The Dark Lord [Chapter 2] The City of Freemen

[crimson77]

[Previous thread here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5415350#post5415350)]

The snow has been falling for days, you find yourself so tired of walking through the plains. You finally see the city of freemen, its towering walls cause you to think twice about this decision. The city once was an army fort which has been converted into a town. You approach the gates, two dwarvin guards stand at attention next to a steel door. The guards seem to look past you as you stand in the cold snow as if you do not exist.

[OOC: Please be leveled up and sold/purchased anything you wanted]

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Louis shakes his head as Throshkar cooes over the rapier; he would have sworn the blade looked rusty and the scabbard made of plain leather.
I had Throsh coo over Adrain's weapon because he rolled so badly on identifying it. No way you spent enough on it for him to actually *like* it if he'd ID'ed it right. He's wayyy too wealthy for that. ;)
* * *

Throshkar peruses the armories briefly, finally coming upon a glowing, golden half plate set in the place of honor at the largest store in town. The fine metal is etched by a master craftsman, and the soft blue glow practically thrums with power.

Throsh looks it over carefully. He hardly nods at the armorer's request for 4,200 gold; clearly the price is no object. Finally, he inspects the inner lining of the armor -- at this, he instantly throws up his hands. "Bah! You think I would wear black satin?" He storms out of the building, leaving dropped jaws in his wake.

* * *

During the trip to the City of Freemen, Louis nods happily to Regis' questions of faithfulness. Deeper inspection shows the boy has little organized instruction, but follows the principles that his baker parents drilled into him as a youth. Some of what Throshkar has taught him as squire conflicts with these ideas, but Louis has not given it much thought.

At one point, Louis mentions to Regis that he has heard of a holy man who could speak to people he knew from leagues away. When Regis agrees that, yes, he can indeed do such a thing, Throshkar claps his hand to his chest.

"That would be a grand thing! Could you indeed speak to our friend Johnathan? You know his face -- tell him... ah, tell him, 'We've found the Prince! Going to City of Freemen for now, to establish a safe base and gather forces before returning to the manor. Last one there is an old man!!'"

He chuckles at the long-standing joke between the two cavaliers.

* * *

When the party arrives at the gates, Throshkar and Louis ride forward, Louis displaying his master's pennon. "Hail, good Freemen! Throshkar deLaBlanche and his companions greet you, and entreat you to grant us entry!"

I didn't buy anything beyond any necessities. Most of my leveling up is done.

[crimson77]

[OOC: I will continue on after everyone has posted here.]

Jonathon replies to your message, "Well met old man, I will meet you there as soon as my lady is ready to travel again. I fear she caught a bit of a chill"

[Greyen]

Regis

During the travels Regis does his job as feeded and caretaker of the little band, keeping them dry, warm and fed with his little magics.

Throshkar's messages are transfered without issue.

At the gate Regis stands patiently, he simply ensures that his holy symbol is plainly visible.

[The_JJ]

Well, it's not quite rusting, it's just that the 'diamonds' or whatever are fake.

***

Adrian rolls his eyes when Throkshar makes his grand pronouncement at the gates. Then he flicks out his soft blue and, since he'd only had the one outfit, rather travel-worn coat, and makes a bow to the guards.

[crimson77]

The guards make little notice of you except to open the large iron gate and in your general direction say, "Welcome weary traveler, we have but one law, do not take the freedom away from another." You can see a busheling city beyond the large gate. The guards make no other conversation nor do they respond to any questions when asked.

Where do you head?

[Knowledge Local/History DC 5]
The city of freemen was founded by pirates centuries ago, since that time it has remained a controversial place. It has withstood many sieges from those who wish to change what the city stands for.

The city is based on the notion that everyone should be free to do as they please as long at it does not hinder the freedom of another. Wealth is something that is seen to be shared freely. If one feels oppressed by another it is not uncommon for them to react violently agents the oppressor. This violence does serve to offset the very principle for which this city was founded. Because of these two conflicting values, the city is is often in a state of balanced chaos with many factions or gangs competing for power. It is a place where many things can be found but also lost.

[feel free to share this information with the other players]

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar bites his tongue hard at the guards' nonchalant greeting. The idea that he could not announce the prince himself was one thing -- that was a matter of royal security. But that these men would greet a cavalier of the king so blandly verged on dishonorable treatment. He coughs, shaking out his rough response and replacing it with a traditional Dwarven blessing: "May you find eternal veins of gold, friend!"

After the party makes its way through the gates and into the city proper, Throshkar declares with a lopsided grin, "Pirates. A great place to start a revolution, wouldn't you say, Pri--ah, Sir Manfred?"

"Where shall we go first? Food, lodging, friendship?" He winks at the latter. "We could go straight to the local chiefs and petition their support. The place is arrun with gangs and thugs, but I am sure the Prince's blessing would turn them around!"

"Else, we do need information. It has been long since I knew the state of our kingdom, and perhaps in a place like this they may know of the dark knights' origins...?"

Throshkar keeps his eye out for signs announcing tournaments or other similar activities that he would enjoy. Louis, meanwhile, gawks at the strange, rough men and women they pass by. His tight grip on Henri's leash tugs him this way and that as the dog lurches to the left, right, and forward. The hound's big wet nose sniffs at every nook and cranny he can reach.

Knowledge Local:[roll0]

Options as I see them:
1) Find an inn/tavern in order to:
- Have a place to stay,
- Begin hiring mercenaries to bulk up the team, and/or
- Find jobs to bulk up our funds.
2) Attract the attention of local leaders by:
- Starting a fight (not honorable)
- Simply asking around, or
- Looking for obvious "mayoral" type locations.
3) Gather Information via skill checks (I assume Adrian would do this well) about:
- Dark knights
- The status of the kingdom
- Who would be supportive of our cause
- Secure buildings/forts that we could obtain as a base
- Any tournaments going on? (Throshkar would want to know)
4) Oh, prostitutes, too.

I'm suggesting that Adrian goes info hunting, maybe with one of us to assist, while the others locate an inn and settle down.


Oh, and no offense meant about Adrian's sword from earlier, The_JJ. :smallbiggrin:

[Greyen]

Regis

First we go this away to a safe Inn that I know of. Well last I was here it was safe but that was quite a few years ago. Regis moves ponderously allowing those before him to move out of his way as he moves easily into the city. He heads for a large stone inn near to the main cathedral. Ahh, the Stone's Rest, let us see if this is still the fine establishment it once was.


I'm reaching a bit here but, Regis as a wide travellers would fairly know a great many places, and stayed in the worst and best of inn along the way.

I dis try to leave room for how the inn actually is now.

[The_JJ]

Adrian nods at the guards, and smiles. My kinda city.
Well Sir Manfred. I think we need another suit of clothes for you. And myself, methinks, along with many other errands to run. I will meet you at the... Stone's Rest? Tonight, for dining.

Options as Thoshkar see them:
Know local. [roll0] (for the history)
Gather info: For where to buy stuff in the city:
Check: [roll1]
Time: [roll2]
Gather info: Identifying power centers
Check: [roll3]
Time: [roll4]
1) Find an inn/tavern in order to:
- Have a place to stay,
Okay
- Begin hiring mercenaries to bulk up the team, and/or
It's a good idea
- Find jobs to bulk up our funds.
I could make delicious baked goods. Or rob people...
2) Attract the attention of local leaders by:
- Starting a fight (not honorable)
Bad idea.
- Simply asking around, or
I can do that.
- Looking for obvious "mayoral" type locations.
Probably won't help us too much in a city like this.
3) Gather Information via skill checks (I assume Adrian would do this well) about:
- Dark knights
- The status of the kingdom
- Who would be supportive of our cause
- Secure buildings/forts that we could obtain as a base
- Any tournaments going on? (Throshkar would want to know)
I can do this...
4) Oh, prostitutes, too.
Adrian is the gentleman theif. He prefers charm. Devilish good looks. Black leather suits and romantic nighttime visits. (Over estimation of his good looks on that? Maybe, but I'd say a 13 CHA isn't bad.)
5) Shopping around.
On my list:
Some discreet poisons. KO stuff. Darts and dinner for delivery.
Another suit of cloths or so.
A riding dog (Henri is a great idea, and my carrying load is tiny.)
???

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

The cavalier prompts his steed to follow Regis' bulk through the crowds; the animal does so, careful to keep its wings from being bumped by the more seedy of the citizenry. When Adrian takes his leave, Throshkar nods politely and flashes his pearly teeth; deep in the recesses of his mind, a whisper of a thought burbles, suggesting that their companion may abscond into the alleys, never to return unless it is with soldiers seeking a prince's ransom... but the blond warrior hardly pauses over such a low thought of such an esteemed member of the halfling aristocracy.

Stone's Rest sounds great, and I'm glad one of us is establishing a history in the place! More I learn about it, the more I'm sure Throshkar would never have come here except under extraordinary circumstances. :smallamused:

I would love to see Adrian try to convince Throshkar and Louis -- and Henri! -- to let him train the dog as his mount. That'd be fun!

[The_JJ]

I'm just going to buy one. :smallbiggrin:

[crimson77]

As you walk onto the stone streets you are greeted with cold faces as you clearly stick out as visitors to this city. After a few moments of walking you find the Stone's Rest with a large stables behind it. The inn keeper gives you a toothless smile as you enter and a stable boy takes the horses and the dog to the stables for a brush down. "I take it you are here for the night? Tis a two gold per room per night, there are two beds to a room."

Outside the inn you can see many shops, a dwarvin armorsmith's shoppe catches Throshkar's eye. You get the feeling that you will be able to get many things here at a fair price.

[OOC: All goods and services are at phb prices. You will have to search out any magical items you are interested in purchasing.]


[Adrian]
Adrian you find out that the quarter where the Stone's Rest lies is a major hub of business. Most merchant shoppes have one or two guards standing at the doorways along with a few in the stores as well. However, for those who wish to bargain, the docks are a place where one can get some good deals if they do not end up feeding the fishes. Most thieving equipment is sold openly for reasonable prices.

You hear that many people have not been paying too close of attention to the happenings of your home town. However, you do know that the new king is raising an army which is helping the economy of that kingdom. There have been a few instances of Dark Knights coming to this town but they have not stayed long. Additionally, some of the old Cavaliers have taken up residence in a large warehouse in the dwarvin district. You get the feeling that this city is not one to take sides or even have much of an army let alone a police force.

If one wishes to fight, there is an arena where men can test their skills and wager money on the fights.

There are several factions competing for power in this area, the Dwarves, several seafaring groups, a militant human group, the merchants, and other smaller gangs. There is not open hostility on the streets but you can feel the tension.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

The quoted price was somewhat less than what the nobleman was used to spending on a room, but he shrugged and agreed to the terms -- haggling was for merchants and other scum. If the beds were of insufficient quality, they would go elsewhere the next night, with none the wiser that a cavalier (and his prince!) had lowered himself to this station.

"That will do. Prepare us a fine lunch, to be taken in our rooms. And the stabling? The dog will stay with us, of course." He motioned to Arondight and Louis' small horse.

After Louis and Throshkar spend a few minutes ensuring the stablehands were familiar with caring for a cavalier's pegasus, the two head over to the Dwarven smithy. The boy grumbles briefly about resting after the road, but his master will have none of it.

"'Mong other things, you need to know more about armor -- these are the badges of greatness, signs of our strength, honor and courage. A man who walks on the battlefield lit with gold and shining with jewels -- he is a man that dares all others to come to him, to challenge his might and test their worth. Such a man is a true cavalier!"

He turns to the Prince and Regis. "Will you join us?"
I'll be going shopping once I decide what gear I want, and ask the smithy about local tournaments. How does "search for magic armor" work?

[Greyen]

Regis

Let us rest a moment and refresh our selves first my friend. Tin shingles ta hang off yer arse can wait a moment or two. You and your boy there both need a bath. As do I. After that and a night in a bed, I think we will be better suited to go about in town. Regis heads up stairs, wether Throsh follows or not, nodding to the innkeeper. Can ye send fer a barber, and send up a bath fer me?

******

Later cleaned, shaved, and fed. Regis will go out shopping with the boys, or if they are unavailable he will sit in the common room and listen to the goings on of the day.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar starts to glower at the tone the cleric takes with him -- clearly disregarding their relative status -- until the words sink in.

"Well... yes, that is true, holy man. Rudely spoken, but yes, true. Louis looks a ragged thing, and I doubt I myself present a proper face for my station. Louis, draw us a bath, and quick! I still want to tend to yon smithy before the sun sets, if we may."

While Louis runs off, Throshkar busies himself rubbing at newly-discovered spots and stains on his finely-made traveling clothes. He seems troubled by every little blemish and shadow...

[Greyen]

Regis

I was a simple son of a farmer once upon a time. You will find no disrespect meant in my words. Being a knight is a hard thing, and you drive your self and the boy hard, thats good sometimes, but sometimes its time to take a short rest before you push too far.

[The_JJ]

Adrian tosses a coin thoughtfully, makes it disappear, and then walks into a tailor's shop near the inn. Might as well get the 'legitimate' concerns out of he way. I'd like another set of clothes. Green with red lining, blue embroidery. I'll pay half now. He let's himself get measured and then wanders down to a nearby stable, to see if anybody might cater to halfling riding needs.

Then he heads out to an area a little bit less high end to see if he can't rent a hole in the wall, no questions asked. He'd like to have a place to drop his less savory stuff and get out of this fancy wear before he went anywhere to low rent. People in fancy clothes mean defenceless money, and he's in no rush to get into that.

With the room rented (I'm assuming I can find something) Adrian goes back to the inn. Tommorow, I can go buy some poisons, maybe some darts. Just in case... Probably a good idea to buy a lock for the rented room. He strolls into the inn, and checks that Throshkar's not there. Definatly to exitable to tell anything to.

Once he can corner the prince, (Regis can listen in too, if he wants) Adrian lowers his voice. There are a few Cavaliers in the city. It'd be good to meet with them, but I don't recommend making direct contact. Those... Dark Knight fellows have been looking around too, and I wouldn't put it past them to put a watch over those Cavaliers. You wouldn't have, say, a signet ring or something we could us to prove you are here with out putting you in risk? Adrian does his best to act as if this sudden display of fact finding and espionage accumen was prefectly normal.

Then, duty done for now, Adrian decides to kick back, find a nice little (literally) halfling bakery with a cute waitress. Eat some food, kick back, and relax.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Over their meal, Throshkar grills the prince about his travels and his fighting style, beginning with, "Milord, may I ask -- it has not yet been my pleasure to witness your battle training, or even be privy to the styles in which you have been trained. Are you a warrior in the style of all cavaliers, or does your station provide you other options?"

He also asks what, if anything, the prince knows about the dark knights and his brother's goals, observing, "There was one of these men at my manor who seemed to literally disappear into the air -- not even into shadow, for it was full day, and yet Henri himself could not track him, not one whiff beyond where he stood. Have you any thoughts of where these men may have been born, and how your brother might have gained their alliance?"

He also presents Aseral with the locket and leather note that the party took from the body of his friend: "I am sorry, milord, for taking this, but we were unable to bury the man properly, and felt it better to bring it to you than let some merchant or other thief happen upon it. When that we are free to do so, I shall return to dig the grave myself. This I swear." Throshkar bows his head sadly.

Glad I remembered to do this. And in case the discussion merits some rolls:

Diplomacy: [roll0]
Gather Information: [roll1]

[crimson77]

[OOC: I lost my long post last night during the database backup because I went to bed leaving it on the webpage but my comptuer decided to update itself and restart after i went to bed :smallmad:]

The prince nods at your request to you to shop for a few things.

Throshkar, you are greeted with the sound of metal being pounded on by hammers at the armor shoppe. The owner informs you that you can get magic infused armor for a price (10% more than DMG). The armorsmith also informs you that if you want to fight the arena is the place to go.

During your time out the prince answers your questions, "I am uncertain exactly who these dark knights are and where they are from. I know that my brother had contacts within the cavaliers but they could be from another realm. As with the special abilities of the knight that you encountered, I know that my father once had a mage who created some powerful items before he died in a magical explosion. They would be using those items.

As for training, I have had some training in swords, bows, and daggers but it was for for sport and less for killing a man. I think my track record for adventuring explains that too well." He glances at the items you took from his past party members. "I would appreciate your help burying my comrades in the spring if we are not burying more dead."

The prince nods at Adrian's request for his ring and takes it off a chain around his neck and hands it to Throshkar. "I agree, you must go without me to see if it is safe. Keep the ring with you from now on since you are now my protector. I also need to get some better armor for I am not good at keeping it up without a servant."

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

After a long soak and a comfortable meal, the party sets out to the nearby armorer. Throshkar chats up the Dwarven smiths, broadly praising the work of Dwarves in general and this shop in particular. Finding what he sees on display satisfactory, the cavalier places special orders for a small buckler, circumscribed by glittering gemstones, as well as a full-plate set, masterfully done with silver- and gold-stained etching, lined with a mulberry satin and trimmed in gold.

Prying his cavalier's symbol from his old armor, where it hung loosely after their last battle, he asks the shop owner to install this just over the heart of his new armor.

Kissing up to the armorsmith, to get better prices (on the magic, fancy stuff, or anything else) and select the best gear:
Diplomacy: [roll0]
Appraise: [roll1]
I'm still deciding about the magic enhancement(s). If you want me to hurry up and decide, let's say just MW for now. :smallcool:
Throshkar shakes his head ruefully, slowly, at the Prince's suggestion that the dark knights are using magical objects to transport themselves.

"Mages," he opines, "are nothing but trouble, milord. I know they can be good men and women, and that the k-- your father, ah, he enjoyed their works. But in the end, all wizards meddle too much with the balance of the world, and are therein destroyed." A sad memory, or some passing regret, shadows his green-blue eyes for some time afterward.

Stirring himself from his reverie as they return to the tavern, Throshkar brings up with "Sir Manfred" and Louis (and Regis, if he is there) how impressed he is with the cleric's enchanted, full plate armor. He tries unsuccessfully to avoid criticizing its condition, lacking as it is in precious metals or gemstones; but he does manage focus on the "fundamental importance of armor as a badge of one's station," and how well Regis' cuirass, etc., does that.

* * *

Adrian finds the group back at the inn after their trip. He nonchalantly pulls Aseral and Regis aside while Throshkar is embroiled in explaining to his squire exactly how to set a finely detailed oak piece, in the shape of the cavalier emblazon, onto the boy's chain shirt. "This will show the world that you are a true servant of the king, and member of the highest class of warriors. You are a part of the Prince's Guard now, Louis, and you deserve to be called cavalier!"

When the Prince calls him over and passes him his ring, Throshkar kneels impulsively. "Upon the 'morrow, milord, we shall gather your men and let them all know your need." He cracks a broad smile, his eyes seeing glory in the local arena. "And at the field of honor, here, I shall vaunt the worth of your cause by my arm and my valor!"

[Greyen]

Regis

and how well Regis' cuirass, etc., does that.

No, this old tin shingle is just that, something to keep my heart inside my chesy and my guts in their place too. i've never understood you Cavaliers and your finery. Like that green set you looked at today, pretty 'nuff. Looked like it would pinch the nutt sack when yer walking though, thats no good.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar's eyes screw up inside his head, literally crossing as Regis' profane irreverence to armor-as-class enters his brain. He almost begins to snarl, but the man just can't bring himself to get upset. Finally, he laughs at the absurdity of it all.

Besides, he bellows cheerfully, "You remind me of my old sergeant!" He then proceeds to describe in detail the antics of the former chief of the castle guard, a crusty, world-weary man with a taste for mead and brutally colorful insults.

"In any case, I wish my armor to protect my guts just as well as you. But if it show not to my enemies on the field of battle my worth as a man and a warrior, then how, I ask you, are they to choose me as their target above the many others who heft shield and sword?" It is a rhetorical question, with only one answer in Throshkar's mind.

[The_JJ]

Adrian nods. I'm not to trusted. Just as well. 's good to have everybody paranoid. That's why I didn't want to let the mucsle in on it, after all. To worried about his honor to be careful. To worried about his honor to be treacherous, though.

Tommorow, I think, we should meet with the Cavaliers. But, uh, Throshkar, being so famous as you are, it might be best if you rode under the vergescu. Now, apologies, but I'd like to go find a good halfling kitchen to make my dinner.

