This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cale slaps Inglenook on the back and says "Just be yourself little magic man, you'll do fine" and heads off to hide just off the route expected to be taken by the pair of invaders.
“You... you horrible bandits! How could you beat on an old man? A man has a right to defend his home and town! Ah, no, stop hitting me! No not in the face! I’ll listen, just stop hurting us!” The professor pitches his tone and voice as an old man and begins limping along in front of his “mercenary captors.”
"Move it!"Travis barks, sounding as if he has issued his fair share of military commands in his time. He now has the professor's crossbow in hand and gestures with it toward the faux prisoners as if he's ready to fire on them should they try anything funny. He slowly proceeds forward with the others.
Being very convinced by the bard's performance, the kobold and cultist leave their spots on the bridge and slowly move to meet the party. Cale melts into the shadows, so they do not see him taking up a position on the other side of the bridge. The cultist looks at Travis and raises an eyebrow; he is eying him very warily. The kobold is very excited to see all of the loot and says, "More prizes for the dragons!! Good, good!"
The cultist sneers and asks Kiari, "Why did you leave these prisoners alive? Others may come for the guard!"
Kirari sneers back, defending her decision and moving towards him tugging Beatrice along with her giving her arm a gentle squeeze to alert her of pending changes, "I heard the other one we took out call her Captain. Maybe she has valuable information. And that one..." releasing her hold from Beatrice and turning slightly as if to face the gnome but turns back holding both hammers and strikes grinning wickedly, "is gonna kick your ass."
Then as it all doesn't go as she'd envisioned she gives her best (Indiana Jones) distracting smile, hopes her companions come up with something quick.
Note: non-lethal attacks, going for captive for the cultist.
Intimidation attempt 8 (going for shocked silence).
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As the group is now closer to their enemies--and hearing Kirari's words--Travis opts for a last attempt at distraction before things get physical.
"I'm sick of yer whining old man!" Travis snarls at Thaddeus, using his best hard-bitten mercenary voice and diction. "Time to do what I shoulda done when I found ya! Off with yer head" He drops the crossbow to the ground and draws his sword, his shield still stowed.
Then he whirls and rushes the kobold as Kirari attacks the cultist. "Remember we need him alive," he calls to her as he attacks.
The cultist and kobold both frown at the group and draw their weapons. The cultist sneers while saying, "I demand to know what this is all about. By the goddess, I will strike you all down if you are pulling a ruse!!"
(We are in combat for those who haven't rolled initiative, go ahead and do so. If Cale wants to surprise the bad guys, I would consider them surprised, and they would hold all actions on the first turn.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cale initiative 17
The rogue springs from cover and cracks Caramon round the head with the blunt pommels and flats of his weapons:
Shortsword Attack: 24 Damage: 8
Dagger Attack: 16 Damage: 1
Sneak attack if a friendly is within 5ft 1
On his initiative turn, he will go again. If at any point Caramon is knocked out by an attack, all remaining attacks will be on Kent and he will use lethal force.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Initiative - 11
Inglenook, still very confused at everyone pretending to be someone else, glances around with a frown on his face. He soon realises that the only people who are really playing themselves are the cultist and the kobold. He just raises his crossbow with an audible sigh at the kobold and fires a trigger happy shot.
The cultist feels it before he sees it, and gets hit by Cale's shorsword and just enough sneak attack skills to be rendered unconscious. Cameron staggers back and the dagger only catches the night air and he falls in a heap to the ground. If this was the D&D Saturday Morning Cartoon, there would be little imaginary dragons flying in a circle over Caramon's head.
(Now I'll start us at the top of the imitative order)
Next comes the professor who is looking like a very convincing prisoner, which may explain Kent's confusion as he throws up his arms and says, "Wait, what happens. We are all not friends?!"
Then, Kiari's hammer hits the kobold on the shoulder but looks to panic him more than severely injure him.
Travis then swings around with his sword and almost splits the kobold in two. If there was any doubt, Cale's blades and Inglenook's bolt definitely finish him off.
Cale crouches by the unconscious Cameron and starts to tie him up with hempen rope as he declares triumphantly "Haha yes! One reward-heavy cultists coming up Mr Nighthill"
Once the cultist is tied up, it's time for a little rummage through his pockets and pouches for 'intel':
Investigation 6
@DM:
Cale will try to pocket any small valuables if found, away from the team's view: Sleight of Hand 17
Once finished, the rogue addresses his companions: "Hey what do you guys think, leave him in a bush and pick him up on the way back, or shall a couple of us take him now?"
The professor slowly stands and begins brushing the dirt off his clothes and out of his hair. “Well now, that went rather well.” His voice is back to its normal cadence and tone, a slight air of superiority about it as well as traits of a noble manner.
