Re: Chapter Two

[Kellar]

Kellar met Artimus's hand and shook once. Well met, Artimus. We did what we could to hold the gate and drop the portcullis. As Master Pelegar said, if it hadn't be shut, all of Esmeltaran would've been razed, not just half of it, he said.

Orbaugh climbed Kellar's back to his shoulder and chirped lightly toward Artimus. He sound funny. Kellar smirked, Be nice Orbaugh, he may become our friend.

It sounds like we'll have to hold the docks ourselves. Master Pelegar, if you'd be so kind, and create a station point somewhere nearby, and begin collecting what wounded, civilian and rations there, it'll help steel the people for a couple of days, he said to the guard captain.

It seems that Artimus will accompany us to the docks and we'll secure it and re-establish order. What would you have us do about the deserters? In my day, everyone fought, no one quit. Those that quit, I killed myself, he said levelly to Pelegar.

[...]
“Then, they fell back. Fell back, cutting down the merchants and citizens and guardsmen that were fleeing the city. The bastards. They cut a river of blood and sailed down on our dignity.”

Lord Hale, after we're done with this dock business, perhaps we should investigate that trail, it seems they have no fear that someone would follow them. What say you, he questioned.

Adrianna, Geld, would you be coming with us, or will you help secure a station point for people to come to in their time of need, he asked of them.

Kellar looks over his own gear again and eats a small bit of food and shares with Orbaugh. I'm ready with you are. Artimus, care to lead the way?

Actions:
Kellar will suggest a rally point for rations, water and survivors to be at one place instead of scattered. He will also infer that Andrianna and Geld should help organize it if they aren't inclined to help clear the docks.
Kellar offered a followup to the dock clearing: following the trail left behind by the attackers. Kellar will also be open to other suggestions beyond securing the docks.

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl sees that his companions are beginning to move, and rips his gaze away from the dark sigil. He heard something regarding a man riding the dragon, and it only confirms his suspicions that there was great work here than the simple conquering of a city. This spelled disaster for the entire Sword Coast.

He felt compelled to speak to his master, as he knew he could read the shadowcant of the book buried in his pack, but Shorjahl felt a great obligation to the people here. He jogs slightly to catch up with the others, remaining quiet, whispering spell forms and formulae to himself in concentration for the upcoming battles he was sure would occur.

[Ao]

Pelegar nods at Kellar.

"Yes, we've already formed a relief point just beyond the wall into western Esmeltaran, at the temple of Waukeen."

He points back towards a gate that once belonged to the palace wall.

Andrianna nods at Kellar.

"Geld and I will lend our assistance to the church. You'll find us there when you return."

The gnome looks up to the sky, furrowing his brow.

"That dark mark. I like it less and less, the more I stare at it. Might be that one of the injured saw clearly this... Hulking ogre Mage, who rides a dragon. What did you say his name was, seaman? Zoziz?"

Geld looks puzzled.

Pelegar looks to where his two men are engaged in a fistfight with the two would-be bed thieves.

"Right, Thickett. If you lot are headed to the docks, I'll rally some men and ride a wagon down to meet you. See if you can interrupt their thievery. No doubt the Shadow Thieves are operating with military precision, but the other looters and deserters can likely be distracted, somehow. We cannot let the thieves sail away with half the city's supplies."

With that, Pelegar unsheathes his sword and charges over the rubble toward his men.

[...]

The ruins of eastern Esmeltaran are even bleaker than they look from afar.

The streets are hazy with smoke and ash, quiet lane ways leading into broken junctions where pillagers and cutthroats brandish torches and knives at one another.

You charge through, avoiding confrontation. A cloaked man pushes past you, smiling from beneath a lowered hood.

You round a corner, and two half-orcs bump into Shorjahl. They reach for their weapons, but stop when they notice the rest of you, and they skitter off into the smog down an alleyway.

Cries echo out the ravaged streets. You find yourselves halfway lost in the unfamiliar surroundings. Even Custer, who has walked these streets since he was knee-high, cannot recognize the twisted wreckage of his city well enough to navigate.

Suddenly, a grim sight comes into view.

Stepping over a filthy corpse, you can see a building that has been razed to the ground. A two-storey inn, its tables thrown into the street.

The smell of spilled ale reaches your nose, draining out over the cobbles and mixing with the blood and the mud.

