Bertram -17
Bertram jiggles his fingers about and a faint light encompasses the unexpecting Mercy. He whispers to Mercy, careful to stay away from the flailing door.

Marstel- 16
Marstel holds his rapier and pauses, realizing that he left the stove on...

Vance- 12
Vance looks over to the flames and grapples Marstel. (passed) He throws the dazed man over his shoulder and runs from the crazy figure in the corner, careful to avoid his reach.

Mercy- 10
Mercy is rather confused by the glint of light from the Mage Armor. She looks at Bertram blankly before looking at the Keep. She looks for windows, but sees nothing but stone. She can hear a crackling noise coming from the top of the Keep, not from a window, but from the stairs that lead to the roof. She grabs the nearby Bertram and Siro, and begins climbing towards the roof. (if Siro and Bertram allow)

Mimic- 8
The door tries to shake free of its frame, but the tower begins to crack around it. As it continues to shake violently on its frame, the keep begins to sway side by side as the crack grows rapidly.

Siro- 6 :smallwink:
Siro pulls out another arrow and draws the bow, but sneezes just before shooting the arrow. The arrow disappears into the night.

Acolyte- 3
The figure lets out a cackle as he continues to wave his arms. Flames burst from the tower floor.

*Begin Round 3*

Battle Ground (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j10hJ3DkaBSGLEi-1DlUDvH9GDAgo9v-cTTqd3cG0FI/edit#gid=0)

[samduke]

siro attempts to aim his shot carefully : [roll0]
confirm crit: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[Orderic]

while being carried up the keep, Bertram grumbles to himself "'Tis a good day to have prepared Feather Fall."

[Nebula]

Marstel runs as far as he can to the staircase, shouting out to Vance:
"Run away Vance, or we'll be taken down with him!"



Sorry for not responding, nice improvisation for Marstel though :smallbiggrin:

[the Frogman]

Round 3

Bertram- 17
Bertram mutters to himself as the ape goes up.

Marstel- 16
Marstel bolts up the stairs, leaving Vance a step behind. The flames continue to grow within the keep, raising the temperature inside the Keep significantly. While running, Marstel notices the walls beginning to crack around a violently shaking door.

Vance- 12
Vance follows Marstel's lead up the stairs, clutching the cudgel tightly.

Mercy- 10
Mercy pauses mid-climb as a butterfly lands directly on her nose.

Mimic- 8
The door continues shaking violently, finally breaking free of the door frame. It eyes Siro and steps towards him, teeth bared. The wall begins to cave in on itself, collapsing where the door once sat. As the wall begins to collapse, the flames shoot up into the night sky, growing in intensity.

Siro- 6
Siro shoots at the door that is now standing directly in front of him. The arrow pierces the door, lodging just next to the handle.

Acolyte- 3
The acolyte's laughter echoes from inside the keep. The fire continues to spread around him, blocking his path to escape. As the figure's laughter continues, it disappears amidst the flames.


*Begin Round 4*

Battle Ground (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j10hJ3DkaBSGLEi-1DlUDvH9GDAgo9v-cTTqd3cG0FI/edit#gid=0)

[samduke]

Presuming that the mimic ends up right next to siro at K29...otherwise see alternate action
Double Move Action: Tumble Check from L31 to K32 [roll0]
Continue Move action: K32 to J32 to I32 to H31 to H27
Climb Check: [roll1] using the rest of the move action to climb up as high as possible edit just read the ooc that said tower was crumbling
***
Alternate action
Presuming that the mimic ends up right next to siro at K31 or L30....
Double Move Action: Tumble Check from L31 to M32 [roll2]
Continue Move action: M32 to N31 to IN28 to L27
Climb Check: [roll3] using the rest of the move action to climb up as high as possible edit just read the ooc that said tower was crumbling

[~Corvus~]

Mercy continues her climb to the top of the tower, Bertram in tow.


Climb: [roll0]

[Nebula]

Marstel looks down to the crumbling wall, and puts a hand on Vance to get his attention
"My fellow, I'm not too sure about this, but I think our way out is about to open up..."
Marstel will just wait and see if the wall crumbles enough to escape through, but will move just enough up to escape the heat if it the heat becomes unbearable

[Orderic]

Bertram merely grumbles quietly to himslf while being carried.

[the Frogman]

Round 4 (feel free to read any of the Combat Spoilers for this round and any round. I just put them in spoilers for organizational purposes)

Bertram- 17
Bertram continues to be carried around by the ape. However, with the Keep collapsing below you, the ape seems to struggle at the top of the Keep.

Marstel- 16
The stone wall is collapsing before Marstel, who is currently waiting for an opening. The stone wall is collapsing slowly, but it seems to be collapsing towards Marstel into the stairway. You can feel the heat of the fire as it continues to spread, but you are high enough on the stairs to be safe for now.

Vance- 12
Vance stands inches behind Marstel, eyeing the flames carefully. We should probably consider getting out of here.

Mercy- 10
Mercy triumphantly makes her way to the top of the Keep. As she makes her way over the last bit of wall, the Keep shifts as the wall collapses below you. (Roll a Balance/Reflex check)

Mimic- 8
The Mimic shifts its way to Siro, sharp teeth glistening in the moon. As it closes in, it swings out in a vicious attack. The attack whizzes just over Siro's head, missing its mark by a few hair-lengths.

Siro- 6
Siro dodges the Mimic's attack and tumbles away from the Mimic. Dust shoots up as Siro rolls away from the attacking door. Siro makes a run towards the Keep, standing adjacent to one of the crumbling walls.



*Begin Round 5*

Battle Ground (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j10hJ3DkaBSGLEi-1DlUDvH9GDAgo9v-cTTqd3cG0FI/edit#gid=0)

[samduke]

siro looking at the ever collapsing structure and smoke billowing from within, looking in hope of seeing those who went in, then looking up for those who went up to safely come down, then back towards the mimic...


Move action: Move to D 28
notch an arrow as he moves turn aim fire at the mimic: [roll0]
confirm crit: [roll1]
damage: [roll2]

[Orderic]

"Well, this is not good. Perhaps it would be better to return to the ground. Mercy! Down!", Bertram exclaims, while pointing towards the ground.


If we fall down, I will cast Feather Fall on Mercy and me.

[~Corvus~]

Mercy frowns, lets go of Bertram and temporarily takes to all 4s to balance.

Reflex: [roll0] Edit: I bet she passed.
Balance: [roll1]
If needed, Climb to regain balance upon falling: [roll2]

[~Corvus~]

As if letting go of Bertram was all she needed, Mercy stands back up and smells the air. She looks at Bertram and the ground and frowns and continues to sniff the air. She rushes over to the stairs, and looks amid the smoke for the source of the odd smell. When she sees Vance and Marstel, she grins widely, says, Hoooo!!! and picks Vance back up again, only to start climbing down the tower, as ordered by Bertram.


Move to stairs area on top (this should be close by)
Standard: Grab Vance and begin to descend.
[roll0]

[the Frogman]

*Round 5*

As the Keep walls continue to crumble, Mercy manages to keep her balance amid the collapsing stones below her. She swoops Bertram in one arm and reaches down to grab Marstel and Vance. As the stones collapse below you, Mercy runs for the edge. Mercy dives out from the tower, just as the ceiling gives way. You all crumble to the ground as the tower is reduced to rubble behind you. Dust shoots out in every direction, replacing what was once a beautiful stone tower.

Vance groans in pain and rolls over as the dust slowly settles. Let's be more careful next time, yeah?


*Battle Over*

[Nebula]

Marstel picks himself off the ground and pulls out a mirror to check himself out...
looking noticeably panicked, and runs into the woods, pulling out his make-up kit as he runs behind some nearby trees...

[PallentisLunam]

A minute or two after the main collapse has finished echoing throughout the surrounding countryside, the heavy rumble of hooves can be heard. Moments later an armored, jet black destrier bursts out of the forest. Astride it is a man covered from head to toe in gleaming, burnished plate. On his left side he wields an equally well polished heater shield and with his right hand he holds a lance. As he thunders across the clearing he sets his lance into its saddle rest so that the point is directed upwards, but his hand remains upon it. Slowing his horse to a fast trot he approaches the strangers and calls out in a strong voice, 'Sacrebleu! What 'appened 'ear?!"

As the knight gets closer and sits up straighter in his saddle, since he does not have to lean forward due to his mount's speed, it can be seen that curled up on the front horn of his saddle is a coal black house cat. Raising his visor the knight reveals a plain, unremarkable but honest face dominated by an enormous handlebar mustache, "Forgive me. Ah am forgeeting mah mannars. Mah name ez Sah Goospard Del Cuvillier uv Pahri. Ah am eh kniaght uv Franseh, 'ere seeking shevalrus advanturr. Zees ez mah nobel steed, Loyalty, und zees ez Meestah Meow!" He indicates the horse and the cat respectively.