He completes his brushing and looks at Cale. “Nice job Cale. That was a very effective swing though, if you’ll permit me, I did notice that your weight was shifted a bit far forward and you were off balance a bit. If that fool had seen you coming, and knew one end of the sword from the other, he could have easily dodged it and counter attacked.” He shrugs and waves a dismissive hand. “Still, one cant argue with results. Nice shot.”
Kirari speaks, "Beatrice, our mission was partially to retrieve you and return with a captive. Could you manage the captive back if I unlock and relock the gate for you? The other end was not locked, but hopefully fairly unbothered? That would keep it secure on this side and allow you to return with the captive right away." She glances at the others. "What do you all think? We could continue on to Lillian's and still have the avenue secure for our return. Other ideas?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Travis nods at Kirari's suggestion. "That sounds like a good idea," he says. As they plan, he scans the area--including the sky--looking for any sign of threats.
Cale agrees with Kiari's idea: "Sounds good, as long as Queen Bea here makes sure the Lord knows it was us who secured this golden goose"
Responding to Thaddeus's feedback, Cale touches a finger to his forehead and flicks it away in salute: "Thanks Prof, I'll bear that in mind next time. Oh, and I admired your pant-wetting, but next time you might want to squeeze your eyes a bit; makes it more convincing"
The professor eyes daggers at Cale, puffs out his checks in anger and steps towards the young man before bursting out in laughter at Cale’s joke. “It’s all part of the act. You must stick with the character no matter what! Good jab though, Cale, I’ll get you back on that one.”
After he calms from the bout of laughter, Thaddeus nods to Kirari, “I think the sooner we can secure the prisoner, the sooner we can move unfettered and with less risk of discovery... I don’t know about sending Beatrice back though. We might need someone familiar with the keep or the town. What do you think Beatrice, would you like to escort our prisoner to the keep or do you think we might need your guidance and knowledge of the area for this little mission?”
Cale slaps Inglenook on the back and says "Just be yourself little magic man, you'll do fine" and heads off to hide just off the route expected to be taken by the pair of invaders.
Stealth 14
“You... you horrible bandits! How could you beat on an old man? A man has a right to defend his home and town! Ah, no, stop hitting me! No not in the face! I’ll listen, just stop hurting us!” The professor pitches his tone and voice as an old man and begins limping along in front of his “mercenary captors.”
Noob
"Move it!" Travis barks, sounding as if he has issued his fair share of military commands in his time. He now has the professor's crossbow in hand and gestures with it toward the faux prisoners as if he's ready to fire on them should they try anything funny. He slowly proceeds forward with the others.
Being very convinced by the bard's performance, the kobold and cultist leave their spots on the bridge and slowly move to meet the party. Cale melts into the shadows, so they do not see him taking up a position on the other side of the bridge. The cultist looks at Travis and raises an eyebrow; he is eying him very warily. The kobold is very excited to see all of the loot and says, "More prizes for the dragons!! Good, good!"
The cultist sneers and asks Kiari, "Why did you leave these prisoners alive? Others may come for the guard!"
In apparent panic, the professor begins struggling against Travis “You monsters! Do your worst!” As he spits on the ground at the kobold.
Noob
Kirari sneers back, defending her decision and moving towards him tugging Beatrice along with her giving her arm a gentle squeeze to alert her of pending changes, "I heard the other one we took out call her Captain. Maybe she has valuable information. And that one..." releasing her hold from Beatrice and turning slightly as if to face the gnome but turns back holding both hammers and strikes grinning wickedly, "is gonna kick your ass."
Then as it all doesn't go as she'd envisioned she gives her best (Indiana Jones) distracting smile, hopes her companions come up with something quick.
Note: non-lethal attacks, going for captive for the cultist.
Intimidation attempt 8 (going for shocked silence).
Hammer 1 Attack: 13 Damage: 1
Hammer 2 Attack: 9 Damage: 3
As the group is now closer to their enemies--and hearing Kirari's words--Travis opts for a last attempt at distraction before things get physical.
"I'm sick of yer whining old man!" Travis snarls at Thaddeus, using his best hard-bitten mercenary voice and diction. "Time to do what I shoulda done when I found ya! Off with yer head" He drops the crossbow to the ground and draws his sword, his shield still stowed.
Then he whirls and rushes the kobold as Kirari attacks the cultist. "Remember we need him alive," he calls to her as he attacks.
Deception 4
Initiative 4
Longsword v Kobold Attack: 11 Damage: 13
Note AC is currently 16 not 18 due to no shield.
The cultist and kobold both frown at the group and draw their weapons. The cultist sneers while saying, "I demand to know what this is all about. By the goddess, I will strike you all down if you are pulling a ruse!!"
(We are in combat for those who haven't rolled initiative, go ahead and do so. If Cale wants to surprise the bad guys, I would consider them surprised, and they would hold all actions on the first turn.)
