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Quest for the Holy Relics: A NeoGAF DnD Play by Post Campaign
- Thread starter ThLunarian
- Start date
ThLunarian
Member
Feeling that he would be of no help in convincing the prisoners to join forces with the party, Sarm stayed behind at Elric's place instead, and is working to prepare some spells that he feels would be more useful in stopping Clementine.
At the constabulary, Kaff and Ivor successfully bamboozle the guard into a blubbering nervous wreck on top of being confused, which leaves an easy opening for Quintus (and Ivor, if he likes) to slip by undetected.
Down below, Davos, Leeta, and Kempok are all in the same cell. Davos is pacing back and forth throughout the room; Leeta is sitting on a sleeping cot with her hands covering her face; and Kempok is actually sleeping in another cot.
Davos looks up as you descend the stairs. "Well well, look what the bloody cat dragged in." He seems irritated, and doesn't stop pacing, but he does watch you come down the rest of the way. "Look, wizard, unless you're here to set us free or to kill us, I'm not interested, so you can just leave us to rot for all I care." He then looks away from you and continues pacing.
Leeta also looks at you now, and her eyes look sad and desperate, but she doesn't say anything. Kempok is still snoring.
For Ivor, if he came down
At the constabulary, Kaff and Ivor successfully bamboozle the guard into a blubbering nervous wreck on top of being confused, which leaves an easy opening for Quintus (and Ivor, if he likes) to slip by undetected.
Down below, Davos, Leeta, and Kempok are all in the same cell. Davos is pacing back and forth throughout the room; Leeta is sitting on a sleeping cot with her hands covering her face; and Kempok is actually sleeping in another cot.
Davos looks up as you descend the stairs. "Well well, look what the bloody cat dragged in." He seems irritated, and doesn't stop pacing, but he does watch you come down the rest of the way. "Look, wizard, unless you're here to set us free or to kill us, I'm not interested, so you can just leave us to rot for all I care." He then looks away from you and continues pacing.
Leeta also looks at you now, and her eyes look sad and desperate, but she doesn't say anything. Kempok is still snoring.
For Ivor, if he came down
The lock to their cell door looks like something you could pick pretty easily if you wanted to, with a Thievery roll
DeadPhoenix
Member
Before reaching the cells, Quintus cast detect thoughts in order to better judge whether or not he should risk releasing the prisoners go after their little chat.
"Funny you should mention that... As I'm sure you are aware of by now, our mutual friend, Miss Clementine, has taken control of the city. You three just happen to be some of the few people still living in the town, which means you can help us stop her. Best part is you are just a distraction! Me and my associates will be doing the dangerous part of actually trying to put a stop Clementine."
"Funny you should mention that... As I'm sure you are aware of by now, our mutual friend, Miss Clementine, has taken control of the city. You three just happen to be some of the few people still living in the town, which means you can help us stop her. Best part is you are just a distraction! Me and my associates will be doing the dangerous part of actually trying to put a stop Clementine."
((I take it they haven't been affected by the Hand?))
Stepping into the hallway, Ivor does his best to look like the no-nonsense professional he pretended he was to the guard. Approaching the cell with Quintus, he notices the simple lock in his peripheral vision hoping not to bring attention to it. Releasing the prisoners can wait - Right now the rogue wants assurances that they'll do what is needed.
"So... The bearers of the mark of Vecna. It's an awfully deadly burden for someone to have, isn't it?"
He looks each prisoner in the eye.
"Nobody has come for you. In fact, we saw some of your kind nailed to the city gates today. Clementine has used you to commit this atrocity and I need to be certain you will do what's needed to end this crisis, only then can I help you."
Stepping into the hallway, Ivor does his best to look like the no-nonsense professional he pretended he was to the guard. Approaching the cell with Quintus, he notices the simple lock in his peripheral vision hoping not to bring attention to it. Releasing the prisoners can wait - Right now the rogue wants assurances that they'll do what is needed.
"So... The bearers of the mark of Vecna. It's an awfully deadly burden for someone to have, isn't it?"
He looks each prisoner in the eye.
"Nobody has come for you. In fact, we saw some of your kind nailed to the city gates today. Clementine has used you to commit this atrocity and I need to be certain you will do what's needed to end this crisis, only then can I help you."
ThLunarian
Member
Davos and Leeta watch as Quintus casts his spell. Davos grabs the sides of his head, and you don't get anything from him. "Tryin' to dig around in my head, eh?" he challenges. "Sorry, friend, but even if I wanted to let you in, this bloody curse I got on me's not like to let you go snoopin' around in there."
As for Leeta, you notice that she doesn't seem to resist you. What you do manage to pick up is mostly static, but ((I rolled a Caster Level check for you to oppose the curse that's been cast on them, and you got a 19 on the die so I'm giving you something)) you do hear "If they can help us escape, I'll do anything they ask of me."
From Kempok, you get mostly static, and a brief, bizarre mental image of sheep jumping over a fence, straight into the mouth of a dire wolf.
As the two of you explain the situation to Davos and Leeta (and Kempok, as he wakes up part way through all of this), they all listen intently.
"So let me get this straight," says Davos, "You'll let us out of here, if we agree to help take down the bitch who got us in this mess in the first place? Bloody hell, I don't see much of a downside there, do you fellas?" he turns to his cellmates.
Leeta, her eyes wide and hopeful, shakes her head vigorously. "No, I don't see a problem at all. Just... if you could maybe do something about this curse we have, I would be willing to help you even further, in whatever way you require."
Davos ignores that last bit and turns to the half-orc. "You, Kempok? You alright with this deal?"
Kempok grunts and nods his head approvingly.
Davos turns back to Ivor and Quintus. "You all got yourselves a deal. Hope you all got a plan, though, 'cause we're mostly the follow-orders type of crew. Oh, and if you'll let us get stocked up with weapons and armor from this place's storehouse, that'd probably be right useful for whatever scheme you've got in mind."
((Ivor, you don't need to roll your thievery; the lock is fairly simple and you have the luxury of taking your time here. Decide what to do about equipping these guys (you find that the armory here is still pretty well-stocked with standard-issue, non-magical long swords, crossbows, chain mail, and leather armor), Kaff let me know how you want to play it with Davos and crew (remember that you're still in your zombie makeup), and let me know when you all head back toward Elric's place.))
As for Leeta, you notice that she doesn't seem to resist you. What you do manage to pick up is mostly static, but ((I rolled a Caster Level check for you to oppose the curse that's been cast on them, and you got a 19 on the die so I'm giving you something)) you do hear "If they can help us escape, I'll do anything they ask of me."
From Kempok, you get mostly static, and a brief, bizarre mental image of sheep jumping over a fence, straight into the mouth of a dire wolf.
As the two of you explain the situation to Davos and Leeta (and Kempok, as he wakes up part way through all of this), they all listen intently.
"So let me get this straight," says Davos, "You'll let us out of here, if we agree to help take down the bitch who got us in this mess in the first place? Bloody hell, I don't see much of a downside there, do you fellas?" he turns to his cellmates.
Leeta, her eyes wide and hopeful, shakes her head vigorously. "No, I don't see a problem at all. Just... if you could maybe do something about this curse we have, I would be willing to help you even further, in whatever way you require."
Davos ignores that last bit and turns to the half-orc. "You, Kempok? You alright with this deal?"
Kempok grunts and nods his head approvingly.
