The Campaign Builder's Guild

[/b][note=Dramatis Personae]Richard "Archer" Grazewall--Raelifin
Cruvagn deth Lorraine--Jharviss
Aldabrat--Golem
Ilio Gasconne--Thread Evoker
Jelma'c--Stargate525[/note] [ooc]The Codex Avayevnon (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?23221.last)
OOC Thread (http://www.thecbg.org/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?26468.0)
RULES OF POSTING
In order to speed gameplay there will be certain rules on posting:
1. Post Rolls to hit and damage rolls in the same post
2. Do not wait for the DM (me) to respond to a post if it is your turn. At the end of the round I will do a single response.
3. Take your turn within 24 hours of the last
4. No acting out of turn
5. Always post current HPs at the each new battle post[/ooc] [ic]The battle rages around you.  The fierce orcs crash and flow about you like the torrent of a raging river.  These are not the honorific guerillas of Shagrunk; these are Fjal Othilan Hobgoblins.  Legends are told of their savagery; their brutal ruthlessness and their ravenous wolves.  Such legends are not unfounded.  Yet something has changed; the tide of war has shifted, the orcs are in retreat.  A golden tune blasts through the air, the Kingâ,¬,,¢s Horn!  Victory is near, but the casualties have been heavyâ,¬'this ragtag band is all that remains of your regiment.  But the battle is not finished yet.  The Hobgoblins still hold the Bridge of Tharlim, some 60 feet from your current position  Some goblin pawns hold the line at the edge of the bridge, while the orcs lie in wait at the far end of the bridge, some 30 feet beyond.  The King needs a route across the river if the day is to be won.[/ic]
6 Goblins: 4 hp, 3 hp, 3 hp, 2 hp, 2 hp, 1 hp
3 Orc Berserkers:  11 hp, 9 hp, 7 hp
1 Dire Wolf:  36 hp
Initiative: [dice]1d20[/dice]

Initiative:[dice]1d20+5[/dice]

[ooc]Initiative: [dice]1d20+3[/dice][/ooc]

initiative  [dice]1d20+4[/dice]

[ooc]Initiative: [dice]1d20+3[/dice][/ooc][ic Archer]The dull pain in the back of Archer's head fades into the background as he reaches for a goose-fletched arrow.[/ic]
[spoiler Character Sheet] Ah, what the hell, it's better than sitting around here...
[spoiler Backstory] Richard Grazewall grew up in a quiet hamlet in Sassory as the son of a candlestick maker. Life was never very kind to Richard who was inept at the family trade and fell into a deep depression at the age of 16 where he soon turned to alcohol as a way to forget his woes. Despite being a fairly likable fellow, Richard was never able to attract any sort of female attention and thanks to several drunken attempts, he developed a heavy misogynistic attitude. At the age of eighteen, under heavy pressure for his family, Richard volunteered for the local militia to combat the invading orcish hordes from the north. It was here he met his mentor, an old knight from Corbin named Sir Russell Oberyn who had been dismissed into retirement for having lost a leg, arm and two fingers in some ancient battle. Sir Oberyn trained Richard and a few other men and boys to fight with sword and bow, to fight on horseback and to follow orders. Among his group, Rich soon found two fast friends. He never learned the boys' true names, but instead they were called Dog and Pockface. After managing to hit three bull's-eyes in one quiver at forty meters, Richard soon developed the name Archer, which he found he liked better than his given name.

For a while, Archer had a good life and his drinking problem abated. Soon the militia was called into action as Sassory was overrun by the inhuman monsters. While traveling to meet up with a main body of recruits, a group of Orchish scouts ambushed them. Sir Oberyn, Dog and Pockface all were shot down before the few scouts were turned away. Archer found himself with only a few strangers from his unit. The leader of the survivors, a fat man with a shaggy black beard, damned the whole thing and decided to go south and avoid "dying for some self-righteous king in his castle." Everyone else decided to go with him, as everyone had their fill of bloodshed. Archer remained, however, for some reason which he could not express. He stole Sir Oberyn's weapons and armor as well as half a dozen horses which had been left, stupidly, by those who had followed the fat man. He took what he could and followed the path toward the fighting. Along the way he managed to pawn off some of the horses for good coin to passing refugees, though he came to curse this as his own horse broke a leg soon after he had sold the rest.

At last he found the Caervenfor army, where he managed to slip into an archer block and make a few drinking buddies. For the rest of the war he continued to fight, sometimes changing units. Most of his coin disappeared as he sought out his cups wherever he could and somehow he never felt like he had a place in any of it.[/spoiler][spoiler Appearance] Archer is a lad of 20 who has a decent face, dull brown eyes and black hair. He's been letting his beard grow out into a bushy mane that matches his rough head hair. He bathes more than most soldiers, but he never changes his clothes, giving him a stink of mud, sweat and manure. In body he is tall, just over six feet, though he is slim and stick-like. The combination of miss-matched armor, wild hair and a thin frame makes him look a bit gangly and exadurated, though his motor skills are far above average. The scent of rum or beer is often on his breath and his teeth are starting to rot.[/spoiler][spoiler Character Sheet][ic Archer]Player name: Raelifin
Character Name: Richard "Archer" Grazewall
Class: Fighter | Lavel: 3
Race: Human | Gender: Male
Sun Sign: Stirge | Moon Sign Beholder

STR: 12
DEX: 17
CON: 9
INT: 10
WIS: 7
CHA: 11

HP Total: 18
AC Bonus: 18 | Touch AC: 13 | Flat-footed AC: 15
Initiative: +3
Base Attack: 3 | Grapple: 4

Saving Throws:
Fortitude Total:4  (Base: 3 - Ability Mod: 1 + Other: 0)
Reflex Total:4  (Base: 1 + Ability Mod: 3 + Other: 0)
Will Total:-1  (Base: 1 + Ability Mod: -2 + Other: 0)

Weapons
Masterwork Longbow - Attack:+7 |Damage:1d8 |Crit:x3
Masterwork Longsword - Attack:+5 |Damage:1d8+1 |Crit:19/20 x2

Armor
Masterwork Chainshirt - AC Bonus:+4 |AC Penalty:-1 |Weight:25lbs
Masterwork Buckler - AC Bonus:+1 |AC Penalty:0 |Weight:5lbs

Skills
Spot - Total:+1 |Ranks:3 |Mods:-2 Wis
Climb - Total:+7 |Ranks:6 |Mods:+1 Str
Ride - Total:+6 |Ranks:3 |Mods:+3 Dex
Swim - Total:+4 |Ranks:3 |Mods:+1 Str

Feats and Racial Abilities
Point-blank Shot - +1 Attack and Damage within 30'
Precise Shot - No penalty for shooting into combat
Rapid Shot - Add an attack at -2 to all
Weapon Focus: Longbow - +1 on Attack

Equipment
 -Nothing of note


Treasure
Coins: 127 gp | 18 sp | 30 cp | 1 pp
Magical Items:
 -None
[/ic][/spoiler]
[spoiler Dice Rolls][dice]4d6[/dice] 9
[dice]4d6[/dice] 12
[dice]4d6[/dice] 7
[dice]4d6[/dice] 11
[dice]4d6[/dice] 17
[dice]4d6[/dice] 10

[dice]1d12[/dice][/spoiler][/spoiler]

[spoiler=Cruvagn]Player Name: Jharviss
Character Name: Cruvagn deth Lorraine
Class: Paladin | Level: 3
Race: Sylvaese Elf | Gender: Male
Sun Sign: Chimera | Moon Sign: Dragon

STR: 17
DEX: 13
CON: 11
INT: 10
WIS: 17
CHA: 17

HP Total: 19
AC Bonus with Shield: 21 | Touch AC: 11 | Flat-footed AC: 20
AC Bonus without Shield: 19 | Touch AC: 11 | Flat-footed AC: 18
Initiative: +1
Base Attack: +3 | Grapple: +6

Saving Throws:
Fortitude Total: +6 (Base: 3 + Ability Mod: 0 + Other: 3)
Reflex Total: +5 (Base: 1 + Ability Mod: 1 + Other: 3)
Will Total: +7 (Base: 1 + Ability Mod: 3 + Other: 3)
Note: +2 on Saves vs. Enchantments

Weapons
Trident - Attack: +7 | Damage: 1d8+3 | Crit: x2
Short Sword - Attack: +6 | Damage: 1d6+3 | Crit: 19-20/x2
Heavy Flail - Attack: +6 | Damage: 1d10+5 | Crit: 19-20/x2
Gauntlet - Attack: +6 | Damage: 1d3+3 | Crit: x2
Shortbow - Attack: +4 | Damage: 1d6 | Crit: x3

Armor
Full Plate - AC Bonus: +8 | AC Penalty: -6 | Weight: 50 lbs.
Heavy Steel Shield - AC Bonus: +2 | AC Penalty: -2 | Weight: 15 lbs.

Skills
Knowledge (Religion) - Total: +6 | Ranks: 6 | Mods: -
Listen - Total: +5 | Ranks: 0 | Mods: Racial +2
Spot - Total: +5 | Ranks: 0 | Mods: Racial +2
Sense Motive - Total: +9 | Ranks: 6 | Mods: -
Search - Total: +2 | Ranks: 0 | Mods: Racial +2
Survival - Total: +5 | Ranks: 0 | Mods: Racial +2

Feats and Racial Abilities
Quick Draw - Draw weapon as free weapon
Power Attack - Trade attack bonus for damage (up to base attack bonus)
Immunity to Sleep
Low-Light Vision - Can see twice as far as humans in areas of low illumination

Class Abilities
Aura of Good - Aura of good is equal to 3 (paladin levels)
Detect Opposing Religion - May use Detect Opposing Religion at will
Smite Evil 1/day - May add +3 to single attack roll and damage roll against evil creature
Divine Grace - All saves gain a bonus equal to Cruvagn's charisma modifier
Lay on Hands - May heal the living or harm undead 9 damage by touch per day
Aura of Courage - Cruvagn is immune to fear and those within 10 feet gain a +4 morale bonus against fear effects
Divine Health - Has immunity to all diseases

Equipment
 - Masterwork Trident (315 gp, 4 lbs)
 - 2 Short Swords (20 gp, 4 lbs)
 - Heavy Flail (15 gp, 10 lbs)
 - Shortbow (30 gp, 2 lbs)
 - 40 Arrows (2 gp, 6 lbs)
 - Full Plate (1,500 gp, 50 lbs)
 - Heavy Steel Shield (20 gp, 15 lbs)
 - Silver Holy Symbol (25 gp, 1 lb)
 - Cleric's Vestments (0 gp, 6 lbs)
 - Backpack (2 gp, 2 lbs)
 - Bedroll (1 sp, 5 lbs)
 - Flint & Steel (1 gp)
 - Masterwork Manacles (50 gp, 2 lbs)
 - 7 Trail Rations (3 gp, 5 sp, 7 lbs)
 - Waterskin (1 gp, 4 lbs)
 - Whetstone (2 cp, 1 lb)
 - Everburning Torch (110 gp, 1 lb)

Treasure
Coins: 205 gp | 3 sp | 8 cp | 0 pp
Magical Items:
 - 3 Potions of Shield of Faith +2 (150 gp)
 - 5 Potions of Cure Light Wounds (250 gp)

Character Background and Description
Cruvagn was born 112 years ago in Sylvaea, specifically a small village called Zhuinthamum not far from the border of Bizhentluus.  Cruvagn's father was a druid, one of note or so he was told.  His mother was an apothecary, and with her he spent most of his time as a child.  He had two elder brothers, both of which were keen on giving him a hard time.  They too practiced druidism.  When Cruvagn was less than two decades old, his rough elder brothers held him down and tattooed a rather crude image of a mistletoe onto his right shoulder blade, laughing and saying it meant that he was going to die.  Cruvagn always resented them, watching other elves and knowing that these two were among the few that behaved like such animals.

