Doozey subtly nods in turn; and after tapping his heel lightly against the ground once, Biscuit too visibly relaxes his posture. "Just keep me words in heart and mind. Ya got every reason to be angry, but none to be reckless."He whispers to her in halfling prior to tuning back into the hallway exchange. Though a confused expression crosses his features, seeing Graxx handle things sets the halfling back at ease.
At least at ease as he was gonna get while standing next to a powder keg...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar hands in the sum of 25gp to the guard, who eyes them quickly trying to get an accurate count of the amount. With a smirk but no words, the tiefling turns on his heels and keeps moving up. After a brief moment, the entire group arrives on what you can deduce to be the fifth floor of this tower, going by the number of doors you passed on your way up. The guard opens the door and guides the group past a couple of rooms before arriving at a set of double doors at the end of a hallway. There is a single guard posted outsite these doors, a male elf.
"They have a brief audience with the captain," the tiefling says to the elf while urging Utar to step forward. Graxx reacts first, handing over the other half of the payment (25gp). The tiefling quickly snatches most of it, letting the elf help himself to a bit less than half the amount being offered by the barbarian. The elf doesn't complain.
At the tiefling's signal, the elf opens up the double doors and announces: "My lady Captain, your visitors are here." She looks up and begins to respond "What? I am not expecting..." Before she can finish, CRAP has already entered the room, the elf has already closed the doors behind them, and the other half of her words have already failed to leave her throat upon seeing Utar. She seems surprised and incredulous at the same time. She takes a moment to recompose herself.
Meanwhile, Villonah's tenseness visibly intensifies. She is about to act, but hesitates for a brief moment looking at Doozey and Biscuit one more time. The halfling's latest advice session has left at least a small impression. Whether it was effective, remains to be seen.
(@Ori: We'll do one more contested skill check, this time between Doozey and Villonah. It'll be an insight check for each of you, and you can roll with advantage given your continued efforts to manage the situation. I'll give her advantage as well because she won the previous contested check against Graxx. Her roll is 11 or 14).
(OOC: Whoever stayed closest to the door after entering the Captain's quarters, please give me a perception check.)
Without an active command, Biscuit appeared side-tracked wanting to sniff around the outer edges of the office. But Doozey? The tension is back the moment he locked eyes on the captain, remembering her involvement in a certain Gnome's death. He shares the look with her...
(@Lerus: Freaking cue that giff of the sweaty airplane pilot!)
(And I rolled so well testing that code line elsewhere! Ffffffff-Yondalla.. you betrayed me. Flavoring the flub, but due to the contest, I doubt he'd get the perception check as well.)
But then his attention drifts back towards the door as a different sort of tension worked its way into focus. Whether he turns in times to see the tiefling or not, compelled by ingrained training, he is distracted all the same.
Seeing Aleyd up close, Utar can clearly see an older woman than the one he knew, but one no less formidable, maybe more distinguished, with more authority.
Running a hand through the hair he attempts a smile, exposing his tusks, before shrugging his shoulders.
With all of the structures of their previous lives removed, the informality between them feels...awkward, still he has just burst, unanounced, into the chambers of a captain of the Black Fist. And on the advice of a man whose preferred method for carrying his gardening tools is balanced on his head no less.
"Aleyd... Seeing you here... Well, talk about a blast from the past, eh?"
Suddenly very aware of what he is doing with his hands, what is he doing with his hands, Utar adopts a pose more at ease, hands clasped behind his back. Coughing politely, he continues,
"I believe that we may have a friend in common, Doomguide Yovir. He said you might be looking for a group to investigate the sightings of a ghost ship."
Utar cars his gaze about the other members of CRAP, desperately hoping no-one is drawing their weapons and that Biscuit is behaving himself,
"Can I present, and offer the services of, the Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party?"
Saying it out loud, Utar inwardly cringes as he realises their acronym is, well, crap.
Graxx as usual would try to take a stance in the back and let the others discuss. He watches Villonah and also attempts to monitor the conversation Utar is having while standing next to the door.
Graxx stays by the door and observes. While dividing his attention between Villonah and Utar, he can't help but hear the conversation between the tiefling and the elf guards, just on the other side of the door. One asks if the other has any idea what this "rag-tag group wants with the captain." The other answers that as long as the visitors pay well, he "doesn't really care." They then move on to speculate on the reasons behind the visit: lost love, burning vendetta, unpaid debt, mercenary work... Graxx realizes that the two of them have nothing better to do, and are likely to stay by the door for some time still.