Davos turns back to Ivor and Quintus. "You all got yourselves a deal. Hope you all got a plan, though, 'cause we're mostly the follow-orders type of crew. Oh, and if you'll let us get stocked up with weapons and armor from this place's storehouse, that'd probably be right useful for whatever scheme you've got in mind."
((Ivor, you don't need to roll your thievery; the lock is fairly simple and you have the luxury of taking your time here. Decide what to do about equipping these guys (you find that the armory here is still pretty well-stocked with standard-issue, non-magical long swords, crossbows, chain mail, and leather armor), Kaff let me know how you want to play it with Davos and crew (remember that you're still in your zombie makeup), and let me know when you all head back toward Elric's place.))
KittenMaster
Member
((Putting in my day's post. Couldn't do anything ICly due to my decision to stay back and prepare spells.))
((EDIT: I just remembered, did I get dibs on the rod of maximization or not?))
((EDIT: I just remembered, did I get dibs on the rod of maximization or not?))
Kaff is reasonably sure he's unrecognizable to the prisoners, but to be on the safe side makes sure he pockets his spectacles and speak as sparingly as possible when Quintus and Ivor come up from below with the prisoners. He raises no objections to whatever equipment they request, as he figures they'll be more useful if fully equipped.
"Blast," he mutters to himself as they make their final preparations to leave, "I hadn't considered how we were supposed to get back. The six of us are a downright crowd. Do you think revenge is sufficient motivation to trust our charges to make it to the rendezvous on their own? Or are we to split up and escort one apiece? None of our options seem particularly workable. Damn me, how did I not foresee this..."
"Blast," he mutters to himself as they make their final preparations to leave, "I hadn't considered how we were supposed to get back. The six of us are a downright crowd. Do you think revenge is sufficient motivation to trust our charges to make it to the rendezvous on their own? Or are we to split up and escort one apiece? None of our options seem particularly workable. Damn me, how did I not foresee this..."
DeadPhoenix
Member
((As for the rod, sure you can take it, right now all i have is about 2 spells that can use it, your cures and stuff will probably make use of them much better))
"The equipment? Sure, you won't be a very good distraction if you die to quickly... but don't put it on yet though, the guard thinks we are moving you to another prison and it'll make our job easier if we don't raise an alarm to soon. And as for the curse, it may take some time, but I'll see what I can do. Of course that will have to wait till after we take care of Clementine."
"The equipment? Sure, you won't be a very good distraction if you die to quickly... but don't put it on yet though, the guard thinks we are moving you to another prison and it'll make our job easier if we don't raise an alarm to soon. And as for the curse, it may take some time, but I'll see what I can do. Of course that will have to wait till after we take care of Clementine."
ThLunarian
Member
Meanwhile, at Elric's house...
(Sarm) You have been meditating quietly to yourself for about an hour in Elric's room, and Elric has been hovering over the map on the table, fastidiously making notes here and there, and consulting various scrolls and tomes.
There is a knock at the door. "Honey, we're home," Lysa's voice rings from behind. She tries to open the door, but it's locked; Elric hurries over to let them in.
"Well? Did you find who you were looking for?"
Lysa steps in and seems surprised to see that you're still here, but she speaks to Elric, "Elric, meet Trixie, one of my coworkers at the Golden Griffin."
Behind Lysa comes Trixie, the elf who you may recall was throwing herself at Kaff during the celebration, the night before you all left for the library. Today she looks very different than last time; she is dressed in what you immediately recognize as a cleric's vestments (though they are a modicum more revealing than the average holy garment), with a gold heart featured prominently as her religious symbol.
She nods to Elric, but turns her attention to you. "You're the cleric of Pelor. The one who rescued the mayor's daughter from the kidnappers," she says, and extends her hand to you. "It's a pleasure. I wanted to introduce myself to you at the party, but you left rather early, and I was busy as well. I am Arianna, and I'm a cleric of Hanali Celanil."
You remember from your studies on your home plane that Hanali Celanil is a goddess of love, affection, and beauty, worshiped primarily by elves, but she was fairly obscure even in your plane of origin, where the gods were able to wield influence. It's very surprising to you that someone from this plane would even know who she is, let alone be one of her clerics.
"Giving your real name out to people now, eh?" Lysa says, bemused. "Desperate times, desperate measures, I suppose. Now, where did the rest of the Heroes of Alydar head off to? Hope they're coming back soon. I want to get this show on the road."
((The rest of you continue to work out how you plan on getting back to Elric's place, and Sarm, this will give you some RP opportunities until the others return.))
(Sarm) You have been meditating quietly to yourself for about an hour in Elric's room, and Elric has been hovering over the map on the table, fastidiously making notes here and there, and consulting various scrolls and tomes.
There is a knock at the door. "Honey, we're home," Lysa's voice rings from behind. She tries to open the door, but it's locked; Elric hurries over to let them in.
"Well? Did you find who you were looking for?"
Lysa steps in and seems surprised to see that you're still here, but she speaks to Elric, "Elric, meet Trixie, one of my coworkers at the Golden Griffin."
Behind Lysa comes Trixie, the elf who you may recall was throwing herself at Kaff during the celebration, the night before you all left for the library. Today she looks very different than last time; she is dressed in what you immediately recognize as a cleric's vestments (though they are a modicum more revealing than the average holy garment), with a gold heart featured prominently as her religious symbol.
She nods to Elric, but turns her attention to you. "You're the cleric of Pelor. The one who rescued the mayor's daughter from the kidnappers," she says, and extends her hand to you. "It's a pleasure. I wanted to introduce myself to you at the party, but you left rather early, and I was busy as well. I am Arianna, and I'm a cleric of Hanali Celanil."
You remember from your studies on your home plane that Hanali Celanil is a goddess of love, affection, and beauty, worshiped primarily by elves, but she was fairly obscure even in your plane of origin, where the gods were able to wield influence. It's very surprising to you that someone from this plane would even know who she is, let alone be one of her clerics.
"Giving your real name out to people now, eh?" Lysa says, bemused. "Desperate times, desperate measures, I suppose. Now, where did the rest of the Heroes of Alydar head off to? Hope they're coming back soon. I want to get this show on the road."
((The rest of you continue to work out how you plan on getting back to Elric's place, and Sarm, this will give you some RP opportunities until the others return.))
KittenMaster
Member
Sarm is nearly interrupted by the knock at the door, but sacrifices politeness in order to properly finish his words to Pelor. Once done he pushes himself up from the chair he was praying over, and pushes his shoulders back in a bit of a waking stretch. He stands up to make himself more formal and less relaxed as visitors arrive.
He nods at Lysa as she speaks to Elric, but it is her friend that truly catches him off guard, both the revelation of her Clericship and the goddess she worships. Meeting with Trixie's gaze he grasps her hand in return and responds, almost not saying what he does, "It was not me alone. In fact, it was the wizard that deserves much of the praise." After shaking her hand, he says, putting his hands behind his back mid-speech "You must forgive me. I never went as far as even considering the possibility of meeting a Cleric of Hanali Celanil in my travels. I hope my leaving the party early did not offend you."
He nods at Lysa as she speaks to Elric, but it is her friend that truly catches him off guard, both the revelation of her Clericship and the goddess she worships. Meeting with Trixie's gaze he grasps her hand in return and responds, almost not saying what he does, "It was not me alone. In fact, it was the wizard that deserves much of the praise." After shaking her hand, he says, putting his hands behind his back mid-speech "You must forgive me. I never went as far as even considering the possibility of meeting a Cleric of Hanali Celanil in my travels. I hope my leaving the party early did not offend you."