Zhuinthamum was a center for druidism.  A large Temple of the Oak overlooked the village and many came to visit it.  Therefore, none should have been surprised when a small raiding party from Bizhentluus, the seed that would later become the Inquisition, tracked several powerful druids, people they were terming terrorists, to Zhuinthamum.  The town was razed and a few were captured.  The rest either escaped or fell beneath hoove and blade.  With luck, Cruvagn was captured.  He knew that his brothers had been captured and his mother slain by a stray arrow, but he never found out what became of his brothers afterwards.  Cruvagn, still young at 30 years of age, was claimed by a squire named Kiuss deth Lorainne.  Cruvagn was treated well under Kiuss, and two years later the human became Sir Kiuss deth Lorainne.

For sixty years, until Sir Kiuss could do virtually nothing for himself, Cruvagn served him.  Kiuss taught Cruvagn as a brother.  Kiuss taught Cruvagn of the One God and of Anahita, the angel of life.  Yet Cruvagn also learned of the other angels, and quickly realized that these were truer than anything elven society had taught him.  He became dedicated to Anahita yet never scorned any other angel.  However, Kiuss was closely associated with many inquisitors, and so Cruvagn learned of Bethor.  While the teachings sometimes conflicted, Cruvagn knew that all was necessary for the greater good.

Cruvagn eventually befriended Kiuss's daughter, Oriwyn, and later her son, Hevilus.  Kiuss died 23 years ago, just as his grandson, Hevilus, was reaching thirty.  Hevilus and Cruvagn too became close friends, finding many traits similar between Kiuss and Hevilus.  When Hevilus went northward to join the war, it was only a couple weeks before Oriwyn, whom Cruvagn loved dearly, asked Cruvagn to go forth and protect her son.  Cruvagn left Bizhentluus for the first time since his capture and made his way to Caervenfor, where he joined the militia.

Cruvagn carries himself completely upright, as he was taught by Kiuss.  Due to this his full elven height is seen, making him considerably over six feet tall.  His ears are long and eyes slanted, and his skin has a light tanned tone to it.  His eyes are a vibrant green and he keeps his light brown hair well groomed and pulled behind him into a ponytail.  He wears vibrant field plate that is crested in gold.  Both his armor and his kite shield have images of the angel Anahita on them.  He often wears a helm with large finned ears.  On his left side are belt are two short swords, longknives as he calls them, and he keeps a flail on his back, slanting down, with the large, mace-like head of the flail also attached to his belt.  He keeps his bow on his back, just under his filled packpack.  
[/spoiler] [ooc][dice]1d20+1[/dice]

Your dexterity is higher, Archer.[/ooc]
HP: 19

[ooc]So the initiative order falls:
Jelmaâ,¬,,¢c
Archer
Cruvagn
Aldabrat
Orcs
Ilio

Stargate, you're up![/ooc]

[ic]"To the bridge!" Jelma'c yells to his surviving compatriots, "We must clear the path!" [/ic]
 [ooc]Jema'c would naturally take the most direct path that will keep him away from the enemy (moving without AoOs). If he can't finish his movement without drawing one, he engages the one that's blocking his path with his spear.

to hit:[dice]1d20+2[/dice]  
damage: [dice]1d8+1[/dice] [/ooc]

[ic Archer]Calm and steady... One... Two...
Arrows fly forth aimed at goblins (any).[/ic]
[ooc]Archer uses a full attack with rapid-shot. Two attacks at random goblins (whichever are easiest to hit).

Attack 1: [dice]1d20+5[/dice]
Damage 1: [dice]1d8[/dice]


Attack 2: [dice]1d20+5[/dice]
Damage 2: [dice]1d8[/dice]

Hitpoints: 18[/ooc]

[ic=Cruvagn]Cruvagn runs forward, his heavy armor and weapons clanking around him, 20 feet, switching to his shortbow.  He swipes an arrow out, knocks it against the string, and let's it fly into the goblins.  His aim is a little off since Jelma'c has already engaged in combat, but his real attack will come after the arrow - his mighty trident will feed upon the blood of heretics![/ic][ooc]Attack with shortbow at a -2 penalty for firing into combat.
Attack: [dice]1d20+2[/dice]
Damage: [dice]1d6[/dice][/ooc]
HP: 19

[ooc]Since Jelma'c is using a spear, he's 5 feet away from the orc he's actually attacking. It's conceivable that Cruvagn could get a shot in without the -4 to his attack, since I don't automatically provide cover.[/ooc]

[ic]"For Issachar, aye!"[/ic]

[ooc]If there are any goblins in range, I'll take a pistol shot. If not, charge at the nearest one.

To hit: [dice]1d20+7[/dice]
Damage: [dice]1d8+1[/dice][/ooc]

[ic]Two goblins rush forth to engage the onrushing T'kel spearman, digging in and setting their own spears against the charge. The remaining four, with a quick-step launch their javelins through the air towards the enemy.  Meanwhile two of the three orcs are seem to be engaged in pounding each other's chests, working each other into a blood frenzy.[/ic]
 [ooc]
2 goblin spearmen vs. Jelma'c
To hit: [dice]1d20+1[/dice] Damage: [dice]1d8-1[/dice]
To hit: [dice]1d20+1[/dice] Damage: [dice]1d8-1[/dice]

Javelin throwers
vs Archer
(+1 base, +1 dex, -2 range penalty)
To hit: [dice]1d20[/dice] Damage:  [dice]1d6-1[/dice]

2 vs. Cruvagn
To hit: [dice]1d20+2[/dice] Damage:  [dice]1d6-1[/dice]
To hit:  [dice]1d20+2[/dice] Damage:  [dice]1d6-1[/dice]

vs. Ilio
(+1 base, +1 dex, -2 range penalty)
To hit: [dice]1d20[/dice] Damage:  [dice]1d6-1[/dice] [/ooc]

[ooc]Roll to confirm crit vs. Ilio:
 [dice]1d20[/dice]
Nope.  Well, Ilio, your turn.[/ooc]  

[ooc]Stupid critical with the first attack. Man. Least lucky swashbuckler ever.[/ooc]
 [ic=Ilio]glancing at the wound across his shoulder - perilously close to his throat, Ilio calls out, "Ha! You'll have to do a whole lot better than that to be down Ilio Gasconne!"
Hoisting his blade, Ilio charges his assailant with a yell. "For life. For glory. And for my bloody shoulder, you bastards!"[/ic]
 [ooc]Rapier and buckler are drawn. Bost pistols are holstered.
Charge the closest goblin (if equidistant, then i charge the one that attacked me for preference).
Dodge bonus declared at the closest of the orcs (or if they are really far off, then against the second closest goblin).
Where is the wolf, anyways?
Attack the goblin  [dice]1d20+8[/dice] damage  [dice]1d4[/dice]

 hp 13 [/ooc]

[ooc]The to hit should actually be a 17. Forgot about the +2 from charging.[/ooc]

Round one wrap up:
 [ic]As Jelmaâ,¬,,¢c charges the goblins, two of them drop to their knees, setting their spears against him.  Unprepared for this, Jelmaâ,¬,,¢c is impaled upon them for 4 points of damage.
Cruvagn and Ilio charge forward, with Archer and Aldabrat providing cover fire.
Archerâ,¬,,¢s arrow fells a goblin that was prepping a javelin throw at Cruvagn.  A second goblinâ,¬,,¢s armor proves ineffectual against Aldabratâ,¬,,¢s pistol, and its lungs are soon filled with blood.  Cruvagn stops short in his charge to release a shot of his own, meeting only air.  A second javelin falls short of hitting Cruvagn, and a third is easily dodged by Archer.  Ilio is struck a glancing blow to the shoulder, but carries out his charge and runs through the offending goblin.
Two party members have been wounded, one badly.  3 goblins lie dead.
[/ic]
3 Goblins: 4 hp, 3 hp, 1 hp
3 Orc Berserkers: 11 hp, 9 hp, 7 hp
1 Dire Wolf: 36 hp

[ic]Jelma's roars in pain as the two spears slice into him, but replies with his own weapon. [/ic]
 [ooc] to hit:[dice]1d20+2[/dice]
 damage:[dice]1d8+1[/dice]
HP:8[/ooc]

 [ooc]Eight damage? I never said I was charging, for one. And I never got the bonus even if I was.[/ooc]

[ooc]I forgot to mention the first time around that they deal double damage for setting their spears against a charge.  I said they set their spears, but not the double damage part.  But no, I'll throw you a bone.  The ONE you charged deals double damage, and the other deals normal.  I'll change that.  You take 5 damage instead.

EDIT:  I see what you're saying.  It came off as charging.  Ok, so no doubling.  4 damage.[/ooc]

Quote from: Seraphine_Harmonium[ooc]I forgot to mention the first time around that they deal double damage for setting their spears against a charge.  I said they set their spears, but not the double damage part.  But no, I'll throw you a bone.  The ONE you charged deals double damage, and the other deals normal.  I'll change that.  You take 5 damage instead.

EDIT:  I see what you're saying.  It came off as charging.  Ok, so no doubling.  4 damage.[/ooc]

[ooc]Sorry for the confusion. I'll try and make sure that I'm clearer next time.[/ooc]

[ic Archer]Dropping to one knee, Archer takes aim at one of the orcs farther back and remembers the words of a friend long ago. "Once you step onto the field, you stop being human. You are meat, bone, sinew and weapon. The wood in your hand is a part of you. There is no distinction between live or die. There is only success and failure."

Aim... Fire! Three. Four.

Two arrows speed off toward a single orc with deadly speed.[/ic][ooc]Full attack, rapid shot at a single orc.

Attack: [dice]1d20+5[/dice]
Damage: [dice]1d8[/dice]

Attack: [dice]1d20+5[/dice]
Damage: [dice]1d8[/dice][/ooc]

[ic=Cruvagn]I would rather not run into an onslaught of barbs, but perhaps we may flank them.[/ic][ooc]Cruvagn runs forth another 20 feet, swerving slightly to the left rather than running straight onto the bridge.  He launches another arrow, preferably at the furthest goblin.

Attack: [dice]1d20+2[/dice]
Damage: [dice]1d6[/dice][/ooc]
HP: 19
Arrows: 38

[ic]Aldabrat laughs, deftly swopping his pistols around.
"Having fun there, halfling?" He blasts at another goblin.
[/ic]

[ooc]Attack: [dice]1d20+7[/dice]
Damage: [dice]1d8+1[/dice][/ooc]

[ooc]Unless I'm mistaken, we've killed all of the goblins.[/ooc]

[ic]The three remaining goblins turn to face their new foes.  They seem fearful, until the screams of their orcish compatriots rouse them.  The two orcs, now fully immersed in their rage scream in exultation.  At this moment two arrows whizz between them, striking their companion in the head and chest.  Without a handler, the dire wolf bounds towards it's prey, and the orcs follow in gleeful bloodlust.[/ic]

 [ooc]2 Goblins vs. Ilio
To hit: [dice]1d20+1[/dice] Damage: [dice]1d8-1[/dice]
To hit: [dice]1d20+1[/dice] Damage: [dice]1d8-1[/dice]

Goblin vs. Jelma'c
To hit: [dice]1d20+1[/dice] Damage: [dice]1d8-1[/dice]

The Dire Wolf leaps over Ilio, bounding towards Cruvagn
(Ilio may make an attack of opportunity)
To hit: [dice]1d20+10[/dice] Damage:  [dice]1d8+10[/dice]

One orc runs in the direction of Cruvagn and leaps over the edge of the bridge into the shallows to avoid Ilio and the Goblins.
(+2 ranks in Jump, +4 str)
Jump check: [dice]1d20+6[/dice]  

One Orc charges in the direction of Archer, but is too far to engage him, coming up 20 ft away.[/ooc]

@Jharviss: No, there's still at least one left.  ;)

Oh, and this is important mostly to Stargate, but the Moon is Waning Gibbous.

