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Post by K Man on Jun 13, 2007 13:42:41 GMT -5
SEA GREEN [Bardic Knowledge on Montrose, Sean and Natsumi] You've heard the name of Montrose before. He is a menace from the undercity to be certain, but not the largest menace New Ravenshead has. He is well known for his ruthless tactics and for caring little about who gets hurt during his jobs--innocents or people in his employ. The only reason he manages to attract a large enough following to be considered a 'boss' is that he's good at stealing and for the short amount of time people work for him, they can become wealthy even by New Ravenshead standards. [Knowledge History, Sean = Nothing] [Sense Motive Sean on Henrick] The watchmen is genuine in all he says. [Diplomacy/Intimidate Checks for Sean and Gro-Bug] Shouting through the doorway seems to do little beyond provoke Montrose. He takes ill of your parley and returns with a startling statement. "I'D SUGGEST YOU STAND ASIDE AND NOT MEDDLE IN THE AFFAIRS OF MONTROSE!! I AM AFTER THE GUARD AND HIS MEN. STEP OUTSIDE NOW IF YOU ALLY AGAINST THEM AND YOU MAY LIVE.......MAYBE!"The darkened shapes outside the tavern can be seen laughing and pointing. It seems Montrose will let those out that need out, but he's dead-set after Henrick and his men. Getting frustrated with this trade of words, Gro-Bug steps up and tries to demoralize the enemy. [Modified Level Check for Montrose = 10, you win. You can either demoralize (treat as shaken) or make friendly. Your choice. It seems like a demoralize is being used.] In response to Black-Jack, the tavernkeep signals that this is a single story tavern with no back door. It was built against a tower that leads into upper New Ravenshead and exit strategy was never an idea in the founder's head. He does say, however, that there is a small smuggling chamber in the rear of the tavern beneath the floor. It's not big enough for more than six people and it's still made of wood, so it would burn with the tavern. In response to Ella, none of the patrons stand. It seems all who have made motions thus far are the only ones willing to fight. Henrick speaks once more, visibly growing concerned about the threat outside the tavern. He looks to Natsumi. "I know this is strange, but I had my orders. You can ask the council when you meet them why they wanted me to do it. I would have never done it this way."
"I would have preferred to meet you in a much more...secluded place m'lady." That time, you're not sure if it was Henrick or his character 'Roberto' speaking. "But no time for love, there's a war out there!"All of the patrons must sense Montrose's anger as they intuitively move against the back wall. Henrick's men remain firm, waiting for direction and some backing... {Since there is talk of six-second actions and what not, let's lay down init order. Act as you want to.} [Iniatives: Black-Jack (23), Ella (19), Gro-Bug and Natsumi (15), Montrose and his men (13), Sean (11), Henrick and his men (10)] Map: ______________ | |p S D| m | |p ¤ D| m m | | D| | |p ¤E R| | | ¤ N | m | | D[] M m | | G¤ D| m | / ¤ | m | |p D| | | B¤ D| m m | |p D| m |____|_________| m
<<<LEGEND>>> B = Black-Jack N = Natsumi S = Sean Sylvertongue G = Gro-Bug E = Elle R = Roberto D = Dark-Cloaked Man M = 'Montrose' m = Montrose's Men p = bar patron, barkeep or waitress ¤ = Table [] = Front Door / = Door to Kitchen/Pantry area
DARK REDDermont nods, indicating he will inform you of the other parties' activities and progress--it would only be fair. You exit the crimson tent and dart among the various troops milling about the camp. There are literally hundreds of men moving about, never have you seen such a massive collection of so much of Tertia's forces. Along those lines, it is simple enough to locate the bards in the camp. They are perhaps the noisiest, cleanest, and most fragrant of all the men here. They sit by themselves, around a large campfire sharing stories and playing melodies that somehow still mesh together despite the variety of instruments. Upon approach, a few of the nearby bards stop their conversations and turn to you. "Greetings!"{What exactly do you want to ask them?} [Knowledge (Yexuhl) for Gildas aided by Wanderer] The safest route South--should you ever have to tread it--is indeed along one coastline or the other. This is not due to region or environment, but because it places you furtherst from Exhumt, the capital of Yexuhl. Exhumt is not so much a city a partially roving and semi-nomadic collection of tents and buildings. The whole city is more than ten miles from end to end, but the citizens of Exhumt usually focus their population at one end or the other, occasionally moving through the city and wandering about its boundaries. Once further South, so long as you remain in the open plains and less dense forest, you should be able to avoid and Yexuhl patrols... should.
