The Campaign Builder's Guild

[ic]For one reason or another you find yourself in Xian, the great city of the dragons. The mid spring breeze sweeps across the market square as one of the suns peeks out from the cloud filled sky. The mid day hustle and bustle is in full motion across the cobblestone square. Merchants selling their wares, craftsmen working their trade, performers entertaining the crowds, all in all a very ordinary day. A few members of the Dragon Guard hold posts on either end of the square, their draconic mounts standing tall and proud as guardians of this realm. In the distance Lady Elsa's royal crest, a red dragon's claw in front of two intersecting circles depicting the two suns of Karis, is flown high across the city walls as a tribute to her power and respect.   [/ic]

 [ooc]Alright, let's get everyone introduced and get things started. Feel free to introduce yourselves as you see fit.[/ooc]

[ooc]LOVE the picture.[/ooc]

[ic]Above the crowd, perched on a rooftop, is a small crimson pseudodragon. He is watching the crowd, especially the food sellers, with interest, waiting for a chance to strike.[/ic]

[ic Kevkas Ekinaj]A robed young man is standing on the side of the street yellling, "Oblivion Orbs, get your free piece of destruction! These have been enchanted with the blood of a very powerful Balrog! Good for everyday house use also! Only 3,000 Gold. Fine, fine. For you, 2,000! Oblivion Orbs for 2,000 Gold Pieces! How about it?" However, despite his claim, hey seem to be red and black glass balls, nothing more.[/ic]

[ic]Kevkas gains a few glances here and there but no one seems to be interested in oblivion. The commonfolk of this place have seen there fare share of destruction and suffering and from the looks of things they have had their fill.

Taking in his surroundings, Kevkas notices a fairly large group of onlookers being entertained by a juggler next to the fountain in the center of the square. The juggler is a tall and lanky human probably no older than 20. His shaggy brown hair drapes over his eyes as he manages to keep 6 balls in motion above him with apparent ease. [/ic]

[ic Kevkas]Kevkas decides to pack up shop and walks over to observe the juggler[/ic]

[ic=Stris]Stris looks at the juggler. Fighting off an urge to snatch one of his balls out of the air, he glides to a closer building. Hopefully one of the foodsellers will be distracted enough by the juggler too...[/ic]

[ic=Markas]A 4'5" stout dwarf looks over to the fountain. His feet are tired, and there seems to be no place to rest them there. He decides instead to get something to eat. Markas heads over to one of the vendors and asks for some smoked sausage. Finding a place to sit, out in the open, Markas places his pack down. Before taking his first bite he places his sausage down on the plate or paper given to him, and strokes of his cleanly trimmed beard. He begins searching through his pack, trying to remember if he brought any spices with him.[/ic]

[ooc]How much for the sausage?[/ooc]

[ic]A few more people stop and are taken in by the juggler's performance and noticing the increase in his audience he brandishes a slight smile. He stops for a moment and procures a torch from his pack and balances it on his head before continuing. The crowd gives him a strong applause as he finishes with his act. Bowing to the people he places a hat on the ground to accept tips for his performance. A number of individuals throw in a few coins.[/ic]

 [ooc]2cp for the sausage[/ooc]

[ic Kevkas] Kevkas throws in 5cp[/ic]

[ic=Stris]Stris spots the Dwarf purchasing the sausage, it had been a while since he had had any meat. Leaving a perfectly good sausage unattended, practically asking for it to be stolen...

The pigeon near Stris doesn't offer his opinion on this train of logic. Stris leaps off the  rooftop, glides silently towards the sausage, and snatches it up before booking it to the closest rooftop.[/ic]

[ic Kevkas]Kevkas goes back to selling the "Oblivion Orbs", but now calls them "Orbs of Peace", and declares that they protect the owner from all sorts of demons,ddevils, vampires, and other evil creatures/spells[/ic]

[ic=Markas]Markas turns to see the tail end of the theif moving farther and farther away. Blaster begger! I payed good money for that. Markas sighs and buys two more sausages paying with a silver and telling the vendor to keep the rest.[/ic]

(so far Markas has spent 1 sp and 2 cp)

[ic=Stris]Stris looks down on his victim while munching on his ill-gotten gains. If you had really wanted it, Stris communicates to him, You should have held onto it tighter, or at least fought for it. That's half the fun.[/ic]

[ooc]Since I've got two ways of communicating, telepathy will be Red and italicized, and speech in dark blue.[/ooc]

[ic]A crow notices Stris' newly acquired meal and lands next to him upon the rooftop, letting out a large squwak to show his interest.

As Kevkas reaches into his pouch to grab a few coins for the street performer he notices that it's a little lighter than it should be. Looking around franticly for an assailant he sees a figure standing roughly 3 ft. tall with long brown hair dashing off into the distance.

Markas sits down once again ready to enjoy his meal. After digging around a bit in his pack he finds a few spices and lightly sprinkles them onto the steamed meats. He brings one to his mouth to take his first bite when a female halfling bumps into him as she rushes past, knocking both the sausage in his hands and on his lap tumbling onto the dirt covered ground. [/ic]

 [ooc]10gp got snagged from kevkas[/ooc]

[ic=Markas] Fight for it. If you wanted me to fight for it you wouldn't have been in such a hurry. Markas yells up to the psuedodragon.

