Re: Chapter Two

[Dwan Bolduum]

As Dwan starts walking in the direction pointed by the ranger, he feels a slight tug of resistance as the boy runs back. He turns toward the boy sits on his haunches listening in on the conversation.

A tragic story, to live a life so hard as he only to wind up an orphan.  During Ara's telling Dwan assesses his environment. Two of the men appear to be harassing the defeated thugs, No more than they deserve  the halfling relieving himself on the ruined building, another man the quiet sentinel who appears lost in thought hardly even reacting to the scene, and the ranger with Ara.

Our Golden Lady of Luck is cruel to those without balance.

Dwan appreciates the sentiment the halfling is trying to portray, and it seems as if he is trying to get the needed information without bringing Ara into harms way.

Maybe, there is some good in this one after -

The halfling cracks one of the thugs in the jaw with the bag of gold and nods towards the sailor.

Dwan steps between the sailor and the man There is no need for meaningless killing he tries to say, it comes out as a low growl.

Damn form!

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

Sorry guys, a bit limited on actions I can take in Wolf form without everyone thinking, "welp there it goes"
Dwan wants to stay in wolf form because he knows he can sneak around better than in his his dwarf form.

Dwan is assessing the situation.
Dwan is placing himself between Artemis and the thug. He doesn't see the need to kill two crippled men.
Dwan will accompany the party if they make for the docks.

[Osvald Hale]

Osvald winces as the sack of coins slams into the thugs head with a dull thud.

"Gods, he'll feel that tomorrow..." Osvald mutters under his breath to Shorjahl.

The great black wolf growls low, and the ranger eyes it warily. "I don't think the wolf likes violence around the boy."

Something about the wolf seemed off. It was certainly out of place here. And the way it stalked... Stood... It lingered strangely still while men toiled and fought nearby. More like a trained guard than an animal. Osvald watched it looked to each of the party in turn, examining them.

'Unnatural...' He thought. He'd ask the boy when the others have dispatched the other thug.

=====

Osvald wants to ask Ara about the tunnel, and the wolf, but will wait until Artimus/Kellar/Cuss has bludgeoned the other thug, so they don't know the plan to get to the docks.
I'll make a second post afterward.

Going to roll perception and wisdom: nature to examine the wolf.

Perception 16, Nature 6.

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 12

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

#2 'D20' : 2

[Shorjahl]

"Cuss, we don't have time for this. Let's move." Shorjahl's voice was low, but harsh, as he and Artimus roughed up the thugs. The arcanist's gaze flitted about in the area, clearly anxious to get out of here. "Every second we waste, more people's lives are at stake." He turns to Osvald and Kellar - looking for their agreement.

[Ao]

[Ara explains the route to you, Osvald, as an underground 'sewer' (under-street) that is used by footpads sometimes to flee, after being chased. This one leads from somewhere in western esmeltaran, right out to underneath the boardwalk at the docks]

[Ara just refers to the wolf as his 'friend'. In the urgency of the moment (and shorjahl, hurrying you along) the lengthy, somewhat rambling explanation about the route takes up most of the air time)]

[Osvald Hale]

*under assumption that Artimus has knocked out the other thug, or  (if he hesitated) that Cuss has. Just moving things forward!*

Osvald nods in agreement to Shorjahl, and takes a knee in front of the boy.

"Ara, can you show us to the tunnel right away? The city needs our help. If you get me and my friends to the docks without us being seen, we will all vouch for your honor when we return together. Honor is a very important thing for a young man to have. Now, my halfling friend here has a very famous name in Esmelteran, and I give you my word that the guard will find a safe place for you once he speaks his approval." He says  gesturing to Cuss. "The forces of good in this world are ever in need of a little help, Ara. The guard can always make fine use of a young man who knows the city well, especially a brave lad such as you. Now, let's go--while there's still a city to save. Show us the way, quickly now!"

Osvald rises and faces the others.

"Alright, I'll follow Ara up front. If we stop, or I signal, hit cover as quickly as you can. Quick is the word and quiet is the sound. Agreed? Come, Cuss. Let's go save your city again." The ranger says, grinning wide.

=====

Osvald agrees with Shorjahl, time to go.

Rolling perception for threats En route, and Stealth for the trip.

PERCEIVING EVERYTHING! 20! + 4 = 24

Stealth 9 + 5 = 14

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 20

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

#2 'D20' : 9

[Artimus DeLonde]

"Merte!"

A wild fist flew path the Mariner, attached to the arm of Custer.

Artimus leaned back hard, unsure if the swing was aimed at him... until *CRACK* it found its mark on the chin of the taller thug.

