The woman takes the note, but before opening it, glances to Morgan.
"The consuming of a soul is the way."
She opens the letter - breaking the seal - and reads it. Her jaw makes a clicking, squeaking sound as she grinds her teeth.
"This part is for you," she hands the letter back to Tarak.
The first half of the letter is written in some kind of language you've seen before, some kind of holy language that many clerics can read and write, but to you it's foreign. Your studies having gone elsewhere. But the second half of the letter reads:
Faith Bound. Your job is not yet complete. In the town from which you came, is a traitor. Ser Travarin Ol'Larin This traitor has stolen secrets and must be ended Go - as a agent of the Queen No harm is to come to Atholessa. Her debt is paid.
/a wax signet ring of the Tower of War is embedded at the bottom; showing that this is from someone clearly high up.
Tarak, you hear your own voice once again speaking to you. Like a whisper in your ear. Secrets Built On Lies, Oh Bearer Mine.
While reading, Atholessa goes into her small home, eventually coming back out with a small gourd that's been hollowed out and wrapped to serve as a carrying device. A small amount of a murky liquid sloshes around inside. "It must be ingested. The heart will stop soon after."
She stamps her spear on the ground, signaling that she's done.
(When you all decide to head back, give me a Survival roll. And a preemptive initiative roll)
Tarak nods at her in greeting. He raises an eyebrow when she speaks to Morgan. Then he reads the letter not surprised there is more to this task. Any messenger could have delivered a letter. After reading he takes the gourd and stows it in his pack. Then turns to Atholessa “Thank you and may you be blessed.”
He signals to the crew that he is done here and once ready begins to head out.
Tarak looks at Lafetha appraisingly before speaking then says “I was asked to deliver it by...well it doesn’t really matter who by, just know it was in service to the Iron Queen. Somethings can’t be trusted to your every day mail currier.” Then he looks at Morgan “You will love this next part. When we get back to town we must kill a traitor to the Queen.” And then to Abigail “And it would best be handled quite stealthily.” He then indicates the gourd.
Morgan looks at Tarak perplexed, "Why would I love that? Seems like we have to prosecute someone who could be just like me. I want to talk to this person before ... whatever happens happens, they might have some better answers then your vanguard vagabond. It it's alright can I see the letter?"
If Tarak gives them the letter, Morgan casts Comprehend Languages and reads the other part.
Tarak looks at Morgan. “Have you never taken a job that required you to kill? Isn’t that what you described to me earlier when you said it was your fault that you didn't kill the loxodon when you should have? I am oath bound to follow the order of the Queen. This man stole from her and must die. I thought it seemed to be right up your alley. Crime, Intrigue, and punishment. The rest of the letter was not for me so I’m sorry but it is also not for you.”
As the crew talks, and rides through the forest, a loud crack echos from close by. The booming sound of gunfire coming and striking Tarak's mule straight through the eye. The beast suddenly keeling over and falling down with a thud; the ground around Tarak becoming stained red.
With a pistol in one hand, and a cruel looking blade in the other you see Shatter. Having been hiding along the path and waiting for the right shot. Swirling around the mercenary is that barbed chain. Two other coiled chains rest against the armored foe. Adamantine armor and T-cross helm tilt while looking over at Tarak. "Just gonna take that from your arm..." the blade gestures over to the full sleeve of bones that's been whispering in Tarak's ear.
Lafetha, you glance around. This is not the best position to be in. The path continues, but you notice the small tracks. Simply running straight along the path won't work... as it appears traps are ready to be sprung and you don't know how well these mules will do . There's a couple of other small exits along the brush. You all could certainly try to outrun this bounty hunter. It could even be the best choice in the situation... although Tarak will likely be running on foot.
With this thicket, it's also possible to try and run and break line of sight. Gain some cover and hide... although ditching the mules will likely be the best way of doing that....