The horse whinnies and tosses its head when introduced. The cat for its part blinks owlishly at those gathered in the clearing, its brilliant purple eyes offset by a delicate silver chain collar. When Ser Gaspard brings Loyalty to a complete stop the cat rises to its feet with a head spliting yawn that reveals needle sharp teeth. Arching its back high before stretching first its front legs then its back, the cat limbers and then promptly plops itself down on the horse's back and begins to clean its nether regions. The elevated position allows it to maintain eye contact while doing so.

"Meestah Meow! Zhat ez so rude! Can you naht show sahm common desansee?"

[samduke]

As the tower collapses into a pile of burning rubble and dust Siro tumbles out of the way avoiding the falling tower. After a minute or so when the dust starts to clear siro puts his bow away and draws both daggers and begins the careful search around the last known location for that mimic.

Move Silently +8 [roll0]
Search +8 [roll1]
Spot +10 [roll2]

[the Frogman]

In the heavy cloud of dust, you pull out your weaponry and hunt for the Mimic. The terrain is littered with heavy stone, and you were only a couple feet away from being crushed yourself! As you go towards where the Mimic was, you hear a light growling noise. Moments later, you see the door. Pinned under a block of stone, the door rests, unable to lift or even move the heavy block of stone.

[samduke]

In the heavy cloud of dust, you pull out your weaponry and hunt for the Mimic. The terrain is littered with heavy stone, and you were only a couple feet away from being crushed yourself! As you go towards where the Mimic was, you hear a light growling noise. Moments later, you see the door. Pinned under a block of stone, the door rests, unable to lift or even move the heavy block of stone.

well there it is

coup de grace to a helpless opponent
You automatically hit and score a critical hit
2 daggers damage [roll0] : [roll1]
maneuver: Rabid Wolf Strike +4 attack deal 2d6 extra -4 ac until next turn [roll2]
sneak attack applies 1d6 extra [roll3]
Fortitude save (DC 10 + damage dealt)

[the Frogman]

The wood splinters as your blades strike. The growling dies down rather quickly as the wood breaks more and more with each strike. In moments, the Mimic is silenced.

[~Corvus~]

This has been a wild day. Sammy, roasting the deer, has seen everything. Well, most of everything. Finally, he looks at the fire, the deer, and the madness in front of him and makes a decision: the deer will be OK for a few minutes. He's begun to run when the castle topples over. When the knight comes charging in, he has to scramble out of the way before Gaspard makes his pronouncement.

Sammy touches the flank of Gaspard's horse so it does not startle and walks right past Gaspard and the cat on the opposite side.

"Meestah Meow! Zhat ez so rude! Can you naht show sahm common desansee?"

Not bothering to pause for a second, he calls to Mercy: "Mercy, you crazy Ape, well done! You saved--" he peers under the horse. "Marstel, you sneaky bugger, you're not dead are you? Not crushed 'neath the stones, eh?"

He strides past Loyalty and turns to flash a grin to Marstel and the cat. "'Ello there, mister long name! Oi'm Sammy, a druid of the fifth circle moind you, and my companions 'ere 'ave just done a roight bloody good job seeing wha's in tha' keep. Why don't we all sit 'round a nice fire an' talk there, eh?" He points to the fire where a deer roasts. Juices drip into the fire and cause the flames to fizzle and pop loudly. "Don't tell me you're one of those vegans, mistah Pahri. Bloody shame if ya were."


Handle Animal (to not let it startle): [roll0]

[Nebula]

Marstel just tilts his head back, peering disapprovingly at the rest of the (old) party, his face now showing fresh make-up.

"Hmmmph!"

He then looks to the man clad in the beautiful shining armour, and the gorgeous cat and says:
"I don't quite think I have met such a GOooorgeous pair such as yourself, nice to make your acquaintance my fellows!"

[samduke]

Siro cleaning his daggers of the mess, walk over to the others, grabs some food, and starts to eat while listening.

[the Frogman]

As you all get acquainted and get relaxed after an unexpected battle, the moon sits high overhead. The Lizard's Keep is a pile of fiery rubble, as the flames continue to burn on. The forest is quiet for the night, with only the occasional rustling of leaves being heard.

[PallentisLunam]

Ser Gaspard lowers his lance into its forward rest so that it hangs along Loyalty's right flank. The war trained stallion has no reaction to Sammy's appearance. "Mastah Saami, mah name ez nye-there Meestah Longnam nor Meestah Pahri. Et ez Ser Goospard. Pahri ez whare ah am frahm," pausing for a moment a confused look crosses Gaspard's face, "Please, whhat ez veegahn?"

Ser Gaspard will dismount and stake Loyalty out at the tree line. He scoops Mr. Meow up off of the saddle and sets him on the ground. Gaspard digs in his saddlebags for a moment and withdraws a wine skin. With a sorrowful tone he addresses the cat, who is currently rubbing up against his armored calve, "Ahh, mon ami, 'ow sarraful, oui run low on zhe most bless-ed uv drahnks, zhe nectah uv mah home. Woe ez mee!" Gaspard turns and begins walking towards the campfire, Mr. Meow dances through his legs causing him to stumble heavily. He scowls at the feline, "Wha must you do zhat?!"

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Looking completely unconcerned at Sir Gaspard's admonishment, Mr. Meow simply blinks at him slowly with half-lidded amethyst eyes. Sauntering away from him, the cat's tail lifts straight up, pointing his 'brown eye' directly at Sir Gaspard, as if to show his companion exactly what he thinks of being admonished. "Meow."

Immediately sauntering up to Marstel, Mr. Meow brushes up against his calves and stares at him. Looking back and forth between the roasting deer and making direct eye contact with Marstel, the feline continues to brush against him. "Meow!"

[samduke]

looking at the man with the funny accent, siro walks over, Grehtings Ser Gaspard you meh call me Siro the Greht.. in an effort to make light of Ser Gaspard's accent.

[Orderic]

"Ser... Guspar was it, yes?" Bertram extends his hand in greeting towards the knight. "Bertram Elgar. Necromancer. No, not that kind of necromancer. Now, if you don't mind telling us, what is the reason behind your presence here? Also, if the taste of your drink is not to your preferrence, I had intended to utilize a cantrip for taste change and improvement."

[Nebula]

Marstel seems to be day-dreaming, not paying much attention to his surroundings, until he feels the touch of Mr Meow. His face immediately lights up with joy and infatuation...
"Ooooh, who's a pretty little thing, you are deary, yes yoooou are..."
Marstel says this as he goes to pet Mr Meow, eventually reaching for his daintier wooden flute...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWKkE33R4U8

[PallentisLunam]

Gaspard laughs heartily, "Ahh, merci, ez a goo-d jest, mah frand." Gaspard takes a heavy quaff from his wineskin and he sits down. "Ah pleeshar to meet you awl. Ah am 'ere behcauz mah lord, Louwee zhe Beeld-ere, 'e ez a grate beeld-ere een mah homelahnd, told meh zat ah needed to behcom a kniaght errant. Zat ez why ah am 'ere.

Gaspard takes another mouthful from his wine skin and strokes his mustache as he stares across the fire and the broken and burning keep. Now, ah 'ave ah queestion fah you fiahn deesant fokes, what did zeese cahstle do to you?"

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Switching between glares at Marstel and plaintive looks at the roasting deer above the fire, Mr. Meow whips his tail back and forth as if vexed. Once Marstel begins his song, however, Mr. Meow's ears perk up and his half0-lidded eyes slowly close most of the way, and he immediately settles in Marstel's lap without so much as a 'by your leave'. He begins to purr loudly, still watching the roasting deer plaintively, but seeming much more content.

[~Corvus~]

"Now, ah 'ave ah queestion fah you fiahn deesant fokes, what did zeese cahstle do to you?"

Sammy sets aside his explanation of a vegan for some time, as Gaspard asked a great question. "Buggard if we know much. Ol' Vance 'ere knows a little, but he's roight squirreley with 'is information. The knights of this keep were killed recently. What's worse, a great curse is said to befall this area in ten days after this. So anything we can to do 'elp stop this curse is a worthy cause.

Whaddya say, Ser Gaspard? Do y'think its a worthy quest?

Sammy continues to turn the deer. He cuts a strip, takes a tiny portion for himself and gives the rest to Mercy, who eagerly devours the meat. He decides it's still not done and continues to watch it. With a new stout staff he pokes the fire and then adds some wood. It's a great fire. "Once again, Siro, what a good job with this fire we did. Well done."

[samduke]

well what with that tower collapsed and all.. now what ?

[Orderic]

Bertram adds, with a scowl "The tower was felled by its doors it seems - as they tried to escape their hinges so they could eat us, they seemed to have weakened the walls."

He then cuts himself some meat as well, before speaking the word of


P̻͙͙r̟̹̞͙͚͉͠ẹ̸̟̰̣̝s̩͙͡t̢id̛͙i̵g̢̪͇̻͔̹̣i͙̻̦ṱ̛a̵̲̩ ̼ti͉͟on̛̯̪͎


and turning his meat almost tasteless.

"Does anyone want a specific taste or are all satisfied? I can also provide a cleaning of clothes, if needed."
"Anyway, as Sammy said, there is some kind of unspecified evil coming in 10 days, as was communicated by a message delivered by a dead - no, not undead - knight of this castle."

