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[D&D 4E PbP] War of the Burning Sky Act 1: The Scouring of Gate Pass (IC)

TiamatZTiamatZ Ghost punsThe Banette of my existenceRegistered User regular
edited June 2011 in Critical Failures
War of the Burning Sky Act 1: The Scouring of Gate Pass, a Dungeons & Dragons (4E) adventure for five first level characters

Intro.png
The Specifics

This is a PbP game.

I, TiamatZ, will be your DM. Sheets are on myth-weavers (or Orokos). Dice rolls are on Invisible Castle (or once again Orokos). For now, this is an IC thread. Post OOC discussions/comments/questions/etc in the OOC thread to avoid clutter and confusion.

I expect each of you to post at least once a day (except maybe on weekends [Saturdays and Sundays]) when you're able (though if it’s your turn, by all means post during the weekend; I’ll just post the updated map by Monday or so). If you'll be away for an extended period of time, let me know so that I (or yourself, or others) can make arrangements to keep the game moving while you're gone (or postpone it if the majority of the party is unavailable). I'm a level-headed person, and I won't kick you out for missing posts here and there. That being said, if you flake consistently you'll be removed from the party.

For combat, I will provide the HP, AC and other defences (as well as any special bonuses monsters receive e.g. +2 AC when standing next to each other) of the enemies present and you shall roll attack rolls. If you hit, roll damage and work that into your post. Also colour coded the monsters (makes it easier to work with, since most of you are newbies to the PbP format) by their border; red are minions, green are normal monsters, yellow are elites and purple are solos. So if you pop a daily on a red bordered monster you are going to feel really silly because it shouldn't last more than a single hit. Everyone will post their IC actions, with the rolls and results in SPOILER tags.

I will use TalonRazor’s idea (from the Legend of Novus PbP game). You must declare what you are doing in ORANGE text. The rolls must be in RED BOLD text and linked to the IC (or Orokos) roll. At the bottom of the post, still in spoiler tags, they shall post who is up next, in brackets and size 3 font that is GREEN, and who is on deck. Here is an example template:

"Johnny Law swings his mighty fist, smacking the honest citizen in the face."
Standard Action: Basic Melee Attack
Move Action: Stand there

Attack Roll [1d20+4 = 16+4 = 20] Damage Roll [1d20+10 = 1+10 = 11]
[Up Next: Bobby Joe][On Deck: Chuck Norris] (or red for enemies)

For immediate interrupts, remember to post them with any criteria to follow in orange as well. If one of your powers has an immediate interrupt ability, state that power as well as when to use it e.g. when a monster strikes me, I want to use power X (where X is the power with immediate interrupt, such as Wizard’s Shield utility power, or the Fighter’s No Opening Utility power).

Also link to OOC thread: here


The primary goal here is for us all to have fun. I’m (mostly) new to PbP DMing and you’re all also (probably) new to PbP games, so we’re all noobs here. If you're not having fun for some reason, please let me know. Alright, now that that's all out of the way, let's go roll some dice and kill some monsters!

Of course, before that, let’s post up that Trailer once more:

War of the Burning Sky Trailer

Act 1: The Scouring of Gate Pass


”While once news reached the Free City state of Gate Pass by weekly teleporting courier, that channel has gone silent, and now news travels by the old routes of rumour — travellers from the outside world. You might be one of those travellers, or a concerned native of the city, but you have heard the rumours.

Emperor Drakus Coaltongue, ruler of the mighty Ragesian Empire which lies to the west of Gate Pass, has been slain in a distant nation, or so the rumours say. Of course, the rumours once said that Coaltongue was immortal. However, no one doubts the tales of armies mustering in Ragesia, with orders to secure the borders of the empire at this time of weakness and uncertainty. And from Shahalesti, the Eladrin nation east of Gate Pass, the rumours say its ruler seeks to claim the vulnerable Ragesia for his people.

Gate Pass sits alone in its mountain pass, one of the few safe routes between these two nations — Ragesia and Shahalesti. For weeks people have been saying war would come to Gate Pass, and now the rumours have appeared to be true.”


Contents:
Prologue: The Secret Meeting
Chapter 1: So it begins...
Chapter 2: Retrieving the Case



The Cast (AKA the party):

Current Party :


Areneth.png Illianthar as Areneth Thalant, Drow Telepathy Psion - Tragedy can be a cruel mistress, and Areneth knows her all too well. Born a slave to an Eladrin noble, he fled servitude and started a new life on the land of a human farmer, only to bear witness to the deaths of the farmer and his family by Eladrin bandits. Now bereft of two families, Areneth came to Gate Pass to start anew again. He knows eventually he must confront his past, but for the time being he's content to outrun it.

