After a rousing evening at the Tipped Tankard, you are taking the scenic route home along Ash Avenue. You've both had your fill of ale and are in merry spirits, joking and poking fun at each other along the way. Several passersby gawk at you in disgust for your behavior, but you shrug them off. They don't know how to have a good time. After a while, the streets begin to get a bit quieter, and you realize you've entered the Lantern District, not particularly a fine part of town, but then, nothing on Ash Avenue truly is.
Strahd
"That priest left his prayer book behind. Quickly now, Floch, be a dear and see if you can't catch him before he gets too far!" exclaimed Gretchyn, the aged headmistress of the Lantern Street Orphanage. A young priest named Ruphus had just been by the orphanage to console the children and staff after the kidnapping of four of the children the night before and had inadvertently left his prayerbook behind. Now you found yourself racing down the street, prayerbook in hand, to see if you could catch him on his way back to the temple of St. Cuthbert. Come to think of it, which way WAS the temple of St. Cuthbert anyway?
Thanee and Oni
Cauldron certainly had some wonders, not least of which was the lack of affordable inns. You must have been up and down Lava Avenue, or was it Magma Avenue, at least three or four times trying to find a place that wasn't either exorbitantly expensive or full to capacity. As you circled the city one more time and entered Ash Avenue hoping to find more luck there, a half-orc dashed passed you with nary a "pardon me," murmuring to himself something about which direction the temple was.
A wretched drizzle falls from the ash-gray sky. The crowded, rain-slicked buildings seem especially bleak and frightful this evening, hunched together beneath their gloomy skies. A few lights burn in their windows, but mostly their shutters have been closed for the night. The scent of chimney smoke fills the air, and the din of water trundles from the rooftops, splashing into dark alleys and turning street gutters into rivulets. A sudden, plaintive cry for help from a nearby alley splits the evening air. You then hear sounds of a scuffle and cursing from the same nearby alleyway. A man is standing at the edge of the alleyway, as if standing guard. "Bugger off!" he sneers as you approach.
OOC
Assuming you are the good-hearted adventuring types you are...
Initiative
Simon 13
Goran 9
Priest 7
Street Thugs 5
Keth 4
Alexi 3
Floch 2
OOC
C1=Goran
D1=Simon
D9=Floch
C13=Keth
D13=Alexi
The alley is 10 feet wide and 60 feet long, opening into a street at either end. Like many alleys in Cauldron, it slopes toward the center of the town at a fairly steep 15 degree angle (Balance checks required for charging or running); steps have been carved into the alleyway in many places to ease progress along its length. Two-story buildings loom on both sides.
Combat will be simultaneous action. Everyone will declare their actions and I will resolve the round all at once, making reasonable accommodations if the circumstances change the nature of your action.
“See, Keth, that's what I meant. In Redgorge something like that wouldn't happen, the people there respect each other, but here things are so cold... almost funny, considering it's a volcano.”
Alexi isn't quite sure what to do with the situation yet, and therefore hesitates for a moment...
OOC: Delay to start of Round 2. Mostly out of convenience, as it makes declaring actions easier.
__________________
“In our world, immortality is not for the living. The legend lives on!”
In Memoriam Dave Arneson († April 7th, 2009) & Gary Gygax († March 4th, 2008).
Wondering what the Dungeon Tiles are like? Take a look here (up to DU5 Sinister Woods).
"...and then the innkeeper said "I'm sorry sir, I think you have them confused. My horse is in the barn, that's my wife." BWAH hahaha...
Wiping his eyes from his laughter, causing him to miss his companion's reaction to hearing the same joke for the umpteenth time, Goran's mirth disappeared a second later when he heard someone shouting out for help.
His hand instinctively sought to grasp the haft of his axe, but found nothing but empty air.
Of course you idiot, who goes out for a casual evening of drinks with an axe with them...
Mumbling to himself, a trait that Simon had gotten used to early in their friendship, Goran started walking towards the man at the center of the alley.
"Fine, if you want me to talk I will talk, but if he doesn't want to talk, well don't you go blaming me. You know as well as I do that you didn't make me good at it."
actions
1) If Simon stays back in the back, Goran will try an untrained Intimidate check, which failed horribly. Roll Lookup
2) He will move his 20' to be ready for round 2.