Hey, watch where you're going! He looks down at his second ruined attempt to fill his belly. He sighs. Perhaps the fates do not want me to eat today.[/ic]

[ic=Stris]Stris looks at his half-eaten sausage, then at his victim, then at the crow, who stares back. BUGGER OFF, it mentally shouts at the creature.

He glides down to the Dwarf, dropping the remains of the sausage in his lap before perching himself on the opposite side. I'm not hungry.[/ic]

[ic Kevkas] Kevkas shouts angrily, "Come back here!" and while sprinting after the figure, he prepares to cast Black Karma Curse once he gets in range (35 ft.). [/ic]
If Concnetraion check is needed:  [dice]1d20+8[/dice]  

[ic=Markas] Markas looks down at the tiny dragon as another man runs by squishing the dirty sausages. Yes you are, otherwise you wouldn't have taken it. Markas breaks about a third of the sausage off and gives it to the tiny dragon. This should be more that enough to fill your tiny belly.[/ic]

[ic]Kevkas quickly bolts after the pickpocket attempting to gain some ground. About halfway across the square he feels something pull at his leg and goes tumbling to the ground. He looks up just in time to see the halfling dip into an alleyway, for a small folk she sure moves fast.

Markas kindly gives the tiny dragon a piece of sausage after the fiasco only to have a robed figure trip over him causing him to drop his food yet again. At least the sausages have some company now...[/ic]

[ic=Markas] Doesn't anyone watch where they are going in this city anymore? Markas asks as he watches another sausage roll across the dirt.[/ic]

[ic Kevkas]Kevk as stands up abrubtly, looks wildy around, then spots the dwarf. He says, "Sorrygottago" before running into the ally[/ic]
[ooc]Kevkas talking very fast will be denoted by the words not being separated by spaces and punctuation marks[/ooc]

[ic=Stris]You're wrong, Stris says, dropping the last bit of sausage into the Dwarf's hand, I did. You see this ring? He shows his forefinger, around which is wrapped a tiny ring, I don't need to sleep as long, and it keeps me hydrated and fed. I enjoy having a snack every now and then, but it's hard to convince a merchant to sell sausage to a pseudodragon.[/ic]

[ic=Markas]Markas quickly shoves the piece into his mouth, before anything else can ruin his lunch. That's a pretty expensive thing for a little guy like yourself. You didn't steal that from somebody did you?[/ic]

[ic=Stris]This? What could I possibly steal it off of, a Pixie? Your great rings I'd would have to wear as a necklace. Stris climbs onto the dwarf's shoulder. You're not half bad. C'mon, lets go find someplace where you can get something better than a sausage.[/ic]

[ooc]Don't magic rings and clothes resize to fit the new owner?[/ooc]

[ic=Markas]Markas looks at Stris out the corner of his eye. Do you know of anything better than smoked Xian sausage? My father use to make the best sausage I ever tasted. Markas lifts his pack and puts it on the shoulder opposite of Stris. My name is Markas. Do you have a name, or should I call you theif? [/ic]

[ic]After tripping over the dwarf in the market square, Kevkas rushes down to the alleyway where the thief escaped to. Upon reaching the entrance to the alley he realized that pursuit would probably be pointless now as the alleyway splits off into three different directions each of which could easily lead to numerous other side streets. If only he would have gotton a good look at her face...[/ic]

 [ooc]Yes they do, as do magical armors.[/ooc]

[ic=Stris]I know of something better than a dropped smoked sausage, yes. There's bound to be a tavern around here somewhere.

Stris looks a little surprised at the Dwarf's question. Many people have called me that, but I suppose my true name would be Athkor Taust. Those people that are my friends call me Stris.[/ic]


 [ooc]I had forgotten about the size-shifting, and considering neither did Stris, he must be telling the truth! ;)...[/ooc]

[ic Kevkas]Kevkas sighs, "Oh well, theres 10 gold down the drain." He decides to go get a drink and some food at the nearest tavern.[/ic]

[ic=Thallin]
Thallin emerges from an alley and surveys the busy street in front of him. After adjusting the rough hemp cord holding his bedroll to his back, Thallin steps on to the road. Thallin weaves his way through the busy street as vendors try to sell him all kinds of exotic goods. Without breaking his stride, Thallin says 'Thanks, but no'.
In the distance, Thallin spots a small boy rummaging through a pile refuse, in an obvious attempt to find food. Walking over to the child, Thallin reaches into his pocket and pulls out a shiny read apple. The boy at first is apprehensible about taking the fruit, but Thallin assures the boy that it is safe. The boy quickly snatches the apple from his hand and runs off. A small smile comes across Thallin's face. turning back towards the street he continues his walk.  
[/ic]

[ic]Stris takes in his surroundings looking for a suitable spot for some refreshments and his eyes fall upon the Ogre's Stein Taphouse. The sign hanging above the double door entrance to the large dining hall wears the image of a drunken ogre holding a large stein of overflowing ale in one hand and giving a 'thumbs up' with the other. Stris and Markas enter the tavern just in time to see a dirty man in rags being tossed out of the establishment by a gnome and two ogres who must be the bouncers. Taking a seat at the bar a man finishes wiping out a glass with his rag and welcomes you, "I really hate having to throw people out, especially needy ones, but having beggars around is just bad for business. Anyways, what can I get ya?"

Thallian walks past the Ogre's Stein just in time to see a beggar in rags get literally tossed out into the street by a pair of exceptionally large bouncers. A gnome standing behind them steps out in front and yells out to him "How many times have we told you? Your kind isn't welcome here. Go somewhere else."