Storm.png skarsol as Summer Storm, Longtooth Shifter Cleric of Nusemnee - Cast adrift as a youth near Gate Pass, Summer's earliest memories are of the squalor of the streets and the violence of a gang. Caught in the act of defiling a temple, a devout elven couple saw a chance to spread their goddesses word and took her in. Years later, she's become a Cleric of Nusemnee and has turned her life around just as her patron goddess once did. Now she seeks to bring the light of her faith to others who are like she once was.

Titania.png squishy-blob as Titania Shaylee, Eladrin Fey Pact Warlock - Servant to Her Majesty Shalosha the Princess of Shahalesti, Titania Shaylee acts as a scout and spy in Ragesia and the surrounding kingdoms. Trained in the arcane arts by the finest sages in Calanis as an ancient and powerful dryad, Titania wields her powers for the good of her kingdom and to bring about the end of forces of darkness such as Coaltongue and Leska.

Dorn.png Turanos as Dorn Kir, Half-Orc Monk of the Stone Fists - Born to an orc tribe, Dorn spent his formative years the subject of constant ridicule and bullying over his half-blooded nature. Unable to match the orcs in physical size or strength, he instead developed a deep and abiding rage which drove him to excel in agility, speed and general ferocity. One day a chance encounter with a devotee of Melora and the brutal manner in which he murdered her changed Dorn's outlook on life forever, leading him to wander the wilderness and drift between towns and cities until he came to Gate Pass. There, he finally attained some balance in his heart and mind by way of monkhood and the worship of Melora.

Traorin.png Witch_Hunter_84 as Traorin Xinskarr, Dragonborn Stormheart Warden - Hailing from the Dragonborn clans of the northern Ostalin mountain range, Traorin is a warrior in constant communion with the elemental forces of mountain, wind, and storm. He has been sent forth by his clan in light of the rumours persisting of the Emperor Coaltongue's death to ascertain the truth of these rumours and gather information as to how the situation might affect the Dragonborn. He has arrived in Gate Pass and is preparing for the worst, and with new rumours of war the worst may yet happen.


Fallen in Battle :


Swain.png Bp1580 as Swain C. Angevin, Human Tactical Warlord - Always having had a mind for warfare and strategy, Swain forged a successful but relatively unsung military career in Ragesia in the time before Coaltongue's rumored death. Although he returns to Gate Pass, his birthplace, yearly for the Festival of Dreams, he has also agreed to help a cleric named Torrent get out of the city. With his innate tactical knowledge and fearsome strength, Swain is going to do whatever it takes to prevent a massive war, and he's not afraid to get his hat dirty in the process.
Cause of death: Swain gave his life to end the terrible and sadistic reign of Flaganus Mortus, the famous "Ragesian Devil" of the Ragesian forces invading the city of Gate pass on New Years Eve, by demolishing an entire home on themselves. That is, not before he broke the wyvern rider's spine beforehand.


Orokos/MythWeavers Campaign name:
PA WOTBS

Whenever you use a site like Orokos or Invisible Castle for your rolls (attack rolls/ skill rolls etc.), use this as the campaign name.

Quest List:
Current Quests:
Main Quest: Obtain the Case:
- Obtain the Case from the Shalasesti spies.

Completed Quests:
None Yet!

Additional Notes:
Swain's Combat Leader: Swain and any allies within 20 squares gain a +2 bonus to initiative rolls.
Swain's Tactical Presence: When an ally Swain can see spends an action point to make an attack, the ally gains a +1 bonus to the attack roll and +2 to his/her damage roll.

Summer's Healing Word: Whenever Summer uses a Healing Word, the target can spend a healing surge and regain 1d6+4 additional hit points.

TiamatZ on
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Posts

  • TiamatZTiamatZ Ghost puns The Banette of my existenceRegistered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Prologue: The Secret Meeting



    You have each been told to meet someone by the name of Torrent at the Poison Apple Pub a little before midnight on New Year’s Eve, and to use the alley door. This seems a bit strange, as the pub has been closed down since its owner was arrested.

    With fears of invasion high, the streets are fairly deserted and normal festivities are muted, letting you travel fairly unmolested. The pub is in a poorer district about a mile from the western city wall, filled with slush-covered cobblestone streets and dark, snow-filled alleyways. The evening is dark and claustrophobic, the multi-storey buildings of the city looming in the night, no lights in most windows.

    The pub is a two-story building attached by a rooftop bridge to a neighbouring house. The door and windows are boarded up, and the curtains drawn (though a faint light can be seen upon close inspection). A notice has been posted on its door:

    Note:
    InnHandout.png

    The adjacent building connected by the bridge is an abandoned residence, currently unoccupied. Down the street from the pub is a stable. Lastly, another inn stands on the opposite side of the abandoned inn, run by a frugal gnome (who wouldn’t be, considering that there are few patrons left to take shelter under his roof.). You have been told to enter through a side alley entrance to avoid being seen. The door is locked, but you've been instructed to knock.