Simon chuckles, perhaps a little wanly, at Goran's tale. "It only grows better with repetition," he begins, "But perhaps...."
He trails off at the sound of the yell, frowning.
With a glance at Goran, he quickens his stride towards the alleyway.
Quote:
Originally Posted by airwalkrr
You then hear sounds of a scuffle and cursing from the same nearby alleyway. A man is standing at the edge of the alleyway, as if standing guard. "Bugger off!" he sneers as you approach.
"We'll do no such thing!" Simon replies indignantly. "Explain yourself, man! Or prepare to feel the back of my hand!"
OOC
Move to 5D, ready an action to cast Cause Fear if the fellow advances or makes any threatening gesture.
1d20+6=24 for the Concentration check if one is needed, and the DC is 15 Will.
On any other day he might have ignored the ruckus in the alley, let the fit survive and move on. But today Keth was on edge, a startling and often disagreeable array of new sights, sounds, and smells were assailling his senses. Just trying to find lodging here was complicated, it was beginning to annoy him. And that half-orc was just the last in a growing list of people that had nearly run him over since he'd left the forest. So when the suspicous looking man in edge of the ally told him to, "bugger off," he'd about had his fill. Only half hearing his new travelling companion Alexi, he continued toward the alley intent on seeing what was going on just to spite the man. Half growling as he went, C'mon Fang.
ooc
I'll move up to better access the situation and see what the fellow guarding the alley does. Also for the record my prepared spells for the day will be 0th- 2x Cure Minor Wounds, Resistance. 1st - Cure Light Wounds, Obscuring Mist.
__________________ Oni
"Each man, one way.
Each horse, one stance.
Each church, one buddha.
Each master to his own technique."
St. Cutober , Cuthbart... Damn by the name of Istus... where is the temple and why can’t I say it right! .. oh... Pardon me
The Half Orc throws to the air while passing two humans. Then he comes to a halt.
Bug off? BUG OFF?
The Half Orc completely forgets about the temple. If there is something that irritates him the most is people that think they are better then him. Sadly he left his shield and battle axe in the orphanage, but his long sword dangle at his side and he always wear his armor when he is on guard. He turns to the thug and tries to head bang him.
(But since he is last on the initiative, I assume they draw weapons)
Floch draws his sword and snirs. You are doin’ a mistake human
__________________
Spoiler:
Zirat Igruf, Gladiator (Rhun's ToEE): OOC ; IC ; RG
Simon and Goran move closer and get a better look at the man at the edge of the alley. His face is painted half white, half black with makeup. At the sight of your approach the thugs draw their swords. Reacting to this hostile maneuver, Simon weaves his dark art and the tough at the edge of the alleyway flees in a panic. The others back slowly away holding their swords warily at you. "Stay back! This don't concern the likes of you."
The target of the thugs' predations, a priest lying prone in the middle of the alley, stands and makes his way hurriedly toward you. He is dressed in a dark cloak and wears the a ruby starburst emblem around his neck (see picture).
Knowledge (religion) DC 15)
This man is a priest of St. Cuthbert and of the Order of Stars. They seek to enforce doctrinal purity among those already dedicated to the saint. Most are lawful neutral, and they do not shy from using mind-reading magic in order to ensure that even the private thoughts of their flock are pure.
Keth moves in to get a better view as Fang follows. Floch follows the thugs into the alley with every intention of pounding their heads in but they have already taken the initiative in moving away.
New Initiative
Alexi 14
Goran 9
Simon 6
Street Thugs 5
Priest 5
Keth 4
Floch 2
OOC
Whenever I post a spoiler block with a skill check and DC, feel free to roll that skill check on invisiblecastle and read the spoiler block if you beat the listed DC. Remember to check whether or not you are trained in a skill before rolling, as some skills do not allow you to get higher than 10 if you are untrained.
Floch sheath his sword back. Raise his fist to the air and calls. You made the right choice, now stay there.
He turns and smiles to the tiny folk he knows (Keth and Goran) and helps the priest to walk to the main road. I know this symbol.
He says to the priest as he takes a glimpse of the holy amulet around his neck. You are most respected, let us take escort you to the temple of St. Cuthbortert ... hmm ... your temple.
__________________
Spoiler:
Zirat Igruf, Gladiator (Rhun's ToEE): OOC ; IC ; RG
The rough little halfling seemed satisfied though. Looking up he took in the strange collection of people that had gathered at the mouth of the alley. It was the man in the dark cloak he addressed however.
