PrP: Cowled Dock Knight
Log Info
- Title: A cowled dark knight
- Emitter: Benthus
- Characters: Godwyb Level 5, Arlean *before he became Aldean* Level 3, Lothos Level 5, Terewin Level 3, Zoob Level ?, Kirran Level ?, Taro Level ?
- Place: Alexandria – Dock area
- Time: Oct 14, 2014
- Summary: Searching for the elusive mister Mattias Croak...
- APL: 4
- Encounter 1: 4 dark elves rogue level 3, CR 6
There is word on the streets that the city guards are putting out a bounty for the capture of a person named Mattias Croak. It is said that the man is known loan shark and has blackmailed many members of society into illegal services. It is also said that he may be connected to the slavers ring within the city, although there is not concrete proof that such an circle exists. It is also said that the man may have knowledge about the murder that occured in an alley way within the temple district. Whoever this Mattias Croak is, he is of interest to city law enforcers and the bounty is enough to make seasoned adventurers look it up.
As you arrive at the office of the investigator dealing with the capture of the loan sharker, you find several other people there waiting. Some, if not all, you already are familiar with. When the investigator finally got the chance to speak with you, he informs you that the location of this elusive man if neigh impossible, as some say that he may not even be in the city at all. Still, he thinks that there is one location where it is likely that this Mattias Croak is hiding, or at least frequents. The docks. It is also the most dangerous place in the city to be looking out for the man, as most people who have been searching for him are often not seen again. The investigator stresses the need for caution in wandering the area as it is likely the wanted man has a great deal of influence in the area. With that said, he leaves you and the other people who are interested in the capture of this man to go about in your search.
Godwyn Sylvan was not here for the money.
She was here because this man had taken advantage of people in debt, families at the ends of their ropes, and was said to be involved in a slave ring. This was all in her interest, and she would like nothing more than to drag him by the collar to the city's courts. But most of all, he was the only link to a violent crime, committed on sacred ground. That could not stand, especially not with her.
Lothos nods to the others, "Well, missing investigators, this is going to be interesting. I've heard about this fellow, a few of my friends who have a bad habit of getting in over their heads gambling have mentioned the name as a last resort. I really need to start my own safe establishment for gambling, and offer loans from the house of course. None of this shady business and all that." He smiles, totally innocent of course....
“Docks, eh?" Arlean's sailor-tinted baritone betrays only thoughtfulness. "Aye, there be enough rats about that lot," he mutters. He's been around dockside areas a time or two, himself." He crosses his arms thoughtfully. "I'd not be shocked." With that, he looks around at the other investigators. "Hide yer valuables, mates. That lot sees swords an' they'll scatter."
Taro picks his teeth with a fingernail. "Mattias Croak? That has to be the most ironic name ever." He pauses and then tilts his head to the side. "Unless we're expected to bring him in alive?"
Zoob bounces on the balls of his feet without thinking about it, his wide green ears flapping as he does. "Anything happening to gamblers is bad for the gambling halls, and that makes it bad for Goblintown. I'm here to help out and of course stop the bad people." He grins widely showing many needle teeth. "Plus, finding a true challenge in this city isn't that easy, so Angoron will be pleased that I'm here. Let's get going!"
Kirran listens to the talk about this guy and just gives a nod, listening to all of it and the challenge of finding someone who sounds incredibly dangerous. "I'm pretty good at tracking things, once I have a potential trail to follow, if we even get that far," he shrugs as a suggestion, but they have to find a trail first.
Godwyn grimaced. "Let's sum this up." She stood and walked forward until everyone could see her, then turned to face them. "We are essentially walking into enemy territory, inside our own city. Since he has influence in the area, this means he'll have guards, hired mercenaries. Or friends of his who just like to smash faces in." She paused there for a moment. "We're more than likely going to be outnumbered." Godwyn shook her head. "We search for him, comb the entirety of the wharf. If we happen to find him in the middle of business, secure him. He's part of a murder investigation, so we need him alive."
GAME: Arlean rolls knowledge/local+1: (7)+6+1: 14 <OOC> Arlean says, "+1 is bardic knowledge."
Zoob looks skeptical. "Really? A systematic search? I can't think of a better way of tipping off everyone in the city what we're up to. We need to be discreet, put the word out carefully and quietly and see what comes up."
Godwyn shrugged. "That is an option, and I am of the opinion that it would take too long. He may be gone by the time we get anything..." She shrugged. "But you're right. Discretion before valor."
Lothos shakes his head, "Actually, putting the word out is just as bad if you don't know the right people. If someone here does, thats great. A search though just says, hey, someone is looking for something. They also said anyone looking goes missing, so I say we simply become bait. We go down there, and do both. We spread the word we are looking, and do a systematic search. When someone tries to stop us...well." He gestures to Godwyn, "She pummels them with the fury of the gods."
"Gobber's right, Sentinel." There's a glint of recognition and even familiarity in Arlean's tone. "That lot sees swords an' they'll scatter. Reckon...." He pauses as Lothos speaks. "Aye, yer readin' me mind. Make him come t'us." He pauses in thought. "An' I've heard tales o' this Mattias Croak. First cropped up some hundred years ago, mebbe more. Was called Mattias Crook, an' was wanted by damned near everybody. Supposedly died in a warehouse fire, but word has it he still lives. Might or might not be the same man, but thinkin' th'tale behind it be true enough."