[ooc]What are those goblins attacking me with? Cause if they're spears, it should be 1d6, and if they're javeling they should be 1d4 (not sure how small creatures have 1d8 damage weapons).[/ooc]
 [ic=Ilio]As the massive wolf leaps overhead, Ilio strikes at it's vulnerable belly. In doing this though, one of his goblin foes manages to stab him. Shrugging off his new wound, Ilio wheeks around to the attacker and thrusts his rabier through the goblin with a yell. Then he turns his attention to the final one. "I have the remaining goblins under control. You lot bring down that damned wolf."[/ic]
 [ooc]AoO vs. the wolf [dice]1d20+8[/dice] damage  [dice]1d4[/dice]
Attack the smaller looking goblin  [dice]1d20+8[/dice] damage  [dice]1d4[/dice]
Dodge bonus declared against the final goblin (not the one i attacked, but the second one who attacked me), unless the is an orc really close by and he looks like he'll attack me.
 hp 12 [/ooc]

[ooc]If they're hobgoblins, i.e. orcs, they're medium size.[/ooc]

Quote from: Thread Evoker[ooc]What are those goblins attacking me with? Cause if they're spears, it should be 1d6, and if they're javeling they should be 1d4 (not sure how small creatures have 1d8 damage weapons).[/ooc]

[ooc]They're using . . . normal sized javelins . . . yeah. As to their spears, I guess they should be dealing 1d6.  I was using 3.0 shortspear for them.[/ooc]

[ic Archer]I must not run. "Never flee in combat except as a direct order, for once you do you become an animal to be butchered. In war, there is strength through unity, not through individuality. Live for the whole, die for the whole."

Five... Six...

Still kneeling, Archer fires two wild shots at the charging orc.[/ic][ooc]Full attack, rapid shot at the closest orc. point-blank shot applies

Attack: [dice]1d20+6[/dice]
Damage: [dice]1d8+1[/dice]

Attack: [dice]1d20+6[/dice]
Damage: [dice]1d8+1[/dice][/ooc]

EDIT: Whoops! Posted out of turn!

Round 2 wrap-up:
[ic]Jelmaâ,¬,,¢c rebounds from his injuries in more ways than one, stepping back, to skewer a goblin with his longspear.  The goblin attempted to respond, but could find no way in before his death.  Archerâ,¬,,¢s impeccable aim nails two arrows into the head and chest of the Orc handler of the dire wolf as Cruvagn deth Lorraine swerves around the side of the bridge to get an angle at a goblin further back.  The goblin dives, avoiding the arrow and moves to engage Ilio.  The Dire Wolf, now free of command rushes to greet this new prey, and one among the orcish berserker pair is quick to follow.  The second seeks to avenge its fellowâ,¬,,¢s death by taking that of the human bowman.  The wolfâ,¬,,¢s snarls and bites knock Cruvagn slightly off balance, but do no real damage thanks to his heavy plate mail.  The second goblin to have stabbed Jelmaâ,¬,,¢c presses his luck, striking Ilio as he thrusts upward at the leaping wolf, but that goblin soon feels the bite of lead from Aldabratâ,¬,,¢s dwarven pistol.  Ilio then recovers to strike at the lone remaining goblin, dealing it a glancing blow.
5 goblins lie dead
1 orc lies dead[/ic]
1 Goblin: 3 hp
2 Orc Berserkers: 11 hp(13 while in rage), 7 hp (9 while in rage)
1 Dire Wolf: 32 hp

[ic]Jelma'c does not attack with his spear. Instead, he seems to concentrate on a complex set of hand gestures, which he shoots towards the Orc moving towards Archer.[/ic]  

 [ooc]Sleep spell. He's trying to catch both the Orc heading towards archer and a second one, if he can get the 10ft radius burst onto two.[/ooc]

HP:8
MP:6

[ooc]In case you guys were wondering, Raelifin broke rule #4 (by accident) and went out of turn.  That means that Jharviss is up.[/ooc]

[ic=Cruvagn]Grand, an enormous wolf.  How pagan.[/ic][ooc]I switch my bow using my Quick Draw feat, drawing my shield and trident, and attack.
Attack: [dice]1d20+7[/dice]
Damage: [dice]1d8+3[/dice][/ooc]
HP: 19

[ic=Aldabrat]He roars, and holsters one pistol, pulling out his backup and firing off a shot at one of the orcs.[/ic]

[ooc][dice]1d20+6[/dice]
[dice]1d8[/dice]
[/ooc]

[ic]The remaining Goblin squares off against Ilio as its orc companions charge onward.  The first orc is hit by a sleep spell while charging the human archer and attempts to shrug off the magical attack.  The second orc rushes from the water's edge, swinging it's substantial greataxe at the elven paladin as the dire wolf continue's it's attack.[/ic]
 [ooc]Goblin
To hit: [dice]1d20+1[/dice] Damage: [dice]1d6-1[/dice]

Orc vs. Archer
Will save vs. sleep (+2 morale due to rage)
[dice]1d20+2[/dice]
(+1 Base, +4 Str, +1 Charging)
To hit:  [dice]1d20+6[/dice] Damage: [dice]1d12+4[/dice]

Orc vs. Cruvagn
To hit:  [dice]1d20+5[/dice] Damage: [dice]1d12+4[/dice]

Wolf vs. Cruvagn
To hit: [dice]1d20+10[/dice] Damage: [dice]1d8+10[/dice] [/ooc]
 [ooc]As the orc failed his save, he falls asleep, but Archer's arrow awakens him.  However, he must spend a move equivalent action to stand up, and may only move 30 feet towards Archer, leaving him with another 30 feet to traverse before a valid attack can be made.[/ooc]

[ic=Ilio]Easily parrying the goblin's clumsy thrust, Ilio steps back out of his reach and draws one of his pistols. He unloads it into the face of the nearby orc, then holsters it once more and goes back to his defensive stance.[/ic]
 [ooc]5 foot-step back.
draw pistol with quick draw and shoot the orc next to the goblin (point blank shot)
[dice]1d20+8+1[/dice] damage  [dice]1d8+1[/dice]
reholster pistol using my move action
Dodge declared against the orc, if he survives. If he doesn't, then against the goblin.[/ooc]

Round 3 wrap-up:
 [ic]The orc berserker charges towards Archer, who desperately releases a pair of arrows at the brute.  But Jelmaâ,¬,,¢câ,¬,,¢s subtle manipulations sap the barbarian of his strength, putting him into a comatose sleep.  One of Archerâ,¬,,¢s two shots catches the orc, rousing him from his momentary slumber.  The orc comes to his senses upon hitting the hard earth, and rises to renew his charge against the Bowman.  Meanwhile, Cruvagnâ,¬,,¢s shield continues to prove an effecting barrier against the thrashing teeth of the dire wolf.  Cruvagn is able to strike into the side of the beast, but must immediately side-step to avoid being cleaved in two by the second raging orc barbarian.   Ilio steps away from his goblin to fire upon the orc charging Cruvagn.  That orc, rather than seeing elven blood, finds himself bleeding and turns to greet his attacker.[/ic]
1 Goblin: 3 hp
2 Orc Berserkers: 2 hp, 3 hp (5 while in rage)
1 Dire Wolf: 27 hp

[ic]Jema'c grins in satisfaction on the completion of the spell, then grunts in annoyance as the orc wakes up. He sprints towards the target, spear level with the earth, hoping to skewer him.[/ic]

 [ooc]charging towards the orc, so I'm taking the +2.
to hit:[dice]1d20+2+2[/dice]
damage:[dice]1d8+1[/dice]  [/ooc]  

[ooc]*blinks* What about me? *eyes well up with tears*[/ooc]

[ic Archer, 17hp]My alies will protect me. The real threat is the wolf. Archer stands and takes a few slow steps backwards while continuing to fire.

Seven... Eight...[/ic][ooc]5' step backwards. Full attack, rapid shot at the wolf.

Attack: (1d20+5) = (8,5) = 13
Damage: (1d8) = (2) = 2

Attack: (1d20+5) = (12,5) = 17
Damage: (1d8) = (8) = 8

EDIT: I'm sorry! I edited when I meant to quote! I can't get my die rolls back either... At least the turn is done.[/ooc]

[ic=Cruvagn]Pagan wolf.[/ic]
[ooc]Trident attack!
Attack: [dice]1d20+7[/dice]
Damage: [dice]1d8+3[/dice][/ooc]

[ic]Aldabrat begins reloading one of his masterwork pistols.[/ic]

[ooc]Full round action, de blah etc.[/ooc]

[ic]The sole remaining goblin thrusts his spear desperately, hoping to catch Ilio off guard after the latter's shot at his orcish ally.  The Orc berserker renews his attack on Archer, though having fallen prey to magical sleep, with a bit a groginess and a little less enthusiasm.  The second orc, stinging from the bite of Ilio's lead bullet attacks the halfling while the dire wolf snaps and bites at Cruvagn.[/ic]
 [ooc]Versus Ilio:
Goblin
To hit: [dice]1d20+1[/dice] Damage: [dice]1d6-1[/dice]
Orc
To hit: [dice]1d20+5[/dice] Damage: [dice]1d12+4[/dice]

Versus Archer
Orc (sleep ended rage)
To hit: [dice]1d20+3[/dice] Damage: [dice]1d12+2[/dice]

Versus Cruvagn
Dire Wolf
To hit: [dice]1d20+10[/dice] Damage: [dice]1d8+10[/dice] [/ooc]

[ooc]So, not sure when i declare what attack i use my grace ability on, or when i declare a parry, but i would be using them on the orc. It's a bit awkward in pbpb since everything is rolled at once, but could you let me know if this is the proper way to do it. Assuming this is okay, then the orc doesn't even get close to hiting me (AC 28 with dodge and grace. come to think of it, using them both on the same target is kinda dumb. I'll be changing that in future, but for now i'll stick with what i meant to). [/ooc]

[ic=Ilio]Narrowly sidestepping the orc's blade, Ilio lurches backwards and draws out his other pistol, which he fires at the orc with a loud crack.[/ic]
 [ooc]5 foot step back
draw pistol
shoot pistol at orc  [dice]1d20+9[/dice] damage  [dice]1d8+1[/dice]
reholster pistol
dodge declared against the goblin.
My grace will be used against the first non-goblin attack (unless there are only goblin attacks coming at me that round, in wich case i use it against the goblin's).

Come to think of it, i should have been using my grace ability all fight. My bad, i forgot to use it.
If i had, then the two attacks that wounded me, never would have even hit. oh well.[/ooc]

Quote from: Thread Evoker[ooc]So, not sure when i declare what attack i use my grace ability on, or when i declare a parry, but i would be using them on the orc. It's a bit awkward in pbpb since everything is rolled at once, but could you let me know if this is the proper way to do it. Assuming this is okay, then the orc doesn't even get close to hiting me (AC 28 with dodge and grace. come to think of it, using them both on the same target is kinda dumb. I'll be changing that in future, but for now i'll stick with what i meant to). [/ooc]

[ooc]I see what you mean, but how you did it is the best way I think.  It would suck to have to anticipate that before hand, though, so just state it when the time comes for both grace and parries.[/ooc]

Round 4 wrap-up:
 [ic]Jelmaâ,¬,,¢c charges at the orc as it lifts its axe to strike Archer, who fires off two shots at the Dire Wolf, one of which sinks deep.  Aldabrat fumbles with his powder and charges in a hasty attempt to be helpless as briefly as possible.  Jelmaâ,¬,,¢câ,¬,,¢s spear digs deep into the side and lungs of the orc, but cannot deflect the blow.  Archer feels the pain of the axe cutting into his flesh as the orc dies gasping for air that will not come.  As the goblin trust viciously, Ilio drops to an expert three-point pasata de soto, directly underneath the blade of the raging berserker.  With a triumphant roar the orc brings his greataxe crashing down upon the halfling.  But no halfling is there.  With a crack a lead sphere pierces the orcâ,¬,,¢s throat, causing gouts of blood to spill, quickly staining the surrounding turf.  The orc inexplicably remains standing, clearly sustained on adrenaline alone.  Cruvagn deth Lorraine is barely able to keep the wolf off of him, and his own attack glances harmlessly off the beastâ,¬,,¢s hide.[/ic]
1 Goblin:3 hp
1 Orc Berserkers: 0 hp (2 while in rage)
1 Dire Wolf: 19 hp

[ic]Jelma'c rips the spear out of the dead orc and, with an apologetic glance at archer, Moves to engage the wolf.  [/ic]

 [ooc]I'm hoping that there are enough people around the thing for me to get flanking. If not, subtract 2 from the hit and the d6 from the damage.