A single sign still hangs from the destroyed inn. It reads - ESMELDA'S.

[...]

Suddenly, to the right you hear shouts, as two men brandishing shortswords run around a corner into a dead-end laneway.

Beyond them, you see a child backed against a wall.

He is a young boy, with filthy blond hair and bloodstained, ragged clothing. He clutches a large bag to his chest. The child is terrified, watching as the men stalk closer.

"Come 'ere Ara..." Says one of the men, menacingly. He is tall, and waves his rapier around as he speaks.

"Ye didn' think ye could steal from Suresh, did ye? Come now, give us the bag an' ye can scamper out o here."

The boy looks onward, terrified.

Then, from behind a stack of barrels beside him, the shadow of a great, doglike creature emerges. It pads slowly forward, positioning itself between the boy and the two men...

It is a wolf. A great, black wolf. And it snarls, its ears laying back, spittle dripping from its teeth.

"Wots this? Found yerself a pet, Ara? No matter, we'll skin it and then you."

========================

Ok guys, you're about 50 feet away from the two men, who are just starting down the dead-end alley towards the boy, who is perhaps 30 feet away from them.

They alley is 15 feet wide and 30 feet deep.

The wolf that stands between the men and the boy is... Dwan Bolduum.

Go.

Exp: +20

[Dwan Bolduum]

Selune above, forgive me. Dwan thinks as he breaks through the treeline.

The sight of the city smoldering only confirms what his enhanced sense of smell picked up nearly an hour ago; Esmeltaran, in ruins. He first noticed the pillar of smoke at dawn, hastily assuming his wolf form Dwan raced to the city in hopes of making a difference in the fight, but at this distance the reality of the situation had sunk in, he was too late.  

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Finding a hole in the wall far from the main gate, Dwan slips into the city.  The charred remains of buildings and smoke still emanating into the air would allow Dwan to quickly navigate through the city without much notice, yet not a soul crossed his path.  

I am too late.  A voice speaks from within. Dwan passes the scene of a mother and child cut down, blood cutting a contrast into the overwhelming smell of smoke.

I am too late. He repeats again, as the smell of burnt flesh nearly gags him.

I am too late. A hammer finalizing the thought and draining his will as he passes a corpse crushed by a collapsed building.  ESMELDA'S, the sign reads.

Dwan finds a place behind a stack of barrels nearby to pray silently for guidance.

Suddenly, the patter of feet with larger booted footfalls not far behind. Dwan watches silently as a boy runs down his alley only to find a dead end.

give us the bag an' ye can scamper out o here.

The voice returns, this time filling Dwan with power, with purpose. It is not too late!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Dwan locks eyes with the armed thug. Two might be kind of difficult, but I will not let another innocent die.

Dwan assessed the situation and knew that his chances of besting both men in this form were slim, these were killers. Let's even these odds. Dwan howls in hopes of scaring one if not both of the men.

-intimidation- 7-1 = 6

The men flinch at the sound of the howl but neither make a move to run. Dwan holds his ground as they approach, his eyes quickly gathering a glimpse of other people at the mouth of the alley.

Seeing his odds dwindling Dwan prepares himself to fight for this boy's life, even at the cost of his own.
____________________________________
(sorry for lack of definitive action)

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Dwan Bolduum' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 7

[Osvald Hale]

Through the smoke, Osvald makes out the shapes of the two thugs.

Hissing a quiet signal to the others in his party, the ranger slows his pace and nocks an arrow.

When the giant wolf comes prowling from the shadows, the ranger is taken aback--He hesitates for a moment, bow held toward the ground.

'A wolf this large... here? drawn by the smell of death perhaps?' He ponders for an instant, but when one of the men levels his blade at the child the wolf lets out a vicious howl. 'The beast must belong to the boy... Good. Let's hope he can keep a leash on it.'

Sensing the situation will come to blood in moments, Osvald raises his aim and fires in one motion.

His arrow punches a hole through the swirling smoke, and drives like a nail into the wrist of the Thugs sword-arm with a satisfying Whump. The rapier clatters to the ground.

Osvald grins. "Bullseye."

=====

Arrow fired w/ Advantage at the unawares thug threatening the child with his sword.

14 + 8 = 22 to hit.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Osvald Hale' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 14, 6

[Kellar]

Kellar hears the growl come from the large wolf in the alleyway, defending the little boy from two would be assailants. He advances down the alleyway at a dash at Osvald's signal (25ft). An arrow flies past him, toward the two men threatening the wolf and boy.