Utar's first attempt at speaking to the captain comes off a bit too informal. She doesn't seem to mind, but the confused look on her face doesn't immediately go away either. She adjusts her posture, fully displaying her impeccable black armor set. She quietly listens to her old companion mention the Doomguide and a ghost ship. She watches patiently as he also introduces his new companions.
Villonah breaks eye contact with Doozey. The halfling is sure she mouths a silent "I am sorry" as she looks away. Just before Utar mentions her name, the gnome interrupts with an abrupt question: "Did you cut though Leadstopper's neck yourself, as the whispers in the street say?" The unsubtle question earns a quick snap of Captain Aleyd's neck. Villonah does not wait for a response. Her tense body explodes into a dash towards an unoccupied armchair. Jumping onto it and springing upward and forward, the warrior gnome stretches out her left hand as if to take aim. Her right arm is coiled back as she floats towards the captain. A well trained veteran, the human notices the threat and begins to unsheathe her sword. To those watching, it looks like the captain has the defensive advantage here, being fully armored and already half-way through brandishing her weapon while the would-be attacker flies through the air with her blade still on her waist and somewhat hindered by a large-ish round shield on her back.
With a flick of her coiled wrist, Villonah's blade disappears from its scabbard. In the same colors as her eyes, a pale green silhouette instantly forms into her right hand, shaping itself organically into the missing blade. The advantage has turned. Mid-air, Villonah reaches her target and thrusts her newly coked sword at the captain:
-> Shortsword vs. Captain Aleyd Burral: Attack: 17Damage: 6 piercing.
Sparks flies as the short blade meets the flat side of the half-drawn longsword. As the blades separate, the captain finishes drawing her weapon. Villonah lands already bending her knees and readying her next lunge. She sticks her left forearm in front of her face and lets her shield teleport itself in place, just like her blade did a moment ago. The captain takes her battle stance, except she looks at Utar instead of her foe: "You could've at least done it yourself, traitor!"
(OOC: You each have a full turn to react. No need for initiative for now. Any order is fine.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Doozey's Save(DC 17): 19.
Biscuit Save(DC 12): 7.
Doozey had to a double take, having only caught an echo of the warning words. By then, it was too late. "No--It isn't-..." The wide-eyed halfling suddenly pauses, as grim reminders flashes before his eyes. A heartbeat later and with a hardened mask set into place, he cooly commands, "BISCUIT! Fetch!", making a sharp gesture at Villinoah with one hand as the other unlatched the crossbow.
Biscuit looks conflicted for all of a few seconds before letting out a guttural growl as he rushes at the gnome, aiming to pin her to the ground.
Whether the woolly beast succeeds or not, Doozey still trains his crossbow on her if not stopped by another. Though if she falls, he will walk up so that he stood next to her, crossbow trained on her head.
"Villie. Your gonna stop now. We're ALL gonna have a civil conversation about all this. And if you do not listen-..." Doozey's eyes turn from their more muted browns to bright gold as a sense predatory focus at least briefly touches Villnoha's mind. "This next one is for you. And it might not be a glancing one." He states in a tone that brokered no argument, contained no self-doubt, or belay an deception.
Bonus Action: Using Slayer's Prey on Villonah. (Think hunter's mark, only no spellcasting cost or bonus to tracking)
Utar's eyes go wide as Villonah launches herself at Aleyd. Everything seems to happen in slow motion, then reality seems to come crashing forward as Aleyd unleashes her barb.
Almost unconsciously, Utar lets his hand drift to his amulet, light escaping between the edges of his curled fingers, invoking Torm's guidance at this trying time.
Launching himself between the two women, arms spread and back to Captain Burral. Utar glares at Villonah, clearly unimpressed at the danger her impetuous actions have placed him and his friends in, snapping at her,
"We did not bring you here to indulge your death wish. Do not think I will stand by while you put us all in the ground. Maybe Yovir was wrong and we do not share an interest in helping the people of this city at all. Stand. Down."
Graxx starts to reach for his blade but holds back. He decides to let the events in the room playout. He stays at the door and holds it to prevent any intrusions.
This new development has put Neya on alert. Not sure what way the situation is heading, she steels herself to act accordingly. She listens to the door to see if the other guards had heard anything about what just happened.