"Well there's only one way to find out." Godwyn nodded. "Good. We're set then." She smiled. "I'm glad we've come to an agreement on things." The Sentinel checked her armor one last time. "All right, let's move out. We have a kingfish to catch."
As the group arrives in the docks area, you can see a great number of sea vessels moored on the wet docks, and several more ships undergoing repairs at the dry docks. Still, not so far away from the main docks are the skeletal forms of ships that are still undergoing construction. Aside from all these marine vessels are a great number of warehouses that line up beside the piers where there is always some activity going on either from the people on the ships bringing in stuff, or cargo from the building being loaded up to one.
Labourers and seamen can be seen moving along the docks at a hurried pace, as it is mid-morning and the weather is reasonably calm. Seabird can be seen flying overhead, following after fishing vessels, taking opportunities to nab a free meal when they could.
There are also pubs open in these areas to provide food and refreshments for the dock workers and other folks who are around. As these establishments foster social interaction with the people in the area, your group venture to some of these spots to gather information. The first pub you got to get into is named 'The Ugly mermaid."
Lothos nods, "Alright, this looks good, let’s all go inside, look impressive, and maybe buy a few drinks while we bluntly inquire about the target. We have a plan!"
The inside of the tavern is somewhat spacious but not enough table and chairs for people stay and unwind. It is more like a place for people to get something and then go. Still, there are patrons located at certain corners of the establishment, but the main attraction is the bar, where a beefy looking bartender is cleaning up some mugs with a dirty piece of cloth...
Godwyn would have laughed if the situation weren't so serious. Still... "That has got to be one of the most awkward names for a pub I've ever heard," Godwyn muttered as she made her way in. She draped her dark blue cloak over the tabard covering her armour before taking a seat at the bar. "I'd like a mead, thank you."
On the walk there, Arlean's pulled from his pack a large sash the color of a cardinal, and tied it over his blonde hair. He's also pulled the ring from his finger, tucking it into a pouch, and rolled up his sleeves. "Oy," he tells the others quietly, but before he can get anything else out, Godwyn's already approached the barkeep.
Frowning, he looks around at the other patrons in the room, sizing up the clientele. Locals, or ships in dock?
"Okie Dokie." Says the barkeep as he goes about filling up a cup for the Sentinel. "Say, I haven't seen you people around. Are you new here? Just landed from one of the faring ships?" He places the mug in front of Godwyn. The mug looks a bit dirty...
Zoob pauses outside. "Um, I'm not exactly allowed inside there since... the incident with the rat. I'll just stay outside here, shout if you need me to shoot anything, okay? I'll do the same if I get jumped."
GAME: Arlean rolls knowledge/local: (19)+6: 25
Godwyn glanced at the mug for a brief second. Oh, that wouldn't be good at all. She looked up at the barkeep as he finished speaking. "Not really, just coming home from a stint at sea. Dropped in for a pint." She glanced around for a moment.
Kirran doesn't say much in the way of planning, but just nods along and is glad that they have come to an agreement on how to proceed. And so he follows as they go off. He walks in a calm, relaxed way, just looking around, attempting to make sure that they aren't being followed by anyone, be it stalkers, pickpockets and anyone that is attempting to follow them.
GAME: Kirran rolls perception: (16)+9: 25 <OOC> Godwyn says, "Perception to see if there's anyone remotely suspicious XD" GAME: Godwyn rolls Perception: (19)+4: 23 <OOC> Kirran says, "Same with Godwyn, and for any hangers on."
Lothos follows Godwyn, his chosen meatshield...er bodyguard. He smiles at the barkeep, "Yes, yes, home from a stint." He gestures "I'll have a mead too, I am parched." he lays a few coin down to cover the cost, and a bit extra.
<OOC> Zoob says, "I'd like to keep an eye out outside. Badly probably. I'm slipping into a shadow near the bar entrance if I can find one to stealth into."
The barkeep smiles at Lothos, "Of course, sire. Let me get you one." He goes off, takes out a mug from under the bar, pours out some drink into the mug and places it in front of Lothos. "There you go. Finest brew in the land." He smiles, and probably really believes it.
Quietly, Arlean looks around at the others, then settles down at a table near the locals' table, making a show of watching the bar with some amusement. He looks around the area, and quickly sizes up what the locals are doing and looking at -- and the presence or absence of a barmaid.
GAME: Zoob rolls stealth: (19)+10: 29
Lothos nods to the barkeep, leaving the extra coins for him. "Ahh, but is it the finest brew on the sea too!" he grins and takes a sip. "Not bad, not bad." He then looks around the room, and focuses back on the barkeep. "My good man, would you happen to know where a fellow can get into a game of chance?" He smiles, patting a small coin purse at his side.
The barkeep seems saddened by Lothos' query, "Heading out of the tavern so soon? Oh well, I can't really blame you. The nearest place where you can have a game of chance is about a few buildings from here. It is called 'The Fold'." He says it in an ominous way. "I wouldn't advice you to go there. But that is the nearest. Still..." He begins cleaning more mugs with his dirty piece of cloth, "There are other brothels that can entertain you." And he begins listing out some of the place off the top of his head.