    OOC:
    The adventuring party is not yet together. You may travel alone (or with a partner) to the secret meeting place. Please feel free to respond to your immediate environment and comment on your initial thoughts as you walk to the pub.

    Let’s get this party started :P

    TiamatZ on
  • Witch_Hunter_84Witch_Hunter_84 Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Traorin walks up to the door, stopping before it. Ever since he had arrived in Gate Pass he had kept his ear to the ground, listening to rumors and gossip alike in order to gauge the general mood. He had greased many a palm to obtain information and made all the friends he felt necessary to get his finger on the pulse of this strange city. All his hard work now lead here, to a secret meeting and the name of Torrent. It could be a trap to lure out the former owner's co-conspirators, but this was a necessary risk. Besides, he hadn't met anything in this city yet he couldn't handle.
    Minor Action: Knock on the door

    Witch_Hunter_84 on
    If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
  • squishy-blobsquishy-blob Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Titania moves swiftly down the street leading off the alley, her body seemingly made of liquid appears to bleed out and fade into surrounding stonework. When she nears the alley her pace slows and she peeks around the corner. Catching sight of a large figure knocking on the alley door she confidently steps around the corner as quietly as possible, drawing the shadows with her as she goes. Wrapping them around her as much as possible so that she appears as nothing more than a mirage, Titania takes only a few paces into the alley, just enough that someone walking by on the street would have a hard time seeing her. Confident that the large figure at the door hasn't noticed her, she waits against the alley wall to see what happens.
    Using shadowwalk to provide concealment, Titania hides just a few feet into the alley watching Traorin at the door to see what happens.
    Stealth check: 1d20+1 = 14

    squishy-blob on
  • IlliantharIllianthar GMT -0700Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Areneth had come straight to the district containing the Poisoned Apple Pub after seeing the standard of his former owner near the statue of Coaltongue in the center of Gate Pass. For several hours he had been keeping to the alleys, eyes and ears open to everything around him. He had surveyed the pub and the surrounding buildings, taking mental note of all of the entrances and exits.

    He had heard a rumor that a cleric named Torrent was in need of escort out of the city, but was unaware of any of the other details. He made his way near the pub and took to the shadows deep in the alley way, hoping that the next steps he needed to take would make themselves plain.

    As he watched the entrances to the pub, he noticed a Dragonborn in leather armor approach the alley door. He focused in on the newcomer, mentally cataloguing every motion and word as the warrior knocked at the alley door, making sure to stay out of sight.
    Stealth (to remain unseen in the alleyway): 1d20+3 = 15
    Perception (to catch anything said or done): 1d20+8 = 17

    Illianthar on
  • TuranosTuranos Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Dorn ambled happily through familiar streets on his way to the meeting with Torrent, wondering what the good priestess wished of him. As he came to the alley he had been instructed to use, he noticed the dragonborn beginning to knock on the door he had been making for, and a drow skulking in the darkness for some reason.

    "Greetings!" said Dorn, loudly enough for the nearby dragonborn to hear, as he slapped a large hand down companionably upon the drow's shoulder, "It seems the inn is closed, but ah, what a fine night for a wander in any case, eh?"
    Passive perception check of 15 reveals Areneth but not Titania.
    Standard movement to be adjacent to Areneth.
    Minor action to speak and put his hand on the drow's shoulder.

    Turanos on
  • skarsolskarsol Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Bidding farewell to her adoptive parents, Summer headed to the Poison Apple Pub to meet Torrent as they asked. As she left the ghetto and headed towards the inn, she reflected on her journey being the reverse of the one she took years ago. Glancing around, she wondered if she'd see anyone from her past life; it was a prime time of night for it.

    Arriving at the inn, her attention was caught by the notice pinned to the front door. "Interesting. Is this Torrent a member of the resistance? My parents didn't mention anything about that." As she was reading the sign, she notices a half-orc turn into the alleyway to her left, promptly followed by his loud voice. "He sounds like a guard. Have the Ragesians come to look for more "hostile collusion"? Mindful of the directions to avoid being seen, Summer crossed to the inn on the other side of the street and pretended to examine the posted bill of fare while keeping a surreptitious eye on the proceedings in the alley.
    Passive Perception 19, +9 mod wins the tie. Not sure what, if any rolls I would need here. Waiting for the alley situation to fall out, one way or the other.

    skarsol on
    why are you smelling it?
  • Bp1580Bp1580 Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Swain walked casually to the alleyway, wondering who else would be there. "You don't hire just a warlord!" he thought to himself, "He'd be like a wizard without spells or a barbarian without a greataxe." As he rounded the corner and could see down the alleyway, he noticed a dragonborn waiting at the door while a half orc approached him.. "A dragonborn! They're fairly easy to hide behind..."