Graxx reacts by putting his weight on the door. Neya notices and tries to listen closely. She can hear the tow guard loud and clear: "What's going on in there? Who's a traitor?" one asks. "I'll go get reinforcements," the other adds. Graxx then feels a body crashing into the other side of the door (athletics: 2), but whichever guard that was is not match for the barbarian's strength.
Meanwhile, Doozey, Utar, and Biscuit focus on the bigger problem in the room. Following his master's orders, the mastiff eventually growl and rushes toward Villonah. His defiant demeanor pops it ugly head once again, as the dog puts the brakes on just before the time to pounce comes. It looks like he is not quite fully convinced he needs to attack Villonah.
Utar then interjects. Now between the tow bladed warriors, the half-orc gambles with his words. Doozey provides the possibility of cover fire, if needed, as well as back-up intimidating words. The halfling's eyes change color, showing that he is not jesting.
The double-pronged approach seems to work on the gnome. She is still holding her battle stance, but is not immediately pouncing onto a follow-up attack. Captain Aleyd is not having any of it though: "If your words are truthful and you mean no harm, then prove it. End this now by laying all of your weapons on the ground. All of you. Now!"
The captain then points her longsword at Villonah, casting now doubt on who she is now addressing: "As for you, roguish gnome: Down!"
-> Villonah's WIS saving throw {DC 14}: 14
The defiant gnome resists the Command. Tensions remain high. Addressing the entire group again, the captain repeats: "All of you, weapons on the ground!"
Utar slowly lets out a small sigh of relief, he hasn't been run through...yet.
Moving slowly and with deliberate care, he shrugs his shield from his back, placing it on the ground beside him. Placing his other weapons on top of the shield, he lays Lightbringer down last, face of Torm looking out into the room.
"Sorry to.. uh, literally ambush you like this, Aleyd. We didn't think the Black Fist would let us have an audience given they aren't putting much stock in the rumours of the ghost ship. None of us counted on this one being quite so hotheaded."
"Bloody Dog." Doozey mutters under breathe, but would not take his eyes off of Villonah. "Or suicidal." Doozey joins his voice with Utar as he cautiously sets down his crossbow, then shortsword and rapier. The crossbow bolts he leaves in their sheathe; either believing them inconsequential, or trusting the commander to think so at least. Even without a weapon in hand, Villonah would still feel some intangible pressure of a predatory gaze leering at the back of her head.
"You heard the lady, Miss Villonah." Doozey steps up cautiously to at least stand to the side of Villonah. "I know your hurting. But this ain't that the way of getting rid of that hurt. Or making things 'even'. Trust me... I've danced on the line before, and it never works out in any fashion." He reasons, and against what might be better judgement, reaches out to try and take her sword arm gently by the wrist.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx then grabs hold of his Greatsword of Vengeance he holds it out in front of him and starts to drop it but he... hesitates.
Graxx looks up to Captain Aleyd and says flatly... "No."
Graxx puts the sword back on his back and addresses the Captain sternly.
"I'll drop the rest but this one stays on me. It's not up for talkin'. You keep your word and I'll keep my hands off the sword. You betray us and your guards might get us in a rush but not before I turn your head into a canoe."
One by one, CRAP lays their weapons on the ground... or most of them. Doozey chooses to keep his sheathe of crossbow bolts. Graxx is more defiant, keeping his magical blade. Villonah hears Doozey's words once more and throws her shortsword and shield to the floor. Strangely, she does not seem bothered when doing so. It takes a bit more time before she is able to unhook her own crossbow, but unlike the halfling's, her accompanying box of bolts also hits the ground. Despite being unarmed, she does not look ready to give in.
"Clearly, you do not follow instructions well," the captain says in her commanding voice. "When my men arrive and see you still clinging to you ammunition and blade," she looks at Doozey, and Graxx in turn, "I won't stop them from sticking their spears into each of you." Obviously not intimidated by the barbarian, Captain Aleyd then points her blade at Villonah once more: "And from what I have seen, you do not need to have your weapon in hand to be able to use it. So, to the dungeon with you. Force my hand, and we'll find out if you need yours to pull that trick again." The captain's blade is now dangerously close to Villonah's wrists. Villonah looks like she is about to act up again at any moment.