You ok?
__________________ Oni
"Each man, one way.
Each horse, one stance.
Each church, one buddha.
Each master to his own technique."
Simon raises an eyebrow as he watches the thugs flee. "Seems most unwise, attacking a man such as yourself. Risking a man's ire is one thing, risking St. Cuthbert's is another matter entirely." He shakes his head in mock despair. "What is this world coming to, eh?"
He then turns to the half-orc, grinning with delight. "Floch, my dear fellow! Excellent to see you! I knew that you were a man of character and quality, and your interference in this heinous matter only confirms my initial judgement! Let us conduct this fellow to safety, and then I shall stand you a drink or three at the Tipped Tankard, eh?"
The young woman moves up to the trio, that obviously seemed to know each other, addressing them directly.
“Hey! Erm... guys. You live here? In Cauldron? Becaaauuuse... we just arrived and had some trouble finding a place to stay, that was half-way decent and half-way affordable for our meager pouches. Maybe you could give us some hint? Please?”
__________________
“In our world, immortality is not for the living. The legend lives on!”
In Memoriam Dave Arneson († April 7th, 2009) & Gary Gygax († March 4th, 2008).
Wondering what the Dungeon Tiles are like? Take a look here (up to DU5 Sinister Woods).
Technically, combat wasn't over, but since none of you seem to be pursuing the thugs and they realize they are outnumbered, they are retreating.
"You got lucky this time, priest!" One of the thugs shouts out as they scamper out of the alleyway. "Next time we won't be so gentle. Stay away from the orphanage!"
The man in the dark cloak hobbles over to your group. He is battered and bruised, but as soon as he sees it is safe, he casts a spell upon himself and his wounds are significantly ameliorated.
Spellcraft DC 16
The man cast cure light wounds.
Responding to the halfling, "Yes, I am much better now. Thank you for your help."
The man looks around at the crowd gathering around the edge of the alley and focuses on Floch. "Wait, I know you. You're from the orphanage. Floch wasn't it? I agree with this man," he says, motioning to Simon, "That was an impressive display. But yes, I must return to the temple. If you wouldn't mind, I would much enjoy the company. And I'm sure we can find you a place to stay for the night," he says to Alexi.
"I am Ruphus, by the way, assistant cleric at the church of St. Cuthbert."
The young woman moves up to the trio, that obviously seemed to know each other, addressing them directly.
“Hey! Erm... guys. You live here? In Cauldron? Becaaauuuse... we just arrived and had some trouble finding a place to stay, that was half-way decent and half-way affordable for our meager pouches. Maybe you could give us some hint? Please?”
Yap, drinks could be great.
He never chit chatted with the tiny folk before just said a typical howdy and a smile. he gets used to people that stare at him. Not because he is a Half Orc, because most of them know about his past as a slave in the Orc's tribe.
at least people respect him for guarding the orphanage
Looking at the woman Floch snores. Hint, that depends are you friend or foe?
*airwalkrr - you never said if that's the cleric that forgot the prayerbook?
__________________
Spoiler:
Zirat Igruf, Gladiator (Rhun's ToEE): OOC ; IC ; RG
"Orphanage?" Simon murmurs at the thugs' shout. "How terribly cliché of them. Is it so much to expect some style of villains, I ask you?"
The whimsy in his voice vanishes as he replies to Ruphus. "I, too, would be glad to accompany you...although I confess that I would like an explanation for this attack upon you. That can wait until we are in more private surroundings, of course."
As they begin walking, he turns his attention -- and his grin -- to Alexi. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, m'lady. I am Simon Sinople, a scholar by trade and a wanderer by inclination. What brings you to Cauldron, if I may be so bold as to ask?"
Last edited by Bohemian Ear-Spork; 12th October 2008 at 12:20 PM..
“Friend or foe? Well, I wish the orphans no harm; quite the opposite in fact, considering that I was raised as an orphan myself. Why would anyone want to harm them, anyways? These thugs, for example. Any idea what that was about?”
“What brings me to Cauldron? I don't know, really. Curiosity? Havn't seen much of this whole region, yet, and I thought it was about time to learn some more, travel, see it with my own eyes. That... brings me here.”
