Raistminimizes his frame against the ship's mast, taking advantage of his Boots of Elvenkind to adjust his position silently. He breathes and takes a moment before rejoining the battle.
Dornal pops up but raises his hand in a fist to signal his man to hold off for now: "CRAP, we can't take aim with you surrounding the enemies like that."
00. Dornal's Barrage - won't shoot at enemies with many allies in the line of fire;
MAP:
Posted in the OOC Channel.
NOTE: Doozey is riding Biscuit so they occupy the same space in the map. Yellow circles represent the areas of Bright Light and Dim Light from the kobold's candle.
(OOC: Rolls are a bit weird in @Drache's post above: I'm going by original rolls, which are the numbers I am seeing as I type this. Attacks: 29, 26, 27. Damage: 12, 8, 14.)
Neya does not give the last standing enemy any respite. She lands three strikes at the currently unarmed man. He had dropped his crossbow after the Black Fists' initial volley against Neya, and then dropped his blade before going for a swim on Utar's command. (Green Black Fist#1 {J-20} takes 34 bludgeoning damage.)
The man then raises both of his open hands and pleads: "Enough... enough... I don't want to die."
-> He is effectively taking the dodge action as he surrenders.
The former Black Fist's surrender is enough for Utar to stay his hand, but h keeps a wary eye on the ship that the kobolds sprang from and raises his shield in that direction. Edging towards the edge of the gangplank of The Guilded Trophy, Utar looks to the sailors, "Hear that, time to get you back on board your ship and on your way! Are you bound?"
"Aye! Well aware, Dornal. Just hold your fire for now. This one tries to cut and run, and he'll be all yours."Doozey called out, if only after having taken a few moments to really catch his breath for the first time since the start of the fight. But even as he did so, his glare never wavered from the Black Fist member. "On your knees. Now." The halfling said, and using his scimitar motioned to the boardwalk. "And don't try a thing. 'cause if those bolts don't get you, I'm sure Biscuit here will. And he'll be far less gentle than I've been about things."Biscuit's deep growls only further emphasized the halfling's point.
Even if the man appears compliant, Doozey will whisper in sylvan a command for Biscuit to stay ready to grab the man should he try to slip away. In the meantime, Doozey does trade his blades in favor of rope to start binding the man's hands behind his back (none too gently at that). "Raist! If you can hear me keep an eye out!"
Bonus Action: Command Biscuit to Ready to Grapple (Str/Dex DC 16).
Action/Free Action: Doff weapons and pull out rope.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Mmmm..." Is all that Utar hears in response, as the bound sailors show the orc that they are also gagged. Thinking of his next step, Utar remains attentive.
Dornal props his crossbow on a crate on the deck of his ship and trains it on the surrendered green-splashed Black Fist, following Doozey's request. The man drops to his knees as commanded and peeps at Biscuit when the mastiff growls. The enchanted beast remains ready to pounce.
Raist emerges from his hiding spot and keeps an eye out for enemies. He does not spot any danger out of the corner of his eyes for now. (passive perception).
WE ARE NOW OUT OF INITIATIVE. YOU MAY DO AS YOU WILL.
(@MB: The Black Fist didn't have a lot of time to tie them up before CRAP interfered, so I'm happy with saying that the knots and gags are easy to undo. No roll needed.)
Utar spends a few moments freeing the sailors from the simple bindings. They thank CRAP profusely for freeing them but are clearly concerned about the situation in town. "We should leave..." one of them says and the others agree.
Still aiming his crossbow at the captured Black Fist, Dornal, an older dwarf with a long white beard, says to CRAP: "Great timing, my friends. Are you ready to depart? We can take on these freed sailor as part of the crew and leave right now!"
On his knees, the Green Black Fist begs: "Take me too! I can't go back in there... The Tears won't forgive my failure."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ignoring the Green Black Fist, if only for the moment, Doozey follows through on tying the man's hands behind his back for good measure with but only of warning to make sure the man remains complaint. As he did so, the halfling replies with: "'preciate the offer, Mr. Dornal, but our work here is not done. But, we do have a back up means of make'n ourselves scarce once it is, so don't you worry." He assured the dwarf. "'till then, mind take'n on the folk held up at the laughing goblin at the very least?"He further asks, both as indirect answer to Neya and question for the dwarf. While Dornal deliberates, he looks to Neya and say in more hushed and slightly in jest, "'less yer willing to risk a mace to the face, somethin' tells me Utar there ain't leave'n the city without trying to reach Moneus and getting cap'n Aleyd out."
