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  1. - Top - End - #61
    Titan in the Playground
     
    Amnestic's Avatar

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    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    She was no stranger to pain. She'd had enough missions go sideways to be familiar, though she wouldn't say used, to it by now. She clenches the hand on her injured arm twice. Painful, but still viable. She hops forward, careful to avoid any sizzling acid that remains. Her companion looked like he'd seen better days, and she didn't really fancy taking another blade to the arm herself. With Arimart occupied on the other side of the room, she decides she can drop her cover just a little bit more.

    She takes a breath and drops into a different stance. A glow, small and easily missed, forms around the palm of her hands. Then she thrusts forward, striking at the most pressing threat. A small, but clear, boom emanates from the released energy. Without holding to check it's success she takes another step forwards and releasing the energy from the other hand at the second opponent. Still carrying the momentum she aims a crushing elbow strike at the first enemy.

    Spoiler
    Show

    Attack South Warforged: (1d20+7)[23](1d6+4)[6] - Stunning Strike, DC14 CON save or Stunned for 1 round
    Extra Attack Southwest Warforged: (1d20+7)[22](1d6+4)[10] - Stunning Strike, DC14 CON save or Stunned for 1 round
    Bonus Martial Arts Attack South Warforged: (1d20+7)[18](1d20+7)[9](1d6+4)[6] (advantage only if I get the stun off)


    DMing:
    Iron Crisis IC | OOC
    Cyre Red IC | OOC

    Playing:
    OotA IC | OOC

    Master Homebrew Index (5e)

  2. - Top - End - #62
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    GameOfChampions's Avatar

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    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Kleris curses as another one of the fanatic warforged comes in through the back. There was an almost dead warforged by Arimart still ticking but he couldn't finish him from here before he would try for revenge. 'You need to shake things up before we're swamped with these things. The sword isn't going to cut it without your smites or tricks.'

    He needed a better view on the fight, with all these variables popping out of the woodwork. He feels the bar behind him as he fights and makes a call. He wasn't going to be pulling off any more smites now so he slams the longsword back into the sheath and pushes himself back onto the bar.

    It would leave him open to a swing but he was a big boy he could handle it. On the bar he scrambles to the side so he's behind Jhory and then rises up, it wasn't the most graceful but it got the job done. He calls down to the burly innkeeper "You hold him there for a few seconds while I knock em down. Stay safe, I'm going to need a drink after this."

    Then he glares at the warforged that had swung at him, the one in front of the Innkeeper "Your sins are yours to live but mine to AVENGE."

    Then he starts to gather the raw power around him into two glowing orbs, after a second they streak toward two different warforged. One blasts right over Jhory to crash into the Warforged in front of him and the innkeeper. The second flashes through the air to try and burrow into the wounded warforged in front of Arimart.

    Spoiler
    Show
    Kleris will move back 5 ft then south 5 ft to be behind Jhory on the bar. Difficult Terrain costs 20 ft of move speed. He will eat the AoO and not activate the shield.

    As a bonus action he will Vow of Enmity the warforged in front of Jhory.

    Then he will Eldritch Blast the Vowed Warforged and the one Arimart smashed.

    First Beam with Advantage: (1d20+7)[13]
    (1d20+7)[23]

    Damage: (1d10+4)[11]

    Second Beam with Disadvantage: (1d20+7)[8]
    (1d20+7)[9]

    Damage: (1d10+4)[9]
    Last edited by GameOfChampions; 2020-05-21 at 10:48 AM.
    "Facilis Descensus Averni." - Virgil, The Aeneid

    “Why would I want to win anything other than a beautiful game?” - Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear


  3. - Top - End - #63
    Troll in the Playground
     
    (Un)Inspired's Avatar

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    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Gryphon grimaces as he feels his own blood run down his skin and soak into his clothes.

    We're in this together Prosecutor. He says through haggard breaths with a nod to the paladin by his side and redoubles his attack on the two mechanized murderers. He swings his magical blade of dark energy at the warforged in front of Arimart. If we can keep them pinned down we can stop them from attacking anyone else.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Gryphon makes two Shadowblade attacks against he warforged diagonally to his right, directly to the right of Arimart. The lighting gives him advantage which cancels out the disadvantage of their protection fighting style. If his first attack drops the warforged then he aims his second attack at the warforged directly to his right. IF the second attack is against this warforged then he has advantage but if its still against the first warforged then just ignore the second attack roll for the second attack. Once again, he casts Shield against dangerous attacks.

