"Sorry, friend, I think you have the wrong man," Murdoch tries to push past the guard.Something strange is afoot. Was he looking for us? Why? Insight16"We have a meeting by the gate, and it wouldn't do to be late!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The valiant Mrs. Lapsu is an Aasimar woman on a mission now. She treads confidently forward, the crowds parting for her. Men stare, or worse, unconsciously enspelled. Today, at least, she does not mind. Her concerns are higher.
She understands why some of the band seek anonymity, but to her the shadows are both unreachable and undesirable. The hidden places is also where revenge is easiest taken. She seeks not anonymity but the protection of presence. If you are SEEN, then you are not as vulnerable to a dagger in the dark from the red manes.
When the soldier calls to Murdoch, Casta disdains the interruption to their mission, but is sensitive to possible intrigue. She eagerly, but patiently (after a fashion), awaits Murdoch's reply.
Such a reply is uncommon. Was the guard telling the truth? Was he laying a trap? Insight2 vs the Flaming Fist man at arms.
Or, Murdoch may have been covering an unexpected reveal. Is he hiding something? He moves in patriar circles, so may have many secrets. Insight4 vs Murdoch.
He had been watching for trouble from a safe distance as they walked, when the man-at-arms interrupted Murdoch's stride. Move to intercept? Patience, see how situation unfolds.
Feldinor see the exchange and how everyone is looking to Murdoch for acknowledgement, but seeing that there apparently is some confusion about who knows who, he asserts himself into the situation….ehhh what’s the worst that could happen?
“Greetings new friend. You look like you have seen better days. What’s your business with my companion? I’m pretty sure I don’t know you. Who did you say you were?” History6 to know who this man is
Perception12 to quickly scout if this is an ambush of some kind
Insight14 to know if this man is telling the truth
Insight20 to know what the hell the rest of the party is doing by intently looking at the situation apparently on ‘pause’ 😊
“But either way…like my companion said…we got a job to do at the gate…so I think we should still be going.”
At the conclusion (and pending any dice roll changes) of the conversation, Feldinar positions himself within 5’ of the mercenary but appearing to move along our previous path…but prepared to counter any ambush attempts.
"Wrong...wrong man? Could be, friend...it's been a long one, it has...too many damn Elturgard refugees, likely thieves among 'em, and stirrin' up somethin' dark, it is. Streets at night, more danger than many a red year, and it's been too long since...hmmm, I can use that tea right now."
At Murdoch's mention of the gate, the haggard guardsman regains a small measure of focus and concern, then slides back into his distracted gaze, searching for something he cannot find.
"Gates are sealed, friend...gettin' dangerous there as well, with mobs formin' on both sides, but the Fist is puttin' 'em away hard so far, likely to be takin' some blood to settle 'em down. But..."
His tired, rasping voice trails away immediately when Feldinor approaches and begins to speak, and while most of the halfling's words seem lost upon him, his eyes narrow in suspicion at the last question, and he looks between Murdoch and Feldinor with new uncertainty.
"I didn't, little man, not at all. Don't know you, didn't offer...don't know... Well, uh, see now Jopalin's the other way, down dockside, and...got that special blend. Too long, it's ...well, see you there."
In the end, the worn-down man-at-arms nods in a vague acceptance of the ranger's and rogue's common focus on the gate, and the guardsman and Murdoch brush heavily against each other as both close and push past...
The remainder of A Cuspide Corona's ascent to the Basilisk Gate passes amidst the masses of traveling common folk without further incident, until the massive gateway towers above them, the multitude of statues inset in the walls and looming from the great battlements, as the source of the gate's moniker, glaring down at them from high overhead. The grim statues of the Basilisk Gate also gaze down, as the companions approach, upon a loose formation of dozens of Flaming Fist mercenaries, trying to control an angry uprising of nervous commoners rioting to leave the city. At the center of the armored formation, tightly surrounded by six grim Fist warriors, a very tall armored man in Flaming Fist regalia with long black hair and a black leather eye patch stares fiercely with his one remaining eye among the mob. At last two of the riot leaders begin to shout, focusing the uprising's anger, and the tall man's gauntleted hand rises with an abrupt gesture.
"Orders, Captain Zodge!" two of the warriors flanking the man shout in reaction across either side of the tensing formation...