At a positive one, and if the journey wouldn't take Neya no more than minute or two to get there and relay the good news, Doozey would ask if she could do so. Otherwise... otherwise he'd simply nod in understanding to Dornal, and wish the dwarf safe travels.
By either which way, soon after he finally speaks to the Green Black Fist. "As for you, we got questions. And given that time ain't on either of our sides, I'd suggest you answer honestly and answer plainly, or the best you'll get from us is a quicker death than the one awaiting ya should the 'tears' interrupt this little interrogation. Understood?" Doozey calmly asks with Biscuit licking his chops and almost seeming to grin at the Knight, as if answering what sort of 'quick death' awaited him.
So long as the knight remain complaint/willing to answer from then on, Doozey asks the following: - What is your name? - Who and what are the Tears? - Who is in charge of the Tears? - Where else were they deployed within the city? - And have all Black Fist defected, or do some -- to the best of his knowledge -- remain loyal and are still fighting? - And besides the green paint job on the armor, were there any other signals or insignia they've been told to use or keep a look out for to show signs of loyalty to the tears or the Green dragon?
Neya considers Dornal's offer, but Doozey is quick to dismiss it on account of the group's and allies' previously-agreed-upon, multistage plan.
As for the request to take on those currently sheltered in the Laughing Goblin, Dornal answers: "I'll have to admit, my old friends, that I am itching to set sail and leave this city. I wish I could be confident of a victory for us, the good guys, but I'm afraid my optimism is running low. I'll take on these here sailors to supplement my own crew. Even with their help, it might take a bit for us to free the ship. As I am sure you have noticed, The Gilded Trophy is bound to the docks by a number of iron chains hooked to its gunwales and rudder. Why don't you run back to your tavern and escort the folk you have saved over here while my men and I work on liberating the ship itself. If CRAP is not coming along for the ride, then I owe you at least that much."
(@Ori: I used that persuasion roll for Dornal's response. Can you give me a separate intimidation roll for the Black Fist? Others can help here as long as they are proficient in that skill.)
"Undrestood," the green-splashed Black Fist responds. "I'm called Retne. I and some other members of the Black Fist decided to support the dragon and her attempt to take over Phlan. They started calling this group the Tears of Virulence. There were some talks in the background, conversation in hushed tones in the shadows of the Stojanow Gate... when it became clear the town was going to be lost, it seemed smart to be on the winning side. That was my thinking anyway; I'm sure others have their own reasons to defect."
He takes a look at the group to see if you are satisfied with his answer. To be on the safe side, he continues talking: "The Tears are in the process of exterminating all the Knights of the Black Fist who did not join with us. Those who remain with the Black Fists didn’t know that the Tears existed as a formal faction until it was too late, so they were easily taken by surprise. Some of the Tears have been allied with the Cult of the Dragon for months. Their aid was crucial in sneaking the Cult’s forces into the town. Soon Phlan will be locked down, and escape will be impossible. But... I don't care about that anymore. I can defect again... Please, just let me escape town with these sailors, yes?"
Utar definitely provides help. Picking up on what Doozey is laying down, Utar makes sure to loom over Doozey to remind Retne that the stoutling has plenty of extra muscle at his disposal. A low, gutteral growl develops in Utar's throat and he gives Retne the ol' crazy eyes.
Retne pauses. He looks at Doozey, then Biscuit, then Utar. It is clear the man has been intimidated into collaborating.
When Raist yells out the next question from the ship, the man admits: "I... I do not know for sure. At least dozens of us have switched sides. Some, like me, were simply looking for the highest chance of survival, looking to join the winning team. But reasons for siding with the dragon are varied. Some men were greedy and were bribed to aid the Cult of the Dragon. Others longed for the days of worship of Bane, the Tyrant God, and believed that the Lord Regent was weak and that the dragon is a true tyrant worth serving."