    He was in speaking distance when he heard the half-orc mention that the inn might be closed. "I sincerely hope there is ale left in the taps at least. A meeting at an inn without ale to smooth things along would make for a unfavorable start to our little adventure."
    Passive perception = 10, so I don't see anything.

    Bp1580 on
  • IlliantharIllianthar GMT -0700Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Areneth was so focused on the mannerisms of the dragonborn at the door that he failed to notice the half-orc strolling up to him.
    Turanos wrote: »
    "Greetings!" said Dorn, loudly enough for the nearby dragonborn to hear, as he slapped a large hand down companionably upon the drow's shoulder, "It seems the inn is closed, but ah, what a fine night for a wander in any case, eh?"

    The clap on his shoulder startled Areneth, and he quickly rose to his feet, turning to look at the newest alleyway denizen.

    “Indeed, it would appear the inn is closed. Although with the amount of traffic coming to its door, you would think that perhaps the owner should reopen…assuming he survives to do so.”

    Areneth assumes a casual, loose stance, leaning against the pub wall, giving a slight smirk. He seems to continue to focus his attention on the dragonborn; his silvery eyes shining in the darkness, looking almost as if the pupils are a liquid metal moving about.

    Illianthar on
  • Bp1580Bp1580 Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Swain was a little surprised when a male drow popped up out of the shadows, but he didn't show it. He decided to make himself known by suddenly joining the conversation.
    Illianthar wrote: »

    “Indeed, it would appear the inn is closed. Although with the amount of traffic coming to its door, you would think that perhaps the owner should reopen…assuming he survives to do so.”

    "The inn is probably supposed to look closed. Less chance of anyone...'uninvited' showing up this way." he said, not really talking to anyone in particular. He wished he had been able to wear his military greatcoat and hat for dramatic effect, but he would've drawn every inquisitor within a mile to their meeting place had he done so. He decided to settle for straightening his back and standing in a vaguely heroic manner as he waited for a response.

    Bp1580 on
  • Witch_Hunter_84Witch_Hunter_84 Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Traorin walks up to the Half-orc, Drow, and Human that seemed to have congregated at the front of the alley. After a few steps he stops, he's not sure why, but for some reason he thinks he feels eyes watching him.
    Perception check to see if I notice Tatania skulking in the shadows before introducing myself to the gang.

    Perception Check: 1d20+2=17

    Move Action: walk up to Dorn, Swain, and Areneth.

    Whatever the feeling was, it passes, Traorin continues up toward the group and intorduces himself. "Greetings, I am Traorin of the Dragonborn," Traorin leans in to whisper, "I do not know if this should mean anything to you but does the name Torrent mean anything to anyone here?"

    Witch_Hunter_84 on
    If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
  • TuranosTuranos Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Dorn instantly replaces his smile with a fearsome frown at Traorin's words, drawing his brows down and pointing at the dragonborn with a warning finger, "Now then, you don't want to be associating with that sort, friend, colluders aren't welcome around here!" After continuing to glower for a few heartbeats, the half-orc suddenly bursts out laughing, holding his sides and throwing his head back with no care for volume or subtlety of any sort.
    "I jest! I jest! Ah, the looks on your faces," Dorn wipes a tear of mirth from his eye as he holds out his other hand to the dragonborn in greeting, "I am called Dorn Kir, and I'm a monk of Melora, so I know Torrent well."

    Turanos on
  • Witch_Hunter_84Witch_Hunter_84 Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Traorin moves his hand away from his battleaxe to shake Dorn's hand, "Ah, quite good, quite good. Well met there my good monk." He then turns to the Drow and human, "And you two?"

    Witch_Hunter_84 on
    If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
  • Bp1580Bp1580 Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    "I am Swain Ciaphas Angevin, military tactician and force commander." said Swain, reaching out to shake Traorin's hand. "I'm here because I'd like to avoid a needless war that will cost thousands of lives and further delay my well deserved promotion." He retracted his hand and turned to Dorn now, saying "I'm afraid that I won't be here much longer if you keep alerting the guards like that though, Dorn." He smiled a little to show he meant no harm, but he would've rather the group kept somewhat quiet until they were inside.

    Bp1580 on
  • TiamatZTiamatZ Ghost puns The Banette of my existenceRegistered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Moments after Traorin knocks on the door, those closest to the alleyway door hears wood rasping from within the pub. The portal then cracks open letting the faint light from within escapes into the foreboding night. A tall, well-tanned woman with short white hair sneaks a peek out into the alleyway and after looking both ways she motions for the five of you in the alley to come in.

    “Quickly now, you weren’t followed were you?” the woman says in an hushed whisper. “Hmmmm. Looks like we're still missing some potential members. Still, it looks like mostly everyone's accounted for...” she says as she carefully scans the alley for any potential spies...