ThLunarian
Member
((FYI, in a few hours I'm going on a day-long trip and won't be back until tomorrow night))
((I got lazy, sorry. So I understand that we can supply our "allies" from areas connected to the jail, but what else is there nearby? I'm looking for ways the party can sneak out such as secret passageways so that the guard won't find them. Should I make a search or thievery check for this?))
As Ivor prepares to unlock the cell gates, he wonders if the party is making the right decision. He explains to the prisoners that if they manage to help bring an end to this crisis and genuinely aid the city he will do his best to help them in the eyes of the public. He has been subject to suspicion before, after all.
As Ivor prepares to unlock the cell gates, he wonders if the party is making the right decision. He explains to the prisoners that if they manage to help bring an end to this crisis and genuinely aid the city he will do his best to help them in the eyes of the public. He has been subject to suspicion before, after all.
ThLunarian
Member
((There doesn't seem to be any sort of secret passages here. It looks like the construction was fairly straightforward. However, Kaff seems to have convinced the guard that the prisoners are being transferred anyway, so there is probably no need to hide them from him))
ThLunarian
Member
(Sarm) Arianna chuckles slightly. "No need to apologize, Sir. Or is it Father? I've never met a child of Pelor, forgive my lack of protocol.
"In any case, I don't blame you at all for leaving the party prematurely. I'm fully aware that I'm different than most holy types, what with my whoring about. Fortunately for me, the Goddess holds my profession in high esteem.
"Now," and she turns her head to include everyone in the conversation, "Why don't you all brief me on the situation, so that when the rest of the cavalry arrives, we can get down to brass tacks?"
Elric and the ladies bring Arianna up to speed for the next short while.((/scene))
At the constabulary....
Davos, Leeta, and Kempok find themselves some weapons and help each other get fitted into appropriate armor (though Leeta's is a tad oversized; there were no uniforms made for women in the armory), and then they wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Finally Davos seems to have had enough of the indecisive chatter. "Bloody hell," he mutters, "You all can keep standin' around here blatherin' if you like; personally I would sooner never set foot in this sodding rathole of a prison ever again. I'm leavin'; you all can either come out and tell me where to go, or if ya don't, I'm like to just keep on walkin' outta this town." Without waiting for reply, he marches straight out the door; the zombie guard watches him go and seems like he wants to say something, but thinks better of it.
Kempok immediately moves to follow Davos; Leeta watches the three of you and does not make a move yet.
"In any case, I don't blame you at all for leaving the party prematurely. I'm fully aware that I'm different than most holy types, what with my whoring about. Fortunately for me, the Goddess holds my profession in high esteem.
"Now," and she turns her head to include everyone in the conversation, "Why don't you all brief me on the situation, so that when the rest of the cavalry arrives, we can get down to brass tacks?"
Elric and the ladies bring Arianna up to speed for the next short while.((/scene))
At the constabulary....
Davos, Leeta, and Kempok find themselves some weapons and help each other get fitted into appropriate armor (though Leeta's is a tad oversized; there were no uniforms made for women in the armory), and then they wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Finally Davos seems to have had enough of the indecisive chatter. "Bloody hell," he mutters, "You all can keep standin' around here blatherin' if you like; personally I would sooner never set foot in this sodding rathole of a prison ever again. I'm leavin'; you all can either come out and tell me where to go, or if ya don't, I'm like to just keep on walkin' outta this town." Without waiting for reply, he marches straight out the door; the zombie guard watches him go and seems like he wants to say something, but thinks better of it.
Kempok immediately moves to follow Davos; Leeta watches the three of you and does not make a move yet.
DeadPhoenix
Member
((opps...))
Quintus follows Davos out and says he'll show the way to the 'base' so they can get started. Of course not wanting to attract any unwanted attention he lends them though the back street and such.
Quintus follows Davos out and says he'll show the way to the 'base' so they can get started. Of course not wanting to attract any unwanted attention he lends them though the back street and such.
Code:
knowledge local: 1D20+11 => [ 14 ] +11 = 25Kaff immediately disengages the guard in the middle of his best bureaucratic berating when he witnesses Kempok and Davos march out the front door. "We are done here, good sir. We are taking the prisoners as requested, despite your spectacular failure to even file the appropriate paperwork. You are fortunate I don't have time to spare, the consequences for the inability to even submit a simple formal form requisition form are typically dire, most dire indeed. Demerits. Written reprimands. Memos to file. The glorious reign of Queen Clementine ill-needs lazy layabouts, so be advised to mind your P's and Q's, soldier."
Kaff punctuates the conclusion of his invocation of the hellish powers of government largess with a pantomime of "I'll be watching you" before turning to follow Kempok, Davos, and Quintus out the front door. Confident that bloodlust for revenge will keep them honest in the stead of honor, Kaff is unworried that Quintus can supervise the pair of men.
"Ivor, think you can escort Leeta back? I believe I can make it on my own unassisted."
Kaff punctuates the conclusion of his invocation of the hellish powers of government largess with a pantomime of "I'll be watching you" before turning to follow Kempok, Davos, and Quintus out the front door. Confident that bloodlust for revenge will keep them honest in the stead of honor, Kaff is unworried that Quintus can supervise the pair of men.
"Ivor, think you can escort Leeta back? I believe I can make it on my own unassisted."
Code:
Bluff check: 1d20 + 15 = 19"Absolutely. With the two of us it shouldn't be difficult to stick together and stay hidden. Your name is Leeta? That's right. Just stay with me and I'll get us back to our allies. From there we can begin our plan."
He looks up to her. "And what Quintus said about distractions... He's probably made things sound more severe for the three of you than they should be. I'll try my best to make sure neither of you are alone in this plan."
Without having to follow Kaff through the lesser known as well as more open and populated streets, Ivor is able to turn to his stealth to guide Leeta back to the constabulary ((this is where we're regrouping, right?)) safely.
He looks up to her. "And what Quintus said about distractions... He's probably made things sound more severe for the three of you than they should be. I'll try my best to make sure neither of you are alone in this plan."
Without having to follow Kaff through the lesser known as well as more open and populated streets, Ivor is able to turn to his stealth to guide Leeta back to the constabulary ((this is where we're regrouping, right?)) safely.
Code:
Stealth: Rolling a 20-sided dice, 1 time(s): 3 + 11 = 14KittenMaster
Member
Sarm, unable to find any sort of response before she turns to be briefed by the others, proceeds to pull out a chair and sit back down. Once they are finished briefing Arianna, he states, "It is not certain that the others will return without being noticed. Let us hope the plan can be carried out without hindrance."
ThLunarian
Member
Quintus hurries outside to provide guidance for Davos and Kempok, but just as they're about to disappear into an alleyway, an unfamiliar voice calls out. "HALT!"
The trio is approached by a solitary, slender zombie, wearing the uniform of a city guard. Kaff, Ivor, and Leeta emerge from the building in time to witness this scene; the zombie doesn't pay any attention to them.
"You three are under arrest, on the authority of Queen Clementine. You SHOULD have reported to her Manse for the Conversion process days ago. I'm afraid you'll need to come with me."
Davos looks around, and sees no reinforcements. "Bugger all that. Get lost." He turns to walk away.