[Greyen]

Regis

Why on earth would I want my 'enemies' to find me before they found anyone else on the battle field!? Thats sownright stupid. My job on the battle field is to carry healing and protection to you idiots who insist on using a giant shiv to make a decision with. Yes, I do use a mace to defend my self, but how many times have I actually hit someone with it ? Regis is smailing and chuckling at the debate about the meaning of armor with his friend.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

"Ah, and that, good man, is why you are not covered in the glory of man and god." Throshkar shakes his head ruefully. "By seeking the greatest warriors to battle, I test my self and my worth. Ah... I suppose, as a cleric, there may be other paths to glory for you. Perhaps."

"In any case -- Louis!" He waves his squire over from the corner where Henri was, where he had wandered during the genial debate. Henri's happy growls could be heard as he gnawed on a bone from the kitchen. "Louis, see here the difference in the path of the cavalier and the holy man. We seek renown and honor for the greatness of the kingdom; men such as Regis exist to aid us in our calling. We must not look down on them that they themselves seek not glory. The Lord wills it to be this way, that only the best of men -- such as us -- may rise to the pinnacle of all."


As the discussion died down -- or perhaps as interruption to calm things down -- Adrian stepped in to suggest that, "But, uh, Throshkar, being so famous as you are, it might be best if you rode under the vergescu."

Throshkar had to explain to Louis the meaning of the term vergescu: "It is as if I were to go to battle in my new armor without my emblazon, my..." His eyes lit up with inspiration. For a moment, his mouth worked silently as Adrian made his farewells.

"Ah--ah-- of course! Halfling, yes! Enjoy your meals, but be careful, Monsieur De Gra. Ah, we wouldn't wish to find you in the cave of another dragon, now would we? Ha!" Throshkar turned excitedly to Louis, Regis, and Aseral.

"What an excellent idea! It shall be as a test of mine new arms -- I shall go to the coliseum vergescu, and we shall learn whether they draw the proper attention as a great cavalier's armor should."

"Louis, quick to the armorer's -- I wish for an additional blessing upon my plate, something that will make it truly glow vibrant and good. And have them hold placing mine symbol upon the breast. Go, go!"

What are the value of the gems in this town? Unchanged?

I'll go ahead and pay for the +1. That's an extra (1,000 * 10%) * 20% for fancy = 1,320gp. Probably not a great meta decision, but it fits Throsh, especially that 8 WIS of his.

[The_JJ]

Ok, so here is what I've bought and added/subtracted from my sheet:
one amazing lock -150 gold
one coutier's outfit -30 gold
one riding dog -150 gold
saddle -30 gold (won't be using this much)
saddlebags -4 gold (a must)
spare room in which to store all my roguey stuff -5 silver a day (use the common inn listing since I'll be paying for privacy)

[crimson77]

You send the morning and afternoon shopping and plotting your next step in a pub down the street from the inn. As you sit around a round table in the back of the pub, discussing your plan of action for approaching the cavaliers in the dwarvin district, a pale freckled red haired man wearing an awkward dark green and blue silk robe approaches your table and whispers something into the princes ear. The prince recoils as if he is uncertain how to react to this individual. The prince responds to the group after a moment of silence where you are uncertain if you should grab your sword, ""This is Egan Braache, a mage who worked for my father. It sure has been a while since I have last seen you Egan. What have you been up to? What do you know of my father's death?"

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Until the prince reacted, Throshkar thought the man was simply one of the town's odd pharmacologists or alchemists, trying to sell his likely-illegal wares in an illicit fashion. He had no doubt they had nothing to fear from the corrupting influence of such mercantile scum. When Aseral started as if slapped, however, Throshkar leapt to his defense. Any challenger, frail or mighty, would have to pass through him...

Only Aseral's silence stayed the cavalier's hand. His words, though calming, were also disquieting. A mage who worked for the late king...? Could he have been involved in his death? Or the powers of the dark knights?

Throshkar waits for the man to respond to his prince; once Aseral gives him the nod, he introduces himself; the halfling aristocrat Adrian da Gra;
his squire Louis von Koch; their compatriot holy man Regis; and, of course, Henri. Once introduced, the dog snuffs about the man's robes, fascinated by the many odors therein. He sneezes loudly once, twice, and then backs away, irritated by the itch in his canine nose.

[The_JJ]

Adrian flips the silverware in his hand end over end as he decides what to do with this new information. Then he speaks up. He's knows you, obviously. We'll have to keep him around. We could use the power I suppose. He came up to us instead of turning us over which makes him trustworthy. Unless he already turned us over and is merely confirming that we're in here for the heat. Adrian checks the exit and slides a hand to the hilt of his rapier. I say we get you back to your rooms, Your Majesty, and leave Henri and Louis there to protect you while we make contact with the cavaliers.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan bows somewhat awkwardly to the entire table and presents a warm smile. "Greetings to each of you, and especially to you, Sire," he completes with a slightly deeper bow to the prince, trying not to pull too much attention to the table. "Well met, Sir DeLaBlanche. And, I am honored by your begrudging acceptance Sir Halfling Adrian. I do intend to stay around." Egan nods to Regis and Louis and smiles once again.

He finds a seat around the far side of the table and continues, "Before I tell you of my journeys, please permit me a bit of suspicion first. Please comment on Throshkar's splendid new armor for a moment." Egan dives a hand into his robes and pulls it back out holding a small bauble and begins a discrete chanting.

Egan will cast Detect Scrying to make sure noone is watching the prince and his companions.
-- 24h, 40ft. radius
Assuming he finds nothing he will continue.
"I apologize for the rudeness, but I will explain now. Since I last saw you, young prince, I have been traveling for some time, expanding my horizons and my customers. However, I have never forgotten the kindness of your father, so I have checked in on you and your family from time to time, each time that I was away. I would tell you more of my travels if there were time, however I will continue to the important parts for now. I cannot confirm the circumstances of your father's passing, but as soon as I learned of it, I became concerned for your safety. This concern increased as I was not able to find you for several days. In fact, I must thank and congratulate Throshkar on his diligence in finding you safely. Your father's signet ring, is something that I have carried myself before when commanding the armory for a commission in his name. So, being familiar with it, I found it an easy anchor to follow in the quest for your safety and your travels to the City of Freemen. Which brings us to the present. My casting here was to verify that no others are trying to watch you or find you. Sire, you know my feelings toward your family. I have sought you out to offer my assistance if you so choose this course of action."

Egan stretches back in his chair for a moment, allowing everyone to soak in his short tale. "Kaylee and I have been waiting here for you. And now that we are united, how may I be of service? I have noticed some of the cavaliers that Adrian mentions coming to the city, but I do not know how many of them that I trust yet. I would use caution when approaching them."

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis reaches out a hand to the young mage saying Greetings friend. when his hand is taken for the cordial shake that is proffered Regis will clamp down hard and pull the mage close saying quietly to him Ser Manfred here needs to keep things a little under wraps, if you know what I mean? You do? good. Letting him go with a smile the big cleric sits back down and waves the barmaid over for more beer.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

As an aside to Regis' warning, Egan grimaces a bit as he tries not to wince from the strong grasp of the cleric. But hearing his words he responds quietly, "I have had the same concern. It was too easy for me to find you and I have overheard some of the indiscriminate speech of him."

After conversation returns a bit Egan returns to the subject for Regis, "I am also wary of too quickly offending the man. He seems to be a rightly proclaimed man of nobility. But his tongue must be sheathed soon."

I forgot in my earlier post. I wanted to try a Gather Information roll, or perhaps a Knowledge skill for the short time I had ahead of them in the city to scout out the political terrain. Mostly the Cavaliers.
Gather Information: [roll0]
Knowledge (Local): [roll1]
(Of course, this may not apply here, depending on where local is.)

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar smiles confidently at Adrian's suggestion that "We could use the power." As Egan casts his strange spell, the warrior drawls to the halfling, "You shall see, my little friend. Once the cavaliers have joined together, there is no force in the land that can halt us -- you shall see!"

He is amenable as before that the prince should remain behind, though he notes that he will want his squire when they go to the arena. When the mage suggests that there are cavaliers that cannot be trusted, however, Throshkar scoffs loudly. "Show me the cavalier who would betray his lord, and I will take his head for you. No -- I would join the queue! The entirety of the cavaliers would line up to destroy such a brute."

The words still in his mouth, Throshkar's conscience muttered to him. He shoved aside foul memories -- his old mentor, Lagressa Durande, persuasive and wise, and his father, elderly and drunk, both arguing on different occasions that the king needed to be replaced by a stronger man. 'That was not disloyalty,' he told himself. 'Moments of weakness, that's all.'

"But I shall see to the cavaliers with my own eyes. For myself, you are welcome to aid the --ah, Sir Manfred in your way, Wizard Brahe, as are all. I hope you mind not that I call you Brahe -- my middle name is Eden, and I may find myself confused by calling you Egan!"

"You mention a course of action? And you refer to a Kaylee? Is this another ally?"

I'm going to assume that Egan's criticisms were made out of Throsh's earshot...

[Greyen]

Regis

The cleric nods agreement to the mage and turns to Throshkar Ser Throskar, for safety's sake please keep your voice down. I understand your fervor, but right now we need to have some little subtlety about us. You are a cavalier, I understand that, but please keep the proclamations about 'for the King' and such to a minimum. Regis says calmly trying to not offend his new friend, speaking to him as an equal.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar looks down his nose at the stout man. 'Is he speaking to me as an equal? This man?' He clears his throat and lowers his voice -- slightly.

"You would have a cavalier be shy about speaking for the King? You do not think that such silence would not draw equal parts attention?" he asks jovially, but ice begins to form in his words as they drop to a strong whisper, pitched to be audible to the rest of the table and no further.

"If your opinion mattered in this, I would fain ask you to recall the last occasion on which I mentioned either king or prince -- indeed, else my private conversation with Louis earlier today, such words have not slipped my lips since our arrival at the City." Throshkar's tone grows colder, his eyes ice-blue. His smile, though, remains warm.

"Our new companion, meanwhile, has bandied about 'my prince' several times in his introduction. Query yourself whom it is that need curb his tongue, for safety's sake. You may wish to start with yourself."

No offense between players, of course. ;) It's all those darn PCs' fault!

[Greyen]

Regis

Oh, calm down. The priest says exasperatedly. If this man can find us on our first day in the city who knows who else can find us? Lets just all be careful.

[The_JJ]

Adrain massages his forehead at Throshkar's... mere existance at this point. Oh my... I owe the prince my life and he is my only chance at finding out what happened to my mother, but if this is the finest example of his loyal men... Ah well. Rule eight: sometimes best to move fast and hope the guards aren't watching.

Alright then, the plan is this. The prince goes back to his quaters with Louis and the two guard dogs, and secures the door. Then we shall proceed to the warehouse, keeping a low profile. Throshkar, because your deeds in the old king's name have earned you so much renown, you will have to wear your new armor and helmet with the face guard down. It might even be a help. After all, if you're recognized the Dark Knights might be to intimidated to dare assualt us. You must remember, Thoshkar, that they lack your honor, and will in fact often avoid a worthy foe in favor of easier prey. Adrian takes a breath, and then continues. When we get to the warehouse we'll have to be careful about who we trust, but we need the allies, and these men seem to have feld the Dark Knights, so we might trust the majority, though if our foemen are cunning they'll have planted amongst those men turncoats and traitors. Do not overestimate the honor of those we face. With that in mind, we shall contact those men, display the ring as proof of our intentions, and in no way mention that the prince is in the city. Not until we can be sure of his safety. After that, I suggest we befriend some of the faction in this city, though that is work for another day.

Adrian leans back, satisfied. I laid it on think there. Had to get it through that skull of his...

This is fun. Next step will be to work subtle jabs into the conversation. :smallwink:

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan interjects into the conversation and meekly smiles once more. "Of Course you are right my new friends." Egan looks directly at Throshkar. "I have been hasty in my conversations. I shall endeavor to follow your diligent example of discretion, and mention these terms, out of habit or intention, no longer, until the time for it is needed." He bows his head slightly in deference to the noble. They are always so hot-headed.

"And what course of actions can we speak concerning our young friend here?" Egan turns to observe the prince. "But only to what his intentions are. I know not of his aspirations, but I believe I know his duties, as each of us is called here to accept and act upon."

Lifting his mug of ale to Adrian's plan. "So let us commit then, to both discretion and perseverance. To better the fates of many." Egan takes a long draw from his mug, and winces a bit at the bitterness.

[crimson77]

The prince slams his fist down upon the table quieting the group. "I know this is hard, our world has changed in a few short weeks and we are left putting the pieces together without a guide. I agree that Throshkar should go with Adrain and the rest of you to meet the Cavaliers. Remember we are in a neutral city so I do not see a reason to hid our intentions but only my presence. As for Egan, my father trusted you but at this time I do not; however, despite your unknown intentions, I feel we should keep you close. I will go back to the inn with Louis, I will meet you there later tonight." With that he gets up and leaves with Louis.

[Nomad 5]
The intentions of the cavaliers is unknown but you do know they were routed from the city and came here to regroup.

[The_JJ]

Adrian stands up, and checks his rapier, pats his pockets (as if to find his wallet, but really to be sure that his crossbows are where he left them) and then tosses his share of the meal payment down, and steps out into the city.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar purses his lips at Regis, but Adrian begins detailing their plans, to which the cavalier nods at several points. The dark knights clearly have a dearth of honor, skulking in shadows and flitting about with the wind...

"Wait -- who is in the city?" he interjects casually, almost laughingly at yet another mention of the prince. 'Now even my fellow nobleman is accusing me of loose lips... well, he is just the son of a halfling viscount....' he thinks to himself.

Brahe's apology is well-formed, though, and Throshkar waves his hand with another, genuine smile, dismissing the matter completely. In any case, he'd only used the man's words to counter-attack Regis, not because he actually feared saying "prince" or "king" in private conversation.

He glances back at the cleric and began to speak, but his eyes must have carried more of his irritation than he'd intended, for the prince stomps his hand down, silencing the table.

After Aseral's departure, the cavalier pauses, then takes up his mug.

"Well, Brahe -- here's to your first toast!" He takes a long sip, smacks his lips carefully, then continues. "Acquit yourself well tomorrow, good mage, and I am sure our Manfred will find faith in you. Do not, and as my old sergeant would say... I'll split you crown to crotch!" He laughs, and downs the rest of the ale in two gulps.

Up to Adrian if he skips out prior to my toast or no.

[The_JJ]

Adrian stays around.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan grunts softly after the prince departs. "The stress may be getting to the boy. I fear he has much to learn, possibly from each of us, before he is ready to complete his duty. As to your faith, Sir Knight, I seek it only that you may not damage these fine clothes." At this Egan lets loose a short burst of loud laughter and stands with the rest, letting his fist complete a sound thump on the table. "Come. Let's find this brute his fellows and proving ground."

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

The cavalier chuckles at the jest, and at the mage's wisdom. He sweeps the coins of payment off the table and returns them to their owners, then sets down full payment for the table. "Finances provided by a giant spider's victims and a strange gnomish sorcerer -- it is only just, as my armor shall take up the lion's share of such treasure." He takes the lead of the party as they depart the tavern.

Can I assume Throshkar has his new +1 full plate, or that we pick it up on the way?

[crimson77]

[OOC: Throshkar has his armor]

You walk down to the dwarvin district and pass through the dwarvin gates and it is if you waked into portal taking you to another world. The dwarvin district is made for dwarves with dwarf sized doors and buildings. You instantly become aware of your size in comparison to that of a dwarf. The streets here are cleaner and you see dwarvin patrols walking the streets in formation.

After a few moments of wondering you find the warehouse where the cavaliers have been holding up in. The warehouse has large double doors which stand closed with two low ranking cavaliers standing at attention. The straighten up as they see Throshkar approaching (if that is even possible). Above the large double doors the Crest of the now deceased king hangs as if signaling to the world their worldview.

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis turns to Throshkar apologetically Ser, if these men are as they proclaim, I apologize for correcting you earlier. But I still think we should be careful of traitors and assassins.

He stops and closes his eye whispering a quiet prayer Lord above, below, and everywhere, let this meeting go well. Let us find the allies to help bring this nation from the dark place it has been carried to by the usurper.

He lifts his head and follows Throshkar's lead.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

The nobleman picks an invisible speck of lint off his shining white armor, then adjusts the buckler attached to his left elbow. He bows his head respectfully during Regis' prayer, then ends with an emphatic but hushed "Amen!" before closing his helm.

As the party passes through the Dwarven district, Throshkar says cheerfully to Regis: "Cleric, if the sun rises in the morn, I shall look forward to your apology! Traitors and assassins we will no doubt find, but not among the King's Cavaliers."

Waving away any further discussion, the cavalier hefted his lance -- to which was attached Louis' own simple white pennon -- and approached the Cavalier guards.

"Hail and well met! Honor and Glory for the True King, my Cavaliers! I come under the white shield with information vital to the welfare of the kingdom: please present us with all haste to your commanding officer."

[The_JJ]

Adrian looks at the guards and patrols slightly apprehensively. Problems for a later date? he wonders. At least it's good to be 'round regular sized buildings for once. Well, close anyway. Hmm, I really do need a handle...

I am Adrian de Gra, of the Green Hills, liason to the True King.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

After Throshkar's initial proclamation, Egan leans forward and stands tall to remind Throshkar, "Sir Knight, do remember our companions desire for anonymity before he left us at supper."

After this he simply follows along and let's the others take the lead, keeping his thoughts to himself, and hopefully hiding his nervousness. Surrounded by knights and dwarves. I can't decide whether this is the best place for a mage to be or the absolute worst...
...and how do I explain to his proclamations of the "True King". There are matters of state that must be completed...
...either son could rightfully take the throne, unless of course the king was murdered by his own son...
....Aseral's claim may be more valid, but it... no, it must be ...
...You'd think a Diviner would have better insight, what have I gotten myself into...

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar holds himself confident and still at Brahe's insulting whisper, ignoring his companion to make clear that he is the noble: he is the leader, and the man leaning in to him a mere adviser at best.

'For a wizard, Brahe is a fool. The Prince never asked for anonymity -- we simply have to withhold his location, and nothing more!' But this behavior, this has to be stopped, and now. He'd dealt with too much insolence from the cleric as it was, but that was in a dirty tavern far from his fellow nobles and soldiers.

This? This Would Not Do.

In a flash of white, Throshkar slaps his gauntlet across the smaller man's throat, halting his hand a millimeter from impact. He lets the shock register in the wizard before turning, ever so slightly. The cavalier's voice echoes out of the helm, jovial but haughty:

"Respect, Brahe! If you follow me through these doors, you will follow me in every action and every word." The leather in the gauntlet squeaks as Throshkar tightens his hand into a fist. "Else I make good on my promise."

He drops his hand and strides forward without looking for the wizard's nod of agreement. How the guards react matters more; he gazes at them calmly, but frowns behind his mask. Throshkar hates being so serious, he HATES it, but the spellweaver -- and the others -- need to know their place here. Here, even if nowhere else. His fellow Cavaliers will never believe for an instant that he, Throshkar, is the Prince's guardsman if common clerics and ratty wizards so rudely speak as his equal. He will apologize to the man later, if it seems honorable to do so then.

Besides! Even vergescu, he has a reputation to uphold!

[Cyranojoe]

Intimidation for the above post (I know Throsh is attacking Egan, but it probably has an impact on the watching guards):
[roll0]

[The_JJ]

*explitives* Idiot wizards, tomfool nobles...

Adrian grips his rapier tighter. Rule six: Act like it's normal and they'll treat it as such. Act like you got something to hide and they'll come looking.

Pardon gentlemen, just clarifying a few issues for the new guy. Adrian strides forward as if he expects the doors to open and the commander in cheif to appear and lead him to his office.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Not being a man used to violence, Egan recoils significantly from Throshkar's quick actions. When his feet stop moving he realizes that the look on his face is fearful, but his hands are in his robes. He stands for a moment without movement listening to Throshkar. His left foot turns out as if to leave.

This fool knight has lived too long in the noble care and house. He does not understand the true machinations of politics and war. Patience, Egan. You have committed yourself to this action for the sake of your beloved king and for your family still living there. Let not his ignorance spoil the cause. You can take some humiliation from fools. It would not be the first time you have bowed your head with gritted teeth.

"Forgive me, Sir Knight. I meant only to council, as I have done for our king." Disguising his foot turn, he uses this to bow to the knight, and waits for everyone to continue before rising to follow.

[crimson77]

[MAP]coming soon

The guards exchange glances with each other as if they are uncertain how to react to the events that are unfolding before them. Finally one of them breaks the silence, "Those who support the new king are not welcome in our wall Adrian. You can take your party elsewhere." The guards look at each other again as something Throshkar said range a bell within them. They turn to Throshkar and respond, "Identify yourself knight or else be lumped into the ranks of dark knights." The two guards hands go to the hilts of their swords drawing forth a few inches of the blades and get ready for provocation. One of them hits a small gong behind him. You hear shouts and the doors opening.