To hit: [dice]1d20+2+2[/dice]
Damage: [dice]1d8+1d6+1[/dice]  [/ooc]

[ic Archer, 10hp]I must not fall... there is no life or death, only victory. And one wolf to sand in the way. Archer stumbles back away from the now dead attacker, barely feeling his flesh wound, though cringing none the less. As his alies move in to engage the monster, Archer aims higher. At least it's easy to hit...

Nine... Ten...[/ic][ooc]5' step backwards (possibly diagonaly, if it gives a clearer shot). Full attack, rapid shot at the wolf.

Attack: [dice]1d20+5[/dice]
Damage: [dice]1d8[/dice]

Attack: [dice]1d20+5[/dice]
Damage: [dice]1d8[/dice][/ooc]

[ooc]CHANCE FOR CRITICAL!
Critical confirmation: [dice]1d20+5[/dice][/ooc]

[ooc]CHANCE FOR AWESOMENESS!
[dice]1d20+5[/dice][/ooc]

[ic=Ilio]Seeing his companion's arrow take the wolf clean in the eye, Ilio calls out "Marvelous shot friend, that deserves a drink once we've won this little scuffle. I'd take off my hat to you, but I'm a wee bit busy at the moment, woah!"
He nimbly avoids a swing of the orc, then yells at it in frustration. "Why won't you just lie down and die? That shot got you right through the throat. We both know you're dead. Well, I know it at least. You must be too damned stupid to even realise that."[/ic]

[ic]Archer takes steady aim at the wolfen monstrosity.  He pulls back on the bowstring until it seems about to snap under the pressure.  He takes aim, draws the string ever so slightly more and lets fly.  The arrow whistles through the air, striking the beast's skull with a sickening crack as it's skull shatters.  The thud of the two bodies falling to the ground resounds, as the last orc falls, his last frenzied energy drained.  The lone goblin, now truly alone, flees the faces of his doom at such speed as his miniature legs can bear him.

As you fell your last foe, the euphony of galloping horses greets your ears.  The Kingâ,¬,,¢s cavaliers surge past, delivering death to the savage hordes, routing the defeated enemy host.  In the distance, the royal stallion rears up, a glorious symbol of victory.[/ic]
 [ic]The Kingâ,¬,,¢s messenger greets you, informing you that he bears a dispatch from the king, to summon you to his palace for a royal commendation ceremony to be held ere the coming of the new moon.[/ic]

[ooc]For Grace, I would suggest using it against the first attack of the round. *shrugs*[/ooc]

[ooc]The thing is i would want to use the grace against a more dangerous attack (i'm way more worried about the orcs. The goblins aren't very scary)[/ooc]
 [ic=Ilio]As he walks over to his allies, Ilio wipes his blade and sheathes it.
"Well fought, all around. I am proud to have fought by your side. But you," he exclaims, turning to Archer.
"That was a masterful shot. I can see why you are called archer."
Pulling out his flask of brandy, he offers some to Archer. "Come, have a drink with me. This is just the stuff to replenish you after a good fight."
And with that, he sits himself down on a nearby rock and laying his massive hat on the groud behind him, he takes a large swig from the flask.[/ic]

[ic Archer]Archer stares in disbelief for a few moments, taking it all in before he bends over in pain, all the energy suddenly going out of his body. With an expression half caught between grin and grimace he walks slowly over to the halfling, sits down on the ground and reaches for the brandy. "You're a life saver, friend." Archer takes a huge gulp and hands the flask back.

Great god be good, I haven't felt this good since that second bullseye. "In war there is no win or die, no right or wrong. In the end you'll either be victorious or you won't, and you'd best pray for victory." I don't need to pray, old man, I can make it happen.

Perhaps the brandy did it's job, but a new breath of life takes Archer and he gives a hearty cheer. "To victory!"[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat finishes loading his pistol, then holsters them and joins Ilio.[/ic]

[ic=Ilio]Watching his companion's exhuberance, Ilio adds "victory is nice. So is livin. This brandy tops em all though."
Then Ilio draws his pistols and reloads them both, while turning to Aldabrat. "That was some nice shooting from you too, out there. Glad to have the two of ya with me. Shame so few made it, but hey! We're still going strong."[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat grins, and nods, reloading his other pistols as he does so. "My shooting excels my swordplay, friend."[/ic]

[ic]"I am glad to see that we have all made it in one piece." Jema'c says, wiping gore off his spear as he heads towards the group. "I am sorry I was unable to stop the Orc in time archer. PLease, allow me to fix the damage."[/ic]

 [ooc]Cure Light Wounds on Archer, if he lets me.
 healed for:[dice]1d8+2[/dice] [/ooc]

[ic Archer]Archer gladly accepts the offer of healing and returns to a healthy state of body. He refuses to acknowledge Jelma'c's apology, however, stating that the orc surely would have killed him if it weren't for the support.[/ic][ooc] Sorry, I just don't feel very in-character. ^_^

Let's move on. I hear we've been summoned?[/ooc]

[ooc]Indeed you have; ere the coming of the new moon.  The moon is but waning gibbous.  You have thus nigh on a ten-day before the prescribed summons takes effect.  You may elect to make straight off for Kommenap, or you may spend the difference closer, in the town of Nordgate.[/ooc]

[ooc]As part of a military unit, do we have freedom to leave? Have we been discharged?[/ooc]

[ooc]Yes, you've been discharged.  Your victory at the bridge allowed the King's forces to strike the final blow at the invaders.  Minimal forces are required to follow up in the aftermath of the battle.  Your regiment, being decimated as it was, safe for yourselves, has been discharged.  The King is returning to Kommenap now, and you have been summoned to join him there before the New Moon.  Until then, you are free to go as you wish.[/ooc]

[ic]"To Nordgate then?" Jema'c asks. "To celebrate our luck and mourn our fallen comrades?"[/ic]

[ic=Ilio]"Indeed, lets. For it is a beautiful day, and the prospect of seeing many more to come has only made it moreso."
Ilio jumps up and whips his hat on with a flourish, ending up striking an exxagerated  pose pointing towardsthe town. "Onwards my comrades! To the nearest tavern and the spirits and pretty women therein!"[/ic]

 [ooc]I am prepared to leave, unless anyone has a reason to stay or anopther idea.
BTW, did our unit/regiment have a name? and if so, what was it? cause i want to make a cool survivor's name for our group (like with "Gaunt's Ghosts" and the "Tanith First and Only"). No idea what, but hopefully hearing our name will inspire me.[/ooc]

[ooc]Something with an 'F' sound at the beginning. So we can have the 'F*****'s Five."

Man, that looks dirty...[/ooc]

[ooc]Maybe the regiment's name of the king's nema folowed by five. Or what about the Final Five?[/ooc]

[ic Archer]"To Nordgate!"[/ic]

[ic=Ilio]"Let us depart my friends! To Nordgate."
Ilio packs up what little gear and along with his companions begins to make the trek down the road to Nordgate and whatever the future might hold for them. [/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat follows, his pistols loaded and ready but holstered.[/ic]

[ooc]All right Seraphine. I'd like the following feats for free so I can be a gunslinger. :P

Mounted Combat, Mounted Archery, Quickdraw, Weapon Focus: Pistol, Weapon Specialisation: Pistol, Precise Shot, Rapid Reload and any other ranged weapon feats that would at all assist me. Oh, and a horse. And a cowboy hat. And spurs. :P

(yes, this was a joke)[/ooc]

[ic]Jelma'c Also follows, waving his hands over his clothing, making the dirt and grime disappear.[/ic]

 [ooc]Prestidigitation FTW![/ooc]

[ooc]That's a good point. Can rapid rel;oad be used with pistols? I'd a ssume that pistols and H crossbows would work te same. i.e. full action normally, then with the feat it's a move action to reload. that'd be wicked.

And golem, who needs a cowboy hat? i already have a big floppy swashbuckler hat.
 :yumm: [/ooc]

Quote from: Thread Evoker[ooc]That's a good point. Can rapid rel;oad be used with pistols? I'd a ssume that pistols and H crossbows would work te same. i.e. full action normally, then with the feat it's a move action to reload. that'd be wicked.

And golem, who needs a cowboy hat? i already have a big floppy swashbuckler hat.
 :yumm: [/ooc]

[ooc]Remind me later to buy you a hat, a really big one...[/ooc]

[ooc]@Thread Evoker:  Yes, rapid reload can be applied to firearms.
If you  guys want to make up you're own name, that's fine.  As such, the regiment didn't have a specified name.[/ooc]
 [ic=Nordgate]This ruined city lies at the northernest point in Caervenfor along the banks of the River Tharlim.  It is seen as the gateway between Caervenfor and the bitter cold of Fjal Othila and the Frozen Waste.  Indeed, a massive iron gate punctuates the North Wall symbolically.  Nordgate is a dismal city, half ruined by the war.  Its people live in a few scattered huts.  Many lost their homes in the war, whether in battle or for the army to make use of the ready resources.  Nordgate has seen more of the war than most anywhere else.  It was the first target of the orcs and the locus of the final battle of the war.  Many citizens were lost in the war, either dead or missing.  The mayor was recently killed, a victim of the violence.  Now most of the townsfolk seem to clamor for Amlethe, the local magistrate to take up the reins.  Brew Master Eluf runs the local tavern The Lagerhead on Bourbon Street.  Its sign bears the insignia of a drunken tortoise clutching a foaming flagon.  Kennet the Smith has also recently taken up the post as head of the town guard.  He is perhaps Amletheâ,¬,,¢s greatestâ,¬'and onlyâ,¬'competition for governing of the city.  [/ic]

[ic]"Come friends," Jelma'c says, striding ahead of the group, "To the Lagerhead. Tonight will be a night of celebration."

Jelma's opens the door and strides in, "Five of your finest ales, Master Eluf, and a round for everyone!" [/ic]


 [ooc]Bourbon street... heh.[/ooc]

[ic=Ilio]As the ale is passed to him, Ilio slides it down the bar to Archer, proclaiming "Ale does not agree with me. Besides, you should celebrate your shot. That was one in a million my friend."
Turning back to the bartender he asks, "Might you have something a bit stronger but lacking the barley of the ale. I wouldn't say no to a good measure of gnomish brandy if you have any in stock. Or if not, then whatever you have that's good."
"Friends, i may not have none you long," he says to his companions, "But I feel a great bond with you now. It was all touch and go for a moment, but i find those to be the moments worth living."
"Still," and he raises his drink, "we made it through. And we are here to remember those that didn't. To the fallen. To the survivours. And to us lucky ones - The Fortunate Few!" [/ic]

[ic]"The Fortunate Few?" Jelma'c looks at Ilio, "If we are going to go down in the annals of history, I would rather they not remember me for my luck, even if it is what saved our lives. If anything, we should be praising the One God for his benevolence. Something like 'The Favored Five,' or 'The Firm Five,' or 'The Fearless Five.' For few fare well when waiting on fortune, a fickle mistress to be sure."
[/ic]

[ic=Brew Master Eluf]"Well sir, we brew most of our drinks right here, from me own hops, wheat, barley, corn, what have you.  As such I doubt we have any Gnomish brandy, but I dare say we got some of me own brand if ya like.[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]He looks slightly depressed.

