Grand Theft Arcana - Spice City

For those unfamiliar with the situation as it stands. Munwin Cogswank, a senile old gnome wizard looking to take a prolonged vacation in Gustav or Veyshan, has had his stock of magical items and spellbooks stolen by his apprentice, a human by the name of Xorel Tilgentor. The first attempt to capture him just outside of Alexandria wasn't quite successful, as the pilfering prestidigitator had plenty of magic to draw on to escape. But even without his own spellbooks, Munwin has friends in Alexandria and managed to use divination to scry on his former apprentice. According to the gnome, he saw Xorel sleeping in a bed in a stone tower with an old, faded crest wall hanging nearby. The crest belonged to a military unit that was stationed in the northern forts of Alexandria during Altima's reign. Which gives you a direction. He also whips together a simple talisman that should point the way to Xorel when he's within a mile.

It's been a soggy trip to the outer edges of Alexandria and you've cleared two of the old battered forts already. The third has several rumors associated with it, for those that know how to find secrets or already know the local lore. You travel there now on an old logging road that has seen better days. One bridge of a river with spring melt water surging underneath it was rather dodgy and the roads are turning to mud under the spring drizzle, but the fort is close, and the talisman, a simple stone on a silver chain begins to tug off the chest of its wearer, pointing weakly down the road.

GAME: Bennet rolls diplomacy: (7)+9: 16

GAME: Mogrinaar rolls diplomacy: (2)+0: 2

GAME: Altar rolls 1d20+3: (6)+3: 9

GAME: Sargon rolls diplomacy: (15)+0: 15

GAME: Rhar rolls diplomacy: (3)+2: 5

You paged Bennet with 'You get cornered on the way out by one of the stable hands that pulls you aside and trades a few silver for what he knows. The old fort is supposed to be a smuggler's market that deals with the Bludgun and bandits of the Desolation.'

Bennet isn't the most diplomatic of people. He tends to think in terms of 'smite' or 'don't smite'. But on the road, after the Inn is far behind and the tower looms before, the Absolution coughts softly. "Back in the day, heard a rumor of this place. Bit of a smugglers den. Likely run across some unsavory sorts ahead. So there's that."

A magic rock? Pretty! Rhar would wear it, if somebody else didn't want to. Soggy travelling isn't so bad. If the splashes of water aren't too big or to clean, it just makes her fur and hair... about as tangled and dirty as they already were. She lets Gurr do most of the walking, since he's bigger, stronger, and faster. It makes him more soggy, too. There's enough wet fur smell between them for the whole pack to enjoy! Maybe that's why her asking "Where big rock sleeping man?" at the last people they saw didn't get alot of answers?

"What is this foul... stuff?" The soggy mud has not been nice to Sargon or his silks, indeed he seems to have little experience with such conditions. "Do people live in this sort of misery?" the damp weather really seems to be getting to him.

Mogrinaar follows along silently. He doesn't like dealing with mages, especially thieving types. He doesn't interject anything for now.

Altar doesn't experience rain the same way most people do, just like he doesn't experience most things like they do either. He just trudges through the mud without any concern for getting messy, or cold, or wet, even slipping down a hill doesn't hurt him. "Unsavory sorts in an abandoned fort, shocking." Altar has no interest in wearing the seeking stone, and if opinions were taken, he'd recommend the fastest person carry it.

Mogrinaar looks at the others. "Any of you good at immobilizing someone?"

As you crest a small hill, you can see the top of a stone tower clip just above the overgrown treeline, verdant foliage on both sides. The first thing you see is a horseman about 200 feet away, holding a lance in one hand and a small horn in the other. A short sounding is issued and you look down to see the rest of his friends, four mud-caked travelers in water-logged cloaks and ponchos trying to free their hay-stuffed wagon from the mud at the bottom of the washed out road. As you approach, the one in charge seems to be an bearded old man with a face as weathered as his clothing, and 3 broad shouldered men struggling to push the wagon out of the mud.

Upon sighting your band, they turn and hands go towards the short blades at their belt, another picks up a cudgel, and the third pulls a pitchfork from the wagon. A mangy looking water-soaked mastiff sits in the shotgun position of the wagon, warily eyeing Rhar's four legged friend. "Hail! Be you friend or foe?" the old man asks.