Kevkas turns back to the square and as he rounds a corner a dirty beggar bumbs into him nuttering to himself " Damn ruffians, who's to say that the great Ogre's Stein is above my presence..." not paying attention to where he is going he bumps into Kevkas, "mmfhmmm oh uh... sory sir, I didn't mean to uh... " Keeping his head down, the beggar hurries off into the streets. [/ic]

[ic Kevkas]Kevkas checks his pockets, wondering if the beggar stole anything.[/ic]

[ic]Everything seems to be right where you left it.[/ic]

[ic=Stris]Okay Markus, order whatever you want. Lunch is on me. Oh, and get me a glass of water would you? Stris hops off of Markus's shoulder and onto the bar, then makes himself comfortable.[/ic]

[ic Kevkas]Kevkas continues onwards to a local tavern[/ic]

[ic=Thallin]Intrigued by the events he has just witnesses; Thallin makes his way into the Ogre's Stein.[/ic]

[ic=Duncan Pale]Poring over a scroll, Duncan sits in the common room of the Ogre's Stein. He smiles at the sight of the pseudodragon's haughty, wordless actions as he takes in the sights. He sits near a hearth for the light, his sword leaned carefully against the wall. He sits alone at his table, probably because people are afraid to disturb him.

His gaze passes over the rest of the inn as he softly smiles at the warm atmosphere.  Much nicer than some of the other inns I've stayed in, he mutters under his breath, admonishing himself inwards for speaking aloud.

Seeing the new entries into the tavern, he pushes some chairs slightly away from his table and gestures, indicating that there's space at his table if it's needed.[/ic]

[ooc]I'm baaaack![/ooc]

[ic=Thallin]Intrigued by Duncan kind gesture, Thallin approaches his table. The names Thallin, Mind if I join you? [/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Not at all, he replies, standing and offering a hand in the custom of the area. I'm Duncan, what brings you to the Ogre's Stein, and Xian, if you're not from around here?[/ic]

[ic=Thallin]Shaking Duncan's hand: 'I'm really just passing through, been traveling for the last few years.' After the handshake, Thallin takes a seat and continues speaking. 'you know seeing the world, well'¦ what's left of it, how about yourself? '[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Duncan sits and pulls his chair in a little closer to the table, saying quietly I've come from many places, but my journey started in Talos. I went through Ceros, Irva and Belston before I came here. I'm a couple days off the road and enjoying the comfort. He grins a little at his brief recollection before calling the barman for a bottle of whatever my friend would like, and two cups. He looks at Thallin sheepishly before continuing, what's the point of having money if you only spend it on yourself? Give me a friend over money any day, do you agree?[/ic]

[ic]A young waitress brings out Markas and Stris' order as well as Thallian and Duncan's. The food and drink are quite exceptional, but nothing exemplary. The man behind the bar sees Kevkas looking about the room and calls over to him, " Go ahead and take a seat anywhere you like. "[/ic]

[ic]Kevkas sits down at the bar and orders a mug of mead[/ic]

[ic=Thallin]Thallin gives a small chuckle as he nods his head in agreement. 'oh yes I totally agree, friends are everything,  but then again I have never had much use for money.' Looking over at the barman, Thallin remembers that Duncan asked him to select a drink. 'I thank you for the kind offer, but I don't know very much about the local spirits. So I'll leave the decision of what we drink to you.' [/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Well, then I think a bottle of wine is in order, Duncan replies, loudly enough for the barman to hear him, Something good, but not your best, I'm not made of money he chuckles, reaching into his change purse to pay the bartender when he returns.[/ic]

[ooc]How much for the wine?[/ooc]

[ic=Stris]Stris, now comfortable at the bar, decides to try his luck at conversation. Looking at the human that just sat down, he communicates. Hello, and how are you? [/ic]

[ooc]Stargate, I think you meant Kevkas, but you might have meant me (I sat down just a minute ago too :P). Just looking to clarify?[/ooc]

[ooc]Yeah, I meant Kevkas. Stris isn't rude enough to just barge in on a convrsation.[/ooc]

[ooc]

Quote from: Stargate525[ooc]Yeah, I meant Kevkas. Stris isn't rude enough to just barge in on a convrsation.[/ooc]

Yeah, I figured as much. Just checking :). [/ooc]

[ic]Kevkas, startled, looks around.[/ic]

[ic=Stris] Stris grins, Down here, he says once Kevkas is looking in his general direction.[/ic]

[ic=Thallin] 'So Duncan where do you travels take you next?' [/ic]

[ic=Duncan]I'm not really sure, to be honest, he replies. Possibly back through Belston and up to Escabene, but that's a trip I'm not really ready to make yet. I try to learn something from a swordsman in every city, but they're hard to come by here. I'll have to be patient, I guess. And how about yourself?[/ic]

[ic=Thallin] 'It is the same with me' replied Thallin as he sits back in his chair. 'I may be heading that way if the mood strikes me.' A small smile comes across Thallins' face. 'To tell you the truth I really don't know where I heading until I leave a town.. Most of the time I just pick a direction and just walk until I come across something that peaks my interest.'