"I guess no dwarven ale then... still. Give me a pint of your best..."[/ic]

[ic=Brew Master Eluf]"No dwarven ale?  Now master, don't be so quick to jump to that conclusion!  We may not have many gnomes around here, but this is Sassory--No where in Caervenfor can more dwarves be found than here, and I've found it to be much to my benefit to be ready to serve them worth their expectations!"[/ic]

[ic=Jelma'c]"Hold on a minute there!" Jelma'c exclaims, turning to Eluf, "I said five of your best ales, dwarven or otherwise. Do you mean to say that this is not your best?" He looks down into his 3/4th empty mug with a bit of a frown. [/ic]

[ic=Brew Master Eluf]"Beggin yer pardon, scaly master, but neither did I say that.  It often comes down to a matter of taste, you see, and while many are partial to dwarven ales, this far north there are other brands that seem to take preference.  All that said, when you asked for five of me best ales, I think of me own best ales, and so I choose the kinds of which I'm best at makin.  Dwarven ale here is a specialty item and often reserved for special occasions.  Now, if this indeed be a special occasion for the likes of ye, I'd be happy to grace ye with a round of me dwarvens on the house."[/ic]

[ic=Jelma'c]"I find it hard to believe that there is a better ale here than the one I have just finished, but I would be happy to be proven wrong." Jelma'c continues after placing his empty mug on the bar, "Especially since it is free. However, I do owe you for the other fine patrons of the bar, as well as the first five ales. How much will cover it?"[/ic]

[ic=Brew Master Eluf]"Well, let me see.  A common ale costs about 3 coppers hastings, but for me finest that's gotta be nearin' 6 or 7 silvers a head.  What have we then, some one short of a dozen, outa a might charity round out it down to . . ." At this point Eluf breaks away to whisper something into the ear of a passing serving wench--a pretty young girl who looks as if she's seen a bit too much of the world and stands almost as tall as Eluf and ever so slightly plump with long black hair that curls about her shoulders like the spray at the bottom of some waterfall. She whispers back, at which point Eluf continues "fifty silvers."  He smiles at you with a mix of vanity and meekness, revealing through chapped lips a toothy grin, though his nose, which veers at a strange angle, presumably from an old breakage give his grimy visage a decidedly comical appearance. "Or if you prefer, five gold."[/ic]

[ic=Ilio]"Weel, i can see your point about the name. There are those wont to think the lady has little to do with their succeses, and all to do with their errors. Dame Fortuna can be a fickle and inconstant mistress, but when the mood strikes her," he says with a wry grin and a wink, "she can be oh so sweet. She seems to grace my life often though. Likely she finds me too irresistably charming to stay away."
"If'n you have no gnomish, i would be all too willing to try your house brandy. I am partial to the nectar of those little scamps, but I am always open to new concoctions to imbibe, especially from such an obvious artist as yourself," and he gives a slight bow to the brewmaster.
At this moment, the pretty barmaid passes by and Ilio's head snaps sideways to follow her as he slips his hat from his head and his self from his stool.
"Oh my sweet, allow me to relieve you of some of your burden," and he deftly slides her tray out of her hands and onto a nearby table, while he takes hold of her hand. "Such a delicate flower as you should not work so much on a day such as this. Did you not hear? We are victorious. This should be a time for joy and revels, especially for such a vibrant young woman as yourself."
He tugs her towards a more open area of the tavern and waves with his hat to any assembled in the room. "Come now, are there none amost you who can spin a lively tune for me and this pretty little lady here?" And with this he begins to spin her out towards the more open area, whirling to imaginary music if none is forthcoming.[/ic]
 [ooc]Woo! dashing swashbucklers are so much fun to play.[/ooc]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat nods, and speaks in Dwarfcommon for a moment. "So it seems that you are shrewder than many alemen, friend. If you sell dwarven ale..." he grins. "How much?"[/ic]

[ic=Jelma'c]"A fair price, master brewer." Fishing in his pouch for a moment he pulls a single coin out and places it on the bar. "This should cover it, and rooms for the five of us besides."

As Jelma'c turns to watch Ilio's antics, he wonders if the brewmaster has ever seen platinum before. [/ic]

[ic Archer]With Ilio's showy actions taking the spotlight, Archer fades back to his cups and broods quietly.[/ic]

[ic]A tall man with a rather hard-cut face and mussed dirty blond hair wearing a jacket of black suede and skin-tight black leggings steps forward from the crowd, drawing out a hearty tune on his vielle.  
The lady giggles in mirth, only too happy to oblige the "dashing swashbuckler."  Several patrons begin laughing heartily at the absurdity of the image before them--Miss Elsa allowing herself to be whirled about the floor by a gallant whose head is incapable or rising above her bosom.  The patrons smack the table in glee, spilling half of their drink in the process, as Elsa stoops to allow her partner to spin her around.
 [ooc]Woo!  Dashing swashbucklers are so much fun to play . . . with. ;) [/ooc]
Eluf cleans out a glass for the halfling's brandy while talking to the dwarf.  "Bah, if this be a celebration, it be a round on the house.  But dwarven ale . . . that's expensive stuff.  A dwarven ale'll cost you a gold piece.  A mighty shame to lose a round of gold pieces' profit."[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]"I'll have my round on the house, and then I'll be willing to pay for it."

He shouts across to Ilio.

"Fancy a shooting contest? If you win, the drinks are on me, and the other way around."[/ic]

[ooc]Call me stupid, but I'm confused on the bar bill here. I've paid for a round to the whole bar, a round for us, and rooms. Did the bartender give us one on the house or not? he  doesn't seem to have made up his mind. And is Aldabrat betting on another round of drinks, or the ones Jema'c already called (and paid) for? [/ooc]

[ooc]Another round.[/ooc]

[ooc]huzzah, more alcohol! We're not leaving until we're all drunk!  :drunk: [/ooc]

[ooc]A round was ordered and paid for.  But when it was the desire for Dwarven Ale--due to its inherent superiority to non-dwarven alcoholic beverages--Eluf offered a complementary round of the dwarven stuff.  While speaking to Aldabrat, Eluf got to contemplating prices and lamented giving away such expensive drinks.  Aldabrat assured him that the rest of it would be paid for and wagered with Ilio as to who would pay the bill.[/ooc]
 [ic=Brew Master Eluf]As the music winds to a close, Eluf salutes the musician.  "Bravo Garcin!  Bravo!  I say it's always a pleasure to have a bard around, and I must say we've grown a bit partial to you.  King Osric may have Kommenap, but he doesn't have our Garcin!  It's just a shame you've got to be leavin' so soon."[/ic]

[ooc]I see.[/ooc]

 [ic=Jelma'c]"Oh? Leaving? And what distant shores are you headed off to then?"

Jelma'c's friends might realize that the alcohol is going slightly to his head.[/ic]

[ic=Garcin Leblaque]"Well, having travelled already so recently these northen provinces, I was thinking to travel a bit south.  "You see, besides musicianship, I have been chronicling my journeys across Avayevnon.  I was guest for a time amongst the pagan elves of Sylvaea.  I came here to Caervenfor to record the happenings of the war.  I should so like to see the feasting at Kommenap.  I've heard tell it is to be quite memorable.  But alas, I must be off tomorrow.  I have determined to take the mountain pass into Issachar and sail southward to Verlan to view the Gardens of Duchenzy.  I must make haste or ere the seas grow choppy and the froth smothers the ships.  I really should be off from Duchenzy sooner than I am wont to, so as to account the struggles of the civil war in Ithegra.  It's not often gardens that go down in the annals of history but wars.  However these orcs intrigue me as of late, perhaps I shall visit Shagrunk to compare their brand to those that dwell a bit closer. . ."[/ic]

[ic=Jelma'c]"A pity, good sir, that you must leave on the morrow. My friends and I are to be guests at the feast, and I am certain that your company would be greatly appreciated along the way."[/ic]

[ic=Ilio]Ilio and Elsa whirl back and forth and round the tables, laughing as the music plays on. As he hears his companion call to him, Ilio replies "Well, I'd love to have a contest with you, but ask me later. Right now the company in this part of the room is far too good to leave."
The music gradually winds down and they dance for a brief while more before they come to a halt.
"Thank you for the dance, milady. Will you stay and have a drink with us, or must you return to your work? If you must leave, I would pain me to see you leave, but perhaps i could see you later?"
With this Ilio kisses her hand and awaits Elsa's reply.[/ic]

[ic=Garcin Leblaque]"Indeed yes.  I always enjoy the festivities of royalty better than any other kind, though I must admit, the rustic does have its charm.  Charm for all its worth considered, the balls one must attend so frequently in a royal court are verily incomparable. As a boy I was always so amazed at the extravagance of the things, though more of the women and their dresses than the castles.  But then, isn't that the point of the dresses, to be looked at and admired? Or rather, to induce the admiration of the maidens wearing them.  Granted, most of the balls I've attended have been in the office of musician, and I was too young to be doing much dancing before then.  But I ramble.  Of what did we speak?  Oh yes, King Osric's feast.  An event of such magnificence it is to be.  And you are to be guests you say?  You must be recieving glorious decorations indeed to be honoured alongside the Price and Tersigrad."[/ic]
 [ic=Elsa]Miss Elsa is all aflutter at being referred to as 'milady,' but, being a woman of business quickly recovers her senses.  "Well--milord--much as I love dancing, I'm afraid the other patrons are feeling neglected.  As to a drink, I'm around alcohol from dawn till dusk and I'm afraid its appeal is lost on me.  You won't be leavin so swift as master Leblaque, I hope?"[/ic]

[ooc]Hey all, I'm moving this week, so I may not be on as much as I usually am. I'll still be on at least once a day, but archer may slide into the background a bit. Just givin' a heads-up.[/ooc]

[ic=Ilio]"Ah, I am myself no lord. The trappings of court are not for me as I am a man of the road. Nay, I am simply a fortuitous soldier, enjoying each day as it comes. As for my brother's in arms and my own departure, we have been summoned to the kings feast several days hence, but we are in no rush. I am sure I could find a reason to stay in town a while longer. Is Leblaque the musician who played for us earlier? Where does he go in such hurry."
"Ho there, Master Leblaque! Where go you hence in such haste? Surely you would be travelling to the feast yourself, no?"[/ic]

[ic=Garcin Leblaque]"I have explained to your friend here that I am thither away to Verlan, seeking a change of scenery from battles, and alas, if I am to arrive at the edge of the blue to have time enough to arrive in Verlan ere the seas grow innavigable, I must be on my way, post-haste.  It saddens me, but no, I shan't be able to attend the feast myself.  I should have liked to see the young Prince Osric again too.  I've played for him before.  I envy you the chance of meeting him.  He has surely inherited his father's benevolence, though he has his mother's impulsiveness.  And I daresay he has the heart of a lover if e'er I saw it.  I had the opportunity to travel with the King's company of war for a time as the ridded the southern Thanages of the orc menace.  Somewhere in Fedrolov, I forget the exact town, I perchanced to spy the prince in confidence with a maiden of great beauty, but little means.  There they did conspire such as the King had no choice but to move out at once, to spare his son from himself."[/ic]

[ic]"The dancing has gone to his head," Jelma'c says dryly, "he just told us where he was going, though if you want to try and help me convince him to be our herald for the triumphal entry, all the better."[/ic]

 [ooc]I see I was late...[/ooc]

[ooc]I'd just like to say that i am loving this campaign and especially my character. He's so much fun![/ooc]
 [ic=Ilio]"Verlan, you say? I have wished to go there myself in the past. Mayhaps after we meet with the king I might join you there sometime not too far off."
With Elsa, gone Ilio returns to the bar to speak with his companions.
He turns to Jel'mac and replies, "My friend, I had others things occupying my thoughts when he spoke before. The lovely miss Elsa for one. Perhaps we should find you a nice girl. Then, maybe you will better understand the cause of my innatention."
Ilio turns his back to Jel'mac then and adresses his fellow swashbuckler. "Aldo, what say you to that shooting match now? Though we shouldst likely go outside as I doubt good Master Eluf would appriciate holes in his walls. Also, you appear to be a good few drinks ahead of myself. I had better catch up before the contest. I wouldn't want you to have an unfair advantage," he says with a wry grin as he downs what's left of his brandy and calls for another.[/ic]

[ic=Jelma'c]
"Hah! Nice girl indeed. Distraction thy name is woman. You can feel free to woo the women, Ilio. I will stay over here, safely away from their devilish tricks."[/ic]

[ic]Aldabrat gulps down his ale and nods. "Now it is!"[/ic]