The zombie seems furious. "How DARE you defy the Queen's orders?! You shall come with me THIS INSTANT!" He grabs Davos by the shoulder.
In one quick motion, Davos draws his sword and whirls around, cutting a deep gash all the way up the zombie's midsection and splitting his throat in half. The zombie gasps meekly for another moment before falling over, leaking blackened blood onto cobblestone path.
Davos uses a spare bit of cloth on his uniform to clean the blade, then resheathes it. "Come on then, lead the way."
-------------------------------------
Apart from that incident, the rest of the trip back to Elric's place goes smoothly, and suddenly there are 11 of you cramped into Elric's not-very-spacious quarters.
Arianna says to Kaff, "So, it seems the fates have crossed our paths once more, Mister Reyneel." She smiles warmly; although she looks different in her cleric's vestments, her personality hasn't changed since the last time you spoke to her. She then turns to Davos and friends, "Disciples of Vecna, fighting alongside a child of Pelor and a cleric of the Goddess. This is quite an occasion."
"We ain't no disciples of nobody," Davos corrects, "We was just gettin' paid."
"Crises like this create strange... bedfellows," says Lysa, looking directly at Quintus with that smirk which is no doubt getting annoying by now.
There is more banter, and eventually everyone settles down. Davos and crew make it clear that they're no good at coming up with a plan, so they stay out of the way while everyone else attempts to crowd around that table.
"So," Elric begins, "The Mayor's mansion has four entrances, one on each side of the house. The one in front leads directly to the mayor's audience chamber, which takes up most of the first floor. That's the most wide-open room of the house, and thus the one where our strike force," and he glances at the four of you, "Will want to enter from, as it will be the easiest to punch through.
"The rest of us will be diverting Clementine's guards away from that part of the house as much as possible, by attacking through the entrances on either side. I will be joining Lysa, Elmina, and Arianna in attacking the western entrance, while Davos, Kempok, and Leeta attack the east. It's important that we begin our assaults at the same time, so that Clementine is forced to send people to both locations simultaneously. So, Lysa, will you be able to conjure up some fireworks that everyone will be able to see, as the signal?"
She nods.
"Good. So, when Lysa sends up the fireworks," he says loudly, "The seven of us will all attack our respective targets. Got that, Davos?"
"Aye, Captain," Davos calls back, only half-sarcastically.
"And the rest of you should probably wait about a minute after you see the fireworks to come in, to make sure that the guards are as far away as possible.
"There is an issue that you four will have to decide how you want to deal with. Each entrance has two guards posted to it, according to my intel. Now, for the seven of us, that won't be a problem, as we're trying to create as much chaos as we can, but for you four, you have to decide whether you want to try and take them out quietly from a distance, or just charge in past, or through, the guards. I will leave that up to you to decide.
"Since zombies don't need to sleep and can see in the dark, it's better that we perform this operation during the day. We still have a few more hours of daylight tonight, so we can either do this today, or wait until tomorrow. Either way, we'll all want to leave separately to avoid arousing suspicion, and plan to be in position at a particular time, to wait for Lysa's signal.
"Would you all like to do this today, or wait until tomorrow? And at what time would you like to plan to be in position?"
The trio is approached by a solitary, slender zombie, wearing the uniform of a city guard. Kaff, Ivor, and Leeta emerge from the building in time to witness this scene; the zombie doesn't pay any attention to them.
"You three are under arrest, on the authority of Queen Clementine. You SHOULD have reported to her Manse for the Conversion process days ago. I'm afraid you'll need to come with me."
Davos looks around, and sees no reinforcements. "Bugger all that. Get lost." He turns to walk away.
The zombie seems furious. "How DARE you defy the Queen's orders?! You shall come with me THIS INSTANT!" He grabs Davos by the shoulder.
In one quick motion, Davos draws his sword and whirls around, cutting a deep gash all the way up the zombie's midsection and splitting his throat in half. The zombie gasps meekly for another moment before falling over, leaking blackened blood onto cobblestone path.
Davos uses a spare bit of cloth on his uniform to clean the blade, then resheathes it. "Come on then, lead the way."
-------------------------------------
Apart from that incident, the rest of the trip back to Elric's place goes smoothly, and suddenly there are 11 of you cramped into Elric's not-very-spacious quarters.
Arianna says to Kaff, "So, it seems the fates have crossed our paths once more, Mister Reyneel." She smiles warmly; although she looks different in her cleric's vestments, her personality hasn't changed since the last time you spoke to her. She then turns to Davos and friends, "Disciples of Vecna, fighting alongside a child of Pelor and a cleric of the Goddess. This is quite an occasion."
"We ain't no disciples of nobody," Davos corrects, "We was just gettin' paid."
"Crises like this create strange... bedfellows," says Lysa, looking directly at Quintus with that smirk which is no doubt getting annoying by now.
There is more banter, and eventually everyone settles down. Davos and crew make it clear that they're no good at coming up with a plan, so they stay out of the way while everyone else attempts to crowd around that table.
"So," Elric begins, "The Mayor's mansion has four entrances, one on each side of the house. The one in front leads directly to the mayor's audience chamber, which takes up most of the first floor. That's the most wide-open room of the house, and thus the one where our strike force," and he glances at the four of you, "Will want to enter from, as it will be the easiest to punch through.
"The rest of us will be diverting Clementine's guards away from that part of the house as much as possible, by attacking through the entrances on either side. I will be joining Lysa, Elmina, and Arianna in attacking the western entrance, while Davos, Kempok, and Leeta attack the east. It's important that we begin our assaults at the same time, so that Clementine is forced to send people to both locations simultaneously. So, Lysa, will you be able to conjure up some fireworks that everyone will be able to see, as the signal?"
She nods.
"Good. So, when Lysa sends up the fireworks," he says loudly, "The seven of us will all attack our respective targets. Got that, Davos?"
"Aye, Captain," Davos calls back, only half-sarcastically.
"And the rest of you should probably wait about a minute after you see the fireworks to come in, to make sure that the guards are as far away as possible.
"There is an issue that you four will have to decide how you want to deal with. Each entrance has two guards posted to it, according to my intel. Now, for the seven of us, that won't be a problem, as we're trying to create as much chaos as we can, but for you four, you have to decide whether you want to try and take them out quietly from a distance, or just charge in past, or through, the guards. I will leave that up to you to decide.
"Since zombies don't need to sleep and can see in the dark, it's better that we perform this operation during the day. We still have a few more hours of daylight tonight, so we can either do this today, or wait until tomorrow. Either way, we'll all want to leave separately to avoid arousing suspicion, and plan to be in position at a particular time, to wait for Lysa's signal.
"Would you all like to do this today, or wait until tomorrow? And at what time would you like to plan to be in position?"
DeadPhoenix
Member
Quintus ponders this for a moment "Hmm... I'd like to wait til tomorrow so that I can better prepare my magic for this assault. I have a few spells that will be useful still today, but having more couldn't hurt."
"If people need time that's fine but in my opinion we should do this as soon as possible. This curse and this whole sorry adventure needs to end," Ivor says with newfound determination.
"I could covertly...acquire weapons, I suppose, before this whole thing begins. And about the guards, I would try to fight at range but I fear I would miss and doom this whole plan before it begins."
"I could covertly...acquire weapons, I suppose, before this whole thing begins. And about the guards, I would try to fight at range but I fear I would miss and doom this whole plan before it begins."