    Torrent's Passive Perception: 20

    Torrent's smile fades, as she spots the concealed Eladrin not far off.

    "Looks like we are not alone, my allies. Halt! Who goes there? Be you friend or foe?" Torrent shouts as she places her hand on her battleaxe's hilt...

    TiamatZ on
  • squishy-blobsquishy-blob Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    "Friend I'm assuming." Titania says as she lets the shadows fall and fades back into full view.

    "I take it you are Torrent? Quite the diverse bunch of folk you've gathered here." She says while looking pointedly at the drow before stepping past the dragonborn and making her way towards the door. She looks back at the group still standing in the alley and says "It's been a lovely conversation gentlemen but don't you think you should continue it inside. All manner of folk could be listening out here."

    squishy-blob on
  • Bp1580Bp1580 Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Swain looked revealed upon hearing the strange "friend's" words. "I couldn't agree more," Swain said as he moved towards the door, "I think we could all do with a little explanation as to why we're here from our lovely hostess." He briefly made eye contact with Torrent upon saying this, holding it only long enough for her to notice. He then quickly made his way inside, looking visibly happier to be out of the open.

    Bp1580 on
  • Witch_Hunter_84Witch_Hunter_84 Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    The Eladrin's sudden apperance causing Traorin a momentary surge of surprise, he recover's quickly and follow's Swain's lead in going inside. He nods respectfully to Torrent as he passes her.

    Witch_Hunter_84 on
    If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
  • IlliantharIllianthar GMT -0700Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Areneth’s gaze fixes on Titania as she steps out of the shadows. His facial expression changes slightly, losing the smirk and settling into a hard façade. Words start to form on his lips, but he thinks better of it and simply shrugs. Pulling the hood of his jacket up over his head, he makes his way into the pub.

    Illianthar on
  • TiamatZTiamatZ Ghost puns The Banette of my existenceRegistered User regular
    edited March 2011
    “Indeed I am Torrent, yes.” the woman answers the Eladrin in the alley briefly. “And you must be Titania I believe?”

    The Eladrin felt a bit surprised at this sudden revelation, when Torrent briefly smiles. “No need to be alarmed. The resistance has been keeping an eye on some potential people here in Gate Pass. People, whom they believed, would help me in their plight. A few hours ago, before sunset, they sent word of whom was arriving tonight. Of course, there were some volunteers that have stated their intentions to help me out beforehand, one of whom whose daughter was to meet up with us. But I see she has yet to arrive…”

    “Now then, if you would kindly, please come in out of the cold. The night’s darkness conceals many a inquisitive eye, eyes that may wonder why such a meeting is taking place in a pub whose owner has just been arrested for collusion.” She says, as she lets you in, gesturing to a single table where she has set up a what appear to be provisions for the meeting tonight. Swain was already inside, inspecting the room.

    Anyone who approaches Torrent closely would see that she is tall and looks to be as strong as the typical warrior. She has distinctive and sharp features and short white hair. Her tanned skin gives her away as a foreigner and under her dark winter coat she wears a breastplate decorated with blue wave-like etchings. You also notice a wooden holy symbol of some type tied to her wrist with a leather cord.

    Dorn:
    You recognize the markings and the holy symbol to be those of Melora, your patron Goddess.

    Once you enter the tavern, the darkened pub appears empty, it’s many tables and chairs pushed to one wall and covered with sheets. A single table with enough chairs for all of you sits in the middle of the room, with a map placed upon it. A small oil lamp and a keg sit on top of it, along with several mugs. Unless the shadows beyond hide more, your group and the woman are the only people in the room.

    Dorn Kir, Areneth:
    Passive Perception: Success
    You notice a staircase that leads upstairs, located in a corner of the common room and beside the bar. The windows and door facing the street are closed and boarded up from the outside. On the wall behind the bar hangs a bronze bust of the former emperor of Ragesia, Drakus Coaltongue, a regal, aged half-orc with a scar cutting diagonally across his face.

    While you are settling down, the woman picks up a mug of beer and speaks. “Good evening, all. My name is Torrent. Thanks for coming,” She gestures towards the keg and mugs, and with a wan smile says, “Have a drink. Just because we’re about to go to war doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the New Year.” She then takes a pull of her mug and sits down.

    OOC:
    Just consider these few minutes to be firendly banter and small talk. Introduce yourself to one another. Once Storm joins up and everyone's fully introduced with one another can we start.

    TiamatZ on
  • squishy-blobsquishy-blob Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    "War? You certainly think big." Titania says while taking a mug. "Are you all so bold?" She asks, looking around at the others.

    squishy-blob on
  • IlliantharIllianthar GMT -0700Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Walking in from the darkness of the alleyway, Areneth blinks a few times to help his eyes adjust to the new source of light. Looking around as he often does, he notes the available exits from the room, specifically the staircase. After a few moments in contemplation, he selects a chair at the table, making sure that he is positioned in such a way that he can see both the alley door and the staircase with his peripheral vision. He then produces a small waterskin from a jacket pocket.