Round 1 (Begin)
Abigail & Morgan share one Mule (1/2 your movement to Dismount). Lafetha and the Guide share another mule (1/2 your movement to Dismount). Tarak (make a Animal Handling check DC 10. Fail and you're pinned under your dead mule. If pinned underneath - Athletics or Acrobatics Action to attempt the escape. DC 13).
Shatter is about 40 feet away from the group, and beginning to walk forward. Shatter has 2 Legendary Actions (Resets on initiative), and 1 Legendary Save / Day. If everyone is able to run, you'll start a chase scene. If everyone manages to hide, he may give up on the search.
Morgan just get's more perplexed, "Yeah, I take jobs that kill people, and I turn down jobs that kill people. It depends. One of the thing I turn down jobs for is if the client is a jerkwad. While your hobomancer is cool, the followers of the queen run me out of towns or try to kill me. So someone who angers the queen sounds cool and I don't have an interest in turning them in or killing them. "
Shatter shows up, Morgan's eyes go wide, "Oh no! Shatter! I was going to tell you abou..." get's hit with the chain acrobatics 13 Morgan struggles to get off the mule.
Summary: Tarark's horse is shot, keeling over dead and pinning him underneath. Abigail, stunned by the sudden burst of violence pauses while Shatter's twisting chain flings around Morgan (10). Morgan falls off the horse, attempts to free themself but is unable to. In the moment Morgan is attempting to free themself, Shatter begins to dart forward.
The cruel blade the Mercenary wields slashes towards the ground twice, Tarak rolling out of the way once but managing to get cut on the second (6). While the melee begins, the chain begins to constrict Morgan who is now coughing up blood as the serrated edges dig into them. Lafetha pauses, blinking as she looks over at the sudden combat. Again, Tarak rolls out of the way of the blade coming down at him and manages to push himself out from underneath the horse; grabbing and raising his shield as best as possible. In the changing conditions, Shatter again takes a slash - this time managing a deep cut (14).
Round 2 (Begin)
Situation: Tarak and Shatter are now engaged in a dangerous melee. Morgan - restrained - is on the ground near Abigail, wrapped up in a dangerous living weapon. Lafetha and Abigail on their mules - about 10 feet away from the melee combat. Your guide, is dismounting and beginning to run into the woods to get away from all this.
Abigail, finally processing what is going on, leaps off of her mule and engages with Shatter. "You all better run. I will try to hold him off while you get a head start."
Feinting Attack with Main Hand Tabaxi Axe - Attack: 15 Damage: 16
Summary: Abigail leaps off the mule, bringing blades to bear on Shatter. The first swing mere inches from a opening in the armor, while the second goes wide. Morgan wrestles their way out of the chains, before looking around and beginning to tear off into the woods. Shatter's blades swing at Tarak twice; the first fumbling into the off hand. But the second swing from the offhand striking deep and in one smooth motion covering the ground in blood (18).
Lafetha springs off the mule, kicking it away as she too bolts into the woods. Another flash of steel streaks across Tarak, as Shatter's blade once again slices him (11). Tarak seeing others notice following the lead of running - disengages (*changing that from helping already free Morgan, to prevent yet another attack on Tarak*) - and takes off. Not to be left behind, Shatter quickly skirmishes out from a swing by Abigail and begins to dart after them.
Round 3 (Begin)
Situation: Abigail... the crew has started to dart off into the woods... the floating spiked chain continues to swirl around and move. You can either engage that chain, or, choose to also enter the chase. (After this round, you'll be too far behind to catch up to them)
Chase - Round 1
((All characters in the chase automatically move their full speed. PCs all Go & Make Rolls - Shatter Go & Make Rolls - Results as actions happen simultaneously. You have a number of Dash Actions to use for free equal to 3 + CON MODIFIER After that - make a CONSTITUTION CHECK (not Save. Just 1d20 + Con Modifier) against DC 10. Fail, and you gain 1 level of exhaustion. Succeed, and nothing bad. You can still make attacks (ranged) / cast spells / etc All characters make a Stealth check at the end of the round. If under 30 feet away after everyone's turn - auto failure. Over 30 feet away, DC 13 and Shatter has lost sight of you. Tarak is the current target, and Shatter will ignore others to keep after the prize.))
