Dark Days in Sion - Act 3: Scene 2

[97mg]

Aletia: Interdicted

Given the rather uneventful wander to Jabbar's shop, the elven lass had been naieve in her confidence that the return journey would be much the same.

Rain, a disguise and nothing more.

Magic had always been a part of Aletia's life, with subtle nuances showing from an early age. Her abilities weren't a result of deep study or pouting over parchments. Their purpose wasn't hand-picked. Indeed, it was Vallio who'd helped her understand that they were truly a gift. Gifts of Sehanine Moonbow's chosing no less, and of them, to date, divination hadn't even been touched on.

Yet strangely, it had only been in the preceding moments that she'd considered...

Aletia:...the potential to be targeted merely by association. One fact was looming all too clear, she’d have to keep her wits about her and proceed with great care. Essentially, if the anonymity was torn away, Burlock’s enemies might become her own.

~Already! After one step into Jabbar's abode, I am followed and threatened on the streets? I see you out there rodents. Crez smells you, and his fangs drip at the thought of a fur-clad meal. Alas, he can not see that you are too large to slide down his ever-hungry jaw.~

Senses hadn't defied her or her familar. Nor had Aletia's clever disguise... yet.

[Sense Motive Check = 12]

In the darkness though and startled by this strange man's demands, whatever undertones their might be, whatever hidden reasons for this vulgar treatment, were sadly completely unknown.

The straggly urchin looked up to this odd man and sighed deeply at the streetside interjection.

Stranger: "...Boy! Tell me what you were doing in that shop back there? Be honest or you're going to get hurt!"

In rough common-tongue Aletia's illusion replied, "Trading. Its a Trade Shop. You'd dirty ya blade on a beggar just to know the obvious? You and your rat friends?"

[Bluff Check = 15]

It wasn't an outright lie. She had been trading, swapping a scroll for new friends and a greater purpose. Would he buy it? Aletia was about to find out!

[sblock=Aletia Stats]

[TABLE="width: 800, align: left"]
[TR]
[TD]

[/TD]
[TD]ALETIA - Shining in the darkness

Sheet: http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=725599
Level 4 Sorceress Init 3, HP Max: 22 Current: 22, Speed 30ft
AC 14, Touch 13, Flat-footed 11, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 4, Base Attack Bonus 2
Longbow +5 to hit / D8 damage (+1 point blank +1 with magic arrows)
Longsword +2 to hit / D8 damage

Familiar Crez (Tiny silver viper) Init 3, HP Max: 11 Current: 11, Speed 15ft
AC 19, Fort 2, Ref 2, Will 4, Base Attack Bonus 2
Poisonous Bite +2 to hit / D1 damage (+poison)
Abilities: Deliver touch spells, Alertness, Improved evasion, Spare spells, Empathic link[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/sblock]

 

[narayan]

Aletia

In rough common-tongue Aletia's illusion replied, "Trading. Its a Trade Shop. You'd dirty ya blade on a beggar just to know the obvious? You and your rat friends?"

[Bluff Check = 15]

It wasn't an outright lie. She had been trading, swapping a scroll for new friends and a greater purpose. Would he buy it? Aletia was about to find out!

Stranger: (Sense motive Check: = 11, FAIL)

The stranger looks at you with an angry glare. "You've got some lip on you boy! Street-rats like you aren't worth the mud off my boots! Since when do beggars conduct normal business transactions anyway? You must be feeling pretty good about yourself, but rest assured your luck just ran out!" He spits. "Tell me about this 'trade', including who's inside that shop?!" He asks with a hissing, demanding tone. Meanwhile the two Rhat's behind you creep a little closer (7 ft. distant now compared to 10 ft.)

[Aletia: What do you do?]

 

[narayan]

In the lair of Kumbakarna

With the guard's attention now on Kumbakarna's guests, Wrenwil set his pack on the ground in front of him and set about a rather over-acted sequence of events. He poked and prodded around inside it with his narrow wrinkling phalanges. He groaned as he searched inside. Then he retracted a small pouch, a pipe, and flint n' steel. With a wink to his colleagues, the old cleric rubbed the sweet tobacco in his palm, letting it warm and moisten from the sweat on his palms. It was dropped into the pipe, fussed over a little, and then lit.

With a deep grin, Wrenwil took in a mighty lungful of Chivalran baccy. The good stuff. Sweet as rum and aged as old oak. It was exhaled in a thick waft of oozing delicious smog. He held the trusty pipe out to Svexyn.

"Want some?" He asked.

