Rennik's Recon
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; final prep
Mission will stay where you have him marked until after Farron's rats attack.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; final prep
Well, Farron would be trying to get to a place where he can't be seen, but can see the front door well enough to direct the rat attack. If the place you marked him fits that, then he can stay there.
Personally, I was under the impression that Rennik's hole was at the rear of the tower, so I was wondering how I'd be able to see the front. But since I was clearly mistaken, that doesn't look like it's a problem.
So, Farron can stay where you marked him, too.
From: Ty
Subject: just a few more details to take care of
But the first round should go out today.
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
[Initiative order: Garyth, Spurt, Finlan, Sa'id, Farron, Cadfael, Mission, Cale, Rennik, Garth]
[There are several private exchanges included in this round, so this isn't just me deciding for the party :) ]
In the faint light coming from the ancient tower, the party stands silent for a moment. There is nothing left to say; now all will be decided by action. Rennik gets a grip on the tower, moving up the wall a foot or two in exploratory fashion, then nods once to Farron.
Farron begins quietly uttering the Haste spell. As he speaks, and moves his hands in complicated circular gestures, the air around the group takes on a dim glow. Then the glow disappears, and he stops. It appears as though nothing has happened, until Mission points at the flicker of the reflected firelight. It moves very slowly, about half as fast as before. The party is now moving at near twice their normal speed, but to them, it appears as though the world has slowed down around them.
Rennik moves quickly up the tower [Climb roll 21 vs DC 15]. He continues climbing until he is about half way up the tower, then stops to look inside. He sees the mage, about five feet below him, standing on the wall opposite the doorway. The mage is standing horizontally on the wall, clearly using some sort of magic to stand on the wall like it was the floor. He is holding a wand and looking at the doorway intently. He does not see Rennik [Spot roll 5 vs DC 15].
The tower itself is not as the group had imagined it. It is basically just a hollow shell. After the ground floor, it is wide open all the way to the top. All the floors have long before rotted away and fallen down. The ground floor appears to be mostly rubble, but Rennik has difficulty seeing much down there, as the thickness of the wall prevents much vertical viewing.
Rennik pauses for a moment, then makes a decision. He climbs back down, the party appearing much surprised by his return. "I have seen the mage. He is using some sort of magic to stand on the wall opposite the doorway." Rennik also describes the internal layout, and talks about the fact that there are no floors to stand on to attack the mage from.
He then turns to Sa'id, "You mentioned a magic you have for dispelling other mageries. Can you use this magic to make the other wizard fall? Also, Farron, it would be best if we gave your rats another target. They will not be able to reach the mage in any event. Perhaps they should distract the warrior with the halberd? Once we have decided, I am going to climb back up the tower, and use the trapdoor at the top to fire down into the room, attacking with my bow from above. The shots will be more difficult, but there will be no way for them to take cover. I will see the entire floor from my vantage."
He then waits for the party to respond.
[1 round going up, 1 round coming down, 1 round talking, 2 rounds left on the haste spell]
From: Ty
Subject: updated map thingy
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
Sa'id nods at Rennik. "Yes, I have memorized Dispel Magic. Provided that this other wizard is not significantly more powerful than I, it should be possible to bring him to the ground. If that doesn't work, my fire magic will."
Tower Battle Rounds 2 and 3, Mission and Garyth in Trouble
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
"Well, that figures," Farron says, then continues, "I would have thought it better to distract as many different people as possible, but I will defer to your judgment and send the rats after the man with the halberd."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
OOC: How in the world did Rennick and I wind up at the bottom of the Initiative list? BAD DIE! No Yahtzee!
"How are you going to get close enough to cast your spell, Sa'id?" Mission bites his lip. It was too late now to turn away from attacking the tower, but he is having increasing doubts about the justness of their cause.
He feels Farron's spell on him like an itch in his eyes. Unnatural. And yet, Stone help him, he feels. . .intoxicated. Just a few words and gestures, and Farron had made him quicker than he had dreamed possible.
Stone help him, he understands Penance's attraction to magic now.
"Call your rats, Farron," Mission urges fiercely. "Let's end this."
Before I grow to like the feel of magic in my blood.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
"My spell has a fairly long range. If I can see the wizard through the door from outside, I may be able to surprise him."
Sa'id fidgets nervously. His anger starts to fade, and suddenly he doesn't relish the thought of another battle quite so much. And it's not as though the priest has been of much use... Sa'id is quick to admonish himself for that stray thought. He closes his eyes and runs through a quick mental prayer to Pelor.
"I'm ready. I'll cast my spell after the rats have entered."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
OOC: Will dispel magic affect the Rats?
From: Scott
Subject: Dispel Magic-- I answer my own question
Dispel Magic
Abjuration
Level: Brd 3, Clr 3, Drd 4, Magic 3, Pal 3, Sor/Wiz 3
Components: V, S
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Medium (100 ft. + 10 ft./level)
Target or Area: One spellcaster, creature, or object; or 30-ft.-radius burst
Duration: Instantaneous
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No
The character can use dispel magic to end ongoing spells that have been cast on a creature or object, to temporarily suppress the magical abilities of a magic item, to end ongoing spells (or at least their effects) within an area, or to counter another spellcaster's spell. A dispelled spell ends as if its duration had expired. Some spells, as detailed in their descriptions, can't be defeated by dispel magic. Dispel magic can dispel (but not counter) the ongoing effects of supernatural abilities as well as spells. Dispel magic affects spell-like effects just as it affects spells.
Note: The effects of spells with instantaneous duration can't be dispelled, because the magic effect is already over before the dispel magic can take effect.
The character choose to use dispel magic in one of three ways: a targeted dispel, an area dispel, or a counterspell:
Targeted Dispel: One object, creature, or spell is the target of the spell. The character makes a dispel check against the spell or against each ongoing spell currently in effect on the object or creature. A dispel check is 1d20 +1 per caster level (maximum +10) against a DC of 11 + the spell's caster level.
If the spellcaster targets an object or creature who is the effect of an ongoing spell (such as a monster summoned by monster summoning), she makes a dispel check to end the spell that conjured the object or creature.
If the object that the character targets is a magic item, the character makes a dispel check against the item's caster level. If the character succeeds, all the item's magical properties are suppressed for 1d4 rounds, after which the item recovers on its own. A suppressed item becomes nonmagical for the duration of the effect. An interdimensional interface is temporarily closed. Remember that a magic item's physical properties are unchanged. Artifacts and creatures of demigod or higher status are unaffected by mortal magic such as this.
The character automatically succeeds at the dispel check against any spell that the character cast.
Area Dispel: The spell affects everything within a 30-foot radius.
For each creature who is the target of one or more spells, the character makes a dispel check against the spell with the highest caster level. If that fails, the character makes dispel checks against progressively weaker spells until the character dispels one spell (which discharges the dispel so far as that target is concerned) or fail all the character's checks. The creature's magic items are not affected.
For each object that is the target of one or more spells, the character makes dispel checks as with creatures. Magic items are not affected by area dispels.
For each ongoing area or effect spell centered within the dispel magic's area, the character makes a dispel check to dispel the spell.
For each ongoing spell whose area overlaps that of the dispel, the character makes a dispel check to end the effect, but only within the area of the dispel magic.