As the doors open you are greeted by a handful of Cavaliers in full battle armor, the one leading has the insignia of a Captain *(Throshkar knows this man as Falker). "I am the commanding officer, Who are you, Dark Knight, and why are you here?"

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Startled at the accusation, Throshkar pauses, then lets out a laugh, then calmly waits for the troops to assemble. He pauses, startled again, and laughs a little less cheerfully when Falker states the accusation more directly.

"Hail and well met, indeed, Falker! I'll forgive you the bad manners under the circumstances. Has white become the new black, Captain?"

"Honor and Glory for the True King -- by whom, good Cavaliers, I mean the old king. Neither Aseral nor his brother have been properly named our lord by the council. This is, in fact, the reason I and my party come to you today. As I said to your men, I come under the white shield with information vital to the welfare of the kingdom. I shall reveal myself to you, good Falker, but to no other, at least until we have had our full conference."

Diplomacy:[roll0]
Sense Motive on Falker primarily, and the others secondary:[roll1]

[crimson77]

Falker looks at the veiled Throshkar for a moment as if trying to think about the best course of action that will leave him with the most face in a difficult decision. ”Fine then, we shall meet in my chambers, your men, if we can call them men…” The knight looks at Adrian, ”Will have to wait out here with my men. I do not want any funny business from either you or your companions.” With that, Falker turns and walks into the building expecting you to follow as if he has grown unaccustomed to following orders.

*****

If you follow behind him you will come to a set of barracks aligning one of the walls. In the corner of the warehouse a makeshift room has been added with a door. Falker walks through the door and into the small room. There is a large bed with a small desk. Falker turns around and gives you a stare, ”Well then Knight, who are you…ashamed to show your face…and why must we keep this meeting in secret?”

[The_JJ]

Left out cold... seems these guys aren't to trusting either. Paranoia all around.

Adrian shrugs. Throshkar, suprisingly, beat him to what he was going to say. He searches out a good place to sit down and then starts caseing the joint, because he could.

Warehouse, eh? Harder then you might think, less windows, big doors for the wagons. No nooks and crannies.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar turns and starts to call for Louis before realizing his squire is not with them. Waving his hand with a flourish, he follows Falker, calling out to the others, "Introduce yourselves, fellows!"

* * *

"All right, all right, Falker!" Throshkar chuckles, pulling his helmet off. He throws his longish hair back and grins broadly. "Well met, Old Man. Apologies for the hiding -- 'twas not my idea. The Prince, Aseral himself, felt it was necessary to avoid my fame drawing undue attention to our group."

"That being said... call me a dark knight once more and I'll meet you on the field of honor, my friend." He tries to look serious, but he can't help but show his pleasure at being among Cavaliers again, and having a grand mission before them.

"I hope it will not come to that, Captain, for we have more pressing matters, matters of great honor and glory! The Prince seeks the Cavaliers' aid, Falker. His brother has taken the crown without the council's word -- not to mention disbanded the cavaliers, of all things! -- and we must bring their inevitable conflict to an end swift and strong, for the good of the kingdom. Are you prepared?"

Before Falker can reply, Throsh inserts, "And where's my salute, Captain??"

[crimson77]

[OOC: Cue music (http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=metallica+songs&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&resnum=13&ct=title#)]

The face of the captain is one of disbelief as Throshkar takes his helm off. The captain knocks his feet together give him a salute. He seem to be taken aback for a moment and then finally speaks, "It is good to see you Throshkar, I figured you for dead. Many of our comrades are now dead. I hate to speak of it but I should fill my commanding officer in on what he has missed.

"We did not take Kilmer's advice to lay low. The commander Goodfree lead the charge into the city and the guards who were once so faithful to use turned with the help of the dark knights. We fell into a trap where Archers laid waste to our numbers from above. Hundreds died until we were able to reach the archers, we were then routed from the city.

Our numbers are low, we have 50 low ranking cavaliers and 200 guards men now. There are around 25 more cavaliers who are two wounded to fight, many will never walk again. We only have about 25 horses and fewer full sets of armor. We did manage to get the Kings body out of the city but it cost us dearly. The Dwarves have granted us Sanctuary here but at a cost.

I will be frank with you. The men will distrust you for not being there to fight and die with them. Especially the crippled ones who spend their days teaching the less trained. Tread carefully....."

Falker waits for Throshkar to respond. Uncertain if he can really trust him.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

The musclebound Cavalier flourishes his return salute, then responds with a tempered voice, "Well met on a better day, Falker."

"I never thought the day would come that the Cavaliers themselves would be thrown down. Archers and black knights...! My stomach turns. No doubt there are moneylenders and other criminals behind this as well."

"Ah, Falker, I would have given all my honor to have stood on the battlefield with you! Were it not for the higher calling to find Aseral, nothing could have stopped me. This you know." His eyes are wet and warm.

"So. Aseral seeks an army, and we have but a company left, perhaps a small battalion. I have many questions, and we have much to do, Captain. In the meantime, let my men in and treat them with due hospitality; though not cavaliers, they have traveled with myself and the prince, which is more than enough to accord them a Cavalier's welcome."

Throshkar goes on to ask Falker of the strength of the enemy, especially the numbers, capabilities, and whereabouts of the dark knights. He also asks where the elder prince is, if he knows the location of the now-disbanded council, and if there remain any cavaliers or strongholds of resistance elsewhere in the kingdom. He will also ask to be allowed to give his respects to the king's body "at a better hour than this, of course."

"Tell me -- what else did Kilmer instruct? He had but moments to spare with me when he sent me to find the young prince. I had to watch-- I, had to depart quickly, so I know not of the General's whereabouts now." The half-truth is difficult to swallow, but Throshkar can hardly admit even to himself that he stood by as Kilmer was dragged through the streets as a common criminal.

"What men remain whom I would know? Does Goodfree still stand? And your commanding officer?" He pauses, mulling over the answers. "And... whom shall I--whom shall I trust?" This last is clearly a difficult question for Throshkar to ask. 'How can I not trust a cavalier? How can any not trust ME? What world is this that honorable men are so distorted?'

[crimson77]

Falkner snorts before he speaks. ”Why can you trust? You can trust very few people. I hope my…er…your knights here are trustworthy but I am so uncertain. Trust your gut and hopefully that will be enough.

The battle was harsh, as I said before we thought we had cornered the false king and his knights in the arena. We swarmed in killing the body guards only to find it was a man dressed as the king. The door swung shut closing in the cavaliers and archers appeared in the stands whose arrows cut down our ranks. Goodfree fell in the arrow fire. Thousands of arrows few down into us. I learned the true cowards that day, those who used their fallen brethren as shields. The few remaining of us who were left living piled our brethren up and crossed over the wall to slaw the few archers left to pick at the lame. I lost my shield arm that day and my foot.

There are very few higher ranking men left. I know not of where Kilmer is. I heard that he was captured and dragged through the streets like a pickpocket.

I do know that the black knights used to be cavaliers and paladins who have taken to the dark side. We killed a few and I took off the helm of a dead dark night only to find the dagger instructor, Veangueed. I know that the vault of the king has been opened and the items given to the dark nights for use in destroying Aseral and this is how some were able to get to key places within the kingdom.

Forgive me…maybe we should invite your friends in and get them caught up to speed. Maybe even bring the young prince here for safekeeping.”

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

The horror of the battle Falkner describes takes Throshkar's wind from him. After a long pause, he finally responds, "I'm sorry, Falkner. I--ah!" A smile returns to his face. "One of my men is a cleric of some passing power! Perhaps he can aid those whose wounds yet linger. Let us bring him and the others in, tell them what you have told me."

"Just remember that the Prince wants me to remain under the white shield for now; especially if you cannot trust everyone, we should remain quiet on this. I do not relish the hiding of mine honor, but it is for the safety of the kingdom."

"As for the Prince himself, I will require some time to advise him on your status. He is secure, heavily guarded, in his current location now."

The cavalier puts his helm back on, winking at Falkner as he does.

[crimson77]

"Thank you for your counsel. I will remain the current commander of this post until you release me or wish to take over this outpost. I will tell the men nothing of our meeting.

If I were you, I would take the young prince to the banking district, I am guessing that he has some estates here in case there was some problems. The extra funds might be good to pay some of the guards wages since many have gone without boots and equipment for some time. I will let you talk it over with him."

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

"And I hear and appreciate your counsel too, Captain. You and your men have performed admirably under terrible circumstances. The Prince will know of your honorable actions."

A polite, dismissing salute, and Throshkar turns on his heel crisply. His boots clang and clunk on the warehouse floor as he returns to the entrance where his party waits.

[crimson77]

As Throshkar walks out to the doorway where his companions are waiting Falkner says, "Very well then we will see you when you return. Men this is a fellow cavalier who is under an important mission and whose identity must remain veiled until he has completed it. Give him a salute as he passes." The men jump to attention as Throshkar walks past to join the party.

The party walks back towards the inn the day light quickly fading into the sea. Throshkar recounts what was told to him by the Falkner

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis listens intently to the knight's tale. I will go in the morning to heal their wounded, there is much I can do for many of them. He eats heartily but mostly silently and leaves early in the morning to heal the wounded in the knight's enclave.


Changing up my spells for the day. With the exception of my domain spells.

6th -Heal

5th -Raise Dead
Atonement

4th - Neutralize Poison
Restoration x2

3rd - remove Disease x2
Remove Curse
Remove Blind/Deaf

2nd - Remove Paralysis x2
Lesser Restoration
Make Whole x2

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar returns the men's salutes warmly, saying, "Good Cavaliers -- it is with sorrow that I hide my face from you; my honor weeps, but it is for only the highest mission that I do this. Your bravery in battling the dark knights hitherto shall be well known throughout the land... a future of pride and glory awaits us all!"

After a few words about Falkner's courage and strong leadership, Throshkar leads his small band back to the inn, recounting the story of the Cavaliers' battles and other "safe" topics until they are safely ensconced in one of their rooms. There, he tells of the betrayal of Veangueed and others with a heavy heart.

Throshkar asks the Prince what he wishes to do: either locate his finances and any property he might have in the banking district (or elswhere, if possible... Throshkar makes no show of hiding his distrust of moneylenders), or secure himself among the Cavaliers.

The talk turns to what the party knows of the dark knights, especially the discovery that they are former Cavaliers and other soldiers. "The dark knights are but men," Throshkar concludes, still a little surprised. "Men using the twisted craft of magery, that subsumes a man's honor and corrupts his moral, natural imperatives. Perhaps... perhaps we may find a way to interrupt their arcane influences, and then... then we can turn the knights back to their better selves!"

[The_JJ]

Adrian smiles at the thought of these Dark Knights being forced into evil. What, does noble birth cleanse the soul of all potencial for evil? Need for evil, perhaps. I've seen enough cause for that, time to time. But the only difference between our dear foeman and the criminals that Theadras was always hunting is neither magic nor blood, but scale. And then, in such a reflective and self rightious mood, Adrian excuses himself from the group to go buy a selection of poisons.

Off to purchase:
20 MW darts (130 gold)
5 doses of Oil of taggit (450 gold)
5 doses of Drow poison (375 gold)
Hollow ring :smallbiggrin: (50 gold, plus two to sleight of hand, as per "masterwork tool" in SRD?)
1005 total + daily expenses (rooms+dog food)

Adrian Gray (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=54910)
Male CN Halfling Rogue, Level 11, Init +3, HP 45/45, Speed 20 ft.,
AC 19, Touch 14, Flat-footed 16, Fort +4, Ref +11, Will +3, Base Attack Bonus 8/3, Action Points 10
Masterwork Handbow (30) +13/+8 (1d3, 19-20/2x)
Masterwork Handbow +13/+8 (1d3, 19-20/2x)
Masterwork Rapier +13/+8 (1d4, 18-20/2x)
Studded Leather + 2 (+5 Armor, +3 Dex, +1 Size)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 17, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 13
Condition None

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan will not have much help for the cavaliers, but will offer his magical abilities if needed. [Remove Curse or Dispel Magic]

Returning to the inn, Egan will ask about transferring his quarters to the inn, another location or staying where he is currently. "I would prefer to reside near yourselves and the prince." He also will ask to stop by his current quarters on the way back, either as a group or with accompaniment, to pick up his familiar, Kaylee. She will be of use in protecting the prince.

[crimson77]

You return to your inn to find the prince and Lewis playing a game of chess. The prince looks up at you as you enter and asks "Did you find out anything when you talked to the cavaliers? I would prefer to go to the banking district to gather some coin to buy armor. However, once we do get money from the bankers my brother will then know my whereabouts. What do you, keeper, think the best course of action will be?"

[The_JJ]

Adrian hesitates for about a half second. I owe this man my life... and it would be fun to knock a bank over.

Aha, well, my family has a few connections with the caravan traders. Perhaps I can discreetly ask around, perhaps get a more anonymous withdrawal.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar approves going by Egan's home for his familiar and so on. Placing his hand lightly on the man's shoulder, he says, "I meant no harm to you, Brahe." He pauses, lost between an apology and a gentle rebuke. "I--we--serve our king, our kingdom, in our own ways. I will hear your counsel, just at appropriate times." He pats the man's shoulder.

* * *

Throshar makes a sour face at the prince's suggestion. "If there is a sliver of doubt in your mind, milord, let us not go to the bankers. Moneylenders cannot be trusted under ordinary circumstances. They hate all of noble blood, all who lead and inspire men. Their kind would surely see you to your end if they could."

To his left, the halfling pops up on his toes. "Aha, well, my family has a few connections with the caravan traders. Perhaps I can discreetly ask around, perhaps get a more anonymous withdrawal." His voice carries an unusual eagerness that Throshkar likes very much.

"Ah, good! Just be sure you can trust your... contacts. As a fellow nobleman, you know as well as I the depths to which merchants and the like will crawl. I will leave the matter to you." Throshkar then crosses his arms and reports to the prince what he learned from Falkner and his observations of their outpost.

"Milord, do you wish to remain here, or with the Cavaliers? Tomorrow, as you will it, Louis and I will to the arena, to test my arms and his learning before my fame begins to precede me. Regis can remain with you, as Brahe transports his goods to the inn and good Adrian gathers information about our... financial options."

"How does that sound?"

[Greyen]

Regis

I will be with the cavaliers tomorrow. I will go among them and heal their wounded. That is my duty. If the prince wishes to be with me on that journey of pain, then so be it. Regis shrugs and waits for Throshkar's dander to get up.

I can also go to withdraw money from the princes accounts, on behalf of the church, to 'cover burial expense' of the prince if we want to make it look like he has died. Regis says with a smirk, waiting for Throshkar to jump all over him about being dishonorable.

[crimson77]

"Very well then, let us gather some more information before we make a decision regarding our next course of action. I will remain here for the night since we did make a payment on the room and tomorrow we will make our decision. I think that staying with the cavaliers might be a good option even if there is a traitor in the bunch, it might rouse him out. It is also wise to check up on the money lending situation as well. Until tomorrow then...." replies the prince as he heads off to bed. As he reaches his door he turns and replies, "You know, I do trust you guys to make the right decisions. I feel rather lost and in the need of help, the last thing I want to do is make the wrong decision and end up on the wrong side of a dagger. I trust that you will make the right decisions."

*****The next morning*****

Adrian in your casing of the banks you find the one the prince has his fathers money in, the greedy goblin. All the banks in this city seem to be well guarded. In fact, most of the banks have windows in which one does business with the banker through steel bars, one does not even enter the building. You get the feeling that it would be hard to break in and get the money so you would feel good about storing your goods here. Additionally, the bankers will need proof of identification of the prince, you get the feeling from talking with one banker that his coin might do the trick.

Regis you return to the Cavaliers to heal them. You are able to tend to some of the warrior's wounds but many of them are beyond the help of even magic. There are numerous amputations and poor bone settings. You are able, with the help of your magic and healing skills remove sickness from open wounds and ease the pain of many of the warriors (as if they would actually say they are in pain).

[Greyen]

Regis

As Regis walks among the cavaliers he listens in to the talk and banter among the knights. He will make sure that as many as possible feel his healing touch (even if for just 1 point). He is watchful for those that are hiding wounds and those that feel the pain of old healed wounds that need to be healed correctly. He will spend the day caring for the men and getting to know them.

He then speaks to Falker Sir, I have done all that I can today for the bodies of these men. I wish to do more for their immortal souls, if it is okay with you I would like to speak to the men after the nightly meal and then take absolutions and confessions, give blessings and start the healing of their souls.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar sees nothing in Regis' comments to complain about; he has no reason to care if the cleric lies to money-grubbing bankers, though the knight's own honor is too pristine to treat so... cavalierly.

With Adrian and Regis off on their own missions, Throshkar is unwilling to leave the Prince alone with the wizard, not yet, at least. He sends Louis to assist the mage in transporting his goods back to the inn, and spends much of the day polishing his new armor and taking care of his other equipment. Louis of course has done an excellent job with everything, but the Cavalier likes to apply his own touch to it all.

Throsh talks in detail with the prince about the Council -- who they are and where they might be. They also discuss the key strongholds around the kingdom that they may need to capture in order to force the elder prince to parlay. "At some point, my Prince, we shall have to send an emissary to your brother, to let our intentions be known. We wish for the Council to be reinstated so that a proper king may be selected, e'en if it be him. The law of the land so decrees it; so it must be done."

I hope we'll get Olna back, and she'll be willing & able to play royal emissary when it comes time.

To Crimson77: I'd like to get an idea of what it's going to require for us to find &/or rescue the Council. Throsh is not yet eager to attack the elder prince, despite what he's done to the Cavaliers. He wants to follow the established legal process first, if he can.

[The_JJ]

Adrian shrugs. So much for that then. On to the holy man plan I guess.

And so he returns to HQ just as Throshkar spills his latest plan. Adrian bites his tongue to avoid blowing his cover with a lecture on the dark side of human nature, and, for that matter, the how the real world works.

Aha. Well sir, I do not believe that the Usurper Prince will be so inclined to reason and rule of law. The fate off your comerades I think is proof enough of his intentions, to wit, absolute power, above even the law, for himself and his allies both. Even were to find a legal route to power, I can't imagine him being a true rightful king.

That an' he'd kill any emissary you sent, right after torturing our location out of 'em. 'The law of the land so decrees.' Pfft. Right, well if I have to live under some crazy maniac who sends people off to be dragon's playthings I'll go ahead and stuff the law.

Not that I don't already, but hey, whatever.

Adrian sighs heavily and throws himself into a chair. Seem's my familiy relations do me no good this day. I suppose I was being optimistic from the start. He drums his fingers on the armrest. Alright M'Lord, I'm taking you to get some good halfling cooking.

If Throshkar agrees I'll take him to the nice bakery with the cute halfling waitress.

[crimson77]

[OOC: Read my OOC post first]

You spend a few days getting a lot of small things accomplished like getting the prince some money, getting him a new pair of armor and a weapon, meeting with the cavaliers a few more times and anything else that you wanted to do. With the prince having money things seem to go a little smoother, he pays for much of what you need (lodging, food, etc) and he gives each of you a hefty sum of 500 gold for your services and to spend on anything else you need.

The prince gathers you up and reports that he has a general plan of action for the next few months that he thinks will be the best course of action. "During the last few days you have meet with the cavaliers and we seem to have come to a consensus that they can be trusted, especially since they have put Throshkar in charge so I think it is time that I meet with them and Throshkar revealed himself to them."

"I agree with Throshkar that we need to instate the counsel and gather support from the nobles. We should gather up the cavaliers and troops that we have gathered here and head closer to our city. We were able to identify an old fort that has not been used for some time to act as our base of operations. I would like you four to head to the fort and clear it out. We have no idea what is living there after all this time. I will come in a weeks time with Falkner and some builders so that we can get the place in order.

The old fort was constructed in the Dragon Wars by my grandfathers army, so it belongs to our kingdom. Thus, the inhabitants have no claim to the place. I have ordered Lewis to gather up a mule with all the appropriate rations for the journey. After we meet with the cavaliers tonight, I think it best that you leave in the morn."

***********

You reach the cavaliers warehouse where the prince turns to Throshkar and says, "Well, would you be willing to introduce us to your men and give them their new orders?"