Kellar draws his lance at the last moment, crouches low and leaps into the air toward the attackers(25ft), with his lance raised.

Actions:
Kellar dashes forward, Athletics Check to Leap into the air and land 10ft away from the assailants, so they're flanked. Athletics Check= 13+5= 18; success!

When he lands, if they're not dead already, he'll say You must be the bottom of the barrel, to be threatening one so young.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 13

[Dwan Bolduum]

Dwan saw the figures at the end of the alley stop, but his attention is brought back to the man with rapier. So much for evening the odds.

Whump The man's screams punctuate the air. His dropped rapier buying Dwan the time he needs.

Seeing an opportunity to immobilize the other threat, Dwan leaped for the second thug, but he was ready. The thug pivoted his body sideways and used Dwan's momentum to push him away.

Rolling his body to absorb any impact from the ground, Dwan found himself further from the child than the assailants. Still disoriented, Dwan noticed a figure flying through the air, narrowly avoiding his body and landing between himself and the attackers; facing the attackers thankfully.

"You must be the bottom of the barrel, to be threatening one so young."
____________________
Attack 2+4 = 6 Miss

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Dwan Bolduum' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 2

--------------------------------

#2 'D4' : 3, 4

[Ao]

[OOC: Kellar and Osvald, I got the Lair post up. In retrospect, really didnt make sense not to have it. Feel free to roll DMG. cheers]

[Kellar]

Kellar sees the large wolf lunge at the would be assailant and swiftly knocked aside. He seizes the opportunity to drive his lance through the attacker's shoulder!

Attack roll=9+5= 14; Success! Damage= 1+6+4= 11

You gave me no choice! What is your business with this boy and his wolf, he questioned, while keeping an eye on the boy and the wolf.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 9

--------------------------------

#2 'D6' : 1, 6

[Custer Thickett]

"Aye, Pelegar.  With the Lady's luck, we'll have it settled there and be ready to help ya push into the city by then."  

Custer falls in behind the others traversing down the hill into the ruins of Western Esmeltaran.  He slows his step when he starts to realize the full extent of the devastation.  "Oiy, gods be good, these homes were here long before me.  Most were very nearly all that their family had.  There are going to be a lot of folks sleeping on the streets this next moon."  Cuss stops and stares at a strewn pile of Halfling corpses.  "An many others that will never rise from them."  Cuss hoist his crossbow to rest the stock on his right hip so that he could wipe his face with the back of his left hand, then jogs forward to catch up with the crew.  "Me father said nearly all the Halfling's of Meiritin have ever known the past thousand years is suffering and oppression..."  

Cuss isn't able to finish the thought as the ruins of Bashful Esmelda's comes into view.  He sounds out a low whistle, "So much for our horses.  Oiy, I hope Esmelda got out and away ok.  She was..."  Custer is cut off by the shouts of the men cornering the child in the alley, and the sight of the Wolf jumping between them.  "What is..."  Cuss looks up to Osvald, intending to ask him a question about the Wolf, but when he sees the Ranger drawing, he says,  "Wait!  What are you...  He watches the flight of the arrow split the smoke to impale one of the thug's sword hand, and Cuss's jaw drops slack as he moans, "Wwoooww."  Cuss turns back to Osvald, and stares up at the Ranger for several seconds before saying, "That's the best shot I have ever had the privilege of seeing.  Thank ya, Lord Hale."

Cuss turns back to the scene to see Kellar engaged to save the boy, and the others moving forward to help.  He tilts his head as he watches the Wolf, and comments up to Osvald, "Never in me life have I seen a Wolf act as such.  What do ya make of it?"  Cuss moves forward to take cover behind a table in the street, and scans the peripheral for any other signs of trouble coming their way.  He rest his father's crossbow on the top of the table so that he can wield it with a single hand, and uses his other to grab the stump of a broken table leg and rotate the table to cover as he observes the scene up and down the street in one direction, then pivoting it to look the other way.

====
Rolling perception to look for any other signs of trouble up and down the street, such as a crew that the two thugs belong to.  +1
10

Also, does Cuss recognize the names Suresh or Ara?  If so, I'll add a shout out to them in my post.
13 Wisdom check per Ao.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 9

[Ao]

[Hmm, you can roll a WIS check to see if you can recall anything about those names, cuss.]