"For a man arisen from the dead, smoke and flames, I doubt this would harm you in any further ways. All I ask is that you pretend to whole-heartedly enjoy it. Immensely. Let us see if we have something which tickles these bone-head's interest huh? A foreign pleasure. At worst, it does help reduce one's appetite somewhat."

Svexyn's whole night had now ended in this caged arena. They had lost so much in such a short span of time. Folg, Mogan, Asusk... hell, even Bax had been lost. Now, the four remaining people were prisoners for some amusement. But the amusement was short lived, as the hulking demon sent to destroy their hopes had been dispatched without hesitation. Somehow, this motley crew of unknowns seemed to have worked together in perfect unison. Was that another fleeting glimpse of hope, showing itself, only to be pulled out from Svexyn once again?

~What little hope has been snuffed out. Now, justice will be found, one way or another...~

As he contemplates his situation, Wrenwril offers him his pipe, noting that he should overplay it's effectiveness in hopes of gathering the means to barter with the nearby savages. His clothes tattered, burned, and disheveled, Svexyn takes the pipe from the old man.

"Let their deaths not be in vain, as someone will pay for this night's treachery. To the fallen.." he adds, as he takes a few deep puffs. His eyes widen, as he forces a grin at the effects of the offering.

"You are right; this tobacco is the best..." as he hands over the pipe back to Wrenwril. He slowly puffs out the ring of smoke, allowing the tobacco to hopefully relax his mind, as well as his body. His coughing seems to creep up on him, as he can't seem to handle the tobacco and the recent event of being engulfed in flames.

[sblock=Svexyn Bluff]Bluff +12 for the effects of the tobacco to be conceived as 'the best' Bluff Check = 13 (Natural 1 on the Roll)[/sblock]

Meanwhile Ordechai reaches back into his coil purse and removes a single silver coin, holding it up high to let the firelight gleam off its silver surface as if to make it seem as desirable as possible.

Ordechai: "Biz Sawda?" (Diplomacy Check: =17)

Elder Tribesman: (Appraise Check: =14, FAIL)

The elderly tribesman stares at the gleaming coin for a moment then nods, barking something harsh at the two spear-wielding youth's who take a step back from the bars. The elderly tribesman approaches the bars, holding the skull-bowl of carved turkey out like an offering. Ordechai also steps forward, hooking the bowl with his hook-and-stump as he places the coin in the elders other hand with his... when suddenly the elder clutches Ordechai's hand around the wrist!

Elder Tribesman: (Strength Check to Hold Grapple: =23)

Ordechai: (Strength check to resist Grapple: = 5, FAIL)

Ordechai cries out in alarm and attempts to yank his arm back, yet cannot budge. The elderly tribesman seemingly has the grip and strength of an iron golem as his eyes roll upwards towards the back of his head while his other hand twitches in deranged spasms as he begins to mutter the incantations of an ancient spell! (Requires both Verbal & Somatic components apparently)

[Svexyn, Wrenwil: Roll Initiative and declare actions. Be aware that any attempt to rush to Ordechai's aid or otherwise interfere with the spell casting may provoke a crossbow attack from Kumbakarna's guards atop the walkway beside you.]

 

[97mg]

Aletia: Time to Run!

Aletia wasn't a pacifist. There were times when one's right to exist in peace, defend oneself or loved ones, required hard decisions. Yes, she had killed in the past, but only on rare occasions when all else had failed. Life threatening situations.

The young Elf hated the spilling of blood and the vulgarity of close quarters combat. She was half decent at it though. Stemming from her Father's bloodline and with natural agility, her training had been adequate enough to see her get by. It didn’t change the fact that their was nothing attractive about being stained with blood however.

She much preferred evasion or negotiation. Sometimes the bow, hunting from a distance. Taking time to prepare mentally and doing all one could do, to deliver death respectfully, swiftly and with anonymity. Well, that's what she told herself so as to be able to live with it…

Walls of opportunity were closing in on this city street. Sure, no weapons were drawn yet, but the man was incessant on threatening and extorting her for information. Something about this troubled her more than the rudeness and abruptness of it. Something was definitely “off”. Had the man been alone she might have treated this as an opportunity. A chance to sneakily through dialogue, uncover his motives and reasoning. With two others though, three on one, there was no contingency if things went bad. Surely they’d surround and mob her, use their advantage in numbers, and that would be that.

Stranger:"Tell me about this 'trade', including who's inside that shop?!"

~Hell! That’s what you really want to know isn't it! I shall not rat on my friends just moments after sealing their trust! You may not have weapon drawn, but your manner speaks greatly of your intentions.~

The way this situation might end scared young Aletia. Fear gripped her as in a moment of indecision she wondered what to do.