'So you're a swords man by trade?'
 [/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Duncan grins and waves a hand at the sword leaned against the wall. The hilt is a shiny, silver-plated steel and the scabbard is beautifully tooled leather. "It's one of the two things I own that are worth owning," he laughs, "I've studied the sword for years now, and it's come in handy on my travels let me tell you. To keep our conversation even, what is it you do, if I might pry?[/ic]

[ooc]The sword's a shortsword, by the way, just to give you an idea (Edit: I'm a moron who can't remember what weapon I'm using)[/ooc]

[ic=Thallin] Thallin gives a small laugh 'where are my manners'¦ What I do is more of a lifestyle then a profession. I am what most would call a monk. While not as glorious as some of the other professions round, I enjoy what I do and how I live.'[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]We are probably more alike than you know, Duncan chuckles. Where I come from, the art of the sword is, to many, a priesthood and a God. As I see it, it is nothing more than tool to be used for the right ends, but like monks I have met in the past, I am constantly looking for a chance to improve. Perhaps tomorrow you would grace me as a sparring partner?[/ic]

[ic] Kevkas replies,  And you are? To the miniature creature.[/ic]

[ic=Stris]Desiring conversation. Stris says. And you never did answer my question. How are you?[/ic]

[ic] Well, not particularly good. I was just led on a chase by a small thief, who had stolen money from me before I tripped on some dwarf and lost the thief. And my Oblivion Orbs scam doesn't seem to be going to good, either. [/ic]

[ic]As the word 'scam' releases from Kevkas' lips a number of heads in the common room lift from their drinks and bring their eyes to the robed figure standing at the bar. [/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Duncan glances at Thallin with a raised eyebrow. He he picks up his sword from the corner and rests it across his lap, waiting and watching. [ooc](Edit: *Sigh*. I keep forgetting where everything is)[/ooc][/ic]

Quote from: VoranIllezou[ic] Well, not particularly good. I was just led on a chase by a small thief, who had stolen money from me before I tripped on some dwarf and lost the thief. And my Oblivion Orbs scam doesn't seem to be going to good, either. [/ic]

Quote from: MittenNinja[ic]As the word 'scam' releases from Kevkas' lips a number of heads in the common room lift from their drinks and bring their eyes to the robed figure standing at the bar. [/ic]

 [ic=Stris]You DO realize that you're the only one who can hear me, right? Stris says, I'd start backpedaling pretty fast if I was you.[/ic]

[ic=Thallin] Thallin watches Duncan casually ready his weapon and in turn raises his hands to his chest. Pressing his finger tips together, Thallins' gaze moves to the figure at the bar. Thallin casually continues the conversation. "Sparing sounds like it would be fun; it has been awhile since I have fought just for practice."[/ic]

[ic] Kevkas quickly looks around, then says to the pseudodragon, "Nice meeting you. Gotta run!" Before attempting to cast invisibility.[/ic]
 [ooc]Rofl, this is exactly how I imagined my character meeting everyone else.[/ooc]

[ic=Stirs]Nice meeting you too!

Stris makes what sounds like thin coughing, his version of laughter. Dinner and a show, how lovely.[/ic]

[ic]Markas sits with his stew. He glances around making sure this time he will be able to enjoy it. Occasionally he looks up, wondering what kind of trouble Stris is causing. At the word scam, Markas begins to wonder what he has gotten himself into. Is this creature working with this man?[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Duncan carefully moves the chair back from the table to give himself a little room. Glancing pointedly at the crowd beginning to form, he says to Thallin, "If we get out of this bar, you're on." He grins, standing and moving to gain a little space before calling to the bar, "Gentlemen, gentlemen! What seems to be the problem?"[/ic]

[ic Kevkas]Kevkas pauses momentarily and glances at the stranger.[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Ignoring the stares, Duncan turned to the fellow attracting all the attention. Sighing, he asks "You said 'Scam,' but also that you weren't successful. On your honour, did you manage to weasel any money that you shouldn't have earned?"[/ic]

[ic]Kevkas says,  Well, no. But, if one manages to trick someone into purchasing something for mroe than it is worth, well, they've earned it by bieng able to do that. But, no, all I've done is lost money on this.[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Putting his hand to his hilt and looking out at the faces of the patrons he was afraid might riot, Duncan asks again, "Do you swear? I don't want this to come to violence, but if it does, I'd rather side with the sheep than the wolf."[/ic]

[ic=Stris]Hey Markus, you watching this? He's a man after my own heart. Oddly enough, also the guy who nearly killed himself tripping over you.
[/ic]

[ic Kevkas]Yes, yes I do.[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Duncan moves a little closer to the stranger, "Then Duncan Pale is at your service," he responds, looking carefully around him.[/ic]

[ic]As the crowd begins to grow around the bar the gnome bouncer walks in from outside gently tapping a rod onto his left palm. The patrons give him plenty of room to move towards the bar as a small smirk escapes his lips.  "Well well, it seems like there's a bit of trouble a brewing in here." The gnome steps up to Kevkas and Duncan pointing the rod at both of them as he speaks,  "Or am I going to have to diffuse the situation? Jaelric over there knows very well how much I enjoy diffusing situations." The barkeep gives a nod of affirmation as a few of the patrons glance over at him.[/ic]

[ic=Stris]You're too late halfpint, Stris communicates to the gnome, the grownups have handled it well enough.

