OOC: My actions are pending an adjudication. My intention was certainly to use the Help action for Casta's benefit. How that plays out in description will be determined by the adjudication. Since some of our members are new to 5e, it should be noted that a character cannot benefit from additional advantage from the Help action of multiple players.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As the mob flails at the guards, and the guards retaliate with brutal haste, Yokai reveals himself by stepping out of the shadows. A faint swirl of darkness flows from his cape; his mask presenting a demon visage with fangs. His hand is on the hilt of his longsword, and eldritch energy is pulsing around his fist. "Never compromise," he says as he steels himself for battle.
He takes a few steps forward, and is caught off guard by today's unexpected sermon. Seemingly coming from out of nowhere, the paladin waxes poetic. Always managing to approach each obstacle with faith and assurance, and usually a whole lot of words. Yokai isn't usually a fan of all this talk, but he's starting to come around to the idea that words can be as powerful as fisticuffs - sometimes. Looking up at the paladin drenched in holy light, the eldritch energy subsides. He removes his hand from the hilt of his pact blade and the fangs of the mask fade back into the wood.
Yokai walks past the injured, bending down to see how one of them is faring. Crimson blood covers his hands as he moves around the injured attempting to aid Sorore wherever possible. Seeing that he is just getting in the way of the well trained medics, he moves within speaking distance of Casta. In a low deep tone, he says woefully: "Injured. Stomped by the boots of the powerful. Always the same. Always the same. Oppressed. Nothing but scared. Handled poorly."
He turns to face the guards and in a loud voice exclaims "Lucky we all are today! No lives lost, no permanent blood shed! Fail forward."
He looks back at Casta, staring intently in her eyes to lend gravity to the following: "Words before. Actions now." He moves his arm in a sweeping fashion across the bloodied crowd drawing attention to those in need.
OOC: Since Casta has already been Helped, my action doesn't really hold any in-game weight. Instead, if I may, I'd like to roll Insight17 to determine the true vector of Zodge. Yokai has to reconcile the brutal but lawful actions of the guard. In addition, he'll scan the area for hostiles with Perception7.
I offer my sincere apologies for going early on that last post. I interpreted that we were out of combat and therefore out of combat initiative. I did not realize that the rest of the team was still progressing in initiative order and I apologize for jumping the gun. An honest mistake, but one I should not have made.
One possible resolution is I pull my post until we are clearly out of combat or my turn comes up again. On the other hand, Belmort and Feldinor have both acted after me in reaction to my words, so we would have to probably move their reactions until out of combat initiative as well. Absolutely open to suggestions or loving reprimands from the party.
Point of order: I'm not sure how we do declare that we are no longer in initiative rounds in PBP other than the traditional Body Count = Former Enemies rule of thumb. Can any single player make a unilateral statement one hostilities are concluded? We have already exceeded my previous PBP experience, so I'm all ears for wisdom and experience.
The tall, one-eyed Flaming Fist Captain nods silently to Murdoch, remaining tight-lipped as he critically assesses him, followed by Fimrold and Feldinor as they approach to stand beside Murdoch, and in particular the massive Belmort, the only one on the field larger than him, as the dragonborn settles his battleaxe at his belt and walks toward them. His eye similarly shifts to assessing Casta, watching as she appears to internally process the impact of her words before jumping down from the back of the wagon and closing with him. He remains silent, flexing his bloody gauntlets and tightening his lips into a grimace, for the first 30 seconds or so of her introductory monologue, but his mouth breaks into a sneer at the word 'compassion,' and he looks away from her to his elite guard of mercenaries sharing his expression, then turns almost fully on his heel to inspect his Flaming Fist soldiers, focusing on those injured in the defense, and nodding once in acknowledgement of Sorore's and Rigor's quiet efforts.
Still, Zodge looks to Casta time and again while she continues talking over another full minute and longer, slowly walking along his nearby formation and personally looking to his soldiers' health and readiness after the fray, but sparing no glances to the remnants of the mob that are slow to pull themselves up from the cobblestones and flee. He completes his assessment shortly before Casta finishes her monologue, waits another few seconds for Feldinor to speak, then abruptly thrusts forward an open-hand gauntlet to silence them, his sneer now a snarl.
"Enough," he forcefully begins in his deep voice, "and long past it. Noted you missed the part where I'm in command, and no one tells me or my soldiers what in the Hells to do with assets lawfully obtained by the Flaming Fist in the course of keeping the peace, with the city now sealed - by the contract, by the law, and in Baldur's Gate right now - that's me, and that's the Fist. "Offering," my ass; that rabble was damn lucky I decided not to arrest or question any of them...this time."
"Next, you lot will come to understand I'm a forthright commander, and will offer respect that's earned, and in-line with the respect I demand. Example of disrespect: presuming to tell the commander what he can do with Flaming Fist assets, and when the commander can talk about what best suits you, before that commander can even see to the well-being of the injured soldiers serving under his command. Someone could have bled out by the time all the pretty words emptied out of that pretty mouth. How's that for "Vigilant?" Try vigilance against Pride; Helm will thank you. Useful start earlier, though."
"Last, you lot should understand right now that the "contract" with Baldur's Gate stops and starts with the Flaming Fist. The Gate is sealed, the Fist is the emergency law, and you were drafted and ordered to report to one of the gate commanders, just like every other registered company in the city. Be glad for it; the Fist will start rounding up all the others after today, and pressing them into "service" in the Gate's defense. There's more to this crisis than you know, but understand this as a measure of it - I'm also empowered by law to execute you on the spot for refusal to comply. I'd rather you accept, and carry out your orders once issued - we need you. Also need you to hold your tongues for a long enough stretch to listen to the darker truths, though, and to receive the orders."
"Are we clear on all fronts?"Zodge concludes, his ire somewhat subsiding, and finally begins to wipe down his spattered gauntlets. "If not, speak up...briefly. If so, gather around and listen to what I have to say..."
OOC: Adventurers, some matters of protocol to address here, in the midst of pushing almost all of Zodge's noted "hot buttons" in one fell swoop, after a glorious start. Most entertaining - I had to reference almost every set of documented circumstances, with only one major exception not yet triggered, that can cause issues with him!