    First Attack: (1d20+5)[18]
    Damage: (3d8+2)[7]
    Extra if crit: (3d8)[14]

    Second Attack: (1d20+5)[14]
    Possible Advantage: (1d20+5)[14]
    Damage: (3d8+2)[14]
    Extra if Crit: (3d8)[7]
    Last edited by (Un)Inspired; 2020-05-21 at 12:44 PM.
    amazing avatar of my favorite character, Gheera, by Pesimismrocks

  4. - Top - End - #64
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    The tide of iron is faltered as the full strength of your blows begin to take their toll against the warforged contingent. Arimart is the first to power through the enemy defense, holy power delivering the exact same wounds that the soldier dealt to Gryphon only moments earlier. He wastes no time, following up the rebuke with a pair of swings that just about demolish his assailant. The bladesinger is not far behind him, using the darkness of the inn to his advantage. Between the two of them, they obliterate one warforged and leave its partner clinging to life; the end is surely in sight now.

    Meanwhile, Kett shows off her true prowess, smacking two living metal pillars with her fists and leaving them reeling rather than the other way around. The display elicits a surprised breath from the closest inn-goer, a man in his early twenties by the looks of him. Sadly, one of the two warforged is quicker on the recovery and sees an opportunity in a distracted opponent. One quick slash is enough to send the man down, the last remnants of his life bubbling out at the monk's feet. The second stroke catches Kett herself in the side, drawing blood and nearly knocking her off balance.

    The next offensive arrives in the southern corner of the room, where Kleris has leapt backwards and onto the physical bar. Ignoring the blade that catches his ankle, he unleashes a pair of bolts called from seemingly out of nowhere. One angles to take down Gryphon's final opponent but the aim is off and it misses entirely, while its partner rips apart the breastplate of the construct facing Jhory down. The innkeeper seems unfazed by his foe, giving a chuckle at the warlock's invitation.

    "Aye, I expect there'll be a round on the house for -" But he cannot finish the sentence, as it's been cut off by at least two feet of steel buried in his gut. Letting out a gasp, the innkeeper tumbles to his knees, where one more stroke from the warforged standing over him removes his head from his body. As the corpse hits the ground, Jhory's killer slowly inclines its head to stare balefully right at Kleris.

    "The flesh is weak, but the metal endures."

    Spoiler: Round 3 OOC
    Show
    Updated Map

    Well not too much damage for you this time around. Kleris took 6 damage from an opportunity attack, and Kett took 7 from her opponent's second swing. However, one of the bystanders near Kett has been cut down, as has Jhory himself. That's 2 dead!
    Last edited by 3SecondCultist; 2020-05-21 at 04:09 PM.
    Spoiler: Stuff I'm Working On
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    Small Justice


    An ongoing web serial about politics, vengeance, and miniature lizards. Go check it out!

    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  5. - Top - End - #65
    Ogre in the Playground
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    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    As Gryphon reacts with bravery and strike his enemy, the paladin feels a surge of proudness for the young Khoravar, and thinks that the values of chivalry are still alive and well, in many more people than it's possible to believe;
    "Let's press on, then!" he answer to the Half-elf, striking the now only warforged in front of them.
    At the same time, out of the corner of his eye, he percieves Jhory's fall; outraged, the Paladin hears the warforged threatening Kleris. With a quickness unexpected from his imposing figure, he turns and springs toward the living construct, hitting it with his shield on the damaged breastplate, using all his momentum to bash it on the ground.

    Spoiler: Actions
    Show

    Attack on the warforged in front of him and Gryphon:
    To hit: (1d20+7)[16] Damage: (1d8+4)[6]

    Shoving the other Warforged to knock it prone, Athletics Check (1d20+7)[19]
    Last edited by CozJa; 2020-05-21 at 02:37 PM.
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  6. - Top - End - #66
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    Raz

    Seeing his last two arrows just go wide, he further focuses on his target, who seems to be somewhat disoriented.

    Spoiler: Actions
    Show

    Very surprisingly, Raz will shoot two arrows. He first shoots at the stunned one. Should that go down, he uses his bonus action to re-focus Hunter's mark on the second.

    As the target is stunned, I roll with advantage.

    Damage includes +3 dex +4 favored enemy.
    Att1A - (1d20+8)[18], Att1B - (1d20+8)[12], for Dmg1 - (1d8+7)[14] plus Hunter1 - (1d6)[1]
    Att2A - (1d20+8)[20], Att2B - (1d20+8)[13], for Dmg2 - (1d8+7)[10] plus Hunter2 - (1d6)[2]

    If required crit damage:
    Att1: CritDamage1 - (1d8)[8] plus CritHunter1 - (1d6)[4]
    Att2: CritDamage2 - (1d8)[3] plus CritHunter2 - (1d6)[4]


  7. - Top - End - #67
    Troll in the Playground
     
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    Gryphon dodges one attack and throws up a shield of force to block another. When a third attack comes in from behind he barely has time to register it as the blade barrels towards his spine. Fractions of a second before his impairment the paladin’s shield arm intercedes and deflects the blow.

    Before he can completely process how close he was to certain death he hears the pride in Arimart’s words. He can’t suppress a sheepish smile at the paladin’s support. It wasn’t lost on Gryphon that Arimart Kaessel was almost the exact age his own Khorovar parents would be if they hadn’t been killed in the war.