"Break this mob,"the one-eyed mercenary harshly growls in response, as the rioters surge forward, "and restore order!"
His words are shouted by his men, repeated with discipline cross the suddenly unleashed formation within seconds, by which time Captain Zodge has already charged out in front at the head of his surrounding wedge of grim warriors, wading into the fray and targeting the mob's instigators, his steel fists immediately bloody with the focused brutality of his attacks as the massive fight is joined.
"Just another day in the City of Blood!" one of Zodge's bodyguards yells, his grim expression breaking at last into a dangerous smile, as his own mailed fists find their marks...
OOC: Apologies for the delay, adventurers; some very busy days bleeding into nights (pun useful at this time, but not intended) this week - I generally try to keep PbP messaging current every two-to-three days, so we're right in there. I'll soon be publishing a small "PbP Etiquette" sheet to help with answering questions on such matters, as the campaign progresses. Several of you have also received the results of various skill checks.
OOC: For the current circumstances, please recall both your surroundings and the dire context provided that's associated with unfolding events...and roll Initiative!
As the company leaves the confused man-at-arms behind and presses on toward the goal, Casta Lapsu moves alongside the dashing Ranger. "In troth, Murdoch, I'm not sure that man has the stones to be a Fist, not that stones are particularly worth having in the first place, mind you. She casts a sideways, playful grin as she cocks one eyebrow. As he spoke, I gazed into his heart and saw a haggard and confused man, possibly not even in full control of his faculties. What he has seen has stressed him to breaking and he seeks escape. His heart was not overcast with deception or manipulation but is a seat of hollowed out raddlement.
Casta casts her eyes about the party, making sure they are all in earshot.
Now that tea may be another matter altogether, friends. Jopalin's Tavern is down the docks, as you know, across the bay from the Water House. . . The Temple of the ***** Queen Umberlee. The docks is a hive of low activity for most that frequent there. Not all, of course, but many. I've spent many an hour ministering to poor decisions made down at the docks. The ever watching, vigilant Helm sees all, so no transgression is beyond his eye. Reconciliation is easier when a transgressor is shown that their deeds done in secret are already known by the gods.
Special brew tea is a concern for another moment. Duty calls us forward.
With Helms Blessing.
Casta returns to parting the struggling crowds, gently with her shield and glowing amulet if necessary, and making for the Basilisk Gate.
Sorore shares Murdoch's dismay, if not his taste for dangerous patriar intrigue. She halts at a safe distance from the unnecessary violence, and prepares to summon her divine magic, the gifts of Ilmater, to help end the conflict.
Casta is mortified by the unfolding scene of violence. Oh if only these scenes were rare. Casta assesses the situation through her Paladin training, trying to see as the ever watchful eye of Helm sees. Though still a Chevall, her heart seeks the right.
Who are these overcome by fear? Citizens helpless and trapped, massing like drowning rats. The Fist, also helpless and loosing control. Scrabbling for any futile or thin power. Even winning here will lose them. Neither of these are the enemy to you each. Fear is the enemy. What has fallen Elturel is the progenitor of the fear. Turn not on each other. Look to Elturgard to name your fear. Focus your own fear, Lapsu. Fear unhinged calls forth innocent blood from powerless Fists. This will NOT STAND. I FOLLOW THE RIGHTEOUS PATH, THE PATH OF HELM!!
Initiative check 19
OOC: I'm going to hate that -1 Init. Can't be good at everything! I'm going to RP the low Init as due to her needing to process every action through a religious lens.
“Looks like our group has arrived at just the right moment.”
Belmort laughs slightly as he blades his body to the melee, tightens his grip upon and raises his shield, and draws his battle axe. He holds the axe head down in his strong hand in preparation, if the fight comes to the group, but does not want to alarm the Flaming Fist or rioters to any possible aggression from the oversized silver-scaled fighter.
OOC: A Cuspide Corona, I wanted to pass word that I've finally posted Ye Olde Play by Post (PbP) Etiquette Guidelines on the Campaign Site (https://www.dndbeyond.com/campaigns/1028297), in the DM Notes under the introductory site opening comments. My apologies for the delay in doing so. For reference convenience, I also provide them below, and hope they're helpful , especially for those among us associated with COVID-19 pandemic response matters, in keeping your characters engaged and in support of the flow of the adventure for both you and the rest of your companions!
