PrP: Decoy (part 2)
Log Info
- Title: Decoy (part 2)
- Emitter: Benthus
- Characters: Jessamy (Pal3), Jahnavi (Ftr3)
- Place: Thermadon, a small village in Rune, near Dran borders.
- Time: Dec 9, 2014
- Summary: There are more attacks occuring at the Rune settlements near the Dranei borders.
- APL: 3
- Encounter 1: 1x Ogre (1x advanced, in full plate armour, CR4), Unidentified archer (CR4), CR 6 <--?
The small village of Thermadon had a bad year this year. During the first few days since the start of the Rune-Dranei war, the people living in this area have weathered many woes: From Dranei attacks, to natural calamities like landslides and forest fire. But despite the many bad things that have happened to this place, it is still home to many Rune citizens. When a temporary truce was established between Rune and Dran because of the unnatural volcano that sprung within the latter nation, the villagers of Thermadon were more than happy to return to their homes. For several days now, the people of this village have begun the slow but steady work of repairing their homes and establishing their lives once again.
But peace is a fleeting thing in this part of the world, especially when the neighbouring nation wants to take your land away. For this reason, there are several uniformed personnel walking around the village, providing the place with some degree of protection. But most of the people guarding the village are presently whittling away their time in the recently opened watering hole: Tasty Treats.
Finally. Jessamy is somewhere useful for a change! Only too happy to help out when she'd learned of the villagers' plight, she'd signed up at once, and now, after having done her own share of walking around for the day, she's seated among several others, the harness holding her ranseur in the corner, the weapon upright, and her helm next to it. She still wears the rest of her armor, but messy brown curls spill over the pauldrons, having largely escaped the tail they were in earlier.
Nuanna was contracted to help provide support for the village as it started the rebuilding and at the moment, she has some time off. So it finds her within the tavern. The goblin lass is sitting at one of the tables watching the other patrons. Jahnavi enters the tavern slowly. The egalrin pauses at the entryway, each step slow enough to get a look and feel of the place. She wears a set of decent if battered armor, and after a pause. "Is this seat taken?" to Jessamy, who appears to be sitting on her lonesome. The beak clicks together to enunciate the T's and K's.
Jessamy looks up ... and up ... at the egalrin who greeted her, brown eyes just a little wide. "Not at all, go right ahead," she replies, mustering a smile and pushing the chair next to her towards Jahnavi in a gesture meant to be friendly that ends up being just a little awestruck.
Nuanna watches the Eglarin com in and join the other. She does give a small wave in their direction, as they don't look like military, so they are here like she is.
Click-whistle. "Thanks. I just got into town. ..." the egalrin turns the sear around before taking it, and then leans back to look at the human woman. "...Jahnavi, second generation mercenary. I heard there was work, and got curious. What's your tale?" At the gobbers wave, she looks over and returns one of her own.
At the wave, Jessamy looks up and waves to the gobber girl as well, with a polite smile. "My name's Jessamy. I was a tavernkeeper's daughter in Sendor when the war broke out ...." She pauses, and looks down at the table. "I ended up in the Maiden's temple for sanctuary ... and I've served her ever since, except that I've been all but rotting in Alexandria for weeks." Disgust laces her tone.
A tavern patron passes by your group's table grumbling about the lack of ale. "Watered-down. It's not watered-down, its water! Bah! What's a tavern without ale?!" He grumbles some more as he exits the door...
GAME: Jahnavi rolls perception: (16)+8: 24 GAME: Nuanna rolls perception: (9)+12: 21 GAME: Jessamy rolls sense motive: (7)+6: 13
You paged Jessamy with 'You get the feeling that most of the people inside the tavern are not happy about something.'
You paged (Jahnavi, Nuanna) with 'You spot that a lot of the tavern patrons are scowling and shaking their heads, and mumbling about something. Ale.'
The bartender looks anxious.
The egalrin narrows her eyes for a moment and looks like she's about to say something; changes tracks. "Rotting? Funny, you don't smell like it." She nudges the other briefly with a forearm to show the jest. ...then tenses as the patron walks by. "...too many." It takes a moment for the moment to pass.
Nuanna purses her lips and then shakes her head, "Something not right." she mutters.
Jessamy's response at the nudge is a chuckle, but she glances after the patron, then around the place in general and up at the bar. "Yeah," she agrees quietly. "I'll be right back. Watch my things, won't you?" She nods to the ranseur in the corner before getting up and ambling over to the bar, holding up two fingers once she's got the eye of the barkeep.