If an object or creature who is the effect of an ongoing spell, such as a monster summoned by monster summoning, is in the area, the character makes a dispel check to end the spell that conjured the object or creature (returning it whence it came) in addition to attempting to dispel spells targeting the creature or object.
The character may choose to automatically succeed at dispel checks against any spell that the character cast.
Counterspell: The spell targets a spellcaster and is cast as a counterspell. Unlike a true counterspell, however, dispel magic may not work. The character must make a dispel check to counter the other spellcaster's spell.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
No, I can do a targeted dispel at only the wizard. :)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; heavy metal thunder 1
Garyth says nothing, but nods to the idea of making the wizard fall. He takes advantage of the pause to drink his anti-venom potion.
From: Ty
Subject: are we ready to go?
I am going to write up the next turn at noon my time, so if anyone has anything to say, get it to me in the next two hours or you're out of luck.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: are we ready to go?
I'm good.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: are we ready to go?
Andiamo, bambini!
From: Raja
Subject: Re: are we ready to go?
Allons-y!
Ye'llah!
Yes, I'm ready.
From: Ty
Subject: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
After a brief discussion the plan is affirmed. Rennik turns back to the tower, and once again quickly climbs its face. This time he does not pause half way up, and within just a few more seconds he reaches the top of the tower safely [Rennik Move silently 27, Finlan listen check 0]. [2 rounds to climb, haste spell ends]
The party feels a strange queasiness, then suddenly the light flickering snaps back up to its normal speed. Farron grimaces as his haste spell ends before they can even get inside the tower. Ah well, it is not a waste, since it allowed Rennik to climb the tower twice, very quickly, and bring them invaluable intelligence on the inside layout.
From above there comes the hooting sound, and those on the ground brace for action. Farron begins casting his summoning spell, while Sa'id grips his material components and mentally prepares himself for a battle of wizardry with the mage above. Mission sets his crossbow and staff aside, and drops into a crouch, ready to burst forward and fling himself through the entrance in less than a second. Garyth stands behind him, one hand on Mission's shoulder, and his longsword in the other. He is ready to move as soon as he feels Mission leap. Mentally, he tries to force down the fear he feels. This time it is not mindless halflings, or even brittle and awkward undead. This time it is men. Men like him. Men who will fight just as hard to stay alive as he would in this situation. Someone is going to die, of that there is no doubt. Garyth makes a silent vow that he will not allow it to be his companions.
On the tower roof above, Rennik is prowling over to the trap door. The roof itself is remarkably well preserved. It must have some sort of enchantment on it so prevent it from damage. It makes sense. In most stone towers like this, the wood of the roof is often the weakest point. This roof must be enchanted to resist fire and other destructive forces. The trapdoor, however, must not have been. Once Rennik gets close to it, he can see that it is totally rotted through. It is held in place by hinges that must be rusted clear through to the core. The smallest nudge will probably send this entire door crashing down into the tower in pieces.
Rennik smiles. Good, let them look up in surprise when it comes smashing down. He unlimbers his bow and nocks an arrow. Let them look up, and this will be the last thing they ever see. Below, he hears a squeal, as Farron's spell finishes.
Farron stops casting, and points his candle at the tower door. In front of the tower doorway, four enormous rats appear. They are several feet long, with nasty incisors and glowing red eyes. Farron says, "Attack," and they rush into the room.
[New initiative order: Garyth, Rat, Spurt, Finlan, Rat, Sa'id, Farron, Cadfael, Mission, Cale, Rat, Rennik, Rat, Garth]
[Augmented Summoning [+4 str and con] Dire Rats:
| AC | INIT | ATT | HP | Damage | Initiative roll | |
| Rat | 15 | +3 | +6 | 11 | 1d4+2 | 23 |
| Rat | 15 | +3 | +6 | 8 | 1d4+2 | 18 |
| Rat | 15 | +3 | +6 | 7 | 1d4+2 | 11 |
| Rat | 15 | +3 | +6 | 11 | 1d4+2 | 10 ] |
[End of round 2]
[Begin round 3]
Garyth waits, his hand on Mission's shoulder, ready to move as soon as the Monk does.
One of the rats, the largest one in fact, charges into the room. He sees the halberd carrying warrior, and with a vicious squeal launches himself at the big fighter. The warrior is smirking at the rodent, and makes a half hearted attempt to swat it with the butt of his polearm, when suddenly the creature makes a lightning fast dodge past his defenses and locks his teeth around one ankle [Attack 25; Damage 4]. The big man yells, "Son of a BITCH!" And starts trying to shake the nasty thing off his leg.
The next rat runs into the room, and seeing its brother hanging from the fighter's leg, charges him also. [Attack 21; Damage 4] It launches itself at the other thigh, and finds a gap in his armor. The second bite strikes home, drawing a spurt of blood down the warrior's leg.
Sa'id, careful not to get in the way of the fighters, moves around to the doorway, hoping for a glimpse of the enemy mage. Unfortunately, the mage chose his position well, and Sa'id knows he will need to be inside the doorway to see him. He pauses, to wait for the fighters to act first. He does not want to be blocking the doorway when they try to get in.
Farron moves over next to Sa'id. He can see the rats attacking the warrior inside, and is surprised at how well they seem to be doing. Always something of an opportunist, he points one finger at the struggling man and utters a magic missile charm. Three quick bolts of energy streak into the room and slam into the man's chest [Damage 5, 4, 3].
Cadfael watches the fight rage around him with wide eyes. Though he is bound and gagged, he says a prayer to Pelor that these men, his companions, not be killed while trying to save him.
Mission was caught off guard by the appearance and ferocity of the rats. More sand taken magery. The fact that he actually enjoyed the feeling of the haste spell makes him feel dirty inside. He suppresses a shudder as both of the mages run over to the doorway. His surprise has cost him speed, and he utters a curse as he leaps up and runs to the doorway, and tumbles through. As soon as he enters, the big man with the halberd says, "There you are, gods damn you," and swings his halberd in a vicious arc at Mission's head. The man must be distracted by the rats gnawing on his leg, because the blow is clumsy and wide [Attack natural 1, automatic miss].
However, Mission never even sees the two that attack him from the sides. The two men in leather leap out from hiding on both sides of the doorway, and stab into the Monk's sides with their short swords. [Attacks 20, 22; Damage 3, 6, 3, 6, 6, 1 = 25] The two swords slam home, one ripping open Mission's right side, and the other slashing his stomach and nearly disemboweling him. The two men then leap back into defensive positions, while Mission fights not to lose his balance and pass out. He is able to shake off the feeling, and kick out twice at the thief closest to him. [Attacks 20, and natural 1; Damage 7] One of the two kicks hits the thief in the face and smashes his nose. He staggers back while muttering, "Bastard!"
Above, the gray clad mage on the wall aims his wand at the staggering monk, and says a word of power. Suddenly, Mission feels an all too familiar clenching of his muscles. "No!" he yells, as he fights the paralyzing numbness. [Will save 27] "No, not again," the monk pants, as he fights through it. This time, the power fades away, and he retains control of himself. This time the path was stronger than magery.