Perhaps tipping his hand with the latest answer, Retne shows that he knew more info than what he revealed during the first round of questions.
Doozey bit back a grin in sensing of some of Utar's assistance being written plainly in Retne's face, and continued to listen intently. But having been reminded of Dornal's suggestion through Raist's own, he just about says something when Retne continues, giving him pause. "Mn... Raist." The halfling called back over his shoulder. "See it the message delivered. But also, Neya? If ya can go as well and help with escorting them out early, that'a be 'preciated. See'n as out of all of us, you'd be the best equipped from slipping past patrols on the way. We'll wrap things up here and come meet you part way."He assured her; but, if she insisted on waiting until they all could depart, the halfling put forth no further argument and just motioned for Retne to continue.
"... Mn. I see. Though doubtless we'll find out in the coming hour or so, I need confirmation Retne. No point in being choosey with yer words with yer life dangling by a thread. What's the names of the most notable among the Tears. And once ya'll were done deal'n with loyalist, what was the plan afterwards? And don't give me no crap about not being high up enough in the rung to know, 'cause /clearly/, you've been keeping an ear out on plenty." He said bitingly. "So, were they any other notable traitors aside from aside the Fist we aughta be aware of? Such a certain nobleman or their families, or even guilds that knew and are involved. And if so, who?!"
Continuing his crazed stare towards Retne, as if his gaze could drill into the man's very soul, Utar starts lifting Bonecounter, letting the head of the mace fall into this free hand. Thump. Lifting it again and letting it fall again. Thump. And again. Thump. Over and over. Thump thump thump.
(OOC If needed, hopefully, Utar's actions allow Doozey some continued help on a further intimidation check.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Raist minimizes his frame against the ship's mast, taking advantage of his Boots of Elvenkind to adjust his position silently. He breathes and takes a moment before rejoining the battle.
Dornal pops up but raises his hand in a fist to signal his man to hold off for now: "CRAP, we can't take aim with you surrounding the enemies like that."
END OF INITIATIVE ROUND 5
(Neya is up next.)
Neya strikes out at the remaining Green Fist.
Unarmed Attack: 16 Damage: 11 (29, 12)
Extra Unarmed Attack: 20 Damage: 9 (26, 8)
Bonus Unarmed Attack: 26 Damage: 8 (27, 14)
Extended Signature
(OOC: Rolls are a bit weird in @Drache's post above: I'm going by original rolls, which are the numbers I am seeing as I type this. Attacks: 29, 26, 27. Damage: 12, 8, 14.)
Neya does not give the last standing enemy any respite. She lands three strikes at the currently unarmed man. He had dropped his crossbow after the Black Fists' initial volley against Neya, and then dropped his blade before going for a swim on Utar's command. (Green Black Fist#1 {J-20} takes 34 bludgeoning damage.)
The man then raises both of his open hands and pleads: "Enough... enough... I don't want to die."
-> He is effectively taking the dodge action as he surrenders.
(Utar, Doozey, and Raist are up next.)
The former Black Fist's surrender is enough for Utar to stay his hand, but h keeps a wary eye on the ship that the kobolds sprang from and raises his shield in that direction. Edging towards the edge of the gangplank of The Guilded Trophy, Utar looks to the sailors, "Hear that, time to get you back on board your ship and on your way! Are you bound?"
Move: to M, 23.
Action: Dodge
Bonus: N/A
Raist moves away from the mast standing openly on deck looking for any further enemies
Laissez les bons temps rouler
"Aye! Well aware, Dornal. Just hold your fire for now. This one tries to cut and run, and he'll be all yours." Doozey called out, if only after having taken a few moments to really catch his breath for the first time since the start of the fight. But even as he did so, his glare never wavered from the Black Fist member. "On your knees. Now." The halfling said, and using his scimitar motioned to the boardwalk. "And don't try a thing. 'cause if those bolts don't get you, I'm sure Biscuit here will. And he'll be far less gentle than I've been about things." Biscuit's deep growls only further emphasized the halfling's point.
Even if the man appears compliant, Doozey will whisper in sylvan a command for Biscuit to stay ready to grab the man should he try to slip away. In the meantime, Doozey does trade his blades in favor of rope to start binding the man's hands behind his back (none too gently at that). "Raist! If you can hear me keep an eye out!"