A Cuspide Corona: Ye Olde Play by Post (PbP) Etiquette Guidelines
I’ve gathered the below guidelines from multiple sources of sage advice on the matter of PbP etiquette. I hope you find them useful over the course of our adventures!
1. As a valued participant invited or accepted into the PbP game in which you and your companions have invested significant time and expectation of adventure, please review the posts in a reasonable timeframe, and respond with your own anticipated post, if applicable to the circumstances, preferably within 48 hours.
2. If you are to be unavailable for posting within this timeframe, please let your fellow players know in advance, whenever possible.
3. For the period of unavailability, please identify one of the following preferences for your character:
a. The DM “bots” your character through your period of unavailability, determining its actions (the default option, beyond the 48-hour response window noted above).
b. The player publicly specifies their “second” for their character, a designated player who accepts and is authorized to determine your character’s actions during your period of unavailability (the preferred option, when possible to arrange in advance).
4. Please allow sufficient time for the other players (and DM) to post, being mindful of real-world player responsibilities, and the necessary flow of the adventure.
5. Please confine the editing of your posts, if edits are even necessary, to the period before another post follows your own, in order to preserve the critical continuity of the adventure.
6. Please be mindful of the time and care that others put into your collective tale, to include different character perspectives, different gaming experience and/or traditions, distinctions between character v player actions/attitudes, et al, and remember that all involved are indeed gathered to have fun and fellowship enjoying the game.
7. Please resolve any OOC player disputes, should they emerge, via the PbP private messaging function, and not within the narrative posts for the adventure itself, where character tensions that enhance the story are of course entirely appropriate, while at all times remaining mindful of language used so as to neither truly offend others nor violate the PbP forum policies.
OOC: All, Greetings and hello fair minded Adventurers. In response to the 3.B (non-availability) I'm interested in trying to alleviate the Bot requirement on the GM as much as possible. I am generally available, as you can see by my post history, but in the event that I'm not available, I'd like to see if another player in our troupe would be willing to play the Aasimar Paladin for a move or two? Unlikely, I'll be out of contact for more than 48 hours, but I'd like to set up an option that does not burden the GM in the event of personal, but temporary, holocaust.
Additionally, I'm further interested in alleviating burden on the GM by volunteering to run mechanics or potentially commentary from your character(s) should you be unavailable in the required 48 hour window. I would need a little coaching your character's particular style and approach to circumstances, but it would be a worthy investment to get to know the players better through their character concept. To speak momentarily to experience, I've been playing RPGs consistently since middle school (which is a many decades past) and I have either played myself or played at a table with each one of the character classes currently represented. I won't propose or presume to play the personality as proficiently, as I'm apprehending some of you (I'm looking at you Feldinor & SynAckuL) but it would do in a pinch.
Send me a private text if you have any questions or coordination before any required public declarations are made.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“Perhaps our lot is now to bring peace to others...”
Rigor’s focus returns to the moment, inner reflection set aside at last. The monk falls into a defensive stance between the mob and the Cleric of Ilmater.
”Words another time, Sister”
Initiative 17
OOC: Sorry I’m late, folks. Being a nurse in geriatrics is hard. Being that nurse in the age of coronavirus... The extended demands have had energy and focus in a bit of a downward spiral, then add terminal tech problem. I should soon improve, and I’ll ask a second to help cover for me!
OOC: Quick followup after looking at my amazing initiative result. I’m probably going first, so without the situation having a chance to further develop before my turn, I’ll stay next to Sorore between her and the mob, and take the ready action to make an unarmed attack against anyone that approaches to harm her. Thanks!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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"Sorry, friend, I think you have the wrong man," Murdoch tries to push past the guard. Something strange is afoot. Was he looking for us? Why? Insight 16 "We have a meeting by the gate, and it wouldn't do to be late!"
The valiant Mrs. Lapsu is an Aasimar woman on a mission now. She treads confidently forward, the crowds parting for her. Men stare, or worse, unconsciously enspelled. Today, at least, she does not mind. Her concerns are higher.
