Vornak is caught off guard by the dwarf's shield bash and it catches him in the chest. He wheezes, but manages to bring his shield back up to bear, blocking both sword strikes from the Templar. After the second, he ripostes against the dwarf:
Attack: 15 plus bless 3 Damage: 15
((ooc: Oops, that attack should have been +7 instead of +4, so add another 3))
The blows from the henchmen ping off his armour without finding purchase and chuckles.
As the fire bursts from Avrick's fingers, Vornak attempts to bring up his shield: 10 but isn't quick enough and he takes the full brunt of the damage. Vornak looks a little charred but is still in the fight.
He retaliates against the dwarf by channelling his arcane energy through his shield and striking him with it Shocking Grasp:
As the fight continues on Plaugg uses his daggers and retaliates against the henchmen. Of the ones slightly wounded, three more fall to unconsciousness and inevitably death from his attacks.
Vornak ripostes and slinks the blade in deep to the chest. The blood squiring from his mouth as The Templar looks to continue and strangle him, sword embedded and all. Thok follows up with a stunning strike to freeze him in his tracks. As his fist strikes square in the forehead the dwarf is paralyzed. The take a collective sigh of relief until they see flames shoot out towards them. Attempting to dive out of the way the Templar combusts from Avrick’s spell.
The rest of the tavern is enough to handle the rest of the henchmen and they all make their escape out. Leaving the lone man in dark apparel that was sitting and enjoying the show the whole time. He begins a slow clap and says with a smile “Well done!” He is very charming and confident.
The halfling girl bursts from behind Thok’s cloak and runs to his side. “They did well.” She says to him.
Vornak keeps his shield and axe out and ready as he surveys the cloaked figure and the girl. "OK, we saved you. On the off-chance those jobsworths were with the authorities we probably don't have much time until their buddies show up. So, I would appreciate some explanation very quickly so we can plan our next move. Who are you, who did we just kill, and why were they after you?"His tone is intense and urgent, but not threatening. He studies both the cloaked figure and the girl for anything odd, either in their behaviour as people, or for any hint that their forms may be illusions or they're magical beings, etc. Roll: 20 ((+7 for an Arcana roll or +2 for an Insight roll if either of those skills happen to be appropriate))
As soon as Thok begins to check for his belongings the girl tosses his coin pouch back. The Halfling girl looks to the elf “What do you think, boss?” The Kane panicked and frightened girl, now is confident and nonchalant.
The man looks amused. “Two great deductions. My my my, strong in a fight and smart enough to keep a level head after some gruesome business...” he walks about deftly avoiding the blood spills in his black leather and gold trimmed boots. “You are correct, soon this place will be swarming with more Templar’s and their..... silent partners. I say we make our way to our employers house. We will shield you from all this unseemly business, warm beds, food, ale..... just ask that you listen to a job offer. Whatever you choose, I do say you should make the decision quickly.” He raises an eyebrow waiting for the groups response.
Avrick is pretty sure he has never seen this man before.
“Warm beds, food, and ale and all we have to do is listen?” Plaugg asks “That sounds tempting, but only if you throw in a bath for Vonrak! Otherwise no deal”
Vonrak lifts an eyebrow at Plaugg "I'll have you know my dwarven musk is very fashionable and very carefully cultivated, thank you very much!" He turns back to the odd pair "You've said a lot of words without providing answers to any of my questions. I will expect them. But you've piqued my interest and we're short on time. Let's go." Vornak stows his weapons but keeps his wits about him, ready for trouble, as he follows the girl and the hooded figure.
“Wonderful, I am so pleased. Lalika, show the way!” He says excitedly. With the the group makes its way out into the night. Following the halfling girl dart from side street to side street.
Twisting down a maze of dark side streets, the cocksure Elf and the Halfling child lead you from Ashfoot and into the district that makes up the bazaars of Dian Way, a colossal flea-market that accounts for most of the city’s commerce. Steel-clad caravan guards pay little heed to you as they scan the dark for those that prowl the night. Reaching the outer door of a dwelling, the elf turns and smiles to you, beckoning you to enter as the lock is turned with a click, and the heavy door opens with scarcely a sound.