A frown appears on his face again, as he says "I can only hope they buried the knight properly, considering that the town does not seem to have a cleric of The Lady of Book and Bone."

[~Corvus~]

Sammy's head snaps to Bertram and he gives him an appraising look. "Actually, tha's not a bad idea, chap. If we burn tha bodies, they can't go back ta become zombies or tha like. Eh? Ya like tha idea?

[Nebula]

Marstel finally starts to speak up, briefly pausing in his song
"There was quite the ugly man in there, his face almost seemed melted off! Set fire to the whole place that fellow did... I don't think he was undead..."
He then resumes playing his tune to Mr Meow

[samduke]

hrm a man you say in that.. if it was undead its likely dead, and if not its still likely dead, though maybe a complete search of the rubble is in order

[~Corvus~]

Sammy shakes his head. "If tha's all tha's left, we 'ave better ways of goin' 'bout this. Vance, do ya know tha allies an' enemies of the Lizard's Keep knights? We need ta know if we're gonna save this land."

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Curling up on Marstel's lap, Mr. Meow seems to be wholly disinterested in the discussion. But then again, everyone knows that cats are jerks and act as if everything is unimportant unless it involves food, prey, or petting. He appears to be napping.

[PallentisLunam]

Ser Gaspard sighs and scratches his head, "Zeese ez awl vary confusing, Ah fear mahbe, ah don't undastahnd, bet zeese sounds like ah grate und glorious quest! Oondead tah slay. Eenosants tah sahve! Would you wundaful people accept tha aid uv threy fellow ahdventarahs?"

[~Corvus~]

"Three?" Sammy walks over to Mr. Meow while Vance appears deep in thought. He moves near Marstel and stops just outside of the cat's reach.


Knowledge (nature) [roll0]
"I don't think you're a druid...but you're not just a cat. So what are you, eh?"

[PallentisLunam]

"Naht, what. 'Oo. 'e ez Meestah Meow." Gaspard says matter of factly.

[the Frogman]

Vance sits quietly, watching as the conversation unfolds in front of him. He shrugs at the question, eyes glued to the crackling fire before him.

Why would Mr. Meow be anything other than a cat? He seems like a normal cat to me. Anyways, Lizard's Keep doesn't have "enemies" or such. It's just a guard's post outside of Watertown.


Mr. Meow has the features of a cat, even if he seems a bit more attentive then a cat, he appears to be a cat.

Vance stretches out his arms and lets out a long, drawn-out yawn. He nestles himself along a tree branch and rolls on his side, facing his back to the party.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

As Sammy examines Mr. Meow with thoughtful inspection from out of reach, one of the cat's eyes half opens to glance at him. Closing it slowly and making a show of a head-splitting yawn, Mr. Meow goes right back to his cat napping, with only the occasional tail or ear twitch to leave people wondering if he is truly asleep. Perhaps he's just dreaming.

[Nebula]

Marstel, tired of playing the flute, chimes in (talking like a parent would to their baby):

"And what a wonderful little thing you are, Mister Meeooow... I could just make you a little suit for you, would you like that Mister Meow? Would you? Oh yes you wooouuuld..."

He looks off into the distance for a moment, mumbling to Mister Meow:

"I must remember to 'borrow' some more fabrics... how would you like to look like the famous bards called the 'white stripes', my little angel? "

[samduke]

Siro gathers odd branches and makes non-lit torches for use later

[Orderic]

"Actually, tha's not a bad idea, chap. If we burn tha bodies, they can't go back ta become zombies or tha like. Eh? Ya like tha idea?

"You want to burn the dead?", Bertram replies, a look of bewilderment and slight shock on his face. "Are such barbaric rites common in this land? To throw away all the knowledge and wisdom the dead have yet to share?"


"Zeese ez awl vary confusing, Ah fear mahbe, ah don't undastahnd, bet zeese sounds like ah grate und glorious quest! Oondead tah slay. Eenosants tah sahve! Would you wundaful people accept tha aid uv threy fellow ahdventarahs?"

"Personally, I do not have any objections to you joining us in our search for the true nature of this ominous and mysterious 'evil' and finding a way to stop it. Although I do hope that you are not one of those people who want to burn the dead."

[~Corvus~]

"Well, in this case Bertram it sounds like tha man's already crushed an burnt. Course, it's not a bad idea, getting information an' all tha' but seems respectful to return 'em to the earth, yeah?"

[PallentisLunam]

"Zhe car of zhe fallen ez naht mah cons-ere-n. Such thoughts make mah 'ead 'art."

[the Frogman]

As the fire's crackle dies down, the adventuring party nods off one at a time...


***

Day 2

As the sun breaks through the horizon, you all awake to see the effects of the destruction from the night before. Lizard's Keep is a smoldering mess of stone. A pillar of smoke pours from the Keep, reaching high into the skies above. Just before the Keep, a door rests splintered under a large block of stone. The forest around the camp has come to life with the chirping of birds and the occasional screeching of a random forest creature. Critters jump from tree limb to tree limb, gliding fearlessly through the air.

Vance groans as he rubs his neck. He looks out to the Keep and groans again to himself. So that's what happened last night, eh?

[samduke]

siro gathers his things, dons his armor, eats breakfast and otherwise prepares for the day ahead

[Nebula]

Marstel yawns...
He notices that only a few people are up, and immediately takes the opportunity to wake up the rest of the party with a nice, energizing song on his masterwork flute...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iP_8M78i94

"That's what you get for not coming along with me and Vance! "
He proceeds to poke out his tongue to any who were woken by his 'song' (apart from sir Gaspard and Mr Meow), and then continues playing it until everyone is well and truly up.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Head nearly splitting in half with a cavernous yawn, Mr. Meow uncurls from his nap position and begins stretching. His rump high in the air and his pawns splayed out before him in a mighty stretch, his tail lashes back and forth as he shakes himself awake. Large amethyst colored eyes tracking the critters jumping to and from the nearby trees, Mr. Meow's tongue licks at his whiskers briefly before slinking off an disappearing into the nearby undergrowth. A short while later, you see a flare or amethyst colored light a short ways into the forest in the direction that Mr. Meow disappeared to.

Hide:[roll0]
Move Silently: [roll1]
Eldrich Blast on the first edible-sized animal he sees within 250 feet once he's completely our of sight of camp. Breakfast! (I'm assuming bird or squirrel? Maybe something a tad larger, since some of it may very well be obliterated and inedible at his mighty kitty powah.) [roll2] Damage[roll3]

[Orderic]

Bertram climbs down from his rope trick, seats himself somewhere reasonable comfortable and begins reading a tome of mystical spells.

"If anyone has any suggestions for todays spells, he says, "I am currently preparing them."

And, muttering to himself, "Maybe two Detect Magic. Enchanting a weapon could be useful... And I don't think we will meet any undead today, so more blindness. Or... yes, A spectral hand and some spells that require the target to be touched."

[PallentisLunam]

Gaspard, who was already awake brushing Loyalty, looks over at Marstel with a disapproving frown. As Mr. Meow passes by he says, "Please 'urry, Meestah Meow. We moost beh queek about ahr business so zat we cahn beegin ahr advenchars."

After saddling Loyalty and giving him a loving pat on the neck Ser Gaspard will move to the remains of last night's fire, his armor creaking and clicking in the still morning air, and slice a strip of venison off of the remains of the deer for breakfast.

[the Frogman]

As everyone slowly awakens from their sleep, the roaring of thunder of thunder echoes across the forest. It comes in a constant pattern, although it sounds as though there are multiple cracks of thunder cracking in unison. The roaring grows louder, actually turning into more of a clacking noise. As the roaring grows, the clacking becomes clearer: it is the trotting of a band of horses coming towards the camp.

[PallentisLunam]

Gaspard recognizes the sound instantly, a cavalry unit on the march. As he races over to untether Loyalty he calls out, "Meestah Meow!" Deftly untying his horse Gaspard shoves the rope into one of the saddlebags and swings up into the saddle. Loyalty senses his master's urgency and tosses his head with a whiney and an excited prance. Gaspard's voice gains a slight frantic quality as he drops a cloth runner, which travels from his saddle horn to the ground, while strapping his legs into the saddle "MEESTAH MEOW, QUEEKLAY!"

[Orderic]

Bertram rises to his feet, calmly closing his book and performing two quick spells.


e̷̙̺̠x͔̘̭̗t̪̼̝̤͚͠ͅe̹̭nd҉e̢̝̼̗̞̲d̨̳̩̬͖
̹̳̘̭M͟ḁ͔̜͍g̥͖͎̱̫͞ͅe̦͖̬̼̝̠̣ ͔̲̘͕̯̮̟A͔̩̗r̷͚̟̥̥m̘̝̘̲̪o̸̩͓͙̰͈r̻̟̀


e͔͎̳̞ͫ̓̑͆̅̈̍x̰̙͓͓̊̅̂͌͒t̲̣ͦͭ̊ͧ̇ȅ͕͉̘̤͉̖̥̊n̠̲̲͛̽d͕̉ͧ ͇͕e͙̻̻̜͆̒̀ͬ͊d͓̳̖̗͉͓̅ͬ̒ͅ
̲̳͖̪F̯͉ͨå͉͍ͩͅl̳̯s͈̲̻͔̠̤ͦ̂͐͑ͭe̩̣̞̗ͫ̊̿ ̫̘̱͉̘̃L͔̦͎̲í͎̰̻̩̙̱̘̈́ͧ̓̃͆̂f̖̥ͯ̒͂̅ͦͣe̬̗̟ͯͥ̽̎ͥ̊̓ ̖͕


Then he turns to the others, saying "I hope this will not result in a battle. If it does, however, I can grant one of you the equivalent protection of a chain shirt and a slightly enhanced weapon. Vance, perhaps?"