Right behind the monk comes Garyth, who had been following him closely. He leaps into the room, and is immediately set upon by the halberd and by one of the two thieves. [fighter AOO Attack 22; Damage 13; fort save 10; 1 point Con damage] The halberd is thrust into his side as he faces the thief, and he feels a vicious wound opened there. When the spike is pulled out, a disturbing stream of blood follows it. The thief uses this chance to thrust at him as well [Thief AOO Attack 11, miss] but Garyth is able to parry the blow with his sword. Garyth ripostes at the thief [Attack 13, miss] but is unable to strike the nimble man.
Another rat runs into the room, also attacking the fighter. [Attack 10, miss] This time the man's heavy armor stops the vicious teeth, and he is able to kick the rat away.
From above comes a smashing sound followed by a halfling war cry. Everyone looks up for a second, and they see a 3x3 wooden door come crashing down in pieces. The mage actually has to dodge to the side a bit on the wall to avoid falling debris.
Rennik kneels at the opening, his bow in his hand, and yells, "Die!" at the wizard while launching two arrows at him. [Attacks natural 20, critical threat, roll 27, critical, second attack 28, hit; Damage 9, 5, 7, 4 = 25] The two arrows take the mage completely by surprise, the first passing through his throat and continuing on to strike the rubble below, the second slamming into his shoulder and flinging him off the wall. He falls the 25 feet to the rubble below and lands with a sickening crunch.
The two thieves pause for a second, and give each other an "oh shit" look. The big fighter never even slows down.
The last rat bursts into the room and charges at the fighter. This time, the fighter swings his halberd at it before it gets in range [Last AOO, Attack 29, hit; damage 11]. The weapon passes right through the rat as it leaps from the floor, and the warrior lets out a yell as he continues through the swing and tries to hit Garyth again [Cleave attempt, Attack 25, hit; damage 12, fort save 18]. The blade of the halberd, still streaming dire rat blood behind it, slams into Garyths back and knocks him down.
[End of round 3. Garyth and Mission are both hammered 13 and 7 HP respectively. You still face the big fighter, who looks like he isn't in too bad of shape, and the two thieves, only one of whom is wounded. The mage just fell off the wall with arrows in him, and looks to be out of the fight. Three dire rats remain, though with cleaves, the halberd dude can probably mop them up pretty quick. The two mages are still outside, and if they enter, they will get AOO'd by the halberd. Rennik can still fire arrows from his position.
Check in with actions before round 4, please]
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
His target gone, Sa'id quickly reevaluates the situation. Mission and Garyth are in serious trouble, and if he enters the tower he will likely be killed before taking a single step. Switching mental gears, he readies an offensive spell to help them [Scorching Ray targeting the halberdier]. He will try to do this without stepping inside -- he's no good to them dead. If he can't hit the halberdier, he will instead target whichever thief is in a more dangerous position with respect to Garyth and Mission.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
Barely pausing in his firing motion, Rennik looses two more arrows into the halberdier before he even sees the mage's body hit the ground. The threat of the polearm is great, and it is Rennik's goal to fill the fighter's body with arrows until the weapon falls.
(OOC: I know Rennik's low on the Initiative order (again damnit!), so if his target falls in the meantime, he'll focus on the thief who had already been hit)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
Garyth gasps, feeling the blood flowing out of him. One more hit from that halberd, and he's finished. The man is good. Even with Death staring him in the face, Garyth has to admire the halbardier's skill. He can only hope that his own skill is enough for the task; he must take out his opponent now. There will be no other chance.
Garyth's left hand moves so fast as he takes up the mace at his side that it seems to blur [Quick Draw]. Saying a silent prayer, he commits every ounce of skill and strength to his attack [Use Fate Point for off-hand attack, other attack is -4].
Cadfael Breaks Free, Rules Questions, Ty Out of Office
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
Mission will not attack this round, concentrating instead on total defense. (+4 bonus to AC-- I'm not even sure this action is open to him. The open source didn't say it was restricted, or that there were feats associated with it, so . . .)
"Lay down your weapons!" Mission cries. "Your mage is dead, and we outnumber you 2 to 1! I swear, no harm will come to you if you will surrender now and tell us true why you are in this tower!" (OOC: I don't know if this falls under Diplomacy, Bluff, or Intimidate. I'm trying for Diplomatic. . . you know, gunboat diplomacy.)
From: Tom
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
Out of interest, does Rennik have the Quick Draw feat?
Tom
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
I'd get a lawyer before answering that question.
:eyes Tom suspiciously:
From: Tom
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
Well, y'know, he HAS fired four arrows without penalty over two turns, which requires two uses of the full-attack action, and still managed to not only reload three times but knock a trap door off its hinges. :)
Tom
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 2 & 3
Cadfael sits with his head bent in prayer as the first rat throws itself through the doorway. At the first cry of pain his head rises and he feels a surge of hope, Pelor's light has brought his companions to him! The hope in his eyes lights up with the flashes of Farron's magic and dies as Mission's blood spills to the floor. That blood, he knows, is on his hands as much as it is his enemies.
The ropes that bind him cut into his wrists as he strains against them, knowing his efforts are futile. The prayers ringing in his head no longer seem to have words but now seem to be simple calls of raging despair. The blood that pours from Garyth's unnatural wounds fills his eyes and in desperation he reaches out to Pelor, past Pelor, to anyone, to anything.
*snap*
The ropes break free (Fate Point for strength check)
With a cry he surges to his feet and plunges into the chaos.
From: Ty
Subject: out of office
I know it's bad timing, but I am at a client site today and tomorrow. I will try to do a turn tonight at the hotel room.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: out of office
OOC: You know, he doesn't have Quick Draw, but does have Rapid Shot. Also, it's not that he's firing at no penalty. He is at a -2 when he uses the Rapid Shot feat, as well as a -2 for the cover offered by the roof. So, a -4 to each shot in total - though those rolls were a little obscene, I admit, and I figure I've blown my d20 load entirely.
As for the kicking the trapdoor in, that was Ty's added flair. I had assumed Rennik would have opened it and got in position before he gave the signal to begin the attack. Though you do get a five foot step with a Full Attack, and the door was rotted through almost entirely. So, a step, I guess, did it in.
As far as drawing arrows, the Open Source says this is a free action. Crossbows have specific rules about needing extra actions to load, which makes sense, but shortbows are draw, pull, release. The draw from the quiver flows right into the pullback on the bowstring. Needing to spend an action to load a bow would negate the effects of Rapid Shot entirely.
Though maybe I'm reading things wrong?
Which Rules?
Subject: Game rules, etc
Are we using 3e or 3.5e rules?
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Game rules, etc
We are using 3.5 open source, and I already explained all this to Tom, and he understood. So, no worries guys.
And yeah, knocking the door in was a free action.
Fight Ends
Subject: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 4
[New initiative order: Rat, Spurt, Finlan, Rat, Sa'id, Farron, Cadfael, Mission, Garyth, Cale, Rat, Rennik, Garth (note that Garyth's delayed action, waiting for Mission to go first, has moved him down below Mission on the initiative order)]
The noise is incredible. Inside the hollow tower, the sounds of rats squealing, weapons slamming on armor, and men yelling raises an echoing cacophony, though surely it will only be a dim memory of battle noise to those who survive.