Looking in through the open and door and windows, the group can get a glimpse of indoors. An Entry hall is brightly lit by brass lamps. The décor of the apartment is opulent with white marble floors, rich tapestries and delicate vases on display atop fluted pedestals.
Vornak follows Thok in and, after a quick glance around for any obvious danger, sits on what he views as the nicest chair and says "You said you had a job offer? And, I believe, an explanation about events in the tavern?"
Making the way into the lavish abode the elf says “This isn’t my estate, but my employer. My name is Kai Shuran.” Once following behind but quickly makes his way up to the front he leads you through halls of the house. Servants in matching dress are openly shocked at the miscreants as they traipse through. Covering their gaping mouths with white gloved hands and pinching their noses in your direction. You abruptly come to a stop following the foot steps of Kai Shuran. You arrive at a door, the door of which is delicately carved from dark wood and has a silver leaver graven in the image of a sleeping tiger. Kai Shuran eyes the Party and gives a nod to Lalika before admitting them.
The sitting room, like the rest of the apartment is lavishly adorned. However, this room is warmer and more relaxing with the sweet smell of fine tobacco lingering from a multi-tipped hookah sitting atop a low table at the center of the room. Nykos is a richly robed man in his mid-twenties whose unblemished skin glows with youth and healthy living. He sits in a richly stuffed, padded armchair as the crackling light from the fireplace dances across his troubled face. Nykos rises from his seat, setting aside one of the hookah’s stems. You have done well Kai Shuran. These will do nicely. Kai Shuran steps aside. “Yes, my lord. These hearty rogues showed no fear in the face of The Rector’s bullies. “Good” the man says as he steps forward, his slippered feet slightly hissing as heshuffles across the thick crimson carpet. “I am Nykos binDarix... You are guests in my home... Be at peace.” As he gives a wink to Plaugg, already doing so.
Kai Shuran smiles broadly at you. “My friends, the reason I bring you here is that we have need of men who have the cunning to complete a delicate task.” Nykos slowly pulls from his hookah and clears his throat. “Something very dear to me was stolen that I want returned. Her name is Nadya... and no more beautiful woman has walked this world. When I freed her from Milos, I was not aware that she was coveted by another, yet she was stolen from my very home...” He abruptly stands and turns his back on you, shoulders tight with strain and opens the door to a glassed-in wine cellar. “Were it possible, I would walk into the lair of the great villain and retrieve her myself.” With a shake of his head the merchant lord falls silent, steps through the threshold amid his priceless wines and closes the door behind him.
Watching Nykos walk away, Kai starts again to finish the proposal, kind of whispering not to set off his boss. Nadya was a slave girl purchased from Milos in the Ela Staire. My employer intended her for his father’s seraglio, but Nykos became smitten with her and decided to keep her for himself. He brought her here while he finished his business in Rhedomar.
“Ooooh how scandalous! I love it. So you bought a girl as a gift for your dad but you liked her so much you kept her for yourself. BUT your plan was foiled when someone stole her right from your own home.” says Plaugg “What a tale!”
””Two questions, who is this dastardly villain who pilfered the fair Nadya and what bountiful riches can we expect once we rescue the lovely lass?”
Thok is looking to gain a bit of insight into the nature of these people. Are they trustworthy? Are these really the people in charge? Is anyone not who they say they are? What can Thok tell from all those little details of conversation, mannerisms, and physical tells? insight 19
Vornak again looks the comfiest place to sit and perches himself with the practised grace and poise of a noble. "And what of the girl herself? Does she wish to be with you and was taken against her will from here? Or is your request simply to retrieve a piece of private property? And, what is our reward to be?"
Vornak will listen to the response closely for deception. Insight: 10
Following the reply, Vornak will ask "And what of Milos, where did you encounter him? Do you know where he is now? I would like to meet him. I've heard many things." Vornak plays it cool and doesn't let on that he wants to end his operation.
Vornak is caught off guard by the dwarf's shield bash and it catches him in the chest. He wheezes, but manages to bring his shield back up to bear, blocking both sword strikes from the Templar. After the second, he ripostes against the dwarf:
Attack: 15 plus bless 3
Damage: 15
((ooc: Oops, that attack should have been +7 instead of +4, so add another 3))
The blows from the henchmen ping off his armour without finding purchase and chuckles.