Morgan, Lafetha, and Tarak are all running together through the woods. Shatter is 20 feet behind them as they run through the woods. Tarak and Morgan are both bloody, and leaving a trail - making it easy for Shatter to follow. (Disadvantage on Stealth rolls while bloody). Shatter is grabbing a pistol, and readying it to fire.
As the trio takes a turn, there's a approaching heavy thicket of shrugs. Make a DC 10Athletics or Acrobatics. Failure and the shrubs count as 5 feet of difficult terrain (counts as 10 feet of your movement)
"I am."
The woman takes the note, but before opening it, glances to Morgan.
"The consuming of a soul is the way."
She opens the letter - breaking the seal - and reads it. Her jaw makes a clicking, squeaking sound as she grinds her teeth.
"This part is for you," she hands the letter back to Tarak.
The first half of the letter is written in some kind of language you've seen before, some kind of holy language that many clerics can read and write, but to you it's foreign. Your studies having gone elsewhere. But the second half of the letter reads:
Faith Bound.
Your job is not yet complete.
In the town from which you came, is a traitor.
Ser Travarin Ol'Larin
This traitor has stolen secrets and must be ended
Go - as a agent of the Queen
No harm is to come to Atholessa. Her debt is paid.
/a wax signet ring of the Tower of War is embedded at the bottom; showing that this is from someone clearly high up.
Tarak, you hear your own voice once again speaking to you. Like a whisper in your ear.
Secrets Built On Lies, Oh Bearer Mine.
While reading, Atholessa goes into her small home, eventually coming back out with a small gourd that's been hollowed out and wrapped to serve as a carrying device. A small amount of a murky liquid sloshes around inside. "It must be ingested. The heart will stop soon after."
She stamps her spear on the ground, signaling that she's done.
(When you all decide to head back, give me a Survival roll. And a preemptive initiative roll)
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
"Well, this has been an interesting errand. Such intriguing people out here in the wilds..."
Initiative: 23
Tarak nods at her in greeting. He raises an eyebrow when she speaks to Morgan. Then he reads the letter not surprised there is more to this task. Any messenger could have delivered a letter. After reading he takes the gourd and stows it in his pack. Then turns to Atholessa “Thank you and may you be blessed.”
He signals to the crew that he is done here and once ready begins to head out.
Initiative 7
Lafetha looks at Tarak, "what was that all about? The letter I mean?" (Assuming he didn't tell us what it said)
survival 22
Initiative 14
Tarak looks at Lafetha appraisingly before speaking then says “I was asked to deliver it by...well it doesn’t really matter who by, just know it was in service to the Iron Queen. Somethings can’t be trusted to your every day mail currier.” Then he looks at Morgan “You will love this next part. When we get back to town we must kill a traitor to the Queen.” And then to Abigail “And it would best be handled quite stealthily.” He then indicates the gourd.
Morgan looks at Tarak perplexed, "Why would I love that? Seems like we have to prosecute someone who could be just like me. I want to talk to this person before ... whatever happens happens, they might have some better answers then your vanguard vagabond. It it's alright can I see the letter?"
If Tarak gives them the letter, Morgan casts Comprehend Languages and reads the other part.
initiative 22
Tarak looks at Morgan. “Have you never taken a job that required you to kill? Isn’t that what you described to me earlier when you said it was your fault that you didn't kill the loxodon when you should have? I am oath bound to follow the order of the Queen. This man stole from her and must die. I thought it seemed to be right up your alley. Crime, Intrigue, and punishment. The rest of the letter was not for me so I’m sorry but it is also not for you.”
As the crew talks, and rides through the forest, a loud crack echos from close by. The booming sound of gunfire coming and striking Tarak's mule straight through the eye. The beast suddenly keeling over and falling down with a thud; the ground around Tarak becoming stained red.