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan enjoyed his time in the City of Freemen and actually started to relax with his new compatriots (or rebels). There was little else he could do other than begin to build the new bonds between them each. This was difficult to do with some of them when he introduced Kaylee, his Pseudodragon familiar, but they soon all liked her. Well, maybe tolerated her. I'm not sure that brute can appreciate the strengths and uses of magic. But realizing this probably led to the best conversation that he was able to have in a while, when Regis and Adrian left the Inn, and Egan had leisurely conversation with the Cavalier about his past and connections to the Prince and kingdom.

"I do worry about my family that is still there. My father and sister are still there, and my father was a blacksmith often used by the old king." Egan went on to tell about how his father was not from the kingdom, but was a warrior in the barbarian tribes to the north. Though Egan was born in the new kingdom and felt his allegiances there, his two older brothers had returned to the barbarian tribes to seek their fame. Neither had understood their father's permission for Egan to study the arcane arts. But his father, no longer a warrior due to an injury, was a wise man and knew Egan was not to be a warrior. "He would say, 'Just look at the size of you. No, you will not wield a battleaxe my son.'"

But when the Prince announced the intention for the campaign to begin, anxiety and excitement leaped into his soul. At last we begin. I have a warrior's patience for all the excitement I am feeling. Steady, Egan. For these matters, again he took his place to the rear, to the position of adviser.

[Cyranojoe]

"Aha. Well sir, I do not believe that the Usurper Prince will be so inclined to reason and rule of law," says the halfling carefully. "The fate of your comrades I think is proof enough of his intentions: to wit, absolute power, above even the law, for himself and his allies both. Even were he to find a legal route to power, I can't imagine him being a true rightful king."

"It matters not the foul depths to which others plunge!" cries Throshkar. "We must keep our own honor pristine, else we blemish the name of nobility to which you and I lay claim, my friend. Should the Ursurper indeed prove false and defy the law of our land by denying the rule of law, then mayst we ursurp the ursuper... but not before. He may yet have fair reasons for such foul acts...."

This last phrase is delivered in a strangely hesitant, almost fragile tone that gives Adrian pause. 'Doubt is not an easy experience for this man, is it?' he thinks.

* * *

Everyone enjoys the bakery, though Throshkar declares far too loudly that the portions are "too small!" He smiles and laughs in some confusion when he realizes he's made an unintentional jest.

* * *

During his tet-a-tet with Egan, Throshkar chuckles at the thought of the frail man being a barbarian warrior. Still, he tells the mage, he has known men of slight stature who trained rigorously and became tremendous swordsmen in their own rights.

"I would not have supposed you had savage blood in you, though perhaps there is something about your brow, and of course your skin.... Well, I am glad you have overcome your race, Brahe, and glad that you prove loyal to the true king."

Throshkar recognizes the name of Egan's father and praises his smithy as works of high art. He in turn tells the mage about his father, a stern aristocrat whose accomplishments on the battlefield are only outshone by his meritorious deeds in the name of the old king's court. Throshkar does not mention Duke delaBlanche's potentially traitorous support of a movement to replace the king with his eldest son -- if Brahe is as well-placed as he says, he may have heard a hint of a whisper of a rumor, but no more, and the Cavalier would rather disembowel himself than bring up the topic.

Shortly after this, Throshkar asks Regis to deliver a message to his father & brothers letting them know he is safe and "in the service of the prince."

* * *

To Egan's great surprise, the Cavalier is delighted with the pseudodragon Kaylee. Throshkar converses for hours on end with her about dragons, which he steadfastly believes must be her "noble" ancestors. Louis keeps his distance, memories of the fear-inducing white dragon still flashing through his brain.

Throshkar's disappointment that the local arena has been closed for repairs is washed away by the Prince's new orders...

* * *

Standing before the Cavaliers, Throshkar removes his helm hastily and takes one very deep breath. His eyes are wide and gazing upwards, his face shining with something joyous at his release. Finally, he speaks:

"My fellow Cavaliers! Men of honor, all -- men of strength and service to your kingdom -- I am Throshkar delaBlanche, Major in the Cavaliers, and Protector of the young Prince Aseral. You will know after this day why I was unable to shed my blood with you on the day you stood against the Ursurper King.

As appetizer, I present to you three excellent men who stand by us in defense of our kingdom: though they are not Cavaliers, they still demand our respect as guardians of our prince.

Regis, Holy Man of our God, a healer and traveler whose wide frame contains a good, if sometimes crude heart, eh?!

Adrian da Gras, aristocrat of the halfling line, a noble wit and cunning swordsman. Beware both, my men!

And Egan Brahe, former court magician to the True King. Let not his visage fool you, for he carries in him the blood of brutal warriors!

But surely you wonder of the fourth man who stands beside us. From his mere presence, no doubt you have surmised he is a man of much import. Such power in his stance, such nobility in his brow. Yes, he is here to call upon all your strength, my fellow Cavaliers -- your honor, e'en your very lives, they belong to this man: Prince Aseral!"

Throshkar kneels to the Prince as he finishes. After Aseral says a few words of thanks, Throshkar stands again and instructs the Cavaliers of their mission to protect the Prince and prepare to take the fort; his group will do initial reconnaisance and capture the structure if possible. He dismisses the men and takes Falkner and any remaining officers into the back to discuss specific strategy. They talk long into the night.

Whee! Huge post!!! I thought about putting it into two posts, but that seemed even more huge...

[crimson77]

The prince thanks Throshkar for his words of wisdom. The cavaliers seem to be taken aback and thankful that their organization now has the royal crown in leading in front of it.

Falkner reports that he will escort the prince and very small army to the fort a week after the party leaves giving them time to clear it out of any vermin that may be living there. The prince speaks up when it comes to this task, "Throshkar, I know this task seems to be a small one but it is important. I must also try to gather up some masons and other craftmen. I would rather not have the army show up with me only to have myself killed or a craftman by vermin that lives there. I know you and your group are the most powerful so it only seems right to have you be the ones that clear out any vermin that lives there. Lewis has a mule with supplies waiting for your departure tomorrow. Godspeed with you as you go. I hope you do not have to do anything more than clear out a few small spider webs."

[OOC: Feel free to purchase any last things before you leave the town. I will most likely post the start of this new adventure on monday in this thread.So you have until then to ask any last questions or buy supplies]

[The_JJ]

Adrian smiles at the Cavalier's back as he walks away. He's no idiot. Untested, naive, yeah, but not stupid. Just... rigid. Alright, time to unveil the gear...

Adrian goes to his hole in the wall, and dons the black leather armor, almost imperceptably surrounded by a magical glow. He throws his climbing gear, along with his signiture pouch of flour to dust his hands, over his shoulder and then balences it with his backpack with his 'hairpins,' tanglefoot bags, smokesticks, and sunrods. He dumps his aristocratic garb, and finally pulls out Thaedras's matched crossbows. While the rapier had been very functional, these were functional and works of beauty. Not Throshkar's gaudy gems and bright sashes, but the dark, sleek beauty of an assasin's weapon. They scared Adrian, even though, or perhaps because, he'd become well aquainted with their use under Theadras's sink-or-swim tutelage.

He slips them into the holsters across his chest. Showtime.

He walks out, throws his kit and backpack onto his new pet, and steels himself.
Rule six: Act like it's normal and they'll treat it as such. Act like you got something to hide and they'll come looking. Rule six: Act like it's normal and they'll treat it as such. Act like you got something to hide and they'll come looking. Rule 6...


Alright guys, cue reaction to the sudden transformation into commando mode.

I am taking:
Climbing Kit
Armor
Crossbows
Rapier
Sun rods
Thieves Tools
Tangle Foot bags
Grappleing Hook
Rope
Which is just under my max load if I don't have Fido along with to take the weight. (Fido is a guy dog no? What's a good name for a bit- female?)
I'll probably leave my rope and grapple (24 pounds!) etc. with the dog

[crimson77]

In the morning, you gather up the last remaining things that you need and get ready to head out. The open road seems refreshing after spending a week in the city. The winter winds are still blowing from the north but there is little snow in your path.

*****

[MAP]http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/456/brokenfort001acm8.png (http://imageshack.us)
L10 - Throshkar
O9 - Olin
N13 - Regis
Q13 - Adrian
R13 - Riding dog
O11 - Egan

The days pass quickly on the road as you get to know each other a little better. There is a sense of excitement as you get closer to your destination knowing that you will have a new home for a while with a small army following you in the next week. One morning you finally come upon the fort. There is no road heading to the fort and as you get closer you realize how much this fort is in disrepair. There are five buildings with four of them in complete disrepair without roofs. There is one building which stills has a roof and you find that there is no holes in the building. The strong iron door is still standing and sealed to the building. You see an iron ring attacked to the door but even if you pull upon it it will not open. There are some ruins on the door and some loose iron tiles on the ground near the door, you think this may be a puzzle. The ruins on the door look like this...

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3116/puzzlehz6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The following tiles containing numbers are spread around the ground near the door. The following numbers are found on the tiles spread around the ground 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, & 9.

The puzzle works by placing the tiles fit over the Greek symbols to complete the equation.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar is only too happy to be sent off to a potential battle; now that the Cavaliers are gathered, he is utterly confident in the Prince's security.

* * *

"Adrian!! Are you all right? Lord Above, man, you look like you're going to a funeral!" Throshkar shakes his head ruefully, a cockeyed grin on his face. "Surely it won't be so bad as all that -- just stay behind me and all will be well, I promise you, little man!" He thumps his breastplate, emblazoned with the White Lady of his family's coat of arms. The white steel shimmers like starlight.

Feel free to RP back, I wouldn't mind more on this scene, or we can continue to banter about it on the trip to the fort and on... :smallsmile:

* * *

After throwing his entire strength into opening the door and failing, Throshkar stomps off -- not mad, but definitely miffed. He proceeds to inspect the fort's overall location and foundation, checking for natural faults, defensive points, and paths by which they can bring in needed construction materials. He leaves inspecting the ruins and the unopenable door to the rest of the party.

Henri sniffs around the ruins, hunting no doubt for food, while Louis cares for the mule and Arondight.

Is "Olin" my dog Henri?

Henri searching for corpses/skeletons... Spot:
[roll0]
Scent track:
[roll1]

Throshkar fort inspection (don't know what bonus to add... Appraise +6, Spot -1, something else??):
[roll2]

[Cyranojoe]

Trying again... Henri searching for corpses/skeletons... Spot:
[roll0]
Scent track:
[roll1]

Throshkar fort inspection (don't know what bonus to add... Appraise +6, Spot -1, something else??):
[roll2]

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis walks along as mellow and carefree as always. He assists anyone in need along the way in small ways, calling food, freeing stuck wheels, etc. Every night he creates a crude stone hut for the group to sleep in and for other travellers to use as they require in the future.

Regis eyes Adrian with a knowing smile for his change in clothes, an old friend of his was a halfling rogue, Regis had no thoughts of saving the 'little man'. He wouldn't be needing saving unless something went drastically wrong.

Upon arrival to the fort Regis walks with care around the area, his holy symbol in hand as he looks things over. He sees the group examining the puzzle door and shakes his head That's beyond me. I can take the door off its hinges but that will be out last resort.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan spends his remaining time gathering and packing his belongings. He does visit the magic shops to pick up some more spell components, and perhaps a scroll or potion to round out his equipment list.

When Adrian presents himself for travel, Egan tries to hide is reaction some. His face scrunches up a bit because he didn't expect it from the halfling. I may need to adjust my opinion on this one. What are his true talents? After he realizing that he may be staring at the halfling he lets out a small, "Hmm... I...", and turns back to his equipment.

**********

At the ruins, Egan was tired from the journey. He often travelled far on his good horse, but it was never easy for him to ride all day. The open air was refreshing, but it always seemed he couldn't get comfortable in the saddle. So he welcomed the puzzle when they arrived.

When the number tiles were pointed out he knelt down by the door and started scratching in the dirt, and rearranging tiles, muttering to himself. He then notices Kaylee peering over his shoulder. Well, go on. Look about, I can take care of this." Kaylee snorts, but takes flight to look around.
After throwing his entire strength into opening the door and failing, Throshkar stomps off Egan scooped the tiles back together after them being scattered, shaking his head and quietly laughing.

Kaylee's Spot: [roll0]

"Well, assuming that each of the characters is the same number, it appears we don't need to worry about any missing tiles. And, there's only one solution." Egan lifts his hands in the air with a questioning look on his face and looks up to Kaylee first, then anyone else who is around him for confirmation. The tiles are arranged on the ground as:
5 + 3 = 8
+ _ + _ +
3 + 2 = 5
---------
8 + 5 = 13

[crimson77]

Looking around you do see many bones scattered around the area. These bones crunch as you walk over the rock covered grassy areas of the fort. You are uncertain if the bones are human (or demihuman) or animal but many of them have bit marks in them. There are also rusty weapon and armor parts scattered around the area as well. Nothing sparks your interest as you look around....

The fort was hastily constructed years ago which has lead to this state of disrepair. There are some foothills and forests to the east which building materials must have been brought from. However, even with the fort in such disrepair you think that improvements could easily be made to make it a stronghold once again.

[MAP]http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/8370/brokenfort001agz6.png
Louis is the new figure on the map

...As Egan slides the tiles into place the door squeaks spreading dust and dirt into the air. The only standing building is shed in light from the open door and small holes in the tile ceiling making you squint a little as you look into the darkened room. As you peer closer into the room you are met with the unmistakable smell of urine and decay. Scattered around the single room are bones (which look human) that have been chewed and broken. Rotting flesh still sticks to a few of the bones as they sit in pools of darkish liquid. There is a small door in the floor to the east. In the northwestern corner there is a large pile of rubbish decaying in the damp environment of this room.

[The_JJ]

Adrian, who'd been hoping for high walls, leaves his climbing gear with the dog, who he ties to a tree with the rope. There you are, er, Bandit.
He checks his crossbows and then walks in. Nice job, Egan.

Sorry for the short post, I'm running on fumes here.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

The heavily armored knight calls over from the ridge from which he has been looking out across the valley below: "Well, men? Anything interesting in there? Anything alive needs killing?"

"Henri! Heel, Henri!" For once, the dog listens to its master, rearing back and away from the stench pouring out of the building.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan cups his sleeve over his mouth at first to ward off the stench.

"Well, men? Anything interesting in there? Anything alive needs killing?"

"It be the foul smell of death and decay. We should care to the animals and prepare before venturing in there." Egan looks for a pasturing area for his horse and hobbles him appropriately. Setting his saddle and saddlebags aside, he packs a light travel pack. "Can Henri or Louis watch the horses?"

"There is quite a bit of bones about here. I know not enough about the animals to say if this activity is recent or old. About the only unknown I can see is that pile of rubbish inside the room. We may learn more about activity here by kicking through that a bit, though I'm not sure I'd volunteer for that work. Yes, Kaylee, I'm sure we do need to go in there. The prince has charged us to prepare this area." Although the look on Egan's face doesn't carry the conviction of his statement.

[Nomad5]

(( Sorry, browser errors produced a double post. ))

[The_JJ]

Adrian swallows as he enters the room, and certain thoughts catch up with him. Now here's a question. One, how do bones with rusting armor end up out here. No time, or survivors to bury the dead, see? And those bones? Still got meat on them. He, well aware of potential hiding places, fires into the rubbish heap.

My first attack roll!
[roll0]

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Louis takes Egan's horse with a practiced hand. He guides the animal over to a flat patch where the pegasus has already been relieved of its larger burdens. Together the equine go to town on stray weeds and dandelions within their reach. Arondight, of course, is much more loosely tied, so that he can come to Throshkar's call at a moment's notice.

Once the animals are taken care of, Louis sets the bastard sword he received from Johnathan onto the growing pile of equipment and hefts Regis' old light mace. "Dinna worry 'bout yer horse, Master Wizard. I kin take care a' dem," he offers with a lopsided grin. The boy flexes his muscles, eagerly aware of how they've grown in recent months.

Hearing the twang of Adrian's crossbow, Throshkar twirls from his vantage point at the cliff's edge and breaks into a run back toward the building. "Hail! Da Gra! What see you?!"

Without double-quotes or being in bold, I can't tell if Adrian's "thoughts catching up to him" were spoken aloud or not. Not an issue for me in this case, but it could be in future posts.

Secondly, if the fort was abandoned long ago, then corpses with blood pooling are certainly not ours... could be travelers, squatters, kidnap victims...?

[crimson77]

Adrian's bolt clatters into the pile of rubbish going through an old barrel and fines a resting point somewhere inside the pile but only after clattering on the floor. Nothing seems to move in the room except for some of the disturbed dust that was covering the pile.

If you get closer to the bones inside the room you notice that many are old but some are new. There is rotting meat on some of the bones which may be as recent as a few weeks or as old as several months. A few cockroaches seems to be feeding on some of the meat and scatter if you get close. The piles of liquid might have been the result of a recent rain or a creature releasing itself of a full bladder.

The room is filled with odd colored molds which are most likely the result of the standing water pools inside of this room. Looking around you can see how water could get trapped here when the rain/snow falls. As your eyes adjust you can also see large scratch marks in the stone walls. Scratch marks also lie on and around the trap door on the floor.

[OOC: please tell me where you are standing/moving for each post. If you do not mention it I will assume you are in the same position.]

[The_JJ]

Adrian sighs, reloads, and puts away his left hand crossbow. It's nothing Throsh. Just this place getting to me. He walks over to the trap door. Ready?


This is the speaking. and this is thinking.

I'll be at H4.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Laying a gauntleted hand on the rotted door frame, Throshkar nods. "We reclaim this structure in the name of our lord and future king, Prince Aseral," he says, but the words do not carry his usual pomp. He seems distracted.

The tall man strides into the room, his well-oiled armor shifting almost silently as he does. With only a little flourish, he draws his sword and waits for Adrian to open the trap door. Should any threat appear, he will attack it immediately.

I forgot you can move double when you run, which is what Throsh was doing earlier. So he ended last post back in I8, and now enters the room to I5. Henri moves to I9. Throsh readies an attack on any obvious threat.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan had stepped inside the building to see what Adrian was shooting at, but now looks anxious as things have unfolded. With Throshkar standing in the door, and everyone looking very serious about the trap door, Egan takes a couple of steps back and casts a quick spell. "<Mage Armor>".
Let's say F6.
{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947)| Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 41/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1)/Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]

[The_JJ]

Wait, he wants me to open it? Who's wearing the tin can here? Ah well... Adrian glances at the wizard and then does his best to lift the door with his left hand, while his right keeps the crossbow pointed at anything that might come up.

[crimson77]

As Adrian opens the trap door it squeaks against his pull, coming up easily as rotting wood chucks fall into the gaping hole. The stench of decay is strong from lower room and you feel a little sick from the smell.

[OOC:What is your light source? I am going to assume that you are using something as you look down the hole]

The [insert light here] barely illuminates the lower room from your vantage point in the upper room. You can see there is more rubbish below with several small rats climbing around in the garbage and eating something. You see no other movements beyond the rats in the lower room.

What do you do?

[The_JJ]

I'll be using the handy dandy whatever the heck my comerades are using to see. Every tried being sneaky while holding a torch? Adrian has, once. It didn't work.

A challenge! Wish I'd brought my rope now. Ugh. Adrian peers about for a bit. Hold that light up. Hmm... I'll go get some rope, be right back. Adrian bustles off to Bandit and shortens he leash by half (50 ft.) Then he passes one end to Throsh, takes the other, and starts going down.

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis pulls an everburning torch from his pack, the light illuminating their way down. He slides it between his shield and the arm holding it That'll do. the pressure between his arm the the back of the shield holds it in place. The holds his holy symbol in his main hand and intones some words of prayer, his armor glows a soft blue for a moment before he steps forward and looks down the hole. I'll go first.

He floats down the hole slowly rotating and watching the area as he decends. He stops above the floor, not touching it. If nothing happens he waves teh others down quietly.

Overland flight cast in the morning as usual, prolly another 4-5 hours left on it. Using that to move in the dungeon so no pressure plate action for me thanks.

Casting Magic Vestment (Duration 11 hours) bringing his AC up to 21

Spot [roll0]
Listen [roll1]

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

"Foul! Gah!" The knight makes rough noises of disgust from behind his helmet. While Adrian runs off to get a rope, Throshkar turns to the mage: "Mayhap you can cast off this stench, good Brahe? I once hired a prestidigitator who could flower the air with roses -- an excellent skill, perfect for currying favor with the lady I was dallying with at the time. Ha haaa!"