Once he's come her way with the desired mugs, she fumbles in her pouch for coins, but takes the moment to ask quietly, "What's going on?"
"What's--?" Jahnavi blinks a few times, rapidly before looking over at the other patrons. "...they look concerned over...their beer. Apparently it's too watered down." Pause. "...I'm not surprised, with the trouble this town has had. ...but we might be looking at a riot." She straightens, not-so-casually, and looks around.
The bartender puts on a fake smile and says, "Welcome to Tasty Treats Tavern, warrior, where the food is always warm and tasty." And then draws up closer as he raises a hand to cover his mouth, "Even though the ale is not as free flowing as it use to be." And then he straightens back up and continues, "So what can I offer you today?"
"Two ales," Jessamy answers, leaning armored forearms on the bar top and placing two silvers on the bar top. Imitating the barkeep, she leans a little closer, studying him curiously. "Not as free flowing? No wonder your patrons are upset. What is happening to make it so?"
Jahnavi looks over at the patrons, then the bartender. As Jessamy speaks up, she nods and goes quiet, evidently agreeing with the question.
Nuanna nods her head and is listening to everything going on and keeping an eye on the patrons.
The barkeep's smile twitches as Jessamy asks him of not only one ale, but two. He takes the money and looks about before pouring the last of the ale on two cups. It only gets half-full. He places the drink before her and then draws close again, "That's the last ale we have now. I give this to you in return I ask a favour. Find the brew master and tell him that we need ale badly. Tell him if we don't get it, my business is ruined." He then leans back and smiles, "Yes, favoured customer! I got some good goat's milk for you. Here! On the house!" He then leans forward just a little bit and says, "Don't tell anyone I gave you ale." And then resumes cleaning the counter.
All the barkeep gets from Jessamy is a silent nod and an uneven look. She returns to the table with the two mugs, but as she does so, leans over and explains to the egalrin under her breath, "They're out. I'm going to find the brew master and pass a message before the riot you fear in fact happens," she tells Jahnavi. "Will you join me, or stay here and try to keep the peace?"
Jahnavi looks down at the ale, then up at the retreating bartender. "Riot could mean work, you know." Her eyes dance for a moment, before she leans forward. "I'd be fore talking with the man, but if he wants more than that. ...we negotiate." A nod.
A few of the patrons who were observing the interactions between Jessamy and the barkeep couldn't help but chuckle and chortle, "Goats milk. Who drinks goats milk but kids." This causes the people seated at the same table as the one of commented to laugh uproariously.
"If it is battle you seek, friend, the Dranei are never far away, and I do not doubt they would be more than willing." Jessamy's smile fades ... what there was of it. Although she glances at the table in question, she says nothing, instead turning back to the egalrin. "Very well, I'll go, and relay what is said. These people have seen enough destruction without it being by their own hand."
"Not battle, just the right to earn a living. I'll go along; let's just be careful if he says, 'I'm having this trouble with this other merchant, and I want you to kill him for me,' that we're charging the right rates." The egalrin places a hand on the chair back, and stands. She looks at the other table, and back, and grins.
The village is deceptively tranquil for a person standing outside the tavern. The people continue to go about their normal days work. The road has a steady flow of wagons moving in an out as people repopulating the settlement bring their stuff with them. Traffic is mild.
Of interest on the road is one wagon. There appears to be wooden barrels loaded on it. The person manning the wagon is a relatively old man with a flashy green vest and a floppy hat on his head. He seems to be causing traffic as he is driving his wagon slowly. People behind him are grumbling and muttering loudly. One even yells out at him, "Come on, old man! Get a move on!" All of which is being ignored by the old man, urging his beast of burden at the pace he is comfortable with.
<OOC> Benthus says, "Perception check please."
GAME: Jessamy rolls perception: (11)+2: 13 You paged Jessamy with 'It looks like ordinary water barrels.' Jessamy pages: Sense Motive, though. Are the only people grumbling the ones stuck behind him ... or is /everyone/ grumbling? GAME: Jessamy rolls sense motive: (19)+6: 25 to benthus You paged Jessamy with 'Just the ones behind the old man.' You paged Jessamy with 'You also sense that the old man is driving slowly deliberately. Apparently, his cargo at the back is important that it doesn't get jolted around.'
"That may well be our man," Jahnavi says as they head outside into the dusty sunshine. "Cart, barrels...let's go talk with him?"