OOC: First, please adhere to Ye Olde Play by Post Etiquette Guidelines, which were violated when the Initiative Order was compromised, and which should otherwise be considered sacrosanct until the one holding initiative - friend, foe, or otherwise - uses it, surrenders it, or allows 48 hours to pass without response. Second, please know that the amazing monologue that resulted in the most favorable possible outcome for the riot was pre-coordinated, with the results essentially affecting both of the other sides' future actions. It was a well-played exception, and will not be the norm, but when something of such significance does occur, your characters are absolutely empowered to take advantage of the extra rounds of time within the exceptional act that the circumstances provided.
OOC: Hope the above notes are helpful! PbP is admittedly a different but very rewarding gaming environment, since we can't see and gauge each other's intentions and tempo as we would around the old table, and it does take a bit to get familiar and comfortable with the protocols! Now the real story begins...
OOC: Adventurers, just noticed that both Yokai and Casta had responded in the two hours' time that I pulled together all of the references to provide Captain Zodge's response! Apologies, missed them both!
OOC: Yokai, absolutely crazy about the reveal above! Brilliant.
OOC: Casta, I think everyone actually adapted well to the flow around the timing of your post, so it seemed to turn out fine without any resort to replaying matters. Also no way to "un-press" the collection of Captain Zodge hot-button issues, but that just keeps it entertaining! :-)
OOC: To Casta's question about Initiative, I had made a comment on the transition from Initiative at the end of Post #71. Essentially the decision vests with the current holder of initiative itself, once hostilities are ended, although it can certainly be a consensual matter. Individuals can also effectively stay in initiative, if there are matters that require that level of precision in the measurement of time. Hope that helps! Game on!
OOC: Initiative can now proceed with Yokai, at his discretion, or the companions can transition into an engagement with Captain Zodge. Look forward to your thoughts!
OOC: While I'm a 5e noob, I've been in several PbP, so I will offer my opinion for group consideration....and again it is only my opinion. When the @GM says "either stay in initiative or transition out of combat", the default is "transition out of combat" unless there is a character that says "I want to stay in initiative because I'm going to do something that is time sensitive and critical to go before my fellow players" like pocket the magic loot first (as someone who is guilty of making that statement in the past).
OOC: First, please adhere to Ye Olde Play by Post Etiquette Guidelines, which were violated when the Initiative Order was compromised, and which should otherwise be considered sacrosanct until the one holding initiative - friend, foe, or otherwise - uses it, surrenders it, or allows 48 hours to pass without response.
OOC: See previous OOC. IMHO we defaulted to "transition out of combat" per @GM's statement. Therefore I am a witness for Casta's defense team and assert the Initiative Order was not compromised. (Power to the people!! Truth to power!!) However, there is a subtlety in my position. It is courtesy to allow all players to post at least once if combat is going to be over in the first round -- as it did in our case. Which I believe we adhered to, since I was 1 of the bottom 2 in the order.
OOC: Other PbP characteristics. Much like real life playing around a table, there are different kinds of players. Those that like to banter (guilty); those that like to roll dice (crap...guilty again); and those that bring work laptops to the table and only engage when the rest of the group demands they put it down and contribute (yeah you know who you are!!). The same will happen in PbP. Players that like to post (IMHO) should get to post on the timeline that keeps the momentum. i.e. we shouldn't have to wait for every player to post a statement before a character can respond out of combat. e.g. a worst case is that everyone waits 48 hrs to post and in a game with 7 or so players it could result in 1 post every 2 weeks (extreme example to illustrate my point). What this philosophy looks like in game is several back-forth posts of conversation and dice rolls by players and judicious use of the quote feature to make sure your conversation is inserted in the correct order. This keeps the game momentum going and player interest/enjoyment high. The only downside is that introverts may not want to post that much, but generally extrovert characters paying attention will "poke" that player to join the conversation.
OOC: Last opinion. In this tools there doesn't seem to be a "discussion out of game" forum option that I have used on the Pathfinder site. i.e. discussion such as this post would be in a different tab so as to not break game posts. (which I took my cue from the previous OOC posts being here as clearance to post this response). So I believe we have defaulted to allow these out of game OOC posts to discuss game mechanics. (which I support) Whew! now I look forward to the prosecution's opinion. Game on!!
OOC: After Casta was Zodge and the Flaming Fist. They seemingly stopped combat. After Zodge was Yokai, who definitely chose to end combat: "Yokai remains hidden as he listens to the flowing words of Casta. He stands ready to assist if needed, should she be required to make any further rolls. He sees no need for further bloodshed." I see now, however, that this may not have been entirely clear.
OOC: I do agree that at the very least everyone should get an action in the first round of initiative. After the first round, we can decide to leave combat. It is my understanding that something like Casta's rousing speech was a one-off and will likely not happen again, as the player understands the time limit afforded their turn. If anyone wants to attempt such an endeavor in the future, they do six seconds worth and initiative passes. Given her ability, I would have just passed my turn anyways to allow her to continue, but I don't want to speak for everyone else.
OOC: Outside of combat, I do like the current flow. I enjoy reading and rereading the story and the pace at which we get to see updates. I would just hope that those who don't have the ability to post every day or every other day don't feel left out of the communal storytelling. I'd suggest that if that does happen, they let the rest of the party know so we can slow things down.
OOC: @ Feldinor - Greatly appreciate your PBP experience coming to the table, Master Blackfoot. I agree with each of your comments. I would color one point slightly differently even as I agree with the impact. We have at least one player who is at the forefront of the COVID conflict. Posts from them will be rare because of real life burdens, vice a work computer at the table. Your point remains valid, but I wanted to mention another relevant justification.
OOC: As a player, I knew Casta was really overplaying her hand on asking to give the stolen pocket change back. She could not morally allow the robbery to pass and would most probably tick off the guy we are getting our mission from. She didn't expect it to work, but was morally obligated to try, and pay the penalty for the attempt. I do kind of enjoy the tension when me as a player knows my character is about to make a tactical mistake. Love the way it came out. Casta got chided back to where she belongs. Imperfect victory and still confortably fitting in her britches... or maybe breeches.
OOC: Casta, well-said on all fronts. The overreach on most (but not quite all!) of Zodge's issues that provoke hostility from him actually made for some high drama, which Zodge himself has to reconcile with the bottom line results of the engagement - the stuff of excellent material!