Bonus Action: Command Biscuit to Ready to Grapple (Str/Dex DC 16).
Action/Free Action: Doff weapons and pull out rope.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Mmmm..." Is all that Utar hears in response, as the bound sailors show the orc that they are also gagged. Thinking of his next step, Utar remains attentive.
Dornal props his crossbow on a crate on the deck of his ship and trains it on the surrendered green-splashed Black Fist, following Doozey's request. The man drops to his knees as commanded and peeps at Biscuit when the mastiff growls. The enchanted beast remains ready to pounce.
Raist emerges from his hiding spot and keeps an eye out for enemies. He does not spot any danger out of the corner of his eyes for now. (passive perception).
WE ARE NOW OUT OF INITIATIVE. YOU MAY DO AS YOU WILL.
Kneeling besides the saliors, Utar begins untying their gags and restraints to allow them to get them on their way.
(OOC Do you want a slight of hand check for this, we're out of combat, so there is no rush.)
(@MB: The Black Fist didn't have a lot of time to tie them up before CRAP interfered, so I'm happy with saying that the knots and gags are easy to undo. No roll needed.)
Utar spends a few moments freeing the sailors from the simple bindings. They thank CRAP profusely for freeing them but are clearly concerned about the situation in town. "We should leave..." one of them says and the others agree.
Still aiming his crossbow at the captured Black Fist, Dornal, an older dwarf with a long white beard, says to CRAP: "Great timing, my friends. Are you ready to depart? We can take on these freed sailor as part of the crew and leave right now!"
On his knees, the Green Black Fist begs: "Take me too! I can't go back in there... The Tears won't forgive my failure."
Neya looks to the rest of CRAP. "We do have a way out of the city. Is there anything else we need to do?"
Extended Signature
Ignoring the Green Black Fist, if only for the moment, Doozey follows through on tying the man's hands behind his back for good measure with but only of warning to make sure the man remains complaint. As he did so, the halfling replies with: "'preciate the offer, Mr. Dornal, but our work here is not done. But, we do have a back up means of make'n ourselves scarce once it is, so don't you worry." He assured the dwarf. "'till then, mind take'n on the folk held up at the laughing goblin at the very least?" He further asks, both as indirect answer to Neya and question for the dwarf. While Dornal deliberates, he looks to Neya and say in more hushed and slightly in jest, "'less yer willing to risk a mace to the face, somethin' tells me Utar there ain't leave'n the city without trying to reach Moneus and getting cap'n Aleyd out."
At a positive one, and if the journey wouldn't take Neya no more than minute or two to get there and relay the good news, Doozey would ask if she could do so. Otherwise... otherwise he'd simply nod in understanding to Dornal, and wish the dwarf safe travels.
By either which way, soon after he finally speaks to the Green Black Fist. "As for you, we got questions. And given that time ain't on either of our sides, I'd suggest you answer honestly and answer plainly, or the best you'll get from us is a quicker death than the one awaiting ya should the 'tears' interrupt this little interrogation. Understood?" Doozey calmly asks with Biscuit licking his chops and almost seeming to grin at the Knight, as if answering what sort of 'quick death' awaited him.
-Persuasion: 22.
So long as the knight remain complaint/willing to answer from then on, Doozey asks the following:
- What is your name?
- Who and what are the Tears?
- Who is in charge of the Tears?
- Where else were they deployed within the city?
- And have all Black Fist defected, or do some -- to the best of his knowledge -- remain loyal and are still fighting?
- And besides the green paint job on the armor, were there any other signals or insignia they've been told to use or keep a look out for to show signs of loyalty to the tears or the Green dragon?
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya considers Dornal's offer, but Doozey is quick to dismiss it on account of the group's and allies' previously-agreed-upon, multistage plan.