She understands why some of the band seek anonymity, but to her the shadows are both unreachable and undesirable. The hidden places is also where revenge is easiest taken. She seeks not anonymity but the protection of presence. If you are SEEN, then you are not as vulnerable to a dagger in the dark from the red manes.
When the soldier calls to Murdoch, Casta disdains the interruption to their mission, but is sensitive to possible intrigue. She eagerly, but patiently (after a fashion), awaits Murdoch's reply.
Such a reply is uncommon. Was the guard telling the truth? Was he laying a trap? Insight 2 vs the Flaming Fist man at arms.
Or, Murdoch may have been covering an unexpected reveal. Is he hiding something? He moves in patriar circles, so may have many secrets. Insight 4 vs Murdoch.
No, don't slow down, Yokai pleads in his head.
He had been watching for trouble from a safe distance as they walked, when the man-at-arms interrupted Murdoch's stride. Move to intercept? Patience, see how situation unfolds.
Japolin's... Heard that name before? History5
What's he playing at? Hidden meaning? Insight6
No memory. Can't read situation. Rely on others.
Yokai looks carefully at the others and their reactions to this interruption, unsure of what to do. He keeps his distance.
Feldinor see the exchange and how everyone is looking to Murdoch for acknowledgement, but seeing that there apparently is some confusion about who knows who, he asserts himself into the situation….ehhh what’s the worst that could happen?
“Greetings new friend. You look like you have seen better days. What’s your business with my companion? I’m pretty sure I don’t know you. Who did you say you were?” History6 to know who this man is
Perception12 to quickly scout if this is an ambush of some kind
Insight14 to know if this man is telling the truth
Insight20 to know what the hell the rest of the party is doing by intently looking at the situation apparently on ‘pause’ 😊
“But either way…like my companion said…we got a job to do at the gate…so I think we should still be going.”
At the conclusion (and pending any dice roll changes) of the conversation, Feldinar positions himself within 5’ of the mercenary but appearing to move along our previous path…but prepared to counter any ambush attempts.
"Wrong...wrong man? Could be, friend...it's been a long one, it has...too many damn Elturgard refugees, likely thieves among 'em, and stirrin' up somethin' dark, it is. Streets at night, more danger than many a red year, and it's been too long since...hmmm, I can use that tea right now."
At Murdoch's mention of the gate, the haggard guardsman regains a small measure of focus and concern, then slides back into his distracted gaze, searching for something he cannot find.
"Gates are sealed, friend...gettin' dangerous there as well, with mobs formin' on both sides, but the Fist is puttin' 'em away hard so far, likely to be takin' some blood to settle 'em down. But..."
His tired, rasping voice trails away immediately when Feldinor approaches and begins to speak, and while most of the halfling's words seem lost upon him, his eyes narrow in suspicion at the last question, and he looks between Murdoch and Feldinor with new uncertainty.
"I didn't, little man, not at all. Don't know you, didn't offer...don't know... Well, uh, see now Jopalin's the other way, down dockside, and...got that special blend. Too long, it's ...well, see you there."
In the end, the worn-down man-at-arms nods in a vague acceptance of the ranger's and rogue's common focus on the gate, and the guardsman and Murdoch brush heavily against each other as both close and push past...
The remainder of A Cuspide Corona's ascent to the Basilisk Gate passes amidst the masses of traveling common folk without further incident, until the massive gateway towers above them, the multitude of statues inset in the walls and looming from the great battlements, as the source of the gate's moniker, glaring down at them from high overhead. The grim statues of the Basilisk Gate also gaze down, as the companions approach, upon a loose formation of dozens of Flaming Fist mercenaries, trying to control an angry uprising of nervous commoners rioting to leave the city. At the center of the armored formation, tightly surrounded by six grim Fist warriors, a very tall armored man in Flaming Fist regalia with long black hair and a black leather eye patch stares fiercely with his one remaining eye among the mob. At last two of the riot leaders begin to shout, focusing the uprising's anger, and the tall man's gauntleted hand rises with an abrupt gesture.
"Orders, Captain Zodge!" two of the warriors flanking the man shout in reaction across either side of the tensing formation...
"Break this mob," the one-eyed mercenary harshly growls in response, as the rioters surge forward, "and restore order!"