    With a little pride in his heart the wizard whips around his weapon and continues the attack.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show

    If the warforged that Arimart attacked is still standing Gryphon makes two Shadow Blade attacks with advantage against it.

    If it dies from his first attack or if it’s already dead then he follows right on the paladin’s heals and atta is once or twice against Arimart’s second target. As always he cast shield if a dangerous attack comes in.

    First Attack: (1d20+5)[25]
    Or: (1d20+5)[6]
    Damage: (3d8+2)[15]
    Extra if Crit: (3d8)[4]

    Second Attack: (1d20+5)[17]
    Or: (1d20+5)[7]
    Damage: (3d8+2)[18]
    Extra if Crit: (3d8)[13]
    amazing avatar of my favorite character, Gheera, by Pesimismrocks

  8. - Top - End - #68
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    Amnestic's Avatar

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    With Raz handling the stunned enemy, Kett is left with one foe - one too many, if her injuries were anything to go by. Blood stains mar her already stained shirt. Her own, and her drinking companion's. He'd only been part of her cover, but it still hurt to see his glossy, empty doll eyes staring into the void. She needs to end this now. She shifts weight onto her left leg, before leaping forwards, delivering a double aerial kick. As she lands she twirls on one foot and stomps forward, putting all her weight behind a two-fist strike. It had to be enough. It had to be.

    Spoiler
    Show

    Attack:(1d20+7)[27](1d6+4)[7]
    Extra Attack: (1d20+7)[15](1d6+4)[10]
    Bonus Martial Arts: (1d20+7)[13](1d6+4)[7]

    Crit damage (in discord)=6
    Last edited by Amnestic; 2020-05-21 at 03:02 PM.
    DMing:
    Iron Crisis IC | OOC
    Cyre Red IC | OOC

    Playing:
    OotA IC | OOC

    Master Homebrew Index (5e)

  9. - Top - End - #69
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    Kleris gasps as Jhory is cut down like a damn goblin. The Warforged advances with his sentence, over the body, and Kleris' vision goes red. Istren howls inside his head and Keris drops the shield, he didn't need it right now. He raises both hands in front of him, slowly having them gather power as before. They start to flicker from their burning white, a deep red starting to appear in their cores.

    Kleros is silent as Istren howls for vengeance, he hears a whisper on both shoulders. The whisper on his right from the Traveler reminding him of the betrayal of the six and their banishment from the host. The Blade reminding him of power and vengeance bargained.

    He doesn't even react as Arimart knocks the murderer to the ground, using the opportunity to bend over the bar and stare down upon the warforged like a malevolent angel... judging. Finding him wanting.

    He raises his hands and prepares to cast the eldritch power down on the murderer, "Metal shall fail bef-

    Then a shadowy blades glides down between the gap in the armor by the neck of the warforged. Kissing it really as it slices through clean. Dropping the warforgeds life to the abyss in a second.

    The whispers vanish, the orbs flicker back to white, and Kleris blinks while looking around. The Half Elf caster had finished off the two remaining here and it seemed like the two in the back had it under control. He hops down off the bar, making sure to avoid Jhory, and moves beside the other two. Seeing the brutal hits on the younger half elf he holds up a glowing hand to press against one of the worse ones, "Uh thanks, here let me get that."

    Spoiler
    Show
    Most of this was just fluff. He moves down off the bar, avoiding Jhory and goes beside Gryphon. Standard action to lay on hands 8 points.
    "Facilis Descensus Averni." - Virgil, The Aeneid

    “Why would I want to win anything other than a beautiful game?” - Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear


  10. - Top - End - #70
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    3SecondCultist's Avatar

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    With the defenses of your foes now compromised, the five of you engage in your final offensives. Two arrows fly across the room at record speed, knocking down the still-stunned warforged by the door. Kett follows up with a flying kick, the force of which hurls its victim to the floor to join its companion. At the same time, Arimart and Gryphon tag-team the remaining Blades by the front with devastating efficiency, knocking them off of their feet before cutting or smashing them right to pieces.

    As Kleris, his curse of retribution cut short, composes himself and hops off the bar in order to offer healing to the more wounded among you, it becomes clear that the fight is over. There is no movement from any of the bodies lying on the floor, be they warforged or human. When the last silence descends upon the Speckled Hen, it finds you - the armored prosecutor, the shifter archer, the half-elf with the shadow sword, the comfortably dressed warlock, and the woman with the red fists - standing in the middle of a field of shredded metal and spilled blood. A nip of spring air creeps into the proceedings from the opening out to the alley, which still hangs slightly ajar.

    It would seem that the followers of the Lord of Blades chose the wrong establishment to knock over. For all that, Jhory and another man lie dead, and those that do remain look at each other and you with ashen faces. The unanswered question is on everyone's minds: 'what now?'