OOC: Also good observations from Yokai and Feldinor as well, although I still assert for the latter that we did indeed compromise the initiative order - it wasn't associated with you, as you'd earlier surmised, but you can reference previous entries to confirm for yourself. In any event, that common courtesy during initiative does need to be upheld, even if you need to festoon the next player in order with PMs to get them to quickly respond. Players otherwise only need to be specific about coming out of initiative if they are the one actually holding initiative in the turn as an engagement ends, at which point the "default" would apply.
OOC: I'm otherwise quite satisfied with the flow of the adventure, and am glad it's been enjoyable thus far. I share Feldinor's appreciation for the Pathfinder PbP site, which for every PbP features multiple folders, such as for discussion outside of gameplay. While the D&D Beyond PbP has some great features itself, I do miss that one in particular. For the group's SA, I'm also collecting all of the actual "gameplay" entries in this campaign in parallel, so that we have a version with the intended narrative flow of the adventure, and I'll send that out in email from time to time, if you find it useful for capturing the essence of the tale in the making. Helps me out a great deal!
OOC: Last, I'll give folks the rest of tonight if anyone dares to take Zodge's bait, then will continue on tomorrow (today now) with some private results for skills checks made and, of course, the dark TRUTH of why you have crossed paths with Zodge in the first place...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Oh well crap! I don't get to hand out the offerings. And this one seems awfully a grouchy fellow. But we need to make nice nice with him to get the choice missions.
Feldinor lowers his empty hand. "Right! Lawfully obtained assets. Want me to go gather some more, Captain? ... Lawfully gathering of course. But isn't it great that Tymora blessed us with the luck of showing up at the right time and giving Casta the right words to calm the riot crowd? I mean after all, the Law of the Land wants to keep the peace through as small of bloodshed as possible, right?" At each posing of the question, Feldinor pauses only momentarily to see if the grumpy Captain is getting more or less irritated with his attempt to parley. Insight7OOC: That is awesome!!! Feldinor just continues his soliloquy
"Oh and as far as killing companies that fail to show. That is the furthest thing from our minds. Which is why we showed up first thing this morning....right after breakfast of course. We couldn't begin on an empty stomach. And I'm very interested in the mission that we need to get to. Saving the world is what I live for. And with dark intrigue....that sounds absolutely right up our company's elite fighting force's alley." And with the completion of his smaller and much less elegant rousing display of words, Feldinor shuts up and prepares to listen to the Captains words.
OOC: If someone more diplomatic wants to also negotiate with the Captain to help diffuse his button pushing, then I'm using the Help to assist them. (although I'm partially hoping that his last button is: people who don't just shut up and listen. :) If no one else speaks, then here is Feldinor's meager attempt to diffuse the Captain Persuasion2 See...I like to roll dice. :)
Fimrold pinches the bridge of his nose with a downcast expression, silently wincing at the mention of the delicate situation.
What a turn of events, I think it best if I let the captain speak his mind before opening my mouth. I’d rather not chance anymore disrespect in order to avoid conflict with our “employer.”
OOC: I believe I have found myself in the category of a more infrequent poster, and as such would like to mention that I thoroughly enjoy the flow of play here, reading interactions that I don’t verbally participate in does not infringe upon my enjoyment of the game nor does it make me feel left out of the communal storytelling. Feldinor’s PbP philosophy is one I can wholeheartedly agree with despite my lack of experience in this format as it applies even to tabletop roleplay; a characters silence is perfectly acceptable in plenty of situations and doesn’t have to disrupt other player’s posts. It should also be noted (at the very least for my own sake) that one’s lack of conversation does not have to imply a withdrawn state from future conversations. I sincerely appreciate the sagacious advice from experienced PbP-ers, the quote feature is among my favorites for making the story seem natural and life-like among majestic, awe-inspiring, encounter defining monologues and actions that truly make the fantasy memorable.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
OOC: Results of the rolls made in the last post.
Sensing the tension in Captain Zodge's voice and reading the undertones of his rebuttal, Yokai waits for him to finish. He then walks over to Casta, looks at the ground to cover whatever facial expressions may show from above the mask and whispers "Wants total command. Control those under authority. Respect... obedience. Priority to Flaming Fist. Adjust your tone and delivery for effect." He continues to walk again, as if this was just a momentary stop to look at some stones on the ground. Deception7
He takes a few shuffled steps past Casta towards Murdoch then stops abruptly. His head turns and cocks to the side, like a bloodhound trying to better locate a sound. His elven ear perks up and reveals itself from under his hood. His eyes dart side to side then settle on a distant alleyway beyond the crowds. His pupils open wide, letting as much light and information in as possible. On the back of his retina appears a dark garbed figure. His eyes dart to another alleyway, and then another. His brain can barely process the result of the aural and visual input before he blurs out in a hushed tone "Alleyways. Dark clothed figures. Watching." He does not reach for his weapon as it appears he is looking well off into the distance.
He turns back to Murdoch and says through his mask "Watching the watchers. Continue." He slides off to the side, back into the shadows, and (hopefully) disappears. Stealth9.
OOC: And here come the low rolls. Should've put out that torch before trying to hide. /s
Casta spends a moment to reconcile Capt Zodge's outburst, some might say correction, with her heritage worldview.
She silently balances wisdom of her mother and temple leadership with the less familiar but more present street "justice" in extremis.
Lawful emergency authority. Respect the law. Don't mistake Law with Righteousness, Capt. Law is derived from the will of the gods. Law transcends Lords of cities, even Grand Dukes of Baldur's Gate.
Don't poke a wounded dog, Lapsu. Hearts are won in stages. One lesson a day is victory enough. You have stopped a travesty of fear and also called out the sin of greed. It is not your place to abolish all sin. It is your calling to confront sin. You have done this. The rest is on his head alone.
The Captain has seen a glimpse of Truth and responded, both positive and negative. Let him now see a different aspect, not more of the same. Yokai has the right of it. Now is the time for action.
Casta maintains eye contact with Zodge after his pointed question for just a moment as if she may answer, but then breaks her eyes down, signalling surrender or, at least, acquiescence. She keeps her eyes slightly downcast while she steps backward and circles left toward the assembled and recovering Fist Mercenaries. She looks for one that obviously weathered the mob worse then the others. Looking for running blood, likely a broken nose. Medicine18
Fendinor, walk with me here and lets us tend to any remaining bruises or cuts. These Fist have also paid for the day. While the citizens are returning to their homes, these men are just starting a black day. She removes her right gauntlet and speaks a short prayer in Celestial. Radiant, white, healing energy coalesces in her palm and she glances back at Zodge. With the Captains permission, of course. Reaching the Captain seems to be done through his men, not he himself.