[Custer Thickett]

[Rolling the check +1]

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 1

[Custer Thickett]

[Halfling's luck, rerolling 1]

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 12

[Osvald Hale]

"Ha!" Laughs Osvald, bowing slightly. "Mayhaps we should put a wager on the next one, eh Cuss?"

Osvald stands and looks around the area for any more mauraders, before continuing.

"I figure the wolf belongs to the boy. I've never known one so large to roam within 10 miles of a city, let alone stalk smoking ruins."

=====

Perception 4+4 = 8

[Osvald Hale]

Dice roller flub.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Osvald Hale' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 4

[Ao]

[Custer, you recognize the name 'suresh' as a low-ranking pitmaster for The Shadow Thieves. He's a slimeball largely in charge of young pickpockets and cat burglars]

[Custer Thickett]

Custer keeps his eyes on the streets, and yells out of the corner of his mouth to the alley.  "Give it up, boys!  Suresh hadn't come by nothing honest, anyhow!  Run an tell em that little Thickett's gonna be expecting the Shadow's to repay the City's patronage with a little help putting things back together rather than running off with what they can carry, else they be carrying it to early graves.  Get now! Ya hear?"

[Rolling persuasion, with possible advantage given the circumstances. +6]
21

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 1, 11

[Custer Thickett]

[Halfing's luck, rerolling 1 again. phb 28.]

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 15

[Artimus DeLonde]

Artimus contorts his face in response to Geld's question of the Orge magi's name.

"Non non non mon amie,   not Zzozizz..." he slurred, pausing to focus his tongue into foreign portents.

"S-zozthis-s..... Sothis" he struggled.

On the Move
============================

Artimus moves through the city streets of Esmeltaran, following the footpath etched by custer. the halfling's pads trace the path  with a distinct familiarity, he know the roads, knew the twists, knew the citys secrets.

Felt it's pain.

Artimus hadn't felt the full measure of the suffering his was in from port, but the trauma had become clear in his mind. Like a bruise rising to the surface black and deep purple. The city bled and burned.

It was the innocent who bled, the valiant who burned.

The Mariner whispered a prayer to Salune, touching his forhead with a gloved sword hand.
The Lady had kept his course true for nearly three years. not since the island, not since Latora.

Not since the Drow and the darkness and ancient evil, the kind that the mind could scarcely and grasp.

In the periphery, the dark bearded man, who had yet to speak had that look of suffering too. Artimus wondered what he had seen, what burden did he carry?

The Screams and growls snap Artimus back to and raised hand of Osvald made clear what he was to do.

Artimus crouches low and fell in behind the ranger.  

He had bearly sized the situation , when arrow loosed, a fatal looking shot one at the first and a blue blur of Kellar pinned the second, brutally.

Neither was long for this world.

Artimus low lip protruded, and brow furrowed at the impressive precision.


"Pas Mauvais" ("Not bad") He thought, nodding his approval.

Artimus steps from cover, his hands covering the hilt of his edged rapier and long sword respectively.

"My poor ladz, it'z time to beg for your life I do zink. drop your armz and cry for mercy, or make your peace wiz whatever god you pray...  eizer waz you do not have long".




=========================

Artimus stands boldly, not drawing blade.  The situation is well in hand.
Diplomacy to have the thieves’ dropt heir arms…. Or intimidation. Whatever.

15 +3ish.... character sheet up soon

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 15

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl coiled to strike, but his mind was elsewhere. In a flash, the events unfolded before he even had time to speak. He remained silent, instead brooding darkly behind the rest of the party at those who were involved in the confrontation, his bracer chiming faintly in the background.

--------------------

Just assisting with initmidation or whatever.

[Ao]

[Custer & Osvald perception results:]

The Halfling and the huntsman stare through the ruined haze, watching the alleyway for signs of other threats. But in the dank rubble of Bashful ESMELDA'S, it seems you are alone... For now.

[...]

The two thugs whirl in surprise, the taller one dropping his sword and the other tripping over his feet. They howl in pain, as arrows and lances descend upon them.

"Who in the hells are you!?" Screams the shorter one, in terror. He skitters backward, holding his hands in front of his face.