Stris then flies to perch on any convenient rafter/chandelier/high fixture, so as to get a better view.[/ic]

 [ooc]Hey Mitteninja, what're the rules for throwing your voice?[/ooc]

[ic=Duncan]Address the gnome, Duncan says, "As long as the rest of the crowd doesn't try anything foolish, there'll be no trouble. You've already heard him swear he hasn't gotten anything from anybody. I'm sure that given the...gravity of the situation, he'll keep his entrepreneurship under control.[/ic]

[ic Kevkas]Of course I will!, Kevkas pipes in.[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]"See that you do," Duncan murmurs softly for the stranger's ears. "Who are you, anyway?" Duncan asks, unable to keep the grin off his face.[/ic]

[ic Kevkas]Kevkas replies softly, I am Kevkas Ekinaj, and thank you, friend for helping me.[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]"I do what I can. Why don't we find another establishment, I think our welcome here is about to be worn out. If you have any other friends, feel free to invite them too, it has been a long time since I had any company."[/ic]

[ic]The crowd that had gathered now dissipates with a number of disappointed groans and sighs. The gnome looks up at Stris, giving him the evil eye, and then talks aloud to himself as he sheathes his rod.  "Very well then, just know that next time you come in here I'll be keeping an eye on you." [/ic]

 [ooc]I don't believe they have any rules for throwing your voice, at least not through mundane means.[/ooc]

[ic=Duncan]Turning back to his other new friend, "Thallin, would you like to come along? I may have some troubles escorting this one to the city watch." A twinkle in Duncan's eyes reveal this to be a jest, though some in the audience might believe that he was taking Kevkas in, Kevkas should be sure he is not.[/ic]

[ic=Stris]Stris grins back at the gnome. Gliding down to land on Kevkas's shoulder, he looks at the others. Another crisis averted, eh? You'd think a con artist would play it closer to the vest.

turning to Duncan and Thallin, Stris communicates Hello, I am Stris, the one whose conversation caused all of this. Pleased to meet you. [/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Turning to Thallin, Duncan replies bemusedly, "Do you think I'm the sort to reply to a voice in my head in public, making myself look like a fool in the process?[/ic]

[ic=Stris]Most likely not, although the people around here could probably understand better than most.

Stris coughs a bit, then says, "Hello, I am Stris, the one whose conversation caused all of this. Pleased to meet you."

You prefer that then?[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Duncan smiles, offering a finger to the pseudodragon in an awkward handshake attempt "The pleasure is mine. And I would prefer conversation aloud, at least in public, at least most of the time. Then there's no question as to who you're directing your comments to. I'd hate to answer a personal question aloud for everyone else. Duncan winks. [/ic]

[ic=Stris]"Even though I find it a subpar means of communicating, I will speak aloud." Stris takes the finger, equally as awkwardly.

I can direct the conversation, Stris communicates to Duncan, For instance, you're the only one who can hear me right now.[/ic]

[ooc]I can't respond to telepathic communication by thinking really hard, can I?[/ooc]

[ic=Duncan]"Thank you Stris. Are there many of your kind here? I've heard this was the city of Dragons, but I must admit I didn't know what to expect."[/ic]

[ic=Stris]"I'm as much a foreigner here as you. I came here, hoping that I could find someone else to travel with."[/ic]  

[ooc]I actually think that you can. In the SRD, it likens telepahy with multiple people as trying to speak and listen to that many people at once. The 'and listen' part is what I'm basing that on. Either way, we should wait for Mittenninja to give the official verdict.[/ooc]

[ic]Finishing his stew during the commotion, Markas walks up to the crowd forming around the psuedodragon. So you can talk. You are full of surprises aren't you?[/ic]

[ic=Stris]"I can, but I don't like it. One of the things my former master gave me the ability to do. He's also the source of that ring we discussed earlier."[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Duncan sits, listening to the conversation, drinking in whatever information comes by.[/ic]

[ic=Thallin] Thallin Gracefully strides up to Duncan and observes the conversation.[/ic]

[ic]Why aren't you with your master now?[/ic]

[ic=Stris]"He's dead." Stris says shortly, "I'm not talking about it." [/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Duncan swallows, looking for something to say without obviously changing the topic for Stris. "Are all of us travellers?" he asks. "I have run into a surprising few on the roads. Or what's left of them."[/ic]

[ic=Stris]"I am." Stris says, all trace of his bitter mood gone, "Took me a while to get here, and I've been exploring the city ever since."[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]"As am I. I'm from Talos. After I left, about, oh, five years ago, I've been through Ceros, Irva, and Belston, arriving here a few days ago."[/ic]

[ic=Thallin] "as am I" replied Thallin, as he strokes the side of his face. "I have noticed that as well, but it is a sign of the times." [/ic]

[ic Kevkas] Kevkas says, Well, my trade demands it, but I also have my own reasons for doing so.[/ic]

[ic]Traveller? I suppose I am a traveller. Though I am from this region, I doubt many would recognize me. [/ic]

[ic=Stris]"Five separate travelers meet in a tavern... Soon to become a traveling group, perhaps?"[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]"From a purely logical standpoint, it's much safer to travel with four others than alone. I'm not ready to leave Xian yet, though. I make it a point to learn something of my art from each place I visit, and I have not learned it yet here.[/ic]

[ic=Stris]"Quite nice, considering I'm not treated as the curiosity or, worse yet, the Familiar."

You can see Stris shudder at the word.[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]"Stris, you're curious, but you're not a curiosity. Those are two very distinct things." Duncan smiles.[/ic]

[ic=Stris]"Er... Thank you."[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Duncan laughs. "I meant it well, Stris," he says, pouring another glass of wine.