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Post by Japic on Jun 13, 2007 16:14:58 GMT -5
Getting assertive, Ella repeats something that she thought she'd been quite clear about. "Unless you're helping us fight you'd better hide in the kitchens; if not I cannot guarantee your safety." She then ignores the rest and turns her eyes to teh group that has taken an active interest in this turn of events. A concubine, a sneak, a warrior, a minstruel and herself. This would be interesting to be certain.
To those who will fight she makes a simple point, "We must ride out to meet them or they will burn this building down around us. Fight or hide."
Unless something changes to make her stay Ella (still mounted) will go to the door and open it, moving out in an unthreatening manner. "Is that all you want? Why didn't you day so?" she inquires of the men outside.
{I see a surprise attack on the guys outside; we come out non-threatening like and then plow them next round.}
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Post by Rojito on Jun 13, 2007 16:24:28 GMT -5
"Well friends, I think now would be the time to strategize... we have three options i see here. One, turn the guard and his men over to this "Montrose." Two, prepare to save the tavern, the guards, and the people still inside. Or Three, leave the inn, the guards, and the folk to do what they will... Personally I am not much of a fighter." "We must ride out to meet them or they will burn this building down around us. Fight or hide." "My dearest fearsome warrior, I think even with surprise on our side we are outnumbered by too great a foe. Perhaps strategy is more in order here. What we need is some way to keep them from being able to burn the building, so that we may force them to enter through the front door, where we will be easily able to dispatch them. Alas if we cannot come up with something to stave off the flames we will be forced to rush them." "You all may decide what you will do, but I think a song may be in order. Maybe something a little lawful... See if his men have heard what happens to those who fight against the law..." With that being said Sean grabs his harp, and makes his way near the door where his voice and music could be heard outside. Not yet singing, but waiting on peoples reactions, and thinking of an appropriate song.
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Post by Wicksy on Jun 13, 2007 17:51:53 GMT -5
"We cant let the captain and his men be killed, we cant let this place be burned down, its the man's livelyhood. We can fight though" Gro-Bug smiles a toothy grin. "I'll tell you what strategy i think we should use...as a warrior. Kill the big man and the rest will scuttle away. They are cowards and bullies. I'll go out there and carve him in two. If Captain Roberto and his men can keep the thugs occupied, me and the dog rider can have Montrose. Sound a good plan?"Gro-Bug points to the door "Roberto, get your men away from the doorway and let the patrons out. I'll charge straight at the bastard! The rest follow and we take them all down"Gro-bug walks towards the door and bellows out at Montrose "Oi! We have innocents here. They're coming out the front, let 'em go"He turns to the patrons "Beat it! I wont tell you again. You'll burn in here with us otherwise"----------------------------------------------------- Gro-Bug moves so he his 10ft away from the door in a straight line. Axe in hand. OOC: any bardic buffs at this time would be awesomely handy
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Post by TheZebraShakes™ on Jun 13, 2007 22:34:16 GMT -5
At these words, Natsumi smiles.
"Then Captain, call your men to battle. Fight with those who would stand with you and be assured that love does not fear to tread in the company of war."
Natsumi moves to stand to the left of the Captain and touches her left hand to her throat and moving it in a graceful arc to her lips.
The young woman closes her eyes, her voice ringing in the tavern as she begins to sing. And though it seems that she sings for Henrick alone, His men and those brave warriors present who would stand up against Montrose are also impacted by her melodic voice, their confidence heightened and any fears and doubt all but washed away.
------------------------ move to left of roberto swift action to cast inspirational boost standard action Inspire Courage
Allies who can hear her gain +3 to attack, damage, and saves v. fear and charm
+1 music, +1 spell, +1 feat =3
EDIT: forgot the name of the class ability. Courage, not confidence.
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Post by Rojito on Jun 14, 2007 4:46:14 GMT -5
(Inspire Confidance doesn't stack does it?)