She approaches a bloody soldier, hand bathed in healing radiance. She notes the insignia on his baldric and uses the correct rank address. Gauntlet, may I bless you with restorative power of Helm? Assuming she is granted a grunt of permission she places her perfect white palm upon the blood and heals up to three points of damage. I will leave you, gauntlet, with just enough of a scar so the tavern wenches will ask from whence you received it. You can tell her and all 'round that you manned the walls on this dark, dark day. Following Feldinor's recommendation of who else needs healing, Casta will heal up to two points of damage with a similar explanation.
OOC: Lay on hands is good for only 5 points healing at L1. Have to spread it around a little.
Now that she has provided what direct ministration she can in the moment, she returns to Capt Zodge and respectfully holds her tongue.
Yokai has the right of it. Action sometimes speaks louder than words.
OOC: The following roll leverages Feldinor's Help Action to Persuasion
Captain Zodge has less than the space of perhaps one breath before Feldinor's own monologue begins, filling the expected moment of silence and expectation with a myriad commentary. Zodge's one eye grows wide, then narrows in suspicion, clenching his jaw as he looks to the others, and returns the focus of his hands to wiping down his blood-stained steel fists.
The Flaming Fist Captain's lips draw tightly across his teeth as he observes and tracks Yokai's attempted deception and subsequent movements, then shakes his head while following Casta's approach over to his defensive line. Zodge opens his mouth in a snarl to speak, then stops himself when he discerns her purpose in addressing injuries among his soldiers with her divine abilities. The Paladin's efforts and prompt return, rejoining all but the one of her other companions now gathered around the Captain, somewhat temper the tall man's anger with the resumption of his forceful words, as his grim splint mailed Fist bodyguards spread out at a subtle motion of his left hand to ensure no others approach within earshot while he speaks.
"Damn, but you lot can be more trouble than you're worth at times. I order you to gather around, and you wander off to chase shadows or check belatedly on my injured soldiers. None of you three are authorized to engage me unless I specifically ask to hear what comes next out of your talk-holes, or you're the last survivors of your company returning to report. Only one of you is of any clear use, but that one has shown enough that I'd be tempted to draft her for free sermons to the next mob and patch jobs on Fist scrapes and nosebleeds, if she weren't more likely to first get beaten and clapped in irons for insubordination."
"No, you can keep your lack of discipline out of the Flaming Fist's way - we have enough to deal with enforcing the laws while sealing the city against the worsening refugee threat. The truth of what happened to Elturel, as it gets out, is now stoking panic and fear that Baldur's Gate might suffer the same fate. Apparently, the truth is that nothing remains of the entire stinking city of Eltural but a smoking crater in the ground..."
"Worse, our own Grand Duke Ravengard, who is also Supreme Marshal of the Flaming Fist, left Baldur's Gate with a company of Fist soldiers for Elturel a tenday ago, on a diplomatic mission at the invitation of Elturel’s High Overseer Kreeg. Grand Duke Ravengard had to have still been there on the mission when the city was destroyed. Coincidence? I think damn well NOT."
"More to this truth. A few of the Knights of Elturgard - call themselves "Hellriders" — escaped the destruction of their capital city, and think the Gate is somehow to blame for Elturel's downfall. Self-righteous, stinking rabble-rousers! The Flaming Fist is arresting the bastards on sight, to stop them from stirring up their damn trouble in Baldur’s Gate, but the Hellriders aren't going quietly, and there's also violence and bloodshed whenever they're found. That's another problem the Fist can and will deal with from the refugee threat, but there's still a darker truth behind the stinking draft, and for that, the Fist needs the companies...and your help."
"Sooooooo....you trailed off in your mission assignment....Is this where you are asking for our talk-holes to speak up?" I presume talk-hole is some sort of military speak for asking questions during negotiation but these grouchy big folk are still a mystery to me. One minute saying shut up and the next minute starring off into space.
"Because I'm confused are you asking us to do a scouting mission to find out what happened to the Gran Duke? Or are you asking us to go find Hellriders and arrest them? Or quell the violence and bloodshed they are rousing up? Or deal with some darker truth behind the stinking draft....which you seemed to have stopped describing in mid-sentence?" Feldinor is not used to military chain of command types and finds it completely fascinating that one would seem to imply not talking is a good thing. How else are you supposed to ask questions and get the details of a mission. And we haven't even mentioned expected payment. Strange negotiations this one is.
After a moment’s pause to once again ensure the context of A Cuspide Corona’s summoning was clear, Captain Zodge resumes in his deep voice without further pause, the only distinctions perhaps a slight, unconscious increase in his volume and the gradual slide of his tight-lipped grimace into an ominous smile, and the continued subtle motions of his left hand…
“And with that first violation of orders, during martial law before a formation of my own Fist Soldiers, no less, the law must prove that ignorance must be no one’s excuse, nor mercy mine.”
“Seize him…beat him gently; nothing personal, lesson vice punishment, unless his seemingly wiser companions resist enforcement of the law…”
OOC: As anticipated, given Feldinor's character background and demeanor; it was a matter of when, not if! :-0 Roll initiative, if you anticipate taking actions in any capacity during the unfolding events!
Captain Zodge Initiative: 14
Flame Issio Initiative: 2
Flame Minaqua Initiative: 20
Flame Nelestree Initiative: 16
Flame Oliver Initiative: 7
Flame Soltus Initiative: 16
Flame Thalkara Initiative: 15
OOC: The next six seconds of Zodge’s words, which cover the first round, during which your own will this time be similarly constrained:
Captain Zodge continues in his forceful voice without pause, looking beyond the companions to his six grim mercenary bodyguards previously spread into a loose perimeter around them, the ominous smile now predatory…
“Again – listen; the threat grows, time is short, and I’ll waste none further on your lot’s antics, unless it’s to hunt you down...”