She turns to the rest of the group and says: "In fact, to the dungeon with all of you. If you want to talk, I have to ensure we do so within a safe environment. Collaborate, and I promise to listen. Don't, and you'll soon be fighting the entirety of the Black Fist." She looks at both Utar and Neya while delivering this command, trusting they are more willing to collaborate given they were the only ones to fully disarm themselves.
You can all hear the imminent arrival of dozens upon dozens of guards. For now, however, the elf guard is the only one standing by the door Graxx opened. Under the captain's instructions, he enters the room, walking past the entire party before arriving next to Villonah. He begins to move his arms around the gnome, clearly intent on grappling her. Villonah's hand twitches, just like it did during her aerial attack earlier. Her plan is too obvious however, and Captain Aleyd seems ready to amputate Villonah's hand in a fraction of a second if needed.
(OOC: You each have another chance to act here. Make sure to roll some dice to accompany your words or actions. You all now understand that intimidation is not likely to work in this scenario.)
Though Graxx' refusal visibly worried the only halfling in the room, it is the commander's insistence that earns her an incredulous look in response. "How the bloody hell am I gonna shoot anyone? With me bloody hands?" Then he glances over to Villonah, and rolls his eyes at the commander. "Present companies skills not withstanding, but I cede to your... demands, commander." While not letting his eyes fall away from the gnome too much, he unstraps the bolts and sets them aside with the rest of his gear.
Unbidden by any command or request, Biscuit actually stepped up between the guard and Villonah, growling guttural and bearings his fangs. "O' sweet mother Yondalla, give me strength-..." Doozey mutters in halfling, and then while making calming motions approaches the mastiff until he could pet its side. "Calm, ya daft doggo. We're trying to avoid escalating things here, ya know. Right?" He looks to Graxx with an almost pleading look.
But if the Barbarian still seemed unnatural reticent about dropping the weapon, worry turns into confusion and curiosity, prompting little halfling eyes to squint more closely at the barbarian. And if it isn't stubbornness, he'll say something aloud.
(@Lerus: The above is to see if he appeared to be under some other influence, or just being stubborn. If its a Int check of any kind, then just take the Dice Roll)
Biscuit continues to rumble and growl behind closed lips, but sat back at least and stopped bearing his fangs at the guards during the interim. Still, the Tundra Mastiff's eyes never leaves the guard for even a second. Though big ears will twitch and swivel part ways back to keep track of the commander.
Turning back on Villonah and the commander after, Doozey nervously licks his lip while looking between the two. "A compromise, commander? With her hands being occupied by another less likely to set things off further?" He asks, and -- against all better judgement -- the halfling tried to demonstrate by entangling her fingers with his own in some poorly thought out attempt.
Utar closes his eyes and sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose with one hand, silently invoking Torm. If he ever needed protection, it was now.
"Villonah, how keen are you on being able to count to ten? Because if you're not attached to the idea of having two hands go right ahead. But know this, I have seen this woman stare down a hellhound. I have seen her plunge into the breach while the rubble from the city walls was still falling. She has fought anything and everything that has thought it could beat her, and she's still here. That includes me. If you want it to include you too, go right ahead. I'm not sure how happy Rillo would be about that though."
Graxx breathes in and out as reaches behind his back and draws his sword.
He holds it in front of him and steps back putting his back to a wall.
”You will not have my sword. I have not attacked you but If you do not stop your folks from attacking me then it will be met with a vengeance. How many are you willing to lose over my sword?”
Graxx begins to mentally prepare himself for what may be his last battle in front of Tempus but he will not lay his blade down.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Graxx...? What in the nine hells makes you think that is ANY sort of idea?" Neya says with concern and confusion, trying to ascertain what is going through his mind to make him choose this route.
Doozey subtly nods in turn; and after tapping his heel lightly against the ground once, Biscuit too visibly relaxes his posture. "Just keep me words in heart and mind. Ya got every reason to be angry, but none to be reckless." He whispers to her in halfling prior to tuning back into the hallway exchange. Though a confused expression crosses his features, seeing Graxx handle things sets the halfling back at ease.
At least at ease as he was gonna get while standing next to a powder keg...
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar hands in the sum of 25gp to the guard, who eyes them quickly trying to get an accurate count of the amount. With a smirk but no words, the tiefling turns on his heels and keeps moving up. After a brief moment, the entire group arrives on what you can deduce to be the fifth floor of this tower, going by the number of doors you passed on your way up. The guard opens the door and guides the group past a couple of rooms before arriving at a set of double doors at the end of a hallway. There is a single guard posted outsite these doors, a male elf.