[Custer (persuasion) + artimus (intimidation) + Shorjahl (passive bonus) results]:

The taller thug holds up his hands, backing away from the snarling wolf.

"There ain't nothin for no one to die for here. This little lad ran off with our coin purse, you see. We was just tryin to get it back. No doubt you'd do the same, sensible lot that you seem... But no matter, we can see you're the types to shoot first and ask questions later.."

Tears are welling in his eyes, as he looks down at the arrow shaft poking from his arm.

"We was just leavin. We'll depart. No fuss. No need for bloodshed lads. It's heavy on the conscience, you know..."

He keeps talking, backing out of the alley. His shorter companion stands slowly, scuttling over to him.

"We ain't armed. You lot don't seem the type to kill unarmed men, ainnit? Well jus' be on our way" -

They turn to run.

[...]

The boy looks up at you, tears staining his cheeks. He seems frightened of Kellar, clutching the satchel of coin close to his chest.

He runs forward, throwing his arms around the wolf. He holds tight to the animal, shaking, and then - he begins crying deep, mournful sobs into Dwan's pelt.

The boy kneels there, choking and gasping his sadness into the Druid. He is inconsolable...

=================

Ok fellows, the two thugs have turned to run. You can certainly try and stop them, if desired. Don't forget, you're able to inflict non-lethal damage to them if you want. Though keep in mind, they are unarmed and fleeing, backs turned.

Dwan, the boy is holding tight to you.

I know the past few days have been pretty dialogue heavy. Please bear with us as we introduce the new characters at an adequate pace.

To avoid several more rounds of strictly dialogue, pose all of the conversational points you'd like to, to the boy and/or the thieves if you stop them. Also, Dwan, not sure if you plan on revealing yourself as a Druid right now or how you'd like to integrate with the party. I'll leave that in your court.

Exp: +20 to all

[Kellar]

Kellar sees the two thugs run from the area.

Very well then, he says as he crouches low and spins his body to face the direction of their retreat.

With another leap, he travels through the air and lands five feet away from them with a loud THUD!

Look to the skies, I might be there, ready to crash down upon you, he yells loudly at them! Intimidation Roll= 1d20+3= 14; success?

Orbaugh climbed to Kellar's shoulder and let out a mighty SQUAAAAWWWWKKKK!!!! as the pseudodragon puffed its little chest at the thugs.

Kellar watches them run off into the distance, and then returns to the group. You're a fierce little one, Orbaugh!

It seems we have a wolf and a little boy now, what should we do, he asked the group.

Orbaugh climbed down Kellar and sniffed and yipped at the large wolf. Smell strange...

Actions:
Kellar gives the thugs more food for thought, and then returns to see about the wolf and boy.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 1, 11

[Custer Thickett]

Listening to the thugs try to lie their way out of trouble, Custer lets out a short laugh and he turns to shout at them, "Ya tryin to sell us a bag of farts, boys?  I heard ya say 'Suresh' clear as saying it meself, no?  Go tell em what I said 'fore I snatch ya bald headed."  Cuss turns to Osvald, and comments loud enough for the thugs to hear, "If we kill one the other'd listen, yes?"  He smiles as he watches the thugs start to run away.

Cuss then turns his attention to the boy and wolf.  He shakes his head in frustration, "Fellas, we doan have the time for all this.  The docks are, uh."  Custer looks up at Osvlad, "uh, which way is South?"  

Once Osvald points or tells him, Cuss says, "Right, then.  The docks are this way, and there's still half a city to save.  Let's move, ya?"

Cuss moves out, heading the direction of the docks and hoping the others follow.

[Osvald Hale]

Osvald cradles his bow casually in the crook of his elbow while the thugs scamper off. Shorjahl has been strangely quiet all day, but Osvald worried that with the coming fray, it may not be the best time to weigh any more questions upon the Wizards mind...

Cuss had seemed satisfied with the Thugs' departure, and with Kellar bounding after them Osvald doubted they'd be a problem later on.

Osvald nods south, directing Cuss when the halfling looks up at him.

'Now, what to do with this child...'

Osvald spits, and calls out down the alleyway;

"Boy! The city guard that still remains have secured a position further up the hill, toward the ruins of the Palace. Esmelteran is over-run with marauders--you won't be safe in the open, nor in your home if it lies in the westerly portion of the city. Few who still roam these streets are as benevolent as us, I'm afraid." Osvald Pauses eyeing the Wolf, "I suspect your wolf will keep you safe until you can reach the line. ...We're heading to the Docks to do what good we can. Any word on how that quarter fares?"