OOC: My actions are pending an adjudication. My intention was certainly to use the Help action for Casta's benefit. How that plays out in description will be determined by the adjudication. Since some of our members are new to 5e, it should be noted that a character cannot benefit from additional advantage from the Help action of multiple players.
As the mob flails at the guards, and the guards retaliate with brutal haste, Yokai reveals himself by stepping out of the shadows. A faint swirl of darkness flows from his cape; his mask presenting a demon visage with fangs. His hand is on the hilt of his longsword, and eldritch energy is pulsing around his fist. "Never compromise," he says as he steels himself for battle.
He takes a few steps forward, and is caught off guard by today's unexpected sermon. Seemingly coming from out of nowhere, the paladin waxes poetic. Always managing to approach each obstacle with faith and assurance, and usually a whole lot of words. Yokai isn't usually a fan of all this talk, but he's starting to come around to the idea that words can be as powerful as fisticuffs - sometimes. Looking up at the paladin drenched in holy light, the eldritch energy subsides. He removes his hand from the hilt of his pact blade and the fangs of the mask fade back into the wood.
Yokai walks past the injured, bending down to see how one of them is faring. Crimson blood covers his hands as he moves around the injured attempting to aid Sorore wherever possible. Seeing that he is just getting in the way of the well trained medics, he moves within speaking distance of Casta. In a low deep tone, he says woefully: "Injured. Stomped by the boots of the powerful. Always the same. Always the same. Oppressed. Nothing but scared. Handled poorly."
He turns to face the guards and in a loud voice exclaims "Lucky we all are today! No lives lost, no permanent blood shed! Fail forward."
He looks back at Casta, staring intently in her eyes to lend gravity to the following: "Words before. Actions now." He moves his arm in a sweeping fashion across the bloodied crowd drawing attention to those in need.
OOC: Since Casta has already been Helped, my action doesn't really hold any in-game weight. Instead, if I may, I'd like to roll Insight 17 to determine the true vector of Zodge. Yokai has to reconcile the brutal but lawful actions of the guard. In addition, he'll scan the area for hostiles with Perception 7.
OOC: Fellow Cuspide Corona Members.
I offer my sincere apologies for going early on that last post. I interpreted that we were out of combat and therefore out of combat initiative. I did not realize that the rest of the team was still progressing in initiative order and I apologize for jumping the gun. An honest mistake, but one I should not have made.
One possible resolution is I pull my post until we are clearly out of combat or my turn comes up again. On the other hand, Belmort and Feldinor have both acted after me in reaction to my words, so we would have to probably move their reactions until out of combat initiative as well. Absolutely open to suggestions or loving reprimands from the party.
Point of order: I'm not sure how we do declare that we are no longer in initiative rounds in PBP other than the traditional Body Count = Former Enemies rule of thumb. Can any single player make a unilateral statement one hostilities are concluded? We have already exceeded my previous PBP experience, so I'm all ears for wisdom and experience.
Respectfully Repentant,
Sir Galahad (-)
The tall, one-eyed Flaming Fist Captain nods silently to Murdoch, remaining tight-lipped as he critically assesses him, followed by Fimrold and Feldinor as they approach to stand beside Murdoch, and in particular the massive Belmort, the only one on the field larger than him, as the dragonborn settles his battleaxe at his belt and walks toward them. His eye similarly shifts to assessing Casta, watching as she appears to internally process the impact of her words before jumping down from the back of the wagon and closing with him. He remains silent, flexing his bloody gauntlets and tightening his lips into a grimace, for the first 30 seconds or so of her introductory monologue, but his mouth breaks into a sneer at the word 'compassion,' and he looks away from her to his elite guard of mercenaries sharing his expression, then turns almost fully on his heel to inspect his Flaming Fist soldiers, focusing on those injured in the defense, and nodding once in acknowledgement of Sorore's and Rigor's quiet efforts.
Still, Zodge looks to Casta time and again while she continues talking over another full minute and longer, slowly walking along his nearby formation and personally looking to his soldiers' health and readiness after the fray, but sparing no glances to the remnants of the mob that are slow to pull themselves up from the cobblestones and flee. He completes his assessment shortly before Casta finishes her monologue, waits another few seconds for Feldinor to speak, then abruptly thrusts forward an open-hand gauntlet to silence them, his sneer now a snarl.
"Enough," he forcefully begins in his deep voice, "and long past it. Noted you missed the part where I'm in command, and no one tells me or my soldiers what in the Hells to do with assets lawfully obtained by the Flaming Fist in the course of keeping the peace, with the city now sealed - by the contract, by the law, and in Baldur's Gate right now - that's me, and that's the Fist. "Offering," my ass; that rabble was damn lucky I decided not to arrest or question any of them...this time."
"Next, you lot will come to understand I'm a forthright commander, and will offer respect that's earned, and in-line with the respect I demand. Example of disrespect: presuming to tell the commander what he can do with Flaming Fist assets, and when the commander can talk about what best suits you, before that commander can even see to the well-being of the injured soldiers serving under his command. Someone could have bled out by the time all the pretty words emptied out of that pretty mouth. How's that for "Vigilant?" Try vigilance against Pride; Helm will thank you. Useful start earlier, though."
"Last, you lot should understand right now that the "contract" with Baldur's Gate stops and starts with the Flaming Fist. The Gate is sealed, the Fist is the emergency law, and you were drafted and ordered to report to one of the gate commanders, just like every other registered company in the city. Be glad for it; the Fist will start rounding up all the others after today, and pressing them into "service" in the Gate's defense. There's more to this crisis than you know, but understand this as a measure of it - I'm also empowered by law to execute you on the spot for refusal to comply. I'd rather you accept, and carry out your orders once issued - we need you. Also need you to hold your tongues for a long enough stretch to listen to the darker truths, though, and to receive the orders."
"Are we clear on all fronts?" Zodge concludes, his ire somewhat subsiding, and finally begins to wipe down his spattered gauntlets. "If not, speak up...briefly. If so, gather around and listen to what I have to say..."
OOC: Adventurers, some matters of protocol to address here, in the midst of pushing almost all of Zodge's noted "hot buttons" in one fell swoop, after a glorious start. Most entertaining - I had to reference almost every set of documented circumstances, with only one major exception not yet triggered, that can cause issues with him!