[ic=Ilio]"Just let me grab one more drink for the competition and we can go. I wouldn't want you to be stuck with a small tab."
Ilio gets another brandy then, a drink in either hand he walks outsid and sets one down on a bench while they find a good target.
"What about the knot in that tree yonder. I think it a decent target. Shall we say 20 paces to start with? Or do you need to be closer to see it properly," he says with a grin.[/ic]

[ic]Jelma'c follows the pair outside, half-empty drink in hand. "Mind if I watch? Half a platinum that the halfling kicks your dwarven butt from here to the Weeping Sea; how about it Aldabrat?"[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat snorts, and nods. "The knot in the tree then. And as to my dwarven buttocks, they will stay right here, thanking ye kindly."[/ic]

[ic]"So is that a yes?"[/ic]

[ic=Ilio]Drawing his left pistol then changing his mind and drawing the other one, Ilio says, "Shall we do best of 3 shots? Or would you prefer more? perhaps 5?"
He takes his pistols and lines up the sight with the target. "Shall i go first?"[/ic]
 [ooc]I'm thinking we make the target an AC 15 or something to hit. (-5 dex, +8 fine, and a +2 cause of a range increment). an 11 is close (hitting diminutive) and an 8 hits the tree (small target). sound good?[/ooc]

[ic]Ilio takes careful aim and lowers his pistol at the tree. It discharges with a loud crack and the shot launces at the target...[/ic]
 [ooc]I'mma take a shot at the tree and get this rolling.
 [dice]1d20+8[/dice] [/ooc]
 [ic]... and slams into the trunk, about a half foot to the left of the knot.
"Argh! One of those savages this morning must have bashed the sight during the battle this morning. Look at that, it's all crooked."
He holsters the firearm and draws his other. "Well, tis your shot now master dwarf. Lets see what those runes can do."[/ic]
 [ooc]ewww, terrible shot. a 2. as my first shot. I do really well in batlles, but don't seem to be able to duel for the life of me. MAybe Ilio just doens't take it seriously enough.[/ooc]

[ic]"Devilish are we?"  A voice whispers coquettishly into Jelma'c's ear.  It belongs to Miss Elsa.  She holds a tray with a mug on it.  "Complements of the house, from an anoymous benefactor."[/ic]

[ic]"Ilio you dog," Jelma'c says jokingly, "I am touched."

Turning to Elsa and taking the mug, he asks, "Would you happen to be able to describe this benefactor that appears intent on me not finishing the night under my own power?"[/ic]

[ic=Miss Elsa]"Oh master Ilio had nothing to do with it.  Or if he was, he most certainly was not aware of it.  It's from one who has found you amusing and is in such a mood as to be quite generous.  As for a description, I'm afraid 'twould be a betrayal of confidence to tell you more than I have."[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat lines up his pistol almost lazily, shuts one eye and blasts at the tree.[/ic]

[ooc][dice]1d20+8[/dice][/ooc]

[ic]... the bullet slams straight into the knothole, embedding itself near to the centre.

"Bet's on, T'kel."[/ic]

[ic]Taking aim with his other pistol, Ilio opens up at the tree.[/ic]
 [ooc] [dice]1d20+8[/dice]
c'mon[/ooc]
 [ic]As the slams into the knothole with a loud ping as it hits Aldo's, Ilio grins and states, "This isn't over yet, my stumpy friend."[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]"Stumpy? HA! I'll show you!" He switches to his other pistol and takes aim.[/ic]

[ooc][dice]1d20+8[/dice][/ooc]

[ic]The gun gives off a feeble puff of smoke and the bullet whizzes off into nowhere, leaving Aldabrat cursing and reloading his first.[/ic]

[ooc]Dear god, natural one...[/ooc]

[ic]"Well, so much for gnomish design," he says with a sneer as he takes aim and fires, "at least they can still make a good brandy. Although I got definitely get a taste for Eluf's."
[/ic]
 [ooc] [dice]1d20+8[/dice] [/ooc]
 [ic]The slug slams home in the knot once more, just to the side of the others.
"Now that's how you shoot," he exclaims as he takes another swig, finishing the first brandy. He then stoops and picks up the other. "Thanks for the drinks, Aldy. I appreciate it."[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat glares, and fires again.[/ic]

[ooc][dice]1d20+8[/dice][/ooc]

[ic]Aldabrat's shot smashes Ilio's out of the tree, sending it whirring off with a clash.

"Oh, I think the drinks will be on you."
[/ic]

[ic]"It appears we are tied. First one to miss losses I guess."
Having reloaded, he fires onece more at the tree which is becoming more and more riddled with holes.[/ic]
 [ooc] [dice]1d20+8[/dice]
Booyakasha! Critical threat
 [dice]1d20+8[/dice]
aww, unconfirmed though [/ooc]
 [ic]Ilio's latest shot blows huge chunks out of the tree and nearly passes clean through the middle.
"Hah! Beat that!"[/ic]

[ic=The Lagerhead]Several patrons begin giggling and pointing at Jelma'c, muttering something about the color pink.[/ic]

[ic]"What in the hells...?" Jelma'c looks about his person, wondering why the heck they're muttering about pink, and have followed him outside to do it.[/ic]

[ic=Garcin Leblaque]Garcin strides up laughing goodnaturedly.  He holds up a steel mirror for Jelma'c to view his reflection.  "It seems," he says showing the t'kel his transmuted image--Jelma'c's scales have turned a rosy pinkish color around his neck and what little of his face is visible behind his mask--"that the Hells hath no fury like that of a woman's scorn."  He laughs again.  "Devilish tricks indeed!"[/ic]

[ic]"Bloody females..." Jelma'c mutters under his breath, "Ilio! Did not I say they were devilish tricky creatures? No matter! I will soon sort THEM out... Dwarf, I will be back to collect my earnings shortly."

With that, Jelma'c makes his best attempt at putting on a straight face, and re-enters the tavern, but not before waving his hand over his face right before the door. Jelma'c will enter the tavern positively radiating pink, from his face and neck right down to the fingers on his hands. [/ic]

[ooc]Prestidigitation, thy name is utility. By the by, have I gotten my MP back from the battle?[/ooc]

[ooc]Utility thy name is Prestidigitation, actually.  Nevertheless, there is no reason to be constantly spouting variations of "Frailty thy name is woman."  
You haven't earned your points back yet, I'm afraid.[/ooc]
 [ic=Miss Elsa]Miss Elsa can barely contain herself at the sight of the t'kel.  Such is her mirth.  She assumes as innocent and detached air as she can to say "Well, m'lord, I must say you look sublime.  The height of dashing!"  Her face cracks into a grin.  "That took on you even more than I expected, didn't it?"[/ic]  

[ic=Ilio]After his shot, Ilio glances around upon hearing his name. And at seeing Jelma'c's face, he cannot contain his mirth.
"Would you look at that! It appears our scaly friend has fallen for the charms of the fairer sex. I day say he's positively blushing. And what a wonderful shade of pink it is too, if I may say so."
"'tis you shot, Aldo. Let us finish up here. I have victory drinks to get down my gullet and antics to observe."
[/ic]

[ooc]Twice... sheesh.  :-/ [/ooc]

[ic]"Excuse me?" Jelma'c says, feigning ignorance, "Thank you for the compliment, but I must say I have no idea what you are talking about."[/ic]

[ooc]I'm assuming the people inside did not see me looking into the mirror or hear the slight rant I had outside. If they have, Jelma'c would be doing something completely different, so ignore the piece of dialog above.[/ooc]

[ooc]Man, no idea what you;'re doing SG, but i wanna find out.[/ooc]

[ooc] :D

I'm waiting for Seraphine to answer on whether the tavern saw my angry rant or not, so I know whether I need to opt to plan 46-C Beta.[/ooc]

[ooc]OK! OK!
No they didn't see you.  Just get on with it![/ooc]

[ooc]*insert evil laughter here.*[/ooc]

 [ic]Jelma'c moves past the waitress, gets a drink at the bar, and sits near the middle of the room, still ignoring the color on his body.

Elsa, however, will soon notice some pointing in her direction as well; she has just turned a bright crimson red, as well as sprouted curved horns and a triangle-tipped devil's tail. The illusion wouldn't stand up to much scrutiny, of course, but Jelma'c doubted it would need to.
[/ic]

 [ooc]Prestidigitation rocks all![/ooc]

[ooc]These shennaigans are all taking place inside the building, right?
Damn, lets finish up this contest so we can join in.[/ooc]

[ooc]Sorry all, my move is in full swing and it's time to pack up the computer. I'll be internet-less for a few days (Monday at the latest) so feel free to NPC me.[/ooc]

[ooc]Yes they're inside[/ooc]
 [ic]Miss Elsa begins to shudder convulsively, covering her face in her hands, bawling.  She runs across the tavern floor up the stairs at the far end of the room, spilling two or three drinks on her way.  The sound of a door slamming can be heard, and her moans travel downstairs for several minutes before quieting.[/ic]
 [ic=Brew Master Eluf]"Blast it all!  Look what ya did.  Me poor Elsa, she gets so emotional.  She'uz just bein playful and now ya gone and made the poor thing cry.  I think sirs, it's best for you all to get on yer way."[/ic]

[ic=Jelma'c]"I think you rush to her defense a tad bit too quickly." Jelma'c says calmly. "We have already paid for our rooms, and quite a bit besides. I assure you sir that I meant no ill feeling towards Elsa, despite some of my more pointed opinions. If she plays a trick on someone, she should be old enough to expect retribution in kind. She has, quite honestly, no justification in playing on her delicate emotions after what she did to me."

"Allow me to go up and talk to her. If I cannot remove any ill-feeling between us, I will leave this place with nothing but deserved praise on my lips. In either case, my friends had nothing to do with it, and you would be evicting innocent, well paying custom from your tavern, custom I am certain is much needed."  [/ic]

[ic=Brew Master Eluf]Eluf looks slightly put out.  "They usually take that seriously.  Ah well.  I ain't really angry with you.  Just trying to amuse meself.  Didn't take, though.  In truth this kind o' thing happens quite a bit.  Elsa takes herself too seriously, but we love her just the same.[/ic]

[ic]"You may find, brewmaster, that I am a difficult person to intimidate. I mean no disrespect, I assure you. It is simply that many months of traveling has somewhat hardened me to the common tricks."

"If I may, I would greatly appreciate your permission to speak to Elsa. She seemed very put out, and I would be guilty if I did not attempt to remove any animosity that may exist between us." [/ic]

[ic=Brew Master Eluf]"I dare say she'll regain her composure ere ye're off to bed.  It's really probably best to just let her get over it on her own.  Still, if you're intent on trying to make amends, you have my permission to speak with her.  Garcin, would you do me the favor o' accompanying our friend here to see Miss Elsa?--That is, of course, if ya still want to talk to 'er."[/ic]

[ic]"Thank you Garcin. Eluf, if my friends inquire, please tell them I have decided to put in early."

Jelma'c follows Garcin up the stairs to Elsa's room and, knocking softly, asks if he could talk to her.[/ic]

[ic=Miss Elsa]A somewhat muffled voice responds "Go away!  I don't want to talk to you!"  Nevertheless, the door opens on a still bright red Elsa, her face lined with tears.[/ic]

[ic]"We make quite a pair, do we not?" Jelma'c says, still bright pink, "A pink soldier and a devil barmaid conversing in a hallway. I sincerely hope that I am the only one who can see the humor in this situation. May I come in? I would rather not make my apologies standing in a tavern hallway."  [/ic]

[ic=Miss Elsa]"We are not a pair."  She retorts.  "Come in."  She lets you in and closes the door behind you, saying "Good evening, Garcin."  The door clicks shut.  "Now, I have no intention of accepting your apology, so you might as well just leave now for all the good it will do you.  Now get on with it.  You were apologizing."[/ic]

[ic]"I have a confession. I might have spoken a slight deception for the purpose of obtaining a private conversation. I have some questions and, depending on the answers, perhaps an apology."