A brief expression -- of what? Suspicion? Accusation? -- flits across Kaff's face as his gaze passes between Arianna and Lysa. The warmth in her voice and smile seem genuine to him, however, he doubts she would have disclosed anything to her... coworker... with the knowledge that she would try to kill him shortly after. "Arianna," he beams back at her, "It's good to see you well. You are considerably more fetching alive than undead. I had not, ah, pegged you as a member of the cloth. Up until now I thought Sarm was the only holy man in this blighted town."
Kaff stands in the cramped room gazing at the map of the mansion, taking in Elric's plan. "With all due deference to Ivor, I agree with Quintus. Charging the manse now is likely to get us all killed, we only get one shot at this. Now for the guards at the door..."
Tracing possible routes of ingress with gloved finger, Kaff seems lost in contemplation. "Elric, I know this is much to hope for, but have we any intelligence on the positions and patrols of her guards in the interior? Any idea how Clementine will respond to the attack? I have a notion that may deliver us directly within striking distance without raising alarm, but it is highly dependent on Clementine sending the majority of her guards against the invaders to leave us... Unmolested in our task.
"Barring that, I vote we dispatch the guards at the front. I'm a terrible shot, so cast me in the same lot as Ivor on that one. Even if the little scheme I have in mind proves unworkable to get us to Clementine, it would probably at least get us close to the guards and still take them unawares. We had a little run in with one of her guards earlier, it seems they expect those not already afflicted by this curse to present themselves to her to receive her 'blessing...'"
Kaff stands in the cramped room gazing at the map of the mansion, taking in Elric's plan. "With all due deference to Ivor, I agree with Quintus. Charging the manse now is likely to get us all killed, we only get one shot at this. Now for the guards at the door..."
Tracing possible routes of ingress with gloved finger, Kaff seems lost in contemplation. "Elric, I know this is much to hope for, but have we any intelligence on the positions and patrols of her guards in the interior? Any idea how Clementine will respond to the attack? I have a notion that may deliver us directly within striking distance without raising alarm, but it is highly dependent on Clementine sending the majority of her guards against the invaders to leave us... Unmolested in our task.
"Barring that, I vote we dispatch the guards at the front. I'm a terrible shot, so cast me in the same lot as Ivor on that one. Even if the little scheme I have in mind proves unworkable to get us to Clementine, it would probably at least get us close to the guards and still take them unawares. We had a little run in with one of her guards earlier, it seems they expect those not already afflicted by this curse to present themselves to her to receive her 'blessing...'"
ThLunarian
Member
Arianna nods. "The pleasure is all mine, of course." She curtsies daintily. "And yes, it is true that clerics are in short supply here. To my knowledge, their numbers only include myself, Sarm, and the priest overseeing the church here in town - and he's been afflicted." She flashes the briefest expression of confusion your way, intending for you to see it, as though in response to your suspicious gaze; this woman clearly does not miss much.
Elric shakes his head at Kaff. "I haven't gotten anywhere near the mansion. The few contacts I have, have only seen it from a distance; everyone I know who hasn't been transformed into a zombie is in this room right now. If one of my afflicted contacts actually entered the mansion, they wouldn't come back. So to answer your question, I haven't the slightest idea of the placement of the troops within.
"With that said... you have a plan dependent on the diversion working? Considering that if the diversion doesn't work, we're all likely done for anyway, you may as well tell us what you have in mind."
Elric shakes his head at Kaff. "I haven't gotten anywhere near the mansion. The few contacts I have, have only seen it from a distance; everyone I know who hasn't been transformed into a zombie is in this room right now. If one of my afflicted contacts actually entered the mansion, they wouldn't come back. So to answer your question, I haven't the slightest idea of the placement of the troops within.
"With that said... you have a plan dependent on the diversion working? Considering that if the diversion doesn't work, we're all likely done for anyway, you may as well tell us what you have in mind."
KittenMaster
Member
Sarm looks to Arianna for a brief moment, unable to read her gaze like everyone else can. He chimes in his own opinion on the matter of timing, "As far as I can tell... The largest danger is to ourselves and whoever Clementine chooses to be our foes. I believe taking our time will be wise."
"Talk later," Kaff silently mouthes to Arianna before turning his attention back to the assembled members of the resistance group to elaborate on what he's thinking.
"As I said, our encounter with one of the 'queen's' men gave the distinct impression that citizens are expected to voluntarily submit to whatever process Clementine is utilizing the Hand of Vecna for. So if we approach the front door as willing supplicants (though Sarm in particular may be a tough sell, so we may need some tailoring of our cover story), they may just... Let us in.
"Now, what happens next is where this gambit gets perilous, as we have precious little concrete information and have to work from several assumptions here. I think the only safe thing to assume is that she has to be in close proximity to work her vile deed, but we have no idea how quickly she can act. In order for this to work, we'd need to time the assaults precisely when we're within reach, but before she can activate the relic. And then it is still dependent on whatever forces are within leaving her side to intercept our assault teams.
"Indeed, the logistics of coordination are daunting enough that just by speaking it out loud, I have halfway convinced myself it is folly. An alternative plan would be to follow the first phase, attempt to take the guards by surprise at close range, and merely await the signal to charge in through the door. Regrettably we have no idea what opposition will stand between the threshold and our target."
Kaff shrugs his shoulders and sighs. "The irony is that usually I'm quite good at this sort of thing, but I'm used to working with a longer time frame and more details. This has considerable risk for the gain to be had, I am quite receptive to any proposed alternative courses of action."
"As I said, our encounter with one of the 'queen's' men gave the distinct impression that citizens are expected to voluntarily submit to whatever process Clementine is utilizing the Hand of Vecna for. So if we approach the front door as willing supplicants (though Sarm in particular may be a tough sell, so we may need some tailoring of our cover story), they may just... Let us in.
"Now, what happens next is where this gambit gets perilous, as we have precious little concrete information and have to work from several assumptions here. I think the only safe thing to assume is that she has to be in close proximity to work her vile deed, but we have no idea how quickly she can act. In order for this to work, we'd need to time the assaults precisely when we're within reach, but before she can activate the relic. And then it is still dependent on whatever forces are within leaving her side to intercept our assault teams.
"Indeed, the logistics of coordination are daunting enough that just by speaking it out loud, I have halfway convinced myself it is folly. An alternative plan would be to follow the first phase, attempt to take the guards by surprise at close range, and merely await the signal to charge in through the door. Regrettably we have no idea what opposition will stand between the threshold and our target."
Kaff shrugs his shoulders and sighs. "The irony is that usually I'm quite good at this sort of thing, but I'm used to working with a longer time frame and more details. This has considerable risk for the gain to be had, I am quite receptive to any proposed alternative courses of action."
KittenMaster
Member
Sarm chimes in once more, to add to Kaff's plan on the assault "I have prepared a spell which will halt all sound. If I can cast it in time, she will become unable to guide her men with her voice even with the relic, because she is weak and cannot harness its full potential. However; I must be close enough to be able to use it."
ThLunarian
Member
"Well," says Elric, "I can tell you that in order to use the relic and turn someone into a zombie, she's got to touch them with it. That was actually somewhat of a logistical nightmare while she was converting the town; I hear the lines were ridiculous.
"So, unless you get right next to her, she won't be able to use it on you. However, you are correct that the timing would have to be so precise that it might not be worth considering."