[ic=Stris]"Well of course you did." Stris says, trying to cover his confusion. "Now didn't someone say something about getting out of here? There's a whole big city to explore out there, and what're we doing carrying on conversation in the doorway?"

Stris hops onto Markus's shoulder (It's more comfortable), and waits for them to depart.[/ic]

[ic]As the newly acquainted group walks through the doorway of the Ogre's Stein the little gnome lets out a huff and folds his arms. The crowd has died down a bit in the square now. Only a handful of merchants remain, trying to make a few extra coins before the night falls over the city. The clouds have become thicker in the dimming sky above you, casting shadows across the cobblestone walkways and buildings in the surrounding area.[/ic]

 [ooc]The telepathy works both ways as long as both participants wish it to be so.[/ooc]

[ic=Duncan]"What say we wander for a time, perhaps in that direction?" Duncan points in a direction away from the Ogre's Stein. "Unless you people know something I don't, that's probably as a good a direction as any."[/ic]

[ic=Thallin] "looks like a good direction to me" [/ic]

[ic=Stris]Onward then![/ic]

[ic]Kevkas shrugs and begins walking[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Duncan heads off in the formerly pointed direction[/ic]

[ic]The streets become narrower as you head farther from the market square and into the more residential areas of Xian. The air begins to chill slightly as the cloud cover increases and the suns begin to set. Lights all over the city begin to dim as many are turning in for the night. Just as the thought of finding a place to stay for the night crosses your mind you hear a pair of guttural voices speaking quietly from down one of the side streets. [/ic]

 [ooc]I got language info from a few of you, if you didn't get yours to me Goblin can't be one of your choices now.[/ooc]

[ic]Kevkas squints down the street the voices came from to see if he can see anything[/ic]
[ooc]If a spot check is needed, here it is:  [dice]1d20+1[/dice] [/ooc]

[ic=Duncan]Duncan becomes silent and places a hand on his hilt, also looking down for the source of the voices.[/ic]

[ooc]If a Spot Check is needed,  [dice]1d20+3[/dice][/ooc]

[ic=Stris]Bugger this, Stris flies across the rooftops and perches on the eaves to see what's going on.[/ic]

[ic] As you peer into the dark alleyway you make out two figures standing just over 3 ft tall with white body paint from chest to toe. They appear much like the common goblin only darker, fiercer, stronger. Their voices are deep and powerful as they continue to speak to each other in hushed tones as to not draw attention to themselves. One of the creatures holds a small rectangular object in his hand as he stands over a body dressed in purple robes lying in the middle of the street. He groans quietly and one of the little monsters kicks him in the side to silence him.

All of a sudden the two small creatures fall silent. The one holding the stone turns his head towards you taking notice that they are no longer alone. Within an instant the sound of their bare feet slapping against the cobblestone echoes through the alley as they make a break for it.
[spoiler=The Assailants] (http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/MittenNinja/DSG.jpg) [/spoiler] [/ic]

 [ooc]If anyone has ranks in Knowledge(The Planes) they may make a check to see if they can identify the creatures.[/ooc]

[ic=Stris]Get em!

Stris dives down to sting one of the assailants.[/ic]

 [ooc]WOuld I get charge for this? If so, add two to the total.
attack:[dice]1d20+9[/dice]
 damage:[dice]1d2[/dice]

edit: And don't forget about the poison.[/ooc]

[ic]All this time quiet and out of the way, Markas bursts into action. He breaks off into a dead run after the assailants. Come back here! Stop![/ic]

[ooc]MittenNinja, do you remember when we were talking about Dragonfire Adepts and Armor? I said that Markas would be casting those invocations in the morning and then putting on his armor. Since I didn't really specify it in the beginning (because I forgot to),does Markas have his Darkvision and Endure Elements active? If you say no that's fine, and I'll try to remember to state he has them active (if we start anything mid-day again).[/ooc]

[ic=Thallin]Thallin rushes to the injured man, seeing if there is anything he can do. [/ic]

[ooc]
Heal check 12 (d20) + 4 (wis) = 16
Spot Check 13 (d20) + 6 (ranks) = 19
Search check 5 (d20) + 4 (wis) = 9
[/ooc]

[ic] Kevkas begins casting Black Karma Curse on the one Stris is attacking.[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]Duncan steps to one side, drawing his weapon and chasing after Markas and the assailants[/ic]

[ic]The psuedodragon swoops down from the rooftops upon the savage holding up the rear. Stris' stinger lashes out hoping to find a place within the creatures skull but finds only the touch of the air along it's pointed end as he ducks out of the way.

Markas bolts down the alleyway without head to danger, keeping the assailants in sight as they round the corner with Duncan drawing his blade and following quickly behind him.

Thallian rushes up to the wounded man and drops to his knees to examine him. A small pool of blood has begun to accumulate on the street from a gaping wound in his side. With a quick application of pressure and a bandage his wounds shouldn't be fatal.
As the monk tends to his wound, the man speaks with urgency, "Th... the stone. You must recover... the stone..."

With a few words and arcane gestures, a fountain of energies feel as if they are flowing through Kevkas like a river as he releases his curse upon the creature just before he rounds the corner.
[/ic]


[ooc]Quick Note: Everytime you cast a spell please also roll a caster level check in case SR is involved. For this instance I rolled for Kevkas (with a result of 17).