"Well I won't be leaving right away, some more of this fine brew is in order of course." Lothos nods, "Just for later in the day, I always like to test my luck when I get back, see what the fates have in store for me."
<OOC> Godwyn says, "Rolling Sense Motive, since Godwyn has no idea what he's doing right now. XD" GAME: Lothos rolls constitution: (11)+2: 13 GAME: Godwyn rolls Sense Motive: (2)+7: 9 GAME: Lothos rolls fort: (18)+4: 22
Godwyn tried not to groan. This was not the time for this kind of thing.
She managed to keep her features composed as she took a slight sip of the mead, in contrast to Lothos' deliberate swig. "I however am looking for a man with a silly name. Croak, he's called." She smiled. "I have business to discuss with him."
GAME: Godwyn rolls Diplomacy: (12)+11: 23
The bartender looks at Godwyn closely, "You don't happen to be taking about fairy tales, are you, ma'am? The only Croak that I know of are dead ones. But if you talk about fairy tales, then you must be talking about Mattias Croak. Most notorious ruffian of the lands, hunted by many nations for the crimes he has done to society." He blinks at her. "Well, good luck in finding him."
He continues to busy himself on the bar top and says, "You can probably see him in your most frightening nightmares. Or if ever you get the chance to visit hell, he would likely be sitting next to a demon prince." He chuckles. All of a sudden a peal of thunder can be heard from outside. The bartender stiffens and then gulps. "Best not to talk about him."
Lothos snorts "Bah, fairy tales do not frighten me! Why, I'd cut his heart out with a spoon!" He takes another drink, "This is good." he points to the mug.
The bartender smiles at Lothos, "So all of them say."
Godwyn nodded. If he were from hell, that was fine. She was trained to *kill* that which was from hell. But she didn't say that outright. "I understand he's a hard man to find, and I'm sure someone as knowledgeable as you would have at least a tidbit of information. You hear all sorts of things, after all." She reached into her cloak and pulled out three platinum pieces. "Consider these for the fine drink. I won't tell anyone you spoke of this, provided you say anything at all."
"No seriously, I met a spinhx and had dinner with a mummy prince once. Totally not frightened of some cutpurse ghost who picks the pockets of children and beggars." Lothos nods several times. Ok, so new plan, insult the ghost.
<OOC> Godwyn says, "Another diplomacy roll, to see if that worked XD" GAME: Godwyn rolls Diplomacy: (8)+11: 19
The bartender looks at the coin and then looks at Godwyn with a smile. He picks the coins up and then presses it back into her hand. "Ma'am, I see you are a good person, and I alway try to reward people who are good. But if you are looking for this... person, you should be very careful. I have not seen him, but I know that he exists. And you won't find him. He will find you."
From outside, none of you see or hear anything from Zoob. It's like there's a door and wall between you and him.
GAME: Zoob rolls perception: (1)+0: 1
Godwyn nodded. "My thanks, then. I'll gladly take your words into heart."
Not really. But now at least they knew he was no fairy tale.
Godwyn slid her mug toward Lothos. "You should hear the stories he tells when he's had one too many!"
Kirran decides to go check on Zoob, whispering to Arlean that he was going outside. He steps outside of the bar and looks around for the gobber to make sure that he is still okay, and hasn't been kidnapped himself.
GAME: Kirran rolls perception: (18)+9: 27
Lothos looks at the other mug, "Yes, well, happy to clean up, no need to waste good mead now is there. Ohh, well don't get me started on the crazy ogre jelly magi and his tower of illusions. Ugh, and I had assumed the Sphinx was bad."
There is no sign of Zoob outside.
The bartender smiles at Lothos, "I would love to listen to your stories. Not much happening here at the moment. But I think you and your friends aren't here for chitchat. So I leave you be."
Kirran frowns a bit, but heads back insider, figuring the gobber found a very good place to hide....
Godwyn nodded and stood from the bar. She made her way over to Kirran with a concerned expression on her features. "Zoob?"
Lothos nods, lays a few more small coins, and gets up, following after Godwyn.
Kirran shakes his head, "Must have found a good place," he says quietly.
Godwyn shook her head. "I don't believe in coincidences." She glanced toward Arlean and motioned with her head. They had to meet, outside. Now.
Lothos follows of course!
With a chuckle, Arlean looks up and excuses himselg after a moment, pleading a desire to visit the privy.
The group heads off to the next pub that is on their list, which is the Fold. After talking to some people there, the group realizes that there isn't much information to be gathered there. And so, you continue to the next place on the list, which is the Blue Oysters. After a few drinks and a lot of socializing, the group continues to get nothing about the whereabouts of the elusive mister Croak. And so off to the next place which is the gypsy fart. Still nothing. Just as when darkness has settled in the area, and people are starting to head off to their homes (or the pubs), you find a man waiting on the roadside for you. "You're looking for Mattias Croak. Why?"
Godwyn smiled. Ah, a break. And no one noticed the cloak on her was hiding something else. Good, that meant she could still solve this discreetly.
Godwyn turned toward the man. "I have a business proposition for him. One that would require his direct presence to discuss."
Zoob speaks up, stepping forward and not quite pointing his thunderbelcher at the man. "That's between us and him, as the big lady says. Details are not for you."