As the fire bursts from Avrick's fingers, Vornak attempts to bring up his shield: 10 but isn't quick enough and he takes the full brunt of the damage. Vornak looks a little charred but is still in the fight.
He retaliates against the dwarf by channelling his arcane energy through his shield and striking him with it Shocking Grasp:
Attack: 13
Damage: 14
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play
As the fight continues on Plaugg uses his daggers and retaliates against the henchmen. Of the ones slightly wounded, three more fall to unconsciousness and inevitably death from his attacks.
Vornak ripostes and slinks the blade in deep to the chest. The blood squiring from his mouth as The Templar looks to continue and strangle him, sword embedded and all. Thok follows up with a stunning strike to freeze him in his tracks. As his fist strikes square in the forehead the dwarf is paralyzed. The take a collective sigh of relief until they see flames shoot out towards them. Attempting to dive out of the way the Templar combusts from Avrick’s spell.
The rest of the tavern is enough to handle the rest of the henchmen and they all make their escape out. Leaving the lone man in dark apparel that was sitting and enjoying the show the whole time. He begins a slow clap and says with a smile “Well done!” He is very charming and confident.
The halfling girl bursts from behind Thok’s cloak and runs to his side. “They did well.” She says to him.
Thok checks his things to make sure the girl didn’t steal anything
Paladin - warforged - orange
Vornak keeps his shield and axe out and ready as he surveys the cloaked figure and the girl. "OK, we saved you. On the off-chance those jobsworths were with the authorities we probably don't have much time until their buddies show up. So, I would appreciate some explanation very quickly so we can plan our next move. Who are you, who did we just kill, and why were they after you?" His tone is intense and urgent, but not threatening. He studies both the cloaked figure and the girl for anything odd, either in their behaviour as people, or for any hint that their forms may be illusions or they're magical beings, etc. Roll: 20 ((+7 for an Arcana roll or +2 for an Insight roll if either of those skills happen to be appropriate))
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play
Does Avrick recognize the man at all?
History if needed?: 14
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
As soon as Thok begins to check for his belongings the girl tosses his coin pouch back. The Halfling girl looks to the elf “What do you think, boss?” The Kane panicked and frightened girl, now is confident and nonchalant.
The man looks amused. “Two great deductions. My my my, strong in a fight and smart enough to keep a level head after some gruesome business...” he walks about deftly avoiding the blood spills in his black leather and gold trimmed boots. “You are correct, soon this place will be swarming with more Templar’s and their..... silent partners. I say we make our way to our employers house. We will shield you from all this unseemly business, warm beds, food, ale..... just ask that you listen to a job offer. Whatever you choose, I do say you should make the decision quickly.” He raises an eyebrow waiting for the groups response.
Avrick is pretty sure he has never seen this man before.
“Warm beds, food, and ale and all we have to do is listen?” Plaugg asks “That sounds tempting, but only if you throw in a bath for Vonrak! Otherwise no deal”
Avrick rolls his eyes "Yeah, alright I'd rather not deal with more of those guys without a bit of a rest... lets get out of here."
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
Vonrak lifts an eyebrow at Plaugg "I'll have you know my dwarven musk is very fashionable and very carefully cultivated, thank you very much!" He turns back to the odd pair "You've said a lot of words without providing answers to any of my questions. I will expect them. But you've piqued my interest and we're short on time. Let's go." Vornak stows his weapons but keeps his wits about him, ready for trouble, as he follows the girl and the hooded figure.
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play
Thok simply nods his head towards the door.
Paladin - warforged - orange
“Oh, you know I love you Vonrak.”
”........ just not your smell” he adds with a little cackle
“Wonderful, I am so pleased. Lalika, show the way!” He says excitedly. With the the group makes its way out into the night. Following the halfling girl dart from side street to side street.
Twisting down a maze of dark side streets, the cocksure Elf and the Halfling child lead you from Ashfoot and into the district that makes up the bazaars of Dian Way, a colossal flea-market that accounts for most of the city’s commerce. Steel-clad caravan guards pay little heed to you as they scan the dark for those that prowl the night. Reaching the outer door of a dwelling, the elf turns and smiles to you, beckoning you to enter as the lock is turned with a click, and the heavy door opens with scarcely a sound.