[Initiative = 6]

~Guide me oh moonlight, give me speed.~

A deep breath. A quick glance upwards to the cloudy heavens, and Aletia made her choice.

[Fate Point to re-roll. Initiative = 12]
[Aletia will attempt to run along the far left edge of the alleyway and turn left]

 

[97mg]

Wrenwil: Idle hands

It was plain to see that the aging cleric's little game of "look at us, this is delicious, you know you want it," hadn't quite worked out. For Wrenwil, at least it was a temporary moment of reward. A rare chance to savour something truly from home. As his rather battered mind relaxed a touch, it was hard to conceal a light chuckle when Svexyn coughed.

He took the pipe back from the man and smiled forgivingly.

"I understand," he said plainly, before taking another soothing draw.

So the boneheads as he'd called them, weren't enticed by a simple pleasure from a far away realm.

~Their loss. Once can't expect fine tastes from people such as these.~

In his pack were some trail rations. He didn't quite get why Ordechai was so insistent on making a trade for a full-protein meal. Yes it smelled good, it might be a small comfort to enjoy some real meat, but was it worth all this? Surely it wasn't worth a whole silver!

He watched the continuing negotiation from a small distance away, and his face wrinkled up with a frown as the elder tribesman locked his fingers tight around Ordechai's wrist. Things had suddenly got serious. Or had they?

Wrenwil considered that this was one of those moments when you wait. A situation you don't just leap into. No. For all he knew, perhaps the elder had the spell of comprehend languages under his belt? A simple touch spell to speed up negotiations perhaps? If his crew could slay a demon in a matter of seconds, surely Kumba's wardens wouldn't be hasty to provoke any... unpleasantness.

"Hold," he said with a sideways glance to Svexyn. "As much as I am not impressed by this, we didn't come all this way to be peppered by bolts whilst trapped in a cage from which we can not easily escape."

Tired ol' Wrenwil had said his piece, but Svexyn was a free man. Svexyn would make his own choice.

[Wrenwil is waiting to see what happens in the next round]
[Initiative = 6]

[sblock=Wrenwil Stats]
[TABLE="width: 800, align: left"]
[TR]
[TD]

[/TD]
[TD]WRENWIL - a tough old boot on a terrible holiday

Sheet: http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=209300
Level 4, Init 2, HP 20/27, Speed 30
AC 15, Touch 13, Flat-footed 13, Fort 6, Ref 3, Will 10, Base Attack Bonus 3
Masterwork Staff +7 to hit (d6+3)
Spells: 4/4/2[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/sblock]

 

[narayan]

Aletia

[Fate Point to re-roll. Initiative = 12]
[Aletia will attempt to run along the far left edge of the alleyway and turn left]

__________________________________________

<Round 1>

Bleeding Damage ( * )
Fire Damage ( # )
Cold Damage ( @ )
Spell Damage ( ^ )
Spell Healing ( ^ )
Poison Damage ( ! )

The order of initiative is:

(22) Stranger
(21) Rhats
- Rhat 1
- Rhat 2
(12) Aletia

The stranger and the rhats react faster than you expected, clearly anticipating your move to flee. The stranger curses, "No you don't!" As he reaches out quick-as-a-snake to grab at your arm!

Stranger: (Improved Grapple Attack: =24, HIT)(Location: Left Wrist)(Opposed Grapple check: =15)

As the stranger successfully grabs your left wrist, he gets to make a will save vs. the illusion spell.

Stranger: (Will Save vs. Illusionary Spell, DC 14: = 13, FAIL) "Bind him and bag him!" The stranger curses, not yet seeing through your illusion.

Rhat 1: (Melee attack: = 8 MISS) The first rhat attempts to leap up and place a sack over your head, but misses poorly.

Rhat 2: (Melee Attack: = 17, HIT) The second rhat manages to wrap a leather cord around your ankles, preparing to pull it tug and bind your legs together. (Will Save vs Illusionary Spell, DC 14: = 1, CRITICAL FAIL)

[Aletia: It is your turn, what do you do? Make an opposed Grapple Check vs the stranger in order to break free of his grasp, and a Reflex Save, DC 17, to squirm your legs out of the Rhats cord. Even if you are successful at both, you will only be able to take a 5 ft. step without provoking an AOO from all three of your assailants.]