His words are shouted by his men, repeated with discipline cross the suddenly unleashed formation within seconds, by which time Captain Zodge has already charged out in front at the head of his surrounding wedge of grim warriors, wading into the fray and targeting the mob's instigators, his steel fists immediately bloody with the focused brutality of his attacks as the massive fight is joined.
"Just another day in the City of Blood!" one of Zodge's bodyguards yells, his grim expression breaking at last into a dangerous smile, as his own mailed fists find their marks...
OOC: Apologies for the delay, adventurers; some very busy days bleeding into nights (pun useful at this time, but not intended) this week - I generally try to keep PbP messaging current every two-to-three days, so we're right in there. I'll soon be publishing a small "PbP Etiquette" sheet to help with answering questions on such matters, as the campaign progresses. Several of you have also received the results of various skill checks.
OOC: For the current circumstances, please recall both your surroundings and the dire context provided that's associated with unfolding events...and roll Initiative!
[Tooltip Not Found] 6
OOC: So "Initiative" is not a skill then? i.e. the tooltip not found
Murdoch looks out at the unfolding violence in dismay.
Initiative 12
As the company leaves the confused man-at-arms behind and presses on toward the goal, Casta Lapsu moves alongside the dashing Ranger. "In troth, Murdoch, I'm not sure that man has the stones to be a Fist, not that stones are particularly worth having in the first place, mind you. She casts a sideways, playful grin as she cocks one eyebrow. As he spoke, I gazed into his heart and saw a haggard and confused man, possibly not even in full control of his faculties. What he has seen has stressed him to breaking and he seeks escape. His heart was not overcast with deception or manipulation but is a seat of hollowed out raddlement.
Casta casts her eyes about the party, making sure they are all in earshot.
Now that tea may be another matter altogether, friends. Jopalin's Tavern is down the docks, as you know, across the bay from the Water House. . . The Temple of the ***** Queen Umberlee. The docks is a hive of low activity for most that frequent there. Not all, of course, but many. I've spent many an hour ministering to poor decisions made down at the docks. The ever watching, vigilant Helm sees all, so no transgression is beyond his eye. Reconciliation is easier when a transgressor is shown that their deeds done in secret are already known by the gods.
Special brew tea is a concern for another moment. Duty calls us forward.
With Helms Blessing.
Casta returns to parting the struggling crowds, gently with her shield and glowing amulet if necessary, and making for the Basilisk Gate.
Sorore shares Murdoch's dismay, if not his taste for dangerous patriar intrigue. She halts at a safe distance from the unnecessary violence, and prepares to summon her divine magic, the gifts of Ilmater, to help end the conflict.
Initiative 14
Casta is mortified by the unfolding scene of violence. Oh if only these scenes were rare. Casta assesses the situation through her Paladin training, trying to see as the ever watchful eye of Helm sees. Though still a Chevall, her heart seeks the right.
Who are these overcome by fear? Citizens helpless and trapped, massing like drowning rats. The Fist, also helpless and loosing control. Scrabbling for any futile or thin power. Even winning here will lose them. Neither of these are the enemy to you each. Fear is the enemy. What has fallen Elturel is the progenitor of the fear. Turn not on each other. Look to Elturgard to name your fear. Focus your own fear, Lapsu. Fear unhinged calls forth innocent blood from powerless Fists. This will NOT STAND. I FOLLOW THE RIGHTEOUS PATH, THE PATH OF HELM!!
Initiative check 19
OOC: I'm going to hate that -1 Init. Can't be good at everything! I'm going to RP the low Init as due to her needing to process every action through a religious lens.
Initiative: 15
Yokai tightens his cloak around his armor, attempting to stay hidden.
Fimrold dons his shield and widens his stance, watching for enemies and thinking of a way to avoid this.
Initiative 11
Belmort scans the civil unrest and crowd for leaders that are commanding the riot.
Perception 14
“Looks like our group has arrived at just the right moment.”
Belmort laughs slightly as he blades his body to the melee, tightens his grip upon and raises his shield, and draws his battle axe. He holds the axe head down in his strong hand in preparation, if the fight comes to the group, but does not want to alarm the Flaming Fist or rioters to any possible aggression from the oversized silver-scaled fighter.