__________________
“In our world, immortality is not for the living. The legend lives on!”
In Memoriam Dave Arneson († April 7th, 2009) & Gary Gygax († March 4th, 2008).
Wondering what the Dungeon Tiles are like? Take a look here (up to DU5 Sinister Woods).
The prospect of having a place to bed down for the night had improved Keth's mood considerably. And he could not help but chuckle at the question of friend or foe to the young woman he had been traveling with. Keth pushed the dark tangle of rain slicked hair back from his face, his good eye studying the man they saved.
Who were those guys?
__________________ Oni
"Each man, one way.
Each horse, one stance.
Each church, one buddha.
Each master to his own technique."
Sorry, I thought it would have been apparent, but yes, this is the priest you were chasing down.
OOC
Strahd and Bohemian, it looks like you are both using the same color for text. It might help if one of you switched.
As Ruphus dusts off his cloak and begins leading the way back to his temple, he explains, "At first I thought they meant to rob me, until it became clear they were trying to intimidate me. As near I can figure, they don't want the Church involved in the investigation of four missing children, but I can't imagine why."
Along the way, Ruphus seems grateful for the company, though he is constantly looking over his shoulder and acts a bit jumpy. He leads you to the north side of town and onto Obsidian Avenue. Soon you come to a majestic two-story edifice with white marble walls suffused with veins of vivid blue. Even on this rainy night it stands in stark contrast to the buildings of bare black stone that flank it on the north end of the street. A pair of white marble statues depicting armored warriors stands on either side of the temple's heavy oaken door. Each of the statues raises a great mace to the sky. Above the door's marble architrave are boldly inscribed the following words: "WITHIN LAW LIVES HOPE."
"Please come inside," Ruphus insists, motioning you within the great marble structure.
"My goodness, Ruphus," says a young acolyte, rushing up to him as you enter. "What in the name of the Cudgel happened? You look like you've been beaten within an inch of your life!"
"It's alright, Delmar," Ruphus says, reassuring the young man. "It is nothing a good night's rest and some prayer won't heal. Is Sister Jenya still awake? I must speak with her." He then turns to your group. "You should meet with her as well. I'm sure she will be interested to hear about your bravery."
"Yes, of course. She's in her study still, I believe. Let me get you a basin and cloth to clean up before you see her though."
"I can handle it, Delmar. If you will excuse me, kind folks, I'm going to meet with my superior now. In the meantime, Delmar, please see that my saviors are comfortable will you?"
Ruphus trots off leaving you with Delmar, who invites each of you to dry off with a warm blanket and some hot tea. Ruphus does not return, but after a while, a woman with premature streaks of gray in her rich brown hair enters the sanctuary. She wears a brown robe with golden trim and the same ruby starburst symbol as Ruphus around her neck. "Welcome to the Church of St. Cuthbert. My name is Jenya Urikas, acting High Priestess. Allow me to express my deepest thanks to you for lending Ruphus aid. He is not very experienced and was terribly frightened by the ordeal, but he tells me you were quite heroic to stand up to those thugs for him. If you wouldn't mind accompanying me, I'd like to speak with you more."
OOC
Throughout the campaign you will learn the location of new places throughout town. You may then travel to these locations at your leisure. Learning about new locations may be done in a variety of ways. It may be plot-related, or you may learn about them through Knowledge or Gather Information checks. At the outset of the campaign, you know of the following locations:
-City Gates (four in all, one for each cardinal direction)
-Tipped Tankard Tavern (on Ash Avenue on the northwest part of town)
In addition, Strahd's character, Floch, knows the location of the Lantern Street Orphanage (on a side street off Ash Avenue on the northeast side) because he works there, and Zarust's character, Goran, knows the location of the Temple of Lordly Might (on the far west side on Obsidian Avenue), because he is of the faithful of Kord.
I have a blank map of Cauldron and at some point I will mess around with photoshop to see what I can do about labeling the places you have discovered. For now, it is sufficient that you have a list of places you can visit.
You may now add the Church of St. Cuthbert to your known locations (on Obsidian Avenue on the north side).
Floch hands the prayer book to Rophus before he leaves.
Once Jenya comes he accompany her. He is more then interested to hear what she have to say about the kidnapping.
__________________
Spoiler:
Zirat Igruf, Gladiator (Rhun's ToEE): OOC ; IC ; RG
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