As Ezra returns to the cell to work in their escape plan, Damien starts cleaning the corridor in a rather unconventional manner. He places the rag under his hands and assuming a bridge position and running through the hallway on it, making every step as loud as possible. The warlock was considering dropping his water bucket if he saw some gaoler approaching when he overheard Herman making new friends.
Rough speech, cocky attitude, excessive aggressiveness. Small timers, he assumed immediately. Good criminals knew the moment to use words just as well as their guns. Those Bligewater Boys had nothing in the ways of persuasion and ignored how little ago their watchers were there. And their name was far from intimating.
“He is not alone, you know?” Damian said approaching, looking the surroundings for the rest of their ragtag group. “Ezra! Tarkhan! Croup!”
He calls putting a hand in his pocket. If the Boys had half a brain cell, they would be cautious about a blade. In fact he was holding his spell focus.
“Now, you can risk taking on the five of us, no doubt earning retribution from the guards in the process, or you we can all be smart, calm the **** down and either negotiate like a man or mind our own ******* businesses.”
He speaks not only to the man provoking Herman, but to his apparently less inclined to fight allies. Damien could only hope Hermam would be smart enough to stop if the other side did too.
Notes: Damien tries to defuse the situation. I trust the DM judgement if this attempt would be Intimidation or Persuasion. Damien has proficiency in both so the result to either is the same.
Damien's distraction is rather ineffective, as a gaoler brushes right past him, evidently heading towards Ezra's cell, though the exact object of its gaze can't be determined through the bag over its head. It is about to come into sight of Ezra's activities when the shouting echoing from farther down the hall distracts it, and Ezra is able to slip his tools into his pockets before it looks back at him. It holds back as Ezra moves toward the source of the disruption, watching from a distance.
Herman's forehead shoots forward quick as a bullet, but quicker than that the Hardened Enforcer ducks back, the blow just barely missing him. His scowling face cracks into a grin, and he slowly raises his fists, adopting a fighter's stance. This won't be as easy as it initially seemed it would be. A crowd begins to form, and the Bilgewater Boys soon create a sort of makeshift ring around the two of them. It's not the freezing meat locker Herman is used to fighting in, that being the Ring of Meat, and there is no exiled prince of the Tomb-Colonies watching over him, that being Feducci, but it'll have to do.
Outside of the ring, Damien is confronted by two of the Bilgewater boys, a Black-Toothed Robber and a Dour Fence. The Black-Toothed Robber sneers at him, revealing rotting gums and a couple shards of greyish stuff that could be called teeth. "Now, look'ere, (this seems to be the trademark saying of the Roof Academy's students) this 'ere's an honest fight. Weel, it probably ain't got many knives, at least. If you're lookin' ta make it dishonest, now, by all means go ahead." At this, both Bilgewater Boys place their hands in their pockets as well. "We'll be happy to reciprocate."
The gaolers watch from afar. They don't move to intervene just yet, but appear alert.
Meanwhile, back in the ring, the Hardened Enforcer throws the first punches. A quick feint, followed by a jab and a powerful hook, all aimed at staving in Herman's nose. The man certainly doesn't pull his punches. Attack: 7 Damage: 7 Attack: 20 Damage: 7
(The Bilgewater Boys act on initiative count 12, for the time being the only one taking actions is the Hardened Enforcer. The others are staying back, hooting and hollering, watching the fight go on.)
Ezra will push through the general rabble, stopping at the ring of BBs surrounding the fight. He'll wait to see how Herman wants to handle it, but be close just in case.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Herman sneers in return. The blow is snorted away by him, as he goes in to grab the enforcer by the collar and land another rearing headbutt and a swift knee to the gut. “I needed this to let some steam off!” He laughs heartily. This wasn't nearly as fun as the Ring of Meat, but a ring of Bilgewater Idiots would do just as well.
Main Attack is a grapple attempt: 11
Spend a moxie as a bonus action for two additional hits. Attack: 12 Damage:8 Attack: 22 Damage:7
Croup just stares - he’s not good at fighting - never has been but if it affords an opportunity for him to disappear and explore a little further then it can be useful - he would dearly love to know what’s behind the reinforced doors - with any luck the gaolers will come running through and attempt to break this fist fight up
Croup loiters in the shadows by the doors and waits ……
Tarkhan remains somewhat distant from the fracas--30 feet or so--but he's ready to jump in physically if Herman becomes outnumbered. His holy symbol firmly in hand, he decides to bless his spectacled acquaintance.