Louis recognizes what Adrian is seeking, and offers him a bulky length of silk rope from Arondight's saddlebag: "It's good stuff, if yer climbing. Oh, and take this too..." The teen pulls out a tough leather sack containing a set of rock hammers and claws, a small grappling hook, and several well-formed cams and pulleys.

Once the halfling returns with this equipment, Throshkar looks for a place to anchor the rope, then gladly uses everything to lower Adrian and Egan, unless they prefer he go before them.

100 ft silk rope, 10 lbs, from Arondight. Climber's Kit (+2 to Climbing), 5lbs, from Louis. Feel free to dump it on Throshkar.

Does it take any extra time to use the Climber's Kit?

[The_JJ]

No thanks, I got my own. Ah! Hoitytoity talk Adrian! Just cause he's also baker's son who talks like one doesn't mean he won't blow your cover! Though... I shall bring these kits as well. Imagine, if you will, Throshkar in a harness made for me. Ha!

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

It takes Louis a moment to process Adrian's jest, but once he does, the mental picture sends him to the ground in hysterical laughter. The party can still hear him laughing as they make their way into the lower room.

[crimson77]

[MAP]http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/4376/fort001belowcr4.png (http://imageshack.us)

You step down into the subterranean room, the stench is overwhelming here and you find bile filling the back of your throat (Fort Save DC 5 to not throw up). As the everburning torch illuminates the large room the rats scatter into holes in the walls. The garbage piles are larger in this room than in the room above. As you move around in this room you cannot help to step on and break bones scattered around the room.

Beyond the hole in the ceiling you came down from there is a closed door to the south of this room.

What do you do?

[The_JJ]

Adrian swallows, and then walks to the door. I hope the prince brought cleaning staff as well as masons. He slowly pulls open the door and peers inside. I wonder, is there a spell that might let me see in the dark without the need of a torch?

[roll0]

[crimson77]

[MAP]http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/8909/fort001belowsn1.png (http://imageshack.us)

The door squeaks open as the rusted metal strains against itself until you hear a snapping sound and the door staggers completely open resulting in a large bang as it quickly hits the stone wall. The sound reverberates throughout the structure as it echos down the hallway.

The door opens into a hallway that turns east after several paces. You see nothing in the hallway.

[The_JJ]

Adrian pulls out his crossbows, and moves down the hall.

E10.

[crimson77]

[MAP]http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/4647/fort001belowus9.png (http://imageshack.us)

Adrian moves down the hallway and is able to peek around the corner. You notice there are two closed doors on the other side of the hallway turn.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar walks over to the pile of garbage and kicks at it, looking with only casual interest before following Adrian into the hall.

Fort bonus is +9. Move to C3, then E7.

Spot garbage: [roll0] Critical fail! There are giant radioactive hamsters here!!!

[The_JJ]

That made me laugh...

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Not wanting to be first, or last for that matter, Egan follows down the rope and falls third in line down the hallway as Kaylee glides in near him. Beginning conversationally, Egan responds, "Aye, such spells do exist. It is a rather simple spell to alter the ocular senses to see through the darkness. However, it is not a spell I have in my possession. And as with any arcane use, it would be rather hasty to try it without the proper research. I wouldn't want to turn your eyes into pebbles...< Ha, Ha >... well, at least not by accident. Anyway... the olfactory senses are another thing entirely. Those practiced in the art of illusion are usually best suited to..." Egan starts at Throshkar kicking the trash heap. Realizing that a lecture in the arcane arts may be a bit out of place, Egan follows Throshkar down the hallway.
Move D6.
Patting his familiar on the head Egan mutters, "Yes, yes, I know you can see quite well in the dark, Kaylee. I'm sure everyone is quite impressed."

[crimson77]

[Updated Map]http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/81/fort001belowko9.png (http://imageshack.us)

The everburning torch illuminates the walls of this underground fort, you notice that the stonework is similar to the fort above but is in better condition. There are large scrape marks in the walls. Garbage fills the hallway and the stench of urine and bile fills the hallway making you wonder how anything could live in this place. You see rats running around on the outskirts of the light created by the everburning torch.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

As Throshkar walks up to Adrian's side, the burly warrior reaches back to his pack, confirming the presence of his own everburning torch -- just in case.

"I must hope the Prince brings with him engineers skilled in the arts of building and testing sub-earth tunnels," he observes.

Move to D9.

[crimson77]

[Updated Map]http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4474/fort001belowjp1.png

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

The cavalier passes his halfling companion, waving at Regis to come closer so he can see further down the hall.

"Let us speed up our exploration, fellows -- I would dine on foes or on scones for brunch, and that comes soon!"

Move to E12. It's more Throshkar than me getting antsy. :smalltongue:

[The_JJ]

Adrian nods at Throshkar. We ought to be through though. Let's get these doors open.

Moving to H-11 and opening the door.

[crimson77]

[MAP]http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5012/fort001belowcx2.png (http://imageshack.us)

Adrian approaches the door, the wooden door is barred from the outside with a small barred hole from which one can look through. Adrian peers through the hole and he can see a rack in the middle of the room and two men curled up against the wall. The men do not stir but you can see them shallowly breathing.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan moves to keep up while inspecting the scratches on the walls.
Both move to D11.
Some additional rolls:
Egan Spot: [roll0]
Egan Search: [roll1]
Kaylee Spot: [roll2]
Kaylee Search: [roll3]
Kaylee Listen: [roll4]

[The_JJ]

Adrian, has once again reverted to his gung-ho attitude, happy to release after intrigue, paranoia and garbage heap shooting. Hello in there? he says to the hole, and then he, with out any further ado pulls out the bar and opens the door.

[crimson77]

[MAP]http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/5159/fort001belowem1.png (http://imageshack.us)

The scratches seem to be made by several large animals in rage. You see nothing of interest in the area.

The adjacent door is closed without the hole that one can look through.

Adrian removes the bar from the door and pulls it open. The men in the room look startled by the door opening and cry out in fear. Adrian hears a hissing sound and starts to cough.

[Adrian make a fort save DC 15]

>15You cough and feel a bit sick
<15You feel rather sick and disoriented
[roll0] wisdom damage

[The_JJ]

All right. *cough* You two can stop yelling. Givin' me a headache.

C'mon baby, daddy needs a new pair of everything. [roll0] augh... off by one! Well, even less careful than ever...

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar pushes his way into the room and displays his lance with pennon. "Hail and well met, strangers! You are in the presence of the prince's envoy and defender, Throshkar deLaBlanche. Know you we come to reclaim this structure and its great tracts of land in the name of our lord Prince Aseral." He throws back his helm. "You reside on his rightful property. Say you your purpose here!"

Move to H10 and yak. In case a fort save is required:
[roll0] Success.

Any chance that's a "fear effect"? And who's taking bets on lycanthropes?

[crimson77]

[MAP]http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/2089/fort001belowsx3.png (http://imageshack.us)

The men scurry back against the wall away from the large knight. Finally, after a few painstaking moments one starts to speak. "I do not know why we are here. Our caravan was ambushed at night and we were bound up and dragged here. Your light is the first we have seen in god knows how long. There used to be more of us but our captors have taken them away...." The mans voice trails off as if he is uncertain what else to say.

Adrian make another Fort save DC 15 (after 1 min)

If passYou feel a bit better
If fail [roll0] more wisdom damage

[The_JJ]

*crosses fingers* [roll0]

[The_JJ]

Hey there... umm... Adrian falls over, insensible.

And I've got negative WIS!

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

"Merchants, then?" Throshkar's face twists. "Still, you are the prince's subjects. Tell us of your capt-- Da Gra!!" Throshkar turns when he hears the halfling slump to the ground behind him -- he calls his name, then quickly bellows out to the hall, "Regis! Da Gra has taken ill!"

He spins back to the two men and glowers. "What have you done to him?!" With a powerful thrust of his leg, he kicks down the rack in the center of the room. "TELL ME!"

If the rack doesn't look like it can be kicked over, Throshkar won't bother. Intimidate roll: [roll0]{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 101/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | 17-20/x2 | No ranged atk
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[crimson77]

The disheveled merchants press their bodies even farther against the stone to get away from the knight whom kicks the old wooden rack which smashes it to pieces before their very eyes sending splinters of wood towards them. "Sir, we respect the King and have done nothing to your friend!!! We are but simple merchants left here to die or worse by our captors."

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

The cavalier's lips press into a thin line. If they hadn't been money-grubbing worms, he could have trusted their words -- he would have mortified to treat any other men so ungallantly -- but as it was...

"You say have been held against your will. Tell us of your captors, then." They did have a bar across the door, on the outside, didn't they? But something had just felled his fellow nobleman. What could it have been?

"Regis!!"

{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 101/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | 17-20/x2 | No ranged atk
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[Greyen]

Regis

The cleric steps forward and picks up the slumping halfing. Taking him quietly to the back of the party again he examines him.

Heal [roll0]

After a few moment she casts a spell of restoration on the halfling restoring the mental powers of the rogue.

cast Restoration on Adrian after moving to his position and returning to the entry way

[crimson77]

Adrian stands up now awake after his loss of consciousness. Regis returns to the entryway to this underground dungeon. The prisoners now turn their attention to Throshkar’s question, ”We know little of our captors. They feed us burnt meat a few times a week with sour tasting water. They rarely speak to us and when they come and they attack us in the dark with spears to keep us weak and drag one away.”

[The_JJ]

Adrian sits bolt up right. WhereamI!? He pauses to breath for a few moments. Oh. Oh... my head. He looks at Regis's face and slowly grins. What, no dragons this time?

Note to self: It's not just the rich paranoids who use the poison traps.

So what happened to those guys in the room? Captives? Seems to be a hobby of yours, eh, Regis.

Adrian walks to the other door and gives it a good look over.

Take twenty on my search check for traps. Bonus of +1.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan, after watching much of the commotion, moves up alongside Throshkar and listens to the 'prisoners'. "How many of you were taken here? And are your captors human?"
Move to G10.
{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947)| Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 41/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1) & Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]

[crimson77]

[MAP]http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/8315/fort001belowlq2.png (http://imageshack.us)

Adrian searches around the door for quite a while. He seems to be checking each individual wood fiber and crack in the old door before pronouncing that the door is safe to open but it is stuck.

All the while the search is progressing the interrogation of the prisoners continues, "We know little of our captors numbers. There seems to be many of them when they stormed the wagon train but everything happened so quickly that there could have been less. Usually three or four came to take my friends away. At least two would stand there poking us with spears while one or two dragged away another one. You see, it was so dark that it was hard to tell just how many there were. It could have just been one but there seemed to be many other bodies crowding in this small room. They would not speak to each other while they took us away. I have heard voices down the hallways sometimes but it is often hard to hear what they are saying...." The mans voice trails off as if he is uncertain what else to say.

[OOC: it will take a while for Adrian to finish searching the other door.]

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar deLaBlanche

Throshkar continues to glare at the men as Regis removes the unconcious halfling. One more trick, and they...! After just a few seoncds, Adrian, slightly worse for wear, reappears and begins tinkering with the doorframe across the hall.

The mage joins Throshkar in their interrogation space while the cavalier glances at the rubble before him. What was it he just shattered? Is there anything in the room to indicate the men's story is false?

Search:[roll0]{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 101/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | 17-20/x2 | No ranged atk
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[crimson77]

Throshkar shattered the old wooden rack that must have been used for torture in the past. There as small scrapes of bone and an old rusty iron bowl in the room as well. You see nothing else of worth or use in the room.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar shakes his head. "As is too common for your ilk, you offer nothing of true value. You have trespassed on the prince's property -- therefore, you must swear fealty to the prince now upon his ring, and aid us as we inspect these tunnels. If you do not, we shall have to punish you accordingly."

As useless as a merchant's oath be, they may yet be turned to a better cause...

The cavalier removes his hand and reveals the prince's signet for the men to swear upon. Once they do so, he replaces the gauntlet and turns to leave the room.

"Come, then."

Step a few feet closer to the men; don't let them touch the ring, just give their oaths to it. Then move to i11.

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis gives a sardonic grin and just keeps walking. [move to H11 in the middle of the t cross roads.]

[crimson77]

[I will update the map soon. I am a bit under the weather today]

The two men fall before Throshkar and give their oath to the king. There is an astonished look on their face since they were only here trespassing due to their capture. However, they do not question the knights authority. They slowly rise and start walking out of the room. The men are slow and compliant but they swagger and fall a few times just getting out of the room. You can tell they are very weak from their imprisonment. One finally gets the courage up to say to Throshkar, "Sir, I mean no disrespect to or the king but we have not sleep nor eaten much in weeks. We would love to get out of here and be with our families. Could you take us to the surface?"

[The_JJ]

Alright, well this one looks clean. Adroan straightens up. Throshkar, this door is in my way, and refuses to open. Perhaps a judicious application of boot to door will open it.

[Greyen]

Regis

After looking down each of the cross passages he returns back to the two prisoners. Here's what you two need to do. First of all take this Regis hands them a water skin and a couple days worth of rations. Then go to the surface and rest.

[crimson77]

The prisoners greedily eat the food as soon as it is given to them. With crumbs falling out of one's mouth he asks, "How do we get out of here?" After getting directions the two men slowly walk down the passageway, their strides broken from the abuse they suffered at the hands of unknown assailants. Soon you are left with the thought that you are still not alone in this place.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

As the merchants are shown from the room by Regis, Egan puts himself near Throshkar to grab his attention. "Fortunately they gave their oath freely. I think we should send them to the surface. Down here they will only be a hindrance, slowing down our actions and decisions." Egan looks around the rest of the room and tries to laugh at the table Throshkar readily demolished, but is stifled by the lingering mood. Kaylee, do you sense anyone close to us? I cannot shake another presence.
Kaylee has Blindsense and Telepathy.
{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947)| Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 41/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1) & Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

When the men beg for mercy, Throshkar crosses his arms and growls. 'Conniving, lying, worthless scum...!' "I'm sure if I waved a sack of gold in your direction..." He is cut off by Regis maneuvering his considerable bulk back down the hall; the cleric offers the men nourishment, which they wolf down. 'Greedy, filthy...!'

"Fortunately, they gave their oath freely. I think we should send them to the surface, suggests Egan. Throshkar glances at him, doubt written all over his face. "Down here they will only be a hindrance, slowing down our actions and decisions."

The cavalier blinks. And gapes. And gapes again. As he does, Regis sends the men on their way. Finally, Throshkar finds his voice.

"My God, Brahe! I am a fool -- of course, you are correct. Should there be a true threat to us here, worms such as they would be quick to endanger us and flee the battlefield or draw fire upon us to save their worthless skins. Thank you, wizard, for opening mine eyes."

The knight feels a tap at his belt -- it is Adrian, who gestures again at the door across the hall. "As I said, Throshy, this door is in my way, and--"

One powerful stride and another powerful kick interrupts the halfling's words. "Bryeeaaah!!!!" Throshkar bellows, a great toothy smile on his face as his boot strikes the door.

* * *

When the men reach the surface, Louis will accost them, sword in hand. Once they explain themselves, he will offer them succor as any cavalier less biased than Throshkar would.

Strength check to break door: [roll0]

[crimson77]

[map]http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/687/fort001belowmc9.png (http://imageshack.us)

Kaylee does not sense anything creatures within her powers in the near area, that is to say that she does not know of any creatures that are within 60 feet without total concealment.

The door smashes open with a large bang bringing dust and debris down into the room. The room is small with several sacks of rotting grains and broken furniture scattered about the room. There is a door on the south side of the room as well.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

Pleased with his work, the knight turns and strides confidently over to the crossing tunnels, where he looks in each direction.

Move to K12. Spot/Listen = -1.{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 101/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | 17-20/x2 | No ranged atk
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[crimson77]

[MAP]
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/5576/fort001belowvy3.png (http://imageshack.us)

You all look around and intensively listen to your surroundings, you get the sense that you are not alone down here but you cannot tell where the inhabitants are located. You have not been too quite in your decent so far so you get the feeling that what ever is down here is waiting to be found.

[The_JJ]

Adrian pads over to Throshkar, nodsm and then moves up to the northern door, once again giving it a through look over.

On to L4 and taking twenty on search check. (+3)


Adrian:
{table] Adrian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=54910) |Halfling | Rogue | LVL 11 | CN | Small
hp: 45/45 | | Spd: 20| AC/T/FF | 19/14/16 | +2 Studded Leather
MW Rapier| +13/+8 | 1d4 | 18-20/x2 | MW Crossbow | +13/+8| 1d3 | 19-20/x2 |
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +11 | Wil +3|
STR 10 | DEX 17 | CON 10 | INT 16 | WIS 8 | CHA 13
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Tumble +13|Bluff +14|Diplom. +3[/table]

[crimson77]

[MAP]
http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/5404/fort001belowpy1.png (http://imageshack.us)

You find no traps on the door and you are about to tell the party the door is safe when you notice that the door does not have any hinges and seems be to loosely supported and fitted in the wrong direction. Then before you can react you hear a thud on the opposite side of the door and the door falls toward you. Your thief like reflexes allow you to dodge to the side as the door come crashing down. A creature is standing on the door hissing at you. The creature looks to be part human and part rodent but with large claws and fierce teeth. It snarls and then attacks the halfling before he can react. The creature's claw tears into Adrain's armor as if it were soft butter and into his flesh sending blood spattering onto the wall. [Adrian make a fort save DC 15]

What does the party do now?

Rat Man (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 50/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14

[roll0] [roll1] If hit DC 15 Fortitude save

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

Before the door falls, Throshar calls out down the eastern corridor: "I am Throshkar delaBlanche, cavalier and emissary in the prince's service! My compatriots and I come to recover this stronghold in Aseral's name -- be you honorable beings, you may serve him in time. Hold you ill intentions, it shall not go well for you, for you reside in his royal property!"

"In the prince's name, make thyselves known!"

Focused to the east as he was, Throshkar did not notice the falling door and ensuing attack until Regis zoomed past him at an incredible speed...

I posted the original edit of this at the same time as the DM, so didn't know about the rat man; then y'all reacted like Throsh had did this, so I just tweaked it slightly. Next time I'll delete everything when I'm ninja'd and my post no longer makes sense. :smallyuk:

No move for this post. Diplomacy[roll0]{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 101/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | 17-20/x2 | No ranged atk
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[The_JJ]

Adrian snaps. Traps? That's okay. Combat? He's gotten out of a few scrapes. Stupid honorable ally demanding to parley with monstrous rat things? About the friggin' limit. Adrian drops the high toned accent he'd been maintaining. Throshkar!!! You-you- agh!


Fort roll: [roll0]

CounterAttacking: Moving back to L1 and firing away.
Attack: [roll1] (point blank)
Damage: [roll2] *wince*

{table] Adrian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=54910) |Halfling | Rogue | LVL 11 | CN | Small
hp: 35/45 | | Spd: 20| AC/T/FF | 19/14/16 | +2 Studded Leather
MW Rapier| +13/+8 | 1d4 | 18-20/x2 | MW Crossbow | +13/+8| 1d3 | 19-20/x2 |
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +11 | Wil +3|
STR 10 | DEX 17 | CON 10 | INT 16 | WIS 8 | CHA 13
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Tumble +13|Bluff +14|Diplom. +3[/table]

[Greyen]

Regis

Moving with surprising speed for an old fat man Regis Thunders around the corner and charges into battle before the cavalier. Prideful as- can be heard as he runs past Throshkar. He draws his mace and slams into the Rat man.


Activate Travel Devotion: Once per day as a swift action, you can activate this ability to move up to your speed as a swift action each round. Thus, you can move your speed and then take a full-round action, or move and take two other actions (two move actions or one move action and one standard action). This effect lasts for 1 minute.

Move to L10 then charge the Ratman in L5, drawing his mace as a free action as part of a move action.

AC:18 (-2 for charge)
HP:66

To Hit [roll0] (includes +2 for charging)
Crit Confirm (if needed) [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

"Monster!" Lance in hand, the cavalier charges into battle, war cry in his throat. "For the kingdom! For the white lady!!"

Charge to K7(?). He wouldn't drop his lance with its pennon, so that's what I'm going with. Better to-hit, anyway.

Charging (+2) Power Attack (-5 to hit/+10 to dmg), wielding two-handed:[roll0] Subtract 1 for using buckler-arm with attack.

Damage (+5*2=+10 from Power Attack)(do I add a bonus for using both hands? if so, add another +1):[roll1]

AC -2 for Charge and lose buckler bonus = 18.
{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 101/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
Masterwork Lance | +17/+12/+7 | 1d8+5 | x3 | No ranged atk
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

"By the..." Egan rushes up to the intersection, recovering his step quickly after being brushed aside by the swift Regis.