"They have a brief audience with the captain," the tiefling says to the elf while urging Utar to step forward. Graxx reacts first, handing over the other half of the payment (25gp). The tiefling quickly snatches most of it, letting the elf help himself to a bit less than half the amount being offered by the barbarian. The elf doesn't complain.
At the tiefling's signal, the elf opens up the double doors and announces: "My lady Captain, your visitors are here." She looks up and begins to respond "What? I am not expecting..." Before she can finish, CRAP has already entered the room, the elf has already closed the doors behind them, and the other half of her words have already failed to leave her throat upon seeing Utar. She seems surprised and incredulous at the same time. She takes a moment to recompose herself.
Meanwhile, Villonah's tenseness visibly intensifies. She is about to act, but hesitates for a brief moment looking at Doozey and Biscuit one more time. The halfling's latest advice session has left at least a small impression. Whether it was effective, remains to be seen.
(@Ori: We'll do one more contested skill check, this time between Doozey and Villonah. It'll be an insight check for each of you, and you can roll with advantage given your continued efforts to manage the situation. I'll give her advantage as well because she won the previous contested check against Graxx. Her roll is
11or 14).(OOC: Whoever stayed closest to the door after entering the Captain's quarters, please give me a perception check.)
Without an active command, Biscuit appeared side-tracked wanting to sniff around the outer edges of the office. But Doozey? The tension is back the moment he locked eyes on the captain, remembering her involvement in a certain Gnome's death. He shares the look with her...
(@Lerus: Freaking cue that giff of the sweaty airplane pilot!)
Insight: 12 vs Villonah (14).
(And I rolled so well testing that code line elsewhere! Ffffffff-Yondalla.. you betrayed me. Flavoring the flub, but due to the contest, I doubt he'd get the perception check as well.)
But then his attention drifts back towards the door as a different sort of tension worked its way into focus. Whether he turns in times to see the tiefling or not, compelled by ingrained training, he is distracted all the same.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Seeing Aleyd up close, Utar can clearly see an older woman than the one he knew, but one no less formidable, maybe more distinguished, with more authority.
Running a hand through the hair he attempts a smile, exposing his tusks, before shrugging his shoulders.
With all of the structures of their previous lives removed, the informality between them feels...awkward, still he has just burst, unanounced, into the chambers of a captain of the Black Fist. And on the advice of a man whose preferred method for carrying his gardening tools is balanced on his head no less.
"Aleyd... Seeing you here... Well, talk about a blast from the past, eh?"
Suddenly very aware of what he is doing with his hands, what is he doing with his hands, Utar adopts a pose more at ease, hands clasped behind his back. Coughing politely, he continues,
"I believe that we may have a friend in common, Doomguide Yovir. He said you might be looking for a group to investigate the sightings of a ghost ship."
Utar cars his gaze about the other members of CRAP, desperately hoping no-one is drawing their weapons and that Biscuit is behaving himself,
"Can I present, and offer the services of, the Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party?"
Saying it out loud, Utar inwardly cringes as he realises their acronym is, well, crap.
Graxx as usual would try to take a stance in the back and let the others discuss. He watches Villonah and also attempts to monitor the conversation Utar is having while standing next to the door.
Perception: 16
Graxx stays by the door and observes. While dividing his attention between Villonah and Utar, he can't help but hear the conversation between the tiefling and the elf guards, just on the other side of the door. One asks if the other has any idea what this "rag-tag group wants with the captain." The other answers that as long as the visitors pay well, he "doesn't really care." They then move on to speculate on the reasons behind the visit: lost love, burning vendetta, unpaid debt, mercenary work... Graxx realizes that the two of them have nothing better to do, and are likely to stay by the door for some time still.
Utar's first attempt at speaking to the captain comes off a bit too informal. She doesn't seem to mind, but the confused look on her face doesn't immediately go away either. She adjusts her posture, fully displaying her impeccable black armor set. She quietly listens to her old companion mention the Doomguide and a ghost ship. She watches patiently as he also introduces his new companions.