Sleight of Hand to cloak his spellcasting (if deemed necessary)14
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“Forget about making it dishonest, genius.” He says to the two blokes while turning his attention to the corridor, hoping to see if any guard is approaching. If he was lucky none would be and the Boys would remain immobile, focusing on him and his pocket. He would be more than happy to let Herman solve the situation in a one-on-one fight. Damien knew that amongst thieves and beggars you cannot back down when someone tries to take advantage from you, otherwise you set a precedent, send a message to everyone around that they too can get whatever they want from you. More than a few meet their deaths because of that, although usually not their definitive deaths. “It has not been long since the officer and some gaolers gave the five of us some work. This little show will bring them upon us, unless you stop your idiot and we stop ours.” The warlock preferred to not take any chances, after all if the last half decade had taught him something was that he was normally many things, but lucky was not one of them. “Are you going to do your part or are we going to watch the world burn?”
At that point he had little hope of his words helping, but it was worth the try. If those two decided to attack he could always use Shield. Of course, keeping his magic a secret would be better.
Notes: Apologies for the delay. I thought that Damien's last attempt to defuse the situation would count as his action in this initiative order. This not being the case, he tries Persuasion/Intimidation to stop the fight again.
The two Bilgewater Boys step back, seemingly mollified by Damien's words. There are still some spectators in the way, but he could potentially get into the ring. The Dour Fence speaks, revealing slightly healthier teeth than those of his friend. "Look, fella. Go in thar if yer want. But neivva our idiot nor yers seems too ready to back down. Yer might end up with a mouf fulla broke teef. I'd just let it play out, if I was yer."
Meanwhile, Herman reaches out at the Hardened Enforcer's collar and... 13 he expertly bats away the stretching hand, though he isn't swift enough to avoid the pugilist's knee. Still, he takes the blow, which would fell any ordinary man, and remains standing. Perhaps he has some experience in Feducci's illegal fighting rings as well.
At that moment, Herman feels a warmth spread across his body, as a faint light, unnoticed by the spectators, shines from within Tarkhan's balled fist. It feels wonderful. Inspiring. It almost feels like the rays of the Sun. The Sun. The Su— no time for that, now. Especially as the Hardened Enforcer tries to replicate Herman's headbutt with a little more success, followed up by a sweeping leg. Attack: 21 Damage: 9 Attack: 14 Damage: 7
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Herman revels at the feeling of the headbutt. It almost helps him fully snap into the persona of the Croaker, as he cracks his neck sideways slightly, showing everyone looking his teeth. Surprisingly, he has all of them in place. The warmth helps him energise as well, and although it is unexpected, he rolls his shoulders with even more confidence. “Come on, you piss poor dog! That all you got? That what you folks call a fighter?” He addresses no one in particular, rearing his head back again to deliver a headbutt. One could argue that it may not be the best course of action, but Herman thought it would look good. His head is stronger.
Bonus action, spend moxie and brace up: 11 temp hp
Once again, Herman's head shoots forward, and once again he reaffirms his suspicions that it is, perhaps, not the best move. Especially while wearing glasses. Despite this, the real aim of the move was less to inflict damage, and more to distract his opponent enough to allow him to assume a more defensive, grounded stance. The Hardened Enforcer seems eager to test this new defense as he rushes forward, raining blows down upon "The Croaker."
Attack: 23 Damage: 11 Attack: 16 Damage: 9
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
The runes inscribed on Ezra's left forearm flare with pain under his shirtsleeve as one of the Enforcer's fists connects with Herman, only for Herman not to feel the impact, but the gang member with bad teeth definitely does.
Once per short rest, when you or a creature you can see within 30 ft. of you is hit by an attack roll, you can use your reaction to choose a different creature, other than the attacker, within 30 ft of you to become the target of the attack instead, using the same roll.
((Think by rules, only the attack would be known at the point at which Ezra would use this, best use would be on a crit, but if I wait for that, Herman may be down before that, so looking to swap the 23 to hit over to Bad Teeth. Think the damage would be re-rolled, unless you want to let the 11 ride?))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
(Because PbP is PbP, I'll let you choose which attack to transfer, even if it does make the ability a little more powerful. I will, however, reroll the damage, to make it a little more fair.)
The Black-Toothed Robber's head jerks back, as something in his face breaks with an audible pop! He looks angrily over to the Dour Fence, and shoves him. (8 damage to the Black-Toothed Robber)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
((Yeah, it would slow things down too much for you to only make the attack rolls and wait for me to maybe intervene. Agree on the re-rolling damage, and as much as possible I'll be saving it for natural 20's, so hopefully won't be too much picking and choosing of which of multiple attacks to re-direct. If I decide to use it on something that is making multiple attacks, I'm also willing to commit to it always re-directing the one with the highest attack roll.))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Herman feels that some of the damage he was supposed to feel just… isn’t there. No reason to overthink it though, he probably is just that good. His heabutts, however, probably aren’t. Back to knees and punches it is. He lets go of the man’s collar and adjusts his stance, widening his feet and starting to sway a little. His left fist starts moving in a hook-like manner towards the Enforcer’s head, at which point Hermann swiftly snaps his body around in an attempt to spike the point of his elbow into the man’s jaw, followed by a pair of quick jabs to his solar plexus.