GAME: Zoob rolls intimidate: (6)+7: 13
Godwyn held her right hand up, careful not to reveal her tabard. "Please, Zoob. Let's not alienate the man." That's right. Give her someone to play off of. "We're only trying to speak to the man about specific things that really shouldn't be said in public."
GAME: Godwyn rolls Diplomacy: (5)+11: 16
The mystery man simply looks at Zoob, unimpressed.
Lothos has nothing to offer but ideas, he is not the one to implement social policies.
The mystery guy looks at Godwyn again, seeing that she is being the spokesperson of the group. "I won't repeat myself again. Why are you looking for him?"
<OOC> Arlean says, "Look /around// Are we being watched?" GAME: Lothos rolls perception: (20)+6: 26 <OOC> Lothos looks around too GAME: Arlean rolls perception: (8)+7: 15 <OOC> Arlean sigh.
Good. Focus on her. That was the point.
"No mincing around, I see. Good. We have a friend of ours that lost quite a bit of coin recently." She gestured toward Lothos. "I'm not one to put him out, and he needs money to feed his addiction." She smiled. "I figured we would do this the easy way, and when I heard of Matthias... well I couldn't say no." (Godwyn’s pose)
GAME: Godwyn rolls Bluff: (9)+3: 12
The mystery man looks at Godwyn sternly in the eyes and then turns around, walking away...
Lothos shakes his head, "Ohh come on, a 6 year old wouldn’t belive that. Hey, fella. We want to bring him to the authorities and collect the reward."
Mystery man stops...
He turns his head and looks at Lothos. "Aren't we all."
Godwyn sighed. "Well, there goes that," she muttered. Lothos of course, is not blunt. At all. She cleared her throat and moved the cloak from just around the front of her tabard.
Althea's rose.
A Sentinel.
Lothos hooks a thumb at Godwyn, "As you can tell, lying is not my associates best talent, that lies in other areas, namely areas that are helpful in dealing with public nuisances. If you’re looking for him as well, I suggest an alliance."
Behind the others, Arlean has been largely silent, listening with arms folded across his chest. At the current exchange, though, one arm unfolds, and he buries his face in a leathery palm for one moment before looking around, one more time. Just in case...does this guy have anyone watching /him/? r
Godwyn smiled. "Sadly, he's right. Thought I'm not here for the reward." Her eyes narrowed. "Let's try this again. This time I ask and you answer, and pray to the Goddess that you lie well. Where is he."
He turns and looks at Godwyn and quirks a brow, "You have the gall to talk to me like that when you can't even speak the truth. You are a disgrace to your goddess..." he says derisively. He turns to look at Lothos and says, "It won't be easy. He is a very, very powerful man." He says this with a twinge of pain in his eyes. "I can tell you where he is. But you might not come out of it alive. But if you do meet him... Tell him that Jessie sends his regard." He then walks away just as a piece of paper falls off from his coat to the ground...
She huffed and turned toward the others. "That... could have gone better."
GAME: Godwyn rolls Perception: (20)+4: 24 GAME: Lothos rolls perception: (18)+6: 24 GAME: Kirran rolls perception: (13)+9: 22 GAME: Arlean rolls perception: (8)+7: 15 GAME: Zoob rolls perception: (8)+0: 8 <OOC> Benthus says, "There is a piece of paper on the floor where the 'Jessie' stood."
Lothos moves up to where the man was, picking up the paper and looking at it. "Well, sometimes you just get lucky and things work out." "Aye, an' ye brought it on yerself," Arlean points out in low tones, even as his glance goes to the paper on the ground. "Yer pretty damned obvious here, Sentinel, try as ye might." He drops the subject, though, eyeing Lothos as he picks up the paper. "What have ye got there?"
Godwyn sighed. "I tried to improvise and it didn't work. I'm going to have to talk to someone about that later..." She looked toward the paper. "You know that might very well be a trap."
Lothos holds out the paper to Arlean, "A map of the area, you think you can point out where its pointing." He looks up at Godwyn, "Yes, its likely a trap, so we simply go in ready for it and fight. Althea likely forgives you for the lying, I'm sure you won't die." He grins, "Next time, we all play to our strengths and try less improvising."
Godwyn chuckled. "Probably. I'm still going to atone anyway." She cleared her throat. "Well then, let's finish this."
"Easy, Sentinel," Arlean warns, looking up from his perusal of the map. "This Jessie warns that Croak be no pushover, an' I b'ain't thinkin' he be wrong. Looks like an abandoned warehouse. Let's have a looksee at th'place, see if he be lyin', aye? Either way, chargin' in is like t'get us all kacked."
Godwyn nodded. "If I'd said that, we would more than likely be found out before we reached the area. When I say to finish it, I don't mean to be reckless about it."
It is already evening by the time the group arrives at the old abandoned fish warehouse. There appears to be no lights within the building and it is pretty much quiet in the area. The door of the warehouse is open and seems to be inviting the group to come in and have a look-see...
Zoob whispers. "I'm going to suggest we go round the back. That entrance just has to be a trap."
"Or the back is a trap." Lothos adds, pulling out a single copper coin and casting the light spell on it. He then throws it inside to see what happens.