    Spoiler: OOC - End of Combat
    Show
    Well congratulations, combat is over! We're moving out of our strict round orders, so you can feel free to heal up, loot, discuss next steps, or generally investigate the area as you wish. Keep in mind that despite the dim lighting, I'm assuming that all of you got at least some glance of each others' capabilities unless otherwise stated. Everyone saw Raz hit the leader for massive damage, Gryphon call the lightning and then his shadow sword, Arimart with his holy light rebuke / smite, and Kleris with his smites and eldritch blasts. The only one I'd say might get a pass is Kett, but I'll leave that up to you to decide.

    Anyhow, onwards!
    Last edited by 3SecondCultist; 2020-05-21 at 04:12 PM.
    Spoiler: Stuff I'm Working On
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    Small Justice


    An ongoing web serial about politics, vengeance, and miniature lizards. Go check it out!

    Quote Originally Posted by Zeno Desaqqara View Post
    You divine bastard.

    "Life is to be lived, not controlled; and humanity is won by continuing to play in the face of certain defeat."

  11. - Top - End - #71
    Troll in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    As Kleris heals Gryphon and the slash across his ribs begins to knit and the gash across his forehead seals close he turns to his fellow half-elf.

    Thank you. I owe you one. He turns to all of his battle companions. I know that I a lot is going on right now but what I'm about to say may be time sensitive.

    Gryphon points out the doorway.

    As these warforged were coming in here a city guard nodded to them and specifically turned his back to let them enter the tavern. We need to grab him if we want a lead on whats going on. Let's split between holding down the fort here at the bar and corning him.
    amazing avatar of my favorite character, Gheera, by Pesimismrocks

  12. - Top - End - #72
    Ogre in the Playground
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    Default Re: Tales of Neutral Ground IC

    As everything seems to slowly calm down, Arimart looks around himself. Eleven victims. And it could have been much worse. He thinks that times of peace and war are often indistinguishable.

    As he sees Kleris healing Gryphon, Arimart confirms that they have some abilities in common.
    "Thank you for your unvaluable help gentlemen, I would have liked for this evening to be less bloody, but reason is seldom guiding the violent's hand."

    As he moves around, he sees first the shifter who approached him before, and nods to him in approval. "It looks like your abilities are worth much more than you asked for" He tells Raz, then turns toward Kett, who looks still wounded.
    "If I may..." he says, then extends his left hand, now shimmering in a soft, silver light.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show

    Using Lay on hands. Not sure how much damage Kett received, but Arimart has a total of 30 right now. Let me know what is needed to bring her back to full HP


    The paladin listens to Gryphon's proposal, but is unconvinced.
    "Well, it's a good thing that you were able to spot them, but maybe we need to stop for a moment and understand what happened. Do some of the presents know that guard?" asks the paladin, looking around the structure.
    Last edited by CozJa; 2020-05-21 at 04:42 PM.
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  13. - Top - End - #73
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    Amnestic's Avatar

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    "Phew!" Kett lets out a sigh of relief as she regards her handiwork - and that of the others.. Not her best showing, but satisfactory, especially in the circumstances. She roughly tears off the arms of her shirt to use as makeshift bandages but before she can do anything with them, Arimart's glowing hands work their literal magic. It was a warm feeling, like slipping into a hot bath after a long day. All the tension just oozes out of her and for a moment she sways and considers lying on the floor to bask in the afterglow of a combat won. She tampers it down though and pockets the torn cloth - might be useful later. Probably not, but you never know.

    "Thanks for that. Was pretty touch and go there for a minute. Don't suppose you've got anything for him...?" She gestures at the body of the patron next to her, already being almost sure of the answer. It wasn't so easy once they were gone. "Point me at this 'guard' - if he's still there, I guarantee he won't escape." She roughly kicked one of the warforged bodies with the heel of her shoe, a deep clang emanating from the scrap pile. Was it a coincidence that she'd been lead here on this, of all nights? She shouldn't have attracted this sort of trouble, yet. Not unless they were holding a grudge for that kerfuffle from 4 years back. Her eyes dart between the assembled fighters and spellcasters for any glimmer of recognition as to the cause of the trouble, but if it was there, she doesn't find it.

    Spoiler
    Show
    Kett *was* on 15/40, so 25 to bring her back to full.
    DMing:
    Iron Crisis IC | OOC
    Cyre Red IC | OOC

    Playing:
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  14. - Top - End - #74
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    Raz

    As the last intruder falls at the inn’s back entry, Raz swings around, knocking another arrow in a fluid movement. Seeing that combat had died down on the other side nearly simultaneously, he instead rushes towards the point where he had seen the patron next to Kett, sliding to the floor next to him.

    Kneeling beside the fallen, he lowers his ear towards the fallen’s head to listen for any sign of life, a breath, a heartbeat, … but the yawning rift in the young man’s blood soaked vest extinguished the Shifter’s hope soon enough. Raz swiftly searches the body for any badges, identification papers or other signs of his origin or name, as well as anything that seems unique, regardless of its material value. Soon, pictures and voices run through his mind.