Attack: 22 +2 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. Attack: 11 +3 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. Attack: 16 +3 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Main action is Attack, bonus action is using a Persona Point for two additional strikes
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Initiative: 20
Attack: 9 Damage: 5
As Ezra returns to the cell to work in their escape plan, Damien starts cleaning the corridor in a rather unconventional manner. He places the rag under his hands and assuming a bridge position and running through the hallway on it, making every step as loud as possible. The warlock was considering dropping his water bucket if he saw some gaoler approaching when he overheard Herman making new friends.
Rough speech, cocky attitude, excessive aggressiveness. Small timers, he assumed immediately. Good criminals knew the moment to use words just as well as their guns. Those Bligewater Boys had nothing in the ways of persuasion and ignored how little ago their watchers were there. And their name was far from intimating.
“He is not alone, you know?” Damian said approaching, looking the surroundings for the rest of their ragtag group. “Ezra! Tarkhan! Croup!”
He calls putting a hand in his pocket. If the Boys had half a brain cell, they would be cautious about a blade. In fact he was holding his spell focus.
“Now, you can risk taking on the five of us, no doubt earning retribution from the guards in the process, or you we can all be smart, calm the **** down and either negotiate like a man or mind our own ******* businesses.”
He speaks not only to the man provoking Herman, but to his apparently less inclined to fight allies. Damien could only hope Hermam would be smart enough to stop if the other side did too.
Notes: Damien tries to defuse the situation. I trust the DM judgement if this attempt would be Intimidation or Persuasion. Damien has proficiency in both so the result to either is the same.
Persuasion/Intimidation: 13
Initiative: 17
Ezra pokes his head out of his cell.
Initiative: 16
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Initiative for Tarkhan 18
Meanwhile, back in the ring, the Hardened Enforcer throws the first punches. A quick feint, followed by a jab and a powerful hook, all aimed at staving in Herman's nose. The man certainly doesn't pull his punches.
Attack: 7 Damage: 7
Attack: 20 Damage: 7
(The Bilgewater Boys act on initiative count 12, for the time being the only one taking actions is the Hardened Enforcer. The others are staying back, hooting and hollering, watching the fight go on.)
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Ezra will push through the general rabble, stopping at the ring of BBs surrounding the fight. He'll wait to see how Herman wants to handle it, but be close just in case.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Herman sneers in return. The blow is snorted away by him, as he goes in to grab the enforcer by the collar and land another rearing headbutt and a swift knee to the gut. “I needed this to let some steam off!” He laughs heartily. This wasn't nearly as fun as the Ring of Meat, but a ring of Bilgewater Idiots would do just as well.
Main Attack is a grapple attempt: 11
Spend a moxie as a bonus action for two additional hits. Attack: 12 Damage:8 Attack: 22 Damage:7
Croup just stares - he’s not good at fighting - never has been but if it affords an opportunity for him to disappear and explore a little further then it can be useful - he would dearly love to know what’s behind the reinforced doors - with any luck the gaolers will come running through and attempt to break this fist fight up
Croup loiters in the shadows by the doors and waits ……
Stealth check: 17
Tarkhan remains somewhat distant from the fracas--30 feet or so--but he's ready to jump in physically if Herman becomes outnumbered. His holy symbol firmly in hand, he decides to bless his spectacled acquaintance.
Sleight of Hand to cloak his spellcasting (if deemed necessary)14
(Damien, any action or are you allowing the fight to go on?)
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
“Forget about making it dishonest, genius.” He says to the two blokes while turning his attention to the corridor, hoping to see if any guard is approaching. If he was lucky none would be and the Boys would remain immobile, focusing on him and his pocket. He would be more than happy to let Herman solve the situation in a one-on-one fight. Damien knew that amongst thieves and beggars you cannot back down when someone tries to take advantage from you, otherwise you set a precedent, send a message to everyone around that they too can get whatever they want from you. More than a few meet their deaths because of that, although usually not their definitive deaths. “It has not been long since the officer and some gaolers gave the five of us some work. This little show will bring them upon us, unless you stop your idiot and we stop ours.” The warlock preferred to not take any chances, after all if the last half decade had taught him something was that he was normally many things, but lucky was not one of them. “Are you going to do your part or are we going to watch the world burn?”