    Areneth ignores the comment from the Eladrin, and gestures to the waterskin he's holding while saying, “I hope you’ll pardon my rudeness, Madam Cleric. Alcohol clouds the mind, and I have the feeling that tonight I must have my wits about me to the utmost.”

    Illianthar on
  • TuranosTuranos Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    "War," sighs Dorn, "is a symptom of imbalance." As he enters the room he glances at the keg and a brief, uncomfortable expression of something akin to uncertainty passes across his face. Shaking his head slightly, the monk then moves to the bust of the former emperor. Staring at the other half-orc's face with sudden melancholy tinging his words, he mutters to no one in particular, "We must strive for harmony with the aggression... there's no harmony in war."

    Turanos on
  • squishy-blobsquishy-blob Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    "True, but one has to admit there's little harmony in oppression either. The question is whether it's better to tolerate to your oppressors or to fight them." Titania replies, watching the monk as he contemplates the bust. Shahalesti has long tolerated Ragesia because to cross Coaltongue wasn't worth the price. If he is truly out of the picture then things might be different now."

    squishy-blob on
  • skarsolskarsol Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    The tenor of the activity kept changing, from friendly, to confrontation, and back again, but finally everyone ended up inside the inn with the woman who opened the door. From a distance she matched the description of Torrent that her parents gave her, although she wasn't warned about all these other people. Once the alley was clear, Summer checked quickly to make sure there was still noone watching and then crossed back to the Poison Apple and knocked on the door in the alley.

    skarsol on
    why are you smelling it?
  • Witch_Hunter_84Witch_Hunter_84 Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Traorin gets up and helps himself to a mug of beer, talking as he pours. "Wars are almost an inevitable thing in our world. Conflict is a tool we use to advance ouselves in position over others, with Coaltounge's death does Shalehasti seek to advance itself as a nation, eclipsing Ragesia's shining star?" Traorin takes a long drink while fixing his gaze upon Tatania.

    Witch_Hunter_84 on
    If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
  • TiamatZTiamatZ Ghost puns The Banette of my existenceRegistered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Just as Torrent was about to get into the debate regarding war and it's oppressors, she heard a knock on the alleyway door.

    Curious, she stands up and opens the portal first. She sees the Longtooth Shifter Cleric, wearing the symbol and markings of the fallen goddess of retribution, Nusemnee, like a badge of honour. She opens the door quickly (though quietly) to avoid suspicion from the outside.

    "Ah, I take it your Summer Storm? Your parents gave word in advance that you'd be arriving. Care to take a seat with the others?" Torrent gestures, as she points towards one of the open seats on display...

    TiamatZ on
  • TuranosTuranos Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Dorn heaves a sigh at Titania's words, but nods slowly in agreement, "Yes, we must all find the tipping point between what we can tolerate and what we cannot." Hearing another knock on the door, the half-orc puts his friendly smile firmly back in place, only momentarily replaced with a grimace in response to Traorin's cynicism. After Torrent opens the door and speaks to the shifter the monk finds he cannot resist another joke, "Ah, yet another colluder fallen into our trap, eh?"
    A moment passes before he laughs again, restraining himself to a low chuckle this time in deference to Swain's advice, "Never gets old. Have no fear, friend, there are no guards here - come and enjoy the fine company this evening!" He waves his arm vaguely in the direction of the gathered adventurers.

    Turanos on
  • skarsolskarsol Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Summer frowned at the half-orc's continuation of his little joke from the alleyway. "Yes, I was asked to come here. I assume you're Torrent." Glancing around at the others she muttered, "Guess I was the only one that was asked to make sure they came unseen." Summer shook her head and walked to one of the unused chairs and sat down, looking at Torrent expectantly.
    !Ready

    skarsol on
    why are you smelling it?
  • Bp1580Bp1580 Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    After finishing his inspection of the room, Swain sits down and grabs a mug of ale, hoping to put in his two copper about the situation before he gets forgotten about completely. He takes a swig of the drink before turning to Titania and addressing her earlier remarks,
    Shahalesti has long tolerated Ragesia because to cross Coaltongue wasn't worth the price. If he is truly out of the picture then things might be different now."