    Spoiler: Flashback time
    Show
    A meadow, a grotesque mix of bright flowers, a few small bushes, snapped branches, and a few dozens of corpses. A voice from behind. “Leave him be, we need to get out of here.” - “But…” - “No. We need to get out of here. There could be more.” Darkness. Starlight. A clearance in the forest, high trees standing guard around a group of people. In its center, trinkets on piled up wood billets. A few men and women in worn out armor and tattered clothes in green and brown, kneeling in a circle. Their leader kneeling next to the billets, holding a torch. Speaking words. Names. Weeping cuts through the night. The leader rises, and sets the wood aflame, adding further color to the gray of night. A sound of shuffling as the soldiers stand as well, supporting those who could not on their own. The voice of the leader is not loud, but determined and defiant. “They fell, so we may rise!” The words are echoed, not as determined but as defiant. The leader raises his right fist shoulder high and guides it to his heart, the others follow up with similar gestures, some clutching an object, others a comrade’s hand. “Never surrender!” “On ne se rends jamais.” “Never surrender!” “Never surrender!” Echoes fading in the wind.

    As long as the sequences may have taken in the past, and as long as it feels to live through it again, it takes much less in the Speckled Hen. Eyes opened again, he pushes himself up, and speaks, not particularly loud and to no one in particular. “They fell, so we may rise,” And then, after a short pause, his right pressed to the amulet on the simple necklace around his neck, he adds: “Never surrender.” Brother, he adds in his thoughts alone.

    Right thereafter, he hears talking arise about a guard who looked the other way, and what would now be the best next steps. Arimart approaches him from the back, and compliments him. Raz turns to him, and nods slightly, apparently fully back in the now. “They wanted a massacre. They got one. Well fought, Sire.”

    Contemplating his own next steps, he approaches the back door, listening for further footsteps or other signs of danger. Seeing Arimart healing Kett, he seems to remember something. “Is anyone else hurt?” he asks into the round.
    Last edited by Niobaran; 2020-05-21 at 06:12 PM.

  15. - Top - End - #75
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    In the wake of your conversation, a few more figures around the inn begin to ease back into motion. A few faces pop out from the balustrade, and seeing that the coast is clear begin to cautiously descend. There are more than a few extreme emotions unleashed at the sight of the carnage, and several of the wait-staff approach the body of the fallen Jhory. One of the barmaids, a young girl with wind-chapped skin and chestnut hair, crumples in tears in midst of the blood and viscera. "H-h-e was... a great boss, he a-al-ways tre-eated us well," she manages to choke out over the waves of sobs. "Wh-what are we gonna do for work n-now?"

    However, not all of those who linger are as unaccustomed to violence. Those that were standing around or who have helped you in your fight against the warforged threat seem to be keeping an eye on the exits, though a few perk up when there is mention of another conspirator afoot. One of them - a halfling wearing tribal tattoos and leathers that could not scream 'Talenta outrider' any louder - approaches the paladin Arimart. Perhaps it's the symbol on the shield, or perhaps it's the obvious deference that the rest of you seem to have shown him, but either way it's the armored man from the Tribunal that the eyes of the warriors and non-combatants alike stray to.

    "Don't know of no guard, but I got cousins around these docks that'll do a bit of street runnin'. They're not too fond of those rust buckets, neither. Word from my family is, the 'forged been angling for a takeover for months." The tanned warrior chews while he speaks, which doesn't help parsing the rural accent any. He stops to spit out some seed into a dark corner. "Can't help but wonder if the guards being in the pocket of the Kolarunes got anything to do with this."


    Raz

    While everyone else seems eager to get involved in talking, you engage in a very different trade. You earn the odd glare as you openly rifle through the belongings of a man who has just been murdered, but as you have just put away your bow, nobody seems quite confident enough to say anything. The corpse doesn't have much in value on it, besides a purse with some money and a small bag with three identical smooth black stones. His identification lists him as Laret Marder, a Brelish ex-marine and sailor for hire. According to the portrait and the documentation that you find, he had family living back in Starilaskur.

    Leaving the confines of the inn and stepping into the alley, you find a similar scene awaiting you. The alley is cold and dark, but your excellent senses spot the outline of refuse that has been scattered all over the ground. You also smell the distinct copper tang of freshly spilled blood, and what appears to be several droplets leading vaguely northward. By the looks of it, whoever was tangling with the warforged out here seems to have rabbited.

    You're about to turn around to go back inside when you spy a small bit of pale against the dark. Looking closer, there is a bit of paper stuffed in between two loose bricks at around ankle height. Even you, with your acute night-vision, nearly missed it. The paper looks identical to the one that Arimart received, right down to the messy writing.

    Spoiler: Raz
    Show
    On the body, Raz finds 24 gp and 12 sp in coinage, as well as a small sack of 3 black jewels of unknown make or value. If you're going to take it stealthily, I will need a Sleight of Hand check from you. I'm also going to include the details of the note below, assuming that Raz is going to read it.