Kent the Kobold initiative: 8
Caramon the Cultist initiative: 22
The professor continues to act as if he is being threatened.
18 Initiative
He got a little too into character and is slow to snap back into action.
Noob
Cale initiative 17
The rogue springs from cover and cracks Caramon round the head with the blunt pommels and flats of his weapons:
Shortsword Attack: 24 Damage: 8
Dagger Attack: 16 Damage: 1
Sneak attack if a friendly is within 5ft 1
On his initiative turn, he will go again. If at any point Caramon is knocked out by an attack, all remaining attacks will be on Kent and he will use lethal force.
Shortsword Attack: 20 Damage: 6
Dagger Attack: 24 Damage: 2
Sneak attack if a friendly is within 5ft 4
Kirari's Initiative for future attacks. - 7
Initiative - 11
Inglenook, still very confused at everyone pretending to be someone else, glances around with a frown on his face. He soon realises that the only people who are really playing themselves are the cultist and the kobold. He just raises his crossbow with an audible sigh at the kobold and fires a trigger happy shot.
Attack: 23 Damage: 5
The cultist feels it before he sees it, and gets hit by Cale's shorsword and just enough sneak attack skills to be rendered unconscious. Cameron staggers back and the dagger only catches the night air and he falls in a heap to the ground. If this was the D&D Saturday Morning Cartoon, there would be little imaginary dragons flying in a circle over Caramon's head.
(Now I'll start us at the top of the imitative order)
Next comes the professor who is looking like a very convincing prisoner, which may explain Kent's confusion as he throws up his arms and says, "Wait, what happens. We are all not friends?!"
Then, Kiari's hammer hits the kobold on the shoulder but looks to panic him more than severely injure him.
Travis then swings around with his sword and almost splits the kobold in two. If there was any doubt, Cale's blades and Inglenook's bolt definitely finish him off.
(Well done, adventurers! Where to next?)
Cale crouches by the unconscious Cameron and starts to tie him up with hempen rope as he declares triumphantly "Haha yes! One reward-heavy cultists coming up Mr Nighthill"
Once the cultist is tied up, it's time for a little rummage through his pockets and pouches for 'intel':
Investigation 6
@DM:
Cale will try to pocket any small valuables if found, away from the team's view: Sleight of Hand 17
Once finished, the rogue addresses his companions: "Hey what do you guys think, leave him in a bush and pick him up on the way back, or shall a couple of us take him now?"
The professor slowly stands and begins brushing the dirt off his clothes and out of his hair. “Well now, that went rather well.” His voice is back to its normal cadence and tone, a slight air of superiority about it as well as traits of a noble manner.
He completes his brushing and looks at Cale. “Nice job Cale. That was a very effective swing though, if you’ll permit me, I did notice that your weight was shifted a bit far forward and you were off balance a bit. If that fool had seen you coming, and knew one end of the sword from the other, he could have easily dodged it and counter attacked.” He shrugs and waves a dismissive hand. “Still, one cant argue with results. Nice shot.”
Noob
Kirari speaks, "Beatrice, our mission was partially to retrieve you and return with a captive. Could you manage the captive back if I unlock and relock the gate for you? The other end was not locked, but hopefully fairly unbothered? That would keep it secure on this side and allow you to return with the captive right away." She glances at the others. "What do you all think? We could continue on to Lillian's and still have the avenue secure for our return. Other ideas?"
Travis nods at Kirari's suggestion. "That sounds like a good idea," he says. As they plan, he scans the area--including the sky--looking for any sign of threats.
Perception 23
Cale agrees with Kiari's idea: "Sounds good, as long as Queen Bea here makes sure the Lord knows it was us who secured this golden goose"
Responding to Thaddeus's feedback, Cale touches a finger to his forehead and flicks it away in salute: "Thanks Prof, I'll bear that in mind next time. Oh, and I admired your pant-wetting, but next time you might want to squeeze your eyes a bit; makes it more convincing"
He winks as he stands, warming to the old codger.
The professor eyes daggers at Cale, puffs out his checks in anger and steps towards the young man before bursting out in laughter at Cale’s joke. “It’s all part of the act. You must stick with the character no matter what! Good jab though, Cale, I’ll get you back on that one.”
After he calms from the bout of laughter, Thaddeus nods to Kirari, “I think the sooner we can secure the prisoner, the sooner we can move unfettered and with less risk of discovery... I don’t know about sending Beatrice back though. We might need someone familiar with the keep or the town. What do you think Beatrice, would you like to escort our prisoner to the keep or do you think we might need your guidance and knowledge of the area for this little mission?”
Noob
Kirari moves to the remains of the Kobold and searches him over for anything of use. Searching pouch and gear. investigation 7