Villonah breaks eye contact with Doozey. The halfling is sure she mouths a silent "I am sorry" as she looks away. Just before Utar mentions her name, the gnome interrupts with an abrupt question: "Did you cut though Leadstopper's neck yourself, as the whispers in the street say?" The unsubtle question earns a quick snap of Captain Aleyd's neck. Villonah does not wait for a response. Her tense body explodes into a dash towards an unoccupied armchair. Jumping onto it and springing upward and forward, the warrior gnome stretches out her left hand as if to take aim. Her right arm is coiled back as she floats towards the captain. A well trained veteran, the human notices the threat and begins to unsheathe her sword. To those watching, it looks like the captain has the defensive advantage here, being fully armored and already half-way through brandishing her weapon while the would-be attacker flies through the air with her blade still on her waist and somewhat hindered by a large-ish round shield on her back.
With a flick of her coiled wrist, Villonah's blade disappears from its scabbard. In the same colors as her eyes, a pale green silhouette instantly forms into her right hand, shaping itself organically into the missing blade. The advantage has turned. Mid-air, Villonah reaches her target and thrusts her newly coked sword at the captain:
-> Shortsword vs. Captain Aleyd Burral: Attack: 17
Damage: 6 piercing.Sparks flies as the short blade meets the flat side of the half-drawn longsword. As the blades separate, the captain finishes drawing her weapon. Villonah lands already bending her knees and readying her next lunge. She sticks her left forearm in front of her face and lets her shield teleport itself in place, just like her blade did a moment ago. The captain takes her battle stance, except she looks at Utar instead of her foe: "You could've at least done it yourself, traitor!"
(OOC: You each have a full turn to react. No need for initiative for now. Any order is fine.)
Doozey's Save(DC 17): 19.
Biscuit Save(DC 12): 7.
Doozey had to a double take, having only caught an echo of the warning words. By then, it was too late. "No--It isn't-..." The wide-eyed halfling suddenly pauses, as grim reminders flashes before his eyes. A heartbeat later and with a hardened mask set into place, he cooly commands, "BISCUIT! Fetch!", making a sharp gesture at Villinoah with one hand as the other unlatched the crossbow.
Biscuit looks conflicted for all of a few seconds before letting out a guttural growl as he rushes at the gnome, aiming to pin her to the ground.
Biscuit Shove(Prone) Attempt: 10.
Whether the woolly beast succeeds or not, Doozey still trains his crossbow on her if not stopped by another. Though if she falls, he will walk up so that he stood next to her, crossbow trained on her head.
"Villie. Your gonna stop now. We're ALL gonna have a civil conversation about all this. And if you do not listen-..." Doozey's eyes turn from their more muted browns to bright gold as a sense predatory focus at least briefly touches Villnoha's mind. "This next one is for you. And it might not be a glancing one." He states in a tone that brokered no argument, contained no self-doubt, or belay an deception.
Bonus Action: Using Slayer's Prey on Villonah.
(Think hunter's mark, only no spellcasting cost or bonus to tracking)
Action: Ready to fire on Villonah.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar's eyes go wide as Villonah launches herself at Aleyd. Everything seems to happen in slow motion, then reality seems to come crashing forward as Aleyd unleashes her barb.
Almost unconsciously, Utar lets his hand drift to his amulet, light escaping between the edges of his curled fingers, invoking Torm's guidance at this trying time.
Launching himself between the two women, arms spread and back to Captain Burral. Utar glares at Villonah, clearly unimpressed at the danger her impetuous actions have placed him and his friends in, snapping at her,
"We did not bring you here to indulge your death wish. Do not think I will stand by while you put us all in the ground. Maybe Yovir was wrong and we do not share an interest in helping the people of this city at all. Stand. Down."
Intimidation 14 plus 1 from Guidance
Turning his head to glance at Captain Burral he speaks in a more measured tone,
"If you think those words are true of me, you might as well strike me down first..."
Graxx starts to reach for his blade but holds back. He decides to let the events in the room playout. He stays at the door and holds it to prevent any intrusions.
Strength: 11
This new development has put Neya on alert. Not sure what way the situation is heading, she steels herself to act accordingly. She listens to the door to see if the other guards had heard anything about what just happened.
Perception: 19
Extended Signature
Graxx reacts by putting his weight on the door. Neya notices and tries to listen closely. She can hear the tow guard loud and clear: "What's going on in there? Who's a traitor?" one asks. "I'll go get reinforcements," the other adds. Graxx then feels a body crashing into the other side of the door (athletics: 2), but whichever guard that was is not match for the barbarian's strength.