With a pistol in one hand, and a cruel looking blade in the other you see Shatter. Having been hiding along the path and waiting for the right shot. Swirling around the mercenary is that barbed chain. Two other coiled chains rest against the armored foe. Adamantine armor and T-cross helm tilt while looking over at Tarak. "Just gonna take that from your arm..." the blade gestures over to the full sleeve of bones that's been whispering in Tarak's ear.
Lafetha, you glance around. This is not the best position to be in. The path continues, but you notice the small tracks. Simply running straight along the path won't work... as it appears traps are ready to be sprung and you don't know how well these mules will do . There's a couple of other small exits along the brush. You all could certainly try to outrun this bounty hunter. It could even be the best choice in the situation... although Tarak will likely be running on foot.
With this thicket, it's also possible to try and run and break line of sight. Gain some cover and hide... although ditching the mules will likely be the best way of doing that....
Round 1 (Begin)
Abigail & Morgan share one Mule (1/2 your movement to Dismount). Lafetha and the Guide share another mule (1/2 your movement to Dismount). Tarak (make a Animal Handling check DC 10. Fail and you're pinned under your dead mule. If pinned underneath - Athletics or Acrobatics Action to attempt the escape. DC 13).
Shatter is about 40 feet away from the group, and beginning to walk forward. Shatter has 2 Legendary Actions (Resets on initiative), and 1 Legendary Save / Day.
If everyone is able to run, you'll start a chase scene.
If everyone manages to hide, he may give up on the search.
Initiative Order:
Abigail (23)
(Shatter Legendary Action Options)
Morgan (22)
(Shatter Legendary Action Options)
Shatter (15 / Legendary Action Count resets)
Lafetha (14)
(Shatter Legendary Action Options)
Tarak (7)
(Shatter Legendary Action Options)
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Animal Handling 5
if that fails
Athletics 15
Shatter AFTER Abigail:
(Chain Throw)
The floating chain soars and flings towards Morgan, attempting to ensnare them.
Attack: 26 Damage: 10
If Hit: Grappled. Escape DC 14.
Shatter AFTER Morgan:
(Skirmisher)
Shatter moves 15 feet closer to Tarak. Does not provoke attacks of opportunity doing so.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Morgan just get's more perplexed, "Yeah, I take jobs that kill people, and I turn down jobs that kill people. It depends. One of the thing I turn down jobs for is if the client is a jerkwad. While your hobomancer is cool, the followers of the queen run me out of towns or try to kill me. So someone who angers the queen sounds cool and I don't have an interest in turning them in or killing them. "
Shatter shows up, Morgan's eyes go wide, "Oh no! Shatter! I was going to tell you abou..." get's hit with the chain acrobatics 13 Morgan struggles to get off the mule.
Shatter's Turn:
moves closer to Tarak, taking two swings with his blade. The chain around Morgan contracts
Damage to Morgan: 10
Melee on Tarak
Attack: 18 Damage: 10
Attack: 11 Damage: 13
(Legendary Actions Reset)
After Lafetha Action:
Swipes at Tarak
Attack: 16 Damage: 8
After Tarak Action
Swipes at Tarak
Attack: 26 Damage: 6
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Round 1 (End)
Summary: Tarark's horse is shot, keeling over dead and pinning him underneath. Abigail, stunned by the sudden burst of violence pauses while Shatter's twisting chain flings around Morgan (10). Morgan falls off the horse, attempts to free themself but is unable to. In the moment Morgan is attempting to free themself, Shatter begins to dart forward.
The cruel blade the Mercenary wields slashes towards the ground twice, Tarak rolling out of the way once but managing to get cut on the second (6). While the melee begins, the chain begins to constrict Morgan who is now coughing up blood as the serrated edges dig into them. Lafetha pauses, blinking as she looks over at the sudden combat. Again, Tarak rolls out of the way of the blade coming down at him and manages to push himself out from underneath the horse; grabbing and raising his shield as best as possible. In the changing conditions, Shatter again takes a slash - this time managing a deep cut (14).