"What a hop, what a punch!-

-Zhiz Halfling is a looze cannon..." He thought. Something Which Artimus couldn't help but respect in way... and be wary of in another.

Before the Halfling’s foot touched the ground, The Canine Protector darted between him and the fallen men, teeth bared and growling, causing the Mariner to take a half step backward.

"Doubla Merte!"

He looked at the creature quizzically.

Artimus considered that the wild thing could be at his throat before he could do anything about it.

“Ahhhhh, it zeemz you have a zenze of juztice... What exactly are you....?”

Moments passed, the two studying each other, anticipating the others intentions in a quiet standoff.

Artimus made the first move, replacing the blade to its home slowly, expertly. He Bent at the knee slowly hands opened and, bandages still in his left glove.

"I'll tell you a zecret, I waz merely bluffing about ze blade, time iz zhort and too much blood haz been zpilled and I zuzpect zere iz more to come."
Artimus looked back at the party
“Don’t tell zem zough, I don’t want zem to know my heart haz  zoftened wiz age.”

Somehow he felt the lone wolf understood him, a quiet wisdom lived behind those eyes.

Putting the fear of being bitten out of his mind, Artimus offered his hand to the animal hoping knowing his sent might place him at ease.

At the same time he flipped the bandages to the still conscious thug and began to speak in a soft tone.

"Degun, yez?  A deal iz a deal, Wrap yourzelf, zen your friend zere and rezt here for a moment. Zome advice, ziz paz you're walking down, it endz in deaz, damnation and zorrow. Ziz iz a chance for you to make a choice. You can chooze to continue on ze paz you walk, to a future zat iz almozt certain or you can chooze anozer. Zere iz a chance to rebuild ziz place, and at ze zame time rebuild yourzelf."

"I will be back ziz way, when I am I will azk after you at ze temple of Waukeen. If I heard deedz of a new life I will find you and make you anozer offer... becauze I need good men who know ze dark, but governed by it."
-Diplomacy-
*Artimus spread 5 gold pieces on the ground.*

"Don’t tell yourzelf you never had a chance."

Turning to leave Artimus risked a bite, stroking the side of proud beasts face before standing.

"Zhall we now dezcend into the filthy zewerz, I am far to clean and frezh zmelling, non"
Artimus quipped with a sarcastic grin.


Diplomacy 1d20 +3 to push the thug to a better. 6 + some pluses i think 5.....

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 6

[Custer Thickett]

Cuss sticks out his chest, proud and hardly scared of the Wolf.  He keeps swinging the sack of gold coins, and bares his teeth in response to the animal's growl.  He stands his ground as Artimus says his piece to the thug.  When he begins spreading coins on the ground, Cuss lets out a moan of disapproval and rolls his eyes with a pivot of his head to look at Shorjahl.  "Doan go scolding Custer.  We's the ones had to turn around over this, yeah?"  

Cuss turns his head back to Artimus, the thug, and the Wolf before him.  "Ya too nice, DeLonde.  We can't be taking that chance."  Cuss curtsies to the Wolf, the raises the sack and brings it down across the thug's face.  Degun was expecting the strike, and turned his head away, leaning back.  The strike clipped his chin and resounded with the clatter of the coin within the sack, but did not put the man out.  Cuss brought the sack back the other direction across the top of his head, and this time it stopped solid with a dull, wet crunch sounding along with the jingling coins.  The thug went stiff and wobbled a small circle before falling face first across the unconscious body of this friend.

--Subdual Damage--

"Right, then."  Cuss says as he turns and tosses the blood and snot covered sack back to Ara.  With both hands now free, Cuss reaches his right hand inside his left bracer, feigning to be scratching an itch, but in truth cradling a dagger should the Wolf pounce for him.  Cuss listens to Osvald take charge and dictate his decision to the boy and group alike.  He nods in agreement, "Aye, agreed.  Ara, ya not coming out the other side of the tunnel with us.  Ya just gonna get in the way and get yaself kilt, and mayhaps some of us with ya.  Tell ya dog to sit and stay, yeah?"

===

Cuss will follow a couple of steps behind Osvald, more than happy to let him take the lead.  He keeps the light crossbow on his back loaded, but pulls and readies his two hand crossbows, holding them high in each hand as they travel the streets.  

[Rolling stealth +7]
11

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 4

[Ao]

[Osvald, nature check vs. Dwan]

As the group turns to follow Ara, Osvald watches the wolf pad after them. He’d seen many a wolf in his lifetime. Fought them, trailed them, skinned them. This, this was no normal wolf. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but undoubtedly it was not a whelp from the Small Teeth…

[…]

Ara rushes onward alongside Osvald, moving almost too quickly to follow. The dusty veil that swirls about western Esmeltaran reveals all manner of destruction, blurring by in a tapestry of ruin and sadness.