 

[97mg]

Aletia: Towards the bag

"No!" the young vagrant lad shrieked as his left arm met resistance. Damn, this kidnapper was agile... and fast! Beneath the unbroken disguise, Aletia was stunned with how swiftly the assailants acted. They worked as a team, a group that had surely done this more than once or twice. The elven lass's confidence was close to shattering as a cord was set ready to snare around her ankles.

~Thank Sehanine they don't have me in that bag quite yet!~

Yes, but they were dangerously close. All that Aletia despised was on display here. Melee, putrid motivations and unwanted touches.

[Opposed grapple check = 5 Fail]

Anger stirred as she tugged her arm back, only to find that her fine elven physique was no match for this despicable bastard of a man. There was still a chance though, perhaps she could hop her legs out of the rhat cord's soon-to-close embrace.

[Reflex save = 11 Fail]

~Help me Sehanine, I beg you!~

She frantically tried again, shaking her ankles and hoping to kick the ghastly snare away.

[Fate Point to Re-roll Reflex save = 9 Fail]

"Arrgh!" was the poor urchin's decree at all this. The lad seemed doomed to end up seeing that sack intimately... from the inside. Who knows what might come after that. It was probably best not to think about it too much.

~I must get away. I must must overcome this!~

For Aletia though, the options were running thin. Much thinner than a leather cord. Whatever would come next would be risky, be it voice or action.

She chose both.

~Out Crez out! Nip and slither, nip nip nip!~ Aletia's fear and request for aggression were delivered empathically to her familiar's brain.

[Initiative for tiny viper familiar for next round = 25. Planned action is to exit her pack and slide up the man's arm within his clothing, and deliver a bite.]

This didn't change the fact that Aletia was grappled and soon to be pinned. With all the might she could muster from those narrow limbs and rapidly beating heart, she once again tried to wrench her way free.

[For her round, Aletia will opposed grapple check to break free. Roll = 11]

Pulling and tugging, the dirty young lad cried out a name as he hopelessly flailed around. A name he'd only just recently learned in fact.

"Let go! Now! Master Rasul will have your heads!"

[Bluff check = 11 if you need it.]

[sblock=Aletia Stats]

[TABLE="width: 800, align: left"] [TR] [TD]

[/TD] [TD]ALETIA - Shining in the darkness

Sheet: http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=725599
Level 4 Sorceress Init 3, HP Max: 22 Current: 22, Speed 30ft
AC 14, Touch 13, Flat-footed 11, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 4, Base Attack Bonus 2
Longbow +5 to hit / D8 damage (+1 point blank +1 with magic arrows)
Longsword +2 to hit / D8 damage

Familiar Crez (Tiny silver viper) Init 3, HP Max: 11 Current: 11, Speed 15ft
AC 19, Fort 2, Ref 2, Will 4, Base Attack Bonus 2
Poisonous Bite +2 to hit / D1 damage (+poison)
Abilities: Deliver touch spells, Alertness, Improved evasion, Spare spells, Empathic link[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [/sblock]

 

[Fangor the Fierce]

Svexyn

Svexyn's cough didn't go unnoticed, as Wrenwil takes back the pipe with a grin. Shaking his head, he simply shrugs at the attempt to fool the nearby watchers.

Looking at their surroundings, Svexyn can only contemplate on which of the many stories he has would be best to relay to their captor. It was during these thoughts that something seems to have happened, as the old man warns him to hold.

As Wrenwil mentions not liking the thought of being peppered by their hosts, Svexyn quietly adds, "Who says I can't get out? I still have a few tricks up sleeves... or what's left of them... Let's see if the elder is actually attacking him or not..." He activates his draconic aura, ensuring that he is close enough to Ordechai to grant him a reprieve if needed. He then awaits the results, intent on seeing just what this elder has in store for them...

[sblock=Svexyn Init = 11] D20+3=11 for Initiative. Svexyn activates his Draconic Aura for granting a chance to see if the elder is attacking Ordechai or not. If it's a melee attack to harm Ordechai, then the aura will result in 2 points of acid damage to the elder. If not an attack, then nothing happens, at which time he alerts Wrenwil of the same.

Svexyn 34/45HP
Fort +6, Reflex +4, Will +4
Energy Shield Aura for granting his allies 2 acid damage against melee attacks, 30' aura[/sblock]

 

[narayan]

Outside Jabbar's Trade shop

Burrai, Jabbar, Ersun and Ren step out of the shop into the wet and stormy night. Ren leads the way towards an intended sewer grate close to the shop in the lee of the town's outer wall.

As you move away from the shop, Ren's whiskers begin to flick back and forth as he glances around, staring into the rain. Something clearly has the rhat spooked.