Extended Mage Armor and Extended False Life, both lasting for 10 hours.

Temporary HP: [roll0]

[~Corvus~]

Sammy had been massaging his eyes when the sounds came. "'s wha oi get for curin' tha meat." Last night Sammy had taken the time to cook the rest of the meat and salt it as best he could.
[roll0]
He packs his (new) hammock, sixteen of the twenty remaining pounds of meat onto Mercy's pack along with the rest of his curing salt. He manages to secure both of their packs and breaks down the smouldering fire into an ash-pit.

Seeing that Bertram is casting spells, he does the same:
"Forest Ash, Mighty Yew
Harden my skin to be like you!"

Barkskin, 50 minutes duration grants him a +3 Natural Armor AC

Sammy checks his bandolier to make sure that his surprises are intact. He smiles with satisfaction as he munches on some jerky. He hands some to Mercy, Marstel, Mercy, Gaspard, Siro and of course Bertram. If any don't take the jerkey he will tuck it into his belt. He has... several pieces left, in fact, on his person. Almost one and a half pounds.

"Oi can't wait ta see wha's happnin' with these horses, eh Ser Gaspard? D'ya think they'd loike ta have some jerkey with us?"

[Nebula]

Marstel stands toward the middle/back of the group (facing the direction of the sound) and readies his masterwork flute...
"If we need to fight my fellows, I will make a grand tune of inspiration for us all!"

Could Marstel play the flute with one hand and use his rapier with the other? I can imagine him playing a battle tune while sparring with his opponent.

[~Corvus~]

"We're not for sure goin' ta battle them, eh? Better we don't even need these spells, eh?


Now 4th edition did something cool for bards and had a series of "songblades" and the like but I don't think it would work in practical terms unless you had an Unseen Servant play or continue a tune for you, but it would have to be pretty simple. I believe you could sing and fight, but it's really tiring.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Emerging from the treeline with several rather large feathers (that seem to be....singed?) hanging out of his mouth, Mr. Meow waddles up to Gaspard, looking a lot more round-of-tummy than he did before he left. Standing next to Loyalty, he looks up at Gaspard - already sitting in the saddle. Crouching down with his forelegs and wiggling his butt and tail in the air, Mr. Meow leaps up onto Loyalty's saddle...

..or would have, if he'd jumped a little higher - it looks as if his 'full tummy syndrome' has compromised his center of gravity (what in the nine hells did he eat?). Clinging to the saddle's side with his claws, his bright amethyst eyes resemble dinner plates as he mews plaintively at Gaspard.

[samduke]

siro quietly looks for some tree to use as cover should the unknown sound of horses trample on through the camp

[~Corvus~]

Sammy gives some more of the meat to Mercy and climbs onto her pack, allowing himself (once again) to mount his animal companion.

[the Frogman]

The marching horses stop just short of the Lizard's Keep, or what's left of it. One presumably the leader, motions his hand forward to the other mounted men, 12 in total.

The men all dismount and wall towards the fallen tower. Judging by their garb, they are patrol guards. They split up as they wander walk around the rubble, weapons drawn and eyes shifting with every step.

From the camp, little conversation can be heard, but the confusion and concern is apparent as the guards try to figure out what happened.

[~Corvus~]

Sammy has Mercy walk towards the mounted men. He stops well before any of them can be within weapons' reach and says, "Greetings. I am Sammy, druid of the fifth order. My companions and Oi are investigatin' the circumstances near Watertown. We arrived yesterday to this keep, and, woll...he looks to Marstel...it appears it was sabotaged boi some 'orrible evil. We're lookin' for any knowledge regardin' the town and why in tha bloody world someone 'ould bring evil to it."

[roll0] Diplomacy

[PallentisLunam]

Gaspard reaches down and scoops Mr. Meow up into his proper perch. He then quickly straps on his shield and readies his lance. Glancing at the rest of his new allies Gaspard taps Loyalty with his toes and moves closer to the camp, "'Oo are zeese men?"

[the Frogman]

The presumed leader dismounts his horse and separates from the rest of the guards and looks over the little man and his ape. He's a barrel-chested man with little hair and big blue eyes, a baby-face of sorts. He regalia shows that he's accomplished quite a bit as a member of the guard, as evidenced by the reflection coming off his numerous medals. He looks to Sammy with a raised eyebrow. He shoots a glance to the other guard members only to see that they are all preoccupied with their search of the fallen Keep.

So you say you were here last night? You saw what happened here?

[Orderic]

"When we arrived, there were none of the knights left. The keep Was destroyed by a combination of animated doors damaging the walls and fire. Now, do you know anything about an unspecified 'evil' coming to Watertown in 9 days?"

[the Frogman]

The man looks at Bertam, eyebrow still elevated.

We are on the lookout for that nondescript evil. Now, you say this tower was felled by a... door?

The guard folds his arms across his chest and clenches his jaw. He whistles to the other guardsmen, who promptly stop their investigating and fall in line behind their leader. The head guard stands silently for a few moments examining the party before him.

We're going to need you to come with us. We have some more questions to ask you.

[PallentisLunam]

Gaspard will nudge Loyalty forward, close enough to call out but far enough away that he could still mount an effective charge if he needed too. He makes no attempt to be polite, but he does keep his lance pointed up in the air rather than leveling it at the men ""Und ef weh rafuse? Een 'oose nahme would you detain oos? Ah am an 'onorable kniaght uv Franseh on ah shivalrus adventar. Ah am naht aht zhe beck und cahll uv ahn-ee mahn, sahve mah lord. Ulsah, whare ah am frum eet ez cumman courtesay tah offa woon's nahme befar i-sewing coe-mands."

So clearly Gaspard wouldn't know the area or have the brains to remember a bunch of heraldic symbols but would he be able to identify whether or not this soldiers were wearing proper markings? He is a knight after all and has seen alot of that sort of thing. Would it be enough for him to spot if these guys seem shady?

[the Frogman]

The guard stiffens as Gaspard challenges him.

We've been sent by the Earl of Watertown himself to investigate the smoke billowing from the area.

The guard pulls out a scroll and unravels it, revealing it to the party. There is some words that is a bit too small to read, but the seal at the bottom is definitely a seal of nobility from Watertown. The guard keeps the scroll visible to the party as he lets out a grunt.

Enough with the questions. You are hereby under arrest for the destruction of Lizard's Keep and will be sent to Watertown immediately for judgement. Guards, apprehend these criminals!

The dozen guards split up as they march towards various members of the party. Several of them have manacles prepared as they attempt to apprehend the party. The leader of the guard stands still, scroll still opened before him. The forest goes quiet as the guards bustle about.

You would be familiar with royal markings of the area. Based on your knowledge, all of the markings, the seal, and everything else seems legitimate. Judging by the color of the seal and the complexity and some of the medallions carried by this guard leader, it would be practically impossible for these men to be anything but who they say they are.

[Nebula]

After standing at the back and enduring the guards ignorance, Marstel explodes in a fit of eccentric rage:
"HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUD-AH!"
"After going to the extent of helping these people, they try to treat like vagrants! Nay I say, my fellows, NAY I SAY! Let them try to take us!"

Marstel holds his rapier with his off-hand, and goes to play his masterwork flute with the other, attempting to inspire them to action against the guards...


Marstel will use his "Inspiration" technique by playing the flute. He will put it away after he uses the "inspiration", and only have his rapier in his hands.
Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7PG47mkfgU

Note: Marstel will try to take down the guards non-lethally if possible...

[~Corvus~]

Sammy raises his eyebrows. "So you chaps 'ere think you will arrest anyone nearby as a means of preventing evil in tha town? 'ow much good does that do ya? We're jus' adventurers now. I strongly recommend that ya all 'elp us before ya do sommat y'all regret. Marstel..." Only then does he realize that Marstel had already spoken fighting words.

Meanwhile, he mumbles a spell to himself
"Wood so resilient, hear me now:
Strike like an ancient mighty bough!"

Finally, he yells, "Mercy, Guard Bertram!!"
Will cast Shillelagh. Duration: 50 minutes. Each end deals damage as if 2 sizes larger, or as a 2d6/2d6 staff for medium (huge) size.
Free action: Order Mercy to guard Bertram
Move action: will hop off of Mercy and will back up 15 feet if he can to cast more spells.