He turns to Sarm, "That's a great idea, Sarm, but you should be aware that the zombies likely have standing orders. Your spell would be able to stop her from giving further verbal commands, but they would still continue to act on their most recent orders. Not to say that it would be useless, but that is a limitation."
He pauses and stretches. "If we're waiting until tomorrow, then you all are welcome to use the empty rooms in this boarding house. I've already arranged with Bertha; the rooms are on me. You can also get food from Bertha; I'm sure she's got plenty of it, as zombies don't get hungry."
He uses the map to point out meeting places. Davos's group is supposed to meet behind a stable near the west entrance; Elric's group is to meet in an alleyway just a stone's throw from the east entrance; the four of you are supposed to meet in the general store, facing the front entrance of the mansion.
"We'll meet at our designated spots at 9:00 tomorrow morning. From there, everyone will wait for Lysa's signal. The four of you, use your own judgment on when and how to enter the mansion.
"Unless there are any objections or additional questions, I believe that's all."
((If no one has further questions, then everyone has a chance to do things before retiring for the night. Once everyone is done doing things, we'll move on, presumably to the next morning at the meeting place))
"So, unless you get right next to her, she won't be able to use it on you. However, you are correct that the timing would have to be so precise that it might not be worth considering."
He turns to Sarm, "That's a great idea, Sarm, but you should be aware that the zombies likely have standing orders. Your spell would be able to stop her from giving further verbal commands, but they would still continue to act on their most recent orders. Not to say that it would be useless, but that is a limitation."
He pauses and stretches. "If we're waiting until tomorrow, then you all are welcome to use the empty rooms in this boarding house. I've already arranged with Bertha; the rooms are on me. You can also get food from Bertha; I'm sure she's got plenty of it, as zombies don't get hungry."
He uses the map to point out meeting places. Davos's group is supposed to meet behind a stable near the west entrance; Elric's group is to meet in an alleyway just a stone's throw from the east entrance; the four of you are supposed to meet in the general store, facing the front entrance of the mansion.
"We'll meet at our designated spots at 9:00 tomorrow morning. From there, everyone will wait for Lysa's signal. The four of you, use your own judgment on when and how to enter the mansion.
"Unless there are any objections or additional questions, I believe that's all."
((If no one has further questions, then everyone has a chance to do things before retiring for the night. Once everyone is done doing things, we'll move on, presumably to the next morning at the meeting place))
KittenMaster
Member
"That is an issue... I only hope that it would give them a moment of free will. At the very least, if she manages to turn one of us, it would prevent her from controlling that person." Upon hearing about how the relic works by touch, Sarm asks, "Does your understanding know if she must touch exposed skin for the spell to function?"
ThLunarian
Member
"Exposed skin is not required. It works just like any Touch spell - armor and clothing do nothing to block its influence."
DeadPhoenix
Member
Quintus gets some food, and a few drinks, before heading to his room to prepare for tomorrow morning.
Kaff listens intently to Elric's information. "Well, a little information is better than nothing. Unless she needs the use of her voice to invoke the power of the relic, we're probably better off not taking the risk of putting ourselves at her mercy even temporarily. Unless anyone suddenly develops telepathy to coordinate the strike, plan B is looking all that more appealing.
"Elric, I don't suppose you have a city guard uniform I could borrow? That might help us get close to the guards up front before we strike if it comes down to subterfuge."
---
After the meeting, Kaff retires to his room and vigorously scrubs his face clean of his zombie disguise. He is unaccustomed to having to wear such a thick application for such a long period of time, and it grows uncomfortable after a while. He grimaces slightly at the thought of having to put it on again tomorrow, but his entire method of getting close to their foes undetected relies on it.
Freshly cleaned, he turns his attention to his equipment. With the benefit of foreknowledge of coming combat, tightens the fastenings of his armor and sharpens his weapons. It's largely menial work, but he is expecting a visitor...
((Has some things to discuss with Arianna))
"Elric, I don't suppose you have a city guard uniform I could borrow? That might help us get close to the guards up front before we strike if it comes down to subterfuge."
---
After the meeting, Kaff retires to his room and vigorously scrubs his face clean of his zombie disguise. He is unaccustomed to having to wear such a thick application for such a long period of time, and it grows uncomfortable after a while. He grimaces slightly at the thought of having to put it on again tomorrow, but his entire method of getting close to their foes undetected relies on it.
Freshly cleaned, he turns his attention to his equipment. With the benefit of foreknowledge of coming combat, tightens the fastenings of his armor and sharpens his weapons. It's largely menial work, but he is expecting a visitor...
((Has some things to discuss with Arianna))
ThLunarian
Member
As Kaff fiddles with his armor, it's not long before he hears three light taps on his door. "It's me," Arianna's slightly muffled voice can be heard through the door.
After you let her in, she waits for the door to close before saying, "Now, what's wrong? The distrust was clear on your face when you saw me earlier. If I've done something to offend you, I should like to know what it is."
After you let her in, she waits for the door to close before saying, "Now, what's wrong? The distrust was clear on your face when you saw me earlier. If I've done something to offend you, I should like to know what it is."
"I meant no offense, I just..." Kaff sighs wearily and sits down on his bed facing her. "In my line of work, trust is a precious currency, and for my own safety and that of everyone I have dealings with, I tie my purse strings tight.
"I don't know how much they told you, but Lysa and Elmina attempted to kill us at the behest of some Vecna cultists. This was after they had been selling them information about us. Lysa made it clear that she knew I was using an alias... Whether she knew that before our encounter, or deduced it from my breaking character during the melee I can't say. The latter wouldn't surprise me, she is quick-witted and tried to goad Ivor into pressing me for details himself. The entire group clearly knows by now I'm no mere museum curator with a stammering problem.
"It doesn't matter, the final analysis remains the same; I have to assume she knew before hand and passed that information to the Arm. Even if she herself doesn't know who I am, if the Arm knows that Kaff Reyneel isn't who he says he is, than... a certain interested party will figure it out and come looking for me. Possibly multiple interested parties.
"I have been as careful as I possibly can be in Alydar. I freely admit that my resources have been limited such that it's not impossible for someone to uncover at least part of the truth with some dedication, but I fear my pride in my tradecraft made me briefly assume another possibility when I saw the two of you in the same room again. I will grant I know little of your goddess, but I've met enough clerics to take you at your word when you said my secret was safe with you. I apologize for whatever accusation I have unjustly leveled at you."
"I don't know how much they told you, but Lysa and Elmina attempted to kill us at the behest of some Vecna cultists. This was after they had been selling them information about us. Lysa made it clear that she knew I was using an alias... Whether she knew that before our encounter, or deduced it from my breaking character during the melee I can't say. The latter wouldn't surprise me, she is quick-witted and tried to goad Ivor into pressing me for details himself. The entire group clearly knows by now I'm no mere museum curator with a stammering problem.
"It doesn't matter, the final analysis remains the same; I have to assume she knew before hand and passed that information to the Arm. Even if she herself doesn't know who I am, if the Arm knows that Kaff Reyneel isn't who he says he is, than... a certain interested party will figure it out and come looking for me. Possibly multiple interested parties.
"I have been as careful as I possibly can be in Alydar. I freely admit that my resources have been limited such that it's not impossible for someone to uncover at least part of the truth with some dedication, but I fear my pride in my tradecraft made me briefly assume another possibility when I saw the two of you in the same room again. I will grant I know little of your goddess, but I've met enough clerics to take you at your word when you said my secret was safe with you. I apologize for whatever accusation I have unjustly leveled at you."