Move to K10.
Cast Magic Missile at front Rat Man. Damage: [roll0]
{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947)| Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 41/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1) & Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]

Kaylee will Hide (+20) and watch the other hallways.

[crimson77]

[MAP - I will update as soon as I am on that computer]

Adrian's bolt hits the creature and sticks into his flesh but after a few seconds falls out leaving not even a red spot on its flesh. Additionally, Regis placed a firm blow to the creatures shoulder but in stead of hearing cracking bones the mace bounced off. Throshkar did land a solid hit but the lance only pierced partially through the beast, it was if the knight could not effectively pierce the creature. However, Egan's magic missile was very effective and the creature seemed angered by this. The creature rears its head and attacks the sage traveler ripping him apart with two claw attacks before sinking his teeth into his flesh and ripping out a chunk of his arm [30 dmg total]

[Regis Fort Save DC 15]

[OOC: not sure where Regis is supposed to be standing. I am assuming K5]

Rat Man (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 28/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14

[roll0][roll1]
[roll2][roll3]
[roll4][roll5] If hit DC 15 Fortitude save

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis grunts as the Rat man attacks him. Careful gentlemen, only silver will kill these creatures. He begins to cast a spell. A cloud of silver blades spring up around him. One of which launches itself at the beast.



Fight Defensively +2 AC
AC: 22
HP 36

Conc check for casting defensively [roll0]

Casting Cloud of KNives(silver) duration 11 rounds Launching the first at the creature in front of him [roll1]
Crit Confirm [roll2]
Damage [roll3]

[The_JJ]

Well, I don't have anything like that.

Adrian mutters under his breath and then, with a flouish draws his thin sword and closes in behind the thing hoping for a good spot to strike. Maybe he wasn't doing any good, but it just might be that he'd be able to give his friends the advantage by gumming up the works.


Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Sneak Attack?: [roll2]
Crit confirm: [roll3]

Hey, that is a critical. Heh. It might do something...

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

Gritting his teeth in irritation that the fiend resisted his powerful thrust -- and that his allies deemed it necessary to aid him, even with magical powers -- Throshkar bears down with a flurry of blows. He will slay the beast himself!!

"Cleric! Behind me! I shall crush this... thing!"

Lycan-somethings... he'd learned about them in training, but all he could remember was that they were cursed, foul, evil... and that was all he needed to know...

I figured Regis was in L6, since he came to the L-column and then charged. No problemo as long as I can continue to attack from my position.

Full Attack using Power Attack (-4 to hit/+8 to dmg), wielding two-handed. Subtract 1 for using buckler-arm with attack.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Damage (+4*2=+8 from Power Attack). Add +1 to each for using both hands, or is that just a requirement to use a lance off-horse?
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

AC -1 (lose buckler bonus) = 20.
{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 101/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
Masterwork Lance | +17/+12/+7 | 1d8+5 | x3 | No ranged atk
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[crimson77]

The creature falls from the massive wounds inflicted by Throshkar. You can hear a few raspy breaths still coming out of its lungs but the creature is dying.

[waiting for Egan's post, I will most likely not be able to update until tomorrow due to my schedule the rest of the day.]

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan closes in toward the door that everyone is now surrounding, and watches the first Lycanthrope go down. "Be wary, they carry disease. Adrian, dispatch that one." Hearing more commotion beyond them, he reaches inside his robes for more components awaiting the next thing to appear.

Move to K7. Kaylee moves too and remains hidden. Still standing rear guard.
{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947) | Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 41/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1) & Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]
{table]Kaylee (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rs/20030513a) | Pseudodragon (Dragon) | Familiar | LVL 11 | NG | Tiny
hp: 20/20 | | Spd: 15' / (60' Fly) | AC/T/FF | 28/14/26 | Natural
Sting | +4 | 1d3-1 (+ poison) | Bite | +0 | 1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +3 | Wil +6 | |
STR 11 | DEX 11 | CON 13 | INT 11 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +5 | Listen +5 | Search +2 | Hide +16/+24 (Forest/Overgrown) | Telepathy
Feats | Improved Evasion | Immune to Sleep/Paralysis | Alertness | Blindsense | Darkvision 60' [/table]

[crimson77]

[MAP]
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/551/fort001belowhg1.png (http://imageshack.us)

Two of the rat men in the back of the room exit the room and move swiftly through the door. Kaylee alerts you to their presence coming down the hall to the east.

The two remaining rat men in the room await your arrival into the room

[First person to pass through the door]

[M4's attack]
Claw [roll0][roll1]
Claw [roll2][roll3]
Bite [roll4][roll5] If hit make fort save DC 15

[M6's attack]
Claw [roll6][roll7]
Claw [roll8][roll9]
Bite [roll10][roll11] If hit make fort save DC 15

Please post what happens to you at the start of your post...


[Rat Men Statistics]

Rat Man [M4] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 50/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [M6] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 50/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [S11] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 50/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [S12] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 50/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14

[The_JJ]

Adrian slips the rapier into it's sheath, and then backs up behind Throshkar. One sec- *ahem* Excuse me m'Lord. I've just got to get something that might be a little more useful.

Moving to L7 and getting a Tanglefoot bag from my bag.

{table] Adrian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=54910) |Halfling | Rogue | LVL 11 | CN | Small
hp: 35/45 | | Spd: 20| AC/T/FF | 19/14/16 | +2 Studded Leather
MW Rapier| +13/+8 | 1d4 | 18-20/x2 | MW Crossbow | +13/+8| 1d3 | 19-20/x2 |
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +11 | Wil +3|
STR 10 | DEX 17 | CON 10 | INT 16 | WIS 8 | CHA 13
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Tumble +13|Bluff +14|Diplom. +3[/table]

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

The cavalier hardly notices Adrian, focused as he is on the battle before him. "Cower before the crest of delaBlanche, do you?" he calls at the rat-men. "Then meet your end 'pon my steel!"

Smoothly, Throshkar replaces his lance in its leather-strapped holster and draws his sword from its sheath, and crosses the room's threshold. The two beastmen pounce, arms and teeth awhirl; two claws rip into openings in the knight's armor, tearing open two gushing fonts of blood.

"Glory in battle! Glory for the prince and Throshkar delaBlanche!" He chops down hard, both hands on the hilt.

Use Quick Draw feat to draw sword and combined Move action to sheathe lance. Throshkar takes 37 pts damage and must roll fort save DC 15 (in separate post).

Standard Attack using Power Attack (-6 to hit/+12 to dmg), wielding two-handed. Subtract 1 for using buckler-arm with attack.
[roll0]

Damage (+6*2=+12 from Power Attack, +2 more for two-handed):[roll1]

Critical hit on natural 17-20. Confirm if needed:[roll2]

AC -1 (lose buckler bonus) = 20.
{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 64/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x3 | No ranged atk
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[Cyranojoe]

Fort save, DC 15: [roll0]

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis pauses for a bit of healing.
Cast Cure Serious [roll0]

AC:22-HP-36+above roll

Lose Leomunds for it.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan moves swiftly down the hallway south to the intersection at Kaylee's warning and calls back, "There are two trying to flank us from the other hallway." As he reaches the intersection his arcane voice and arts are already at work. He thrust his hands toward the eastern hallway finishing his spell. Large sticky strand grow from the walls, floor and ceiling, quickly filling the eastern hallway.
Move action: Move to K10.
Standard action: Cast Web down eastern hallway, entangling two lycanthropes.
{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947) | Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 41/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1) & Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]
{table]Kaylee (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rs/20030513a) | Pseudodragon (Dragon) | Familiar | LVL 11 | NG | Tiny
hp: 21/21 | | Spd: 15' / (60' Fly) | AC/T/FF | 28/14/26 | Natural
Sting | +4 | 1d3-1 (+ poison)<BR>Pri - Sleep 1 min.<BR>Sec - Sleep 1d3 days | Bite | +0 | 1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +3 | Wil +6 | |
STR 11 | DEX 11 | CON 13 | INT 11 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +5 | Listen +5 | Search +2 | Hide +16/+24 (Forest/Overgrown) |
Feats | Improved Evasion | Alertness | Blindsense | Darkvision 60' | Telepathy
Special | Immune to Sleep/Paralysis | | | | [/table]

[crimson77]

Reflex saves
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Rat Men Statistics]

Rat Man [M4] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 50/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [M6] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 31/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [S11] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 50/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [S12] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 50/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14

[crimson77]

[MAP]http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/6923/belowthebrokenfort002ng4.png (http://imageshack.us)

The two ratmen take a step back before they continue their assault on Throshkar but they both miss in all their attacks upon the knight. Their claws only screech across his armor and their bites only find air as the large knight gracefully weaves out of way of their slashes.

The other two ratmen resist the webs influence but is still slows down their advance towards the party.

[rolls]
[roll0][roll1]
[roll2][roll3]
[roll4][roll5]

[roll6][roll7]
[roll8][roll9]
[roll10][roll11]
Wow what epic misses...


[Rat Men Statistics]

Rat Man [M4] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 50/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [M6] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 31/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [S11] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 50/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [S12] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 50/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

"Pfeh!" the cavalier spits. He sidesteps to close on one of the ratmen. "Challenge me!" Overconfident, he throws his attacks with too much force at his target. Only one lands; the creature lightly dodges the others.

5-ft step to M6.

Full Attack using Power Attack (-4 to hit/+8 to dmg), wielding two-handed. Subtract 1 for using buckler-arm with attack.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Damage (+4*2=+8 from Power Attack, +2 more for two-handed):
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

Reviewing this after I rolled, I see I screwed up the math all over -- the attacks should have been d20+11,+6,+1 and damage should have been d10+16.

AC -1 (lose buckler bonus) = 20.
{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 64/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x3 | No ranged atk
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[The_JJ]

Well, that makes me feel unorigional. Ah, very well. C'mon boyos, second time!

Adrian will move down to L11 and toss out his tanglefoot bag at the P12 rat.
[roll0] (13 for normal ranged, +1 thrown, +1 Point blank)
Rat in entangled, -2 to attack, -4 to Dex, and move at half speed, if it makes the reflex save (DC 15). If it doesn't, then no move for you.

If it stays stuck then: A creature can break free by making a DC 17 Strength check or by dealing 15 points of damage to the goo with a slashing weapon. A creature trying to scrape goo off itself, or another creature assisting, does not need to make an attack roll; hitting the goo is automatic, after which the creature that hit makes a damage roll to see how much of the goo was scraped off. Once free, the creature can move (including flying) at half speed. A character capable of spellcasting who is bound by the goo must make a DC 15 Concentration check to cast a spell. The goo becomes brittle and fragile after 2d4 rounds, cracking apart and losing its effectiveness. An application of universal solvent to a stuck creature dissolves the alchemical goo immediately.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan assesses the delay to the lycanthropes and reaches toward his components again. He smiles as Adrian slides in and tosses in his equipment to further slow them. Egan steps to the side a bit more and targets the nearest lycanthrope with his next spell.

Move action: Move to K12.
Standard action: Cast Scorching Ray at the Rat Man in P12.
Ray1: [roll0]
Ray2: [roll1]
Ray3: [roll2]
Edit -- Wow did those rolls suck.
{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947) | Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 41/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1) & Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]
{table]Kaylee (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rs/20030513a) | Pseudodragon (Dragon) | Familiar | LVL 11 | NG | Tiny
hp: 21/21 | | Spd: 15' / (60' Fly) | AC/T/FF | 28/14/26 | Natural
Sting | +4 | 1d3-1 (+ poison)<BR>Pri - Sleep 1 min.<BR>Sec - Sleep 1d3 days | Bite | +0 | 1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +3 | Wil +6 | |
STR 11 | DEX 11 | CON 13 | INT 11 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +5 | Listen +5 | Search +2 | Hide +16/+24 (Forest/Overgrown) |
Feats | Improved Evasion | Alertness | Blindsense | Darkvision 60' | Telepathy
Special | Immune to Sleep/Paralysis | | | | [/table]

[crimson77]

[reflex save][roll0]

The rat is not stopped by the sticky goo but it is slowed [AC = 14]. The fireballs launch into the web burning it quickly with the creatures trapped inside.


Rat Man [N4] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 43/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [N6] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 22/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [P11] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 38/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [P12] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 18/50, AC: 16 14 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis flicks one of the silver daggers floating by him at the Rat behind Throshkar, trusting the others to do their work.

Free action
To Hit 1d20+
CC 1d20+
Dam [roll0]

He then steps up to assist Throshkar. Swinging his mace.
Move to M4
AC:22 {fight defensively}
Hit [roll1]
damage[roll2]

[crimson77]

Strength check for the ratmen to continue forward
[roll0]
[roll1]

[crimson77]

[MAP]http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/9071/belowthebrokenfort002yz0.png (http://imageshack.us)

The ratman facing Throshkar continues his onslaught on the knight but is only able to score one hit upon the knight. The hit smashes into his armor with one claw scratching into a gap in his armor [11 dmg]

The other ratman in the room turns to the new opponent entering the room. The creature launches into a mad frenzy of attacks scoring three hits on the cleric ripping into his flesh [36 dmg; Make a fort save DC 15].

The ratmen caught in the burning web struggle to get out. One is able to break free from the burning web and make it to where Adrian is standing. The ratman is able to rake his claw across the small man's chest drawing blood [13 dmg]


Ratman Against Throshkar:
[roll0][roll1]
[roll2][roll3]
[roll4][roll5] If hit fort save DC 15

Ratman Against Regis:
[roll6][roll7]
[roll8][roll9]
[roll10][roll11] If hit fort save Dc 15

Ratman Against Adrian:
[roll12][roll13]



[Ratmen Statistics]

Rat Man [N4] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 43/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [N6] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 22/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [P11] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 38/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [L12] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 18/50, AC: 16 14 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

The cavalier's lips tighten. He knows well that if he's simply moved just so, that last slash would have missed him as well. He attempts a more defensive strategy, but it fails badly! It must be something in the air, perhaps the poison that caught Adrian caught him as well, for his sword utterly fails to connect with flesh.

As his sword flies, it occurs to the cavalier he has neither heard nor seen Adrian and the mage in a few critical seconds. "Halfling!! Where do you stand?!"
5-ft step to N7.

Full Attack using Power Attack (-3 to hit/+6 to dmg), wielding two-handed. Subtract 1 for using buckler-arm with attack (total -4 = +12/+7/+2).
[roll0] Augh!
[roll1] Augh!
[roll2] Augh!

Damage (+3*2=+6 from Power Attack, +2 more for two-handed):
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

AC -1 (lose buckler bonus) = 20.
{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 53/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x3 | No ranged atk
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan mutters, "...dammit..." as the Rat-man rushes Adrian. He quickly launches another spell against the lycanthrope.

As the lycanthrope falls, Egan calls back, "We stand! And we hold!"

Standard Action: Cast Magic Missile against Rat-man in L12.
Magic Missile: [roll0]
{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947) | Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 41/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1) & Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]
{table]Kaylee (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rs/20030513a) | Pseudodragon (Dragon) | Familiar | LVL 11 | NG | Tiny
hp: 21/21 | | Spd: 15' / (60' Fly) | AC/T/FF | 28/14/26 | Natural
Sting | +4 | 1d3-1 (+ poison)<BR>Pri - Sleep 1 min.<BR>Sec - Sleep 1d3 days | Bite | +0 | 1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +3 | Wil +6 | |
STR 11 | DEX 11 | CON 13 | INT 11 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +5 | Listen +5 | Search +2 | Hide +16/+24 (Forest/Overgrown) |
Feats | Improved Evasion | Alertness | Blindsense | Darkvision 60' | Telepathy
Special | Immune to Sleep/Paralysis | | | | [/table]

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

The old mage's heroic declaration brings a wide-mouthed smile to Throshkar's face. Disappointment flickers in his eyes at the gurgling sound of some monster's death rattle reaches them -- 'Before me??' -- but then the smile flashes even brighter. "You are a warrior, Brahe! Forgive me, I knew it not!!"

[The_JJ]

Augh! Adrian dances as the blow comes down. These things were much faster and stronger than the low grade guards and criminals he was used to fighting. And harder to kill. Could he still do some damage with his rapier? Probably not worth risking opening himself up to find out. Adrian draws his thin sword again and sets his feet in a defensive position. We hold, eh?
Come on wizard! One left!


Going for the Total Defence option:
+4 to AC

{table] Adrian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=54910) |Halfling | Rogue | LVL 11 | CN | Small
hp: 22/45 | | Spd: 20| AC/T/FF | 23/14/16 | +2 Studded Leather
MW Rapier| +13/+8 | 1d4 | 18-20/x2 | MW Crossbow | +13/+8| 1d3 | 19-20/x2 |
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +11 | Wil +3|
STR 10 | DEX 17 | CON 10 | INT 16 | WIS 8 | CHA 13
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Tumble +13|Bluff +14|Diplom. +3[/table]

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis follows Throshkar's lead and steps between the two Ratmen. He flicks a knife at the one between him and Throshkar in the process.

5 ft step to N5
Hit [roll0]
CC [roll1]
Dam [roll2]


He then begins to mutter a spell, moving carefully so as to avoid the blows of the Ratmen.
Cast Defensively conc [roll3] - Edit - Whew! Just barely made it.
Losing Dismissal for Cure Critical [roll4]

HP: 51
AC:22 -Still fighting defensively

[crimson77]

[MAP]http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/8972/belowthebrokenfort002fn3.png (http://imageshack.us)

The ratman facing Throshkar manages to find some holes in the knights defense and exploits them and is able to rip into his flesh with both claws [20 dmg total]. However, the creatures bite finds only air.

The ratman facing Regis now has a flanking advantage and is also able to score hits with both claws but not his bite [17 dmg].

The web continues to burn quickly and the ratman exploits this advantage and is able to jump from the burning web (he already took the burning web damage first round) and rush Adrian. However, in his excitement to be free of the web he over shoots his attack and his claw only finds air.


Ratman Against Throshkar:
Claw: [roll0][roll1]
Claw: [roll2][roll3]
Bite: [roll4][roll5] If hit fort save DC 15

Ratman Against Regis: (flanking +2)
Claw: [roll6][roll7]
Claw: [roll8][roll9]
Bite: [roll10][roll11] If hit fort save DC 15

Ratman Against Adrian:
Claw: [roll12][roll13]



[Ratmen Statistics]

Rat Man [N4] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 43/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [N6] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 18/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14
Rat Man [P11] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 38/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

It has been long since an enemy has pushed Throshkar this far -- he can feel his left knee buckle from the strain, and the blood loss has him woozy. But he never considers retreat...

No move.

Full Attack using Power Attack (-3 to hit/+6 to dmg), +2 for flanking, wielding two-handed. Subtract 1 for using buckler-arm with attack (total -2 = +14/+9/+4).
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Damage (+3*2=+6 from Power Attack, +2 more for two-handed):
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

AC -1 (lose buckler bonus) = 20. HP down to 33.
{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 33/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x3 | No ranged atk
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[Cyranojoe]

Confirm Critical on second hit: [roll0] Bye-bye ratman!

[The_JJ]

Adrian ducks the swing from the ratman. Bloody hell. He glances at the wizard, then at his definately not silvered sword. The hell with honor. He backs to the north. Now!

[crimson77]

Mid-round update

[MAP]http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/3669/belowthebrokenfort002yb7.png (http://imageshack.us)

Throshkar mutilates one of the ratmen with a powerful sword slash that removes the creatures head from its body.

[Regis and Egan can still act this round]

[Ratmen Statistics]

Rat Man [N4] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 43/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14

Rat Man [P11] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 38/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14

[Greyen]

Regis

Keeping this one busy he steps again to the side. (5ft step to O4). He flicks a silver dagger at the Ratman. And attempts to bash its head in. Making room so that Throshkar can run in and save the day.