[PallentisLunam]

Sah be et! En garde you lah born cowahds!" Gaspard will spur Loyalty towards the leader as he couches his lance

Is everybody sufficiently warned so that I won't be violating my Knight's Code or do I need to wait in order to allow them to act? The following only applies if I am in the clear. And Gaspard doesn't have a nonlethal setting so this is going to get bloody, but they insulted his honor so they totally deserve it. :smallbiggrin:

Gaspard will issue a Fighting Challenge against the leader. He will also designate the leader as the target of his Shield Block.

Initiative: [roll0]

Ride Check to guide Loyalty with knees (can't fail but recorded for completeness): [roll1] DC 5

Ride Check to allow Loyalty to attack as well: [roll2] DC 10

Guspard's Attack: [roll3] (5 BAB, 4 STR, 1 Fighting Challenge, 1 Inspiration, 1 High Ground, 2 Charge) Crit Confirmation: [roll4] (soooo close) Damage: [roll5] (4 STR, 1 Fighting Challenge) x3 (unless I can add 1.5 times my STR bonus since a lance is still listed as a 2-Handed weapon even if I can wield it 1-Handed while mounted. I know I'm reaching here but figured I would ask :smallbiggrin:) (crit would have been x5 according to D&D's multiplier stacking rules)

Loyalty's Attack (hoof): [roll6] Crit Confirmation: [roll7] Damage: [roll8]

Loyalty's AC drops to 16

Gaspard's AC drops to 23 (24 Vs the leader)

Unclear what the effect of the charge is on Mr. Meow's AC is but he is occupying Gaspard's space, which he can do since he is tiny, and gaining cover for doing so (+4 to AC. Anything that would hit him without the cover hits, but does not necessarily damage, Gaspard.)

[samduke]

Siro watching from his perch in the tree eyes a branch that can get him into a good position to jump the leader, draws both daggers.

Jump check [roll0]
Attack [roll1]
confirm crit [roll2]
damage [roll3], OH [roll4]

[Orderic]

Bertram withdraws a feather from his pouch, tracing a complicated symbol into the air and intoning the arcane words of


F̛̀̓̑͢͠L̢̡̢ͥ̾Y͒̀ͪ̃̿̐̑͞!̷̸͌̅̆̊̏̊ͨͭ̚͠

before rising into the air, muttering to himself "And again, it ends in violence. How annoying."



Initiative: [roll0]

Bertram will cast fly and use a move action to fly 30 ft. into the air, from where he will try to get an overview over the battlefield.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Bracing himself against the saddle's horn, and clinging low to the saddle with all four sets of claws, Mr. Meow's ears lay back and his hackles rise as Loyalty charges forth.

He will be holding his action until a guard attacks Loyalty, Gaspard, or himself. At which point, he will blast them with his laser eyes (range of 250 feet).
Eldrich Blast: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
(Ride Check? Should totes get a bonus for claws improving grip. lol) [roll2]
Initiative: [roll3]

[samduke]

siro's Initiative [roll0]

[Nebula]

Because I forgot to include it earlier...
[roll0]

[~Corvus~]

Sammy notices that Bertram is quite capable of helping himself. In that case... "Mercy, good, guard this one!" as he points to Marstel.

Mercy, pausing to look at the (now) flying Bertram goes to where Sammy points, rushes to Marstel's side, interposing herself between the soldiers.

Initiative of him and Mercy: [roll0]

[the Frogman]

The guards are all caught off-guard as Gaspard motions Loyalty forward, charging hard at the Guard Leader. As Gaspard charges in, several of the guards jump out of the way, careful to avoid being trampled by the large horse. The lance rips through the Leader's scroll, hitting the Leader square in the face. The man's face bursts with blood as his nose breaks. The Leader crumples to the floor in pain as he holds a hand to his face. As the Leader lies on the ground rolling around in pain, Siro jumps off of a nearby tree limb, daggers raised for a surprise attack. Unfortunately, Siro just misses the mark, landing a few feet from the leader.

As Gaspard lands a powerful blow on the Leader, Bertram immediately shoots into the skies, flying above the soon-to-be battlefield. He mutters frustrations to himself, shaking his head as he flies from view. As Bertram disappears, a light song echoes through the forest as Marstel plays again on his flute. Everyone feels encouraged by the light song and are now ready for combat.

The guards, quickly trade out their manacles for a variety of weapons, ready to take down their assailants.

*Begin Round 1*

Battle Ground (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ipLuZOxhbcj4hysm-oI0QBpiFRuisgQe4ConH_KEirg/edit#gid=0)

[~Corvus~]

"Upon this battlefield, wade in fray
Among strangers mighty hew,
Cut them down and make them few,
Hippogriffs come, feast on this prey!"

Full-round action:
Summon [roll0] Hippogriffs (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/hippogriff.htm), each of which are Augmented with +4 Str and +4 Con.
Mercy, meanwhile, will interpose herself between Marstel and their would-be captors.

[PallentisLunam]

Gaspard wheels Loyalty a few degrees to the right and, after recovering his point, continues his charge towards another target. "AH WEEL TEACH YEW TAH INSALT MAH HONA!! C-OH-M AT MEH YEH COWADS!!" he bellows.

So, I did lose a use of my knights challenge for striking a flatfooted opponent :smallsigh: Noted.

Test of Mettle: All guards above CR 3 must make a Will Save DC 14 or be forced to focus on Gaspard.

Charge G1 to get out of the middle of the fight, preferably in a way that does not provoke an AoO from G2, or anybody else for that matter. Regardless he will provoke if necessary. If he must provoke he will designate the first attacker as the target of his shield block. If he is not forced to provoke, his shield block will default to the closest opponent at the end of his turn.

Ride Check to Guide With Knees [roll0] DC 5
Ride Check to Allow Loyalty to Attack [roll1] DC 10

Attack Roll: [roll2] Crit Confirm: [roll3] Damage: [roll4] x3 (or 5 on a crit)

Loyalty's Attack (Against the leader, who has a -4 to AC): [roll5] Crit Confirm: [roll6] Damage: [roll7]

[samduke]

Siro seeing where the guard leader is will attempt a tumble into H 21
Tumble Check for the guard at J 21:[roll0] -DC 15
then as Gaspard is mounted share space at H 20 - the leader is prone, so no AoO from him
Tumble on the leader at I 19 ( 15ft movement )
Tumble check for the guard at G 19:[roll1] -DC 17

Maneuver: Emerald Razor
As part of this maneuver, make a single melee attack against an opponent. This is a touch attack rather than a standard melee attack. If you hit, you deal normal melee damage.

Attack Leader: [roll2]
confirm crit: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4] OH[roll5]

[Nebula]

Marstel now starts switching from an action paced tune to a lullaby, smiling cheekily...

Marstel uses Lullaby! Any creature within the area that fails a Will save becomes drowsy and inattentive, taking a -5 penalty on Listen and Spot checks and a -2 penalty on Will saves against sleep effects while the lullaby is in effect. Lullaby lasts for as long as the caster concentrates, plus up to 1 round per caster level thereafter.

Marstel will stop using this spell if the net effect of it is a disadvantage to the team...

[Geeksthenewsexy]

He will be holding his action until a guard attacks Loyalty, Gaspard, or himself. At which point, he will blast them with his laser eyes (range of 250 feet).
Eldrich Blast: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
(Ride Check? Should totes get a bonus for claws improving grip. lol) [roll2]
Initiative: [roll3]

Mr. Meow is still holding his action until Gaspard, Loyalty, or himself are attacked.

[Orderic]

Bertram points at the leader with one hand, the other performing some complicated gestures, while yelling


B̴̴̤͓̯̥l̹͈̜͖̕ͅi͏̫̖̮̕͡n͜҉̠̰d̛̲͕̝͟n͔̘͕̞͔͖̘ͅͅè̟̦͇̕s͝ ̴̦̗̖̺̲̙ͅs̨҉̙̫̮͍͓


Blindness on the Guard Leader, Fort DC 18.

This should definitely take him out of the fight and prevent any clever orders on his part.

[the Frogman]

Vance-
Vance watches as Gaspard blasts the Leader's face and shakes his head fearfully. Killing guards? Nope! I'm outta here! Vance then runs into the nearest treeline.

Sammy- 20
Sammy declares a statement to the battlefield. As the words escape his lips, a light shines before him. Two hippogriffs stand tall before him, eyeing the guards before him.

Siro- 18
Siro tumbles around various guards, careful to avoid any swinging weaponry. With the skill of a true thief, Siro avoids swinging blades and hammers, as several weapons whoosh directly over his head. He looks down to the prone Leader and deals a vicious blow to the leader. Wounds open with the slicing, causing a painful yelp to escape the downed Leader.

Bertram- 18
As Bertram hovers over the bloodbath below, he can see the Leader taking a vicious beating at the hands of Gaspard and now Siro. Vance is running, eyes filled with fear. He casts a spell on the Leader, making him blind as the fight continues.

Guard Leader- 15
The Guard Leader rolls over and staggers to his feet. His face is red with blood and his fists wave before him as he tries to look for anyone to swing at. He swings at the air though, causing him to go off-balance.

Marstel- 15
The song filling the air causes an aura of drowsiness to overcome the weak-willed guards. Their knees shake as they fight to stay upright.