The largest of the four rats continues his mindless assault on the halberdier, gnawing on the leather covering his ankle. [Attack 23; Damage 6] This time, the nasty teeth tear the man's boot completely open, and deep gash is ripped into his lower calve. Despite the wounds he has received, the big man shows no signs of slowing down or stopping, and continues to press his attack.
However, the thief who was kicked in the face takes a quick glance at his brother, then holds his hands up and begins to back away. He does not drop his sword, but he is definitely showing signs of desiring an end to hostilities.
The second rat [Attack 19, miss] tries to maintain its grip on the fighter's leg, but he is able to kick it away.
Sa'id maneuvers around the doorway until he has line of sight with the halberdier. It will be difficult to use a ray spell in the through the crowded and chaotic interior of the tower [-4 to ranged touch attack]. Sa'id shrugs and decides to cast anyway, since doing nothing might easily get his friends killed. He points a finger at the fighter, and chants the scorching ray spell. [Ranged touch attack 6, miss] He has just about finished, when Garyth, moving for better position in the fight, steps between him and his target. The spell goes off, but Sa'id quickly shifts his aim point, and the scorching ray draws a black line up the tower wall.
Farron is standing just behind him, and also looses line of sight with the halberdier. He decides to instead incapacitate one of the thieves. Pointing his metal rod at the thief who has not yet been wounded, he utters the hold person charm. The thief grimaces as his muscles begin to lock up [Will save 5], and then he is motionless, though his eyes betray panic.
Cadfael sits with his head bent in prayer as the first rat throws itself through the doorway. At the first cry of pain his head rises and he feels a surge of hope, Pelor's light has brought his companions to him! The hope in his eyes lights up with the flashes of Farron's magic and dies as Mission's blood spills to the floor. That blood, he knows, is on his hands as much as it is his enemies. The ropes that bind him cut into his wrists as he strains against them, knowing his efforts are futile. The prayers ringing in his head no longer seem to have words but now seem to be simple calls of raging despair. The blood that pours from Garyth's unnatural wounds fills his eyes and in desperation he reaches out to Pelor, past Pelor, to anyone, to anything. Something answers.
*snap*
The ropes break free [Burst ropes strength check versus DC 23 for hemp, Fate point used for natural 20, result 23]
Mission sees the thief he was engaged with backing away, trying to stop the fight. He too backs away, hands defensively in the air. "Lay down your weapons!" Mission cries. "Your mage is dead, and we outnumber you 2 to 1! I swear, no harm will come to you if you will surrender now and tell us true why you are in this tower!" The thief he faces looks all to ready to take him up on his offer, but he hears a derisive laugh from behind, and turns to face the big fighter. The man shows no sign of backing down. [Mission is on full defense, no movement or attacks, but +4 AC dodge bonus]
Garyth watches the halberdier move to engage the heavily wounded monk, who looks like he's just trying not to get hit again. He shifts his position, moving to the side where it will be difficult for the man to move his large weapon quickly. The thief on that side isn't moving, so one of the wizards must have zapped him with magic. Garyth is not above using the opening created by this. His hand darts to his belt in a lightning fast motion, and he leaps at the big fighter with a weapon in each hand and screaming "Overlook!" at the top of his lungs. He brings the two weapons together at the man's head in a clumsy and awkward attack, but luck is with him. [Sword attack 19, miss; Mace attack, fate point used for natural 20, critical threat, threat roll 1, normal hit; Damage 4] The mace, despite his lack of training with offhand weapons, slips past the fighter's guard and strikes him a ringing blow on the helmet. The man's face whips around, and it is clear the blow did nothing more than anger him.
The third remaining rat, kicked away once by the fighter, attacks again. [Attack 21; Damage 7] It takes advantage of the distraction created by Garyth, and slips over to join its brother in gnawing on the back of the man's leg.
Rennik has watched all this from above as he nocked a new arrow, and tried to get an open shot. The big man is beset from all sides, hit by Garyth and by all the rats, but fights on undeterred. He is clearly a man of great stamina and bravery, though of questionable sense. Finally, after Garyth's knock to the head, the man steps back and Rennik has an open shot. He puts two more arrows into the air, the second leaving the bow only a split second after the first strikes. [Attacks 23 (for the record, this was roll 17 +10 to hit -2 rapid shot -2 angle of fire), and 20; Damage 9 and 8] Both arrows strike home, despite the awkward angle and the man's heavy armor. When the second arrow hits, the man grunts, then slowly drops to his knees. He pants for a moment, then falls over on his side, and lies twitching. He is dying, but with his powerful constitution, it will not be quick.
And that quickly the fight is over. One of the two thieves is paralyzed by Farron's hold spell, and the other has backed far enough away to appear non threatening. He looks up at the pile of rubble, and the mage's twisted and broken body, then down at the fighter, gasping his last breaths, and finally at his brother, frozen and helpless.
"Tempus' tears, what have you done?" he says to you, shock and grief evident on his face. "Please, don't hurt my brother. And let me help Garth. Or do you plan to just watch him bleed to death?"
[Fight is over unless you want to kill the two thieves. Garth is at -5 and dying. The mage is dead. One thief is still under a hold person spell, the other is the one speaking. Let me know what you want to do from here. Matt, if Rennik is coming down, let me know. You will need 3 or so non hasted rounds to get back down, and I need to make a climb roll for you.]
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 4
PS, Karl, unless you make them stop, the rats will kill Garth next round.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 4
OOC: Sorry, this has to be quick-- I won't be on the net again until tomorrow morning.
Mission will defend any of the fallen 'enemies,' as he did give his word. And he will look plaintively at Cadfael until healed.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 4
Sa'id takes a few strides into the tower. His eyes sweep over the battle's aftermath but come to rest on Cadfael. "Are you hurt, Brother?" he asks. "Rennik thought you may have been poisoned."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 4
Surveying the scene below, Rennik feels it all ended too quickly and easily. He decides to notch another arrow and maintain his position, ready to loose at any sign of trouble from the thieves or otherwise.
Conversing with the Conquered
Subject: ok, we need a bit more than this
I can't really write up a turn, because no one is doing anything.
One thief is still held [will save failed this round], the other thief is hurt and has surrendered, the fighter is bleeding to death, and the mage is dead.
The thief asked if he could help the fighter.
You guys need to actually do something. And I need a turn from Dan too, since someone is talking to Cadfael.
Oh, and the rats stop eating the fighter, because Farron stops them.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 4
Sa'id quickly notes a familiar haunted look in Cadfael's eyes and, for a moment, worries about what he will do next.
"Let the man bleed. Perhaps I was a fool for giving you the benefit of the doubt and asking Pelor for guidance. Your actions have spoken louder than He could have. The innocent man does not go stab others in the back and haul them off to their camp trussed up like a pig.
Come Brothers, let us leave these men to the wiles of the forest, I don't feel they'll last long in their current condition. I can see to your wounds on our way back to camp."
This is more mercy than your group has earned," he spits, "Do not waste it by following us."
He will then move about the tower gathering his equipment (if any of it was removed from me and is still in the tower).