Meanwhile, Doozey, Utar, and Biscuit focus on the bigger problem in the room. Following his master's orders, the mastiff eventually growl and rushes toward Villonah. His defiant demeanor pops it ugly head once again, as the dog puts the brakes on just before the time to pounce comes. It looks like he is not quite fully convinced he needs to attack Villonah.
Utar then interjects. Now between the tow bladed warriors, the half-orc gambles with his words. Doozey provides the possibility of cover fire, if needed, as well as back-up intimidating words. The halfling's eyes change color, showing that he is not jesting.
The double-pronged approach seems to work on the gnome. She is still holding her battle stance, but is not immediately pouncing onto a follow-up attack. Captain Aleyd is not having any of it though: "If your words are truthful and you mean no harm, then prove it. End this now by laying all of your weapons on the ground. All of you. Now!"
The captain then points her longsword at Villonah, casting now doubt on who she is now addressing: "As for you, roguish gnome: Down!"
-> Villonah's WIS saving throw {DC 14}: 14
The defiant gnome resists the Command. Tensions remain high. Addressing the entire group again, the captain repeats: "All of you, weapons on the ground!"
Utar slowly lets out a small sigh of relief, he hasn't been run through...yet.
Moving slowly and with deliberate care, he shrugs his shield from his back, placing it on the ground beside him. Placing his other weapons on top of the shield, he lays Lightbringer down last, face of Torm looking out into the room.
"Sorry to.. uh, literally ambush you like this, Aleyd. We didn't think the Black Fist would let us have an audience given they aren't putting much stock in the rumours of the ghost ship. None of us counted on this one being quite so hotheaded."
"Bloody Dog." Doozey mutters under breathe, but would not take his eyes off of Villonah. "Or suicidal." Doozey joins his voice with Utar as he cautiously sets down his crossbow, then shortsword and rapier. The crossbow bolts he leaves in their sheathe; either believing them inconsequential, or trusting the commander to think so at least. Even without a weapon in hand, Villonah would still feel some intangible pressure of a predatory gaze leering at the back of her head.
"You heard the lady, Miss Villonah." Doozey steps up cautiously to at least stand to the side of Villonah. "I know your hurting. But this ain't that the way of getting rid of that hurt. Or making things 'even'. Trust me... I've danced on the line before, and it never works out in any fashion." He reasons, and against what might be better judgement, reaches out to try and take her sword arm gently by the wrist.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx stays leaning against the door but sighs as he reaches behind his back. He slowly drops his javelins to the ground with a clatter.
He then reaches to his sides and takes both handaxes from his hips simultaneously and drops them to the ground.
He then grabs his old Moon-Touched Sword, Greatsword as it falls to the ground with a slight glow.
Graxx then grabs hold of his Greatsword of Vengeance he holds it out in front of him and starts to drop it but he... hesitates.
Graxx looks up to Captain Aleyd and says flatly... "No."
Graxx puts the sword back on his back and addresses the Captain sternly.
"I'll drop the rest but this one stays on me. It's not up for talkin'. You keep your word and I'll keep my hands off the sword. You betray us and your guards might get us in a rush but not before I turn your head into a canoe."
Intimidation: 19
"I'm going to let your folks in now."
Graxx opens the door to let the guards in.
"One moment, I have to disentangle myself from a lot."
Neya starts by unhooking her shortsword and its scabbard from her belt and putting it down.
Next, she undoes the fasteners of her dart pouch looped around her belt and lets it fall to the ground.
She then shrugs off the shortbow and accompanying quiver and sets them on the ground.
Finally, she slips her quarterstaff out from her belt and props it against the wall. It then slips off the wall and clatters on the floor.
"Not the best first impression I've ever made..."
Extended Signature
One by one, CRAP lays their weapons on the ground... or most of them. Doozey chooses to keep his sheathe of crossbow bolts. Graxx is more defiant, keeping his magical blade. Villonah hears Doozey's words once more and throws her shortsword and shield to the floor. Strangely, she does not seem bothered when doing so. It takes a bit more time before she is able to unhook her own crossbow, but unlike the halfling's, her accompanying box of bolts also hits the ground. Despite being unarmed, she does not look ready to give in.