"What exactly did you do to me?"[/ic]

[ic=Miss Elsa]Elsa was clearly not prepared for this question, and appears slightly disappointed that you aren't indulging her.  "Oh," she actually gives a small smile "that.  It's nothing really, just a trick.  Some alchemists in Gambodel came up with it.  I guess they were trying to come up with some sort of salve and found instead that this root would give ladies the most lovely pink to their cheeks if used in little bits.  I happened to get some, and I had the idea to use it on you as revenge.[/ic]

[ic]"So no lasting harm done, good." Jelma'c moves his hand over his face, returning his color to normal. "Revenge for what, may I ask?"[/ic]

[ic=Miss Elsa]"Perhaps 'revenge' is a strong word, but I meant to get even with you for making devils out of us females."  Elsa realized that you had been tricking her as to the effect of her root.  "And what is that?  Then it didn't work?  You tricked me!  You lied!  So what am I, eh?  Your little plaything?"  She turns and faces away from you, refusing to make eye contact or speak.[/ic]
 [ic=Garcin Leblaque]You hear Garcin's voice from the door.  "Is everything alright in there?  I thought I caught a exclamation."[/ic]

[ic]"Did it occur to you," Jelma'c says as patiently as he can, "that I might have good reason for not trusting females, and taken my exaggerated speech as the effects of too many mugs of Eluf's finest? As for the root," He continues, "it worked, I just have a way of masking its effects. I did not lie to you, you merely assumed that my affliction was wholly your doing. I did trick you, which is exactly what you did to me. All accounts considered, I would say that we are even."[/ic]

 [ic]"We're fine, although was our conversation loud enough to hear downstairs?"[/ic]

[ic=Miss Elsa]Elsa gives a half-hearted attempt at a slap, which is easily deflected.  "Damn it!  Why do you have an answer to everything?"[/ic]
 [ic=Garcin Leblaque]"Oh, no, not hardly.  I never returned downstairs."[/ic]

[ic]"Because your questions are comparatively easy." Jelma'c looks at her a moment before continuing, "I'm the first one to actually respond to your belligerence in kind, am I not?"[/ic]

[ic]"Garcin," Jelma'c says bluntly, "if I wished for you to be privy to the conversation, I would have conducted it in the hallway. Unless you doubt my intentions with Elsa, and consider yourself her chaperone..." Jelma'c does not finish the sentence, hoping he has made his point.[/ic]

[ic=Garcin Leblaque]"Oh, you mistake me.  I was not listening to any particulars, nor have I the faintest clue of what you two were speaking.  I merely heard raised voices and decided to ensure that nothing was amiss.  As to my consideration of your intentions, I have known Master Eluf and Miss Elsa for some time now and have come to understand that he himself is quite protective of her and I myself have come to view her as a sort of a sister.  I naturally . . . but I ramble.  I do that far too often. . . "[/ic]
 [ic=Miss Elsa]She cedes the point, though then turns away indignantly muttering that she should hardly call herself belligerent.[/ic]

[ic]"I meant no offense," Jelma'c says through the door, "But I think it may be best if you leave. I promise I will not let anything happen to her."[/ic]


[ic]"Come now, I am certain that you are a smart lady. I gathered from Eluf that this sort of thing is not an uncommon occurrence. Imagine what this must look like to those who do not take the time to know you. I wager that to them you are nothing more than a vengeful child who cries whenever she is unable to get her way. You are a beautiful lady Elsa," Jelma'c removes the devil-illusion, cleaning and brightening her visage, "do not destroy that beauty with vanity and cruel tricks."[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat spits, and takes aim.[/ic]

[ooc][dice]1d20+8[/dice][/ooc]

[ic]The bullet slams into the knothole, barely making it, and Aldabrat mutters, reloading his pistol.

"Your round, shorty."[/ic]

[ooc] [dice]1d20+8[/dice] [/ooc]
 [ic]"Let's try to make this quick. I believe i heard some commotion coming form inside."[/ic]

[ic=Miss Elsa]Elsa does not respond.  She seems to be lost somewhere in herself.  She seems, perhaps, a little bitter, but gives no evidence of debate.  She sits turned away from you staring off at a point on the wall.  Her arms wrap around her.  She says nothing.  Footsteps can be heard passing beyond the door.  Elsa makes no response to them, and they soon die away.  Finally Elsa speaks in a slightly hoarse voice "I should like to be alone awhile."[/ic]

[ic]Jelma'c nods silently and quietly exits the room. He then goes back downstairs to wait for his companions.[/ic]

[ic=Brew Master Eluf]"Master Jelly-mac or whatever your name is, how fares Elsa?"[/ic]

[ic=Jelma'c]"Gel-Mack, and she should be fine with a good night's uninterrupted sleep." [/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]"Shall we just call it a draw, split the costs, and go in and aid our companions?"[/ic]

[ooc]Bags on whatever form of ceiling-bound light source the tavern has. :P[/ooc]

[ooc]There is an iron chandelier.[/ooc]
 [ic]The patrons remain cheerful, but are a little more quiet and reserved without Miss Elsa's presence.  Without her or Garcin, they have largely retreated to private conversations, though still drunken.  One inebreated guest has to be dragged up the stairs to his room.  One or two looks slyly at Jelma'c as he enters.  A few others look disapproving.  Some take no notice, and others look simply impressed.  Everyone looks drunk.[/ic]

[ic]Jelma'c ignores them all and orders another ale, nursing it in front of him for a long while without drinking.[/ic]

[ic=Garcin Leblaque]"It grows icy cold in here.  Come, let us for this last night ere I leave be more merry.  It sickens me to leave the place in such a state.  Come friends, let me hear of your battle at the bridge.  I here there is great courage and heroism involved.  Come, tell me the story and I shall tell you all one of my own."[/ic]

[ic]"The war was raging all around us," Jelma'c began, "all of our friends were dead, only the five of us remained from our entire regiment. We were engaged with a dozen or so of their fiercest soldiers when we heard the king's trumpet..."[/ic]

 [ooc]Jelma'c Continues in this vein, using poetic license perhaps a little heavy-handedly.[/ooc]

[ic=Garcin Leblaque]"Oh excellent.  Master Archer's mighty shot that felled the great wolf must be made note of."  He searches in his bag for some paper and begins scribbling down a note.  "Well now, I suppose it's my turn to tell a story.
â,¬Å"I was onceâ,¬'you might say privileged, you might say blightedâ,¬'to spend a time in the company of the pagan elves of the great forest to the East.  It was one of my earlier travels as a matter of fact.  I had happened to be in a spot of trouble with the authorities in Teneret.  Thatâ,¬,,¢s another story, but I came to find myself in the forest, which was not really where I wanted to be, but it was the trees or the block, so I figured Iâ,¬,,¢d take my chances with the trees.  Now in retrospect, that was probably a good choice, but I came to regret my decision more immediately, as I began to encounter the forest.  The men pursued me into the woods; I could hear them behind me, and I could see the trees thickening ahead of me.  It was becoming difficult to find paths through the trees, and those that could be found were growing more and more difficult to navigate.   I felt my foot catch and I fell.  But I didnâ,¬,,¢t hit ground.  I continued to fall.  I hit something tall and hard, a wooden spike in the ground to spear victims.  Luckily I was only dealt a glancing blow.  I could hear the screams of my pursuers, and as one toppled into the pit beside me his arrow-riddled body was impaled upon the spike beside me.  But I was not safe yet.  A wicked boar with razor sharp tusks lay in wait.  It charged at me.  I leapt away, but was grounded and knew I could not long avoid the beast without being gored.  Standing up, I made a running start as best I could and used the spike to spring myself high as I could to make my way out of the pit.  I missed, but caught an exposed root and was left dangling.  A painted face looked down at me.  It extended a long supple arm which I took.  I was lifted from my awkward position and arose out of the pit to find myself surrounded by spear tips.  So it seemed I was a prisoner.  Though I remember a distinct loss of consciousness which I figure was due to a weak poison smeared on the spikes that to incapacitate those that survive the initial blow.  
â,¬Å"To my surprise I awoke on a rather comfortable bed.  I found myself attended by an elven maid.  She did not wear the paint the others had worn.  In fact she did not wear much of anything.  Her tangled hair was long and covered her quite adequately.  She spoke to me in words that seemed to suffer, though her eyes bore no hint of pain.  I knew not what she said, but felt compelled to listen.  It was a long time in the woods before I would come to know the language of the sylvan folk.  I still couldnâ,¬,,¢t speak it worth a hasting.  My accent would butcher it beyond recognition.  When I had recovered enough to walk, my attendant led me to the door and we went outside, where I observed the elven town, similarly dressed.  At this point I felt rather ashamed at the formality of my peasantsâ,¬,,¢ clothes.  I quickly forgot the state of my wardrobe however, upon looking down.  I found that the entire village was suspended nearly a hundred feet above the surface. . . â,¬Â
[/ic]

[ic=Ilio]"Very well. If you wish to back down, I will go along with your choice. We will continue this at a later date, though."
Ilio holsters his pistol and, picking up his now empty drinks, walks into the bar as Garcin is getting started into his story. "Above the ground? So the stories about a city in the trees are true. And you've actually been there? I envy you, sir." [/ic]

[ic]"We are free to do as we please after our dinner date," Jelma'c says, "perhaps we could visit there ourselves, provided Master Garcin's story is not too horrible."[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat nods. "So we will." He follows Ilio inside, pistols holstered.[/ic]

[ic=Garcin Leblaque]"Well friends, if you should choose to make a stay amongst the trees, I may caution you a few suggestions: Harm not the trees, for the elves are vengeful protectors of the woods.  If you must make camp, and must burn something, find dead wood if you can.  If you must harm the trees, 'tis best to offer up apologies and show you are repentant.  If you show that you care for the forest, they may well forgive you.  Claim not devotion to the One God.  He is disliked in the forests.  Praise not the sun either.  He is disliked.  If you avoid their discontent you may find you stay quite relaxing.  Offend the elves, and you may find yourselves on the end of a spear."[/ic]

[ic]"I will be sure to keep that advice in mind. There is no possibility of you postponing you trip, is there? I for one would be grateful to have a knowledgeble guide along with us. You could travel with us to the feast, and once our time there is finished you could journey to this marvelous tree city with us. What say you?[/ic]
 [ooc]Shall we skip it ahead to the big city and the feast therein?[/ooc]

[ic=Garcin Leblaque]"Nay, I truly must be off.  Though your entreaties flatter me, to tell the truth, I may not be one you'd want to have around going into those woods.  The elves and I know each other, perhaps a bit too well.  But that's a tale for another time.  When next we meet!  And we shall.  Until then, my friends, adieu!"  You are unable to get another worthwhile word from him.  He makes ready to leave and bids a final goodbye at the door to the Lagerhead.  He gives the place a deep bow before vanishing into the world.[/ic]

 [ooc]So we're gonna skip ahead a bit.  Anyone who want's to say their goodbyes may do so.  Then onward--TO KOMMENAP![/ooc]

 [ic]Kommenap:  The City Castle.  Great Gothic arches of heavy stone mark the entrance to the city.  Carved granite gargoyles and towers jetison upwards watching over the city with a majestic pride.  It has not pretty opulence, but rather grand impression.  This is not the place of some fop atop palatial ponies dressed in whimisical finery and glandiloquent livery.  This is the place of a king.  The palace butts against the eastern wall with the river for its shield.  A trough is dug just west of palace proper drawing a canal of a moat across the western face of the edifice to enclose it.   In the north lies a hill upon which rest a lesser stronghold called Dunsinore to defend the Palace.  The royal road is draped with pastel greens and blues, invoked as it can be such things are rarely invoked without due occasion in bright constrast to the stony exteriors of the surrounding buildings.  So it seems a monarchical procession has gone by, presumably proeceeding very briefly your arrival.  The city is quiet, the air seems still, like the whole of the place holds its breath, waiting for some triumph or disaster.  Here you are, in the City Castle: in Kommenap.[/ic]

[ic=Ilio]As he walks through the great gates and past the sweeping arches, Ilio looks around at them and gives a low whistle. "Now this is a city. A real city. Not one with fancy little frills on it, but one built by a man of purpose. If i could meet the man who designed it, I would shake his hand." He looks around a bit more, then continues, "Now I'm not really one to set down roots in any one spot, but I could almost see myself here. You all must admit. It's impressive to say the least."
[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat snorts derisively. "'Tis nothing compared to my homeland's cities."[/ic]

[ic]"I have seen better," Jelma'c says, "This city is so unnatural, rising up like a chiseled mountain from the plains. I would much prefer a city of earth and wood than this of stone and iron.[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat] Aldabrat turns to Jel'mac and laughs. "Before Issachar, all will one day fall. Even the Bizhens rely on us for commerce and trade, and your forests will be cut down before the might of industry!"