You wind down a narrow series of alleys, to the back of a two-storey tenement building where a wooden cellar-door is embedded in the street.

Are looks both ways, jumping onto the door and rattling the chains that keep it locked. With a nimble dip into his pouch, he pulls out a set of keys and subdues the padlock.

He turns round, proudly proclaiming to the group;

“That’s a shadow secret!”

And then, he descends into the under-street.

[…]

Ara pulls a torch off the wall, lighting it and leading you downward.

The set of wooden stairs winds down into a wide-mouthed tunnel, through which a river of water rushes alongside a cobble walkway.

Ara and Osvald lead the group, the young boy taking turn after turn, winding you through a maze of passageways.

The air stinks of refuse and garbage, and ash. Rats skitter under your feet, and the soles of your boots are sloshing with the muddy filth of this sewer.

Are leads you down a side passage, away from the running water.

[…]

You walk for ten minutes in this roughly excavated tunnel, the squishing, clicking sound of vermin and carrion beasts echoing in your ears.

A foul smell reaches your nose, and you nearly trip over a decomposing body laying in the path. Maggots and rats pour over the poor soul, a swarming mass of stench and bile.

Ara puts his shirt over his nose, muttering,

“Wonder who he crossed.”

The small boy keeps moving.

[…]

[Osvald, perception check results (leading the party)]

You turn a corner, and see a lantern hanging from a junction wall about fifty feet away. Voices echo down the passageway. Seeing the huntsman halt the party, Ara blows out his torch.

The junction up ahead branches into two separate passages. One to the left, and one to the right.

After a few seconds, a group of five men emerge from the left passage, bearing their own torch. They stop a moment, congregating by the lantern. Two of them are hauling a large, wooden chest between them.

“Old Joe’s alone back there. He’ll slow down any of ‘em that followed us.” says one of the men. The other four look certifiably out of breath.

“I can’t believe ya took that chest Rossi. There’s nearly 2,000 gold pieces in there! A small fortune. But if Suresh finds out we’re holdin’ out on him…”

The first man, presumably Rossi, cuts him off.

“An’ how’s he supposed to find that out? This was tucked nicely in the back of one of them warehouses. No one saw it. We’ll stash it and lay low a couple days. Most of the brass’ll be riding’ that big four-master to Beggar’s Point up near Purskul, with all them supplies. They’re not gonna miss a measly chest. In the meantime…that’s about’ four months pay right there!”

The others nod, laughing in glee.

The two hoist the chest even higher, and they start off down the right passageway.

Ara stares hard after them.

“The left passway heads to the docks. C’mon, they’ll be gone in a second!”

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

Ok guys, the group of five men with the chest are headed down the right passage. If you wait a second there’s no way they’ll hear you.

The left passage leads to the docks.

Tell me where you’re going, what you’re doing, and make sure y’all make a Stealth check (we’re in exploration mode here)

EXP: +20 to all

[Ao]

[i don't know if I should state the obvious, but if the shadow thieves are currently -loading- a boat with stolen supplies there is an element of timeliness to your approach]

[Custer Thickett]

Cuss hugs his back against the wall of the passage and rest the tops of his crossbows on his chest as he waits for silence down the right tunnel.  Oiy, I hate being in the dark like this, down here.  Not being able to see Ara's damn dog made him nervous, and somehow the smells seemed worse in the dark.  

'The left passway heads to the docks. C’mon, they’ll be gone in a second!'

Cuss opened his mouth to respond, but gagged on his words.  Huurp.  He spits, kneels, and rest his head on the top of one of his bows struggling to maintain silence until the men are a little further away.

[Rolling stealth +7]
17

Satisfied he could both speak and that the Shadows would not hear him, Cuss finally whispers.  "Mayhaps we can take them and use their cloaks and gear to sneak aboard the four-master they are talking 'bout, yeah?  Might be we'd have a better chance taking them once they are out in the lake.  Doan take me word on it, though.  Might be they'd have a hundred men on that boat.  What ya say, Captain DeLonde?"

=======

Might not be able to get another post in today's rotation, but Cuss is down for whatever the group decides.  He has lost confidence in his ability to make tactically sound decisions, at least for a few more days.

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 1

[Custer Thickett]

[Halfling's luck]

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 10

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl creeps close to the others, waiting for the bumbling thieves to leave. "I don't think a disguise will do us any good, you're too recognizable," he nods to Thickett, "and we're obviously not Shadows," and indicates Kellar and himself. "Perhaps we can get some involvement from the militia once things kick off, but we need to scout out ahead to even know what we're up against."