"Clearly, you do not follow instructions well," the captain says in her commanding voice. "When my men arrive and see you still clinging to you ammunition and blade," she looks at Doozey, and Graxx in turn, "I won't stop them from sticking their spears into each of you." Obviously not intimidated by the barbarian, Captain Aleyd then points her blade at Villonah once more: "And from what I have seen, you do not need to have your weapon in hand to be able to use it. So, to the dungeon with you. Force my hand, and we'll find out if you need yours to pull that trick again." The captain's blade is now dangerously close to Villonah's wrists. Villonah looks like she is about to act up again at any moment.
She turns to the rest of the group and says: "In fact, to the dungeon with all of you. If you want to talk, I have to ensure we do so within a safe environment. Collaborate, and I promise to listen. Don't, and you'll soon be fighting the entirety of the Black Fist." She looks at both Utar and Neya while delivering this command, trusting they are more willing to collaborate given they were the only ones to fully disarm themselves.
You can all hear the imminent arrival of dozens upon dozens of guards. For now, however, the elf guard is the only one standing by the door Graxx opened. Under the captain's instructions, he enters the room, walking past the entire party before arriving next to Villonah. He begins to move his arms around the gnome, clearly intent on grappling her. Villonah's hand twitches, just like it did during her aerial attack earlier. Her plan is too obvious however, and Captain Aleyd seems ready to amputate Villonah's hand in a fraction of a second if needed.
(OOC: You each have another chance to act here. Make sure to roll some dice to accompany your words or actions. You all now understand that intimidation is not likely to work in this scenario.)
Though Graxx' refusal visibly worried the only halfling in the room, it is the commander's insistence that earns her an incredulous look in response. "How the bloody hell am I gonna shoot anyone? With me bloody hands?" Then he glances over to Villonah, and rolls his eyes at the commander. "Present companies skills not withstanding, but I cede to your... demands, commander." While not letting his eyes fall away from the gnome too much, he unstraps the bolts and sets them aside with the rest of his gear.
Unbidden by any command or request, Biscuit actually stepped up between the guard and Villonah, growling guttural and bearings his fangs. "O' sweet mother Yondalla, give me strength-..." Doozey mutters in halfling, and then while making calming motions approaches the mastiff until he could pet its side. "Calm, ya daft doggo. We're trying to avoid escalating things here, ya know. Right?" He looks to Graxx with an almost pleading look.
But if the Barbarian still seemed unnatural reticent about dropping the weapon, worry turns into confusion and curiosity, prompting little halfling eyes to squint more closely at the barbarian. And if it isn't stubbornness, he'll say something aloud.
Insight: 7.
(@Lerus: The above is to see if he appeared to be under some other influence, or just being stubborn. If its a Int check of any kind, then just take the Dice Roll)
Biscuit continues to rumble and growl behind closed lips, but sat back at least and stopped bearing his fangs at the guards during the interim. Still, the Tundra Mastiff's eyes never leaves the guard for even a second. Though big ears will twitch and swivel part ways back to keep track of the commander.
Turning back on Villonah and the commander after, Doozey nervously licks his lip while looking between the two. "A compromise, commander? With her hands being occupied by another less likely to set things off further?" He asks, and -- against all better judgement -- the halfling tried to demonstrate by entangling her fingers with his own in some poorly thought out attempt.
Persuasion: 20.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar closes his eyes and sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose with one hand, silently invoking Torm. If he ever needed protection, it was now.
"Villonah, how keen are you on being able to count to ten? Because if you're not attached to the idea of having two hands go right ahead. But know this, I have seen this woman stare down a hellhound. I have seen her plunge into the breach while the rubble from the city walls was still falling. She has fought anything and everything that has thought it could beat her, and she's still here. That includes me. If you want it to include you too, go right ahead. I'm not sure how happy Rillo would be about that though."
Persuasion 10
Graxx breathes in and out as reaches behind his back and draws his sword.
He holds it in front of him and steps back putting his back to a wall.
”You will not have my sword. I have not attacked you but If you do not stop your folks from attacking me then it will be met with a vengeance. How many are you willing to lose over my sword?”
Graxx begins to mentally prepare himself for what may be his last battle in front of Tempus but he will not lay his blade down.
"Graxx...? What in the nine hells makes you think that is ANY sort of idea?" Neya says with concern and confusion, trying to ascertain what is going through his mind to make him choose this route.
Insight: 13
Extended Signature