    Spoiler: The Note
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    Sorry that I couldn't stick around to meet you face to face. The fugitive you're looking for is here in the city. I've got friends who've told me that they saw him with the Midnighters. They usually operate out of the sewers under Scuttle, south-west of here. I’ll list the best access points.

    You'll need to hurry if you want to catch him alive: you aren't the first person to ask me for this lead tonight.

    - R

    P.S. Now you owe me a favor, Arimart Kaessel. Don't forget.
    Last edited by 3SecondCultist; 2020-06-15 at 08:36 AM.
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    You divine bastard.

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  16. - Top - End - #76
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    Gryphon listens to Arimart’s words and exhales slowly. He drops out of the blade song and his shoulders relax. The shadow blade in his hand dissipates into nothingness and he tries his best to calm himself. Ok Prosecutor. You’re right. Let’s go slowly so as not to miss anything.

    He turns to Kett and gives a slow, almost courtly bow. I’ve got the guard’s face fairly well committed to memory. It’s a small district. There’s nowhere he can hide from, and his eyes dart to Kett’s incredibly strong looking bare arms, our grasp should we seek him. I’m afraid we weren’t properly introduced early. My name is Gryphon Aksel Kellson. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

    Gryphon also makes special care try and catch Raz’s eye to initiate a conversation with the Ranger. He hadn’t seen a shifter since he’d left Droaam and he’s never met someone who could shoot that well. By the time he tries to look for the archer, however, the hirsute man is already out the back door. I wonder if he’s looking for serious work. If I could connect him with Hjalfaast he could be an unbelievable asset for Daask...

    As the Halfling mentions the family name Kolarune Gryphon scoffs and shakes his head. So the Kolarune family isn’t just stupid and superstitious theyre also corrupt and paying off guards. Lovely.
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    "Kett." It's a short answer, but not without malice. With his name she knows exactly who he is, and doesn't want to show it. While she doesn't return his bow in like, she does give a nod of acknowledgement. It would suffice. On hearing the barmaid break down, her heart pangs a little. Of course it's not easy. She sees a little bit of herself in the girl, that same crumpled despair that she had when her parents left. Not that much younger than Kett, not that much older than Lia.

    She walks to the barmaid and kneels down in front of her, before pulling her into a tight, reassuring hug. She gently strokes the girl's hair as tears soak into her shoulder. When it looks like there might be a break in the weeping, she shifts back, placing her hands in a firm but not harsh grip on the girl's shoulders. When she speaks it's a direct tone, with the force of one burdened by experience. "Today you're going to mourn. Take the time you need. Cry all you need to." She pauses for a large sniffle from the barmaid. "Tomorrow, you stand up and keep moving forwards. Maybe you take over. Maybe it's someone else. Maybe you move on entirely. But whatever happens, don't stall here. If he treated you right, that's what Jhory would want too."
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    Kleris nods to Gryphon, ""No problem, I have a little more left if you need it.

    He stays around the bodies rather then following the other two over to the other side of the inn, looking at the fallen warforged. He steps over to the first one he had killed and starts to look through the various belongings they had, trying to see if they had anything to explain all this. After the first he moves to the leader to check and see what he had and then finally he goes to the most intact of the warforged and starts to strip everything off of him that can be taken off.

    As he finishes up the gathering he sees the various workers start to come forth, gathering around the fallen Jhory. He joins them, patting the teary barmaid gently on the shoulder as he watches the grief and confusion run rampant through the staff. 'You could do something Kleris, he was a good man who people clearly respected and loved. His legacy deserves something better then his inn shutting down or going to someone else.'

    Sighing for a second Kleris agrees, he died fighting alongside him and he deserved something better. Even if it was just helping along his friends and staff in the inn. He looks to the staff "Its OK folks, Jhory was a brave man and his legacy deserves more then this innocuous end. I'll try to help out the inn here. Do you know if he rented or owned it? Or the name of the owner if he didn't? Did he have an office maybe? I'll try to get in touch, maybe take over the deal or lease he had. Keep you all here and working in Jhorys memory."

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    Kleris will look through the aforementioned warforged and then strip the most intact one of everything he had.
    Last edited by GameOfChampions; 2020-05-22 at 10:03 AM.
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    As the others start to look around, Arimart's mind darts back to the note he received "So much for the meeting" he thinks to himself.
    He walks to the door, speaking briefly with Gryphon: "I have to go outside for a moment, since you already have some experience in working in an investigation, I woud really appreciate if you can wait here, and start to take a look around." the paladin turns his head to look at one of the piles of deads "It's been some time since I've seen a massacre like this..." He exhales with a deep breath, and leaves the inn, reaching the meeting place.

    As expected, he finds nothing, apart from Raz.
    Does this poster have a sign?

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    Gryphon's eyes glaze over and he looks nonplussed at Kett's barely suppressed malice. Can't please them all I suppose... This is why I'm here. To change everyone's minds about my people... and me as well.