Rhar is helpful. She leans over to scoop up a handful of the soggy muck and nudges Gurr. He turns to take her to Sargon so she can hold up the handful to him. "Is mud!" Now that she answered that question, she has one of her own. "Un save people? Not save people?" She hasn't heard of those before. Oh! Now there's other people! What kind are they? She doesn't know.

That means she should find out. Gurr pad-sploshes forward and Rhar waves. "Rhar!" It's polite to introduce yourself. Then she and Gurr both sniff in their general direction. "Where go? Need more push?" She points at the stuck cart.

Bennet shrugs lightly, glancing to Mogrinaar. "Dead's pretty immobile." Turning focus to the one's by the wagon, he calls louder that they might hear. "Up to you. I ain't got no quarrel with ya."

Sargon looks at the mud and back at Rhar, thankfully the bottom of his face is covered against the smell. "It is dirty. I prefer my sand dry." is not especially fast either and lets the others do the talking.

Mogrinaar being the rather large Orc that he is nods. "Yeah...don't try anything unsavory."

The old man nods slowly, then gestures for the others get back to work, which they do, gathering up brush and branches to pad underneath the wagon. "Can't be too careful these days, I heard there were gobs about, they'll cut your throat in a heartbeat. I'm Grady, these is my boys." Grady arches a bushy white eyebrow, "I don't know nothing about any wizards, I just gotta get this hay back home to the ranch. Winter just about took out my supply, had to get some more. Guess the gods thought different." He gestures up to the drizzling sky. "What brings you folk out here, if you don't mind me asking? Something about a wizard, you said?"

GAME: Bennet rolls perception: (19)+5: 24

GAME: Altar rolls sense motive: (13)+9: 22

GAME: Mogrinaar rolls perception: (16)+1: 17

GAME: Altar rolls perception: (19)+3: 22

GAME: Sargon rolls perception: (16)+10: 26

GAME: Sargon rolls sense motive: (3)+11: 14

You paged (Bennet, Altar, Rhar) with 'You hear a soft thump from inside the wagon.'

You paged Mogrinaar with 'While the three men are working, one of their ponchos falls to the side and you can see a glint of chain mail underneath. Looking at the other two, they look similarly armored underneath their overclothing.'

You paged Altar with 'You get a sense of unease from the three men. They are definitely stealing glances toward the party while they work.'

Bennet nods. "Xorel Tilgentor. More thief than wizard. Took some stuff weren't his to take. Aim to get it back." The Absolution eyes the wagon. "Sounds like some mighty hard hay ya got in there."

Mogrinaar pulls his falchion from his scabbard and takes a look at it in the light. He whispers to Altar, 'They are armored heavily.' Then he looks at the others. "If you want some help I will keep watch."

Altar moves up to a close conversational distance. "We will gladly help you get your waggon out of the mud if wish. We are traveling to the old fort looking for a wizard."

Sargon looks at the others and takes their lead, taking his shield off his back and loosening his weapon. "Gray skies for the Gray Lady. Perhaps she is expecting these people today?"

Rhar and Gurr turn to sniff at the wagon. "Carry rocks with hay? Hay not make sound like rock." She must think there's some heavy hay in there, too. "Rocks heavy. Hard push. Rhar, Gurr help push."

Altar says, "The Dread Lady is always expecting someone, the skys do not change for her invitations"

Bennet shrugs to Sargon. "Lady weighs each man's time as she will. Healers deal with them who's time ain't yet. Mourners with those who's time is past. I'm just here for those who's time is up."

Grady's eyes widen at first when Mogrinar pulls his massive blade and he takes a step back, narrowing his eyes a bit, the grip on his staff tightening. "Must be rats, they like to hide in there. We watch after our own, so if you got business at yon tower, why don't you leave us to ours...friend?" His three 'boys' stop working on the stuck wagon and start inching around the group with their weapons not at the ready, but close at hand. There is a long, pregant pause and then another series of thumps from inside the hay pile, and muffled shouts. Even through the hay, "Help!" can be heard.

Grady grits his teeth and hisses between them, "Fuck it. Take em!" and then hands, amazingly quick for their, age go for a long knife at his belt.