Guards- 14
A few of the guards run for the woods, hoping to disappear from the bloodbath and carnage. A few guards attempt to make a blow to their assailants, but only one manages to hit his target. Guard 9 strikes at Gaspard with a club, dealing 3 damage to the brave knight. This cause Mr. Meow to erupt in a burst of energy. The energy blast connects with the guard, who immediately falls to his knees then faceplants the ground, smoke emanating from his lifeless corpse.

Mr. Meow- 12
His action has been taken from previously readying his action.

Gaspard- 8
Gaspard charges over the Leader's body and makes a run to a shaky guard and lands a strong blow with his lance. The lance hits the guard directly on the shoulder, dropping him to the ground immediately. Blood pools under the guard from the open wound.

*Begin Round 2*

Battle Ground (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ipLuZOxhbcj4hysm-oI0QBpiFRuisgQe4ConH_KEirg/edit#gid=0)

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Still crouching low on Loyalty's saddle horn, Mr. Meow hisses at the dead and smoking guardsman, his amethyst eyes glowing brightly with eldrich power.

Mr. Meow will, while on horseback with Gaspard, always hold his action to defend Gaspard, Loyalty, and himself. If possible, blasting anyone moving to attack, and if not possible (his initiative doesn't beat that of any potential attacker), retaliating against the first attacker. Amethyst-colored laser eye beams of kitty death for the win!
Eldrich Blast: [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
Ride/Balance Check(?) [roll2] (No idea if this is necessary, as he's clinging to a saddle-horn with all four sets of claws + he has Spiderwalk that lets him walk up walls and across ceilings, so staying on a saddle shouldn't be that much of an issue,s I'd think?)

[Nebula]

Marstel merely stands there, swaying gently to the soft tune of his lullaby...
Marstel continues casting "lullaby" by playing it on his flute.

[~Corvus~]

Sammy doesn't want this to go on any longer than it has to. Seeing that the leader still lives, he fills up his lungs to yell,

"ENOUGH!! WATERTOWN WILL NOT BE SERVED WITH DEAD GUARDS!! GRANT THEM MERCY, NOW, AND LET US BE ON OUR WAY!

WE ARE NOT THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS FIRE, AND WE HAVE LITTLE TIME TO STOP A GREAT EVIL. I IMPLORE YOU, DO NOT LET THIS BLOODSHED GO ON!

SPARE YOUR OWN LIVES!! PLEASE, EVERYONE, STAND DOWN!"


Hopefully this is just enough for a swift action. If his companions stop, he will move to the captain, use Cure Minor Wounds and a charge of Lesser Vigor.

If not--if the guards continue fighting or the captain does not order a ceasefire--he will regretfully order the Hippogriffs to kill each guard, then shift into a Baboon and wield his Shillelagh to horrible effect.

[samduke]

siro

OOC
The Guard Leader rolls over and staggers to his feet. - Standing up is a move-equivalent action that provokes an attack of opportunity - for siro

the leader is blind , character cannot see. He takes a -2 penalty to Armor Class, loses his Dexterity bonus to AC (if any), moves at half speed

if the guard leader leaves that square it triggers AoO for siro again
and if the leader leaves then next square it triggers AoO yet again

1st AoO
Attack: [roll0]
confim crit: [roll1]
damage [roll2]
sneak attack [roll3]

2nd AoO - Grapple Check - make a melee touch attack to grab the target: [roll4]
all damage to the target as if with an unarmed strike.[roll5] +2str mod

3rd AoO < if leader is not grappled >
Attack: [roll6]
confim crit: [roll7]
damage [roll8]
sneak attack [roll9]


Begin Round 2
with authority Leader surrender and have your men stand down and disarm

if the leader does not surrender
press for damage
[roll10]
all damage to the target as if with an unarmed strike.[roll11] +2str mod



if the leader does not surrender
Attack: [roll12]
confim crit: [roll13]
damage [roll14]
sneak attack [roll15]

lots of edits

[~Corvus~]

Sammy looks at Siro and says, "Siro, please! Wot good will this do for Watertown? More questions, more rumors, none good! We do not need to do this!"

Sammy waves back the Hippogriffs as they chirp impatiently. He looks at Gaspard, too, and says "There is no honour in this melee. Gaspard, please."

[Orderic]

"Stand Down. Surrender. There is no need for further bloodshed. A peaceful resolution of this situation is possible.", comes Bertrams' voice from above.

[PallentisLunam]

Gaspard brings Loyalty to a halt and raises his bloody lance to the sky. His helmet covers his face but his shoulders slump forward. "What yew say ez true. Ah hard lesson, sternlay taught. Ah weell stay mah 'and."

[~Corvus~]

Sammy will then order the Hippogriffs, "Hippogriffs, down!"

He then says to everyone, "Oi'm gonna stabilize tha commander so 'e doesn't die, arright?!?"


Handle Animal [roll0] DC 10 for success.

Full-move (if possible) towards commander.

If we are out of combat, Sammy will follow up with the following:
1) Cure Minor Wounds on commander
2) Expend a charge of Lesser Vigor (11 HP restored) on the Commander

[the Frogman]

Siro swings viciously at the Leader, incapacitating him immediately. As he lay in a pool of his own blood, the other guards witness this and immediately run for the woods. They disappear in moments in the treeline, yelling and screaming carelessly as they run in multiple directions.

As the Leader lay motionless, Sammy runs to his side and lays a healing hand on the man. It takes a moment, but a pulse is returned and the man's breathing returns. The forest has gone silent, Vance is gone, the surviving guards are gone, Lizard's Keep is in shambles, and in the grasp of Sammy, the guard Leader is hanging on by a thread.

[samduke]

siro stands back allowing Sammy to do what healing he can, and using a dagger puts a small notch into the other dagger's hilt

[~Corvus~]

Sammy first addresses the two hippogriffs he summoned. "As summoned, there is food for you," and he points to the well-cooked guard. He gives some jerky to Mercy, knowing that the creatures would only be around for a few more minutes but that he could deliver on his promise (such as it was).

Meanwhile, Sammy waits to see if the guard revives, and if the guard doesn't, he will expend another charge of the wand, hopefully giving the captain some of his vitality back. When the Hippogriffs are about to disappear he will thank them for their service
"Thank you, mighty Hippogriffs. May your hunger be sated, may your shade always be near, and may we meet again as battle-kin."

Sammy then looks to the Guard-captain. "Your men are scattered in disarray. Sah, I urge you ta 'elp us solve this myst'ry. We don't know who burnt down tha keep, but Marstel saw what happened..." he nods to the bard. "Oi don't think 'ell pose any threat knowin' what we sawr."

[Nebula]

Marstel begins to step toward the leader, phasing out from his lullaby to a song of determination, hoping to strengthen the wounded man's will to live, and hopefully help him survive and become conscious...

Before anyone gets the wrong idea, Marstel is NOT using the alarm clock tune. He will be playing a song similar to his "inspire courage", but of course will only count as a normal song. Marstel helps his music helps though!
[roll0]

[the Frogman]

The guard coughs, spraying blood from his mouth. He exhales slowly and squints as he looks around. His eyes open wide in terror as he sees he's been abandoned by his troop. He crawls backwards, away from Siro and Sammy, until Sammy assures him things are okay.

The name is... *cough*... Biastes. My troop and I were saw smoke billowing into the sky and came to investigate. Honestly, I thought it was you. I mean... *cough*... a door? *cough* Anyways, I'm afraid all I know about the guardsmen of Lizard's Keep is that they were a tight-knit group. Rumors were they were involved in some... *cough*... questionable activities, but no one could confirm anything. I'd say that if you want answers... *cough*... you're going to want to see the Earl. Even if he's unaware of the illegal activities that were taking place here... *cough*... he may be able to point you in the right direction.

The man rolls onto his back, staring into the sky. He clasps his hands on his robust chest and breathes slowly.

Thanks to the gods I'm still alive. He whispers to no one in particular.

[PallentisLunam]

Gaspard harrumphs as he lifts his visor, "Seempal mann-eres could 'ave preevented zis."

[Nebula]

Marstel gives a nod of his head while tucking away his flute and rapier, "Indeeeed Sir Gaspard, indeed."

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Leaping from Loyalty's saddle horn, Mr. Meow hops down and saunters over to the still-recovering guard captain and plops down onto his lap and stares at him with his large and vibrant amethyst-colored eyes. "Meow." That said, Mr. Meow curls up into a ball and seems content to nap, just below the guard's waist. Allowing him enough room to sit up (but not stand) without dislodging the cat from his chosen position.

[PallentisLunam]

Gaspard rolls his eyes at Mr. Meow's actions, "Yah are sooch ah caht."

[the Frogman]

Biastes lies still, non-responsive to the cat now in his lap. He exhales slowly and wipes some blood from his nose.

Why are you still here? Why can't you just leave me be?

[~Corvus~]

I'd say that if you want answers... *cough*... you're going to want to see the Earl. Even if he's unaware of the illegal activities that were taking place here... *cough*... he may be able to point you in the right direction.