=====

Not worried about fleeing thugs, Askin' the kid wazzap.

[Dwan Bolduum]

As the boy cries into his pelt, Dwan feels a sense of relief. Those men would have killed me as easily as they would have killed you.

But these people saved us. Quick to battle, I'll admit, but slow to needless bloodshed.

If we kill one the other'd listen, yes?

Maybe not all of them...

But, could these be the ones she spoke of?

Boy! the word breaks Dwan out of his train of thought. The city guard that still remains have secured a position further up the hill, toward the ruins of the Palace.

As Dwan feels the boys death grip loosens, he starts to pad down the alley with the boy, slowly at first as if to urge the boy to follow. Dwan turns up towards the hill with the boy and proceeds to lead him towards the promise of safety.

Let's hope the guard isn't far.

____________________________

Dwan will lead the boy to the guard. Once he is under their protection Dwan will bolt off towards the docks and follow the group's trail in hopes of catching up.

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl stares peculiarly at the boy and wolf. When Osvald begins to speak, the arcanist's eyes narrow. "Don't you think it peculiar that a wolf and a boy are in the middle of this mess?" His voice is hoarse, hollow. He clears his throat quietly, returning some of the exuberance to his expression, and to his grim blue eyes.

"You have nothing to fear from us, child." Shorjahl wonders if perhaps the boy has some magical abilities, as he's able to seemingly communicate and train the wolf. "Is this creature," his eyes flick to the wolf, "your companion? Your pet?"

When the others start to break off and head toward the docks, he lingers for only a moment. If the boy and wolf depart without answering, he will look after them over his shoulder, but otherwise move on following the group. He seems to collect some of his cognizance - he can't dwell on the dark possibilities of the obscure sigil, or of this Sothis who rode atop an elder blue.

The mage quickly catches up to Cuss. "What's our plan once we arrive? Just try to hold the docks by force? Target the Shadows?" His long strides keep up easily with the shorter hin, and much of the strength and vigor seems to have returned to the wizard's physical form.

[Custer Thickett]

Cuss looks up at Shorjahl as he keeps his pace, "Oiy, so good of ya to join us. Forget what I said about the book, ya? If he came for it, well, he doesn't have it, and that means something, no? As for the docks, uhh, figure we need to see what's going on there before we go planning on it. Thought about chasing them boys to capture Suresh. Might be it'd get their attention we show up holding one of their lieutenants with a knife at his neck, but me thinks we didn't have the time for it even if it would have worked, ya? Just doan go blowing up their boat if they got half the city's stock on it, ya?" Cuss slaps Shorjahl on the thigh.

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl laughs besides himself, but his mirth quickly fades as he remembers witnessing the many men and orc who were disintegrated by the force of his blast. He'd come so far in such a short period of time...

"I'll do my best," his grin is stale, forced, as he looks down at Cuss.

[Artimus DeLonde]

Artimus Marveled at the fightened boy and his stalwart wolf. Such a creature he had only heard of in the stories his Mother Cholee Delonde use to tell him as a boy. Tales of a boy, free in the wood, watched over by a spirit of the forest, taken host as a wolf.The adventures they had together were so powerful, seemed so real. They, and his mother’s voice seemed so far away now.

The Mariner couldn't help but a sentimental smile.

Some brash movement snapped the Cormyrian rudely out of his fond rememberance, calling him to action.
Artimus steps in the path of the two fleeing brigands.

Non,Non,Non,Non Mon chair fauteurs, des imbéciles et des lâches. ( flesh-mongers, fools and cowards) The choice waz beg for your livez, or die.

Artimus Grabs each of the wounded theives by the shoulders and firmly forces them to the ground in the seated position.

Tzk tzk tzk , you didn't lizten very well at all. Now letz zee if you can learn. Lizten Clozely. If you tell me everyzing you know about 'Suresh' and ziz attack, how many men he haz at ze dock and whatever elze might pleaze my earz I'll give you zalvation.

Artimus offered holding out some fresh bandages.

If I don't like what you zay next, you get ze anozer releaze.

the mariner proffered as he slowly pulled the ornate edged raiper that reseted menacingly from it's scabbard on the his hip.It hissed like a snake as it emerged, reflecting a beam of like into the eyes of the two men.