"Seems like it," Jessamy nods agreement as she watching the old man. "He's moving slowly for a reason, though, I think. Maybe he doesn't want those jolted ...." The young woman nods her understanding. "So many people anxious," she murmurs to herself, looking around before approaching the old man.
As Jessamy approaches the wagon that is manned by the old man, something whizzes through the air. A moment ago, the old man was all smiles. Suddenly, his face contorts. A surprised look, before it changes to shock and then pain.
An arrow has pierced his chest.
GAME: Jahnavi rolls initiative: Roll: 20 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 23 GAME: Jessamy rolls initiative: Roll: 3 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 4 GAME: You roll initiative for sniper: Roll: 5 + Bonus: +4 = Total: 9 GAME: You roll initiative for Titan: Roll: 20 + Bonus: -1 = Total: 19
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 23.
It is now Jahnavi's turn! Titan is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Jahnavi ended. <OOC> Jahnavi says, "Tackle the guy and see if I can't get him under his cart." <OOC> Jahnavi says, "Before he gets shot again. Otherwise, he can't pay me. :("
Jahnavi clamps her wings to her back, and rushes the bleeding merchant, forcing him to the ground and underneath his cart. It's all she has time for, all she has time to do. There's no finesse, but it's effective.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 19.
It is now Titan's turn! Sniper is next!
Someone screams at seeing that the brew master is dead (or dying). Shouting and more screams can be heard as people begin running for cover, trying to get out of the open.
A faint rumble can be felt on the ground not soon after, recurring at intervals and increasing in intensity. Something is approaching the area... Something big.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 9.
It is now sniper's turn! Jessamy is next!
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (4)+10: 14 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (18)+10: 28 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d8+5: (2)+5: 7 GAME: You damaged Jessamy for 7 points. 25 remaining.
Two more arrows fly from far across the street. One misses Jessamy but the next one clips her on the shoulder...
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 4.
It is now Jessamy's turn! Jahnavi is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Jessamy ended. <OOC> Jessamy says, "OK, can I see where the arrows came from?" <OOC> Benthus says, "Roll perception." GAME: Jessamy rolls perception: (17)+2: 19 You paged Jessamy with 'It comes quite far from where you are. It is actually outside the villages' perimeter. About 180 feet away.' Jessamy pages: Beyond my shooting range, composite or not. <OOC> Jessamy says, "Get behind the wagon (move), lay on hands (swift since it's on me), and pull the bow out (move)" GAME: Jessamy rolls 1d6: (3): 3 GAME: You damaged Jessamy for -3 points. 28 remaining.
The arrow buries itself in Jessamy's shoulder, and she can't quite stop a cry of pain, but rather than panic, she dives behind the wagon for cover, shouting, "Get down or under cover!" That's all she has time for, though; as her boots hit the ground, she lays a hand over her shoulder, murmuring, "Maiden of Battles, give me strength to fight on in Your name." A golden glow forms around her hands, and although it doesn't force the arrow from her shoulder, the worst of the bleeding stops. Good enough for now -- she breaks it off and unlimbers her bow, nocking an arrow.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 23.
It is now Jahnavi's turn! Titan is next!
<OOC> Jahnavi says, "How far is the sniper?" <OOC> Benthus says, "Roll perception" GAME: Jahnavi rolls perception: (19)+8: 27 You paged Jahnavi with 'About 180 feet away. Person is concealed behind some trees.' Jahnavi pages: Ok. :3 <OOC> Jahnavi'll point out the sniper. Is it possible to get a barrel, and use that as cover to get closer to the sniper? <OOC> Benthus says, "Sure. But be aware that there is another unseen foe coming." <OOC> Jahnavi's assuming moving the cart would leave the merchant uncovered. <OOC> Jahnavi says, "Can I see the foe?"
<OOC> Benthus says, "You can see it's position behind the foliage of a tree, but the shadows make it difficult to determine what it is. Closing the distance will definitely help in identifying the assailant."
<OOC> Jahnavi says, "Move to put the cart between myself and the sniper. I'll ready the melee weapon if it comes closer."
"He's a hundred and eighty feet that way. Nothing I have reaches that far. Other enemy near the brush." The egalrin gestures and then moves around the cart, placing it between herself and the sniper. She shakes the bardiche loose, and grips it. Were she human, she'd be sweating. Instead, everyone around her is treated to egalrin-stink.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 19.
It is now Titan's turn! Sniper is next!
Few curious on-lookers peep out of their windows to see what is approaching. The few people that manage to see what it is that is approaching gasp in fear and shock. It is a huge ogre wearing a full-plate armour. It is carrying with it a dran flail, the head of the weapon ploughing the earth as it drags it behind.