@Poseidon: If it's a part of your daily routine there wouldn't be any reason you wouldn't have them active. So I would assume they are up and running.[/ooc]

[ic=Duncan]Duncan closes to a moderate distance from the creatures and the disappears, reappearing on the other side of them.[/ic]

[ooc]That was my use of "Shadow Jaunt".[/ooc]

[ooc]How far away are they?[/ooc]

[ooc][spoiler=MAP] (http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/MittenNinja/Map01.jpg) [/spoiler]
This is before Dunacn's shadow blink maneuver.
M - Markas
K - Kevkas
S - Stris
T - Thallin
R - Robed man
Xs - Enemy holding the stone
X - Other enemy

Barber if you would like to change your action (as they are fairly close) feel free to.[/ooc]

[ooc]

Quote from: MittenNinja[ooc][spoiler=MAP] (http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/MittenNinja/Map01.jpg) [/spoiler]
This is before Dunacn's shadow blink maneuver.
M - Markas
K - Kevkas
S - Stris
T - Thallin
R - Robed man
Xs - Enemy holding the stone
X - Other enemy

Barber if you would like to change your action (as they are fairly close) feel free to.[/ooc]

Nope, I can do it once an encounter and it was for shock value anyway.

Edit: Though I would like to appear about 10 feet away on the other side, force them to move to me.[/ooc]

[ic=Thallin]As Thallin finishes dressing the wound, "my companions are tracking them down as we speak, tell me what happened and why the stone is so important?"[/ic]

[ic=Stris]Stris lets out a snort of frustration, closes with them, and stings again.[/ic]

 [ooc]If at first you don't succeed...

attack:[dice]1d20+9[/dice]
damage:[dice]1d2[/dice] + poison DC 13[/ooc]  

[ooc]Is the map in-game knowldege, like, could Kevkas circle around and help cut them off?[/ooc]

[ic]Markas slows as he rounds the corner. I said stop! He lets out a green cloud of breath attack tying to sicken breath.[/ic]

[ooc] He moves to one square up  and lets out sickening breath in 15 ft cone shape. Fort save DC 15 or sicken for two rounds.[/ooc]

[ooc]In case I'm in the 15ft cone,

[dice]1d20+4[/dice] = Fort[/ooc]

[ooc]For Kevkas:
1 = he does know
2 = he doesn't
 [dice]1d2[/dice] [/ooc]

[ic]Kevkas chases after the rest[/ic]

[ic]With a puff of shadowstuff, Duincan disappears from sight only to reappear behind the assailants, cutting off their escape. The tiny dragon furiously flaps over and stings his foe, injecting him with his natural poisons.

Kevkas moves down the alleyway as the robed man begins to speak  "It must not fall into the wrong hands! It's a powerfu-fu-fu-fu." He begins to convulse madly as his eyes roll back and foam spits forth from his mouth. Just as quickly as it came, he then calms and begins to chant in abyssal.

Markas' sickly breath pours over his foes as they cough madly for a moment and then push on.

The assailent holding the stone quickly tosses it to the other who sntaches it out of the air before making a quick gesture with his hand and a sphere of blackness envelops the area surrounding them. Using the darkness as cover, he quickly removes himself from view.

After tossing the stone to his partner, the other goblinoid turns to markas and swings his blade at the dwarf only to find the side of the building.[/ic]
 [ooc] [spoiler=updated map] (http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b276/MittenNinja/Map01-1.jpg) [/spoiler]
Sorry about the delay of game. I've had a bit of a crazy weekend.

I didn't see Abyssal on anyone's sheet. Let me know if I missed it.[/ooc]

[ic=Duncan]Duncan steps back to the corner, unsure of where the goblinoids were going to punch out of the darkness, but wanting to give himself some time to reach when they did.[/ic]

[ic=Stris]Stris stings the goblin attacking Markas[/ic]

 [ooc]
attack:[dice]1d20+9[/dice]
Damage:[dice]1d2[/dice]+poison (DC 13)[/ooc]

[ic] The dwarf standing in front of the goblinoid lets out a roar, followed closely by a cone of flame. He speaks and his rapier leaps from its sheath into his outreached hand[/ic]

[ooc]Using breath in 15ft cone again, but this time to damage not to sicken. Damage= [dice]2d6[/dice] (DC 15 reflex for half). Draws his rapier as free action (crystal of return)[/ooc]

[ic]Kevkas charges around the corner and begins casting Black Karma Curse on the nearest goblinoid.[/ic]
[ooc]umm..CL check is d20 + CL, right? if thats the case [dice]1d20 + 4[/dice][/ooc]

[ic=Thallin]Thallin lifts the robed man on to his shoulders and slowly begins to walk towards the ensuing battle.[/ic]
[ooc] strength check 13(d20) + 1 (STR Mod) = 14 total.[/ooc]

[ic]Duncan keeps back from the darkness with his sword at the ready, waiting to strike the goblinoid as soon as he exits.

Stris rears his tail to strike his foe yet again, driving his barbed tail into his leathery skin and pumping out another dose of poison.

Flames envelop the area within the darkness as Markas unleashes his breath weapon. Through the darkness you can see the goblin cringe a little as the flames kiss him.

Black energies swirl around Kevkas' hand as he unleashes his spell upon the goblin. Upon completion, the assailant strikes himself with his blade causing blood to spill across the ground as he falls to the ground.