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Crashing the party; Heavy metal thunder 4
The adrenaline begins to fade, and, hearing the rogue's words, Garyth's exultation at staying alive turns to chagrin. We made no attempt to parlay, he thinks. Once again, his lack of forethought has brought trouble. He and Mission are seriously wounded, and of his opponents, one is dead and another is dying. Yes, they had Cadfael, but would he have done differently in their place? Silently, he kneels beside the big man at his feet, lays his weapons on the ground and attempts to stabilize the warrior's condition (1 rank in Heal).
From: Dan
Subject: Check 1?
Hmm... I sent in a response a few minutes ago, and a longer one the other night, neither seem to have gone through but I got Ty's E-mail between the two of them. Is something rotten in the state of yahoo? Does sakeriver love Hotmail more?
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Check 1?
I just got this one and the 'let them bleed' one. Was there another one?
From: Tom
Subject: Reproof
Cale flushes at Cadfael's words. "We kept you alive, you bastard, even when you were standing a stone's throw away and casting spells at us from the darkness. We COULD have cut your throat and hidden your stinking carcass in the bushes somewhere; it would have been less trouble, and two of my friends might still be alive."
"If you're going to rob us, you bandits, then rob us. If you're going to just walk out, if the blood of two men is enough to sate your appetites for the evening, get the hell out and let me see to our wounded. Butchers."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Reproof
Farron hears Cadfael's words and notes Mission's attempt to stabilize the warrior. Cadfael certainly has reason to be upset, he thinks to himself. Still, I've never left a man to die if I could help it.
He enters the tower and silently begins to assist Mission in trying to stabilize the warrior. (4 ranks in heal)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Reproof
Farron avoids looking at Cale, but says, "This one may still be saved. Do you have a healing kit? Bandages? Anything will help."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Reproof
OOC: Mission moved to defend the big warrior from the demon-rats-with-munchies-- GARYTH is trying to heal him.
IC:
Innocents. Mission feels a knot of dread tighten in his stomach. They had attacked innocents. He looks blankly at Cadfael, but cannot find words fit to speak.
Sand take him. Sand take them all. Attacking innocents like robbers.
Numbly, he disarms the thief who is still standing rigid as stone-- innocent though this man may be, Mission remembers whose sword it was that had been thrust into his side.
"I have bandages, Farron," Mission volunteers. And he finds words for Cadfael as well. Simple, necessary words. "Garyth is hurt, Cadfael. Can Pelor find a little mercy for him?"
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Reproof
When it becomes clear that Garyth and Farron intend on tending to the big man's wounds Cadfael lets out a growl of frustration and moves toward them.
"Fine. I suppose they kept me alive for some reason and I owe them some small favor it. Let it not be said that Pelor shows less mercy than your God of War. Have no fear, we'll not linger long. We wouldn't want to stop you from picking flowers in the morning."
Cadfael will none-too-gently remove the arrows and cast Cure Light Wounds, which should be enough to bring him back to 1, or at least stabilize him. Of course, when I say none-too-gently, I'm not going to be so rough as to kill the man. I just won't have the same soft, caring, loving hands that I've had so far in the game ;)
OOC -- Does Tom get E-mails sent to game@sakeriver.com or should we be including his E-mail separately?
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Reproof
Rennik remains at the top of the tower, surveying the scene and keeping his bow at the ready. He calls down at the theif Cale.
"Butchers!? You kidnap our companion, then use him as bait to lure us into your keep! There was no call for truce! There was no attempt at parlay! I heard your words - you took our brother then planned to destroy us as we entered! Do not play at innocence! The only reason you draw breath is because our friend still lives - otherwise, you would share the fate of your mage!"
He clenches his teeth. These men play on the emotions of the weak. They prey on their doubts, their guilt, their fears. Cowardly thieves with no honor.
"You left your tower with the intent to find us and do us harm - I heard your words! You found our friend, attacked him with no warning, and laid your trap. If you wished to avoid combat, you would have called out to us that you had taken our companion hostage and wished no hostility - but instead you quietly plotted our deaths!"
"Do not now ask for mercy!"
Accusations Abound
Subject: Re: Reproof
Cale bites his thumb at Rennik, and laughs bitterly. "You're the worst of them, you skulking sniper. This good man you killed --" and he gestures to the mage on the floor "-- is the one who kept your friend alive ever after he tried to ensorcel us. Tell yourself whatever lies your conscience demands to justify your butchery, but either slaughter us where we stand or do me the favor of shutting the hell up while the rest of your friends mop up the blood you spilled."
He spreads his arms wide. "I say you are a coward, sir, and a murderer. We sought no quarrel, and acted only to defend ourselves against -- well, against exactly the kind of people you turned out to be."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Reproof
OOC: What does Cale look like?
Rennick's words do little to ease Mission's conscience. But things are rarely as they seem-- and perhaps these men are less 'innocent' than they would have him believe.
"Enough," Mission stands, still a little wobbly. "Cadfael, I would hold off on your mercy for a moment. Or heal Garyth. Farron can stop the blood and get the arrows out this fellow as best he can-- I don't care to see him rising up any time soon. Not before we bind him."
He swallows. Sand take him. He turns to the lone thief. (OOC: Can Mission even tell that Cale is a thief?) "As for you-- your companions' continued health is contingent on you laying down your weapons. You have your life. If you will answer us honestly what you do in this tower, you may yet keep it."
From: Tom
Subject: Re: Reproof
OOC: Cale DID lurk in the shadows and sneak-attack Mission. Of course, that means he's a ROGUE, not necessarily a thief of any kind. Cadfael also knows he uses temporarily disabling -- but obviously not fatal, and obviously not permanent -- poison.
-------
Cale, his sword already lowered, lets it fall to the ground -- then gestures out the door at the darkness. "If you're going to take our weapons, go ahead and cut our throats now. It'd be kinder, now that you killed our mage and healer."
"And we TOLD you why we're in the tower, back when you weren't hacking us to pieces. We were spending a night or two here before moving on, if only because it had walls and a roof." He sighs. "Garth thought was a bad idea, that it might attract bandits, but we talked him into it."
"Look, I don't know what your angle is, but are you robbers or cutthroats or WHAT? Take what you came to steal and let me bury our dead."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Reproof
OOC: Is it common knowlege to Characters that only rogues know how to sneak attack? I mean, it's pretty obvious that a paladin might call himself a paladin, or a cleric a cleric-- but no intelligent person goes around saying, 'I'm a rogue! Turn your back so I can get a bonus when I whack ya!' :) Actually, I'm just looking for an alternative name to call Cale-- Mission doesn't know his proper name yet, and 'that guy over there' gets old after a bit.
Mission gathers up the short sword the other man dropped. He grimaces as the motion aggravates the wounds in his guts. He does not reply to the man's questions-- for the simple reason that he is in too much pain to do much more than walk stiffly away from him.
He deposits the short sword next to the dead mage. He suddenly feels weak, and lowers himself heavily to the ground. The mage's body is there, inert, lifeless-- but perhaps he had something on him that would confirm the other fellow's story.
Mission will search the mage, looking for anything that might offer a clue. He will also call to Sa'id to come and fetch the mage's wand.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Reproof
Not quite sure yet what to make of this situation, and unsure whether the party has made a terrible mistake or successfully avoided slaughter, Farron will finish his ministrations to the fallen halberdier.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Reproof
Sa'id has wordlessly watched the mess unfold since Cadfael replied to his call. He stands behind Farron now, watching the other wizard tend to the fallen man's wounds. He doesn't like the picture painted bit by bit as new information is revealed. Subconsciously, he is already trying to rationalize the guilt away before it even fully settles in.
