The Reconquista: Part I (Shadows over Istivin)

Reivik, at the centre of the dogpile, tries to secure the mage more tightly. "Shackles!" he snaps to the guardsman who remains standing. The madman, however, fights like a man possessed and against his unnatural strength the dwarf is unable to get a better grip on him. (OOC: Pin attempt 4 + 14 = 18 vs. 15 + 11 = 26, failure; 2nd pin attempt 10 + 14 = 24 vs. 15 + 11 = 26, failure).

George comes running up, sees things are well in hand, turns off the haste and keeps running up the street to check out where the old man was heading to. Gazing down the side streets all he can see are shuttered residences.

Latalya moves closer to the edge of the roof, carefully placing her steps in order to maintain balance. “I will help you, Reivik,” the elven wizard calls down as she begins to cast another spell, grinding some powdered iron between her deft fingers. As she is finshed, she points down towards Reivik and suddenly the dwarf begins to grow. Despite his rapid growth, Reivik maintains his grip on his opponent, although his size makes it impossible for anyone else to join the grapple (OOC: Balance check 19 + 6 = 25, success! For the next 11 minutes Reivik is now Large. His gains the following stat adjustments: Str +2, Dex -2, -1 AC, -1 attack rolls, 10 ft. reach).

The mage once again tries to free himself from his opponent’s clutches, although this time it is much more difficult due to the dwarf’s increased size. “Aaaargh,” he bellows, “unhand me you witless servants of a fallen house!” Despite his protestations and his unnatural strength he is unable to regain his freedom. (OOC: Attempt to free himself 9 + 11 = 20 vs. (Reivik) 10 + 19 = 29, failure; 2nd attempt to free himself 10 + 11 = 22 vs. 10 + 19 = 29, failure).

Eshanna moves closer to the scuffle in the street, intent on casting restorative magic on anyone who is in dire need. (OOC: Double move).

Seeing Reivik fail at his attempt to get a better grip on the magus, Anastasia decides to pick up where he left off. She grabs the struggling man from behind putting him in a half-nelson and covers his mouth with her hand, preventing him from speaking. “Enough of your babbling, murderer,” she yells out, holding him tightly. She looks up at the guards, her dark eyes flashing, “Quick, did you not hear the dwarf, where are the shackles?” (OOC: Pin attempt 12 + 14 = 26 vs. 9 + 11 = 20, success).

Morley grins broadly at Latalya's magic. Something about giant dwarves always makes him smile. Seeing the crowd around the crazed spellcaster Morley chooses to try and aid Reivik rather than join the grapple himself. (OOC: Aid another 11 + 13 = 23 vs. AC 10, success; Reivik gains a +2 to his next attack or grapple check next round).

The two Reddogs keep their distance checking the street for any other targets. The street seems to be otherwise deserted, the windows on the houses shuttered.

The grappling watchman takes advantage of the mage’s position, kicking him in the midsection. His opponent grunts audibly despite the paladin’s muffled grip. (OOC: Harm grappled opponent 19 + 4 = 23 vs. 5 + 11 = 16, success! Damage 1d3 + 2 = 3 subdual.) The younger guard takes out a pair of manacles and binds the mage’s hands. “There, that should do it you son of a bitch,” he curses. (OOC: Guard makes touch attack to put shackles on 15 + 4 = 19, success.)

OOC: The mage is still struggling, which is why I've posted the initiative for the next round below.


Initiative Order:
Reivik: 20
George: 18
Latalya: 17
Crazed-looking man: 16
Eshanna: 9
Anastasia: 9
Morley: 8
2 Reddogs: 6
2 City Watch: 2

Branding Opportunity said:

The younger guard takes out a pair of manacles and binds the mage’s hands. “There, that should do it you son of a bitch,” he curses.

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"That's it," Mega-Reivik rumbles approvingly. "Now something to act as a gag... not all spells need a free hand to cast."

OOC: Does the mage's 'unnatural strength' seem sufficient to pose a serious risk of breaking the manacles? /OOC

"Eshanna," he adds, "scan him for any devices, if you please."

Hypersmurf said:

OOC: Does the mage's 'unnatural strength' seem sufficient to pose a serious risk of breaking the manacles? /OOC

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OOC: You can't be absolutely sure, but you are fairly certain that the manacles will hold him and keep him from completing any spells with somatic components. The reason that his strength is "unnatural" is because he is a lot stronger than his general musle-tone and build would normally indicate.

Latalya

Seeing the situation under control, Latalya jumps down to the others in order to help keep the man restrained. “Let him go, Anastasia and Reivik, this will make his efforts against the shackles futile for a while.”


OOC: Jumping down (Tumble +11); Ready Action to cast empowered Ray of Enfeeblement as soon as she cannot hit anyone else with it (i.e. Anastasia and Reivik are no longer grappling).