Ren: (Listen Check: = 12)(Spot Check: =11)(Wisdom Check *Smell*: = 13)

Jabbar: "What is it Ren?"

Ren: "I thought I heard someone yelling the name of my master Rasul..." He says with curious frustration.

[Burrai, Ersun: Make Listen and Spot check's please.]

...Meanwhile_______________________

Crez: (Fate Pool Hide Check: =25)

Stranger: (Spot check: =6, FAIL)

Your familiar slides up your sleeve and catches the stranger by surprise!

Crez: (Surprise Bite attack: =18, HIT)(Location: Right Arm)(Damage: 1+Poison)

The stranger recoils instantly in a panic as your viper's fangs sink into his flesh. "AH!!! YOU LITTLE CREEP!" (5 ft. Step back, Loses all other actions)

Rhat 1: reacts in a panic to his master's apparent wound (Spot Check vs Crez: =20, FAIL) and although he does not actually see the viper, he still presumes you had something to do with it so he angrily pulls a dagger (Move action), stepping between you and his master as if to protect him. (5 ft. Step)

Rhat 2: Tightens the cord around your ankles. (Standard Action)(Strength Check: = 20, NATURAL 20)

[Aletia: Make a Balance check, DC 20, to remain standing. You are no longer held by the stranger but you cannot move without freeing yourself from the leather cord around your ankles. Freeing yourself will require you to attack the Rhat holding it around your ankles, or else cutting the cord itself. What do you do?]

 

[97mg]

Aletia: Slip and Slice

[Aletia: Make a Balance check, DC 20, to remain standing. You are no longer held by the stranger but you cannot move without freeing yourself from the leather cord around your ankles. Freeing yourself will require you to attack the Rhat holding it around your ankles, or else cutting the cord itself. What do you do?]

All promises of a late night meal had been kept. Human Flesh. It wasn’t a diet that the elven girl usually encouraged for her well-loved familiar, being law abiding peaceful citizens and all. Usually poor little Crez had to make do with lower-shelf sustenance; insects, vermin or small morsels of whatever the young and spritely Aletia chose to partake of.

The chance to sample something warm, fresh and living was accepted with gusto!

[Stranger will need to Fort save DC 10 to avoid 1D6 loss of Constitution, and a further save in 1 minute.]

She could almost taste it; the stranger’s aroma and salty skin on her lips, as Crez did all he could to tip the scales in this streetside mockery of rights and freedom.

The familiar had done well.

There were concerns though, not least of all the fate of her snakey companion.

[Balance Check = 15 FAIL]

Losing footing as the foot-noose was tugged tight, the victim, still a street-urchin to the eyes of her wannabe kidnappers, slid to the ground sideways and ended up... up close and personal with pools of rainwater, silt and roadside filth.

~I’m prone! All Crez’s work will be in vain!~

She had her arms free now though, one small consolation perhaps. Grazed and angry fingers reached out beyond her waist, gripping the hilt of a humble dagger.

[Move action - draw a weapon - does not provoke A.O.O]

Aletia bit her lip, trying in her fright to keep pure anger at bay. Oh, how she wanted to lash out at the ankles of the furry lowlife Rhat now threatening her. Yes, that would bring gratification, but the pleasure would be short term. She chose differently. It might hurt, but this was no longer about pain. This was about freedom!

[Standard Action - Sunder an object (attack). May provoke A.O.O depending on interpretation of rules on p141 of PHB.]

Dagger in hand, the young elf reached out to cut the leather binding. Without agility, without her fine legs and soft step released, the Rhat’s sack could still be a threat.

~Four working limbs first. Revenge later.~

[Attack Leather Cord = 15. Assuming this is a hit against the cord’s AC. Damage = 3]


[sblock=Aletia Stats]

[TABLE="width: 800, align: left"] [TR] [TD]

[/TD] [TD]ALETIA - Shining in the darkness

Sheet: http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=725599
Level 4 Sorceress Init 3, HP Max: 22 Current: 22, Speed 30ft
AC 14, Touch 13, Flat-footed 11, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 4, Base Attack Bonus 2
Longbow +5 to hit / D8 damage (+1 point blank +1 with magic arrows)
Longsword +2 to hit / D8 damage

Familiar Crez (Tiny silver viper) Init 3, HP Max: 11 Current: 11, Speed 15ft
AC 19, Fort 2, Ref 2, Will 4, Base Attack Bonus 2
Poisonous Bite +2 to hit / D1 damage (+poison)
Abilities: Deliver touch spells, Alertness, Improved evasion, Spare spells, Empathic link[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [/sblock]