He has questions for the lighly armoured man, but can't bring himself to so much as look at him. Instead, he moves to stand near Mission. "I'm not sure I want anything to do with that wand," he mutters lamely to Mission.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: Reproof
"I was not for an instant trying to put a spell on the tower, though I suppose my word means little to you. I do know that as soon as I was brought in you made ready to attack my companions, knowing that they would come to free me. You blame Rennik for firing at your companion, and yet not a moment earlier he saw two of his friends impaled upon your blade. Strange actions for four men of peace.
No Cale, take your words and swallow them. I'll offer enough healing to ensure your brother does not drown in his own blood but beyond that, nothing. I do not believe for a moment that you are in these woods to gather plants. Come morning I could cast a spell that would force everyone to speak no words but the truth and perhaps satisfy us all but I'm not sure we could stand to be in each other's presence for so long."
Turning away from Cale and back to his companions Cadfael walks toward Garyth and casts cure "x" wounds on him.
"Mission, if you'd stop trying to walk off the guilt you feel I'll ease your wounds as well."
OOC--So I'm going to be casting a cure light on the boob bleeding on the floor, and cure serious and cure moderate on Mission and Garyth. Whoever needs it more will get the more potent spell.
OOC2 -- Tom, I still don't know if you're still getting the messages we're sending to each other or if we need to include your address separately. I just don't want to be filling your inbox again 'n all.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Reproof
Rennik draws the bowstring taught, aiming his arrow at the throat of Cale and narrowing his eyes. Fighting to supress his rising rage, he struggles to keep his rational mind in order.
"You were offered a way out of this fight, wordspinner! My companion told you no one else would be hurt if you stood down, but your large friend laughed at him! He paid for his lack of judgement in blood!"
Rennik ached to feed the thief's own poor judgement down his throat, complete with arrowhead and fletching. Cale either wished to die, or was a fool. He could not judge his enemy, could not see his eyes. He had watched two of his companions struck down in less than a minute by an unseen force, yet he throws taunts and epithets? The world could use one less fool, and Cale's assault on Mission provided plenty of justification...
... yet he was unarmed. And the battle was over. Rennik's years of ranger training fought with his insticts as a tribal warrior and struggled desperately to stay his hand. Such an insult would have warranted death amongst his tribe. Calling a warrior a coward was a matter settled by the gods. If the warrior survived, the gods punished the man for his words - if the warrior died, the gods deemed him truly a coward.
The elves had thought Rennik a savage after he killed a man for just such an insult, and taught him to control his impulses. The world was not his tribe, and humans followed different customs.
Still, the arrow twitched in his hand, and Cale could not see the hate in Rennik's eyes as he weighed the value of the theif's life.
"You poison and kidnap one of our friends without any attempt to parlay for his life or our departure; you lie in wait to butcher us as we seek to retrieve our companion; you ignore an attempt at truce by laughing at our attempts to end the conflict; you would have have just as soon killed us without any remorse.... and now you hurl spite and venom, to all eyes wishing to join your spellweaver in death!"
"You are a fool to taunt an unseen enemy who has struck down half your party. Fools are shortlived in the wilds."
From: Tom
Subject: Re: Reproof
Cale spits at his feet. "I'm sure fools ARE shortlived in the wilds, you butcher. After all, the wilds are where YOU live, and we've seen how you deal with people you don't like."
He crosses his arms. "I've said my piece, you thug. You can tell yourself all the lies you want back when you're cozy in the tavern and looking to impress the bards, but don't expect me to absolve you of your crimes."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Reproof
Garyth shudders slightly as Pelor's heat spreads through his body. He nods his thanks to Cadfael and stands slowly, sheathing his weapons.
"Rennik, please..." His voice is soft, weary though his wounds have been taken from him. He addresses Cale. "I regret that it had to come to this. None of our hands are clean of blood, though. If you are not to be blamed for defending yourselves, then we are not guilty for rescuing our brother." He lowers his eyes. "And if we were wrong to storm this tower without attempting to parlay, then so too you were wrong to lie in ambush without attempting to ascertain our motives.
"But we are neither butchers nor bandits." Garyth takes a step toward Cale, wiping the dirt from one of his insignia. "I am Garyth tel'Ardan. I speak for the lawful authority of Overlook and Nesalin. There is a great evil in the land, and we must find it and destroy it." He looks up, a sad but grim resolve in his eyes. "And though my heart is heavy for your fallen comrades, I cannot allow you to impede our mission. Tell me truthfully, why are you here?"
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Reproof
OOC: Tom is on the list, so you shouldn't need to include his email separately. Also, the forwarding has a tendency to be slow from time to time; that's my hosting service's fault, not your email server. I apologize for that, but there's not much I can do about it.
From: Ty
Subject: cleaning up the mess
OODM: This stuff is great guys, I have no desire to break in right now, so continue doing what you're doing, and I will write a turn tomorrow to handle all the number crunching that has already happened; heals, et al.
One thing; Dan, can you just send me a list of who you healed and what level heal you used? I can roll them up for tomorrow's turn. In the meantime, here is the current state:
-Rennik is still on the tower roof.
-Cadfael is healing people.
-Garth has been at least stabilized.
-The rats will disappear in the midst of the convo.
-Farron has quietly walked over and is going through the mage's pack.
-Cale's brother eventually comes out of his paralysis, but will do nothing but join his brother and not say anything. He just stands there and gives you black looks.
-everyone else is just conversing.
Feel free to react to any of these events. I won't write another non mechanical turn until everyone checks in with a final, "I do this" that ends the stalemate.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: cleaning up the mess
(OOC: If only there were subdual arrows)
With the last comment, Rennik's patience snaps. He lessens the tension on the bow, returns the arrow to its quiver, and begins the climb down the tower. His warrior nature can no longer suffer the fool's madness, and, while an arrow from above would have quickly ended the wordspinner's venomous tirade, even cowards and traitors deserve a chance to fight back.
The wordspinner will learn that his words bring consequences. Rennik has grown tired of his prattle.
(OOC: Rennik will climb down the tower and walk inside to confront Cale... as I understand it, this will take three or four turns, during which he will likely lose his grip, fall from the tower, and die in a broken heap. His rolls have just been too good this fight so far.)
Not Much Today
Subject: cleaning up the mess; 2
I have a mechanical turn to write up; things like how much healing Cadfael does and Rennik's climb rolls and what Farron finds while rooting around in the downed mages stuff. However, I am teaching a training class today so I probably won't get to it. You guys feel free to do any more conversation if you want, because what I will be sending won't have any affect on that.
Matt, you can assume you will be in the tower in 4 rounds. You have to fail your climb roll by 5 or more points to fall, and with a DC of 15 and your climb skill, I don't think it's actually possible.
So go ahead and do any RP you want, and I will write up some mechanics in the next day or so.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: cleaning up the mess; 2
OOC: Tom, are you not getting these emails, or are you just really busy? I'm pretty sure I have added you to the list. Anyway, I'm waiting on your response before continuing.