He scratches at his beard, the distant torchlight casting his face in shadows. "Perhaps I can make another large distraction..." his voice trails off, and were it not for the darkness it would be obvious he looks nauseous at the thought of all of those exploding, burning bodies.

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

Keep following Ara. Move to the docks. See what's there, look for opportunities to cause ruckus or to stealth onto a particular ship. I don't think Shorjahl would have any problem dismantling an enemy ship to prevent it from leaving the harbor with a bunch of the city's goods. However, mass scale fighting right now sounds not good.

So yeah, follow Ara, check it out, ignore the guys with the gold.

[Osvald Hale]

"Agreed. I say we keep moving. Ara?" Says Osvald hushedly in the dank passage.

=====

Bypass temptation for now.

Rolling stealth and perception again.

14 + 6 = 20 stealth

7 + 4 = 11 perception

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 14, 7

[Artimus DeLonde]

Previously in the alley
====================

Artimus reacting the wild strike from Cuss, attempts to catch the nimble Halflings wrist mid air.

“Pardon et moi, mon amie, zhiz iz a too delicate moment for zhat kind of diplomacy.  Perhapz you can ‘hold your coinage concuzzionz’ for zhe moment.”

“Bezidez zhiz razh actionz may get you bitten and we wouldn’t want zhat, non?”

Descending into the under-streets
====================
Artimus boots splooshed unceremoniously into the monstrous muck in the sewer, oozing, flowing an earthy swath of brown and green.

He looked down at his footing and grimaced at the loss of the glossy finish they’d once have.

It was a matter of time, each polish till they were mucked and tarnished.

It was all too easy to be pulled into the dreck and grime when facing a ruthless organization like the shadow thieves or any of the others that rose of from the dark places to impede, infect and mire the aspirations of men.

As the moved the Mariner marked their turns through the tunnels, indicating crude path.

Artimus guarded the rear till he heard his name chime out softly from ahead as the party stopped.  He slinked up to point of his monikers utterance and hears the plan lay bare.

“Aye, I like it, it may zave uz time.  Let uz agree, we cut zhem to zhe quick. Leave zhe chezt and don zheir cloakz az we move.  Time iz ezzential we can come back for the chezt later.   Bezidez leaving zhem at our rear iz too much of a rizk... Let uz finish them quickly, don’t let them hit the ground.”

“I’ll follow your lead into zhe engagement Mon Ami”


Artimus quietly drew his blade and indicates his readiness with a nod.

===============
Artimus marked the path they took including the chest location,  is moving stealthily to attack the group of men wasting no time.
1d20 perception for tunnel understanding  Result 13

1d20 dex to catch Cuss’ hand Result 16

1d20 Stealth 19
Seeing the crew isn't interesting in killing the four Artimus proceeds with stealth in mind.

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 11, 12, 16

[Kellar]

Agreed. I would stand out, compared to you and the others, he said to Shorjahl.

Kellar quietly clicks two lengths of chain to two different javelins on his back and took the chain and attached them to his harness. Let Ara lead the way, I'll cover our flank as we travel along, he whispered.

He removed his shield and battle axe and had them ready, while Orbaugh rested on his shoulder, looking back toward the way they came.

Orbaugh, keep an eye on things from behind us. Orbaugh will share what he sees with Master! Yes!

Fleeting images of what Orbaugh sees flash in Kellar's mind. It is disorienting at first, but then he realizes that he can observe a large portion of activity around himself with Orbaugh's assistance.

We're ready, he said as he fell into position.

Actions:
Orbaugh will have perception active during their walk toward their destination (Advantage) Perception Roll= 19+3=22; Success!
Kellar will attempt to skulk as quietly as he can... Stealth Roll= 17+3= 20; Success!

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 18, 19

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

#2 'D20' : 17

[Dwan Bolduum]

Dwan pads along side of the group keeping an ear out for any disturbances or people approaching.  The group passed through the town without running into any danger.  

For once this form isn't helping me out He thinks as the group enters the tunnel.  The dark betrays his eyes, the stench of the sewage throws off his scent, and the echoing of the stone walls disorients his hearing.  

As the lantern is snuffed out Dwan darts to the side and waits silently, looking towards the source of the conversation.  

Please, just keep the boy out of unnecessary harm.

As the party departs, Dwan stays close.   ---Stealth 5 (1 + 4)---  

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

Dwan will go with the party no matter what choice they make.  