The entrance of the warehouse is illuminated and there appears to be nothing inside. It looks pretty barren...
Godwyn already felt the sting of her actions once before. This plan had gone sideways, and it was indeed the Fates that helped them back there. Still... as soon as the light was thrown in, Godwyn was able to see just a bit. And it appeared to be entirely empty.
Then again, she didn't believe in coincidences. "Empty warehouse. What are the odds that this is perfect for an ambush?"
"Only fools would choose what was offered to them, so we can clearly not choose the front entrance. But, he could have known we were not fools, he could have counted on it, so we can clearly not choose the back entrance." Lothos is murmuring to himself now quietly, thinking hard.
Godwyn nodded. "Then we assume both ends are a trap and spring them both at once." She turned to the others. "Two of you with me. The others to the back."
GAME: Godwyn rolls Perception: (13)+4: 17 <OOC> Godwyn says, "Dice. Come on." GAME: Zoob rolls perception: (1)+0: 1 GAME: Lothos rolls perception: (5)+6: 11 GAME: Arlean rolls perception: (12)+7: 19
"I'd bet me last copper on it." Arlean looks up, at the roof of the warehouse, and wrinkles his nose.
Lothos continues, "Now, Croak is a criminal, and criminals are not used to being trusted, so I can clearly not choose the side entrance..." More murmuring while he looks around, and thinks.
Zoob takes off down the alley at a run. Maybe he can catch anyone slipping out the back.
After a moment of looking, Arlean's eyes drift back inside, and stop short, narrowing. "Oy. Under th'floor ... this be dockside though. Won't be deep, they be swamped at next tide." He speaks quietly, almost a hiss. "Damn right it's a trap." He looks after Zoob as the gobber goes dashing down the alley.
After a moment, he pauses.
From round the back of the building the sounds of Zoob come, it sounds like he trips over something, then there's the hissing of a disturbed cat, then there's the sound of him attempting to open the back door. It creaks loudly but at least he's back in view again.
There is a loud creaking noise from the back of the warehouse. Like someone is trying to open a rusted door...
Lothos grunts "Then I suppose we follow the goblin and spring the trap." He gestures, "After you sturdy folk."
Godwyn wanted to call out to him, tell him to wait. But he was gone before she could say anything, and she sighed. This was not going well. Goddess Althea, preserve them all...
"If they didn't know we were here, they do now." She glanced toward Arlean. "Like I said, we spring the trap from both sides." Godwyn nodded toward Lothos and drew her sword... in an attempt to be as silent as possible with it. "Zoob needs two more to back him up. I need volunteers."
"I'll go," Kirran says, unslinging his bow to be ready to shoot someone or something.
(At this point, Kirran, Zoob and Taro serve as back-up for the team by securing the outer perimeter of the warehouse. The rest proceed inside it...)
The group cautiously enter the abandoned warehouse and manage to get in without triggering any alarm, or worse, deadly traps. The inside of the warehouse is empty with only a few broken crates and some dirty old cots and rubbishes to decorate it. The only thing that seems to be of any interest is the glimmer of light that is shinning out from the wooden floor board.
The group draw cautiously near the only anomaly in the building, and again, they manage to get near it without anything happening. After a quick look-about of the specific area, a trap door is found. With the group's combined strength, the hatch is lifted and a ladder going down can be seen. The ladder is shielded from the surrounding sea water by a tube of unusual material, similar to glass but not. Whatever it is, it keeps the water out. The ladder goes all the way down to the sea bottom where there is what appears to be an open room. There is light inside this room and it is this light that is reflected up to the wooded floor boards that has garnered the attention of one of your companions.
It did not take long before the first person in your group volunteered to go down the ladder and into the open room. The person managed to do so without anything happening. The room is empty except for four torches that are lit. There is a long corridor attached to this underground room, at the end of which is a door. The group continue onwards despite the threat of alarms or deadly traps that might be triggered in their passage.
As the group reaches the door, it suddenly opens revealing a relatively spacious room with many books, ledgers and assorted papers. At the far end of the room is a large, heavy-set wooden table. Seated in front of the table is a bald man clothed in a bejewelled fur cloak. The man is not handsome. He has a rat-like nose with bulbous round eyes and his teeth all look crooked. His skin is puck-marked and looks diseased. The man appears to be writing something on a piece of paper. Writing furiously would be a more apt word in how he is doing it. He appears to have all his attention focused on the paper and on his writing, even when the door has opened up to announce the arrival of the adventurers. It is only when everyone in the group is looking at him that he begins to speak.
"It's about time you showed up." He mutters nasally. "Pesky adventurers, I swear you will be the death of me yet." He exclaims without lifting his head from his papers. "Do close the door when you get in. The cold draft is killing me."
He does not wait for everyone to get inside the room before he continues. "So you are looking for me." He looks up at the group for just a moment before he returns to looking at his paper and writing. "Well congratulation. You are one of the few people who have met the great and powerful Mattias Croak in person. You deserve a pat on the back." He grunts a cackle before he continues. "Now that is out of the way, I want you people to find this Terrence Fold and kill him. He is bad for my business and I don't tolerate rivals. He has caused me a great deal of misery and I am tired of his antics. It is getting quite costly for me to send my henchmen after him, as they all end up dead or worse." He does not elaborate.