Initiative 11
OOC: A Cuspide Corona, I wanted to pass word that I've finally posted Ye Olde Play by Post (PbP) Etiquette Guidelines on the Campaign Site (https://www.dndbeyond.com/campaigns/1028297), in the DM Notes under the introductory site opening comments. My apologies for the delay in doing so. For reference convenience, I also provide them below, and hope they're helpful , especially for those among us associated with COVID-19 pandemic response matters, in keeping your characters engaged and in support of the flow of the adventure for both you and the rest of your companions!
A Cuspide Corona: Ye Olde Play by Post (PbP) Etiquette Guidelines
I’ve gathered the below guidelines from multiple sources of sage advice on the matter of PbP etiquette. I hope you find them useful over the course of our adventures!
1. As a valued participant invited or accepted into the PbP game in which you and your companions have invested significant time and expectation of adventure, please review the posts in a reasonable timeframe, and respond with your own anticipated post, if applicable to the circumstances, preferably within 48 hours.
2. If you are to be unavailable for posting within this timeframe, please let your fellow players know in advance, whenever possible.
3. For the period of unavailability, please identify one of the following preferences for your character:
a. The DM “bots” your character through your period of unavailability, determining its actions (the default option, beyond the 48-hour response window noted above).
b. The player publicly specifies their “second” for their character, a designated player who accepts and is authorized to determine your character’s actions during your period of unavailability (the preferred option, when possible to arrange in advance).
4. Please allow sufficient time for the other players (and DM) to post, being mindful of real-world player responsibilities, and the necessary flow of the adventure.
5. Please confine the editing of your posts, if edits are even necessary, to the period before another post follows your own, in order to preserve the critical continuity of the adventure.
6. Please be mindful of the time and care that others put into your collective tale, to include different character perspectives, different gaming experience and/or traditions, distinctions between character v player actions/attitudes, et al, and remember that all involved are indeed gathered to have fun and fellowship enjoying the game.
7. Please resolve any OOC player disputes, should they emerge, via the PbP private messaging function, and not within the narrative posts for the adventure itself, where character tensions that enhance the story are of course entirely appropriate, while at all times remaining mindful of language used so as to neither truly offend others nor violate the PbP forum policies.
OOC: All, Greetings and hello fair minded Adventurers. In response to the 3.B (non-availability) I'm interested in trying to alleviate the Bot requirement on the GM as much as possible. I am generally available, as you can see by my post history, but in the event that I'm not available, I'd like to see if another player in our troupe would be willing to play the Aasimar Paladin for a move or two? Unlikely, I'll be out of contact for more than 48 hours, but I'd like to set up an option that does not burden the GM in the event of personal, but temporary, holocaust.
Additionally, I'm further interested in alleviating burden on the GM by volunteering to run mechanics or potentially commentary from your character(s) should you be unavailable in the required 48 hour window. I would need a little coaching your character's particular style and approach to circumstances, but it would be a worthy investment to get to know the players better through their character concept. To speak momentarily to experience, I've been playing RPGs consistently since middle school (which is a many decades past) and I have either played myself or played at a table with each one of the character classes currently represented. I won't propose or presume to play the personality as proficiently, as I'm apprehending some of you (I'm looking at you Feldinor & SynAckuL) but it would do in a pinch.
Send me a private text if you have any questions or coordination before any required public declarations are made.
Game on,
Sir_Galahad_Reborn
OOC: 3b. I am fine with someone else playing my character if I'm absent. I will reach out to the preferred person shortly.
“Perhaps our lot is now to bring peace to others...”
Rigor’s focus returns to the moment, inner reflection set aside at last. The monk falls into a defensive stance between the mob and the Cleric of Ilmater.
”Words another time, Sister”
Initiative 17
OOC: Sorry I’m late, folks. Being a nurse in geriatrics is hard. Being that nurse in the age of coronavirus... The extended demands have had energy and focus in a bit of a downward spiral, then add terminal tech problem. I should soon improve, and I’ll ask a second to help cover for me!
OOC: Quick followup after looking at my amazing initiative result. I’m probably going first, so without the situation having a chance to further develop before my turn, I’ll stay next to Sorore between her and the mob, and take the ready action to make an unarmed attack against anyone that approaches to harm her. Thanks!