If they leave the tunnel and aren't immediately met with hostility, Dwan will attempt to hear if there are agents of the shadow nearby.  
---perception 22 (19+3) [advantage by relying on hearing]---

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 1

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

#2 'D20' : 9, 19

[Ao]

The torchlight disappears down the right passage, and after a moments’ cadence, you set off down the leftward path…

[…]

The sewer tunnel carries onward, another cobbled path opening up as you pass a waterfall of sewage bellowing from a canal overhead. A 50 foot wide river of refuse begins alongside the cobbled path, which hugs the western wall.

A stinking mist breezes before you, burning your nostrils as you hurry past.

Ahead, you can hear the skittering of rats, as you follow Ara along the cobbled path. They swarm past you, the carrion beasts charging back down the way you came.

A limp, fat rat scurries after them, a gold piece clutched in his teeth.

The water beside you moves slowly, like sludge. Your torchlight flickers off the surface of the disgusting brown water.

[…]

The cobblestone pathway leads past several more waterfalls, draining in to the scum river beside you.

[Dwan, perception checks]

The cascading water echoes inside of Dwan’s head annoyingly. His attention wanders, but suddenly another sound comes to his ears.

It is a low, almost imperceptible roaring. Or bellowing. The exhale of some…thing. Up ahead.

Dwan scans the scene ahead, the cobble path leading off into the darkness.

[Orbaugh, perception checks]
[ & Party’s Stealth checks results]

Orbaugh looks down at the wolf skittishly, sensing his perception. The tiny creature looks ahead, straining its eyes.

[[THERE!]] Orbaugh says urgently, flapping his wings. The party stops suddenly, and silently, at the pseudodragon’s beckoning.

Kellar can see inside of Orbaugh's perception...

Up ahead, nearly camouflaged beside the cobblestone path, a large mass rests in the murky water. It is as large as a boulder, and bubbles float to the surface around it. Had Orbaugh not stopped you, it might have been confused for a pile of refuse. But one tall, lanky stalk sticks out of the murk atop it, quivering back and forth.

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

Ok guys. You’re about 50 feet away from this…thing…which is submerged in the scummy river right alongside the cobblestone walkway. Be aware that only Orbaugh, and anybody with darkvision, can see it right now. (torchlight doesnt go that far)

The walkway hugs the western wall of this cavern. It is about 8 feet wide, so pretty narrow, and slick with water and slime…

The scum river, taking up most of the eastern part of the cavern tunnel, is about 50 feet wide.

So, you can certainly approach the large mass on foot. You have surprise at the moment, but it will certainly see you if you walk along the cobbles. You could swim in the water (its only about 4 feet deep at the bank, but quickly recedes into darkness the further out you go, so likely a swim) to try and bypass it by about 50 feet… but then you’ll be 50 feet from the cobblestone walkway should things go awry, treading water.

It has 1/2 cover right now, from any missile weapons, for being under a bunch of garbage and mostly submerged (+2 to AC)

It’s to-hit AC is, therefore, 16. Whatever it is.

By the way; guys in your posts please let me know marching order, and how far apart you are. For example, if you intend on having Custer scout ahead, then he can use his stealth and perception checks as first point of contact as a scout would. Though, he’ll need to be at least like…50 feet ahead of you guys to make that a possibility, so that your stealth checks don’t factor in.

We’ll be doing it that way from now on. For example, this post rotation Dwan (low) and Shorjahl’s (no roll) stealth checks would have inhibited the group. So just be clear who is in the forward, keeping a mind to the repercussions should they fail (AKA, being a full turn away)

Anyway, just give me a clearer idea of how you guys are acting in ‘exploration’ mode.

EXP: +20 to all posters, +10 for full party post! = +30 to all.

[Custer Thickett]

Previously in the alley
====================

Cuss attempts to alter the path of his arching arm mid throw to miss Artimus's outstretched hand.  (Dex 7).  The Captain is faster, and catches him easily.  Cuss narrows his eyes as he listens to the blonde bastard talk of diplomacy, understanding only part of what is said.  "Ya gonna risk my city's stomach on the hopes of hiring crew, eh?"  He jerks his hand free and then tosses the pouch back to Ara.  He pulls a bolt from his case, and scratches a mark into the wooden shaft, showing it to Artiums.  "Iffen he's a waiting for us with Suresh and all their friends on the other side, this one's for you, DeLonde."  Cuss spits down on the thug, and walks away.

The intersection
====================

Cuss smiles up at Artimus as the lithe Cormyrian draws his blades.  Mayhaps this one has some sense for skulduggery after all.  