The man rolls onto his back, staring into the sky. He clasps his hands on his robust chest and breathes slowly.

Thanks to the gods I'm still alive. He whispers to no one in particular.

Sammy looks at him a long time. "Biastes, We need ta keep movin'. Are there other guard posts nearby? They could be in 'orrible danger. With 'oll that you sawr, P'raps you best report it to the Earl, who'd believe you bettah than us. Maybe 'e could meet us at one a few days' ride from 'ere.

Sammy sighs. Marstel cant' even bloody tell someone about wha' 'e sawr even after we bloody give 'im all day. Roight, if 'e wants ta play music and gossip 'bout could 'aves, foine.
"I think our bard 'ere is a little discourged from wha' 'e sawr last night. From 'is mouth last night, 'e said that a crazy-eyed man with loose skin attacked 'im in tha keep an' burnt tha place down, and tha' everyone was dead. No one else was there.

Mistah Biastes, we 'ave little ta hide, but I think it's best ta let the Earl know somethin's up, at least, and there's a bloody powerful group of adventurers who wont ta keep this area safe from a curse. We also don'ave a map. If you could drawr one for us, it'd be bloody amazin. Can you do 'oll that?

[samduke]

siro gathers his things and prepares to leave with the group

[Orderic]

"All of this could have been prevented, had you tried a more diplomatic aproach, especially considering that you did not know of our groups capabilities. Now, I hope you can tell us the way to this earl and maybe even, as my friend mentioned," Bertram interrupts his speech with an arcane word, lifting the blindness from Biastes, "draw us a map."



Knowledge Local to see if I know anything about the earl. [roll0]

[PallentisLunam]

Gaspard dismounts Loyalty and begins cleaning his lance while scowling occasionally at Biastes.

[the Frogman]

Bertram knows that the Earl, Canter IV, is in charge of the Watertown region. He has had his shares of controversies, such as the oh-so-fresh-still taxing issue, and there's conspiracies floating around about killing innocent villagers and such. Not the greatest of leaders, but nothing has ever been verified.


Biastes growls quietly before letting out one more slow exhale. He sits up for a moment before brushing off Mr. Meow and slowly rising to his feet. The barrel-chested man rubs his thick neck as he rotates his head and passes a glance to Bertram.

I don't have time to fret about semantics. I should be arresting you for murdering guards, including myself, but there are more pressing issues right now. If you want to find the Earl, you don't need a bloody map. Just head to Watertown. I'm sure you'll have no troubles finding him there.

Biastes spits blood onto the ground as his frustrated gaze scans the party.

I best be on my way. I have a troop to round up.

Biastes slowly turns and walks towards the woods, leaving the party (and the smoldering mess of Lizard's Keep) behind.

[PallentisLunam]

Having finished removing the blood from his weapon, Gaspard locks it into place, places Mr. Meow back on Loyalty's saddle and swings into position himself. "Et seems we 'ave ahr desteenahtion."

[~Corvus~]

I don't have time to fret about semantics. I should be arresting you for murdering guards, including myself, but there are more pressing issues right now. If you want to find the Earl, you don't need a bloody map. Just head to Watertown. I'm sure you'll have no troubles finding him there.

Give Mercy more Jerky
Diplomacy [roll0] Oh snap. Gotta change my text.


Sammy mounts Mercy and follows him into the woods. You loike your job, righ? It pays tha taxes and the whatnot? So your job means listenin' to legit'mate concerns regardin' tha safety a Watertown, yeh? A man shows up, prevents most of yah guards from bein' slaughtered, an you get all sour. But he tells you Oi think tha rest a the towers 'ere are in danger, an' 'e asks for a map so 'e can 'elp out tha rest a the buggin place. We should be workin' together, mate, make your job a guardin' tha town easier. Why make your job even 'arder?

But let's say we agree ta go ta Watertown. Can you make a guarantee tha' we won' get arrested for... Sammy pauses again to think. Oi dunnao, maybe threatnin' tha Baron with idle rumors, or tries to get 'im arrested for false idears like setting loose prionsers? Wha's tha best way of approachin' this bloke so we don' 'ave ta repeat this incident?

[Nebula]

Marstel's face lights up as if he has discovered his purpose in life

"Fellooooooows, I've got just the idea for that! Leave it up to me, Marstel LerhhhhGrande!Master of fashion! Master of... disguise..."

A sly grins stretches especially wide across his face as he mentions the last part.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Curling up on his saddle horn perch, Mr. Meow's face splits in a cavernous kitty yawn, and he seems content to ignore everyone and bird-watch, tail lashing back and forth now and then as a bird flies overhead.

[the Frogman]

Biastes scrunches his brow as Sammy follows him. He marches on, ignoring Sammy, before stopping abruptly and shooting a glare of death to the ape-rider.

The key word here is... 'most' of the guards. I don't need to help you with anything. You and your wretched guard-killers can go wreak your havoc somewhere else! You want to see the Watertown Earl, go ahead and be my guest! I don't have time to waste on your pithy issues.

Biastes turns abruptly on his heels and stomps off deeper into the woods. He grabs his sword with a firm grip and swings at some of the thinner branches, promptly chopping them off their respective trees with a grunt.

[samduke]

to no one imparticular.. well it seems he will be of little or no use to us, if it is the earl we need to see then lets be off to see him.

[Orderic]

"Well then, I suppose there is nothing more to be done about this situation. It suggest that first we search the ruins of the keep for any clues that might have survived and then attempt to gain an audience with the earl."


"Oh, and Sir Guspar? Might you be able to tell me where your cat learned the arts of evocation? While a rather crude kind of magic, I nevertheless thought it beyond a cat."

[PallentisLunam]

"Eh-vah-cahshon?" Gaspard says raising an eyebrow. "Ah am sure ah due naht knaw what you mean. Meestah Meow knaws nah mahgik." Gaspard pauses for a moment glancing down at the cat and stroking him from ears to tail. "Ahre yew sahying zat zere ez sumthing wrong weeth Meestah Meow?" he asks with a note of concern.

[Orderic]

Bertram shrugs, apparently not really caring.

"Might be, might be not. Could simply be a magical experiment, like owlbears. A disguised outsider is also a possibility. Maybe even a werecat or a Tibbit. Could even be a druid, wizard, sorcerer, cleric, someone with a polymorphing object... or the cat simply is in possession of an enchanted item. Really, there are countless possibilities and trying to find the correct one would take far too long in our current situation. Although if we do find the opportunity, we should have it checked for any evilness. Although... how long do you know this cat?"

[~Corvus~]

Now that Biastes has left, Sammy turns to the Bard while Ser Gaspard and Bertram talk about the cat. Maybe Sammy was right: it is a strange cat.


"Fellooooooows, I've got just the idea for that! Leave it up to me, Marstel LerhhhhGrande!Master of fashion! Master of... disguise..."

"Marstel, I am such a fool. Of course you're the one ta do this job!" He looks over at the dead guard and his uniform and says, "'Ow do ya think we can do this? Oi'd love ta 'ear it from you"

Sammy decides that they are indeed off (again) for Watertown, for better or for worse, and motions for Marstel and Ser Gaspard to follow along.

[Nebula]

Marstel follows Sammy as they head in the direction of Watertown...

"Well you see fellow, I'm not just a highly fashionable bard, but I am also very good at imitating the appearances of other people, even it does make me look unfashionable!"

"If I could disguise myself as another bard, perhaps one of the 'white stripes', I could perhaps propose to perform for the duke, and then when everyone has their attention on me, I'll play my 'lullaby'!"

Marstel giggles

"From there on out, all you would have to do is pull the duke aside to talk to him while I keep everyone around him asleep..."

[~Corvus~]

Sammy listens intently, nodding along. He agrees, "Your fashion outstrips us oll." When Marstel is done, he asks "Hm...wha' if tha Duke doesn' loike 'is subjects bein' put ta sleep? Or wha' if tha duke falls asleep?"

[Nebula]

"Thaaaank yooou! Now don't worry about the Duke being concerned! I'll make sure they all are deeply allured to my music, and in fact, we want the little duke to be a bit sleepy, as I'm sure it will make him easier to talk to! I could use one of my tunes to send a message only he could hear, but if I stop playing the lullaby then the chances of one of them waking up would increase..."

" I think one of the necromancer's spells could have helped with isolating the king when we talk to him, but does anyone else they can contribute to my marrrrrrvelous plan?"

[PallentisLunam]

Gaspard looks back and forth between Marstel and Sammy several times. "Ah dahn't undahstahnd," he says simply.

[Nebula]

Marstel looks to Sir Gaspard with a smile on his face
"Felloooow, I play pretty music which puts people to sleep, while you get to talk to the duke!"

[PallentisLunam]

A very serious look crosses Gaspard's face as it drains of all color and he shakes his head vigorously, "Ah cahn naht due zat! Eet ez naht mah place. Zese Duke, 'e ez too fah ahbuv mah stahshun! Ah might eembarass mah lord."