"He can be found in the slum area, raising up something... I don't know what. The man has no consideration for the working entrepreneur such as myself. Those lesser beings he uses to fuel his needs earn me more money alive than dead." He shakes his head in disdain, "No consideration at all." He sighs in frustration.
He continues to scribble again. "That is all. You can go out now."
But when one of the adventurers did not take the hint, his face scrunches and grinds his teeth in anger, "You ungrateful fool! You really think that you can come here and apprehend the great Mattias Croak without breaking a sweat? Well, I just need one of you alive to tell the rest of the adventurers' guild about his whereabouts, so have it your way!"
He stops writing and then claps his hands together.
Suddenly, the entire room went dark.
GAME: You roll initiative for Hero killers: Roll: 2 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 4 GAME: Terewin rolls initiative: Roll: 11 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 14 GAME: Godwyn rolls initiative: Roll: 9 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 11 GAME: Arlean rolls initiative: Roll: 1 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 2 GAME: Lothos rolls initiative: Roll: 8 + Bonus: 4 = Total: 12
=============== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 ===============
---Init--Name----------------Notes--------------------------------------------
>> 14 Terewin Flat-footed (0 rnds active) <<
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12 Lothos Flat-footed (0 rnds remaining)
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11 Godwyn Flat-footed (0 rnds remaining)
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4 Hero Killers
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2 Arlean Flat-footed (0 rnds remaining)
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It is now Terewin's turn! Lothos is next!
<OOC> Terewin says, "Well I can't see anything, lets draw weapon and use Tactician to give everyone the Shake it Off feat. +1 try o saves when adjacent to a friendly." Terewin takes a startled step back as the darkness falls and draws his two bladed sword, holding it in front of him. "Stay close to one another and watch the person next to you. He may try some kind of magic."
It is now Lothos' turn! Godwyn is next!
Lothos takes a moment, muttering. "Dark? Why this is downright annoying." a few arcane words are spoken and then his left boot blazes like a torch. Light radiates out from Lothos, and he smiles. "Much better!" As soon as light has been restored to the room, your eyes begin to detect shapes in the room. Shapes that are not that of your companions. Located at the four corner of the rooms are dark cloaked humanoid figures of medium height. As soon as they move, you notice that they are very agile, especially when they start spinning and tumbling through the air. They are carrying long, slender blades as weapons. For a moment, you manage to catch of a glimpse of their skin colour, which is a shade of gray. You also notice that all the books and papers and other documents that have littered the room earlier is now gone. And so is the heavy set table that mister Croak used to write on. There is also no sign of the elusive loan shark. The room seems starkly empty except for you and your companions, plus the lackeys that Mattias has left behind to kill you.
It is now Godwyn's turn! Hero Killers is next!
<OOC> Godwyn says, "Evil detected!" <OOC> Godwyn says, "Power Attack, Smite. Making a charge to try and catch him flat-footed." GAME: Godwyn rolls Melee+5: (9)+9+5: 23 GAME: Godwyn rolls PowerSmite Damage: (10)+21: 31 Godwyn grimaced as the lights turned back on. "Coward." She glared at one of the assailants. "Well if he won't answer for his crimes, you will suffice." She drew her weapon and raised it to the ceiling. "By the will of Althea, I cleanse evil! Forward Unto Destiny!" Her weapon, armor, and even her eyes seemed to glow as divine might filled her. Godwyn was on him in a heartbeat, and her weapon parted the air, his cloak, his blade, and whatever else he had on him. The sound of Thunder rocked the now bare room as Godwyn made it clear such deception was not tolerated. She turned toward the other three. "You brought this on yourselves."
It is now Hero killers' turn! Arlean is next!
Several items are being flung into the air by the hooded men and are followed by the sound of tearing of cloth... GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6+vs Terewin: (9)+6+vs Terewin: 15 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6+vs Arlean: (15)+6+vs Arlean: 21 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+6+vs Lothos: (9)+6+vs Lothos: 15 GAME: Arlean rolls ref: (18)+4: 22 GAME: Lothos rolls reflex: (11)+6: 17 GAME: Terewin rolls reflex+1: (6)+5+1: 12
It is now Arlean's turn! Terewin is next!
<OOC> Arlean says, "Figured, no penalty to thrown object. Swift action: Arcane Strike; move action to close and draw weapon as part of the move, attempt to bash an ugly skull in." GAME: Arlean rolls melee-2: (17)+4+-2: 19 GAME: Arlean rolls 1d8+2+1: (4)+2+1: 7 Goo all over him! And it's sticky! At least it smells better than the last set of goo Arlean got covered in. He jumps free in time to keep from getting stuck to the floor, but lets out a string of oaths uniquely appropriate to the area in which they find themselves. It's hampering him, but he pulls the morningstar free from the holder at his belt and sings a single, solid baritone note, a decidedly ominous sound, then strides forward to close with his tormentor. The sound of bone crunching meets the spiked metal head.
It is now Terewin's turn! Lothos is next!
<OOC> Terewin says, "So I will ready an action to swing at anyone who steps next to me." Terewin tries to step forward to engage a foe but his feet are stuck to the floor. With little recourse he throttles up on the handle of his two bladed sword and readies to swing at the next one will to step up to him.
It is now Lothos' turn! Godwyn is next!
<OOC> Lothos says, "Ok, so, I am going to fly up to the ceiling as a move action (witch power), and then I shall surround our group with swampy areas to keep the baddies from dashing in and out. I can cover 5 10x10 areas." Lothos is not amused by the sticky glob on him, "Ewwww." He then suddenly flies up to the ceiling, laying out to avoid being reached. He then starts gesturing with a hand around the room, the ground becoming muddy and sticky like a swamp. It is surrounding his teammates so as to limit the enemies’ movements. "Bah, I hate this!"
It is now Godwyn's turn! Hero Killers is next!
<OOC> Godwyn says, "Power Attack, nearest target to the one I just smashed. Ready to charge." GAME: Godwyn rolls Melee+2: (12)+9+2: 23 GAME: Godwyn rolls PA Damage: (6)+11: 17 Godwyn took note of Arlean's success and decided to compound the effects... in decisive fashion. Godwyn was a blur once again, fast for someone with heavy armor, and within the space of a heartbeat, her blade sliced through yet another cloaked figure. "He doesn't have much in the way of assassins, that's for sure..." Godwyn glanced toward Arlean. "At least we know where we're headed next!"
It is now Hero killers' turn! Arlean is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "One attacks Lothos with a thrown dagger..." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+8: (17)+8: 25 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d3+2+2d6: (1)+2+(9): 12 GAME: You damaged Lothos for 12 points. 5 remaining. <OOC> Benthus says, "And the other on, Terewin." GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+8: (18)+8: 26 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d6+2+2d6: (3)+2+(3): 8 GAME: You damaged Terewin for 8 points. 18 remaining. The cowled assassin that drew near to Lothos takes out a throwing dagger and hurls it at him. The blade penetrates his clothes and injures a vital organ.
It is now Arlean's turn! Terewin is next!
GAME: Arlean rolls melee-2: (7)+4+-2: 9 "Thanks, lass," Arlean shouts as Godwyn drops the one in front of him, then steps over the inert form and makes a beeline for the one picking on the witch on the ceiling. As he moves, there's that ominous baritone note again, and this time, the morningstar's head glows a pale mauve. Odd, that. This, time, though, the color doesn't quite get the job done, and his stroke goes wide.
It is now Terewin's turn! Lothos is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Terewin, there is a foe in front of you. I forgot your ready action, so attack twice." <OOC> Terewin says, "First ready action then." GAME: Terewin rolls melee+1: (11)+7+1: 19 GAME: Terewin rolls 1d8+6: (1)+6: 7 <OOC> Terewin says, "And then on my turn chalange him and 2wf." GAME: Terewin rolls melee+1-2: (1)+7+1+-2: 7 GAME: Terewin rolls melee+1-2: (7)+7+1+-2: 13 Terewin swings a powerfull two handed blow at the thug as it closes with range, spinning the weapon on the backswing for a wider grip and trying to bring both ends of the blade down only to miss the scummy bugger "You and me, come on. Lets see how you are in a fair fight!"
It is now Lothos' turn! Godwyn is next!
<OOC> Lothos says, "Ok, I shall try to cast a spell now at the guy who threw a dagger at me. Lvl 1 spell. so DC is 17 I believe. I roll 1d20+5 level +5 int bonus." GAME: Lothos rolls 1d20+10: (9)+10: 19 <OOC> Lothos says, "Rod of reach + shocking grasp. Ranged touch attack" GAME: Lothos rolls ranged-2-2: (2)+6+-2+-2: 4 Lothos is annoyed, and while he floats on the ceiling he draws a small rod and tries to use a spell. He manages to pull it off, but his aim is horrible, an arc of electricity zapping out but only hitting the ground.
It is now Godwyn's turn! Hero Killers is next!
<OOC> Godwyn says, "Power Attack on Terewin's target..." GAME: Godwyn rolls Melee+2: (5)+9+2: 16 GAME: Godwyn rolls PA Damage: (8)+11: 19 Once again, Godwyn thanked Althea for Cavaliers. The challenge she'd made came in handy to distract him, and she wasn't about to waste the opportunity. Another charge, and with eerie precision, Godwyn struck the third assailant down. "Nothing like some good teamwork!"
It is now Hero killers' turn! Arlean is next!
<OOC> Benthus will let Arlean roll AoO first. GAME: Arlean rolls melee-2: (5)+4+-2: 7 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+8: (8)+8: 16 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d6+2+2d6: (5)+2+(7): 14 GAME: You damaged Terewin for 14 points. 4 remaining. The cowled foe that was set on taking Terewin’s life attempts to stab him even despite the presence of Arlean. The defensive attack set by the bard is easily evaded by the assassin and thus he is able to puncture Terewin’s chest with his dagger.
It is now Arlean's turn! Terewin is next!
GAME: Arlean rolls melee-2: (15)+4+-2: 17 GAME: Arlean rolls 1d8+2: (8)+2: 10 This thing don't know what a fair fight is, mate," Arlean shouts, then raises his weapon for another blow as the thing darts out past him and makes for the cavalier. It's too fast for the surprise blow he aims at it as it runs past, but scowling, he turns to follow it, and this time the blow lands true, bones cracking under the weight of the well-placed strike.