Eshanna nodded at the extra-large dwarf, with a sly appreciative look at his enormous size. Moving in quickly she wedged herself inbetween the crowd gathered around the man and patted him down roughly.

"I assure you sir mage, that my Master's house is neither fallen nor even interrupted this night from his sleep. If your aim was against him then yea have earned yourself naught for naught." she grinned ferally.

Thom and Anders reciprocated the grin, always impressed with the way Eshanna's ruined face twisted into a mask pure malice at the drop of a hat - as long as that gaze wasn't directed at them. Murmuring in agreement with each other they moved slowly down the street, peering thoughtfully down less obtrusive alleyways for allies or hangers on of the pummelled spellcaster.

Morley Human Ranger

Morley pats his dog to let him know the crisis is over. Looking to the others he says, "So what is going on here? I hope this isn't a typical night in our new neighborhood."

James Heard said:

...... Murmuring in agreement with each other they moved slowly down the street, peering thoughtfully down less obtrusive alleyways for allies or hangers on of the pummelled spellcaster.

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George is doing the same, but due to his experience (spot/listen +17), he is moving rather quickly at a (non magical) fast jog.

If he finds nothing of note, he heads to the others to try to find out what happened.

Branding Opportunity said:

OOC: Mega-Reivik, since we're still in combat rounds, is there anything else you'd like to do in this round? Do you maintain the grapple?

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OOC: Until he's gagged. Then I'll let Latalya cast her spell. /OOC

The struggle continues in the side-alley of this nighttime capitol of Sterich. Near the feet of the combatants lie the bodies of three watchmen, as if casually dropped like dolls. Their bodies are swollen and covered with lesions and boils oozing a greenish-black pus.

"That's it," Mega-Reivik rumbles approvingly. "Now something to act as a gag... not all spells need a free hand to cast. Eshanna," he adds, "scan him for any devices, if you please." The dwarf grasps his captive tightly, having seen the unholy destruction he is able to release with just a few arcane words and gestures. (OOC: Maintaining grapple)

The young, whip-thin elf finally emerges from the house tightening the last few clasps and ties of his finely-crafted leather armor. Jogging across the main road he looks left and right, quickly scanning the distance for any other threats. Satisfied that there is no other danger at the moment he approaches his companions, who are still struggling with the mad mage. (OOC: Spot/Listen check, double move)

Seeing the situation under control, Latalya jumps down to the others in order to help keep the man restrained. “Let him go, Anastasia and Reivik, this will make his efforts against the shackles futile for a while.” (OOC: Jumping down 14 + 11 = 25 vs. DC 15, success! Damage 1d6 = 4 points of nonlethal damage; Ready Action to cast empowered Ray of Enfeeblement as soon as she cannot hit anyone else with it (i.e. Anastasia and Reivik are no longer grappling)

His wild eyes bugging out the man begins foaming at the mouth, “This is only the beginning my new friends,” he comments, grinning wickedly. His entire body suddenly goes completely stiff and then just as quickly as limp as a dish rag. The man’s eyes roll into the back of his head as he seems to lose consciousness.

Eshanna nods at the extra-large dwarf, with a sly appreciative look at his enormous size. Moving in quickly she wedges herself in between the crowd gathered around the man and pats him down roughly. She quickly realizes that he is wearing nothing but a filthy nightshirt and has no other possessions. (OOC: Makes search check)
"I assure you sir mage, that my Master's house is neither fallen nor even interrupted this night from his sleep. If your aim was against him then yea have earned yourself naught for naught." she grins feraly.
Thom and Anders reciprocate the grin, always impressed with the way Eshanna's ruined face twists into a mask pure malice at the drop of a hat - as long as that gaze isn't directed at them. Murmuring in agreement with each other they slowly move down the street, peering thoughtfully down less obtrusive alleyways for allies or hangers on of the pummeled spellcaster.

Anastasia looks up at Reivik after she strikes the seemingly unconscious man’s with the flat of her hand a few times, “He’s not reacting. I’m not sure if he’s truly out or not, but if he isn’t, he sure is a masterful fibber.” (OOC: Anastasia makes a Sense Motive check and seems to think that the man is truly unconscious.)

Morley pats his dog to let him know the crisis is over. Looking to the others he says, "So what is going on here? I hope this isn't a typical night in our new neighborhood."

The younger of the two surviving city guards looks at their fallen comrades and gives the wild mage’s body a swift kick in the groin, “That’s better than you deserve,” he screams.

The impact of the blow seems to waken the still firmly-held man, his face contorted in pain. His eyes flutter half-open and he moans, “Wha’ … wha’ is going on? Who … owwwww … who kicked me in me jewels?”

(OOC: No longer in combat time)