Aldabrat leaps up onto a nearby raised space and throws his hand up into the air, holding his hat within it.[/ic]

[ic] "Perhaps," Jelma'c Concedes, "But if you consider that elves are the longest-living race, and they they are the closest to nature, one might draw a connection."[/ic]

[ic]Hollow streets surround you, vacant with celebration.  A multitudinous torrent of festive silence prevades the ubiquitous air.  The present pallor of a lively death instills the city as it's absent habitants congregate about the castle.  As you speak there comes the sound of a horn from a herald on horseback.  He rides along the path in your direction for the palace at speed, he is prededed by a carriage of some status coronated in the colors of Corbin with a grandeur like they it were the King's itself.  As the carriage passes a voice within expels imperatives "Haste, haste good Horace.  We mustn't keep our quarry waiting!  We are tardy as it is!"[/ic]

[ic=Ilio]Stepping to the side to avoid the Carriage, Ilio tries to catch a glimpse of who was inside. "Huh. Quarry is an odd thing to say. I wonder who that might have been. Defenitely some rich, high-up."
[/ic]

[ic=Jelma'c]"Speaking of odd things, where is everyone?"[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat watches the carriage suspiciously, and then grins. "That's money made on dwarven backs, I'll warrant. No fear, we'll have made more than him."[/ic]

[ooc]I'm gonna be internet-less starting tomorrow and until monday. Just giving a heads-up.[/ooc]

[ooc]So am I, actually, but I'll be back Sunday.[/ooc]

Quote from: SG-525[ic=Jelma'c]"Speaking of odd things, where is everyone?"[/ic]

[ic Archer]"Probably hidin' in fear of being run over, eh?" Archer casts a rare smile that lasts but a second before dropping back into a dreary glaze.[/ic]
[ooc]Hey all! I'm sorry 'bout the extended lack of internet, my move went from bad to worse. ^_^ It's good to be back.[/ooc]

[ooc]So . . . are you guys gonna do anything?  I mean, you could always go to the palace *wink wink, nudge nudge*[/ooc]

[ic]Jelma'c chuckles at his stoic friend before continuing to the palace.[/ic]

[ic]The word of the king is not to be doubted.  The feasting and ceremony are spectacular.  It seems that all Caervenfor is here, despite all logic to the contrary.  The celebrations of victory have already begun by the time you arrive.  You are surrounded by festivity, and the emptiness of the streets is readily explained.  Such is the glory of voictory that even the peasants dance at the feast.  The Great Hall has proven incapable of containing the sea of heads bobbing and swaying to the modal tones of the players and the outlying rooms bustle with the liveliness of peasantry while the innermost reaches strum with noble reserve.  It seems that you have not been waited for.
Neither are you the only to receive commendations.  Other heroes of the war are being honored as well, including the young Prince Osric II and his uncle Cassius the Thane of Tersigrad and brother to King Osric.  But the herald of your arrival arouses particular joviality, and your valiance at the bridge is held with particular regard, perhaps due to your less-than-royal birth.
King Osric The Just calls the five of you, his son, and his brother before the throne to present to you medals of commendation.  It features an honorific gemstone of the deepest green set in a radiating cross-hatch of silver on a white ribbon that clasps at the back of the neck.  You are then allowed to return to your seats for the consummation of the feast proper.[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat snorts, and speaks. "Gah, these medals are nowhere near as good as the ones back at home."[/ic]

[ooc]@Golem:  :-p Points for staying in character, but . . .[/ooc]
 [ic]"You'd best be careful, dwarf, not to scorn the kindness of the king."  The speaker is a tall, bearded man dressed more regally than most, with furs and pelts of unknown creatures and a medal such as your own.  You recognize him as Cassius, the Thane of Tersigrad.  "My brother is generous indeed, to pay his personal praise and decorations on such as you, who would not ordinarily belong to a level deserving a king's attention.  He acknowledges your bravery, and so be grateful.  Other kings would do much less."[/ic]

[ic]"I doubt that very much," Jelma'c says to Aldabrat, "The gem is a lovely shade of green."

To Cassius he says, "Sir, I am not well acquainted with the meanings of the awards of this land. What is the name of this medal, and what is it given for?"[/ic]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat's mouth opens. Then closes. Then opens again. Finally he says "Greetings, m'Lord. A lot of kings would have..." He pauses. "Uhm. Well, wonderful feast. And how did you fare in the battle?"[/ic]

[ic=Cassius, Thane of Tersigrad]"In Caervenfor, a deep green such as belongs to this gemstone symbolizes, on the most basic level, health and fortitude.  On a deeper level, we connect vitality of body to vitality of spirit, what's more, greens of all shades are symbolic colors of loyalty, and so this medal, the Emerald Soul, is given to those whose spirit in battle is shown in the faithful service of Caervenfor."

Turning back to the dwarf he says "Very well.  I but once suffered an injury of any note; a shoulder dislocated while battling three of the orcish brutes at a time single handed.  As to my personal valor for receiving this medal, I believe it must have been due largely to an event after the fact.  You see, when the orcs were defeated at Nordgate, we thought we had rid our nation of their filthy presence.  Not that my brother would ever refer to them as such.  He sees ill in none."  He snorts slightly. "Well we hadn't quite.  And we were ambushed on our way back to Kommenap, in Fedrolov near the Deadhaunt woods, not long after passing Rell Inyar.  We had made camp when they attacked us.  Good men were slain that night and the villains made off with many of our horses, escaping into the woods.  I led a team of men three men after them.  Alas my companions were slain, but we rid the land of the last of the orc menace, and I was able to retreive the horses.  It only grieves me that it cost the lives of such good men."[/ic]

[ooc]OK, come on.  Somebody do something.  If no one has anything to do at the feast, then say you go to your rooms to await what the next day has to offer, but do something![/ooc]

[ooc]Sorry. Gone till tuesday.[/ooc]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat nods. "A brave feat."[/ic]

[ooc]Let's just skip to the rooms...[/ooc]

[ic]The King is seen to be in a heated exchange with a noble looking man dressed sporting the colors of Corbin--the colors of the carriage that nearly ran you over in the street.  This does not last long, and King Osric soon rises from his seat and with much trumpeting and fanfare exits the hall.  The surprised guests are unsure of what to do.  Some leave immediately, some half-heartedly linger.  It arrives as the general consensus that the best option is to retire for the night.  As you make your way to the bedchambers provided for you by the Kingâ,¬,,¢s generosity, you become aware of a disturbance as general commotion as people begin to rush back and forth in a distressed manner.  A door near you flings open and Cassius bursts out, bleeding from a wound to the shoulder.  
"Damn it all!  Same shoulder too!"  shouts the Thane of Tersigrad.  Then, seeing you "assassins!"  
The Castle is under attack![/ic]
8 Assassins: 6 hp, 6 hp, 5 hp, 5 hp, 4 hp, 4 hp, 3 hp, 3 hp (Enemy)
Cassius, Thane of Tersigrad: 64 hp (Ally)
Prince Osric II: 40 hp (Ally)
 [ooc]Initiative:  [dice]1d20+3[/dice] [/ooc]

[ooc]Sorry for my absence. I posted a few things in the tavern about it, but for the past weeke i have had casts on both arms and have been in and out of the er. I am mostly back now.

initiative [dice]1d20+4[/dice] [/ooc]
 [ooc]While we were recieving our medals i was very couyrteous to the nobility and king, chatted with some of the guards and servants and flirted with some of the ladies.

Hooray for retroactive actions![/ooc]

[ic=Aldabrat]Aldabrat roars, drawing his unloaded pistols and rushing forward.

"Prepare to die, whore-children!"[/ic]

[ic]Jelma'c says nothing, but rushes into his room, returning moments later with his spear.[/ic]

 [ooc]Initiative: [dice]1d20+5[/dice] [/ooc]

[ooc]What a fast paced battle!  I mean in five days we've gotten a whole 3 initiative rolls.  I can hardly keep track.  :-/
If we could get some initiative rolls here, that would be nice. [/ooc]

[ooc]c'mon y'all![/ooc]

[ooc][dice]1d20+5[/dice][/ooc]

so, what's going on with this? SH called the start of the fight like 2 weeks ago. i wanna fight some assasins.

Well, until we get initiative rolls from Jharviss and Raelifin . . .

I would like to say
[ic=Annoyed DM]grr . . . arg . . .[/ic]

[ooc]Ack! I'm so sorry! I kept checking the thread for a good while, but I recently fell prey to the evils of "spring break" and... well... I slipped up. Sorry. :([/ooc]
[ic Archer]Snapping to attention, Archer reaches for a bow which was placed, foolishly, aside. Damn this! I'd be better prepared if caught in my sleep!

Init: [dice]1d20+3[/dice][/ic]

[ooc]To give things a chance of finally getting rolling again, I am going to roll initiative for Jharviss.[/ooc]
 [ic=Cruvagn][dice]1d20+1[/dice] [/ic]

[ooc]ooh, guess i'm first up. we do have weapons with us, cotrrect? I would assume you'd have told up so if we didn't, but i could fully undeerstand if we had been told to not bring them to the ceremony. If we were told to leave swords and pistols and things behind, i still keep my bootknife on me unlessthey specifically take it away.
just like to get this cleared up before my action.[/ooc]

[ooc]It would have made sense for you to have been made to leave your weapons and armor behind, but as that was not mentioned beforehand, you may fight with all your stuff.[/ooc]

[ooc]In that case, Archer is without his bow, quivers, armor, or buckler, though he kept his sword.

Any chance we see these "assasins"? http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0003.html [/ooc]

[ic=Ilio]Launching himself at the nearest assasin, Ilio pulls a curved knife out of his boot and attacks, then drops back into a defensive pose. "Defend the King. C'mon men, earn those fancy badges once more!"[/ic]
 [ooc]I'm just gonna go with all my weapons minus my boot knife are in my room.
Quick question: what are the assasins armed with? anything i could arm myself with after killing them?
anyways, charge the nearest one and attack with my kukri.
 [dice]1d20+7+2[/dice]  [dice]1d3[/dice]
dodge declared against my opponent. if he strikes me i try to parry with a  [dice]1d20+7+2[/dice]
against the first attack that contacts i use my grace abbility.

hiho goddamn silver!
[/ooc]

[ooc]roll to confirm the crit  [dice]1d20+7+2[/dice] [/ooc]

[ic Archer]Pulling his sword smoothly from his waist, the confused fighter takes a hesitant step forward, keeping his eyes out for attackers.[/ic][ooc]Draw longsword, 5' step forward, ready action for someone to attack him. If the ready action triggers on an enemy's turn, go ahead and roll for me.[/ooc]

[ooc] ok, it's Jharviss' turn.  He has taken far longer than his allotted 24 hours to post so I will post for him.  [/ooc]
 [ic=Jharviss] [ic=Cruvagn]Cruvagn rushes forward to attack the nearest assassin, attacking with his trident.[/ic]
 [ooc]To hit:
 [dice]1d20+7[/dice]
Damage:
 [dice]1d8+3[/dice] [/ooc] [/ic]

[ic]Aldabrat begins to load his pistols.[/ic]

[ooc]Full-round action.[/ooc]

[ooc]I think it's my turn...[/ooc]

 [ic=Jelma'c] Jelmac charges the assassins with his spear.[/ic]

 [ooc]+2 for charge
 to-hit:[dice]1d20+2+2[/dice]
damage: [dice]1d8+1[/dice]
[/ooc]