Looking to the others, he ends up shaking his head as they move for the left tunnel.  He does not sound out objection, having already reserved himself to follow their lead, even if he felt the decision was folly.  Instead, Cuss attempts to hurl a spit into the river, but the motion combined with the dank smells in the tunnel caused him to vomit.  He again takes a knee, lays down one of his bows, and struggles to muffle his heaving by covering his mouth and catching the excrement in his hand.  The slimy feeling in his hand just made it worse, and he has to take a moment to gather himself and wipe his hand and chin clean before resuming the trek up the tunnel.  He covers his nose and mouth with his scarf, hoping that it might help him make the rest of the journey without further embarrassment.  

The first sewage waterfall
====================

As Custer wobbles to brace himself on a wall, he thinks on the singing fire back in the market square, Nay, this is how the hells smell.  Oiy, I hope that padfoot rat slips and falls in.  When a fat rat squeezes between his ankle and the wall, Cuss again heaves, and has to pull his scarf down to spew on the wall.  He moans, "The arrows of Shadow o're this, please."

The party stops
====================

Cuss rolls his head in frustration, and harshly whispers through his scarf, "For the love of the gods, Orbaugh, what?  I doan see anything."  Cuss kneels behind Osvald and Ara, waiting for an explanation from Kellar or the little Dragon.

OOC
====================

Currently maintaining marching order behind Osvald and Ara, but in front of the rest.  I assume while we are stopped the group would cluster close together.  Cuss can't contribute to any plans because he can't see in the dark.  He just wants to GTFO.

[Rolling stealth for when we decide to move ahead.  +7]
10

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 1

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

#2 'D20' : 1

[Custer Thickett]

[HAHAHAHAHA, Again? Halfling's luck re-rolls.]

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 4

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

#2 'D20' : 3

[Kellar]

Never been in a sewer Little One, questioned Kellar, quietly.

Orbaugh sees something about 50 feet away, looks like something covered in garbage, he continued.

If it's all the same to you, I'd prefer to have surefootedness than take a swim with whatever that thing is, he continued.

Anyone have flasks of oil or tar. We could set the thing on fire and the surrounding water to have light, he offered as a suggestion.

Ever been in the den of an acid dragon? It smells worse than what's in here. The smell of sulfur and rotted corpses half dissolved make you want to burn your clothing afterwards, he said to Custer.

Actions:

Kellar and Orbaugh are at the rear of the group in marching order.

Kellar suggests lighting the monster up with some oil and flame if we have it.

[Artimus DeLonde]

Artimus replaced his blade and retrieved his crossbow, quietly loading and firing the first shot... at this wriggling abomination.

"whatever it iz,  It'z not friendly..." the Mariner whispered.

Artimus doesn't move as not to slip on the coating of feculance..
OOC

Sorry gents, pretty swamped today.

1d20+3 = 22
1d6 +3 =7

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 19

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

#2 'D6' : 4

[Shorjahl]

"Are we sure there's something alive?" Shorjahl begins contemplating what manner of creature could dwell down here. When Kellar begins recommending burning things indiscriminately, "And what, perhaps kill some poor people who are hiding in the sewers after the destruction of the city? I think that unwise, my friend." His voice is soft, but stern.

The arcanist has had enough killing of innocents for the time being.

"Whatever it is, let's try to circumnavigate it. If it is hostile, then we can defend ourselves. I'd be wary of starting too much fire down here, as the fumes very well could be flammable." Shorjahl tries to keep a straight face over his grin. He remembers some of the young mages using similar flammable gases to alight their flames. One boy's pants caught on fire, it was a humorous disaster.

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

Rollin Int for knowledge yo.
11, bam.

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 6

[Custer Thickett]

Cuss nods as Shorjahl says his piece. "Mayhaps burning them away will help, but more like it'd let the Artimus's friends know that we're coming this way for sure. I agree with Shorjy. Sides, those toating that chest just came by it, yeah?" Cuss pauses to gag, Huurp. He then pulls his scarf back up and whispers through it up to Kellar, "Sure there's not one of ya Acid Dragons down here?"

[Dwan Bolduum]

How can this smell get any worse

Dwan waits with the group and scans the darkness further, the psudodragon's outbreak adding to Dwan's feeling of unrest.

He hears the twang of a crossbow coming from the Artemis and he waits to hear if there is any impact from the bolt.

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

In line Dwan is holding behind Custer.


sorry for the late post

[Ao]

As Shorjahl, Custer and Kellar deliberate alongside the foul smelling river, Artimus fires a shot into the darkness.

[shot should have had disadvantage due to being well out of the torchlight, and artimus possessing no darkvision, but I'll let it slide]

The crossbow bolt sails through the air, landing with a *plunk*.

It is silent, and then...