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Post by TheUdjat on Jun 14, 2007 7:41:01 GMT -5
(Inspire Confidance doesn't stack does it?) (OOC) Nope. Looking over the map, Wanderer rubs his chin thoughtfully. The coastlines were to be their course, then? It seemed logical enough. Staying near the rocky shores would be best for a small group, at any rate. Any larger groups would have to face them in smaller numbers. "The Western coast seems best," he suggests. "It is closer towards our goal of the Dune Palace. Once we pass Yexuhl, we can pass almost due south to get there." He doesn't say the unspoken, of course - that there could be innumerable problems and obstacles on the way.
When it comes to the bards, Wanderer looks for whoever seems to be most senior among the bards, one who looks marginally more studious than freewheeling. To him, the dark-skinned man speaks. "I've heard rumor of a story, and I was wondering if you might know the rest of it. A great man or woman, in either glory or tyranny, their remains scattered across the whole of the world upon their death. Or perhaps a story of such a person, disappearing from all known record, their death never recorded." He pauses to let the bard soak up the words. "Is there such a story? One mysteriously vanishing, immortal, or else their body scattered to the winds?"
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Post by VemuKhaham on Jun 14, 2007 8:15:07 GMT -5
"I agree. The western coast provides us with the safest and fastest route. I know a little about the area, perhaps so do you?" He looks at Wanderer. "We had better be prepared for a dangerous journey. Traveling by night while in Yexuhl lands may be our best option."
Gildas walks along to the bards, but lets Wanderer speak. If he would've asked the question, he would probably not have hesitated to tell the whole of their mission. These were Tertian brothers and men of the army, and so trustworthy in Gildas' mind. The more information they would get, the more precise the information they would provide. If, and only if, Wanderer's inquiry doesn't turn up any helpful results, Gildas adds: "The remains would be enchanted or otherwise magical. Upon touch, they provide great power. We are talking about the item that has fallen into possession of sir Dermont during the recent battle here."
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Post by TheUdjat on Jun 14, 2007 8:32:05 GMT -5
(OOC) Interjecting to respond to one thing in particular. "I agree. The western coast provides us with the safest and fastest route. I know a little about the area, perhaps so do you?" He looks at Wanderer. "We had better be prepared for a dangerous journey. Traveling by night while in Yexuhl lands may be our best option." Wanderer shakes his head vigorously. "I'm afraid I must disagree with you on that account. Yexuhl is full of half-breeds, especially of the orcish and elven variety. Darkness does not hinder them. We would be safer holing up somewhere hidden at night, travelling in the brightness of day, when our odds are even." (OOC) As a side note, when we do travel, we should be doing a Forced March to get the maximum benefit out of that Endurance feat we all have. Our little force is unique in that regard, and we can move faster overland than our enemies. Hell, all of us have a good Con. Might as well.
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Post by ryngo on Jun 14, 2007 8:51:31 GMT -5
Gildas and the Wanderer come to a consensus on hugging the western coast through the Yexuhl lands. Harsh territory, but a good decision thinks Tyrano. Those with him would seem to be excellent stalkers, able to use the rugged land to their advantage as he would. He offers a nod of approval. That decided, the group makes its way to the bards. The group's combined advanced tracking experience was entirely unnecessary in locating their target. The storytellers weren't the subtlest adventurers by any stretch.
Wanderer is the first to speak. He carefully chooses an older man with eyes more keen than the rest and asks his question. Wystfalrun listens for the answer to come and also keeps an eye on the other storytellers for signs of their having recognized anything of similar description. If any do, he will ask what in the manner of details they might be able to add to the oldest bard's story.
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Post by Fangor the Fierce on Jun 14, 2007 9:24:34 GMT -5
Lenny would be content with listening to the bards and their replies. Hopefully one of them would have some portion of information. Hopefully...
Once done, Lenny takes to making sure his stock is complete. He then hears about the marching and seems a bit uneasy. "One thing to note, guys. I have shorter legs than the rest of you. I would be keeping you all back. Don't worry, I will hold my own, but just warning you all."
Damn, I wish I had enough for a riding dog, lol.
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Post by BluSpecs on Jun 14, 2007 9:50:57 GMT -5
The half-orc seemed to be taking a leadership role, which was good since it wasn't black jack's bag.
"We seem to have them slightly out numbered. if the we leave with the patrons ans suprise attack, leaving behind our singer, perhaps we can perfoirma surprise attack, Henrick your men would need to be ready to rush out to our aid when the battle begins"
"What do we all think? Are togather on this?"