Dagger (silver)
TO Hit [roll0]
CC [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

Mace 1
TO Hit [roll3]
CC [roll]1d20+11roll]
Damage [roll4]

Mace 2
TO Hit [roll5]
CC [roll6]
Damage [roll7]

AC:20
HP: 34

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan takes his cue and opportunity when he sees Adrian deftly retreat from the Rat-Man, and looses a bolt of energy that lights up the hallway in all directions as is chars the lycanthrope but leaves it alive. He backs away from the creature as it recovers from the bolt..
Standard Action: Loose Lightning Bolt at Rat-Man in M11.
Lightning Bolt: [roll0]
Move Action: 5-ft step to K9.
{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947) | Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 41/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1) & Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]
{table]Kaylee (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rs/20030513a) | Pseudodragon (Dragon) | Familiar | LVL 11 | NG | Tiny
hp: 21/21 | | Spd: 15' / (60' Fly) | AC/T/FF | 28/14/26 | Natural
Sting | +4 | 1d3-1 (+ poison)<BR>Pri - Sleep 1 min.<BR>Sec - Sleep 1d3 days | Bite | +0 | 1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +3 | Wil +6 | |
STR 11 | DEX 11 | CON 13 | INT 11 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +5 | Listen +5 | Search +2 | Hide +16/+24 (Forest/Overgrown) |
Feats | Improved Evasion | Alertness | Blindsense | Darkvision 60' | Telepathy
Special | Immune to Sleep/Paralysis | | | | [/table]

[crimson77]

[MAP]http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/9793/belowthebrokenfort002qu4.png (http://imageshack.us)

The ratman continues his assault on Regis and is able to place one hit upon the holy man with one of his claws [14 dmg].

The other ratman is shocked by the powerful bolt of lighting but quickly regains his composure. He reacts quickly and leaps toward Egan swiping across his robes with a powerful claw attack drawing blood [15 dmg]

[Rolls]
Attack against Regis
Claw:[roll0][roll1]
Claw:[roll2][roll3]
Bite:[roll4][roll5] If hit fort save DC 15

Attack Against Egan
Claw:[roll6][roll7]


[Ratmen Statistics]

Rat Man [N4] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 35/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14

Rat Man [P11] (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm) HP: 7/50, AC: 16 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +5 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 14

[The_JJ]

Adrian hefts his rapier. Alright, now! He launches himself, spining through the air, to land behind the ratman and stabs with all his might.

Tumbling to K11 (behind the rat)
Two tumbles
[roll0]
[roll1]

And then the attack:
[roll2]
Crit Con:
[roll3]
The Damages:
[roll4]
and the Sneak Attack:
[roll5]

[crimson77]

The ratman's limp body slides off the end of Adrian's rapier. Only one ratman is left alive at this point.

[The_JJ]

Whoo. Hoo. Hooo. Ahahaha. Adrian looks down at the bloody blade. Right up the liver.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

"I think you will not mind, Regis -- have at thee, vermin!" With apologies for engaging the cleric's opponent, Throshkar steps in to flank the enemy and throws three rapid sword-strikes at it. The first chopping blow lands with tremendous force, but the second and third are what tear out the creature's life.

Five-foot step to M6.

Full Attack using Power Attack (-3 to hit/+6 to dmg), +2 for Flanking (?), wielding two-handed. Subtract 1 for using buckler-arm with attack (total -2 = +14/+9/+4).
[roll0] Critical.
[roll1]
[roll2] Critical.

Damage (+3*2=+6 from Power Attack, +2 more for two-handed):
[roll3] Critical confirmed (in below post). x2 = 36
[roll4]
[roll5]

AC -1 (lose buckler bonus) = 20. HP = 33.
{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 33/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x3 | No ranged atk
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[Cyranojoe]

Two critical confirms:
[roll0]
[roll1]

[crimson77]

The last ratman falls after the three sword blows by Throshkar. The dungeon fall silent but you wonder if you are truly alone down here.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan cries out at the slash from the lycanthrope and falls back a couple of steps, shocked at the pain working in his body. Stunned for the moment, he falters with his next component, but is relieved when Adrian dispatches the beast. "Thank you. Your blade strike is true." He hears that the struggle in the adjacent room is quiet as well and hesitates to go look. Then the last sound that he heard echoes in his mind, "have at thee, vermin!"

He looks over Adrian, and back to his own shoulder. "Are you all right? We should check with the others..." He absently reaches out and pats Kaylee who is inspecting his wounds.

{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947) | Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 26/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1) & Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]
{table]Kaylee (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rs/20030513a) | Pseudodragon (Dragon) | Familiar | LVL 11 | NG | Tiny
hp: 21/21 | | Spd: 15' / (60' Fly) | AC/T/FF | 28/14/26 | Natural
Sting | +4 | 1d3-1 (+ poison)<BR>Pri - Sleep 1 min.<BR>Sec - Sleep 1d3 days | Bite | +0 | 1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +3 | Wil +6 | |
STR 11 | DEX 11 | CON 13 | INT 11 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +5 | Listen +5 | Search +2 | Hide +16/+24 (Forest/Overgrown) |
Feats | Improved Evasion | Alertness | Blindsense | Darkvision 60' | Telepathy
Special | Immune to Sleep/Paralysis | | | | [/table]

[The_JJ]

Adrian pats the gashes on his own body. He blinks at Egan's questions, and then regains his upper class accent. I think I'll manage to survive. He looks toward Throshkar, It seems quiet. Have you finished?

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

"Ha ha!" Throshkar laughs at Adrian's hail. "Yes! The foul ones here fought well -- ah! -- but they fell to my superior worth..." The cavalier gingerly fingers his torn flesh along his lower ribs and then his leg. He makes a face, but then realizes he has been showing weakness before the cleric, and locks down on the pain.

He walks into the hall to get a good look at the halfling and mage. "Well fought, gentlemen! Shall we through the next room?" He gestures back towards Regis.

Throshkar walks into the hall, L5.

{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 33/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x3 | No ranged atk
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[Greyen]

Regis

Hold yer horses, we need to stop a moment and patch our selves up. Myself and the magus took some few blows as did yerself and Adrian. Let me do my primary job now, since you will not let me heal you while swinging yer pigsticker. Regis grumbles as he limps out into the halll. He grips his holy symbol and healing power washes over the group as he chants for a few moments.

Mass Cure Light wounds [roll0] for Wall of Stone
Mass Cure Light Wounds for Break Enchantment [roll1]

Cure Critical Wounds for DimDoor on throshkar [roll2]
Cure Crit for Restoration on self [roll3]

He will then examine everyone for bite marks and signs of the disease We must ensure that no one carries this disease any fursther, it will eventually make us like them.

Heal [roll4]
Heal [roll5]
Heal [roll6]
Heal [roll7]

[crimson77]

[OOC: Sorry I forgot to describe the room with the ratmen because of all the combat excitement.]

You finally get a chance to look around the room the ratmen occupied. It is a smaller room that looks to be where the ratmen slept and ate. It also has their belongings scattered around in bags and under trash. There is a iron door to the east from this room.

[You will need a search roll if you decide to look through their belongings]

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan thanks Regis for his healing and sees the wounds that each has sustained during the battle, then stands gaping at Throshkar's good mood.

"Well fought, gentlemen. Shall we to the next room?"

Annoyed, Brahe lets his tongue fly. "Is this what victory tastes like to you good Knight? Faithful cleric, you may not want to heal our heroes wounds, he seems to like the taste of his own blood." Knowing that Throshkar will rebut quickly he continues, "Sir Throshkar, we have escaped each with our lives, against a sturdy enemy, but our tactics were amateur. We did not control our field of battle. We were split up so we could not support one another. We were outflanked and almost lost the line because our support lines were unbalanced. I used more spells than needed to dispatch my part of the enemy, and Regis has used more than he should have of his healing just now. You are not only a valiant knight to challenge our greatest foe, but you are the captain of an army. We need to learn to work together better to defeat our enemies, lest we all fall. We have much greater challenges ahead of us against the Usurper." Egan's body language is not irate or challenging, but clearly frustrated.

[Greyen]

Regis

Calm yerself Egan, We did well for fighting together for the first time. I was under prepared for a battle such as this, next time we will do better for I think there will be a great many fights in the road a head.

Lets see if these Ratmen have kept anything that may be of use in this mess. Like some keys maybe. Regis pokes around carefully searching through the mess, almost tidying up as he goes.

[roll0]

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

The voice of peace. Egan shakes his head, releasing his frustration. "Of course, yes. Regis, you are right. Forgive me. It must be the battle frenzy in my blood." Egan turns to examine the room.

Egan Search: [roll0]
Kaylee Search: [roll1]
{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947) | Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 41/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1) & Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]
{table]Kaylee (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rs/20030513a) | Pseudodragon (Dragon) | Familiar | LVL 11 | NG | Tiny
hp: 21/21 | | Spd: 15' / (60' Fly) | AC/T/FF | 28/14/26 | Natural
Sting | +4 | 1d3-1 (+ poison)<BR>Pri - Sleep 1 min.<BR>Sec - Sleep 1d3 days | Bite | +0 | 1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +3 | Wil +6 | |
STR 11 | DEX 11 | CON 13 | INT 11 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +5 | Listen +5 | Search +2 | Hide +16/+24 (Forest/Overgrown) |
Feats | Improved Evasion | Alertness | Blindsense | Darkvision 60' | Telepathy
Special | Immune to Sleep/Paralysis | | | | [/table]

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

Throshkar's eyes widen at Egan's extensive criticism of their battle tactics. The man's words are a blur, however, and it takes him several seconds to formulate a response. Finally, though, he coughs out a laugh.

"You truly are a warrior!" His eyes remain wide as he watches the men search the room. "In truth, I had not considered you ready for field strategy, wizard. I hoped Sir Da Gra and good Regis would protect you well and good enough. Forgive me again -- as I said, I had not realized that noble blood courses through you, but you show it in your fighter's words and more so, in your accomplishments in the field." He bows slightly, genuine respect in his look.

"Still, you seem to have done quite well on your end. Mmm... I could have sent Regis to join you in the southern corridors, and held the door here. Yes. Or ordered the four of us consolidate, and drive through this room first. That could have been well."

"Had we taken the coward's route and retreated as one, the beasts would have flanked us much worse. Well, warrior-mage? What wish you for our next glory?"

Regis healed Throsh for 66 = 99/101.

{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 99/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x3 | No ranged atk
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[crimson77]

You search the room and look through the trash and the belongings of the ratmen. You find only one thing of worth, one set of studded leather armor. You think that it is magical or at least worth more than normal. Regis also finds a small hole in the wall containing a large sack full of coins. There is nothing else of worth in this room.


[treasure]

ARMOR
studded leather armor +1 (1,175 gp)
COIN
1,542 gold coins

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

As Egan shuffles through the stuff in the room, he listens.

"Well, warrior-mage? What wish you for our next glory?"

Egan lets loose a large chortle for the small man. "HA! Warrior-Mage. Maybe I would have made my father proud today. Maybe we did better than my temper gives credit. To push into this room would have trapped us. I could have stopped them with a Wall of Ice in the hallway, but help me if I just wanted to blast those vermin. I used many of my minor spells to assist in felling those 3. I only have 4 spells left to damage any foe, and only a few others to help us in combat."

"How should we move next? Those Lycanthropes must have gone through this back door to get around the other side of the hallway, and they brought no reinforcements. This bodes well. The eastern hallway will be gummed up by the webbing for another hour at least. We should move through this door, or up the north hallway, I think."

[The_JJ]

Adrian let's the chatter about tactics fly over his head. Anything, he figured, that did not involve a quick, silent, strike from behind or backdoor access was beyond what he needed to know. Instead he walks over to the haul. He toys with the armor for a bit before tossing it aside. We'll divy this up later.

Once outside the room, with his wounds magically disappearing, Adrian begins to think hard for once, as he wipes the lycanthrope's blood from his sword. Not, unfortunatley, about life in general, the relative moral virtues to his occupation, the constant lies that he floated in etc. etc. Rather he made plans. Typically, he failed to consider such things like 'escape routes' and 'contingencies.'

Let's see. That was... harder that it should have been. But Egan showed up to play hardball, and give the big dumb kah-niget his credit, he saved my bacon out there. And, yeah, I was the one being stupid. This time. I don't hurt no more, thanks to dear Regis. Nice to know the capabilities of the rest of the gang.

Hmm... ought get some magical firepower.

{table] Adrian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=54910) |Halfling | Rogue | LVL 11 | CN | Small
hp: 45/45 | | Spd: 20| AC/T/FF | 19/14/16 | +2 Studded Leather
MW Rapier| +13/+8 | 1d4 | 18-20/x2 | MW Crossbow | +13/+8| 1d3 | 19-20/x2 |
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +11 | Wil +3|
STR 10 | DEX 17 | CON 10 | INT 16 | WIS 8 | CHA 13
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Tumble +13|Bluff +14|Diplom. +3[/table]

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

Throshkar snaps his fingers twice. "Ah! Yes! Ly-CAN-throops! That's what they were!" He grins at the word, enjoying the rediscovery. "As for battle: should our forces split, I rule that our warrior-mage shall protect the cleric," he laughs, "and the two noblemen guard one another. Are you prepared to fight at my side, Da Gra?"

Throshkar's green-blue eyes fall on the dirty leather jerkin the smaller man found. "You deserve a better, Sir Adrian -- such mean fabrics carry not a nobleman's proper bearing." He glances at the halfling's worn armor with gentle disappointment. "Perhaps Louis' mail might fit you... hm."

He turns to look north, pulling out a soft rag which he uses to wipe down his weapons and armor. "As for our progress -- it seems to me yon hall ends here. Adrian's smaller eyes may hunt out a door otherwise unseen, but I would fain continue through the larger door -- that looks more a proper challenge to me." The knight re-sheathes his sword and hefts his lance once more.

{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 99/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
Masterwork Lance | +17/+12/+7 | 1d8+5 | x3 | No ranged atk
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x2 | Crit 17-20
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[The_JJ]

Adrian shakes his head. I agree that the armor those rats collected here is beneath me, but I rather like this suit. He pats his shoulder. Black is classy. Just ask any halfling lass. He winks. Not only that, there's some good magic in this leather.

Then he looks at the door. (Q5) Would you like the honor this time? Once was enough for me.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

Throshkar lifts elegantly trimmed eyebrows and shrugs. "Then halflings have a unique perspective on the shade. I should hate to have someone confuse you for a Black Knight, my friend... or worse, a thief or a rogue!" He pauses. "Among humans, at least among the better classes, one's armor stands as one's position in life. It presents to the world a declaration of your quality, your nobility. You know with whom you speak at but a glance!"

"Hence, my plate armor, e'en without its arcane imbuements, stands as a testament to my greatness; were I to wear a leather guardshirt, of any quality, I would be staining not only mine own honor, but that of my family and ancestors."

The cavalier strides up to the heavy metal door. If there is a handle, he reaches for it and pulls (or pushes, whatever is appropriate).

[Greyen]

Throshkar delaBlanche
"Then halflings have a unique perspective on the shade. I should hate to have someone confuse you for a Black Knight, my friend... or worse, a thief or a rogue!"

Regis does quick face palm and shrugs following the brash warrior.

[crimson77]

[MAP]http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/4819/belowthebrokenfort002sx9.png (http://imageshack.us)

The door opens quickly without much effort on Throshkar's part. The inside of the room is illuminated by torches giving it a faint warm glow. Throshkar's gaze falls upon a massive creature covered in muscle and fur. The creature growls and then says, "I see you have dispatched my minions and now your meat must be softened up for me to dine upon you."

[What do you do?]

[Monster's Stats]
BBG (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm#hillGiantDireWereboar) HP: 185/185; AC:19 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +11 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 19

[The_JJ]

Adrian shares a glance with Regis. Well, he knows at very least. THe halfling shrugs. Oh well, if he felt like rumbling me, he would've.

But black has class. Well, presented as this anyway. The Dark Knights, I doubt, could achieve the same effect, I'll grant. But this? This says... elegence. Gentlemanly honor. It's not the same as one might find on the battlefield, but it is a good look for me. Now, I say it's high time for less banter, more hunting-


gah! NINJAS! The door opens here...

His mind still on 'classy' actions, Adrian hunts for a witty line. Aha. Didn't happen to bring a boarspear did you?

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

Opening the door, the cavalier hears little of Adrian's fashion pointers.

"You will dine upon your deathbed, monster! Depart from the prince's lands at once!" Throshkar grins broadly and rushes into glorious, glorious battle with a laughing battle-cry. "For the white lady! For the prince!"

Charge to S7. I believe that's close enough to hit with reach.

Charge (+2) using Power Attack (-3 to hit/+6 to dmg), wielding lance two-handed. Subtract 1 for using buckler-arm with attack (total -2 = +15).
[roll0]

Damage (+3*2=+6 from Power Attack, +2 more for two-handed = 1d8+13):
[roll1] Maxed!

AC -1 (lose buckler bonus) = 20.
{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 99/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
Masterwork Lance | +17/+12/+7 | 1d8+5 | x3 | No ranged atk
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x2 | Crit 17-20
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[The_JJ]

Ah, see, you did. Then, banter done, Adrian sprints into the room, around the thing, and leapt at the end.

Running (4x) to V8, will have to tumble once, and then take on SA attack.

Tumble: [roll0]
Attack: [roll1] (+2 for flanking...)
Damage: [roll2]
SA: [roll3]

{table] Adrian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=54910) |Halfling | Rogue | LVL 11 | CN | Small
hp: 45/45 | | Spd: 20| AC/T/FF | 19/14/16 | +2 Studded Leather
MW Rapier| +13/+8 | 1d4 | 18-20/x2 | MW Crossbow | +13/+8| 1d3 | 19-20/x2 |
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +11 | Wil +3|
STR 10 | DEX 17 | CON 10 | INT 16 | WIS 8 | CHA 13
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Tumble +13|Bluff +14|Diplom. +3[/table]

[crimson77]

[Midround Update]

[MAP]http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/4871/fort001belowbf8.png (http://imageshack.us)

The creature draws back for a second as if it is surprised that Throshkar was actually able to damage it. You can tell its muscles are straining getting ready to launch an attack...

[Regis & Egan still have their turn]

[Monster's Stats]
BBG (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm#hillGiantDireWereboar) HP: 174/185; AC:19 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +11 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 19

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

"Yes, da Gra! Battle is the test of manhood! Come!" Throshkar exhorts the halfling. "Hail, monster! You face Throshkar delaBlanche and Adrian Da Gra, noblemen of the finest caliber!"

The cavalier glances around the room, assuring himself there are no other adversaries -- he would be embarrassed to allow Adrian and the others the glory of battling this mighty opponent when they should be facing other, lesser enemies.

{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 99/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
Masterwork Lance | +17/+12/+7 | 1d8+5 | x3 | No ranged atk
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x2 | Crit 17-20
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 16 | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[Greyen]

Regis

The cleric moves forward (to T6) and grins at the thought of his next action. He cries out GOD! Bless this man with your power! and he slaps Throsh on the shoulder nimbly. Throshkar feels strength surge through him.


Cast Bull's Strength on Throshkar, duration 11 minutes.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

"Let us even out this fight a bit." Egan casts a spell by sprinkling some dust in the air over a piece of stone in his hand as Kaylee flies forward to touch Throshkar on his back, keeping the meatshield between herself and that abomination of course.
Kaylee moves R6 for touch on Throshkar.
Egan casts Stoneskin then moves R5.
{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947) | Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 41/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1) & Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]
{table]Kaylee (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rs/20030513a) | Pseudodragon (Dragon) | Familiar | LVL 11 | NG | Tiny
hp: 21/21 | | Spd: 15' / (60' Fly) | AC/T/FF | 28/14/26 | Natural
Sting | +4 | 1d3-1 (+ poison)<BR>Pri - Sleep 1 min.<BR>Sec - Sleep 1d3 days | Bite | +0 | 1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +3 | Wil +6 | |
STR 11 | DEX 11 | CON 13 | INT 11 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +5 | Listen +5 | Search +2 | Hide +16/+24 (Forest/Overgrown) |
Feats | Improved Evasion | Alertness | Blindsense | Darkvision 60' | Telepathy
Special | Immune to Sleep/Paralysis | | | | [/table]

[crimson77]

[MAP]http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/4294/fort001belowia5.png (http://imageshack.us)

The large creature launches into a full attack upon Throshkar. It's club smashes into the knight denting his armor as it comes down upon him in three strong strikes. The stone-like skin does offer some protection against the large club but still Throshkar can feel his ribs cracking as the club batters him around [52 dmg after reduction].

[Attack Rolls]
Greatclub [roll0][roll1]
Greatclub [roll2][roll3]
Greatclub [roll4][roll5]

[Monster's Stats]
BBG (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm#hillGiantDireWereboar) HP: 174/185; AC:19 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +11 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 19

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

"What??" Throshkar whips his head around at the slap from Regis, and then to the other side by the touch of the little dragon. The surge of unnatural power disorients him, confuses him -- had his allies just turned on him? Had they just dishonored him with magical amplifications, distrusting in the right and might of his own arms??

Into that uncertainty, the gargantuan furball strikes. Throshkar finds it almost impossible to avoid the monstrous club; even if he were not distracted, some part of him realizes he might be unable to dodge such deft, powerful blows.