GAME: Altar rolls initiative: Roll: 4 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 5

GAME: Bennet rolls initiative: Roll: 5 + Bonus: 4 = Total: 9

GAME: You roll initiative for Boys: Roll: 13 + Bonus: +6 = Total: 19

GAME: Rhar rolls initiative: Roll: 6 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 9

GAME: Mogrinaar rolls initiative: Roll: 6 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 7

GAME: You roll initiative for Dog: Roll: 2 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 4

GAME: Sargon rolls initiative: Roll: 20 + Bonus: 5 = Total: 25

GAME: Sargon rolls melee+1: (8)+5+1: 14

GAME: Sargon rolls 1d8+4: (8)+4: 12

Sargon draws his blade as he moves in on the club wielding thug, silks whipping in the wind. armored boots crushing the wet grass under foot. "Lay down your arms and you may delay your visit with death."

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+8: (15)+8: 23

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+4: (19)+4: 23

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+4: (16)+4: 20

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+6: (13)+6: 19

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+7: (10)+7: 17

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d4+2d6: (3)+(10): 13

GAME: You damaged Altar for 13 points. 29 remaining.

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d6+6: (4)+6: 10

GAME: You damaged Sargon for 10 points. 6 remaining.

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d4+5: (4)+5: 9

GAME: You damaged Bennet for 9 points. 33 remaining.

Grady drives the blade right between Altar's plates, sinking the blade in halfway before yanking it out in one smooth motion in a geyser of alchemical fluids. Meanwhile the rest of his 'boys' spring into action. Gutted by the elf's blade, the cudgel wielding thug swings wild, connecting with the side of Sargon's head as he starts fighting in an adrenal fueled panic. The one wielding the long knife rushes Bennet before he can draw his blade and drives his own into the holy warrior's side to the hilt, while the pitchfork wielding thug does little but scrape the tines across Altar's armored back. In a galloping thunder of hooves, the mounted scout lowers his lance and takes aim at the large Yrch, but the steel-tipped point slides off his armor and over his shoulder.

GAME: Rhar rolls melee+1: (10)+8+1: 19

GAME: Rhar rolls 1d20+6: (4)+6: 10

GAME: Rhar rolls 1d4+4+1d6: (1)+4+(5): 10

"No hurt pack!" Rhar was being friendly. Until now. Gurr growls and moves up so she can slice at the mean stabby man with her new shiny sharp metal stick! Gurr lunges in with his teeth, but doesn't catch anything. This time.

GAME: Bennet rolls 1d20+5: (17)+5: 22

GAME: Bennet rolls 1d6+1: (6)+1: 7

Bennet eyes the fellow who put a pig sticker into him. "Boy, let me show ya how it's done." The cowboy draws his own bowie knife, which in these parts is commonly mistaken for a small sword, and returns the favor, drawing a fair bit of blood. Grey eye focus on Grady, and Bennet frowns. "When ya meet up with the Lady in a few, remember we started polite."

GAME: Mogrinaar rolls melee + 1 wf + 1 mw: (12)+9+1 wf+1 mw: 23

GAME: Mogrinaar rolls 2d4 + 7 + 1 + 2: (6)+7+1+2: 16

Mogrinaar watches as Jim attacks and shakes his head. "Dunno why you are attacking me. I was on the lookout for trouble. Guess it will be the last mistake you make." he reverses his stance and slices him into shreds.

GAME: You damaged Altar for 2 points. 27 remaining.

GAME: Altar rolls 1d20+8: (20)+8: 28

GAME: Altar rolls 1d20+8: (10)+8: 18

GAME: Altar rolls 2d8+14: (14)+14: 28

Altar may be leaking, but he takes no notice. Presumably he is aware of the damage inflicted, but he does not feel pain and doesn't appear to be concerned. He steps around Grady to take advantage of the distraction caused by Rhar and Gurr, and swings his sword in concert with the movement, landing a solid blow on the neck, cutting the head and arm off right through the ribcage.

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+4: (14)+4: 18

The ugly mastiff in the wagon jumps down, riled up with dead masters and blood in the air. It lunges at it's counterpart, sinking teeth into the thick furry hide of Gurr, but coming up with nothing.