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Post by TheZebraShakes™ on Jun 14, 2007 10:22:36 GMT -5
(How are we getting a surprise attack, they already know we're inside and are obviously ready for us. It's all a matter of inits which are already rolled, correct? Cause by saying that, they could just as easily take a surprise round against us. not sure what's going on. oh well, you guys figure it out, I've done my part. Sorry Rojito, beat you in init. Don't worry, we'll have different songs to use soon enough. )
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Post by BluSpecs on Jun 14, 2007 10:48:31 GMT -5
(we could just charge out then... I'll follow Japic and Wicksy then I'm hoping to slip out and try to make my way over to the leader guy either way i guess we're heading out to meet the bad men, maybe it'll be all old west style)
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Post by Wicksy on Jun 14, 2007 12:08:35 GMT -5
No surprise. I'm assuming this round the patrons leave then next round we steam in. Just leave a straght line for Gro-Bug to charge
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Post by Rojito on Jun 14, 2007 12:43:50 GMT -5
ok i think his idea for the surprise was I would be the only one staying inside the tavern with the guards... then the surprise would be while i am being Diplomatically distracting you rush him from outside the tavern.
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Post by TheZebraShakes™ on Jun 14, 2007 14:29:56 GMT -5
I guess Gro bug and Ella want to just end the fight that's going to inevitably start once the gang finds that the captain isn't there or that we're hiding him. So we might as well just fight it out. I think the Diplomacy is only keeping Montrose from busting in and killing Sean and everyone else outright. He probably thinks he can just run us all over anyway, so at least the talking is keeping him at bay for now. I think we might end up having to fight one way or another, so it's best to have Roberto and his men here to help us with numbers rather than not have him at all. Who knows, it could go all western and the tough guy will back off when he sees what he is really up against. (or he'll kick the crap out of us )
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Post by VemuKhaham on Jun 14, 2007 18:07:39 GMT -5
Gildas looks at Wanderer patiently hearing his opinion, and again giving his own thoughts on the matter: "Their night eyes only reach so far. Darkness does hinder them. Not when you get close to them, as then they will see you without a trouble, but when taking into account the distances at which we hope to keep our foes, they can see just as little as any of us. In a battle, at night they would have the advantage on us because of the close distances, but during overland travel with long distances, things may be different, and darkness will still be the friend of the one hiding to avoid battle."
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Post by TheUdjat on Jun 15, 2007 7:23:10 GMT -5
Gildas looks at Wanderer patiently hearing his opinion, and again giving his own thoughts on the matter: "Their night eyes only reach so far. Darkness does hinder them. Not when you get close to them, as then they will see you without a trouble, but when taking into account the distances at which we hope to keep our foes, they can see just as little as any of us. In a battle, at night they would have the advantage on us because of the close distances, but during overland travel with long distances, things may be different, and darkness will still be the friend of the one hiding to avoid battle." Wanderer frowns. He gives the matter due consideration, shrugging faintly after a time. "I see what you're saying, Gildas, and yet it still seems a bad idea. True, their sight is limited, but ours is non-existant. How will we see well enough to be quiet? How will we make good time, when we must be cautious in the dark? Lightning a torch would spell certain doom for us, for anyone can see that at a distance. It just doesn't seem to our advantage. But if you still believe it is a good idea, I will defer to you." Wanderer isn't the leading type. It's not what he'd prefer to do. If Gildas is set on that plan, he will go along with it, unwilling to cause dissention in their ranks. They are so few of them, being united is essential.
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Post by Fangor the Fierce on Jun 15, 2007 11:05:58 GMT -5
Hearing the discussion on when to travel, Lenny finally speaks up. "Sp, this travelling at night, I guess you have some magic eyes to see int he dark? Otherwise, it would be slower to move when you guys can't see. And in case you're thinking of lighting a torch or something, ANYTHING that has two eyes at night would spot a moving torchlight from ANYWHERE. We should move during the day, and don't worry about the night, we can guard in shifts. It shouldn't be that hard, as I have some things that would help us out. I tend to make sure that even if there are guards on duty, I set my own, 'guards' as well."
Lenny pats his bag, winking at the two in discussion.
OOC - Move during day, when we can see without bringing attention to ourselves. Rest at night, guarding, yet Lenny will set some traps around the area, to help them know if anything is near. Otherwise, lighting a torch and moving through the night is senseless.
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