"Your strength is impressive, fiend!" Throshkar laughs, coughing up far too much blood. He sets his teeth and looks for an opening, then lunges once, twice, a third time... what glory, to perish beneath such an incredible force of nature! What a disappointment, that it be before such a small gathering -- would none know of his legendary fall?

No! Focus, Eden! She waits for you!

Throsh was 10 ft away from the BBG; did the BBG close in, or does a beastie his size have reach? I think it's the latter; no time to check the stats, but it makes sense. If Throsh needs to retreat 5ft to reattain reach so he can use the lance, he will do so.

Full Attack using Power Attack (-4 to hit/+8 to dmg), +2 for flanking, +2 for Regis' boost, wielding two-handed. Subtract 1 for using buckler-arm with attack. (Total -1 = +16/+11/+6)
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Damage (1d8 plus bonuses: two-handed and 20 STR = +8, +4*2=+8 from Power Attack, +2 for weapon specialization): 1d8+18
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

AC -1 (lose buckler bonus) = 20. HP down to 47.
{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 47/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
Masterwork Lance | +17/+12/+7 | 1d8+5 | x3 | No ranged atk
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x2 | Crit 17-20
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 20 (16) | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[The_JJ]

Adrian winces as those blows rain down. I'd be dead... well, no better chance. He launches himself at the back of his foe, aiming right here and right there.

Full attack:
Attacks:
[roll0]
[roll1]
Damage:
[roll2]
[roll3]
SA:
[roll4]
[roll5]
Crit Conf:
[roll6]
[roll7]

38 damage, minus DR.

[crimson77]

[Midround update]
[MAP]http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/6450/belowthebrokenfort002bq8.png (http://imageshack.us)

The creature howls in pain from the onslaught of both Throshkar and Adrian.

[Egan and Regis still have actions]

[Monster's Stats]
BBG (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm#hillGiantDireWereboar) HP: 137/185; AC:19 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +11 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 19

[Greyen]

Regis

Unleashing one of his most powerful spells he shouts warning to Adrian Careful, to the south Adrian! A wall of shimmering spinning blades spring forth blocking the southern door and slicing deep into the creature.

Casting Defensively [roll0]
Blade Barrier is cast with a 11 minute duration. This covers R9 to V9 floor to ceiling and does [roll1] damage. Ref DC: 20
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/bladeBarrier.htm

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

As everyone rushes in to the attack, Egan grits his teeth, looking for an opening to unleash his spells upon the beast. He moves across the room to get a better line and points a small, bright ray of energy from his finger at the beast.

Move Action: Move to U4.
Standard Action: Cast Disintegrate. Touch Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] if Fort saved (DC19): [roll2]

Kaylee withdraws to R4.
{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947) | Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 41/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1) & Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]
{table]Kaylee (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rs/20030513a) | Pseudodragon (Dragon) | Familiar | LVL 11 | NG | Tiny
hp: 21/21 | | Spd: 15' / (60' Fly) | AC/T/FF | 28/14/26 | Natural
Sting | +4 | 1d3-1 (+ poison)<BR>Pri - Sleep 1 min.<BR>Sec - Sleep 1d3 days | Bite | +0 | 1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +3 | Wil +6 | |
STR 11 | DEX 11 | CON 13 | INT 11 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +5 | Listen +5 | Search +2 | Hide +16/+24 (Forest/Overgrown) |
Feats | Improved Evasion | Alertness | Blindsense | Darkvision 60' | Telepathy
Special | Immune to Sleep/Paralysis | | | | [/table]

[crimson77]

[MAP]http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/4148/fort001belowvg1.png (http://imageshack.us)

The blades of the walls of knives slice through the creature causing it to scream out in pain. In moves forward five feet to escape the blades of death but its blood does spray the room from all the blades hacking into its flesh. The massive beast also drops is club which the massive blades turn into splinters. However, the creature is able to resist some of the disintegration spell and does not seem as hurt by the ray as one would expect.

However, the creature does not miss a beat and launches a claw attack against Throshkar and Regis. The one claw smashes against Throshkar cutting into his breastplate and ripping his flesh (9 dmg after reduction). The other claw finds a home in Regis flesh splattering blood upon the walls. (21 dmg)

[rolls]
Creature Occupies T7, U7, T8, U8

Reflex [roll0]
Fort [roll1]

Claw against Thorshkar [roll2][roll3]
Claw against Regis [roll4][roll5]



[Monster's Stats]
BBG (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm#hillGiantDireWereboar) HP: 85/185; AC:19 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +11 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 19

[OOC: I have noticed that you guys have been following the same pattern of posting during combat. Remember that you do not have to do this. For example, Throshkar can go first one round and third the next.]

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

Throshkar shudders. His armor, bent and torn, jabs into his wounds, digging out fresh blood to stain the white sheen. The pain is excruciating -- will his magnificent plate be repairable??

Blood runs down his arm, slicking his grip on his lance...

Full Attack using Power Attack (-4 to hit/+8 to dmg), +2 for flanking, +2 for Regis' boost, wielding two-handed. Subtract 1 for using buckler-arm with attack. (Total -1 = +16/+11/+6)
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Damage (1d8 plus bonuses: two-handed and 20 STR = +8, +4*2=+8 from Power Attack, +2 for weapon specialization): 1d8+18
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

AC -1 (lose buckler bonus) = 20. HP down to 38.
{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 38/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
Masterwork Lance | +17/+12/+7 | 1d8+5 | x3 | No ranged atk
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x2 | Crit 17-20
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 20 (16) | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]{OOC: I think our posting pattern just reflects how often each of us checks the site. I check CONSTANTLY. :smallbiggrin:}

[The_JJ]

Adrian shuffles his feet a little as the wall of swords apears next to him. Have to finish this soon. Another strike, right here. And again right... there!

Full attack:
Attacks:
[roll0]
[roll1]
Damage:
[roll2]
[roll3]
SA:
[roll4]
[roll5]
Crit Conf:
[roll6]
[roll7]

28 damage, minus DR.

{table] Adrian (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=54910) |Halfling | Rogue | LVL 11 | CN | Small
hp: 45/45 | | Spd: 20| AC/T/FF | 19/14/16 | +2 Studded Leather
MW Rapier| +13/+8 | 1d4 | 18-20/x2 | MW Crossbow | +13/+8| 1d3 | 19-20/x2 |
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +11 | Wil +3|
STR 10 | DEX 17 | CON 10 | INT 16 | WIS 8 | CHA 13
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Tumble +13|Bluff +14|Diplom. +3[/table]

[crimson77]

[Midround update]

You get the sense that the creature is weakening with every strike finding its mark. The creature howls in pain but still continues to fight and dodge some of the attacks.

[Monster's Stats]
BBG (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm#hillGiantDireWereboar) HP: 55/185; AC:19 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +11 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 19

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis shudders at the wounds. Stepping to the side he invokes more blades to spring into existence. These spin around him like the rings of Saturn. It is unavoidable, the blades bite deep into the monster.

5ft step to the side U6

Concentration [roll0] for defensive casting

Ring of Blades A ring of steel blades spring up around me affectin anything w/in 5 ft. No save damage [roll1]

AC 20 HP 45

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan takes a step to his right and unleashes another bolt.
Move T4.
Cast Lightning Bolt down column T: [roll0]
{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947) | Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 41/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1) & Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]
{table]Kaylee (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rs/20030513a) | Pseudodragon (Dragon) | Familiar | LVL 11 | NG | Tiny
hp: 21/21 | | Spd: 15' / (60' Fly) | AC/T/FF | 28/14/26 | Natural
Sting | +4 | 1d3-1 (+ poison)<BR>Pri - Sleep 1 min.<BR>Sec - Sleep 1d3 days | Bite | +0 | 1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +3 | Wil +6 | |
STR 11 | DEX 11 | CON 13 | INT 11 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +5 | Listen +5 | Search +2 | Hide +16/+24 (Forest/Overgrown) |
Feats | Improved Evasion | Alertness | Blindsense | Darkvision 60' | Telepathy
Special | Immune to Sleep/Paralysis | | | | [/table]

[crimson77]

[Map]http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5820/belowthebrokenfort002xd8.png (http://imageshack.us)

Blood pools around the creature's legs but it still finds the strength to continue fighting. The creature dodges the lighting bolt but still takes some damage. The creature roars a deep battle cry and then launches its claw attacks against Throshkar slicing once again into his armor [8 dmg after resistance] and then scrapes up the halfling with a deep raking slicing through his armor [16 dmg].

[rolls]
Reflex [roll0]

Claw against Thorshkar [roll1][roll2]
Claw against Adrian [roll3][roll4]

[Monster's Stats]
BBG (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm#hillGiantDireWereboar) HP: 40/185; AC:19 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +11 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 19
i miss counted

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

Throshkar shifts his attack ever so slightly, trusting that if he lands more blows, his natural strength will destroy the creature. The creatures weaves away from his first swing, which nearly comes back to cut him, but he adjusts and slams his second swing home at the creature's belly, then follows up with another effective slice at its thigh.

"You stand your last, monster! Yield to us, or thou shalt die!"

Full Attack using Power Attack (-3 to hit/+6 to dmg), +2 for flanking, +2 for Regis' boost, wielding two-handed. Subtract 1 for using buckler-arm with attack. (Total 0 = +17/+12/+7)
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Damage (1d8 plus bonuses: two-handed and 20 STR = +8, +3*2=+6 from Power Attack, +2 for weapon specialization): 1d8+16
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

AC -1 (lose buckler bonus) = 20. HP down to 30.
{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 38/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
Masterwork Lance | +17/+12/+7 | 1d8+5 | x3 | No ranged atk
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x2 | Crit 17-20
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 20 (16) | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan steps behind Regis and readies another spell. "Regis, move right behind Throsh. Adrian, withdraw behind me." He waits for them to be clear of the way before releasing his next spell.

[Greyen]

Regis

This here ring of blades sort of prevents that, I'm trying to keep it penned in, thanks. Regis steps to the side and chants a healing spell. The spell flows outward healing all of his allies Sorry Throsh, it was the only way to reach Adrian



Ring of Blades Dam[roll0]

Concentration [roll1]
Casting Mass Cure Moderate Wounds (losing Wall of Stone) [roll2]

[The_JJ]

When asked to clear out Adrian merely grits his teeth. One more!


Attack
[roll0]
[roll1]
Damage
[roll2]
[roll3]
SA
[roll4]
[roll5]

27 damages

[crimson77]

The creature is barely standing at this point. Blood pools upon the ground.

[Monster's Stats]
BBG (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm#hillGiantDireWereboar) HP: 1/185; AC:19 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +11 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 19

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

It's finally too much. "Faaah! Trickery and voodoo! Abase me once more with thy occult gobbledygook, cleric, and I shall be forced to question thy honor -- with my gauntlet!"

He glances over to Egan, realizing the man had also cast something upon him. He had not been properly advised against it, however. The cavalier curbs his tongue, for now, but his eyes shine bright from beneath his helm.

'Come to think on that, I shall have to speak to Louis about adjusting this helmet... it masks my identity all too much...'

Post for flavor. HP = 47.
{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 47/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
Masterwork Lance | +17/+12/+7 | 1d8+5 | x3 | No ranged atk
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x2 | Crit 17-20
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 20 (16) | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[Greyen]

Regis

Oh, shut up. If you want to fight about that we'll take care of this tomorrow.

[Nomad5]

Egan Brahe

Egan holds his frustration to himself at no ones compliance with his request. His shifts his spell choice at the last second. At least it may not hurt us any more for a moment.

Cast Hold Monster. Will save DC:18.
{table]Egan Brahe (http://www.thetangledweb.net/forums/profiler/view_char.php?cid=19947) | Human | Wizard (Diviner) | LVL 11 | NG | Medium
hp: 41/41 | | Spd: 30' | AC/T/FF | 17/16/15 | Bracers (+1) & Spell
QuarterStaff (MW) | +5 | 1d6-1 | Dagger | +7 | 1d4-1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +5 | Wil +8 | |
STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 13 | INT 19 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +3 | Listen +3 | Concentration +15 | Spellcraft +18 |
Skills | Know: Arcana +18 | Know: Geography +12 | Know: Nobility +12 | | [/table]
{table]Kaylee (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rs/20030513a) | Pseudodragon (Dragon) | Familiar | LVL 11 | NG | Tiny
hp: 21/21 | | Spd: 15' / (60' Fly) | AC/T/FF | 28/14/26 | Natural
Sting | +4 | 1d3-1 (+ poison)<BR>Pri - Sleep 1 min.<BR>Sec - Sleep 1d3 days | Bite | +0 | 1
SV | Fort +4 | Ref +3 | Wil +6 | |
STR 11 | DEX 11 | CON 13 | INT 11 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
Skills | Spot +5 | Listen +5 | Search +2 | Hide +16/+24 (Forest/Overgrown) |
Feats | Improved Evasion | Alertness | Blindsense | Darkvision 60' | Telepathy
Special | Immune to Sleep/Paralysis | | | | [/table]

[crimson77]

The creature seems to be unaffected by the spell.

will save [roll0]

[OOC: I will post later this afternoon when I get a chance. WOW, I did not think that this creature would last for another round.]

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

Keeping a cold eye on the monster's twitching form, Throshkar sniffs haughtily: "A commoner's response. I, on the other hand, am the son of a mighty duke, a high-ranking cavalier, and most importantly, the prince's handpicked defender: I require unwavering respect from the likes of you. That you fail in your courtesy to these things, e'en to the prince himself, tells me all I need know of your scarce-extant honor."

He glances back at Egan once more. The mage's spell had faltered, but it did not seem to have been his original goal: perhaps the self-important plebeian's failure to follow instruction had interfered with Brahe's spell. If so, it added yet another chit to the cleric's growing stack of dangerously dishonorable actions...!

Throshkar fails to realize that, were the shoe on the other foot, the demands of personal glory probably would have had him ignoring Brahe's requests as well.

If you want to drop Throshkar's AC for talking so much, that's fine and fair. He's lost interest in the fight anyway and is far more focused on Regis, who has now assaulted at least two items from the cavalier's code. :smallwink:

AC=20 (-1 for using buckler arm). HP = 47.
{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 47/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
Masterwork Lance | +17/+12/+7 | 1d8+5 | x3 | No ranged atk
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x2 | Crit 17-20
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 20 (16) | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[crimson77]

[Map]http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5820/belowthebrokenfort002xd8.png (http://imageshack.us)

The creature makes its heroic last stand bring down two claw attacks against its enemies. One claw attack slashes down upon the cavalier drawing blood but it stopped by his stronger than stone skin (8 dmg after reduction). The second attack slices through Adrian's skin and armor like soft butter left in the sun (20 dmg) causing the poor short fellow to cry out in pain. The creature puts on a valiant effort even when it seems to know that the end is in sight.

[rolls]

Claw against Thorshkar [roll0][roll1]
Claw against Adrian [roll2][roll3]


[Monster's Stats]
BBG (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lycanthrope.htm#hillGiantDireWereboar) HP: 1/185; AC:19 (-1 size, -1 Dex, +11 natural), touch 8, flat-footed 19
i miss counted

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

Throshkar counters quickly, his lance repeatedly thrusting through the were-creature. The first blow seems to have torn out the creature's life, but Throshkar continues, finally pinning it to the ground with his last effort. The monster slumps amid a deepening pool of blood.

"I, Throshkar delaBlanche, and the followers of Prince Aseral, consign you to your grave," the cavalier growls. His tone is muted now, especially compared to his previous battle-cries and combativeness with Regis.

Full Attack withoug Power Attack (0 to hit/0 to dmg), +2 for flanking, +2 for Regis' boost, wielding two-handed. Subtract 1 for using buckler-arm with attack. (Total +3 = +20/+15/+10)
[roll0]hit
[roll1]hit
[roll2]hit

Damage (1d8 plus bonuses: two-handed and 20 STR = +8, 0 from Power Attack, +2 for weapon specialization): 1d8+10
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

AC -1 (lose buckler bonus) = 20. HP = 39.
{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 39/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
Masterwork Lance | +17/+12/+7 | 1d8+5 | x3 | No ranged atk
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x2 | Crit 17-20
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 20 (16) | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[The_JJ]

Adrian bites down on his yell, and then launches into a more articulate version, even as the werecreature falls skewered. Will you all focus on the matter at hand! Then he slides his sword deep into the thing's body. He displays his bloody wound, nevermind that he'd recieved it after Regis's healings. If it comes down to it I'll take breathing over Throshkar's honor any day. And the damn knight best understand that. One more, preacher man?

[Greyen]

Regis

Regis turns his back on the Warrior and steps to Adrian dismissing both of the blades spells. He murmurs a moment and healing power flows into the halfling. [roll0][roll1] Is that enough to get you through the night my friend?

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

Throshkar raises his lance above his head. His white pennon flush with blood, face flush with victory, he bellows, "The prince and delaBlanche!"

When the cleric moves to heal Adrian, the knight looks to Egan for a sympathetic ear. "You see? Now he knows when to act his part."

The cavalier next removes his helmet; it is not an easy process, and he winces as he inspects the dents and gaping tears in his armor. Irritation mixes with pain, though he tries to hide both. "Battle -- yah! -- is not the place -- enh... ngg -- for the false propping up of -- rrrr! -- of our skills and might. We must be who we are. Especially amidst the clash of sword and steel. Death before dishonor!"

Throshkar strikes a gauntlet against his chest, but the armor buckles slightly. "Gah! Ah, hah -- if only you were a healer of metals, Longstrider! Then might I countenance more of your gall!" He forces a smile.

{table] Throshkar (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=4575) | Human | Cavalier | LVL 11 | LG | Medium
hp: 39/101 | | Spd: 20/15 | AC/T/FF | 21/11/20 | +1 Plate Mail
Masterwork Lance | +17/+12/+7 | 1d8+5 | x3 | No ranged atk
+1 Bastard Sword | +16/+11/+6 | 1d10+6 | x2 | Crit 17-20
SV | Fort +9 | Ref +4 | Wil +2||+2 v. Enchant, Sleep
STR 20 (16) | DEX 12 | CON 14 | INT 10 | WIS 8 | CHA 14
Skills|Spot -1|Listen -1|Ride +12|Intimidate +8|Diplom. +4[/table]

[crimson77]

With the creatures last breaths the dungeon falls silent. You can hear the sound of water dripping and the smell of death and decay but for the first time being down here you feel that you are alone. Looking around you feel a sense of accomplishment with the bodies of these vial creatures dead at your feet. There is little in this room except for scraps of clothing and chunks of wood.

What do you do now?

[OOC: I know you guys might want to do some roleplaying after the fight. I do need to know where you guys move too and such if you finish exploring the rest of the dungeon (e.g., the final room).]

[The_JJ]

Adrian nods at Regis thankfully, and then shifts his attention to Throshkar.He mentally preps himself before launching into the debate. Death before dishonor? And yet, how much dishonor to die here? We are, it seems, the last of the active, honorable, servants of the Kingdom, the Prince's last chance. And also, how much dishonor lies in the blade in your hand, the armor on your body? It's far finer, and far better at it's job than many I've seen. It gives you an advantage, no? To fight in that? And yet to tackle this brute armed as he was, armored as he was, one your own, as he was, would be foolhardy. He was bigger and stronger than you, M' Lord. Adrian stands up and tests his wounds, now some what better. We make our own honor. We do our best.

I'm in the same place.

[Cyranojoe]

Throshkar delaBlanche

Throshkar's bushy brows rise in bemusement. "Bigger, to be sure, but stronger? I think not, my friend. It had none of the virtues that I wield. As for death in battle, it is not dishonorable -- but to stain the prince's victory with dishonor? I would prefer to die. There is no victory nor glory in that. I forget that though you are noble, you are not a cavalier -- and a halfling at that. Perhaps your ideals are something less than those of the human exemplar."

"There is but one honor, Adrian. A man cannot create it for himself, ignoring the laws of nature as magics do. My weapons, on the greater hand, are a triumph of honor, of class, and of man's strength. An extension of mine virtues, not a manipulation."

'This is the sort of arguments Mistress Durande would make 'gainst me. Silly sorceress... but still...'

"Ah, but do not think me an ass -- I would not take from Brahe his flashing arcanum, nor e'en Regis his inhuman knives and strange words that bond flesh. They must do as they can for Prince and Kingdom. Though I deem it the lesser path, I would not take it from them, nor would I proscribe its use in defense of you, good Adrian."

"But I'll not let you or any other take my honor. Though it burden me with challenges beyond all you face yourselves. It is my light, and my life."

Oy, that was wordy! :smallbiggrin: