Brilliant Gameologists Forum
Playtime! => Retired PbP Games => Play by Post General => CharOp Game => : AfterCrescent May 27, 2008, 02:04:05 AM
-
As the sunlight begins to crawl through the small windows on opposite sides of the wall, the smells begin to stir those inside. The smell of flour is in the air. This smell is dampened by the stench of stale ale, which, in turn, is mitigated by the overpowering smell of salt water.
Even before enough light sneaks in to force one's eyes open, the brief flash of nausea creeps into the pit of their stomachs. That light swaying is then overcome by the sound of the waves crashing outside the window. After a brief stint of confusion, five strange people begin to stir and open their eyes.
Suddenly everything comes flowing in. They are all within what appears to be a holding cell. Realizing they have been sleeping uncomfortably on the floor, they quickly rise and take stock of their surroundings. The bars of the cell rise into the ceiling and are bolted to the planks at the top and bottom of the cell. The bars seem moderately maintained, although there is sporadic rust about them. In a room less than twenty feet by twenty feet, the roof is barely seven feet above the floor. The cell itself is maybe seven or eight feet on a side. In this small cabin, bags of flour are stacked in sets of six somewhat haphazardly around the room. Off in one corner of the room, a table is nailed to the wall and a chair lies on its side.
Whether mistaken for someone else or by some unknown nefarious plot, these five people realize they're captives on some ship. And worse, they can't remember anything since the previous afternoon.
Map
[spoiler]| 0|A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|
| 1| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2| | |W|W|W|W|D|D|W|W|W|W|W|W| | |
| 3| | |W|T| | | | | | | |S|S|W| | |
| 4| | |W|C| | | | | | | |S|S|W| | |
| 5| | |W| | | |_|_|_|_| | |S|W| | |
| 6| | |W| | | | | | | | | | |W| | |
| 7| | |W| | | | | | | | | | |W| | |
| 8| | |W| | | | | | | | | | |W| | |
| 9| | |W| | | |_|_|_|_| | | |W| | |
|10| | |W|S|S| | | | | | | | |W| | |
|11| | |W|S|S|S| | | | |S|S|S|W| | |
|12| | |W|S|S|S| | | | |S|S|S|W| | |
|13| | |W|W|W|W|W|W|W|W|W|W|W|W| | |
|14| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
[/spoiler]
-
Dimentarak's Prologue:
The sword came down and cut straight down the body of the unarmed old man. The elderly monk told his pupil "Dimen, stay back! You are not ready for this foe!" and tumbled forward to attack to human in white armor, but even with his incredible tumbling, the spinning swords sliced at him and the man grit his teeth in pain, having not expected his foe to find an opening to attack.
The monk's fist burst into flame as he striked the human in white armor, landing a solid blow. Yet for some reason the human was not nearly as injured as he should have been. The armored human smiled even as the blow connected and brought his blade to attack the monk even as the monk's attack was landing.
"Fool" the armored man said as he took a step back and prepared to attack the elderly monk. "To think I could be defeated by the likes of you?"
Even as wounds were beginning to appear on the armored man exactly where the monk had hit him moments ago, the spinning sword came down, slicing into the monk forcing the monk to fall onto his hands and knees. A soft glow flowed up the blade to the armored mans wounds and they vanished as if they were never there.
"It is pointless to resist. Move even an inch and you die." the human said with a wide smile.
The student could only look on in shock as the monk-his master-struggled before him. He had never seen his master so horribly outmatched before.
"Dimen...run...escape while you can..." the old monk said.
As the last word was spoken, Dimentarak found a knife at his throat as a man shrouded in black was now behind him, having somehow eluding Dimentarak's senses.
"Should I kill this one?"
"No. Put him in a holding cell. He might be able to tell us what we need to know if this vermin fails to talk." the armored man said.
"I won't tell you anything!" the elderly monk says.
"We'll see about that." the man in white armor says, swinging the spinning sword once more, hitting the old monk at full force with the blunt side of the blade.
Dimentarak opened his mouth to speak, but the scene faded to black as a blow with a sap connected with the back of his skull rendering him unconscious.
***
Dimentarak awoke with a start. "Master!"
[spoiler]Can you fit my character's villain into your campaign world, After?[/spoiler]
-
The thing next to you stirs, a tangle of gangly white limbs and gossamer black.
It buzzes into movement, a blur of grey. In a flash it darts to the corners of the room, then comes back to a small circular orbit near the others.
"This is new to this being. Query: is common to lose awareness and be transported elsewhere? Register for later consideration."
It turns two huge, blank black orbs on the other figures in the room. It's queer, noseless face seems little more than an expressionless, ivory mask, cut by a wide slash of a mouth.
"Salutations - you beings are new to this being. Query: what are you? Supplementary query: what is this locale?"
-
After hours of unconsciousness, Scearagh slowly opens his eyes and to find himself in strange surroundings. His clothes are clean and his wounds dressed. Sitting up brings with it a slight pain in his temples; blinking through it with gritted teeth, he moves to sit with his back against the bars and take stock of the other creatures trapped like him.
"Why am I in a cage?" The cadence is ambiguous: simultaneously subdued, ebullient, and curious. He takes another look at the winged creature with the odd speech pattern. "And what, pray, are you," he asks, raising a blond eyebrow that matched his long, braided hair.
-
The thing in the air spends a moment with its head cocked.
"Query requires specification of level of engagement . . . difficult to ascertain immediate response. Uncertain as to nature of being - what is nature of being? Matter alone or intangible assets?"
It circuits the room, blank expression focused inward. Suddenly, it halts, its eyes widening, and darts back, pausing only inches from Sceargh's face.
"Insufficient information to process initial query - this being is uncertain as to nature of self. Accessing data on interaction, it occurs to this being that query might have been initiation of greeting subroutine . . . ? If correct, then this being would respond with identification assignation for ease of communication, yes?"
It draws back, black eyes glittering in anticipation.
-
The cloaked heap lying haphazardly against the cell bars begins to stir, apparently in response to the conversation and commotion around him. After a few minutes of erratic twitching movements the bundle of crimson cloth begins muttering incomprehensibly. His quiet protestations wane momentarily before he jolts up into a disheveled sitting position as a terrified cry escapes his gray lips with a half-understood crescendo.
“…ot again!”
In seconds he comes to his senses, and quickly takes stock of himself. He glances at the faces around the apparent prison as he darts his hand up to the edge of his cowl. An astute observer might notice the sense of relief this man felt when he found a crimson headband still in place across his temples. There was an eight-pointed star of sorts upon the headband, centered in the dusky pallor of his forehead.
After taking a moment to adjust the cowl to hide his face in shadow, Tarwin thinks aloud
“What devilry has caught me up now…?”
-
Dimentarak just stares at the bars, avoiding conversation with the other captives. If they wanted to talk to him, he'd respond, but not before. He had too much on his mind. His teacher, Master Kato, was in danger. He might already be dead.
No, I must hope, Dimentarak thought. There is a chance he's alive. ...there's even a chance he's nearby.
If he is, then I can't stay here. I must find him, so we can escape from the man with the spinning sword.
He looked from one captive to the next. Maybe they could help him, if only to get out of this cage.
"Dimentarak is my name, though most call me 'Dimen' for short."
He couldn't manage even a fake smile. He was always bad at talking to strangers, having grown up in a tiny jungle village where everyone knew everyone and important conversations were done through a mindlink that his people could make, albeit only once a day.
"Are you all prisoners, then?" he said, not really knowing a better way to start a conversation than by asking a redundant question.
-
The last words of Dimentarak echo in Gammoan's head as he tries to regain consciousness in the far corner of the room partially beneath sacks and thus almost unseen. Slowly he forces himself up telling himself that every second he stays down might cause him his life and he was far from ready to give up. His surprise was great when he found himself locked within a room with other prisoners of various kinds. He had no idea what to do and only managed to utter a single sentence: "Did you get a glass of that crappy wine too?"
-
"Actually it as a man who appeared out of shadows. He hit me pretty hard." Dimetarak said, rubbing his hand against the back of his skull.
He looked between the creatures. He really wasn't good at this sort of thing.
"What about you?" he said to the handsome human. "I am called Dimen."
[spoiler]My character has a Cha of 6. He's not ugly, but he's socially inept. Help the guy out a little...I'm not going to break roleplay to advance the plot for you lazy bums. :p[/spoiler]
-
Scearagh glances to the slightly awkward kalashtar, then answers the flying creature's question. "Identification assignation," he says with a bemused tone and cocked head. "Aye, that would be the right of it. My name is Scearagh*, and this," he looks back to Dimentarak with a wink, "is apparently Dimen. The other two I do not know, but won't we be introducing ourselves soon enough? Your name is ..." The question is left hanging, waiting for the black-eyed creature's response.
[spoiler]He pronounces his name like scary.[/spoiler]
-
"Name? Query requires identification moniker response, yes?"
The thing spends a moment hanging in the air, wings buzzing faintly. It's wide black eyes stare off, it's wide, block head cocked at an angle.
"This being is without moniker - if identification is required, would gentle-beings choose?"
-
Scearagh blinks. "You mean to say that you do not have a name?" The young man's voice is filled with curiosity.
-
The thing nods, its head bobbing loosely on its spindly neck.
"This being is only generated recently . . . has never had cause to be assigned identifier . . . name. This being is still only starting the accumulation of sense-information."
-
His expression soft and solemn, Scearagh gets to his feet and moves to stand eye to eye with the unnamed creature. Taking its hands in his, he says, "You are without name, without experience. As a child you be, and as a child shall you be known. You shall be called by the name Brend, which is the Little Raven. You are raven hued, after all," he finishes with a wink.
He lets Brend's hands go and, turning to look at each prisoner in turn, says, "Well, shouldn't we be learning the names of the others in this little cell, now?"
-
The green-clad figure leaning against the bars raises his left hand to shield a cough, and hitching himself up onto his feet, offers his right hand in greeting.
“I am called Tarwin. It seems you all have had different roads to this cell. Alas, you'll be no help to me in trying to remember how I came to this prison. I should ought to learn that before I break my way out, if I can. Although it doesn't look as though we'll be getting many answers in here any time soon.”
Tarwin finishes that last with a slow but wary visual circuit of the room outside the bars.
-
"Tarwin," almost rhythmic cadences say, "this is Brend, newly become. Brend, this is Tarwin. May the hinges of your friendship never grow rusty."
*[spoiler]Tarwin ... Tarwin's Gap?[/spoiler]
-
The thing blinks. "Registering identification and storing - entities Sceargh, Dimetarak, Tarwin, and . . . this being will respond to moniker 'Brend.'" It nods at each named creature in turn, flexing it's wide, three-fingered hands.
"Consumption of bad-wine being's moniker?"
-
Gammoan's small figure seemed to have fallen into a somekind of a meditative trance when others were introducing themselves, but afraid of falling of the group and having to fight all of his room mates he quickly and abruptly uttered, almost shouted, "I am Gammoan Clotter!" Though he realized his pervasive introduction was not the subtlest one he decided not to fix the fruit of his social ineptitude and nervously started to go through the stuff in his spell component pouch with his fingers.
-
"All beings here can now identify by monikers." The spindly white Brend flies over to the bars, inspecting them.
"Query: all beings here wish freedom from restricting environmental attributes? This being can eliminate wooden structures, but would risk inflammation of entire supporting framework."
It briefly blinks, then swoops near each of the caged beings in turn.
"Preventative measures for protecting these beings from harmful effects of internal combustion unit engaged."
It flies about, pausing to make arcane gestures briefly over each being's head. As it does, each feels a curious adaptation . . . and suddenly become more acclimated to the temperature of the room.
-
"Burn the bars?" Dimentarak asked. "That might take a while. The floor, however..."
Flurry of Blows on the floor. (1d20+2=3, 1d20+2=22) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1664209/)
Dimen swings down twice at the floor. The first attack is ineffective(Nat 1), but the second attack lands squarely on the floor.
Damage on the Floor (1d6+4=9) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1664224/) 4 damage after hardness.
Pieces of the board go flying as his blow lands.
"Alright Brend. The floor isn't that strong. You can do fire and I'll do fist."
-
After only a few seconds of destruction Gammoan decides to step in to express his concern "Are we not on a boat? In that case I would not start destroying the floor as the primary method of escaping..."
-
Tarwin looks around the top of the cell, taking interest in how the bars are attached to the deck above.
Perhaps we can dismantle the cage by burning out the anchor points above?
Did that thing say "combustion?" How is it going to do that? What is it talking about? Tarwin whispers to the nearest person.
-
As Dimentarak slams his fist into the wooden plank below him, the wood receive a solid crack, and it looks like another solid hit could punch right through that plank.
-
The spindly creature flits near Tarwin.
"Combustion is a side-effect possible through the combination in this being's internal systems of certain elements, which may then be emitted as heated exhalation from the facial orifice." It points a single, elongated and nail-less finger at the rapidly growing hole in the floor.
"Emissions are sometimes complex to control, however, and it appears the application of blunt force has been to good effect. Expressions of excitement and gratitude are in order to being-Dimentarak?" It looks around, apparently waiting for approval of its assertion.
-
"Well, are we all just going to stand here staring at each other like idiots?"
-
Dimentarak continues his assault on the floor.
Flurry of Blows on the floor. (1d20+2=6, 1d20+2=19) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1670860/)
Both of his blows land solidly this time. The first one lands very hard and the second, while not as impressive, was still effective.
Damage to the Floor. (1d6+4=10, 1d6+4=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1670861/)
Should be 5 and 2 damage after Hardness. Did I break anything yet? :D I can roll the next couple rounds if you want.
-
The spindly pale creature flies back and forth, watching the progress excitedly.
"What should we beings next attempt? This being is currently without direction, but is curious as to the purpose of confinement - and why this assortment of beings? Where were we bound, why on a bouyant vessel - this is a water-travelling craft, is it not?"
-
As Dimen continues his focused assault on the floor boards, they first creak, then crack, and finally break away. The sound of wood on wood with the splash of a puddle can be heard as the floor boards fall into darkness below. After half a minute, Dimen has broken a hole big enough to squeeze through, and down into the darkness below.
-
As Dimen continues his focused assault on the floor boards, they first creak, then crack, and finally break away. The sound of wood on wood with the splash of a puddle can be heard as the floor boards fall into darkness below. After half a minute, Dimen has broken a hole big enough to squeeze through, and down into the darkness below.
Dimentarak goes to his pack and pulls out a torch that burns without heat. Shining the light he sees the floor below, he slings his pack over his shoulder and jumps down, landing easily on the deck beneath.
Jump check vs. DC 15 (1d20+4=17) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1671127/)(to avoid falling damage)
He shines the light around to get a better view of the room, then when(or if) he doesn't see any obvious threat, he says, "Next."
-
"What is next?
Startled, Dimentarak notices the staring, all-black eyes of the spindly creature next to him It hovers expectantly?
-
As Dimen falls gracefully to the floor below, his feet make a light splashing sound. As he waves the torch around the room, he sees the curved walls and the light go on towards the other end of the ship before falling into darkness. From his best guess, he seems to be in a room at the bottom of the ship. Nothing dangerous seems nearby, although the smell from the puddle soaking his sandals finally reaches his nose. It reeks of a mixture of feces and salt water, quite an unpleasant smell.
-
"Make way," Scearagh tells those already down below before jumping himself. He lands, catching his balance by grabbing onto Dimentarek's sleeve, and promptly pulls the collar of his shirt over his nose and mouth.
-
Before Scearagh jump Gammoan takes a hold of his clothes and lands down with him. Clearly he isn't too happy with such athletical performances. "Thanks for the ride."
OOC:[spoiler]NIN: In case you have something against this course of action I can edit my post accordingly.[/spoiler]
-
The flyer is down in a flash, hovering over the water. "Interesting!"
-
Tarwin peers down through the hole in the floor and sneers at what he believes he sees below him. Despite the sneer, he quickly squeezes through the hole, and lands with a grunt as he twists an ankle upon landing.
Jump check to avoid damage, and damage in case I miss it. (1d20+0=11, 1d6=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1673942/)
There is a soft glow as he whispers a soft prayer, and casts a Cure Minor Wounds (converted from Read Magic).
-
As the group gathers in the inch of mud-like fecal-water, the sound of the sea against the hull of the ship makes it abundantly clear that they are near the bottom of the vessel. As their eyes adjust to the shadowy illumination, two other holes in the ceiling of this room, both under a foot wide, can be seen. In addition to these small holes, a ladder of sorts can be seen on the port side almost on the opposite end of the ship from the group.
OOC:[spoiler]Welcome to the Bilge room :P Also, listen checks, everyone.[/spoiler]
-
OOC:Listen check: 1d20+1=4 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1674297/) Not my day.
-
Dimentarak proceeds cautiously in the direction of the ladder, holding the heatless torch.
Listen check (1d20+5=18) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1674365/)
Wow. He might have actually heard something. That wasn't supposed to happen.
-
Check - 1d20+5 = 10. Find it here: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1674501/ (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1674501/).
-
Listen Check (1d20+2=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1675001/)
Tarwin hears nothing aside from the waves against the hull and the splashing of his partymates' feet.
-
Listen check (1d20 7=19) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1675814/)
-
As the group examines the bilge room and its horrendous smells, Dimen and Scearagh hear the unmistakable sound of a door slamming closed, although this sound seems to come from one of the premade holes in the ceiling, and most certainly not the one Dimen just made.
-
Scearagh's eyebrow rises as he looks to the source of the noise in anticipation.
-
Dimen hears the sound of the door slam and looks up to the holes.
"I would suggest not walking beneath the holes." he says quietly. "I think I can guess what they are used for."
He continues to walk towards the ladder, his heatless torch providing light for everyone.
-
The spindly creature cocks it's blockish head to one side, eying the holes.
"Query-request: explicate further on purpose of holes? Unclear as to intent and usage, and concerned as to warning of proximity-danger."
-
"Excrement disposal. It's not exactly dangerous, just unpleasant." Scearagh smirks a little and follows Dimen.
-
"Ah! By-products of organic life are eliminated here!" The creature blinks, smiling with it's wide slash of a mouth.
-
Dimen carefully walks through the disgusting bilge water, eventually making it to the ladder on the far side of the room. As he climbs his way up, Brend hovers just next to him, watching curiously.
Upon reaching the latch covering the exit, Dimen motions for silence and listens to see if there is anyone on the other side of the roof.* Satisfied that the room above is empty, he tries to open the covering, only to meet with resistance. One quick punch and the latch splinters off the door and the passageway flies open.
Brend flies out of the bilge room after Dimen, and the others quickly follow, glad to be rid of the smell below. As Tarwin moves to close the covering over the room below, the others prepare to make their escape.**
The curious Brend follows the examples of the others, and places his ear to the wall. The fey-like creature hears the distinct sound of other creatures whispering beyond the wall.***
OOC
[spoiler]*Dimen's Listen (1d20+5=14) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1686423/)
** Listen: Tarwin, Gammoan, Dimen, Brend, Scearagh (1d20+2=15, 1d20+1=2, 1d20+5=12, 1d20+5=24, 1d20+7=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1686428/)
***Initiative: Tarwin, Gammoan, Dimen, Brend, Scearagh (1d20+2=16, 1d20+1=9, 1d20+2=3, 1d20+3=11, 1d20-1=1) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1686431/)
Tarwin (16)
Brend (11)
Gammoan (9)
Dimen (3)
Scearagh (1)
Brend beats the enemies initiative and may act during the surprise round. :D[/spoiler]
-
Query: To what purpose does one's lowered voice serve? Brand asks. Almost instantly, before anyone has the chance to respond or wonder why it asked such an odd question, the sound of splintering wood reaches the party's ears.
With the sound, comes the sight of the door splintering off its hinges and flying almost into Dimen. With cat-like reflexes, the young Kalastar spins out of the way of the door that otherwise would have knocked him to the floor. A scragly man steps in through the door. His hair is wild and unkept and his clothing betrays his sailor-profession. While not muscle-built, the sailor doesn't appear to be scrawny or suffering from any of the many diseases known to plague the seas. Yar! Tryin' to escape, are ye. Ya goin' back to the brig, so don't try nothin' funny. With his instructions stated, he raises one fist menacingly, and it's clear there are four more sailors behind him in the hall, waiting.
[spoiler]Tarwin is up, then Brend and Gammoan. I'll NPC Brend for this scene, if necessary.
Versus Str Check (1d20+6=18, 1d20+4=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1697309/) Help from the other sailors managed to knock the door past Dimen.
Reflex (1d20+4=20) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1697316/) But Dimen's able to keep his feet. ;)[/spoiler]
-
Tarwin mutters a prayer to Kord, and someone paying close attention might almost swear he saw a trace of fire following in the trail of his gesturing fingers
“May Kord grant us the strength to overcome this obstical.”
You all feel more sure of your ability to strike these rapscallions.
[spoiler]Tarwin cast Bless on everyone in the party.[/spoiler]
-
Query: This one can cause the offender to combust. Do all present wish that? Brend asks as he hovers just to the side of the sailor. [spoiler]Brend delays... for now[/spoiler]
-
Gammoan decides to wait and look for an opening and instructs his comrades "Out of the way, I think I know what to do!"
[spoiler]I delay.[/spoiler]
-
WHAT DID I JUST SAY?! The sailor half growls, his anger clear in his words as he storms by Brend and Dimen to stand directly in front of Tarwin. Half a second after he moves, the two middle sailors step forward, and the one who enters the room produces a mass of rope. Okay, hands together in front of you, and no one gets hurt. The irony is not lost on everyone as the first sailor attempts to deck Tarwin at the same time the rope-bearer makes his comment.
The fist flies wide, though, as Tarwin takes half a step back. The rage on his face is even more apparent as his inadequacy irks him further. The one man standing in the doorway appears to be the leader, though. This appearance is not soley because he is better dressed, but rather because the two men on either side of him keep glancing at him as if waiting for instruction. He glances back between the two men at his side and gives a light cough as he reveals the sabre held at his waste, clearly sending the message not to even try to resist.
-
Dimentarak prepares himself for their swings and keeps his eyes on the leader as he moves past the sailors into the hallway. He tries to move past them, at least.
Dex check (1d20+2=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1704491/)
Dodge on the Leader. Moving to H4, if possible.
-
The sailor holding the rope opens his eyes wide as Dimen darts around him, clearly surprised and much too slow to react to the nimble Kalastar. With a burst of effort, Dimen slams his body into what he believes to be the leader of this little band, slamming him square in the chest and knocking the wind out of the sailor. As he drops to his knees and then the ground, Dimen continues his spinning and moves around to the side of one of the many stunned sailors.
[spoiler] Overrun Str Check Leader v SDK str check (1d20+2=5, 1d20+4=24) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1704509/) Awesomely done. :P[/spoiler]
-
Just like all who have been victorious in numerous combats, Gammoan knew when he had to act and with a quick flick of wrist and few unintelligible words a cloud of pure magical energy flooded the enemies and from that point on Gammoan could only hope they remain down long enough for his companions to get rid of them.
[spoiler]Color spray to the guys in F5 and F4, I don't think I can fit anyone else in. If I can, I'll do so. Will save DC 18 negates.[/spoiler]
-
As Gammoan leaps infront of the group and releases a mass of magically-infused rainbow colored light, a short scream can be heard amidst the light. One of the sailors manages to cover his eyes as the spray floods over him; the others are not so lucky. When the light dies down, three of the sailors lay on the ground, unconscious, with a sligth twitching of their legs. When the sailor who survived the blast opens his eyes and see the mess before him, he promptly turns tail and runs down the hall, Dimen watching as he disappears up a flight of stairs.
[spoiler]The leader and two mooks fail. The last one takes his delayed action and bolts.
Mook Saves (1d20+2=21, 1d20+2=17, 1d20+2=15) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1705371/)
Leader Save (1d20+3=16) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1705378/)
Scearagh or JJ is up[/spoiler]
-
Dimen watches the flash of light and colors which thankfully didn't hit him directly. It looked vaguely familiar...wasn't there some sleep spell? This must be it.
Psicraft (1d20+2=14) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1705600/)
"Wait, don't kill them yet. We need to ask them where we are and how to get off this ship." Dimen quickly says.
He spots the rope one of them had had in hand. "We might even be able to tie some of them up."
-
With the other sailors collapsed around him, the last remaining boatsman half turned towards Gammoan. Tarwin could clearly see the anger drain from his face and something akin to fear creep across it. Brend, however, was quicker to notice the split second where the sailor's defenses were down. Capitalizing on this error, Brend opened his mouth and exhaled strongly.
Rather than hot air, a jet of flame sprang from Brend's mouth, enveloping both the surprised sailor and Tarwin. The flames slammed into the wall behind Tarwin before dissipating, leaving light scorch marks on the wood. As the flames vanished, Tarwin stood, clearly surprised, but unharmed by the fire. The last remaining sailor, however, did not fare as well. His unconscious body, covered in burn marks, fell to the ground, twitching slightly. The flames had happened so fast, he didn't even have time to scream.
Scearagh turned to view the mass of unconscious bodies collected around this group of escapees. Well what do we do about them? He said as he indicated the sailors who were not at risk of death immediately.
[spoiler]Brend BW (1d6=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1707877/)
Mook reflex (1d20=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1707878/) I have to comment that I'm kind of glad he failed... :P
Unconscious time (2d4=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1707884/)
Combat's over. There's enough rope to tie all of them up. Let me know which ones get tied up and/or killed and whether the burn victim is stabilized. :D[/spoiler]
-
Tarwin takes stock of the burned victim in front of him while eyeing Brend askance. He will spend a round or so observing the charred sailor and prepare to instill in him a drop of Kord's magnificence if it is needed to keep his soul from passing to the depths of hell.
[spoiler]Ready action to do Cure Minor Wounds from Read Magic if he continues to decline in health[/spoiler]
-
As the burn victim lays on the ground, convulsing, it quickly becomes apparent that if he is not given immediate aid, the wounds will only continue to get worse. Realizing this, Tarwin says a quick prayer and grants the sailor a splash of Kord's power. The burns and wounds begin to slightly scab, and the convulsions slow and then stop. The man will live to see another day.
[spoiler]Stabilize (1d100=38) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1740428/) After a Cure Minor Wounds, he's stable at -1 now.[/spoiler]
-
He looks among the motley bunch of escapees and is concerned that they wont fare so well unarmed. "You might want to grab whatever weapons you can find. Since that one sailor escaped so there's bound to be more showing up any minute now."
He notes the burned body and an idea hits him. "Does anyone have a torch? Mine glows by magic, but if we have a real torch available, I have an idea...we start a fire above deck and in the confusion we find a dingy and escape. Better yet, if Brend could set fire to the sails, I think they'd have difficulty following us."
-
Query: What is a 'sails?' Brend inquires as he turns to face Dimen. If it is combustible, this one could set fire to it.
-
"You ponder that, I will meanwhile make our foes harmless," Gammoan says with voice that radiated evil.
OOC: I'll tie the leader and shut his mouth with a cloth and coup de grace the rest. Actually, I tie one guy, the leader and kill the rest.
-
Dimen assists the gnome by puncturing a sailor's heart with his fingers plunged straight into the man's chest. He withdrew the bloody hand and wiped it on the man's clothing.
Coup-de-grace. (2d6+8=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1744740/)
-
Gammoan sets about tying the leader and the angry sailor that attacked Tarwin together while Dimen finishes off the others. As he begins to drag the bodies into the room and toss them down into the bilge below, the bound leader begins to wake up. He sits there stunned for a few more seconds as his sight and senses come back to him. "Wha.."
-
"One of them is up, who wants to ask him some questions?"
-
"I'll be keeping watch. One of you better do it." Dimen said.
The blood on his hand was washing away the doubt that was there previously. No doubt these people were in league with the man who killed his master!
-
[since Tshern and ksb won't answer the bug...]
Offscreen, Dimen coaches the mutant fire-breathing bug about what 'sails' are--large clothy things suspended vertically on a pole to catch the wind that propels the ship. They're also quite flammable.
-
"I can get to it, you keep guard," Gammoan replied and turned towards the leader of the group. "Now, I am sure you can give us some answers. A failure to answer properly and truthfully will amount to indescribable pain. Do not worry, we have plenty of experience in that. First: Where are we? Second: Why are we here? Thirdly: How do we get out"
-
Wha... The man shakes his head for a moment, clearing away the last remnants of the spell and looks around the room, seemingly taking in the entire scene. After an audible *gulp*, the man begins to answers Gammoan's questions.
You're on The Sailing Blade. I... I don't know why you're here. I don't ask questions. Especially about prisoners. If you think you can swim to shore, you can go down the hall and take the stairs to the deck. Otherwise, it'd probably be better to untie me and go back to your cell.
As the sailor answers Gammoan's questions, Dimen overhears the ship's name, The Sailing Blade. He distinctly remembers hearing that ship's name a couple months back. Seems the ship has a reputation for transporting anything, if the price is right.
[spoiler]Know (local) (1d20+5=11, 1d20+2=17) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1783668/) Of course SDK rolls higher than KSB :P[/spoiler]
-
"Do we believe this loser? I think not, but let's see if he can fix his lies. You had better try again and give us some more information. Tell us everything about the ship.
-
Sense Motive (1d20+3=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1787539/)
It sounds like he's telling the truth. I've heard of the Sailing Blade. It's a pirate ship that'll sell anything, so it fits. Still...we should probably take him with us to see if he's giving us the right directions. That way we can kill him if he's lying.
Aid Another: Intimidate (1d20-2=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1787545/)
(I need at least a +2 circumstance bonus to Intimidate for mentioning his death to aid you, Tshern)
-
"Yes, I think he is not being as forthcoming as he should be; perhaps I did the wrong thing in healing him. However, that wouldn't be hard to rectify."
Intimidate (1d20+7=21) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1790330/)
-
The sailor begins to shake a bit, possibly in fear. I... I'm not lying. Please don't hurt me. You really are on The Sailing Blade. We're about a day's sailing out to sea. The coast faded out of sight yesterday sometime. The store rooms are that way. He indicates with a nod to the right, back toward the room you all escaped from. I mean... What else do you want to know?
-
"Why were we abducted? Who paid you to transport us? Where are we being transported to? How many other pieces of kidnapping scum are there on this ship?" Tarwin states, inclining his head toward the sailor so as to make perfectly clear that the sailor before him is included in that list of scum.
-
I don't know. I'm not the captain! I'm just one of like thirty other sailors.
-
Then he comes with us. And if he was lying we kill him.
(who wants to carry the human shield?)
-
P...Please don't kill me. I just follow orders! We're sailing to the capital of Vrynn. Clearly scared of the three men who decimated his sailors, the minor leader begins to sob as he begs for his life.
As his sobbing dwindles, Gammoan hears a door slam open and footsteps descend down stairs in the distance.
We know you are there, Scum! Release your captives and return to your cell and no further harm shall befall you.
The voice is gruff, laced with a thick dwarven accent and carries down the hallway and into the bilge room exit with you.
[spoiler]Listen (1d20+1=10, 1d20+2=7, 1d20+3=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1834259/) Wow the dice hated most of you ;)
Vrynn is the name of the country, Knowledge Local if you care to know more.
I assume you are all in the room during the questioning, since you've all talked to him. Let me know if I'm mistaken about that.[/spoiler]
-
Startled at the gruff voice from down the hall, Tarwin jerks upright. He feels a welling of power churning deep within his soul; a churning he has come to dread. Very quickly a curse finds its way to his lips.
"Schisse..." he curses in a tongue of the lower planes. Any onlookers in the room would see him staring at his hands in horror.
[spoiler]Player note: I'm giving myself a maximum of 5 rounds before I release an "uncontrolable" burst of Eldritch "fire."[/spoiler]
-
Um...Tarwin...what are you doing?
Dimen takes a few steps back.
-
The sound of feet tapping carries down the hall, accompanied by the impatient dwarven voice, You have three seconds to release your captives or we'll stop being hospitable.
-
Dimen laughs. "Oh yeah?" he says."Well come and get some!"
-
Tarwin glares at Dimen in horror. "No! Stay back!" he screams at the men behind the door.
-
Gammoan keeps his head calm and whispers to his friends making sure that their prisoners won't hear it "If we consider diversion necessary, I can create an illusion of a huge cloud of fog. If you know it isn't real, you can pierce it, while they cannot. We probably need all the advantage we can get."
-
You asked for it. The gruff voice states very matter-of-factly. Footsteps echo down the hall, and in under a second six sailors break into view. The leader is a dwarf, bulky even for their race. His face is covered in scars and his beard looks as if it's been set on fire... multiple times. Complete with two visible daggers on his belt, some leather armor and a mouth full of missing teeth, the fat dwarf looks itching for a rumble. The other five motley sailors look less sure of themselves, but have still drawn sabers.
[spoiler=Map](http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7817/bilgesd0.jpg)[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Init]
19 - Dimen
17 - Pirates
6 - Gammoan
4- Tarwin
[/spoiler]
-
Dimentarak eyes glowed fiercely with desire for battle and there is whooshing sound of displaced air as he disappears from his current position and reappears by the doorway. He lashes out at the Dwarf with a punch, followed by a kick. He adjusted his stance slightly against the Dwarf.
[spoiler=Action summary]
Dimension Hop as a Swift action to F5, then flurry of blows on the Dwarf:
Flurry of Blows (1d20+2=10, 1d20+2=17) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1915273/)
For the attack that might hit:
damage (1d6+4=7) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1915279/)
Declaring Dodge against the Dwarf.[/spoiler]
-
As Dimentarak's foot just barely glances off the Dwarf's breast, he growls, You'll pay for that, you li'l pissant. In a flash, he reaches out and grabs Dimen's orange belt belt. He quickly twists, jerking Dimen off his feet and in a half-pulling motion, throws Dimen over his shoulder and into the wall behind him.
A toothless smile creeps across the Dwarf's face as he eyes Gammoan and Tarwin. Grab the other two, boys. The motley crew nods in agreements and quickly fills the room. One lone sailor stays back, clearly surprised by the impact of Dimen slamming into the wall. He blatantly fumbles with his sabre, unable to get a grasp firm enough to strike at Dimen
The other four take their cues and file in around Gammoan and Tarwin, brandishing their blades menacingly. Well?! What are ya waitin' fer? Their leader hollers and the sailors spring into action, slashing Gammoan and Tarwin. Both sailors strike true as their blades pierce Gammoan. The two on Tarwin, however, fail to pierce his armor.
The Dwarf begins chuckling to himself.
[spoiler=Rolls]Opposed Trip (1d20+4=10, 1d20+7=19) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1917459/)
Attack Dimen (1d20+2=3, 1d6+1=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1917462/)
Attack Gammoan (1d20+2=19, 1d6+1=4, 1d20+2=13, 1d6+1=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1917464/) Ouch, 7 for Tshern....
Attack Tarwin (1d20+2=3, 1d6+1=2, 1d20+2=7, 1d6+1=4) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1917467/)
[/spoiler]
Edit: [spoiler=Updated Map](http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/7666/bilge2ala9.jpg)[/spoiler]
-
Tarwin barely notices the two pirates that close with him; his concentration is set on the battle within himself, trying through sheer willpower to douse the infernal fires welling in his hands. The rasping grate of knife blades sliding off his chain shirt brings his attention back to the encroaching hoard of filthy men in front of him.
Tarwin’s eyes squint and his pupils roll up as the rising tide within him almost scours away what little remains of his soul. Some subconscious fragment of his embattled mind twists his knowledge of magical healing, and the welling tide pauses as the darkness in him finds a tributary through which to flood out of him.
The stemming of the rising evil is a blessing of Kord, but Tarwin’s momentary relief is cut short as he opens his eyes to see the dark stain of his soul taking shape in the air before him. Fluttering globules of evil coalesced and grew inky wings and vicious maws that proceeded to descend upon the Dwarf and several of the other unkempt ruffians.
[spoiler]Knowledge (Local) for Knowledge Devotion vs. Humanoids (1d20+5=23) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1924649/) (results in +2 insight to attacks and damage)
Concentration to cast Summon Swarm on the defensive, utilizing Devil's Favor. (1d20+8=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1924655/) (DC 17)
Utilizing my Luck Domain reroll. (1d20+8=22) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1924656/) (DC 17...again)
Swarm damage, +2 due to Knowledge Devotion (assuming it applies here, which it may well not) (1d6+2=6) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1924666/)
The “bat” swarm sprouts in spaces F4, F5, E5, E6[/spoiler]
-
OOC: I will toss my stuff on Monday or on Tuesday, sorry about yet another delay...
-
"Let's see how they navigate through this..." Gammoan conjures a cloud of mist that fills the lower deck. Naturally it is all illusion, but how would all the poor sailors know it?
OOC: Silent image as expected, then I'll move close to the back of the room we are in, away from the door.
-
Knowing the fog is an illusion, but that his opponents could still somewhat see him, Dimentarak teleports ten feet away(H3) and stands up. Focusing even more of his mental energy, he sets up a barrier of force with his mind and keeps his eyes trained on the Dwarf(his Dodge Target).
"Try to hit me now, fat dwarf."
[spoiler]Armor Class is now 19(20 vs. Dwarf)[/spoiler]
-
[spoiler=OOC]By the way, the DC for the Silent image is 17. I get +7 from intelligence, racial bonus and Spell focus.[/spoiler]
-
[spoiler]Concentration: 1d20+7=10 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1942392/)
Failed, failed hard.[/spoiler]
-
"Let's see how they navigate through this..." Gammoan begins to conjure a cloud of mist to fill the lower deck. His concentration is quickly thrown off by the scimitars slashing through the air, interrupting his casting. He deftly dodges back, out of the center of the room, determined to not be easily surrounded.
Meanwhile, Tarwin barely notices the two pirates that close with him; his concentration is set on the battle within himself, trying through sheer willpower to douse the infernal fires welling in his hands. The rasping grate of knife blades sliding off his chain shirt brings his attention back to the encroaching hoard of filthy men in front of him.
Tarwin’s eyes squint and his pupils roll up as the rising tide within him almost scours away what little remains of his soul. Some subconscious fragment of his embattled mind twists his knowledge of magical healing, and the welling tide pauses as the darkness in him finds a tributary through which to flood out of him.
The stemming of the rising evil is a blessing of Kord, but Tarwin’s momentary relief is cut short as he opens his eyes to see the dark stain of his soul taking shape in the air before him. Fluttering globules of evil coalesced and grew inky wings and vicious maws that proceeded to descend upon the Dwarf and several of the other unkempt ruffians.
Accompanied by a shrill shrieking, the summoned mass of bats descends on the sailors in a fury of blood. Three of the sailors in the bilge exit begin to scream as the bats bite and tear into their flesh. The gruff voice of the dwarf carries over their screams, Wha' tha hell?! Where'd these damn'd bats come from?
Seeing a brief opening, Dimentarak teleports away and stands up. Focusing even more of his mental energy, he sets up a barrier of force with his mind and keeps his eyes trained on the Dwarf. "Try to hit me now, fat dwarf."
Fat dwarf?! You li'l shit! The Dwarf's curses travel just over the shrieking of the bats. Close tha door and leave the damn pests with tha pris'ners. Almost as a single unit, the lone sailor and the Dwarf, advance on Dimentarak. As the stocky humanoid emerges from the swarming bats, he seems to be cloaked in a slight swirling shadow, making it difficult for Dimentarak to see his hands.
The sailor next to Dimentarak slashes out at him with his sabre, but Dimen easily parries it. As he dodges the weak blow, two blades fly out of the shadows at him. Thankfully, he was focused on the Dwarf, giving him just enough of an lead to twist out of the way of the blades.
Two of the sailors begin gagging and stumble out of the room, clearly attempting to escape the swirling vortex of bats. The other two, quickly withdraw from the room and slam the door shut, trapping most of the bats in the room with Gammoan and Tarwin.
[spoiler=Damage Taken]3 Pirates and the Dwarf have taken 5 damage each. Damn wounding ;)[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Map](http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/7769/bilge3we7.jpg)[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Init]19 - Dimen
17 - Pirates
6 - Gammoan
4- Tarwin
We're on Gammoan's initiative. If either of you have melee weapons drawn, you may take an AoO on the nauseated sailors as they move out of the room.[/spoiler]
-
"Tarwin, open the door and I will prepare a surprise for our foes!" Gammoan hishes preparing to release another wave of deadly arcana upon their capturers while swiftly moving to a better position.
[spoiler]OOC: The damn door is closed, I will read an action to cast a Color spray on the pirates. I am not sure which of the letters is Dimentarak, but I assume he is the D, so I move G5 before casting. This should not provoke any AoOs as bat swarms have no reach...[/spoiler]
-
The movement of the pirates had kicked up a lot of dust and Dimen had breathed it in. As he moves forward to swing his fist at the Dwarf, he sneezes and punches the wall instead. Acting quickly, he looks to see if there is anyplace he can fight without becoming surrounded as he begins to move away from the pirates.
[spoiler=Stuff]Yes, he punched a wall with this roll:
Attacking Dwarf (1d20+2=3) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1967210/)
In all cases, he's moving down the hallway(40 ft movement) away from the pirates. He provokes AoOs from two, but has AC 24 vs. Dwarf and 23 vs. other pirates thanks to Dodge and Mobility(I'm actually getting use out of those feats!). Ideally he's looking for a door so he can fight in the doorway like a Diablo 1 rogue. Is it possible to pay a movement cost(10, 20 ft?) to open a door as part of movement?
If possible(it may not be), I'd like him to end his movement inside a doorway. Lowering the number of potential attackers from five to three.
Spot check (1d20+5=12) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1967225/)[/spoiler]
-
Terrified of the inky, maw-filled blotches he has caused, Tarwin wills them to banishment. Much to his surprise, they evaporate in puffs of sooty black smoke. Relieved, he rushes up beside the door and flings it open, providing Gammoan the opening he needs to unleash his spell.
[spoiler]I move to E5 if I can reach over and open the door from there. If not, then I will move to F5 in order to get the door open.[/spoiler]
-
"So here we go..." echoed all over Gammoan's head when the door flew open and with a dramatic push of hand a cloud of mist and dust covered the pirates ahead...
[spoiler]Assuming that the door can be opened from E5, I cast Color spray. If not, I cast Ray of clumsiness. I wrote the description to be Color spray, as I'd wager it works.
The save DC for Color spray is 18, 10 (base)+1 level)+1 (Spell focus)+1 (racial)+5 (intelligence).[/spoiler]
-
As the colorful mist settles over the pirates, the sound of two bodies hitting the floor rings distinctly through the air. The two men who remain standing stare at Gammoan with slack jaws.
Dimen takes the opportunity provided by this distraction to jump back and open a nearby door, ducking inside for cover. He finds himself surrounded by hammocks, as he has taken refuge inside the quarters.
Sir! The little one! He just dropped them. One of the remaining sailors calls out to the dwarf, indicating the two unconscious sailors.
Taking less than a second to glance backwards, the dwarf calls out, Well take him out! He grabs the nearest sailor by the shirt and pulls him along as he moves after Dimen. As the two move into the doorway, the dwarf snarls, You'll pay, you little wretch. He strikes out with his blade, and as he does so, it bursts into flame. As the heat bears down on Dimen, he deftly dodges out of the way, and into the thrust of the other sailor. 5 Damage
Taking their cue from the their leader, the two conscious sailors bear down on Gammoan. As the gnome tries to dodge one of the sailors, the other stabs him through the chest, barely missing the gnome's heart. Critical Hit 5 Damage Pulling his blade out, the sailor turns to face Tarwin as Gammoan drops slowly to the floor.
[spoiler=Damage Taken]The Dwarf and three sailors have taken 6 damage, due to the wounding of the bats.
Gammoan has taken 12 damage. At -1 and bleeding. I did almost minimal damage with that crit, fyi. ;)
Dimen has taken 5 damage.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Map]I had to get a new mapping program since my Excel was fucking up hardcore. P's are pirates. Those with a "." after them are the ones being wounded by bats. The 'x' ones are unconscious for 5 rounds. The trap door and stairs should be pretty self explanatory. The beds are hammock, and can be moved through (difficult terrain)
(http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/6796/bilge4.jpg)[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Init]19 - Dimen
17 - Pirates
6 - Gammoan
4- Tarwin
[/spoiler]
-
Seeing his new-found companion fallen to the deck in a heap, with two scabrous kidnappers standing over him, Tarwin realizes the only way to save Gammoan was to attempt harnessing his inner evil again. He had only just dismissed it; perhaps he could call it back and control the evil of his soul.
Recalling the damnable filth to his command seemed... uncontrolled. But not so much as the moment of terror from whence it had first sprung, only seconds ago. Still, Tarwin fights down the acrid taste of bile as he holds out hope that this will drive off the murderous captors.
Seeing darkness once again coalesce from thin air, Tarwin warily steps back from his vile creation.
[spoiler]Casting Summon Swarm once again. If possible, I'll place it in G6, F5, F4, and E4, leaving F6 open. Afterward, he will 5-ft step to E6.
Concentration check to cast defensively (DC 17), and damage if that succeeds. (1d20+6=20, 1d6=2) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1977734/)[/spoiler]
-
(posting early since it won't interfere with Tshern's stabilization roll :/)
Thankful that only two pursued him, Dimen realized that the two of them were somehow coordinating their attacks. Therefore he aimed his attacks at human. The awkward angle did him no favors, however and he gave ground, hoping to catch one of them off guard as they come in and give him a better angle at the human.
[spoiler]Flurry of Blows (1d20+2=9, 1d20+2=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1977853/)
I really needed a good roll here, but the dice hate me. Moving to H1 with a 5 ft step, assuming the bed is in H2. Dodge is still on the Dwarf. If the bed is in H2 then they can't both threaten me without one of them provoking as he moves to I1.
[/spoiler]
-
[spoiler=Tshern's Stabilization]stabilize (1d100=54) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1981736/)
Nope. Gammoan drops to -2.[/spoiler]
As blood continues to pour from Gammoan's wounds, Bats pour out from nothing and swarm pirates, both conscious and unconscious. The shrieks of the two armed men are cut short by the bats, and their bodies drop to the floor amidst the swarms.
Wha..?! Sir, those damned bats are b... The sailor threatening Dimen begins as a firm voice cuts him off from down the hall.
Enough! Dorek, get your men and drag your sorry ass up here! Are you trying to destroy the inside of my ship?
Dimen clearly sees the dwarf's face turn a bright red, although whether it's due to embarrassment or anger is difficult to ascertain. You're lucky, you li'l rat. He calls to Dimen in a lowered voice, before bellowing down the hall, Captain! In a flash, he disappears from the doorway. Footsteps can be heard hustling down the hall, over the sound of the bats.
Tarwin hears the dwarf say, Two more are down... before the sound of a door slamming cuts the voice off, leaving the hallway empty, save for the sounds of the bats screeching.
Combat's over. You have a minute or two of rest to do whatever you need to.
-
Dimen peeks outside the door.
[spoiler]Readied action to get-the-hell-back-inside if bats move his direction.[/spoiler]
-
Tarwin dismisses the bat-like voracious globules of darkness and quickly kneels beside Gammoan, invoking Kord to heal his comrade. He then looks around and grabs up whatever weapons are readily available from the fallen pirates.
[spoiler]I cast Lesser Vigor. That should stabilize Gammoan and heal him a total of 11 points over the next 11 rounds. I'd prefer to find a simple weapon that I'm proficient with, but will wield a sword if that's all that is on the pirates. I'll also grab one for Gammoan.[/spoiler]
-
After seeing the bats vanish and the hellbred chanting soft words over the comrade, Dimen realizes that they will return soon.
"They'll be back soon. I'm going to check these rooms for options."
Dimen finds his everburning torch he dropped earlier and begins to check the rooms.
[spoiler=Rolls]Spot object with open flame. (1d20+3=17) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1981827/)
Search check for flammable objects; liquid(perhaps alcoholic) preferred. (1d20=5) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1981830/)
Yeah...I'll just take ten after the first room I search. Avoid more fail rolls. Result is "10"
[/spoiler]
-
Gammoan's bleeding stops and his breathing stabilizes thanks to Tarwin's powers. While the gnome awakens, Tarwin scrounges around the fallen sailors, watching their bat wounds slowly drain the life out of them. The only weapons he manages to locate are the blades they carried (short swords).
-
Tarwin hefts the blade awkwardly, but feels a bit better to have a means of defending himself in hand. When Gammoan sits up, Tarwin extends the oversized blade to the gnome.
-
Dimen frantically scours the quarters, looking for any flammable liquids while Tarwin tends to Gammoan. As Dimen emerges from the quarters with two jugs of rum, the voice at the top of the stairs returns.
Stop whatever you're doing! You've cost me enough men as it is! Come up here peacefully and there won't be any more violence!
-
Sense Motive (1d20+3=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1993988/)
Dimen, finding no obvious falsehood in the man's word, decided to test the waters.
"You'll give your word as a man of the sea that you will let us off on dry land?"
-
The sound of muffled chuckling carries down the stairs for a second before someone at the top of the stairs is clearly hit. A low Oooohhh... is heard before the voice responds to Dimen.
Come up here and we'll discuss where you'll be released. But I want you scum off my ship!
-
"We don't really have a choice but to trust them..." Tarwin shouts horsely across the hall.
He gives Gammoan a hand to his feet, and then slowly and cautiously he peers around the doorframe, holding the shortsword as if it were a wand, with his index finger sighting down the flat of the blade. When he sees that it is relatively safe, he emerges from the room, but maintains the sword in his awkward ready position.
-
Dimen looks to his allies and sees both agreement and caution in them. He says in a low voice. "I'm going up first. If something happens to me...make them pay for it."
Raising his voice he says. "Alright. We're coming up." and begins to ascend the stairs...
[spoiler]You beat my post, but I'm still going up first.[/spoiler]
-
As the three prisoners ascend the stairs, they hear whispers from the sailors above suddenly drop off. It is much brighter above deck than in the dim light below, and Dimen reaches the doorway at the top of the stairs by the time his eyes fully adjust to the brightness...
Standing less than ten feet back from the doorway are some 15 or more sailors, most of which are carrying daggers or shortswords. All the blades are tucked safely in their belts and all their hands are empty. Most of the sailors are human, although Dimen notices an elf in the mass, and the dwarf who he had fought with before stands just to the left of the only woman in sight.
Just over five feet tall, she stands almost a full head shorter than every man, save for the dwarf. While all the others are clad in beige scrubs and rags, she wears a clean white blouse, green vest, and matching green breeches. Her tricorn hat completes the outfit with matching leather boots.
She smirks at Dimen, Planning on get toasted, are ya? You can drop the rum, it won't do you much good.
-
Dimen kneels down and lays the barrel aside. They were too densely together for his idea to work. Barrel safely set aside, he draws himself to his full height and brings his golden eyes to meet the female captains. He doesn't smile, nor does he look nervous or fearful. He has already embraced the calm state of focused mind that was the first thing he learned as a disciple of the fist.
And with the same sense of calm the black-haired Kalastar begins to speak in a flat voice. "I see we are at an impasse. We cannot hope to overpower you. You cannot defeat us without further cost in men. We want off this ship just as much as you want us off. Our only stipulation is that we see land first."
-
The petite woman stares back at Dimen with cold, almost dead eyes for what seems like an hour, but is surely less than a few seconds. Her eyes suddenly dart to the side of him, and he hears Tarwin and Gammoan reach the top of the stairs just behind him.
If your compatriots have no other issues, then we're in agreement. You can stay confined to the store room until we reach land. Then you will be gone from my ship.
-
"And our other belongings? Our weapons?"
-
What about them?
-
"Will they be returned to us?" Tarwin sneers.
-
Gammoan looks like he has seen some better days and tries to get his eyes focused looking around the ship and merely nods as to support Tarwin's question.
-
I have no use for them. You can have them when you get off my ship.
-
Dimen nodded. "Very well. The room you spoke of was downstairs...Lady Captain? My apologies. I never caught your name."
-
She continues to stare at Dimen for a moment... Captain'll do fine. No need for names. You should know the store room well enough, you awoke there.
-
"Then you will find us there. May the wind be ever at your back, Captain." he says, and retreats downstairs, gesturing for his companions to follow.
-
Still a bit dizzy, Gammoan follows the lead of his companion.
-
As does Tarwin, though he keeps a wary glare over his shoulder as he descends the stairs and makes his way through the hall.
-
The three make it back to the store room. As Dimen opens the door at the end of the hall, the sight of their old 'quarters' greets him anew. The room looks just as it did less than a few minutes ago, when the group first attempted to escape. The cell door is still locked and the hole in the floor of the cell allows the sloshing of the bilge waters to echo upwards.
After a few minutes pass, there is a brief knocking at the door and the sound of footsteps quickly retreating back down the hall. Upon inspection, Dimen, Tarwin, and Gammoan find three damp blankets laying on the floor outside the door.
-
Dimen takes the blankets and begins to wring the water from them, one at a time. As he finds himself performing a menial task he did as a child during the years before he became a disciple, he becomes introspective. He remembered the other students at the monastery as well as the four masters, one of whom was now dead. He fought back the returning pain of losing the man who was like a surrogate father to him and finally finished the menial chore. He ran his wet hands over his face to cool it and conceal the moisture that had been forming in his eyes.
-
"If you do not mind, I wound like to rest now. Should it become necessary, wake me up, but I would prefer receiving a good night's sleep."
OOC: I shall rest if possible.
-
Dimen returns to reality. Yes. He must have his revenge. And to do that, he must live. And to do that he would need to borrow their help for the time being.
"I'll stay awake while you do that. Tarwin, would you help me barricade the door? Best not to take any chances."
-
"Certainly. I then must also get some rest to renew Kord's strength in me. Could either of you use a last spark of healing?"
-
"I suppose I'll take it, since I'll be on watch. But after you've rested you should heal the gnome." Dimen says, then begins the task of barricading the door with heavy boxes.
-
The work goes relatively quickly. Tarwin and Dimen move about the room, draggin the large flour sacks near the door. Dimen grabs the lone chair and props it against the door in an effort to barricade the doorway. The two then begin stacking sacks of flour on and around the chair. Half an hour later, the door is almost completely hidden behind flour sacks, and Tarwin retires to his blanket to rest and recuperate his strength.
[spoiler=OOC]It's still relatively early in the day. So feel free to RP/plan anything. :P[/spoiler]
-
[spoiler=OOC]Sorry for resting, but I'd prefer to regain my spell slots. It takes nine hours, but still...[/spoiler]
-
"So, what do you think our chances of escape are at this point?" he asks Tarwin. Though the question was nearly rhetorical.
-
Time passes slowly, and those who aren't initially asleep are quickly driven there by boredom. Dimen bolts up as a sound reaches his ears. Footsteps approach the door he so carefully barricaded. After a second, they stop, and a loud clattering of metal dropping to the floor of the hallway awakens the group. The footsteps quickly recede back down the hallway.
[spoiler=Behind the door]Anyone that takes the time to open the door will find some basic gruel dumped on a tray. Barely enough to feed the three of you, but if they continue to deliver food like this, it's clear you'll survive the trek.[/spoiler]
[spoiler=OOC]You all can decide to do something between now and the ship docking or we can speed up to the next event I have planned. It's your call. If you're content on waiting until they let you off the ship, just post with your idle method for passing the time. :P[/spoiler]
-
Dimen spends much of the next few days in meditation, emptying his mind. In the emptiness of his mind he finds the seed of psychic strength there was beginning to grow and he began mental exercises to search for the new strength and test it.
In his mind he imagined the room around him growing smaller, contracting in all directions. He slowly put more and more psychic energy into the imaging technique until he felt a strange sensation flood his body as he felt heavier, yet stronger for brief moments at a time. If his companions chose to watch, they would see occasional moments where his body would expand briefly and then moments later return to it's natural size, resisting the incomplete pattern of psychic energy that was pulsing through it.
After a couple days of mental exercise, he returned to his physical training, realizing that the ability was there but his body would continue to resist until he was able to pattern the psychic energy just right so that it would resonate properly with his body and equipment.
The next day he realized that the meditation had made his body stiff and he began to perform stretching exercises on himself to make his body more flexible. Then, remembering a difficult exercise he had been taught that could almost be described as a dance, he set his body in motion and made more of the difficult twists and turns designed to improve sudden movement than he had ever made before. Indeed, if he kept his body flexible mastering the movements would not be so difficult.
[spoiler]Getting my character prepared for his next experience level. :)[/spoiler]
-
After giving Dimen the last touch of Kord's grace, Tarwin prepares himself for sleep. Always unable to sleep with the cloth tied around his temples, Tarwin turns toward the wall and removes the crimson cloth, revealing a glowing hellish symbol emblazoned on his forehead. He quickly lies down, facing away from the others, exhausted from dealing with the mental anguish of the dark things his soul has shown itself to produce.
Tarwin spends much of the next few days staring at his hands and playing a game of cockatrice* with the welling evil infecting his soul. Over time he seems to gain some measure of control in the eternal flux of balance within himself. Producing only a small handful of scorch marks on the walls and ceiling, he begins to hone the exact point wherein he can still, through force of will, cause the tide of fire to recede, but thereafter, he still can do nothing but brace for the crushing weight of the tidal fire spilling from his darkest recesses.
Each day, when we finish the meager gruel left for us, Tarwin supplements everyone's health the best he can, summoning fresh water to fill the tray and any containers, to help fill their bellies with life-giving water.
[spoiler]*He's playing chicken with his soul...[/spoiler]
-
Long boring hours drag on into days, and even those seem to last forever. After what seems like an eternity, and is easily well over a week later, you notice land break the horizon in front of the ship, slightly on the starboard side. That same day fills your 'quarters' with the bustling sounds of sailors actually doing something for the first time in days. It seems the entire ship has come alive with activity in preparation of reaching port. Your evening food, if it can be called such, does not arrive. Either they've given up feeding you, or they were so busy they forgot. Whatever the case, the sound of something landing in the water pulls your attention away from your rumbling stomachs not long after sundown.
Glancing out the window gives the barest glimpse of a dingy being rowed towards port. It seems the ship has set anchor for the evening and will make port in the morning.
-
Dimen makes sure everyone had prepared themselves, then undoes the makeshift barricade for the final time. He nods to the other two and waits by the door for the ship to reach dock, keeping watch out of habit now more than anything else.
-
"So...should we leave the ship on their terms or on our terms?" Dimen asked the other two, a glint in his eyes showing his eagerness to get off the ship.
-
"Well, for myself I'd like to get my weapons back before we depart. Though I do miss a proper meal..." Tarwin says as his stomach grumbles loudly.
-
"I think they should pay for imprisoning us, don't you?" he asked, catching his fist in his hand.
-
"True, if things are truly as they appear."
-
"I doubt they'll let us out this easily. We should prepare for a fight when they say we are ready to leave. We wrecked quite a havoc, something buccaneers might reluctant to forget, much less forgive," Gammoan states calmly from the corner of the room.
-
Dimen agrees. "Alright. Then let's be ready."
[spoiler]When I hear pirates, I'm using Inertial Armor. "Shield's up."[/spoiler]
-
[spoiler]So you all are waiting until the ship docks?[/spoiler]
-
The bustling sounds of the sailors moving around on deck carries on well past sunset. Apparently there are many preparations to be made before a ship this size can dock. Sails being hoisted, decks being swabbed, and all manner of ropes being adjusted keeps many sailors up late into the night. The rest of the sea is quiet, however. The waves are quiet, and no noises reach the ship from land.
Looking out of the window, though, allows you to see the small dim lights on land. The ship will make dock in a decent sized town, you'd guess from the number of lights. After most of the lights on land turn off, and the sailors finish their work, the sounds on deck shift from a bustling, industrious noise, to a rowdy, joyous sound. Early celebration at its best. The celebration carries on until almost midnight, when the sounds slowly start to die off, and the more celebratory sailors can be heard sleeping in the hallways.
Finally, after managing to grab some shut eye, the sun breaks on the horizon and the grumbling of hung-over sailors breaks the silence. It isn't long before the ship lurches forward and moves into a swift gait. The land in the distance closes quickly, while you prepare to depart from the ship. As the ship slows, bringing its body into port and alongside a stone pier, you steal a glimpse out a window and see the city connected to these docks: Ssan Ryss.
The city itself is a little under a mile uphill from the beachhead where The Sailing Blade is making port. High stone walls surround the fairly large city, and farmland, including smaller farmsteads and mini-villages, surround the stone walls. The ship comes to a halt while you examine the city in the distance, and the sounds of feet on stone echo as sailors leap across to moor the ship.
Within a few minutes, footsteps can be heard rapidly approaching the door. A rough knocking is quickly followed by the semi-familiar gruff dwarven voice calling out, It's time to go.
[spoiler]Inertial Armor is active. Feel free to roll initiative and take your first action if you're entering combat.[/spoiler]
-
Dimen opened the door and took a step back. "Do you have their weapons?" he says gesturing towards his devil-touched and gnomish friends.
[spoiler]Readied action to throw a punch if he doesn't say yes -and- he moves towards me.[/spoiler]
-
The dwarf takes a step back as Dimen pulls the door open, his hand moving instinctively to the weapons at his side. He doesn't draw them, though. His eyes lock on Dimen, carefully watching for any movement that the monk might attack. No. I'm just the messenger. He begins to slowly back away, down the hall.
-
Dimen looks at the Dwarf and then at his Gnomish friend. "So, Mr. Dwarf, what's your favorite color?" he says as he moves back and nods to the Gnome.
-
"It is about time to get some ground under our feet. This hasn't really been a pleasure cruise and sailing isn't exactly my element either."
Gammoan walks behind the two companions to protect himself from the possible fight, he did not have the time to put on any of his magical protections and he was desperate to get his possessions back and leave the lousy ship as soon as possible.
[spoiler]I changed my prepared spells while we were waiting for the ship to land, if that is okay. I only changed a single Color spray to Mage armor.[/spoiler]
-
[spoiler]That's fine. :lmao I think you may have missed SDK's cue.
So is everyone good on following the dwarf retreating up the steps?[/spoiler]
-
[spoiler]Stupid haste! Nevertheless, I will stay behind the brutes, I have no intention of stepping into the fight yet.[/spoiler]
-
The dwarf raises an eyebrow at Dimen's question and flinches ever so slightly when he spots Gammoan. However, as the gnome takes up a stance behind the others, he visibly relaxes a bit and continues to retreat down the hall. If you don't want to get off the ship... he trails off and shrugs, still making his way down the hall but not taking his eyes off the trio (or at least the doorway Dimen occupies).
-
"And what makes you think we DON'T want off the ship?" Tarwin asks with a dangerous gleam in his eye. "We were promised the return of our weapons..."
-
A flash of anger creeps across the dwarf's face at Tarwin's comment. And I already said I'm just the damned messenger. Apparently done worrying about an attack, he risks turning his back on the others and starts for the stairs at the end of the hall.[spoiler]He's out of immediate melee range when he turns his back.[/spoiler]
-
Tarwin follows, but keeps his distance. He'll be warry* of everything until we're off the ship.
[spoiler]*Readied action to scorch anyone with an eldritch blast if they "make a move" toward any of the 3 of us.[/spoiler]
-
Déjà vu strikes Dimen as he heads up the stairs with the other, and all three captives are cautious as they break the surface and emerge onto the ship deck. Surrounded by sailors, none of which look too happy, a couple actually look sad, probably having lost friends to these captives, the captain of the ship is nowhere to be seen. Dimen and Tarwin catch a glimpse of the dwarf disappearing down another hatch below deck before someone from the crowd of 15+ calls out, Get off the damned ship.
The crowd parts slightly, showing a path to the plank leading to the dock. At the bottom of the plank is a burlap sack, which could be the supplies taken from the three when they were captured.
-
Dimen walks the plank, which fortunately leads to dry land. He picks up the sack and gives it to Tarwin.
"Let's get moving. I never want to see that ship again." he said.
-
"Yes, too many of them, I suppose. Hopefully our belongings are here, but I doubt they have the guts to cheat us anymore. I'd rather not stay in this town though, if these sailors are not getting out of here... Gammoan whispers to his former prison mates.
-
Finally off the ship, you all quickly wander away from the docks and come to a crossroads. The cobblestone road continues off to the Northeast towards Ssan Ryss, while well traveled clay roads split off to the East and North, circling the city and the hill it is built on.
The city looks magnificent at the top of the hill, now that you have pause to look at it fully. Farmsteads run all along the hill and the flatland surrounding it. To the west, beyond the farms, you can see the coastline, which continues around and to the south, as well. The signpost at the crossroads indicates Ssan Ryss to the Northeast, an inn known as the Flatland Goat lies somewhere to the North, and the Tradewind Road is in the East.
[spoiler]Congratulations, you've made it off the boat. :P
Everyone levels to 2. You can all decide where you want to go next. I told you the campaign would be slightly more free-roam or 'sandbox' as I've been told it's called.[/spoiler]
-
Dimen leads the crew to [Insert name here], the nearest Tavern. "I believe a monastery of my order is located here." he told them. "Right before I was captured, I witnessed the death of my Master. I must inform them, so they can send word via carrier pigeon to my monastery."
With that he headed up the road, moving further away from the port. The Monasteries of the Swaying Oak were always located on a hill to symbolize enlightenment being above earthly matters, so Dimen continued to move away from the sea, searching the far side of the city for such hills, knowing one be where the monastery resided.
At the gate, he spoke to the man keeping watch, an orange-belt, like Dimen. Dimen spoke, "I am Dimen of the monastery at Asaria. I have news of my Master's passing which I must report. Please allow me to enter."
-
The guardsman nods solemnly at Dimen's news and motions for the gates to be opened. Another orange-belt approaches from the outer cloister and the guardsman bows slightly to him. This is Dimen, of Asaria. He has news for the Masters. Take him to the lunch hall and see that he is fed. Then send news to the Masters that a visitor has arrived.
The monk nods, turns to Dimen and speaks in a soft voice, Follow me, the Masters will send for you when they have finished their meditation. He turns and motions for Dimen as he glides forward toward the inner cloister.
-
After Dimen leaves Tarwin and the gnome at the Tavern, Tarwin takes the opportunity to look around at the place.
Interesting town, he thinks to himself. I could really do with a bath...
He approaches the barkeep and asks after renting a room nearby.
-
The barkeep, a gruff six-and-a-half foot tall lizard, watches Tarwin approach.
Room'ss fives ssilverss. Public Bath'ss by the ssquare... He pauses and stares at his claws for a few seconds. Three blockss overs.
-
Once in the inner cloister, Dimen is shown to the lunch hall - a long room, over 80 feet long with low, long tables lined across it. Sporadically throughout the room, there are a number of monks of varying races and belts, some eating and some chatting. Quietly shown to a table, Dimen in served a warm meal in silence, save for the occasional eye contact and nod from another monk in the room.
Less than an hour later, a lower ranking monk than Dimen, a young man who has just barely reached adulthood, approaches and bows. The Masters will see you now. He turns and begins to walk away, stops abruptly and turns back to Dimen, red faced. If you will follow me, he bows apologetically and waits for Dimen to stand before heading out of the mess hall and through a slight maze of corridors, coming to a halt at a set of large wooden doors. He knocks briefly, places his ear to the door and then nods towards Dimen.
They're ready. With that he pulls open one of the doors and ushers Dimen inside...
As the door closes behind him, Dimen sees three elderly men sitting on the stone floor in the center of the room. The room itself is a dome shaped room no more than 30 feet wide. About two-thirds of the way up the walls, there are three windows seemingly trisecting the room. Likewise, between each set of windows, on the ground lies a set of double doors. It would be very easy to get confused as to which door led which way, Dimen quickly realized.
The three Masters were all wearing matching beige robes, tied at the waist with simple rope. Their feet were hidden under their robes, but they likely wore the most basic of sandals, if they wore shoes at all. Each sat about five feet away from the exact center of the room, which held a small, empty cushion. They sat with their backs each to one window, facing inwards toward the cusion. In fact, the room looked almost like it was the same image replicated three times. The only thing that kept Dimen from being instantly lost was that the three Masters were of different races. The two that sat with their backs slighty towards Dimen were the most human, although it was easy to see the elven features of the master on Dimen's right, even from this angle. The other's graying, short beard hid most of his features, but his height indicated his human nature. The Master facing Dimen as he entered was a short, lizard-like creature. His yellow eyes matched the yellow scales that went down his neck and disappeared into his robe. The rest of his scales were a dull green, seemingly covered in dust.
After a moment to allow Dimen to view the room, he motions with his small, scaled, clawed hand toward the cushion. Come sson. Have a sseat.
-
Dimen bowed down before the three masters. "I am Dimen of the Swaying Oak Monastery at Twilight Forest across the western sea. I come bearing news of the death of my master, Master Poe."
With that, he describes the events leading to his master's death. Master Poe had learned of the death of a friend of his from his rash younger days and had left on a journey to pay his respects to his fallen friend. He asked for two of his students to accompany him and nearly all of them volunteered. Being a fair master, he decided who would come with him by the drawing of lots.
The two who were chosen were Dimen and Allen, both orange belts who joined the monastery at about the same time and were rivals in many things. While Dimen was stronger in physical and mental abilities, Allen knew the weaknesses of the human body and could strike a person with deadly accuracy. The two were rivals to the fullest, but they behaved in the presence of their master. What Poe didn't know, however, was that Allen sought martial arts as a means to power and wealth. And when exploring the seaside village of Lune on his own (the Master was encouraging them to see the world with their own eyes), Dimen saw Allen walk out of a bar with a smug look on his face, looking down on Dimen as if he were on top of the world.
Allen did not return to the Inn that night and the next day a note was found addressed to Poe saying that they had his student and gave him an address and a time. Poe knew it was a trap, but had to go regardless, believing his student's life was in danger. Arriving at the place specified on the note, they were ambushed by a group of masked thugs led by a skilled swordsman whose body was too stubborn to take wounds and whose sword techniques restricted movement. As his master fell to the swordsman's blade, Dimen was struck in the back with a sap. As his eyes blurred and he began to fall, he saw one of the thugs remove his mask: it was Allen!
Dimen then recounts the voyage at sea. Apparently he had been sold as a slave. Together with his fellow slaves they had managed to force their pirate captors into a stalemate, where they managed to get the lady captain to release them at this port. And that ends the story of the fall of Master Poe and Dimen's arrival at Ssan Rhys.
-
Thiss iss mosst greviouss newss, young Dimen. The scaled Master remarks after a moment of careful thought. The other two nod in agreement, slowly.
The elven Master speaks up first, Today is a sad day for the light. We have lost a noble defender of the righteous path. There is sadness in his voice as he continues, I knew Master Poe. He was a good man, and I am sorry to hear this news. I grieve with you this day, young one. The others nod along with this Master's confession.
There is a moment of silence before the elderly human speaks up. I know what must be on your heart, but do not worry. The world is still in balance. While it may seem that the light has lost a great friend and that the dark has gained a new apprentice, it has all happened for a reason. Do not let it weigh negatively on your heart or mind. Follow the path and you will see the balance.
The scaled Master nods at these words and meets Dimen's eyes. There iss no peace in vengeance. Let thiss betrayal go and you will grow sstronger for it... He pauses for a moment. We musst ssee to Masster Poe'ss memorial sservice. And newss musst be ssent to Twilight Foresst. The elven Master stands, silently, and glides towards one of the doors Dimen did not enter from. He bows slightly toward Dimen and the Masters before exiting the room.
-
"And a meal perhaps?" Tarwin asks, looking around for something that might pass as a kitchen. Assuming he finds one, he fishes a gold coin out of his pouch, and asks that a room be set aside and food be ready when he returns from his bath. Otherwise, he'll give the lizard 6 silvers.
Striding back out into the sunlight, he orients himself within the town and heads off toward the indicated bath house.
-
The barkeep's eyes lock onto the gold piece and it is quickly pocketed. He nods eagerly at Tarwin's request, Muttonss and Mead for ssupper.
As Tarwin leaves, the barkeep goes back to wiping out some mugs, keeping a wary eye on Gammoan.
Meanwhile, outside the tavern, it is a beautiful, clear day. After watching the townsfolk for a moment, Tarwin is able to guesstimate which way the square is and arrives at the Public Baths before long. The square is actually more of a rectangle, although one half is taken up by the 'baths.'
The baths themselves are outdoors, in the refreshing sunlight. Split into four round pools, it is easy to follow how the local citizens use the bath. There is a series of cubby holes in a wall between the 'first' and 'last' bathing pool, guarded by what appears to be four town guards. After one puts their clothing in a cubby, they move to the first pool, a normal appearing pool and seem to rinse the worst of the grime off. This first pool has three different reptilian heads that pump in new water, and a large drain system at the bottom.
Once the worst grime is scrubbed off, you move to the second pool, which has similar reptilian heads pumping water in. However, the steam pouring off this water indicates its heat. Many are slow to transfer to this pool. All along the pool are young men and women selling homemade soap to whoever may need it that day.
The third pool appears to have benches laid around the edges and is much larger than the first two. The steam coming off this pool belies its relaxing, sauna-like purpose. Males and females of many races relax in this pool. The final pool is a cooled pool, meant to finish off the full experience and lower one's body temperature back to normal. There are also a series of benches were people sit and talk next to this pool while they air dry. In one corner, by this pool is a Kobold selling home-made towels, for those who do not want to air-dry.
Tarwin notices that most of the reptilian citizens skip the fourth pool in the cycle.
-
Beginning to undress, Tarwin asks one of the city guards how much the soap and towels usually go for, and clutches enough silver and coppers to pay for them. He approaches the Kobold, and purchases a small towel, which he then places on his head before removing the cloth concealing his forehead. He scrubs off the worst of his grime and then moves to the second pool, purchasing a bar of soap and taking his time in the hot water, all the while keeping an eye on the contents of his cubby hole. He lounges for a while in the third pool, soaking the sea salt out of his bones, while the wet cloth on his head dribbles water down the sides of his face.
-
One of the guards lets Tarwin know he can get all his supplies for a silver, and tells him not to worry about the cubby holes. They're safe. He assures Tarwin.
At the towel stand, the Kobold seems excited to have a customer and after a quick nibble to check the quality of the coin, it disappears from his hand and he passes a towel to Tarwin. A similar experience occurs with a young man who manages to make his payment disappear almost as fast as the small Kobold.
As Tarwin lounges in the third pool, a voice draws his attention back to the people in the pool. Well hello there, Stranger. Standing in the pool, almost leaning over Tarwin is a magnificently beautiful woman. Her golden skin seems at odds with her long, fair-colored hair. She turns her head slightly, smiling at Tarwin as he notices her magnificent body and hair that drapes down to her thighs, braided in a most peculiar manner. She continues to stand, half-leaning in a most provocative manner for a few more seconds before she asks, May I? And promptly sits down pleasantly close to Tarwin.
She leans back and relaxes as her breasts just barely touch the water, rippling slightly. Tarwin is easily aware of the younger men staring inappropriately at the woman, but she seems to not care. Completely comfortable with her body, one that is at once pleasing to the eyes and at the same time clearly designed for child birth, she turns her head slightly and opens an eye to meet Tarwin's gaze. I don't believe you're from around here, Stranger. My name is Bellara; It's a pleasure. Her smile is pleasant, and it is hard to determine whether there is any mischief presence in her grin.
-
Dimen spoke words about his master that evening, as did a few others who knew him. Though even as they grieved,the thoughts would not go away. He had held the memory at bay on the ship by keeping himself busy with meditation and exercise, but speaking about his master in front of these monks meant he had to acknowledge what actually happened. And as he was acknowledging it, a thought entered his mind. A small flicker like a candle surrounded that thought, though the flame was much warmer than it's size would let on.
The stillness in his life had been broken. The balance had been broken. The balance was so fragile; all it took was a strong force and it would be torn asunder. Yet no amount of balance could have prevented this. What is defense against a greater offense? What is stillness against a tidal wave?
If he had been stronger, they could have won. If he had been stronger, then Master Poe would still be alive!
The small flame in the back of Dimen's mind grew tenfold as the anger he had been shielding himself against broke free. He was angry at that man for taking his master's life. He was angry at the world for giving birth to such cruelty. But most of all, he was angry at himself for being so weak. For not being able to do anything.
He immediately went to leave the monastery. The gatekeeper asked him where he was going: it was just after nightfall, and he could stay at their monastery for as long as he wished. He replied: "I can no longer spend my time walking the path of a monk of the Swaying Oak. It is too slow. I must become stronger as quickly as possible, even if it means I am no longer fit to wear this."
He removes the orange sash and drops it onto the ground. He moves swiftly down the hill, each step taking him further away from the path to enlightenment.
-
Dimen arrives at the bar. He doesn't have much money, but he did feel like getting a drink. It had been a long day and he didn't want to bother figuring out what he was going to do tomorrow until the day arrived.
He saw Tarwin was having a good time, at least. He was sure the gnome as nearby, but didn't see him.
-
"And a pleasure for myself as well," Tarwin says while doing his best to look her in the face, and thus maintain a scrap of her dignity. "Though I must caution such an angelic form as yourself that you seek company with a damned and retched sinner..." He pauses to clear his throat, and continues, "My name is Tarwin, a humble servant of the Mighty Brawler."
-
She laughs a soft pleasant laugh, I'm sure you can't be that bad. After all, no one's pure and perfect in this city. She leans slight closer to Tarwin as she speaks, almost relaxing on his arm, but hovering just out of touch. Where do you hail from, Tarwin, servant of Kord? You don't look much like a merchant or corrupt aristocrat, so what brought you to Ssan Ryss?
-
"Honestly, I can't tell you why I was brought here. I was kidnapped and brought here by ship. I and several other prisoners were dumped at the docks just this morning. This is my first bath in days, and it's been quite relaxing thus far." Despite the guards' earlier statement of the safety of his items, Tarwin glances over in the direction of his cubby hole, for no real reason other than it gives him an excuse to look away from the naked form close beside him. He cups a bit of water in his hand and uses it to keep the cloth on his head dampened.
At least I needn't have too much fear of standing out oddly in this city. Her golden skin is much more conspicuous than my ashen pallor, he thinks to himself.
-
Kidnapped?! Bellara's hand covers her mouth as she gasps, and despite Tarwin's efforts to the contrary, the motion of her breasts as she moves catches his attention for a second before he forces himself to stare at the cubby holes, where the guards still stand. In fact, he can still see his belongings in the cubby hole he left them at.
How terrible. Who would do such a thing? No longer lying parallel to Tarwin, Bellara has sat up in the bath and turned to face him, seemingly concerned about his well being. Tarwin notices a pair of younger boys whispering with the occasional glance stolen at Bellara. She doesn't seem to notice. After a moment's thought, she continues, You've been stuck on a ship for days? When was the last time you had a home-cooked meal? Oh you must come have dinner with me tonight.