OOC: First, please adhere to Ye Olde Play by Post Etiquette Guidelines, which were violated when the Initiative Order was compromised, and which should otherwise be considered sacrosanct until the one holding initiative - friend, foe, or otherwise - uses it, surrenders it, or allows 48 hours to pass without response. Second, please know that the amazing monologue that resulted in the most favorable possible outcome for the riot was pre-coordinated, with the results essentially affecting both of the other sides' future actions. It was a well-played exception, and will not be the norm, but when something of such significance does occur, your characters are absolutely empowered to take advantage of the extra rounds of time within the exceptional act that the circumstances provided.
OOC: Hope the above notes are helpful! PbP is admittedly a different but very rewarding gaming environment, since we can't see and gauge each other's intentions and tempo as we would around the old table, and it does take a bit to get familiar and comfortable with the protocols! Now the real story begins...
OOC: Adventurers, just noticed that both Yokai and Casta had responded in the two hours' time that I pulled together all of the references to provide Captain Zodge's response! Apologies, missed them both!
OOC: Yokai, absolutely crazy about the reveal above! Brilliant.
OOC: Casta, I think everyone actually adapted well to the flow around the timing of your post, so it seemed to turn out fine without any resort to replaying matters. Also no way to "un-press" the collection of Captain Zodge hot-button issues, but that just keeps it entertaining! :-)
OOC: To Casta's question about Initiative, I had made a comment on the transition from Initiative at the end of Post #71. Essentially the decision vests with the current holder of initiative itself, once hostilities are ended, although it can certainly be a consensual matter. Individuals can also effectively stay in initiative, if there are matters that require that level of precision in the measurement of time. Hope that helps! Game on!
OOC: ooohh oohhh! what's his last button? I want to push it!
OOC: While I'm a 5e noob, I've been in several PbP, so I will offer my opinion for group consideration....and again it is only my opinion. When the @GM says "either stay in initiative or transition out of combat", the default is "transition out of combat" unless there is a character that says "I want to stay in initiative because I'm going to do something that is time sensitive and critical to go before my fellow players" like pocket the magic loot first (as someone who is guilty of making that statement in the past).
OOC: See previous OOC. IMHO we defaulted to "transition out of combat" per @GM's statement. Therefore I am a witness for Casta's defense team and assert the Initiative Order was not compromised. (Power to the people!! Truth to power!!) However, there is a subtlety in my position. It is courtesy to allow all players to post at least once if combat is going to be over in the first round -- as it did in our case. Which I believe we adhered to, since I was 1 of the bottom 2 in the order.
OOC: Other PbP characteristics. Much like real life playing around a table, there are different kinds of players. Those that like to banter (guilty); those that like to roll dice (crap...guilty again); and those that bring work laptops to the table and only engage when the rest of the group demands they put it down and contribute (yeah you know who you are!!). The same will happen in PbP. Players that like to post (IMHO) should get to post on the timeline that keeps the momentum. i.e. we shouldn't have to wait for every player to post a statement before a character can respond out of combat. e.g. a worst case is that everyone waits 48 hrs to post and in a game with 7 or so players it could result in 1 post every 2 weeks (extreme example to illustrate my point). What this philosophy looks like in game is several back-forth posts of conversation and dice rolls by players and judicious use of the quote feature to make sure your conversation is inserted in the correct order. This keeps the game momentum going and player interest/enjoyment high. The only downside is that introverts may not want to post that much, but generally extrovert characters paying attention will "poke" that player to join the conversation.
OOC: Last opinion. In this tools there doesn't seem to be a "discussion out of game" forum option that I have used on the Pathfinder site. i.e. discussion such as this post would be in a different tab so as to not break game posts. (which I took my cue from the previous OOC posts being here as clearance to post this response). So I believe we have defaulted to allow these out of game OOC posts to discuss game mechanics. (which I support) Whew! now I look forward to the prosecution's opinion. Game on!!
OOC: After Casta was Zodge and the Flaming Fist. They seemingly stopped combat. After Zodge was Yokai, who definitely chose to end combat: "Yokai remains hidden as he listens to the flowing words of Casta. He stands ready to assist if needed, should she be required to make any further rolls. He sees no need for further bloodshed." I see now, however, that this may not have been entirely clear.
OOC: I do agree that at the very least everyone should get an action in the first round of initiative. After the first round, we can decide to leave combat. It is my understanding that something like Casta's rousing speech was a one-off and will likely not happen again, as the player understands the time limit afforded their turn. If anyone wants to attempt such an endeavor in the future, they do six seconds worth and initiative passes. Given her ability, I would have just passed my turn anyways to allow her to continue, but I don't want to speak for everyone else.
OOC: Outside of combat, I do like the current flow. I enjoy reading and rereading the story and the pace at which we get to see updates. I would just hope that those who don't have the ability to post every day or every other day don't feel left out of the communal storytelling. I'd suggest that if that does happen, they let the rest of the party know so we can slow things down.
OOC: I wholeheartedly agree, you little instigator you!
OOC: @ Feldinor - Greatly appreciate your PBP experience coming to the table, Master Blackfoot. I agree with each of your comments. I would color one point slightly differently even as I agree with the impact. We have at least one player who is at the forefront of the COVID conflict. Posts from them will be rare because of real life burdens, vice a work computer at the table. Your point remains valid, but I wanted to mention another relevant justification.
OOC: As a player, I knew Casta was really overplaying her hand on asking to give the stolen pocket change back. She could not morally allow the robbery to pass and would most probably tick off the guy we are getting our mission from. She didn't expect it to work, but was morally obligated to try, and pay the penalty for the attempt. I do kind of enjoy the tension when me as a player knows my character is about to make a tactical mistake. Love the way it came out. Casta got chided back to where she belongs. Imperfect victory and still confortably fitting in her britches... or maybe breeches.
OOC: I'm so incredibly enjoying this game.
OOC: Casta, well-said on all fronts. The overreach on most (but not quite all!) of Zodge's issues that provoke hostility from him actually made for some high drama, which Zodge himself has to reconcile with the bottom line results of the engagement - the stuff of excellent material!
OOC: Also good observations from Yokai and Feldinor as well, although I still assert for the latter that we did indeed compromise the initiative order - it wasn't associated with you, as you'd earlier surmised, but you can reference previous entries to confirm for yourself. In any event, that common courtesy during initiative does need to be upheld, even if you need to festoon the next player in order with PMs to get them to quickly respond. Players otherwise only need to be specific about coming out of initiative if they are the one actually holding initiative in the turn as an engagement ends, at which point the "default" would apply.