-Intimidation-


--------------------------------------

Artimus is looking to scare some information out of these two,  if they try to flee or clam up. it'nighty night with subdual damage via punches to the dome.

1d20 +5 Intimidation- 4+4+6 =15 Success?

[Artimus DeLonde]

roll dummy.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 4

[Artimus DeLonde]

Expend one luck point add a d20 to previous roll

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 4

[Ao]

Kellar lands with a thud, the two thugs tripping right into Artimus.

They land on their knees, looking up at the mariner. Fresh blood pools on their clothes, and the shorter one swoons slightly.

[Artimus, Intimidation results:]

“We…ah…we don’t know anythin-“

The taller one spits at his companion.

“Bah, shut up Degun. Man’s got a sword at your throat, you tell the truth. Ser, I dunno what yer lookin’ for about the docks. Sure, we run with the shadows. But we’re pawns! Shills! Lesser beins’, ya know? An’ Suresh, well…yeah he’s over loading up the boats with the rest of ‘em. And why not? This place is burned to the ground. The shadows built this city. We’re jus’ takin what’s ours, anyhow.”

He looks levelly at the blade.

“So, we got nothin’ for you.”

[…]

The boy looks up as you turn, and you hear him choke in between sobs.

“N-No!”

Looking back down the alley, you see him stand. He wipes his sleeve across his face, a big, snotty mess. And in a warbling, frantic voice, he says it again.

“No! Don’t leave me!”

The wolf grabs at the boy gently, seeking to lead him away to safety, but the boy runs down the alley towards Osvald.

He wipes his face once again. It is dirty and tear-stained, and he grabs at the huntsman’s tunic frantically. Messy blond locks fall into his face as he looks up at you, pleading.

“You can’t leave me! Me or the wolf! He’s my friend, and you must be too, because you saved me. And, and…and I’m a shadow thief! Or, I was. Or maybe I still am. The guards’ll hook me! I’ll be snapt…they’ll throw me in darbies! And…and if you’re going to the docks, well…the shadows are nipping supplies down there, and they’ve got bowmen everywhere! On every corner! You’ll be used up! Tucked in bed! They’re scoring all the warehouses, lifting a tall man’s worth of goods, and there’s dozens of em.”

He wipes his eyes again oh his sleeve, swiftly tucking his pouch under a rope-belt.

“But I know a way you can get in, smooth-like. Right up to the boats. I can get you in!”

The boy extends his hand, meaning to shake Osvald’s.

“I’m Ara. Ara Arzoumani. I can fight, too. Real well. I’m the best of all the padfoots. I don’t even use the woodknifes anymore. Got myself a real dirk. Please! I just have to come with you, mister. I gots nowhere else to go.”

His bottom lip quivers, and he casts a worried glance down the laneway, to where Artimus has the brigands on their knees behind Kellar.

===========================

Ah yes, a little more prose for you, lads. Pardon the convenient, and lengthy exposition. It’s necessary to get our wheels turning.

The two brigands are looking around for a quick exit, but you have them at your mercy. It’s up to you, to decide what you want to do with them.

I know that the majority of you said you want to head down to the docks. So there's two ways we can go about this - you can do your own city rangering, sneaking, etc. and try and find a reasonable way to approach (make some appropriate checks), or you can take the little boy up on his offer.

EXP: +20

Ara Arzoumani

[Custer Thickett]

Looking up at Shorjahl, Custer's big grin sours as he hears the hissing sound of drawn steel.  He snaps his eyes and slowly turns his head back towards Artimus and Kellar, observing their continued interactions with the thugs.  Cuss stops walking and pivots to face them, resting the crossbow on his hip and running his free hand through his hair.  "Oiy, Shorjy.  The Captain is making friends.  Me thinks he doan care much for his ship, no?"  

Cuss cups his hand over his mouth to yell back at the group, but when he sees the boy run and pull at Osvald he drops the hand.  He closes his eyes and breathes in deep, then exhales loudly.  As he opens his eyes, he comments up to Shorjahl, "An old man told me once that anger blows out the lamp of the mind.  Me thinks his bucket had holes in it, but I have it figured that the consequences of anger often outweigh the causes, yeah?"  Cuss sighs once more before continuing, "Let's go fetch em."  