Thallin rounds the corner carrying robed man just in time to see the darkness fade and the body lying in a small pool of blood.[/ic]

[ooc]There was only one?[/ooc]

[ooc]There were two, but the other one isn't there anymore.[/ooc]

[ic=Duncan]Realizing that the group was a goblinoid short, Duncan looks along the walls for windows or other possible escape routes, shouting to the rest of the party to "Split up and make sure it doesn't get away!"[/ic]

[ic=Stris]"I'm on it boss!" Stris replies as he shoots upwards into the air, looking for an appropriately-sized figure.[/ic]

 [ooc]Spot: [dice]1d20+8[/dice][/ooc]

[ic Kevkas]Realizing that the stone may have magical properties, Kevkas begins casts Detect Magic[/ic]

[ic=Thallin] "Have you recovered the stone?" [/ic]

[ic]As Stris reaches for the sky to get a better view of things Duncan realizes where the second creature most likely ran off to. Along the wall, snug against the street he notices a small sewer inlet with a few missing bars and some cracked stonework. [/ic]

[ooc]How small is small? Small as in a medium creature can't get in it?[/ooc]

[ic=Duncan]"He's gone down into the sewers!" Duncan calls, "Cursed hells!". [/ic]

[ooc]If the whole is too small for Duncan, he's going to tell Stris to fly down after the goblinoid and then look for another way down.[/ooc]

[ooc]It's too small for a medium creature to get through, a small creature could get through with a successful escape artist check, anything smaller could get through without a problem.[/ooc]

[ooc]does Kevkas' detect magic detect anything magical items(besides his group's equipment) in the area?[/ooc]

[ic=Stris]Stris, hearing Duncan's yell, dives down to earth, then enters the sewers. I'll be back once I find him, try and stay above me so we can keep in contact.[/i][/ic]

[ic=Duncan]"Direct me, Stris, as best as you can while you fly!" Duncan takes off in whatever direction Stris points him in[/ic]

[ic]The trickle of sewage echoes off of the walls as Stris dives down entering the underworkings of Xian. Darting through bends and weaves, the tiny dragon sees no sign of the goblin. Duncan follows above weaving throgh back alleys, over walls, and across wide open squares. Soon, Stris feels a cool breeze pushing forth from down the dark passage. Rounding another corner the source of the breze becomes apparent, an outlet. The opening reveals the plains lying to the north of Xian.[/ic]

[ic]Blast! Stris looks over the plain to see if he can find the goblin, DUncan, I think we've lost him.[/ic]

[ic=Duncan]"It's alright Stris, you did your best. Let's hope the rest are about to catch up with some idea. Duncan turns and begins trudging back in the direction he came from.[/ic]

[ic=Thallian] "I guess not" says Thallian, as he adjusts the robed man on his shoulder and begins to follow Duncan[/ic]

[ic]The night creeps in closer as the robed man groans a bit, shifting on Thallin's shoulders. He mumbles under his breath queitly, "Bahamut... Temple... Forgive me..." [/ic]

[ic]Markas bends down to search the goblinoid, as Stris returns from the sewers. What are we going to do with this body? We just can't leave it here it'll start to rot.[/ic]  

[ic=Thallin]hearing the robed man cryptic words, Thallin sets him down. propping him against the wall, "why must Bahamut forgive you?" [/ic]

[ic]"Throw him in the Sewer," Stris suggests, "It's not like anyone will miss him."[/ic]

[ic]The man slumps down again, limp and unconscious. Thallin's shoulder begins to feel a bit damp as a trickle of blood begins to flow from his wounds yet again. The monk speaks up to his companions,  "We might want to get this fellow to a proper place for recovering. There is a temple of Bahamut in this quarter, we could try there." [/ic]

[ic=Duncan]"Lets get him to the temple quickly, then. No sense in letting our only source of information die on us." Duncan looks up and down the alleyway, internalizing his frustration at losing the other creature.[/ic]

[ic=Thallin]Thallin lifts the wounded man back onto his shoulder and begins making his way to the temple.  [/ic]

[ic Kevkas]Kevkas asks his companions, Whadya think that thing he had was?[/ic]

[ooc]So nothing on the goblinoid? [/ooc]

[ooc]Yeah, we lost him. Maybe we should start to check black markets and cult hideouts?[/ooc]

[ooc]I was talking about the dead one.[/ooc]

[ooc]Oooops[/ooc]

[ic=Duncan]Before turning to follow the others, Duncan quickly looks over the dead goblinoid.[/ic]

[ooc]Search [dice]1d20-1[/dice][/ooc]

Duncan kneels down to the corpse to get a closer look at the creature. Examining the goblin reveals nothing of too much interest. His belongings consist of a shortsword, shortbow, and some raggy pieces of leather strapped to his torso as armor. Upon closer examination of the body reveals a marking on his left temple.

 [spoiler=marking] (http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/5/55/200px-Pentagram4.png) [/spoiler]

 

[ic=Duncan]"Do any of you have knowledge of arcane or religious symbols?" Duncan asks, pointing to the goblinoid's temple.[/ic]

[ic=Stris]"Sorry, my knowledge fails in that regard."[/ic]

 [ooc]So much fun, must... not...let...DIE...[/ooc]

[ic=Duncan]"Perhaps we should bring him to the temple, then.[/ic]

[ooc]I agree, so hard.[/ooc]

[ic Kevkas][color = #0000ff]Sounds good.[/color][/ic]