[the Frogman]

As the party wanders through the forest, it doesn't take long for the tops of Watertown's buildings to come into view. You can see the stone outline of Watertown through the treetops, but there is no more chaos. No screams. No overwhelming aura of fear. All seems calm. In its place, you hear laughter, the laughter of children and other random residents. In moments, you see some residents that dare wander from the protection of Watertown and its many guards. They don't seem to notice you, or they simply don't care. The festival banner still hangs high, rippling slightly in the gentle breeze. Regardless, you find yourselves entering the town where it all began. Watertown, home of the Water Festival.

[Nebula]

Marstel tries to talk to nearby people and gather information on the where the "White Stripes", and other famous bards are staying (if any), while trying to figure out which one would be the best to disguise as...

Gather Information [roll0]

[the Frogman]

A young couple whisper to each other as Marstel asks them of the White Stripes. The girl giggles as she looks at Marstel while the guy whispers in her ear. The girl waves him off, eyes rolled.

The White Stripes have their own private estate in town. If you're looking for the local hangout for musicians, I'd say the Rock House is the place to go. They have live music every night, and its a pretty chill atmosphere.

The guy whispers in her ear again, making her giggle again.

You a White Stripes impersonator? Well it's a bit of a stretch, but I'd say you potentially pass as Jack Whitesmith...

The guy lets out a chuckle before putting his arm around his lady. The two wander around the party, wandering off into the woods. Their laughs can still be heard as they disappear into the woods.

[Nebula]

Marstel thanks the couple profoundly as they head off, with the grin of a devil as they turn away. He then looks to Gaspard and Sammy.
"So, I think we need sort out the details of our plan. Shall we do so at the Rock House? I must say I have already explained that fashion and disguise is my thing, and I am told I could flatter the wings off a bird! But what are yours, fellows? Apart from blasting and stabbing, that is, I would love to hear about what you can do..."

[~Corvus~]

Sammy grins as Marstel talks and sneaks a grin to Bertram as if to say This guy is actually really cool! "Marstel, you're really a charming person. Let's all go and 'ave a drink, eh? We'll all talk 'bout our skills, plan, but first we'll 'ave to make sure Mercy 'ere gets ta play in tha stable. She LOVES horses. Weird tha' innit?"

[samduke]

"So, I think we need sort out the details of our plan. Shall we do so at the Rock House? I must say I have already explained that fashion and disguise is my thing, and I am told I could flatter the wings off a bird! But what are yours, fellows? Apart from blasting and stabbing, that is, I would love to hear about what you can do..."


Siro looking at Sammy and Bertram, as marstel gives his little speech as if siro was not standing right there all along, well if you want to go to this place, and think you can charm them, who am I to stop you.

[the Frogman]

As the party approaches the gates into Watertown, small flocks of people wander in. Chatter escalates as people voice excitements and expectations for the upcoming Water Festival. The familiar sound of children's laughter comes from the Watertown Square and a beggar with an eyepatch on his left eye stands just off the path. He asks for alms with a weathered leather sack, but seems to be having no luck as many fail to notice him.

For all the people wandering through Watertown's entrance, there is an noticeable absence of guards guarding the entrance. With all the crowds, it's virtually impossible to tell where the guards are currently at, if there are any at all, but there does not seem to be any visible at the present moment. That does not seem to be an issue though at the moment, as the crowds are filled with laughter, smiles, and cheers. In fact, you see those at the Water Festival previously see a familiar water spouts shooting through the sky. A smiling old wizard sits besides the tents watching as children chase the spouts with giggles of glee.

On the Watertown Square, there are four places of interest. In the Square, there appears to be a demonstration taking place. A young blonde woman with a leather collar rests on all fours as a chain leash connects her to another woman, this one a muscular brunette. Another one, a redhead, finds herself in a similar position. The brunette holds the leash with a firm grip, smiling at men that pass and calling to others. As the crowd gathers around the spectacle, the brunette detaches the leashes from the two women's collars and the women begin a dance in the town square.

The the left, there are countless tents, each one hosting various goods and supplies. If there was anything... ANYTHING you could possibly want, this was the time and this was the place to get it!

To the right, you see various buildings, presumably houses and other various buildings. Right on the square though, the Rock House stands visible. Ironically enough, it is a wooden structure with a tin roof. The sign for the Rock House is worn, barely visible above the door frame. A Half-Orc sits on a bench out front, eyeing up various patrons that enter the Rock House.

Straight ahead, the Watertown Palace stands tall. Its spires reach out and touch the sky, large columns of blue and white. Golden trim glistens in the sun as a few well-dressed individuals stand out front, holding a stretched out parchment and pointing at the crowds.

[PallentisLunam]

Apart from blasting and stabbing, that is, I would love to hear about what you can do..."

Ser Gaspard puffs out his chest beneath his breast plate. "Ah cahn take car uv Loyalty!" he says with a wide, honest smile.

As Gaspard rides by the beggar he drops five gold into the man's sack, "Mah zey help yew reclahm yar hona, sah." He then stares aghast at the trio of women for a brief moment before clamping his jaw shut with an audible click, snapping his visor down over his face, and quite clearly focusing his attention elsewhere.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

His gaze searching the faces of the crowd, Mr. Meow's eyes soon narrow to slits, and his hackles seem to never quite fully relax. Occasionally sniffing the air, Mr. Meow doesn't leave his saddle horn perch as the group treks through town.


Mr. Meow will use his Scent ability to attempt to smell anything out of place.
He'll also be gazing into the crowd, looking for out-of-place things as well.
Spot: [roll0]

[samduke]

siro continues to travel along near Sammy, behind ser gaspard

[Orderic]

"I believe I require some kind of offensive wand, considering how my spell repertoire is rather lacking when it comes to this kind of thing. If you don't mind, I will see if I can find such a thing here. Of course, we will also need a place to meet. Is there an inn you have in mind, or another place?"

[~Corvus~]

Sammy has been quietly counting the gold coins that he's managed to rack up, and it's quite a few. He lifts his head from his purse* and says to the group, "We ought ta meet at tha Rock House later tonight. 'Ow about after sunset, we meet at the Rock House? Oi like Bertram's idear of wands. I 'ave a few Oi might wanna look at. This one" he holds up his wand of Lesser Vigor "is almost out!"

*(He's still mystified how so much gold can weigh next to nothing)

Sammy taps Marstel on the shoulder and says, "And as for talents, Oi'm bloody brilliant with animals. Always 'ad a knack with 'em. Summoning, controlling--" he pauses a moment for dramatic effect "Oi once 'ad ta study in this CRAZY forest for about foive years 'ow ta protect nature an' tha loike, all the while not be eaten. Bout tha only good thing tha' happened to me was Mercy 'ere, who didn't kill me. So, naturally, after a few 'orrible experience, Oi left...an' jus' a few days later, Oi met Bertram 'ere.

Good thing oi met 'im an turned 'im around, or 'e might 'ave wandered into a place where they..." he pauses, strokes his five 'o clock shadow and continues, "Well, they view some magics as dangerous at best."

[Nebula]

Marstel coos with delight as Sammy explains his gifts
"Quite interesting fellow, I can already feel a maaaarvelous plan going on!"

He then looks to where the three women are, and his eyes squint, displaying obvious suspicion as his tone becomes a tad less jolly...
"I do wonder what is up with those ladies over there, I don't think chains and collars are in fashion right now..."

He then adds

"Yes Sammy, I'll meet up with the rest of you at the Rock House after sunset, I'll be around here in the meantime..."

Marstel will go off a distance from the three women to ask around what's their deal (right now he suspects slavery of some kind). He will also try to get closer to the women to hear what is going on, just to sate any suspicions he might have.
Gather information [roll0]
Listen [roll1]

[samduke]

siro likes the idea of wands and will continue to follow Sammy and looks at weapons, eventually purchasing one.

[the Frogman]

Bertram, Sammy, and Siro make their way rather quickly to the local shopping tents. Before you hit the row of tents, a signpost catches your attention:



DIRECTORY
Red Tents: Weapons
Blue Tents: Armor
Yellow Tents: Magic Items
Purple Tents: Fortunes
Green Tents: Foods
Brown Tents: Basic Goods

DM NOTE- Just let me know what tents you wish to go to and we can do a quick RP to make some purchases. Perhaps there's a surprise or two waiting for you in the tents!



*************************************

Marstel, with Gaspard and Mr. Meow in tow, makes his way to the scantily-clad dancing females. Many are distracted by the dancing to converse with the duo (plus cat), but one elderly lady shakes her gray head and clenches her jaw. I cannot believe they allow such... filth!... at a family festival! Back in my day, females had more respect for themselves!

A young man rolls his eyes at her. Please! They're harmless dancers!

We both know they'll be... hanky-pankying with suitors after their routine is done! the old woman shoots back. She looks to Marstel and shakes her head furiously. I've seen it myself! That brunette of theirs keeps her girls on a tight leash... literally!

The young man looks to Marstel with a smile. They may enjoy the company of others, but its hardly anything to be concerned about. They are, after all, young adults. Their leader, that brunette, comes out with both men and women! It's all part of their routine. They're a dance-slash-entertainment group from west of here.



The sun shines brightly overhead, a reminder to any who remember that the second day is already over half-over.