OOC: I'm otherwise quite satisfied with the flow of the adventure, and am glad it's been enjoyable thus far. I share Feldinor's appreciation for the Pathfinder PbP site, which for every PbP features multiple folders, such as for discussion outside of gameplay. While the D&D Beyond PbP has some great features itself, I do miss that one in particular. For the group's SA, I'm also collecting all of the actual "gameplay" entries in this campaign in parallel, so that we have a version with the intended narrative flow of the adventure, and I'll send that out in email from time to time, if you find it useful for capturing the essence of the tale in the making. Helps me out a great deal!
OOC: Last, I'll give folks the rest of tonight if anyone dares to take Zodge's bait, then will continue on tomorrow (today now) with some private results for skills checks made and, of course, the dark TRUTH of why you have crossed paths with Zodge in the first place...
Oh well crap! I don't get to hand out the offerings. And this one seems awfully a grouchy fellow. But we need to make nice nice with him to get the choice missions.
Feldinor lowers his empty hand. "Right! Lawfully obtained assets. Want me to go gather some more, Captain? ... Lawfully gathering of course. But isn't it great that Tymora blessed us with the luck of showing up at the right time and giving Casta the right words to calm the riot crowd? I mean after all, the Law of the Land wants to keep the peace through as small of bloodshed as possible, right?" At each posing of the question, Feldinor pauses only momentarily to see if the grumpy Captain is getting more or less irritated with his attempt to parley. Insight 7 OOC: That is awesome!!! Feldinor just continues his soliloquy
"Oh and as far as killing companies that fail to show. That is the furthest thing from our minds. Which is why we showed up first thing this morning....right after breakfast of course. We couldn't begin on an empty stomach. And I'm very interested in the mission that we need to get to. Saving the world is what I live for. And with dark intrigue....that sounds absolutely right up our company's elite fighting force's alley." And with the completion of his smaller and much less elegant rousing display of words, Feldinor shuts up and prepares to listen to the Captains words.
OOC: If someone more diplomatic wants to also negotiate with the Captain to help diffuse his button pushing, then I'm using the Help to assist them. (although I'm partially hoping that his last button is: people who don't just shut up and listen. :) If no one else speaks, then here is Feldinor's meager attempt to diffuse the Captain Persuasion 2 See...I like to roll dice. :)
Fimrold pinches the bridge of his nose with a downcast expression, silently wincing at the mention of the delicate situation.
What a turn of events, I think it best if I let the captain speak his mind before opening my mouth. I’d rather not chance anymore disrespect in order to avoid conflict with our “employer.”
OOC: I believe I have found myself in the category of a more infrequent poster, and as such would like to mention that I thoroughly enjoy the flow of play here, reading interactions that I don’t verbally participate in does not infringe upon my enjoyment of the game nor does it make me feel left out of the communal storytelling. Feldinor’s PbP philosophy is one I can wholeheartedly agree with despite my lack of experience in this format as it applies even to tabletop roleplay; a characters silence is perfectly acceptable in plenty of situations and doesn’t have to disrupt other player’s posts. It should also be noted (at the very least for my own sake) that one’s lack of conversation does not have to imply a withdrawn state from future conversations. I sincerely appreciate the sagacious advice from experienced PbP-ers, the quote feature is among my favorites for making the story seem natural and life-like among majestic, awe-inspiring, encounter defining monologues and actions that truly make the fantasy memorable.
OOC: Results of the rolls made in the last post.
Sensing the tension in Captain Zodge's voice and reading the undertones of his rebuttal, Yokai waits for him to finish. He then walks over to Casta, looks at the ground to cover whatever facial expressions may show from above the mask and whispers "Wants total command. Control those under authority. Respect... obedience. Priority to Flaming Fist. Adjust your tone and delivery for effect." He continues to walk again, as if this was just a momentary stop to look at some stones on the ground. Deception 7
He takes a few shuffled steps past Casta towards Murdoch then stops abruptly. His head turns and cocks to the side, like a bloodhound trying to better locate a sound. His elven ear perks up and reveals itself from under his hood. His eyes dart side to side then settle on a distant alleyway beyond the crowds. His pupils open wide, letting as much light and information in as possible. On the back of his retina appears a dark garbed figure. His eyes dart to another alleyway, and then another. His brain can barely process the result of the aural and visual input before he blurs out in a hushed tone "Alleyways. Dark clothed figures. Watching." He does not reach for his weapon as it appears he is looking well off into the distance.
He turns back to Murdoch and says through his mask "Watching the watchers. Continue." He slides off to the side, back into the shadows, and (hopefully) disappears. Stealth 9.
OOC: And here come the low rolls. Should've put out that torch before trying to hide. /s
Casta spends a moment to reconcile Capt Zodge's outburst, some might say correction, with her heritage worldview.
She silently balances wisdom of her mother and temple leadership with the less familiar but more present street "justice" in extremis.
Lawful emergency authority. Respect the law. Don't mistake Law with Righteousness, Capt. Law is derived from the will of the gods. Law transcends Lords of cities, even Grand Dukes of Baldur's Gate.
Don't poke a wounded dog, Lapsu. Hearts are won in stages. One lesson a day is victory enough. You have stopped a travesty of fear and also called out the sin of greed. It is not your place to abolish all sin. It is your calling to confront sin. You have done this. The rest is on his head alone.
The Captain has seen a glimpse of Truth and responded, both positive and negative. Let him now see a different aspect, not more of the same. Yokai has the right of it. Now is the time for action.
Casta maintains eye contact with Zodge after his pointed question for just a moment as if she may answer, but then breaks her eyes down, signalling surrender or, at least, acquiescence. She keeps her eyes slightly downcast while she steps backward and circles left toward the assembled and recovering Fist Mercenaries. She looks for one that obviously weathered the mob worse then the others. Looking for running blood, likely a broken nose. Medicine 18
Fendinor, walk with me here and lets us tend to any remaining bruises or cuts. These Fist have also paid for the day. While the citizens are returning to their homes, these men are just starting a black day. She removes her right gauntlet and speaks a short prayer in Celestial. Radiant, white, healing energy coalesces in her palm and she glances back at Zodge. With the Captains permission, of course. Reaching the Captain seems to be done through his men, not he himself.