Looking in through the open and door and windows, the group can get a glimpse of indoors. An Entry hall is brightly lit by brass lamps. The décor of the apartment is opulent with white marble floors, rich tapestries and delicate vases on display atop fluted pedestals.
Avrick whistles "Lovely little place you have here sir, not sure if I caught your name though."
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
Thok will lead the way in, looking around to see if it looks safe for everyone.
perception 21
Paladin - warforged - orange
Vornak follows Thok in and, after a quick glance around for any obvious danger, sits on what he views as the nicest chair and says "You said you had a job offer? And, I believe, an explanation about events in the tavern?"
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play
Plaugg looks around impressed, especially in contrast to the chaos of the market outside. When he spots Vornak sitting in the chair he notes
“Haha Vornak, you sit on that chair like it’s a throne”
Making the way into the lavish abode the elf says “This isn’t my estate, but my employer. My name is Kai Shuran.” Once following behind but quickly makes his way up to the front he leads you through halls of the house. Servants in matching dress are openly shocked at the miscreants as they traipse through.
Covering their gaping mouths with white gloved hands and pinching their noses in your direction. You abruptly come to a stop following the foot steps of Kai Shuran. You arrive at a door, the door of which is
delicately carved from dark wood and has a silver leaver graven in the image of a sleeping tiger.
Kai Shuran eyes the Party and gives a nod to Lalika before admitting them.
The sitting room, like the rest of the apartment is lavishly adorned. However, this room is warmer and more relaxing with the sweet smell of fine tobacco lingering from a multi-tipped hookah sitting atop a low table at the center of the room. Nykos is a richly robed man in his mid-twenties whose unblemished skin glows with youth and healthy living. He sits in a richly stuffed, padded armchair as the crackling light from the fireplace dances across his troubled face. Nykos rises from his seat, setting aside one of the hookah’s stems. You have done well Kai Shuran. These will do nicely. Kai Shuran steps aside. “Yes, my lord. These hearty rogues showed no fear in the face of The Rector’s bullies. “Good” the man says as he steps forward, his slippered feet slightly hissing as heshuffles across the thick crimson carpet. “I am Nykos binDarix... You are guests in my home... Be at peace.” As he gives a wink to Plaugg, already doing so.
Kai Shuran smiles broadly at you. “My friends, the reason I bring you here is that we have need of men who have the cunning to complete a delicate task.” Nykos slowly pulls from his hookah and clears his throat. “Something very dear to me was stolen that I want returned. Her name is Nadya... and no more beautiful woman has walked this world. When I freed her from Milos, I was not aware that she was coveted by another, yet she was stolen from my very home...” He abruptly stands and turns his back on you, shoulders tight with strain and opens the door to a glassed-in wine cellar. “Were it possible, I would walk into the lair of the great villain and retrieve her myself.” With a shake of his head the merchant lord falls silent, steps through the threshold amid his priceless wines and closes the door behind him.
Watching Nykos walk away, Kai starts again to finish the proposal, kind of whispering not to set off his boss. Nadya was a slave girl purchased from Milos in the Ela Staire. My employer intended her for his father’s seraglio, but Nykos became smitten with her and decided to keep her for himself. He brought her here while he finished his business in Rhedomar.
“Ooooh how scandalous! I love it. So you bought a girl as a gift for your dad but you liked her so much you kept her for yourself. BUT your plan was foiled when someone stole her right from your own home.” says Plaugg “What a tale!”
””Two questions, who is this dastardly villain who pilfered the fair Nadya and what bountiful riches can we expect once we rescue the lovely lass?”
Thok is looking to gain a bit of insight into the nature of these people. Are they trustworthy? Are these really the people in charge? Is anyone not who they say they are? What can Thok tell from all those little details of conversation, mannerisms, and physical tells?
insight 19
Paladin - warforged - orange
Vornak again looks the comfiest place to sit and perches himself with the practised grace and poise of a noble. "And what of the girl herself? Does she wish to be with you and was taken against her will from here? Or is your request simply to retrieve a piece of private property? And, what is our reward to be?"
Vornak will listen to the response closely for deception. Insight: 10
Following the reply, Vornak will ask "And what of Milos, where did you encounter him? Do you know where he is now? I would like to meet him. I've heard many things." Vornak plays it cool and doesn't let on that he wants to end his operation.
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play