A low gurgling noise is heard. It bellows and builds, and you can hear the water sloshing as... the thing emerges from the bank of the sewer...

Those of you without darkvision hear splashing, and an ominous moan...

Those of you with darkvision see a tremendous, Boulder-sized beast emerge from the raw sewage.

Fifty feet away, dripping with slime and refuse, an enormous, grotesque, bulbous creature stretches two long, muscular legs onto the cobbles. A third leg extends from its hindquarters, the width of a tree trunk.

It shudders, a crossbow bolt embedded in its' flank.

A vinelike stalk whips around from the back of its body, and you can see three unnerving eyes at its' end, staring at you.

The beast turns, an enormous gaping maw of razor-sharp, foot-long teeth gnashing the brown, thick sewer slime.

Two thick rubbery tentacles, its' arms, end in spiky, leaf-like appendages.

It pauses for a moment, quivering in the dark. Liquid drips from its closed mouth, a thistly bramble of menace...

And, in your mind, it is obvious that the creature is communicating with you. It whispers, in a hoarse, gravelly tone...

"Old Joe..."

**RRRRRRGGGHHAAAHHHHHHHHHHRGGGGHHH****!!!!!

It charges forward, gnashing its teeth and stampeding on its three legs towards you.

Ara screams...

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

Ok guys! The 'beast' Old Joe is barreling down upon you. It takes a dash action, and so is right on top of you right now.

It is engaged with Osvald and Ara, and either of them that are turning to run will provoke an AoO. Because of the 'close' formation that custer mentioned, I'll let any other two PCs (Kellar, or whatever) swap with Ara, and/or Osvald for free, without provoking an AoO

The cobblestone walkway is only eight feet wide, and so only two of you can melee the beast at once. Unless you want to slip past it, and try and surround it... But that will absolutely provoke an AoO, even for custer, because of limited space

Stats for Old Joe are going up in the lair...

EXP: +20

[Kellar]

MASTER! IT'S CHARGING! Orbaugh squealed in Kellar's mind.

Kellar hears Ara's little scream as "Old Joe" charges forward. Get behind us, commanded Kellar as he arrived at Ara and snapped him out of danger by the collar of his shirt!

Orbaugh, prepare a sting for this monstrosity! I...I scared, but I try, Master! Orbaugh replied as he wildly whipped his tail back and forth, waiting for an opening to strike.

Kellar brandished his Battle Axe and charged toward "Old Joe" and took his first swing at what he thought would be a good a place as any! Lunging Attack= 1d20+5 DMG (1d8+4)+(1d8 Superiority)= Success! DMG= 19

Kellar uses Action Surge!

After his first attack, Kellar attempts to Grapple "Old Joe" by his neck, keeping him immobilized! Strength Check= 1d20+7= 11

Orbaugh runs down Kellar's arm and attempts to sting "Old Joe!" Attack Roll= 1d20+4 DMG: 1d4+2= Success! DMG= 5

The eyes, go for the eyes, Kellar says loudly.

Actions:

OOC: Whew! Lots to do...

Kellar uses his movement and bonus action to move Ara out of the way and make his first attack (Lunging Attack, using 1 superiority die (3 remain))
Kellar uses Action Surge to Grapple "Old Joe" by the neck.
Orbaugh attacks with Stinger.
Edit: "Old Joe" will have to make a STR check to not be grappled by Kellar. "Old Joe" will also have to make a CON check 11 or better. If "Old Joe" fails by 5 or more, it falls unconscious until it takes damage. Overall damage this turn= 24

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 19

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

#2 'D8' : 7, 4

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

#3 'D20' : 4

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

#4 'D20' : 11

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

#5 'D4' : 3

[Dwan Bolduum]

Dwan is taken aback as he sees the light wash over the approaching... creature. Unnatural.  This beast soils the very air we breath.

---nature check: 7+3 10---

Ara! He thinks just in time to see Kellar places himself between the boy and the creature.  Dwan leaps into the gap between Old Joe and Osvald as he lands he uses his forward momentum to spin around and launch himself at the beast, teeth snarling.

---Bite 6+4 10 miss---

Dwan's teeth sink in and he hears a squish as he comes away with a decomposed arm in his maw.

Filthy beast!

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

Rolling nature to see if Dwan Recognizes attacking creature.
Rolling attack with advantage due to pack tactics (because that helps)
Arm is just trash that has not slipped off of Old Joe's body.

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 7

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

#2 'D20' : 2, 6

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

#3 'D4' : 1, 2

[Custer Thickett]

Hearing the moan, Custer jokingly ask Kellar, "Is that what an Acid Dragon sounds like?"  His smile sours when he hears 'Old Joe' inside his head.  'Agata?'  Cuss takes a step back, nearly stepping on Dwan's paw, when he hears the roar and sees the beast charge into the light.  He calls out, "That's one ugly dragon!"