Round 2 (Begin)
Situation: Tarak and Shatter are now engaged in a dangerous melee. Morgan - restrained - is on the ground near Abigail, wrapped up in a dangerous living weapon. Lafetha and Abigail on their mules - about 10 feet away from the melee combat. Your guide, is dismounting and beginning to run into the woods to get away from all this.
Abigail
Morgan
Shatter (/legendary actions reset)
Lafetha
(Legendary Action Possible)
Tarak
(Legendary Action Possible)
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Tarak looks at the rest and says “time to go.”
If Morgan is still restrained athletics 11
Then he turns and heads away from shatter as quick as possible.
Abigail, finally processing what is going on, leaps off of her mule and engages with Shatter. "You all better run. I will try to hold him off while you get a head start."
Feinting Attack with Main Hand Tabaxi Axe - Attack: 15 Damage: 16
Off Hand Tabaxi Axe - Attack: 11 Damage: 9
Lafetha jumps off of her mule and follows behind Tarak while Abigail holds Shatter off.
Morgan (Auto):
Attempts to escape 7
If Successful - takes off running
If Fail - is stuck on the ground
Shatter:
Takes two swings on Tarak
Attack: 10 Damage: 15
Attack: 27 Damage: 9
If Morgan did not escape: 5
After Lafetha:
Shatter takes a swing at Tarak
Attack: 18 Damage: 7
After Tarak:
Skirmishes after Tarak (15 feet) - does not provoke AOO
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Round 2 (End)
Summary: Abigail leaps off the mule, bringing blades to bear on Shatter. The first swing mere inches from a opening in the armor, while the second goes wide. Morgan wrestles their way out of the chains, before looking around and beginning to tear off into the woods. Shatter's blades swing at Tarak twice; the first fumbling into the off hand. But the second swing from the offhand striking deep and in one smooth motion covering the ground in blood (18).
Lafetha springs off the mule, kicking it away as she too bolts into the woods. Another flash of steel streaks across Tarak, as Shatter's blade once again slices him (11). Tarak seeing others notice following the lead of running - disengages (*changing that from helping already free Morgan, to prevent yet another attack on Tarak*) - and takes off. Not to be left behind, Shatter quickly skirmishes out from a swing by Abigail and begins to dart after them.
Round 3 (Begin)
Situation: Abigail... the crew has started to dart off into the woods... the floating spiked chain continues to swirl around and move. You can either engage that chain, or, choose to also enter the chase. (After this round, you'll be too far behind to catch up to them)
Chase - Round 1
((All characters in the chase automatically move their full speed.
PCs all Go & Make Rolls - Shatter Go & Make Rolls - Results as actions happen simultaneously.
You have a number of Dash Actions to use for free equal to 3 + CON MODIFIER
After that - make a CONSTITUTION CHECK (not Save. Just 1d20 + Con Modifier) against DC 10. Fail, and you gain 1 level of exhaustion. Succeed, and nothing bad.
You can still make attacks (ranged) / cast spells / etc
All characters make a Stealth check at the end of the round. If under 30 feet away after everyone's turn - auto failure. Over 30 feet away, DC 13 and Shatter has lost sight of you. Tarak is the current target, and Shatter will ignore others to keep after the prize.))
Morgan, Lafetha, and Tarak are all running together through the woods. Shatter is 20 feet behind them as they run through the woods. Tarak and Morgan are both bloody, and leaving a trail - making it easy for Shatter to follow. (Disadvantage on Stealth rolls while bloody). Shatter is grabbing a pistol, and readying it to fire.
As the trio takes a turn, there's a approaching heavy thicket of shrugs. Make a DC 10 Athletics or Acrobatics. Failure and the shrubs count as 5 feet of difficult terrain (counts as 10 feet of your movement)
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Tarak dashes ahead carrying his shield. He uses Lay on Hands for 30 hp.
Athletics 8
Con Check 2
Stealth 8
Lafetha dashes away. She casts healing word on Morgan 4
athletics 6
Con Check 8
stealth 18