    "To be honest, neither side is going to have it easy if war breaks out, which it almost certainly will. Although Ragesia has lost a powerful leader in Coaltongue, it is still a massive nation with an army to match. I could get into the details of the theoretical war, like how Ragesia's army could be spread thin and how Shahalesti's decision making could be compromised by greed, but that doesn't matter. What matters is this war will majorly destabilize both nations and utterly decimate anything or anyone in between. And if you look on the map..." Swain paused for dramatic effect, standing up from the chair and towering over the table for emphasis. It was a little dramatic, but he needed everyone on the same page here. When he felt he had driven his point home, he pointed at Gate Pass and finished his sentence,

    "...that's exactly where we are. If these two nations go to war, Gate Pass is going to be obliterated, and there won't be anywhere to run with enemies on both sides as well as the Burning Sky preventing transportation. So if you have anything you even remotely care about in Gate Pass, either of the two nations, or even in this world at all, then we should stop debating about the 'true meaning of war' or which nation is better and focus on stopping the entire world from throwing itself into a churning pit of self destruction and death!"

    Swain sat back down, feeling good about having spoken his mind. He casually added, "...or at least that's my opinion, anyway." before sitting back down and instantly returning to his previous laid back demeanor. He then took a swig of ale and watched the table for a response.

    Bp1580 on
  • Witch_Hunter_84Witch_Hunter_84 Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    "Well said sir, well said." Traorin then looks accross the room at the new arrival and raises his mug in greeting to Summer Storm.
    !Ready

    Witch_Hunter_84 on
    If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
  • TuranosTuranos Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Dorn listens to Swain in silence, his amiable grin gradually fading into a worried frown. "You're right, of course, there are so many innocent lives at stake... something must be done about it." He stares down at his hands for a moment, turning them over as if unsure of what they are, "I must do something about it, for what is harmony within when all else must suffer for it?"

    Suddenly animated, the monk strides over to Torrent and holds out his hands to her as if begging something from her, "Surely that is why we are here, yes? You have a plan?" Without waiting for an answer he straightens and slaps his hand to his chest, "I will help you!" The half-orc then grins around the room again as if everything is now settled and will work out just fine.
    !Ready

    Turanos on
  • IlliantharIllianthar GMT -0700Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Areneth listens to the war-related banter in silence, but keeps his main focus on Torrent, waiting patiently to hear what the cleric has to say.
    !Ready

    Illianthar on
  • squishy-blobsquishy-blob Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    At Dorns comment about Torrent potentially having a plan Titania looks to the woman and raises an eyebrow. "Well?"
    !Ready

    squishy-blob on
  • Bp1580Bp1580 Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Swain shifted forward in his seat a little, waiting to see what Torrent had to say.
    !Ready

    Bp1580 on
  • TiamatZTiamatZ Ghost puns The Banette of my existenceRegistered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Torrent raises her hand and was about to speak, when she and the rest of the party hears distant bells throughout the city, chiming to celebrate the turning of the New Year.

    Torrent grimaces and straightens in her chair, saying, “That’s one year gone.” She shakes her head a little, then looks over the table towards you and quietly says, “I guess it’s time to get down to business."

    "The city’s in trouble. You may have heard of rumours of a Ragesian army marching towards Gate Pass. Unfortunately, those rumours are true. The Ragesian army is marching on us, and will be here by tomorrow. Before then, we have a mission."

    "I used to study at a magic academy to the south, called Lyceum. They’re good people. So when word reached them about Ragesia’s 'Scourge,' they sent out messages calling for anyone fleeing Ragesia to come to them. They want to stand against the Ragesians, and the resistance wants their help. We just need to get a message to them."

    "Normally we would have sent something by teleporting courier, but something strange is going on with planar magic. The last courier who teleported into Gate Pass, rumor is that he showed up burnt to a crisp. Not that I have that sort of magic anyway, but if we’re going to talk to Lyceum, we’re going to have to go overland. And that’s a problem, because the city’s walls are sealed."

    "Ever since their emperor died, the Ragesians have been trying to show that they’re not in disarray and weak, and they’re marching an army in our direction, since the mountain pass we’re in is apparently 'strategically valuable.' Either way, a few fools on the city council want to negotiate with the Ragesians, and rumor is they’re going to invite a group of Inquisitors into the city to look for 'magic-users who are hostile to the empire."

    "They’ve sealed the gates of the city so no one can get out, to make sure they look like they're cooperating, and only military personnel can get in or out."

    "We’re going to have to get out of the city, and I’m open to suggestions on how. Once we're out, I can get us safely to Lyceum, but before we get ahead of ourselves, we have a mission tonight."

    "The short version is that we’ve got to meet a contact—a gnome who goes by Rivereye Badgerface—in about an hour at a guarded depository about a half-mile from here."
    She says, as she pointsa towards a spot on the map representing Gate Pass. "He's carrying a case of vital military intelligence which he stole from the Ragesian palace, and the heads of the resistance think that it needs to reach Lyceum. We’ve got to get that case, get out of the city, and get far away from here before the idiot city council lets the Ragesian Inquisitors in. Once that happens, the odds of us escaping are—" here she pauses and finishes off her mug of beer in one long guzzle "—slim."