She approaches a bloody soldier, hand bathed in healing radiance. She notes the insignia on his baldric and uses the correct rank address. Gauntlet, may I bless you with restorative power of Helm? Assuming she is granted a grunt of permission she places her perfect white palm upon the blood and heals up to three points of damage. I will leave you, gauntlet, with just enough of a scar so the tavern wenches will ask from whence you received it. You can tell her and all 'round that you manned the walls on this dark, dark day. Following Feldinor's recommendation of who else needs healing, Casta will heal up to two points of damage with a similar explanation.
OOC: Lay on hands is good for only 5 points healing at L1. Have to spread it around a little.
Now that she has provided what direct ministration she can in the moment, she returns to Capt Zodge and respectfully holds her tongue.
Yokai has the right of it. Action sometimes speaks louder than words.
OOC: The following roll leverages Feldinor's Help Action to Persuasion
Persuasion 10
OOC: That is twice that Yokai and Casta have posted within minutes of each other and not being able to read each-other's posts. What are the odds?
Never mind. Never tell me the odds.
Captain Zodge has less than the space of perhaps one breath before Feldinor's own monologue begins, filling the expected moment of silence and expectation with a myriad commentary. Zodge's one eye grows wide, then narrows in suspicion, clenching his jaw as he looks to the others, and returns the focus of his hands to wiping down his blood-stained steel fists.
Perception 9
The Flaming Fist Captain's lips draw tightly across his teeth as he observes and tracks Yokai's attempted deception and subsequent movements, then shakes his head while following Casta's approach over to his defensive line. Zodge opens his mouth in a snarl to speak, then stops himself when he discerns her purpose in addressing injuries among his soldiers with her divine abilities. The Paladin's efforts and prompt return, rejoining all but the one of her other companions now gathered around the Captain, somewhat temper the tall man's anger with the resumption of his forceful words, as his grim splint mailed Fist bodyguards spread out at a subtle motion of his left hand to ensure no others approach within earshot while he speaks.
"Damn, but you lot can be more trouble than you're worth at times. I order you to gather around, and you wander off to chase shadows or check belatedly on my injured soldiers. None of you three are authorized to engage me unless I specifically ask to hear what comes next out of your talk-holes, or you're the last survivors of your company returning to report. Only one of you is of any clear use, but that one has shown enough that I'd be tempted to draft her for free sermons to the next mob and patch jobs on Fist scrapes and nosebleeds, if she weren't more likely to first get beaten and clapped in irons for insubordination."
"No, you can keep your lack of discipline out of the Flaming Fist's way - we have enough to deal with enforcing the laws while sealing the city against the worsening refugee threat. The truth of what happened to Elturel, as it gets out, is now stoking panic and fear that Baldur's Gate might suffer the same fate. Apparently, the truth is that nothing remains of the entire stinking city of Eltural but a smoking crater in the ground..."
"Worse, our own Grand Duke Ravengard, who is also Supreme Marshal of the Flaming Fist, left Baldur's Gate with a company of Fist soldiers for Elturel a tenday ago, on a diplomatic mission at the invitation of Elturel’s High Overseer Kreeg. Grand Duke Ravengard had to have still been there on the mission when the city was destroyed. Coincidence? I think damn well NOT."
"More to this truth. A few of the Knights of Elturgard - call themselves "Hellriders" — escaped the destruction of their capital city, and think the Gate is somehow to blame for Elturel's downfall. Self-righteous, stinking rabble-rousers! The Flaming Fist is arresting the bastards on sight, to stop them from stirring up their damn trouble in Baldur’s Gate, but the Hellriders aren't going quietly, and there's also violence and bloodshed whenever they're found. That's another problem the Fist can and will deal with from the refugee threat, but there's still a darker truth behind the stinking draft, and for that, the Fist needs the companies...and your help."
"Sooooooo....you trailed off in your mission assignment....Is this where you are asking for our talk-holes to speak up?" I presume talk-hole is some sort of military speak for asking questions during negotiation but these grouchy big folk are still a mystery to me. One minute saying shut up and the next minute starring off into space.
"Because I'm confused are you asking us to do a scouting mission to find out what happened to the Gran Duke? Or are you asking us to go find Hellriders and arrest them? Or quell the violence and bloodshed they are rousing up? Or deal with some darker truth behind the stinking draft....which you seemed to have stopped describing in mid-sentence?" Feldinor is not used to military chain of command types and finds it completely fascinating that one would seem to imply not talking is a good thing. How else are you supposed to ask questions and get the details of a mission. And we haven't even mentioned expected payment. Strange negotiations this one is.
After a moment’s pause to once again ensure the context of A Cuspide Corona’s summoning was clear, Captain Zodge resumes in his deep voice without further pause, the only distinctions perhaps a slight, unconscious increase in his volume and the gradual slide of his tight-lipped grimace into an ominous smile, and the continued subtle motions of his left hand…
“And with that first violation of orders, during martial law before a formation of my own Fist Soldiers, no less, the law must prove that ignorance must be no one’s excuse, nor mercy mine.”
“Seize him…beat him gently; nothing personal, lesson vice punishment, unless his seemingly wiser companions resist enforcement of the law…”
OOC: As anticipated, given Feldinor's character background and demeanor; it was a matter of when, not if! :-0 Roll initiative, if you anticipate taking actions in any capacity during the unfolding events!
Captain Zodge Initiative: 14
Flame Issio Initiative: 2
Flame Minaqua Initiative: 20
Flame Nelestree Initiative: 16
Flame Oliver Initiative: 7
Flame Soltus Initiative: 16
Flame Thalkara Initiative: 15
OOC: The next six seconds of Zodge’s words, which cover the first round, during which your own will this time be similarly constrained:
Captain Zodge continues in his forceful voice without pause, looking beyond the companions to his six grim mercenary bodyguards previously spread into a loose perimeter around them, the ominous smile now predatory…
“Again – listen; the threat grows, time is short, and I’ll waste none further on your lot’s antics, unless it’s to hunt you down...”
OOC: Flames Minaqua, Oliver, and Soltus initiative roll-off, highest going first:
- Minaqua: 75
- Oliver: 4
- Soltus: 35