At that point he had little hope of his words helping, but it was worth the try. If those two decided to attack he could always use Shield. Of course, keeping his magic a secret would be better.
Notes: Apologies for the delay. I thought that Damien's last attempt to defuse the situation would count as his action in this initiative order. This not being the case, he tries Persuasion/Intimidation to stop the fight again.
Persuasion/Intimidation: 26
(The Boys seem definitely fine with letting it be a one-on-one fight, unless you make any actions to intervene)
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
The two Bilgewater Boys step back, seemingly mollified by Damien's words. There are still some spectators in the way, but he could potentially get into the ring. The Dour Fence speaks, revealing slightly healthier teeth than those of his friend. "Look, fella. Go in thar if yer want. But neivva our idiot nor yers seems too ready to back down. Yer might end up with a mouf fulla broke teef. I'd just let it play out, if I was yer."
Meanwhile, Herman reaches out at the Hardened Enforcer's collar and... 13 he expertly bats away the stretching hand, though he isn't swift enough to avoid the pugilist's knee. Still, he takes the blow, which would fell any ordinary man, and remains standing. Perhaps he has some experience in Feducci's illegal fighting rings as well.
At that moment, Herman feels a warmth spread across his body, as a faint light, unnoticed by the spectators, shines from within Tarkhan's balled fist. It feels wonderful. Inspiring. It almost feels like the rays of the Sun. The Sun. The Su— no time for that, now. Especially as the Hardened Enforcer tries to replicate Herman's headbutt with a little more success, followed up by a sweeping leg.
Attack: 21 Damage: 9
Attack: 14 Damage: 7
Everyone who wishes to take an action may
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Herman revels at the feeling of the headbutt. It almost helps him fully snap into the persona of the Croaker, as he cracks his neck sideways slightly, showing everyone looking his teeth. Surprisingly, he has all of them in place. The warmth helps him energise as well, and although it is unexpected, he rolls his shoulders with even more confidence. “Come on, you piss poor dog! That all you got? That what you folks call a fighter?” He addresses no one in particular, rearing his head back again to deliver a headbutt. One could argue that it may not be the best course of action, but Herman thought it would look good. His head is stronger.
Bonus action, spend moxie and brace up: 11 temp hp
Attack: 10 + 4 Damage: 7
((Ezra is just holding position.))
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Once again, Herman's head shoots forward, and once again he reaffirms his suspicions that it is, perhaps, not the best move. Especially while wearing glasses. Despite this, the real aim of the move was less to inflict damage, and more to distract his opponent enough to allow him to assume a more defensive, grounded stance. The Hardened Enforcer seems eager to test this new defense as he rushes forward, raining blows down upon "The Croaker."
Attack: 23 Damage: 11
Attack: 16 Damage: 9
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
The runes inscribed on Ezra's left forearm flare with pain under his shirtsleeve as one of the Enforcer's fists connects with Herman, only for Herman not to feel the impact, but the gang member with bad teeth definitely does.
((Think by rules, only the attack would be known at the point at which Ezra would use this, best use would be on a crit, but if I wait for that, Herman may be down before that, so looking to swap the 23 to hit over to Bad Teeth. Think the damage would be re-rolled, unless you want to let the 11 ride?))
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
(Because PbP is PbP, I'll let you choose which attack to transfer, even if it does make the ability a little more powerful. I will, however, reroll the damage, to make it a little more fair.)
The Black-Toothed Robber's head jerks back, as something in his face breaks with an audible pop! He looks angrily over to the Dour Fence, and shoves him. (8 damage to the Black-Toothed Robber)
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
((Yeah, it would slow things down too much for you to only make the attack rolls and wait for me to maybe intervene. Agree on the re-rolling damage, and as much as possible I'll be saving it for natural 20's, so hopefully won't be too much picking and choosing of which of multiple attacks to re-direct. If I decide to use it on something that is making multiple attacks, I'm also willing to commit to it always re-directing the one with the highest attack roll.))
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Herman feels that some of the damage he was supposed to feel just… isn’t there. No reason to overthink it though, he probably is just that good. His heabutts, however, probably aren’t. Back to knees and punches it is. He lets go of the man’s collar and adjusts his stance, widening his feet and starting to sway a little. His left fist starts moving in a hook-like manner towards the Enforcer’s head, at which point Hermann swiftly snaps his body around in an attempt to spike the point of his elbow into the man’s jaw, followed by a pair of quick jabs to his solar plexus.
Attack: 22 +2 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. Attack: 11 +3 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. Attack: 16 +3 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Main action is Attack, bonus action is using a Persona Point for two additional strikes