Cuss slings the loaded crossbow over his back while he walks.  He strides past Artimus, Kellar, Osvald, and the Ara while whistling a tune off key.  With his back to them, Cuss loosens his trousers and relieves himself on the charred wood of Esmelda's, never stopping his song.  The still warm wood hisses and steams, filling the nearby air with the acrid smell of his urine.  Cuss thinks, If I only had a silver for every time I pissed in this alley, right here, on this wall.  Guess this'll be the last time.  Finishing, Cuss bounces as he tightens things back up, which turns his whistle to grunts.

Custer does not resume whistling, and sighs as he turns around.  He walks over to Osvald and Ara, then rustles the boys nappy head with his soiled hands.  "Padfoot, Ya not even knee high to a goose, and ya saying ya gonna sneak all o us up to the boats to get the better o ya bosses, why?  Me thinks ya gonna have us going around our asses to get to our elbows.  Just what ya thinking on?"

======

Cuss wants Ara to tell him just how he is going sneak them in so that he can think on if it sounds like a good idea based on his own knowledge of the docks, which should be extensive considering his father has warehouses there for running barges up and down river Esmel.  Cuss also wants to know why he is turning on his patrons.

[Ao]

Ara kicks at the ground, as Custer questions his motive.

"I--ah..."

Sheepishly, he shows the halfling his pouch, stowed securely in his belt.

"My mum worked for Esmelda. Suresh, he comes by all the time to see her. Even made me a padfoot. But...when the fire started, an' Esmelda's was burnin...I got here an' it was aflame. S....screamin inside..."

Ara sniffles more, tears welling in his eyes.

"And so I ran to Suresh. He told me to forget about it. That he wasn't runnin in to any burning building. So...he killed my mum! He didn't do a thing!"

The boy clenches his fists, angry tears streaming down his cheeks.

"And...and so I nipped this from him today. I'm done with the shadows. I'm gonna make me own way! An...this is fair. It's 80 gold pieces, an' I figure I'm entitled to it...on account of me mum. But then these grit-tips came chasing after me an...well...now I've got no one, mister. No one."

Ara looks pleadingly at Osvald, obviously intimidated by the halfling.

"An' I DO know where I'm goin. I'm a footpad. I bet I know the city better than anyone! Well, what's left of it anyway. And I know an under-street. It's wet, but it goes to the docks. I -know- it does! I've been down there a hundred times!"

==================

Ok guys, just responding to custers text. This is my second post this rotation. No XP or anything. Just trying to move the story along. Again, if you intend on trying to find your own way down to the docks, make sure youre using your appropriate checks and describing your method of approach.

Custer, if you want to try and navigate to the docks your own way, I will give you advantage on your checks based on your being a resident. But you don't know the way that Ara is suggesting, though admittedly Thickett's dont often skulk,around in under-streets.

-Ao

[Custer Thickett]

Custer takes the pouch of coin for Ara.  He holds it by the neck with one hand and cradles the underside with another, feeling the weight of the coin turn and tumble in his palm.  "80 Gold ones, ya say?  Feels close.  Might be some of the coins were debased, yeah?"  Cuss lets the sack swing free in his right hand by his side as he reaches out and touches Ara's shoulder with his left.  Cuss kneels down so that he is below the boy's eye level.  

"There are a lot of things we be entitled to in this short life, padfoot.  Someone else's coin isn't one em.  I'm not saying ya shouldn't take Suresh's, but doan ya go believing ya got some right to it.  If there isn't an exchange, then ya out of balance.  Our Golden Lady of Luck is cruel to those without balance."  Cuss reaches up to the boy's ear with his left hand, and pinches it slightly then jerks his hand away revealing one of the gold coins.  He smiles, and tumbles the coin end over end along the back of his hand using his fingers to move it back and forth.  

--sleight of hand--

Cuss drops the coin back in the pouch, and swings the sack around with his wrist while walking to where Artimus stands over the thugs.  "There be a lot of things ya can do with 80 gold coins in a sack, Ara."  Cuss spins around on his heels, and brings the swinging sack down across the jaw of the swooning thug, levelly.

As the thug goes limp and crumples to the muddy cobbles of the street, Cuss says to the other, "Shadows didn't build this city, the Hin did."  He then looks up at Artimus, and nods his head toward the thug in subtle suggestion.

===
XP updated to here

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