    When Arimart asks Gryphon to take a look at things he responds, I'll see what I can come up with Prosecutor. And he take's papers out of his bag of holding and Prestidigitates a pen into his hand. Before the paladin walks all the way out the door Gryphon calls out to him, I hate a bloodbath as much as the next, Prosecutor Kaessel, but it was good to fight by your side.

    With the paladin out the door Gryphon goes about Investigating each warforged body on the ground, starting with Claymore and being careful not to get in Kleris' way. He even has Spritz slither out and wrap around his wrist to help him by added another set of eyes to notice details. He takes notes of all the Insignia, either current or removed from, the warforged chassis. He also writes down the ghulra of every warforged from the attack so that they can be identified from before their association with the Lord of Blades. He doesn't remove anything from any of the bodies but he goes over each in minute detail.

    As he works he addresses Kleris, There are very few with the ability to Lay-on-Hands where I come from. If you have any need of a magician's services you only have only to call upon me at this residence. And with that Gryphon writes off the address of the apartment he rents from Granny Mebsa down and offers it to, what he assumes, is his fellow Khorovar. Although it seems you yourself are far from unfamiliar with the use of magic.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    Investigation roll with advantage from Spritz taking the help action:
    First Roll: (1d20+4)[9]
    Second Roll: (1d20+4)[12]
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    "Oh, the dockmaster's alright," the halfling says with a chuckle. "Corrupt, but no more'n average I expect. It's his cousin Halamar that you've gotta watch out for. You know him, runs the salvage operation? It's the best worst kept secret in town! I've been here less than a month and I've already heard the stories."

    Continuing to chew his seeds, the tribesman brazenly leans over the bar to pick up a bottle of liquor from behind the counter. Holding up the liquor to the light with a squint, he gives a shrug as though to say 'what the hells', unscrews the cap and starts taking big gulps. When he surfaces for air, the Talenta warrior lets out a deep breath. "By the way, the name's Tieth. You fine folks aren't too bad in a fight - if I'm ever in a scrap again, I'll be sure to call ya."

    When Kleris begins to speak of Jhory and the inn's ownership, the barmaid tearfully turns his way. "O-oh, you're too kind mister. Jhory had a fam-family outside of Korth, I think his brother might co-come down. As for the own-owner..." she pauses to catch her breath. "Not too sure about the specifics, but I think Kariss Pfennigan's the one you want to talk to. He's the owner of that arcane shop Pfennigan's Phantasmagorium downtown, but he's also got stakes in all sorts of properties around Throneport."


    Gryphon, Kleris

    Searching the remains of the dead feels at first like an exercise in futility. Both of you rummage through the assorted warforged dead as carefully as you can, with not a single bystander seeing fit to complain about what you’re doing. Evidently, when a group of fanatics crashes a perfectly lovely evening intent on violence, they do not engender sympathy from the common man. The first thing that both of the investigators notice is that up close, it seems as though the ghulra - the unique identification mark that appears when a warforged is born - of every single one of these soldiers have been scratched or burned away. None of them seem to be carrying identification papers other, not even the fallen Claymore.

    However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything of value on the bodies. The armblades, known to be magical components, are fully integrated into the arms of the fallen, but their armor and shields can be removed with enough time and effort. What’s more, several of the dead carried purses underneath their armor, purses that have a fair bit of coin tucked away within them.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    As far as valuables go, the money in the respective purses add up to 93 gp and 220 sp in assorted coins between all of them (including Claymore). Other than the greatsword that Claymore is wielding, each of them has an armblade, a shield, and a breastplate. I’ll roll for how long it takes to remove each set of armor.

    Spoiler: History DC 12
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    Most people in Throneport who are involved in any kind of illegal trade know of Halamar's Salvage. It is a unique service, but quite valuable: for a small fee, the dwarf's crew will track ships coming into harbour and his divers will collect any cargo tossed overboard as registered salvage, thus avoiding tariffs and the attention of the law. Halamar's family connection to Kellark Kolarune - the city's appointed dockmaster - helps grease enough palms that the guards don’t look too closely at what gets hauled out of the water.

    Halamar then puts the items he collects up for private auction, allowing those who want to get their illicit goods into the city to do so by paying well for it. The auctions are held in his secure warehouse, incidentally named Halamar’s Salvage. Typically, the auction is open only to those whose cargo it was in the first place, thus ensuring the security of whatever is getting smuggled in. However, there are rumors that those who cross Halamar or his cousin find their private belongings in the middle of a very public bidding war.
    Last edited by 3SecondCultist; 2020-05-23 at 01:57 PM.
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  22. - Top - End - #82
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    Raz

    Having read the note and memorized his content, he wants go get inside to the inn again, but Arimart comes through the door.

    "Arimart Kaessel?" assuming that Arimart confirms in some way that this was his identity, Raz hands him over the notice without another word, points to where he found it, and lets the Paladin read it. It is obvious that he has read the note himself.