ThLunarian
Member
Arianna says nothing at first, blinking a few times to process what she's just heard. "Lysa tried to kill you?" she says in disbelief. She daintily takes a seat at the table in your room. "We're friendly acquaintances at the Griffin, but I've never been especially close with her. I had a notion that she occasionally had some shady dealings, but I wouldn't have believed she'd go so far as to become a paid assassin."
She looks you straight in the eye. "I promise you that wherever she obtained her information, it wasn't from me. And, although I'm sure that goes quite a ways in assuaging your fears about my trustworthiness, unfortunately it calls into question the extent of information that she has available about you. I would watch my back around her, Kaff." She smiles despite herself, at being forced to use your alias, for lack of a more accurate descriptor. "Once all this is over, I imagine I'll have to keep a closer eye on Lysa from now on. If I learn anything you should be aware of, I will do what I can to make it known to you."
She stands from her seat and nods to you. "I would offer you my services this evening, sir, but it's a well-known fact that an athlete's performance is enhanced by turning away pleasures of the flesh the night before a big event, so I shall leave you to your own devices. Good night, and good luck to you tomorrow." She turns around and leaves.
((Going to assume that everyone is ready to go. I will make a separate post for the next part))
She looks you straight in the eye. "I promise you that wherever she obtained her information, it wasn't from me. And, although I'm sure that goes quite a ways in assuaging your fears about my trustworthiness, unfortunately it calls into question the extent of information that she has available about you. I would watch my back around her, Kaff." She smiles despite herself, at being forced to use your alias, for lack of a more accurate descriptor. "Once all this is over, I imagine I'll have to keep a closer eye on Lysa from now on. If I learn anything you should be aware of, I will do what I can to make it known to you."
She stands from her seat and nods to you. "I would offer you my services this evening, sir, but it's a well-known fact that an athlete's performance is enhanced by turning away pleasures of the flesh the night before a big event, so I shall leave you to your own devices. Good night, and good luck to you tomorrow." She turns around and leaves.
((Going to assume that everyone is ready to go. I will make a separate post for the next part))
ThLunarian
Member
The next morning arrives, and as it happens, most of you come downstairs to eat breakfast at around the same time. Bertha does all she can to serve up as much bacon, oatmeal, roasted ham, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruits as you're able to stomach, as much of it is nearing the end of its shelf life, with precious few living customers to make use of it. Leeta and Arianna seat themselves closer to the four of you than to their respective team members, but there don't seem to be any hurt feelings, despite Lysa's occasional glances to your end of the room.
Everyone finishes their meals at different times, and everyone has their own routine to get ready for battle; by the time the four of you head out, the others have already departed to their own spots. You make it to yours easily enough, and you notice that the other two groups must have made quite a ruckus during their journeys toward the manse; the path to the general store is clear, and in the distance you can see small crowds gathering.
Elric must have made arrangements with the owner of the general store, because although the door is unlocked, there is no one inside. You take position at 8:45, and from the back window you have direct line of sight to the front of the mansion.
There are two zombies in city guard uniforms standing watch, but they don't seem to be armed - or if they are, their weapons must be small and easy to conceal. They look small and not very strong, and were probably fairly young before being turned. Their eyes look vacant, even from this distance (perhaps fifty yards away).
((You all have a bit of time to decide how to deal with the two guards, but not much.))
Everyone finishes their meals at different times, and everyone has their own routine to get ready for battle; by the time the four of you head out, the others have already departed to their own spots. You make it to yours easily enough, and you notice that the other two groups must have made quite a ruckus during their journeys toward the manse; the path to the general store is clear, and in the distance you can see small crowds gathering.
Elric must have made arrangements with the owner of the general store, because although the door is unlocked, there is no one inside. You take position at 8:45, and from the back window you have direct line of sight to the front of the mansion.
There are two zombies in city guard uniforms standing watch, but they don't seem to be armed - or if they are, their weapons must be small and easy to conceal. They look small and not very strong, and were probably fairly young before being turned. Their eyes look vacant, even from this distance (perhaps fifty yards away).
((You all have a bit of time to decide how to deal with the two guards, but not much.))
KittenMaster
Member
Sarm sits with the other strike team members at the breakfast table. Despite being with the others, his obliviousness to the drama that had happened the night before leaves him emotionless and stale, as if he were in the background.
He only eats a moderate amount of food, knowing that fattening his stomach will only serve to tire him for a day such as this. That, and he has lost excitement for the food of this world, missing the kinds of meals that would be considered exotic in this land. He would later return to his room briefly, to don his armor and become prepared for the upcoming fights. He would then pray for more than just victory, but for many lives to be preserved under Pelor's watchful eye.
He only eats a moderate amount of food, knowing that fattening his stomach will only serve to tire him for a day such as this. That, and he has lost excitement for the food of this world, missing the kinds of meals that would be considered exotic in this land. He would later return to his room briefly, to don his armor and become prepared for the upcoming fights. He would then pray for more than just victory, but for many lives to be preserved under Pelor's watchful eye.
DeadPhoenix
Member
Quintus enjoys the large breakfast and maybe has some pointless chit chat with some of the others at the table, but once they reach the store, he is all business. "Okay, if I can find a way to sneak up on them and get really close, I can use my Color Spray spell to hopefully stun them long enough for use to tie them up or something. That is obviously very risky for me, which is why I have plan B, where I use my Baleful Transposition spell to swap one of us, with one of them. This should probably confuse the two of them long enough for us to take them down before they can raise an alarm. Anyone have a preference for which plan to go with? Or even any better ideas?"
Kaff sleeps fitfully the night before the assault. He's rarely (if ever) engaged in combat with foreknowledge like this, and certainly never on this scale with such disadvantageous conditions. At breakfast, he eats sparingly. His nervousness has greatly diminished his appetite, but he knows he really should eat something.
After breakfast, he retires to his chamber to don his equipment and reapply his zombie disguise, striving to differentiate his appearance from the previous day in case the guard at the constabulary provided anyone an accurate description of him.
---
At the site, he evaluates the situation as best he can from their vantage point. "Good gods, are those children guarding the gate? It would make things so much simpler if we could simply... Well, kill them.
"Quintus' plan is a good one. If we wrap some rope harmlessly about you three's wrists, posing as loyal member of the guard bring captives before Clementine should at the very least get us close enough to strike without raising alarm."
Kaff removes a sap concealed about his waist. "My own plan B, barring any better proposals..."
After breakfast, he retires to his chamber to don his equipment and reapply his zombie disguise, striving to differentiate his appearance from the previous day in case the guard at the constabulary provided anyone an accurate description of him.
Code:
Disguise check: 1d20 + 10 + 2 disguise kit bonus = 19---
At the site, he evaluates the situation as best he can from their vantage point. "Good gods, are those children guarding the gate? It would make things so much simpler if we could simply... Well, kill them.
"Quintus' plan is a good one. If we wrap some rope harmlessly about you three's wrists, posing as loyal member of the guard bring captives before Clementine should at the very least get us close enough to strike without raising alarm."
Kaff removes a sap concealed about his waist. "My own plan B, barring any better proposals..."
DeadPhoenix
Member
"I don't think that will help Kaff. They are no longer technically living and while me may be able to end their 'un-lifes' I don't believe we can knock them out."