It is now Terewin's turn! Lothos is next!
GAME: Terewin rolls 1d8+4: (2)+4: 6 GAME: Terewin rolls 1d8+2: (1)+2: 3 (Terewin slashes at the goo that is holding him down...)
It is now Lothos' turn! Godwyn is next!
<OOC> Lothos says, "I shall try a zap again" GAME: Lothos casts Shocking Grasp. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16 GAME: Lothos casts Shocking Grasp. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16 GAME: Lothos rolls ranged-2-2: (5)+6+-2+-2: 7 Once more Lothos flails about on the cieling, stuck, nearly impossible for him to cast, and even though he tries, he keeps messing up either the spell or just can't hit anything.
It is now Godwyn's turn! Hero Killers is next!
GAME: Godwyn rolls Melee: (8)+9: 17 GAME: Godwyn rolls PA Damage: (9)+11: 20 The Sentinel no longer felt the need to do anything else. The point had been proven, and thus the only thing she needed was to walk up to him and cut the last one down. "Back to the pit where you came from."
As the last of the murderous dark elf assassins have been eliminated, the room becomes deathly quiet. You look around the room again, searching for anything out of the ordinary, but there is none to be found. And so there is little else for the group to do except get out, and the only way out is through the door you came in.
Lothos grumbles, "Annoying, highly annoying, but I suggest since we know the name of his enemy, we possibly go help them? Anyone got a suggestion?"
Terewin finishes hacking the goo away and inspecting the dead bodies to make sure they are dead and look for any clues as to where they came from. "Look for something, anything. There may be a clue."
Godwyn put her sword back in its place of peace and turned toward the others. "That's a fair idea, but he's swept the room clear with whatever he did." She huffed. "Well at least the trail hasn't gone cold. Tomorrow, I'm making my way to the slums and finding Terrance. He's the only way we're going to find out more about the incident at the Temples."
Godwyn gave Terewin a good once-over. "Here, let me help..." She placed her right hand on one of the Cavalier's shoulders and whispered a prayer to Althea. Soon enough, her wounds abated, at least a little..
GAME: Godwyn casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 5 DC: 14 GAME: Godwyn rolls 1d8+5: (2)+5: 7 GAME: You damaged Terewin for -7 points. 11 remaining.
A quick look around, and Arlean shakes his head, letting out another salty oath. "Right, let's bugger off afore more of 'em show up. Hold up." He strides over to the door and, placing a shoulder against it, opens a crack and looks out.
GAME: You clear initiatives. GAME: Benthus has cleared initiatives.
As soon as the door of the room is opened, a rush of water floods inside, tsunami like in force. It could pretty much throw an ox off of its feet. The water rushes in fast, and there appears to be no other exit except through the door where you came in. To get out, you have to swim through the corridor until you reach the room connected to the fish warehouse. But the force of the water coming in would make it impossible or very difficult for any person to swim against. The only way to swim through would be by letting the room fill up with water until the pressure reaches equilibrium. It appears that Mattias planned on drowning everyone inside the room, including his own men.
(Roll swim check (DC10) four times. Each time you fail, you have to roll fort save (DC10). If you fail, you will take damage. The DM will determine how much damage you will take.)
GAME: Godwyn rolls Swim: (4)+-2: 2 GAME: Godwyn rolls Swim: (14)+-2: 12 GAME: Godwyn rolls Swim: (10)+-2: 8 GAME: Godwyn rolls Swim: (4)+-2: 2 GAME: Godwyn rolls Fort: (4)+11: 15 GAME: Godwyn rolls Fort: (17)+11: 28 GAME: Godwyn rolls Fort: (3)+11: 14
GAME: Arlean rolls swim: (11)+2: 13 GAME: Arlean rolls swim: (11)+2: 13 GAME: Arlean rolls swim: (5)+2: 7 GAME: Arlean rolls swim: (14)+2: 16 GAME: Arlean rolls fort: (3)+3: 6
GAME: Terewin rolls swim: (12)+1: 13 GAME: Terewin rolls swim: (11)+1: 12 GAME: Terewin rolls swim: (18)+1: 19 GAME: Terewin rolls swim: (15)+1: 16
GAME: Lothos rolls swim+4: (4)+0+4: 8 GAME: Lothos rolls swim+4: (5)+0+4: 9 GAME: Lothos rolls swim+4: (2)+0+4: 6 GAME: Lothos rolls swim+4: (6)+0+4: 10 GAME: Lothos rolls fort: (15)+4: 19 GAME: Lothos rolls fort: (9)+4: 13 GAME: Lothos rolls fort: (12)+4: 16
As you swim towards the now darkened room beneath the warehouse, you realize that the entire ceiling has collapsed, and this is what caused the passageway and room to be filled with water. The good news is that it is easier for you to swim to the surface now.
Godwyn's head burst from the surface. She growled as she made her way back toward the docks. "That... was definitely... a trap!" This is just pissing him off to no end, the water fills up and Lothos swims as hard as he can, despite being weak, at least his body isnt heavy due to his special abilities. He manages to make it out alive, barely.
The group of adventurers leave the docks, but unbeknown to them, submerged beneath the sea are several dark silhouette figures, making their way towards the sea port.