As for the request to take on those currently sheltered in the Laughing Goblin, Dornal answers: "I'll have to admit, my old friends, that I am itching to set sail and leave this city. I wish I could be confident of a victory for us, the good guys, but I'm afraid my optimism is running low. I'll take on these here sailors to supplement my own crew. Even with their help, it might take a bit for us to free the ship. As I am sure you have noticed, The Gilded Trophy is bound to the docks by a number of iron chains hooked to its gunwales and rudder. Why don't you run back to your tavern and escort the folk you have saved over here while my men and I work on liberating the ship itself. If CRAP is not coming along for the ride, then I owe you at least that much."
(@Ori: I used that persuasion roll for Dornal's response. Can you give me a separate intimidation roll for the Black Fist? Others can help here as long as they are proficient in that skill.)
Intimidation: 18.(17)
If helped (presumably by Utar, as he's the only one with proficient in intimidation I believe):
13(18)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Undrestood," the green-splashed Black Fist responds. "I'm called Retne. I and some other members of the Black Fist decided to support the dragon and her attempt to take over Phlan. They started calling this group the Tears of Virulence. There were some talks in the background, conversation in hushed tones in the shadows of the Stojanow Gate... when it became clear the town was going to be lost, it seemed smart to be on the winning side. That was my thinking anyway; I'm sure others have their own reasons to defect."
He takes a look at the group to see if you are satisfied with his answer. To be on the safe side, he continues talking: "The Tears are in the process of exterminating all the Knights of the Black Fist who did not join with us. Those who remain with the Black Fists didn’t know that the Tears existed as a formal faction until it was too late, so they were easily taken by surprise. Some of the Tears have been allied with the Cult of the Dragon for months. Their aid was crucial in sneaking the Cult’s forces into the town. Soon Phlan will be locked down, and escape will be impossible. But... I don't care about that anymore. I can defect again... Please, just let me escape town with these sailors, yes?"
Utar definitely provides help. Picking up on what Doozey is laying down, Utar makes sure to loom over Doozey to remind Retne that the stoutling has plenty of extra muscle at his disposal. A low, gutteral growl develops in Utar's throat and he gives Retne the ol' crazy eyes.
From the other ship
"Do we have an idea of numbers? And should I send Sebastian to the goblin?"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Retne pauses. He looks at Doozey, then Biscuit, then Utar. It is clear the man has been intimidated into collaborating.
When Raist yells out the next question from the ship, the man admits: "I... I do not know for sure. At least dozens of us have switched sides. Some, like me, were simply looking for the highest chance of survival, looking to join the winning team. But reasons for siding with the dragon are varied. Some men were greedy and were bribed to aid the Cult of the Dragon. Others longed for the days of worship of Bane, the Tyrant God, and believed that the Lord Regent was weak and that the dragon is a true tyrant worth serving."
Perhaps tipping his hand with the latest answer, Retne shows that he knew more info than what he revealed during the first round of questions.
Doozey bit back a grin in sensing of some of Utar's assistance being written plainly in Retne's face, and continued to listen intently. But having been reminded of Dornal's suggestion through Raist's own, he just about says something when Retne continues, giving him pause. "Mn... Raist." The halfling called back over his shoulder. "See it the message delivered. But also, Neya? If ya can go as well and help with escorting them out early, that'a be 'preciated. See'n as out of all of us, you'd be the best equipped from slipping past patrols on the way. We'll wrap things up here and come meet you part way." He assured her; but, if she insisted on waiting until they all could depart, the halfling put forth no further argument and just motioned for Retne to continue.
"... Mn. I see. Though doubtless we'll find out in the coming hour or so, I need confirmation Retne. No point in being choosey with yer words with yer life dangling by a thread. What's the names of the most notable among the Tears. And once ya'll were done deal'n with loyalist, what was the plan afterwards? And don't give me no crap about not being high up enough in the rung to know, 'cause /clearly/, you've been keeping an ear out on plenty." He said bitingly. "So, were they any other notable traitors aside from aside the Fist we aughta be aware of? Such a certain nobleman or their families, or even guilds that knew and are involved. And if so, who?!"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Continuing his crazed stare towards Retne, as if his gaze could drill into the man's very soul, Utar starts lifting Bonecounter, letting the head of the mace fall into this free hand. Thump. Lifting it again and letting it fall again. Thump. And again. Thump. Over and over. Thump thump thump.
(OOC If needed, hopefully, Utar's actions allow Doozey some continued help on a further intimidation check.)