From: Mike
Subject: Test
Sorry for the spam. The forwarder seems to be extra slow today. Have I mentioned lately how much I hate this stupid hosting service?
Whose Line Is It, Anyway?
Subject: Re: cleaning up the mess; 2
Which E-mails? The last Cale heard, Rennik was headed down the tower and someone had asked him a question he ignored.
Tom
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Test
Today will be really tough for me too. I am teaching two classes today, and then driving from seattle to Portland tonight, which is a 3.5 hour trip.
So, talk amongst yourselves, and I will check in tomorrow morning. :)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Test
:sigh:
From: Raja
Subject: Re: Test
The conversation has paused, we're waiting for Tom's next e-mail.
From: Tom
Subject: Re: Test
No, you're not. Cale's waiting patiently in silence. :)
Tom
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Test
Well, I guess if Cale's unwilling to respond to a more civil inquiry, we're waiting on Matt to get Rennik in there and kick it up a notch.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Test
OOC: Y'all waitin' on l'il ol' me? How sweet... :)
Well, I'll email Ty what I'm planning on doing when I finally get down there, so he can include it in his next turn writeup, whenever he gets time freed up to do that. 'kay?
Rennik's Challenge, Mission and Garyth Intercede
Subject: Cleaning up the mess; don't poke a badger with a stick!
While the last exchange between Cale and Rennik is still echoing in the tower, Rennik's face disappears from the trapdoor above. There are a few quiet moments while Cadfael moves from person to person, quietly praying and laying his hands on wounds. [Garth healed 1 point and stabilized; Cure serious wounds on Mission does 11 (I rolled THREE 2's, sorry Scott); Cure moderate wounds on Garyth does 13].
While he heals the terrible wounds his friends have taken, Mission's wound on his left side is particularly horrific to see, Cadfael rubs the puncture on his neck. He has to admit, it is a tiny hole. Without the paralyzing poison, it would have done nothing worse than sting a bit. But its location is also telling. If the man who had stabbed him had wanted to, he could have cut Cadfael's throat will very little extra effort.
Cale is watching the party closely, but keeping his lips firmly shut. He gives especially black looks to Cadfael, when he notices the miraculous healing that Mission and Garyth receive, and the barely discernable aid that Garth receives. His brother stays crouched by the big fighter's side, but it is clear that whatever Cadfael did for him, outwardly impressive or not, must have helped. Garth is breathing normally again, and his pulse is strong. The big man must be incredibly tough to have taken the beating he did and not be dead.
Garyth has no reason to doubt the man's strength. He keeps one hand pressed to his side with a clean bandage. The hole in his side keeps leaking blood, and even Cadfael's magic did not wholly stop it up. The weapon that delivered this wound must have some vicious enchantment on it. To his companions, Garyth looks very pale and unsteady on his feet. The wound he carries has left him quite weak.
Sa'id sees Farron rooting through the fallen mage's belongings, and moves over to join him. As he walks past the fallen fighter, Cale's brother speaks for the first time. "Going to help your friend rob us?" Sa'id stops to reply, but when he looks down at the man cradling his fallen friend's head in his arms, he finds that he has nothing to say. He too has cradled the head of someone he cared about, and watched them die. Suddenly Sa'id turns away from everyone and walks over to a wall for a moment, seemingly needing to collect himself.
Farron hears little of these exchanges. He is busy going through the mages goods. The wizard's backpack is down by his bedroll, and who knows what treasures it might hold, but the mage himself is also a walking treasury. Farron can barely control little sounds of delight has he finds on the fallen wizard: 10 darts coated with a sticky brown substance, a bright silver amulet worn on a chain around the wizard's neck, a thin metal wand lying a few feet from where the wizard fell, a component pouch with a variety of spell components, four glass vials in a padded leather pouch containing a smoky dark fluid, a scroll, and a leather bag sealed with a strand of silver wire. Farron knows that such seals can sometimes be spells or traps, so he leaves the wire in place for now.
Half a minute or so after Rennik disappeared, he enters the front doorway of the tower. He stands still, chest heaving, and a wild look in his eyes. At his side, his heavy dwarven waraxe dangles from his hand, the head lying on the ground. The hand that holds it is white knuckled and clenches in periodic spasms. It takes several moments before he can even speak. When he does, his voice is raspy with emotion, and has a tone that the rest of his companions have never heard. He says to Cale, "You hurl words at an unseen foe like spears into the darkness, not expecting those spears to be returned. You have insulted and challenged a warrior of the Chorrdath, and I have come to accept your challenge."
He glances down at the weapons that had been taken from the men.
"Take your weapon and put fang behind your venom, or you will quickly learn what happens to a snake with no teeth!"
He then stands motionless, one hand on his trailing axe, and his eyes glittering with hate.
[Anyone can respond. Tom, I need cale's reaction. The rest of the party is sort of scattered about the room, but any of them could take actions following this challenge.]
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cleaning up the mess; don't poke a badger with a stick!
Farron briefly checks each item he recovers from the dead mage then stuffs it into his pack. He is taking another look among the mage's belongings when he hears Rennik enter. The deadly serious tone of the halfling's voice sends a chill down his spine and he is glad that he isn't the one being addressed. As Rennik issues his challenge, Farron eyes the other two survivors. He quietly pulls the found darts out of his pack and holds them ready to strike if either the halberdier or the unnamed thief makes a hostile, or even suspicious move. As for the talkative thief. Well, clearly Rennik has him covered.
While keeping an eye on his two targets, Farron will move quietly over to Sa'id and suggest that maybe he check the area and make sure all enemy weapons are moved to one side of the tower as far away as possible from their foes. He will also offer to split the darts with Sa'id, if he thinks he might need them in the near future.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Cleaning up the mess; don't poke a badger with a stick!
BTW, the halberdier is stabilized, but is not conscious. Just an FYI.
From: Tom
Subject: Re: Cleaning up the mess; don't poke a badger with a stick!
Cale glances at his brother, and exchanges a long glance with him. He finally sighs. "It seems you're determined to kill every last one us, you bloody warthog. So let's make a deal. If your friend there" -- and here he indicates Mission -- "lets me pick up my sword again, I'll do my best to die dramatically enough for you. In exchange, I want your promise, for whatever it's worth, that you and your men will leave my brother unharmed and leave our things untouched. Even if your honor's not worth spit, at least one or two of you appear to have some steel in your spines."
He points to his sword, still lying on the ground. "Of course, if you'd rather just strike me down unarmed, I suppose that's perfectly in keeping with your approach so far."
From: Scott
Subject: Re: Cleaning up the mess; don't poke a badger with a stick!
Mission pushes forward, past Cadfael, grimacing against the pain in his side. Pelor's touch had strengthened him, but not healed him. Mission knew why-- his feet were off the Path. They had strayed off the Path when he consented to attack these men.
Innocent or not, these men did not deserve to be attacked. His eyes stumble over the dead mage-- dead, because he did not stand against his companions. Dead because in his desperation to find Promise, he had been willing to chance the lives of men he did not know, men who may or may not have anything to do with his son, or Anileth.
Would redemption to the Path cost him his soul?