GAME: Sargon rolls melee+1: (7)+5+1: 13

Sargon is all wet silks and steel as he slices at the thug again. catching naught but the mans clothes. "Run while you can." he calls after the fleeing clubber.

GAME: Sargon rolls melee+1: (8)+5+1: 14

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+4: (4)+4: 8

Upon seeing their leader decapitated and their lancer cut down in one swing, most of these thugs lose their courage. The cudgeler, holding his entrails in with one hand turns to flee, saved by his mail once more. He dissappears into the underbrush, pushing his way through the foliage as he flees. The pitchfork wielding thug, untouched, desires to remain that way and he tosses his impromptu weapon down and begins slogging down the road at full speed. "You fucking cowards! Kor curse you!" The knifeman bitterly calls at his fleeing allies, enough that his swing goes entirely wild as he attacks Bennet.

GAME: Rhar rolls 1d20+6: (17)+6: 23

GAME: Rhar rolls 1d6+3: (2)+3: 5

GAME: Rhar rolls 1d20+6: (7)+6: 13

GAME: Rhar rolls melee: (20)+8: 28

GAME: Rhar rolls 2d3+2: (6)+2: 8

Gurr growls back at the dog. He bites back, too. This time, he gets some meat and fur under his teeth. "Go! Run!" Rhar growls, too. She doesn't want to hurt the dog too bad. It's almost a wolf! So she just bonks it with her big round flat stick. Instead of the long, sharp cutting stick.

GAME: Bennet rolls 1d20+5: (17)+5: 22

GAME: Bennet rolls 1d6+1: (5)+1: 6

Bennet slashes with his own blade, drawing another splash of blood, but failing to end the battle just yet. "Call it quits kid, or explain to Kor in person why ya didn't."

GAME: Mogrinaar rolls melee + 1 wf + 2 charge + 1 mw: (16)+9+1 wf+2 charge+1 mw: 29

GAME: Mogrinaar rolls 2d4+7+1+4+2: (5)+7+1+4+2: 19

Mogrinaar charges forward after one of the runners. "Cowards dont deserve to live..." he slices and it is over legs toppling over the torso.

GAME: You damaged Altar for 2 points. 25 remaining.

GAME: Altar casts Cure Moderate Wounds. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15

GAME: Altar rolls 2d8+4: (9)+4: 13

GAME: You damaged Altar for -13 points. 38 remaining.

Altar takes a brief look around, and seems to decide the fighting portion is over, and begins the repairing portion of this particular encounter with himself.

GAME: Sargon casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 2 DC: 14

GAME: Sargon rolls 1d8+2: (1)+2: 3

GAME: You damaged Sargon for -3 points. 9 remaining.

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d20+4: (16)+4: 20

GAME: Hassan rolls 1d4+5: (4)+5: 9

GAME: You damaged Bennet for 9 points. 24 remaining.

"I'LL DIE ON YOUR BLADE AFORE I DANCE AT THE END OF A NOOSE!" The remaining thug gurgles through the pain of a sucking chest wound, his own blade slashing Bennet deeply across the arm.

GAME: Rhar rolls melee+1+4+2: (7)+8+1+4+2: 22

GAME: Rhar rolls 1d4+4+1d6: (1)+4+(2): 7

Good doggie. He knows his place. Unlike the really dumb guy with the really little stick. And that says alot coming from Rhar. "No hurt pack!" Maybe he didn't hear? Nudging Gurr to hurry, the two bound rapidly at the man so that Rhar can slash him with her sharp stick. In the back. Which makes him fall down. Guess he should've listened the first time!

06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)Marek | Name | Race | Class | E Lev| CHP | HP | AC | For | Ref | Wil | 06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)Marek |Altar |WAR_GOLEM |Clr | 4 | 38 | 42 | 24 | 7 | 2 | 7 | |Bennet |HUMAN |Pal | 4 | 24 | 42 | 18 | 9 | 8 | 9 | |Mogrinaar |ORC |Ftr | 4 | 41 | 41 | 21 | 6 | 2 | 4 | |Rhar |HALFLING |Cav | 4 | 35 | 35 | 19 | 7 | 5 | 4 | |Sargon |WILD_ELF |Inq | 2 | 9 | 16 | 21 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)06:52, 12 April 2014 (EEST)Marek