The three ruffians look at you, swords drawn, waiting. Their faces are painted half black, half white, split straight down the middle, with the white spilling into the darker side and outlining the mouth. All in all, the face paint creates a sort of mask — all three men look like grinning clowns. Unsettling, to be honest.
Unfortunately, Liandra's words have no effect — or, at least, no overtly positive effect, for combat does not break out quite yet (Diplomacy: roll 9 on d20 + 6, total 15). The three of them barely blink, almost as if they're waiting for something to happen.
The tension continues to build, neither side moving, more or less waiting. Geebo's words have little to no effect on defusing the tension, nor do they harm matters (Diplomacy: roll of 12 on d20 + 1, total 13). Things appear to have reached a stalemate, when Hu'ka, tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth in a happy grin, steps forward, "Here now, what has thiss fellow done to earn thisss beating? Perhapss we can help." (Diplomacy: roll of 12 on d20 + 6, total 18)
The men lower their swords and relax slightly. Checking over his shoulder, the lookout breaks their silence, "Well, we don't need your help, but I think we've made our point. You all might want to watch where you stick your noses, eh? Acting like tough guys is only going to get you in trouble in Cauldron."
When their victim sees that combat is not imminent, he dusts himself off and pulls himself to his feet. As he rises, you notice that a heavy, ornamental symbol of St. Cuthbert hangs from his neck. His face is rather bruised, with a couple of small nicks and cuts on it. He starts to move towards you.
OOC: I've reattached the map, mostly so you all know where you are, currently I've moved the party off of a combat footing — initiative will be rerolled if anything comes up. Look at the OOC thread for information on how I adjucated Diplomacy.