  23. - Top - End - #83
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    The paladin nods at Raz question, takes the note and reads it.

    "I owe you one for living a note for anyone to find" he thinks to himself, then starts considering the situation.
    He moves to re-enter the Speckeld Hen, while talking to Raz: "So, I'm pretty sure you read this, no problem for me. You were eager to offer your help before, and after what happened at the inn, I'm convinced I'll need even more help later."
    The half-elf stops for a brief moment in front of the entrance, looking at the ground as if lost in thought, then speaks again.
    "I'd like to have your help and, at this point, I'll call the others too, I've seen a lot of... potential in tonight's fight. Just one thing, please, do not tell anybody what you read in the note. I'll double your pay for it."

    As he enters the inn, Arimart walks toward Gryphon, to ask him if he has any news about the warforged attackers.
    "Thank you for your cooperation. Found something interesting?"
    Does this poster have a sign?

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    Raz

    "I won't." he confirms. "If that is important for you, I think the messenger was wounded, and I could try to track them down. Regarding pay, let's talk about the job first. I prefer a good cause over good money anyway."

    ---

    Spoiler: DeletedStuff
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    Inside the tavern again, Raz shares his observation with whoever is present. "There are further victims in the alley."
    Last edited by Niobaran; 2020-05-23 at 01:49 PM.

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    Kett's still sat with the barmaid, but on hearing Raz she steadily gets to her feet, leaving the woman with a simple, whispered "Remember what I said." Words meant little in times like these, but maybe it'd be enough to keep her afloat. At least until she found her feet again.

    She approaches Raz, and the rest of the group, her light step silently crossing the inn floor. "I'm guessing you've got some leads on what went down here. If you're going after 'em, I'm coming too. I've still got some gold to earn, and I never leave a job half-done."
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    Raz

    "Did anyone recognize this badge their leader was carrying? A bladed gauntlet or something?"

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    Speaking to both Raz and Arimart, and whoever else cares to listen Gryphon replies to both of questions at once by holding up the medallion that was on the scout warforged.

    They’re members of a cult of personality that call themselves The Blades. Equal parts military and religion, they promote an agenda of warforged supremacy and the eventual eradication of all other races. The come from the Mournland and they are lead by the imaginatively named Lord of Blades.

    They’ve each been mutilated before this encounter. Their ghulra, the unique symbol each warforged carries on its forehead, have all been carved or burnt off. It would be like one of us burning away the tips of our fingers to avoid identification.

    It’s hard to imagine any non-warforged being willing to ally themselves with such a group but they have access to all the treasures left behind in the Mournland. To someone without scruples I’m sure that The Blades can be very lucrative business partners.
    Last edited by (Un)Inspired; 2020-05-24 at 05:44 PM.
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    "Odd that they'd come here." Kett responds to Gryphon's explanation thoughtfully, casting an eye around the inn. "There's gotta be two dozen better places to hit in Throneport at least than some docks tavern if they're trying ta send a message. What would knocking over the Speckled Hen get them, even if it had all gone to plan?"
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    Kleris nods sympathetically along with the barmaid, "Of course, it is the right thing to do for his memory. We will have these dead fools paying for the process and and remodel we need with their gear being sold. If any of you feel up for it I could use some help getting off the shields and breastplates while I do the big guy. I'll reach out to this Kariss Pfennigan on the morrow and talk to him about the future. If he wishes then you can direct the brother to Orlan at the 13th Moon bar in the Aundair section. If any of you need me you can reach me through Orlan at the 13th moon.

    He smiles sadly at them and moves to start wrestling with the gear on the lead warforged, starting with the easy greatsword. He shrugs as he hears Gryphon and the others speculating "Well it could be the Blades just looking to expand into Throneport, if they have a foothold here they have possible links to lots of info they could use. They could be trying to take the docks area here and have just chosen the inn to send a message. I would want to look more into who knew they were coming and chose not to do aything. The big question is what the law says about this? Arimart?
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    Nodding to Raz, the Paladin listens to what is said, pondering the new informations he received, and the task he was sent out to complete.

    "Well, the law says that those warforged were responsible living being, who died trying to commit a crime, therefore an investigation on their deaths will follow. But, as of now, there are more pressing matters at hand, that may or may not be tied to what happened this evening. As you already now, I'm a Prosecutor for the Tribunal of Thronehold, and I've been sent to capture a criminal. He is a very resourceful man, but I have been able to pinpoint his location for the next few hours. So, miss Kett, I renew my offer, and if the two of you want to join us in this hunt..." he says to Gryphon and Kleris "I'll help you with investigating what happened here, and I'll try to see what can be done for this..." He looks around, not entirely sure on how to call the structure "...Inn..."
    The Khoravar moves at the center of the place, looking to all his unexpected companions in this crazy evening.
    "It seems like fate has brought us together, and since I do not believe in chance, I want to understand what happened here, and why, and I'm sure we will discover something more if we work together. Will you?"
    Does this poster have a sign?

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