It waits for a bit, surveying it's surrounding with a critical eye. Then it beats its chest like a big hairy ape, roaring loudly for everyone in the village to hear. It draws its weapon up and swirls it around, causing a whirling noise that is frightening to hear. It lets it fly and smash the side of a wooden building, splintering the timber that makes up its wall. The people inside the building scramble to get away from the open hole in the wall, as the huge spiked head is withdrawn back to its owner.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 9.
It is now sniper's turn! Jessamy is next!
There is no movement coming from the sniper...
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 4.
It is now Jessamy's turn! Jahnavi is next!
<OOC> Jessamy says, "What's the range to the dire ogre?" <OOC> Benthus says, "60 feet." GAME: Jessamy rolls 1d20+5: (17)+5: 22
"Nor mine ..." Jessamy peeks out, and mutters a prayer as she spots the massive ogre. Quickly, she pulls the bow and lets the arrow fly; her aim is true but it skitters harmlessly off the armor.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 23.
It is now Jahnavi's turn! Titan is next!
<OOC> Jahnavi says, "My bolas aren't going to do anything, but I'll try. Ranged trip attack at...60' out?" You paged Jahnavi with 'something else you noticed that I forgot to inform you. The barrels are filled with volatile liquid.' <OOC> Jahnavi says, "On second thought..." <OOC> Jahnavi says, "Can I aggressively roll a barrel towards him?" <OOC> Benthus says, "Of course."
"...beer isn't this valuable. Since when is beer this valuable?" Jahnavi turns and shoulders one of the barrels...before dropping it to earth and shoving hard. The barrel churns ahead--she goes with it, aiming it at the armored beast's legs.
<OOC> Jahnavi'll stop a few yards from the titan, and let the barrel continue.
Luckily, the ogre is down a slope so the barrel continues to roll into its direction...
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 19.
It is now Titan's turn! Sniper is next!
The titan runs forward. Which is pretty slow. He gets to about 20 feet from where he was standing earlier. The barrel gets crushed by its heavy iron-soled boots.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 9.
It is now sniper's turn! Jessamy is next!
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (19)+10: 29 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (11)+10: 21
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | Name | Race | Class |E Lev| CHP | HP | AC |CMD |For |Ref |Wil | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |Jahnavi |EAGLEFOLK |Ftr | 3 | 32 | 32 | 20 | 20 | 6 | 4 | 2 | |Jessamy |HUMAN |Pal | 3 | 28 | 32 | 21 | 16 | 9 | 5 | 7 | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d8+4: (2)+4: 6 GAME: Benthus rolls 1d8+4: (4)+4: 8 GAME: You damaged Jahnavi for 14 points. 18 remaining.
From 180 feet away, two arrows are launched with unerring accuracy and hits Jahnavi as the egalrin rolls the barrel towards the ogre.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 4.
It is now Jessamy's turn! Jahnavi is next!
<OOC> Jessamy says, "OK. 60 feet away ... remind me what the throw range on a flask of oil is." <OOC> Benthus says, "I think it is 10 feet for flasks?" <OOC> Jessamy says, "That sounds right. So where did the contents of the barrel end up?" <OOC> Benthus says, "It got crushed by the ogre. So a puddle of liquid is now covering its feet." <OOC> Jessamy says, "Lighting a flask and throwing it is a full round action."
GAME: Jessamy rolls 1d20+4: (2)+4: 6
<OOC> Benthus says, "It misses the targeted area." <OOC> Benthus says, "But..." <OOC> Benthus says, "The flame creeps down the slop and touches the puddle of liquid at the ogre's feet..."
"It is when its absence will cause chaos, if you seek to work evil!" Jessamy shouts in answer to the egalrin, although seeing the ogre shatter the barrel gives her an idea - and brings a grin to her face. Ducking back behind cover, the Lancer pulls a flask of oil from her belt, lights it with flint and steel, and lobs it in the direction of the ogre. It's not the best of throws by any stretch, but the burning flask rolls down the hill -- and right into the puddle of booze. Flames leap from the puddle as the two connect, and with a *whoosh*, the ogre suddenly stands in a puddle of flame.
Bet it doesn't like that armor now.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 23.
It is now Jahnavi's turn! Titan is next!