As Kellar, Ara's dog, and the others engage the beast, Cuss levels both his crossbows, and fires their quarrels into its' gaping maw.  

[Rolling two ranged attacks, both with advantage and a chance to land sneak attack damage.  No poison.  +5]
20 and 19 Hits!

The bolts whistle past Kellar, the dog, and foot long teeth to slam with a squish inside of Old Joe's mouth.

Cuss continues stepping backwards a total of fifteen feet as he quickly reloads his bows.  He takes turns holding each one beneath his chin as he works the other, and his hands are nearly a blur as they dance atop each bow in turn.  He thinks, I should run rope under me sleeves to hold em next time, or have Donal fashion hooks beneath the stocks for pulling back the strings.

=========
2 attacks and move 15 feet away from monster to rear of party while reloading so that others can move forward.[/i]

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 15, 8

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

#2 'D20' : 14, 11

[Shorjahl]

"Damned fool!" Shorjahl hisses irately at Artimus. As the creature emerges in the torchlight, the arcanist quickly backpedals, the light of his bracer illuminating the once dark and dank sewer - making the aberrant creature's full stinking hulking slithering mass visible in the tunnel.

"Back! Fall back!" he shouts to his comrades, pushing his open palm forward, releasing small, condensed packets of kinetic energy. He reels as he sees Kellar dive in to grapple the creature, and plants his feet, focusing on causing as much damage as quickly as possible.

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

Light cantrip. Move back 30'. Cast Force Bolt attack.

Attack: 23 vs AC
Damage: 9 Force

[DiceMaster]

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

#1 'D20' : 18

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

#2 'D10' : 9

[Osvald Hale]

Osvald reels back in the muck as the beast charges toward the party--he turns to push Ara to safety just as Kellar hoists the boy by the collar and tosses him back behind their ranks.

Osvald mutters a curse at Old Joe, and draws his bow to fire, but Ara's wolf leaps forward, teeth gnashing at the beast. Osvald manoeuvres behind the wolf, drawing back his bow string and firing into the refuse-covered mass of the beast Old Joe.

He hears the all too familiar chime of Shorjahls bracer, and ducks just as the packets of condensed energy sail past him into the monster.

=====

Cast Hunters Mark on Old Joe, and making Bow attack against Old Joe.

18 + 8 = 26 (pow!)

[DiceMaster]

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

'D20' : 18

[Artimus DeLonde]

A soft thud emanated in the tunnel, telling the tale of a shot made true.

Artimus heard the rebuke of Shorjahl and wondered if he made a grave error- but it was too late-

A wall of stench smashed against the grouping of men, wolf and child, making every man give pause to the onslaught of olfaction.  The Mariners eyes burned and his chin buried itself into his right shoulder as tears streamed out of clenched eyes.

He struggled to overcome the vileness.

When his vision clearedArtimus saw the abomination in its full feculent horror, and Kellar moving with determined vigor toward the charging beast.

A brave man indeed, Artimus thought to himself. As he charged Kellar threw Ara in an act of protection, the child reeled in the direction of Mariner who was in the process of reloading his weapon.

He caught the boy like a bear scooping salmon from a river.

“I’ve got you Mon ‎voleur, now take the wheel.”

Artimus put the Ara's small hand on the Crossbow’s grips.

"Ici and ici, like zo. " The mariner directed. Letting some of the implements weight sink into Ara's hands.

"Now lizten carefully as this may zave your life. You don't alwayz want to meet your opponent toe to toe, ezpecially one this big and zhiz foul zmelling."

"You look down here and line it up wizh your enemy. Aim Caefully you do not want to his your furry friend or zhe blueman.” He said pointing to the sights.

As he spoke a bolt of sizzling energy blasted from the revealed arcanist followed by an expertly aimed from the bow of Osvald who cursed in an old tongue with expert form.

Artimus continued, Focused on the lesson at hand. He assisted maneuvering the crossbow until bulbous creature feel into sights.

"-and when the time is right, you breazh out and a zqueeze, don't pull."

The arrow ripped from its wooden perch sailing cleaning through the air with a whistle, striking the target with a satisfying wet THUD.

C’est beau! (That’s beautiful!)

“Now reload zhiz, I'm going to zee if I can get into thiz fight.”

Artimus attempts to move into the space vacated by Kellar as he mounted "Old Joe."
=======================================
Firing the crossbow1d20+5+assist from Ara?

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