((I kinda feel meta gamey about saying that, but I imagine if I know anything about undead that would be pretty common knowledge, plus Elric already informed us they do not sleep... but if I need to make a knowledge roll or something to know that, let me know))
((I kinda feel meta gamey about saying that, but I imagine if I know anything about undead that would be pretty common knowledge, plus Elric already informed us they do not sleep... but if I need to make a knowledge roll or something to know that, let me know))
At the constabulary, Ivor is likely the last person to come down for breakfast. He eats lightly, enough to quell his hunger despite the nervousness he feels. This time the rogue does not count the feeling as a weakness, it keeps him sharp and aware. Before leaving he distributes his potions of light healing to the the three teams. As his own and Arianna's party contain clerics, he gives three of his five potions to Davos, Kempok and Leeta - Their separation this morning striking him as a bad sign.
One goes to Arianna the cleric and the other is kept by Ivor. At the general store later, he scrounges for some more potions to "borrow." He can certainly afford to pay the proprietor back.
((Search or thievery roll here?))
"The idea of confusing those guards is sound but I would rather not have myself bound, as persuasive as you are Kaff. If they do not believe us they will have the upper hand."
((Is it realistic to say that after drinking the healing potion before, that Ivor possesses the empty bottle? It's in character that he would re-use them and a bottle can be thrown to make a noise.))
He has a brainwave. "Anyone for a pre-slaughter drink? This store will have something to raise our spirits before the battle. Spirits, yes!"
He begins searching for some spare cloth, oil or alcohol (drinking or otherwise) and something with which he can start a fire...
One goes to Arianna the cleric and the other is kept by Ivor. At the general store later, he scrounges for some more potions to "borrow." He can certainly afford to pay the proprietor back.
((Search or thievery roll here?))
"The idea of confusing those guards is sound but I would rather not have myself bound, as persuasive as you are Kaff. If they do not believe us they will have the upper hand."
((Is it realistic to say that after drinking the healing potion before, that Ivor possesses the empty bottle? It's in character that he would re-use them and a bottle can be thrown to make a noise.))
He has a brainwave. "Anyone for a pre-slaughter drink? This store will have something to raise our spirits before the battle. Spirits, yes!"
He begins searching for some spare cloth, oil or alcohol (drinking or otherwise) and something with which he can start a fire...
ThLunarian
Member
((You're fine. It's not really a secret that zombies are immune to nonlethal damage (and saps can only deal nonlethal), and given that you've studied arcane magic, it's well within the realm of things you might know. Just to be safe, I rolled it for you and you didn't get a 1, so we're good.))
ThLunarian
Member
You find three more potions of light healing on display behind the counter. There could be more in the store room, but there's not really much time to go back and dig for them.
As Ivor scrounges around for some kind of cloth to light on fire, the rest of you see a very bright flash in the sky, as what could be described as magical fireworks begin exploding above the mansion. They are accompanied with booms and whistles that are probably more for show than anything.
You look at your watch; it's 8:54. The signal has come earlier than originally planned.
The zombie guards turn their heads in the direction of the distraction, but otherwise don't move. From your vantage point, you can't see anything else happening.
As Ivor scrounges around for some kind of cloth to light on fire, the rest of you see a very bright flash in the sky, as what could be described as magical fireworks begin exploding above the mansion. They are accompanied with booms and whistles that are probably more for show than anything.
You look at your watch; it's 8:54. The signal has come earlier than originally planned.
The zombie guards turn their heads in the direction of the distraction, but otherwise don't move. From your vantage point, you can't see anything else happening.
DeadPhoenix
Member
Quintus sees the signal and sighs, "Well okay then, going with plan A! If anyone would like to provide a distraction, that would be great." then he heads outside and attempts to sneak up on the guards and cast Color Spray. He isn't taking it very slow though, so will probably take a penalty for that.
Code:
Stealth: 1D20+3 => [ 11 ] +3 = 14((I know the signal went up early, but was Ivor successful in finding anything? Putting booze into the empty potion bottle, lighting it and throwing it at a secluded object in the mansion exterior would be a fitting distraction for Quintus. It might also get guards to leave their posts but even if that doesn't work it's worth a try.))
ThLunarian
Member
Quintus does an amazingly bad job at being stealthy, nearly tripping on some cobblestones as he's too preoccupied watching his targets to notice a change in the ground's elevation; however, the zombies are luckily still too distracted by the light show to look in his direction. He is able to close within range of a Color Spray spell, which sends one of the zombies into a catatonic state, falling to the ground and twitching; however, the other stands its ground, covering its eyes and fumbling around in an attempt to pull something out of its uniform.
Ivor has successfully gathered the ingredients he needs to create a molotov cocktail, if he wishes to use that now in some fashion.
Perception DC 15
Ivor has successfully gathered the ingredients he needs to create a molotov cocktail, if he wishes to use that now in some fashion.
Perception DC 15
You hear two loud, very similar-sounding horns go off from the two opposite sides of the mansion, likely signifying some kind of warning.
Juggling the careful storage of his booze-based bomb with his dash to the remaining guard, Ivor is surprised by the two loud horn blasts from the other sides of the mansion. He is very pleased that he distributed his potions with his new allies and that this initial scuffle may already be over without alarm being raised.
"Kaff, Sarm, help me take this young man down!" Ivor says to the party as he rushes to tackle the confused guard before he can draw his weapon.
((Updated my character sheet for gear.))
"Kaff, Sarm, help me take this young man down!" Ivor says to the party as he rushes to tackle the confused guard before he can draw his weapon.
Code:
Rollin'. How do I grapple? D20 SRD says "base attack bonus + strength modifier + special size modifier" added to an attack roll?
Grapple: Rolling a 20-sided dice, 1 time(s): 8 + 3 = 11 (?)((Updated my character sheet for gear.))
ThLunarian
Member
Juggling the careful storage of his booze-based bomb with his dash to the remaining guard, Ivor is surprised by the two loud horn blasts from the other sides of the mansion. He is very pleased that he distributed his potions with his new allies and that this initial scuffle may already be over without alarm being raised.
"Kaff, Sarm, help me take this young man down!" Ivor says to the party as he rushes to tackle the confused guard before he can draw his weapon.
Code:Rollin'. How do I grapple? D20 SRD says "base attack bonus + strength modifier + special size modifier" added to an attack roll? Grapple: Rolling a 20-sided dice, 1 time(s): 8 + 3 = 11 (?)
Ivor charges at the taken-aback zombie, and is able to restrain its arms as the others follow to catch up.
((Grappling is probably the most complicated thing about combat in DnD. To preface, we are going to handle this specific out-of-combat scenario narratively, and we will say that you have a firm grip on the zombie, and at least are able to prevent him from pulling anything out.
For future reference, here are the steps to trying to grapple someone:
-Perform a Touch attack (your BAB plus your Strength plus d20, versus their AC without benefit of any armor bonuses); this provokes an attack of opportunity from the target.
-If you connect on the Touch attack, you and the target perform a Grapple check (d20 + Strength + BAB + size modifiers + feat modifiers). If you get the higher result, you have the target in a grapple. If not, you fail (tie goes to defender). The target may use an Escape Artist roll instead of a Grapple Check if he wants.
It only gets more complex from there, but that's at least what you need to know if you want to grapple someone inside an actual combat))