Mission shudders. He knows what he must do. He steps close to Rennick, his back to the others, and says quietly, "The warrior of the Chorrodath must have thin skin, then, if an unarmed, scrawny, CONQUERED man of the cities can leave barbs in his skin with only a few mealy mouthed words."
Mission pulls up his tunic. "These are wounds, Rennick. Any time you want to trade your wounded pride for my sliced up guts, let me know.
"In the meantime, I promised these men they would not be hurt if they surrendered. This man has-- he has given his weapon to me. Therefore, if you want to kill him, you will have to kill me first."
He takes a step or two back, and moves gracefully into Stone-Against-River. (Whole Defense, AC +4)
"Kill me quickly, Rennick," Mission says. "I hate waiting."
From: Karl
Subject: Re: Cleaning up the mess; don't poke a badger with a stick!
"For the record," Farron says quietly and with a small cough, "this little squabble is between the two of you. I see no need to promise you anything until you've explained yourselves to our satisfaction."
From: Mike
Subject: Re: Cleaning up the mess; don't poke a badger with a stick!
Garyth quickly moves between the Rennik and Cale. The motion jostles his armor, and his face pales even further as one of the studs jabs into his wound. But despite his obvious weakness, there is a resolve in his eyes.
"No, Rennik. I cannot allow this. It was one thing to attack these men when they held our companion. We did what we had to do. But this... This is murder."
Garyth's eyes drop momentarily as he continues. "If you must be angry with anyone for this debacle, it should be me. I am an officer of the Overlook Guard; I should know better than to allow a lone man with no training as a scout or a sneak to go off alone in the night. It was my own lack of foresight that got us into this situation. So if you must strike anyone, strike me. But I will not let you harm this man, no matter what his words may be."
From: Ty
Subject: badger poking; an addendum
For game purposes, Mission and Garyth acted at the same time in interposing themselves between Cale and Rennik. They sort of talked over the top of each other, so play it that way.
From: Tom
Subject: Re: Cleaning up the mess; don't poke a badger with a stick!
Cale visibly shakes with relief; for all his brave talk, he clearly did not want to die. With obvious effort, he manages to speak.
"Thank you both, more than I can say -- but I must insist that my proposal be considered. We're not warriors, and we're going to need everything we have to get these two back home -- and we'll need everypenny we can scrape up from selling their things to bring them back. I'd rather you killed me here, with a promise that my brother would be left with enough gear to make it out alive, than left us both stripped of our things and dragging two dead bodies through the wilderness."
He points to Farron. "It's hard enough to have our friends killed. It breaks my heart to see them robbed of the very goods that we might auction to bring them back."
From: Ty
Subject: a note on taking actions
This recent fight has brought up something that needs to be plainly stated.
If you want your character to take a particular action, you must explicitly state to me, "I want my guy to do this". As the DM, I am under no obligation to make your guy do the sensible thing even when you don't tell me to. If you wanna do it, you gotta say it.
Dan said, "Cadfael sneaks around the tower and casts detect evil." At no point did he say, "He makes sure other people come with him." At no point did the other people say, "We go with him".
Keep that in mind going forward. *smile* I won't stop you from doing dumb stuff. That ain't my job.
My job is to lovingly describe the horrors you experience from doing dumb stuff.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: a note on taking actions
Mission doesn't move from his stance, and doesn't turn toward the thief. His eyes are on Rennick.
But he says, "After Rennick's done chopping Garyth and me to pieces, you'll get your chance. And what happened to that spirit of charity you so recently exhibited? You're ready to abandon your brother to the woods while Rennick sends you on to a better place?
"Now shut up. I'd rather die without your prattle in my ears."
From: Tom
Subject: Re: a note on taking actions
Cale rolls his eyes. Although he's clearly irritated by the suggestion that risking his life for his brother's safety is somehow SELFISH -- and makes no attempt to hide it -- he remains silent.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: a note on taking actions
Enough! Rennik, lay down your axe while you're in the tower; I wish no more blood spilled in my name. You said once that you would follow the lead of another when out of your element. This Rennik, this is no longer your element. If you wish for something to do, secure the area. We have made a lot of noise and I do not like to think on what may have heard us.
Mission, I expected more from you. Stop being so eager to seek redemption and start earning it. Is your past so painful that you must goad Rennik to cut you down? Where is the redemption in having one good man cut down another? Or have you learned nothing from what has happened here?
Garyth, enough of your foolish pride. Do you think so highly of yourself as to think you could have foreseen this? You acted bravely and nobly with the information you had. Your shame and guilt are helping no one, least of all yourself.
Farron, Sa'id, what can you tell me of the fallen man's belongings? Does he carry a scroll as the Halflings did?
And you, Cale. You will not be dragging two bodies from these woods, not unless you plan on slitting Garth's throat yourself. He will recover in time, though I will not speed the process. I do not trust him to hold his weapon, and I trust you even less.
Why are you in these woods, Cale? You have evaded the question every time it has been asked. Give us a reason to trust you or stop protesting when we do not.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: a note on taking actions
"Given the circumstances," Farron says, "I have not yet been able to examine the mage's belongings very closely. I will certainly do so at once."
With that, Farron will closely inspect each of the items, especially the chain and amulet retrieved from the mage's body. For the record those items are:
10 darts coated with a sticky brown substance,
a bright silver amulet worn on a chain around the wizard's neck,
a thin metal wand lying a few feet from where the wizard fell,
a component pouch with a variety of spell components, (NOTE: will be trying to determine the mage's school and spell capabilities from these contents.)
four glass vials in a padded leather pouch containing a smoky dark fluid,
a scroll, and
a leather bag sealed with a strand of silver wire.
He will also enlist Sa'id's help in investigating each item. He will also be on the lookout for any language or symbols that are reminiscent of the scroll that he read before and the amulet Sa'id took from the mage back at the inn.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: a note on taking actions
OOC: Sa'id is in the midst of a pub crawl, but will help Farron as best he can.
He does not, however, have anything to say to Cale. While he doesn't seem gloomy, he is obviously in a reflective mood and it's clear that he has no wish to talk about it. He extracts the items he found on the halfling cleric from his backpack and will crouch down next to Farron in order to compare them to the dead mage's belongings.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: a note on taking actions
Rennik stares at Mission, rage filling his eyes. He had thought the monk a valuable companion, but he was wrong. He is weak and knows nothing of honor or spiritual matters. Words are power - anyone who doubts that has never crossed paths with an accursed mage. The wordspinner's words corrupted the hearts of his fellows, forced them to doubt, wounded them more deeply than any sword.
The halfling is resolute. The men were in the wrong and made the first attack. They further planned to destroy everyone in the party. No manner of apologies or guilt-inspiring words change that fact.
Mission has been lost. Garyth has been lost. The mages are accursed, and were always lost on some level. Cadfael simply misunderstands, which is unfortunate - this is no longer in his name.
"I have no wish to kill you, monk. Nor you, green swordsman of the human farmlands. Nor did I have wish to see you killed by the likes of the man who you now defend. Had I stayed my hand a moment ago, you would both be lying in your own blood, and I would have spent many arrows avenging your deaths."
"This man's words are open challenge. To deny me that is to deny me entirely."
He glances over the group with derision, shakes his head and snorts a half-hearted laugh.
"I'll leave you to your... element."
With that, he turns, and disappears into the night.