    "I know I'd love to stay here and fight against the Ragesians, but I'm no soldier, and this mission might be more important. Worst case, you get away from the Ragesians and we can part ways a few days down the road. Best case, you can come with me to Lyceum, and we come back with an army of our own to drive off the Ragesians. But we’ve got to act fast either way."

    She places her hands on the table, gazing at each member's eyes carefully.

    “Are you ready for this?”


    OOC:
    Now your in the planning phase. Torrent can provide information or suggestions if asked (see the Conversation Options below). But she won't take part in plans that involve killing (She's considered Good aligned)

    You've unlocked the following Conversation options:
    • Gate Pass (A DC 15 Streetwise or Diplomacy check might help you find more information regarding the town)
    • Getting to Lyceum
    • Rivereye Badgerface
    • The Ragesian Army (A DC 15 History check might get you more info regarding the incoming Ragesian army)
    • Inquisitors (Torrent has rudimentary knowledge of the organisation, but some Arcana or Religion checks might be in order to glean more info regarding them [DC Varies, with 7 the lowest, and DC27 the highest])
    • Lyceum (Same as above, except with Arcana or History checks [DCs vary once more 7-27])
    • Payment

    TiamatZ on
  • IlliantharIllianthar GMT -0700Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Areneth leans back in his chair, contemplating the information that he’s just acquired. He didn’t really have much of an opinion on wars and armies, other than not really wanting to be around when one showed up. So it seemed that obtaining this information and leaving Gate Pass was the best way to assure himself of that. His mind being made up, he pulls his hood back and addresses the group.

    “It seems we have two tasks ahead of us. Obtain information from the gnome, and then flee the city. As far as leaving the city walls, I would be able to teleport the entire group a short distance. The process would be somewhat unpleasant, though not fatal. Another option might be finding out what types of military patrols are allowed to exit the gates, and then obtain some uniforms and pose as one of the patrols.”

    Looking over to Torrent, he continues, “Madam Cleric, what do you know of this Rivereye Badgerface? is he sympathetic to the cause of your resistance? Or is he merely selling his information to the highest bidder? Also, do you know just how ‘guarded’ is this depository that we’re meeting him at?”
    Diplomacy (to try and determine anything I can regarding the movement of patrols through the city gates, and the depository we're going to): 1d20+8 = 17

    Illianthar on
  • Witch_Hunter_84Witch_Hunter_84 Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Traorin listens to Torrent carefully. This had been exactly the information he had been sent out into the world to find.

    "My good lady cleric, I was sent here by my people in the mountains of northern Ostalin to better aquaint myself with this coming conflict and the consequences it might bring to the greater world. If this Mr. Badgerface has any pertinent information on what's coming then I suggest we go to him first. That is, assuming he is on the level and in fact has any information worth obtaining." Traorin sets his mug down and leans foreward in his seat, locking eyes with the cleric. "If the Regasian army is indeed intent on taking this city by force it will need assistance to weather the sotrm. Lyceum seems to be a distance away with no method of teleportation, but if that's where the case needs to go to protect this city, then that's where it needs to go."
    History check for Lyceum (basic history, exact location, maybe a quick route to get there): d20+3=22

    Witch_Hunter_84 on
    If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten in your presence.
  • squishy-blobsquishy-blob Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Titania perks up at Traorin's words. "You say you're from the mountains?" She asks "Could you lead us safely through the mountains south of the city? Both the eastern and western gates are heavily guarded and a failed attempt to escape that way could prove deadly. The southern wall however is much less protected due to the difficulty of leading an army through the mountains. If we could get through one of the southern gates or simply scale the wall we could make our escape that way."

    squishy-blob on
  • TuranosTuranos Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    "I don't understand these Inquisitors you mention," Dorn remarks with a puzzled frown, "who are they and what is their purpose? Could we not perhaps reason with them?" The monk looks around the group with a hopeful grin that wilts somewhat under the aura of cynicism in the room.
    Religion check on the Inquisitors to understand who they are and what their motivation is: 1d20+0=8

    Turanos on
  • skarsolskarsol Registered User regular
    edited March 2011
    Looking at the half-orc monk, Summer responded to his comments, "I don't know much about these particular Inquisitors, but 'magic-users who are hostile to the empire' is likely just 'anyone hostile to the empire' or even 'anyone we don't like'. Didn't you read the notice on the door? It's already started, and will only get worse once the army gets here! Individually we might be able to reason with the Inquisitors, but as a group, it's likely impossible." Looking back to Torrent, she continued, "I'm not excited about helping to start a war, but this seems to be the best of a bad lot if we're going to help the people here. Maybe the information Rivereye has will expand our options."

    skarsol on
    why are you smelling it?
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