<OOC> Jahnavi will move back to a covered space if possible and attempt a ranged trip on the titan. I'll try to keep within 20' of the armored beast. Then re-grip the bardiche and yell that a Dranei sniper is stealing their beer. Because motivation? GAME: Jahnavi rolls 1d20+7: (14)+7: 21
Jahnavi sends the hunter's bolas spinning. End around end, they spiral in the air--knocking into the titan's legs and dragging him down into the fire. "Moonbeams. That's--hah! SEE ME NOW!" the egalrin forgets her ever-so-smart strategy. She fist-pumps the air and crows before remembering to regrip the bardiche, and taking stance again.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 19.
It is now Titan's turn! Sniper is next!
The ogre stumbles and falls due to being entangled by Jahnavi's Bolas, with a pool of fire surrounding it. It begins to cry out in pain....
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 9.
It is now sniper's turn! Jessamy is next!
The sniper at 180 feet away is unable to make an attack. Smoke coming from the fiery pool is obscuring its sight...
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 4.
It is now Jessamy's turn! Jahnavi is next!
GAME: Jessamy rolls 1d6: (1): 1 (EPIC FAIL) (LoH on Jahnavi) GAME: You damaged Jahnavi for -1 points. 19 remaining.
...and it worked! Breathing a sigh of relief, Jessamy drops the bow behind the wagon and bolts out from cover, using the smokescreen as cover. A hand rests on the egalrin's shoulder, and she murmurs the same prayer again, "Maiden of Battles, give this warrior strength to fight on, in the name of Your just order and peace." The golden glow that settles around her hand doesn't do a lot, but it might just stop the bleeding.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 23.
It is now Jahnavi's turn! Titan is next!
<OOC> Jahnavi says, "Thank Jessamy, then move in and stab the titan. If he stands, I'll take an AoO, darnit. Try to keep the smoke between myself and the sniper." <OOC> Benthus says, "The area that is on fire is quite big actually, Jahnavi. And pretty hot. The liquid used was very volatile and is burning out fast." <OOC> Jahnavi says, "Does reach help? Or would piling on more things that might burn help?" <OOC> Benthus says, "There is a wall that is being repaired just to its side. The foundation don't look stable. A good push could topple it over towards the prone ogre." <OOC> Jahnavi would like to help the wall. <OOC> Benthus says, "Okay, roll strength check please."
GAME: Jahnavi rolls strength: (20)+3: 23
"Thanks. ..." Jahnavi looks around them. The burning ogre, the spreading fire...and then runs flat out towards the wall, throwing her shoulder against it. Hard. The egalrin's unusually large frame, or her motivation--the wall goes tumbling, toppling over the burning titan. She'll feel the bleeding later.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 19.
It is now Titan's turn! Sniper is next!
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+8: (11)+8: 19
The ogre struggles against the heavy armour it is wearing. Now it is struggling against the section of the wall that has collapsed on top of it. Aside from that, it struggles with the very hot fiery pool that it is lying flat on. It tries to push the things on top of it away. I manages to do so barely. It is still prone. And it is still burning from the fiery pool.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 9.
It is now sniper's turn! Jessamy is next!
Now, aside from the smoke produced by the flames, there is a section of a wall that impedes the snipers vision...
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 4.
It is now Jessamy's turn! Jahnavi is next!
<OOC> Jessamy says, "Hand Jahnavi a CLW potion." GAME: Jessamy used a Potion. GAME: Jessamy rolls 1d8+1: (6)+1: 7 GAME: You damaged Jahnavi for -7 points. 26 remaining.
"Well done!" Jessamy shouts, covering her nose from the unutterable stench that is the burning flesh of a dire ogre. She fumbles in her pouch and hands the egalrin a small vial. "Get back into cover before that sniper figures out where we are!" she shouts.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 23.
It is now Jahnavi's turn! Titan is next!
<OOC> Jahnavi ok. Drink the potion, and suggest to Jessamy that we get back to the cart? We can't get close to him because of the fire...but he'll burn all the way chasing us?
The egalrin tips it back--it's better than booze. Feathers regrow and respawn, and the mercenary gives herself a shake. "Thanks. ...back to the cart? He chases, he burns," Jahnavi says. "Yeah, what I'm thinking." She takes a step back and runs that way. She'd missed the titan's retreat.
GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
Round Six - Init 19.
It is now Titan's turn! Sniper is next!
The fire dies out as quickly as it started. The ogre rises up slowly, pushing more of the debris away from it. Some parts of its metal armour are bright red, melting against the super heated fire caused by the volatile liquid. It doesn't look like it is facing its opponent's direction. It is looking towards the treeline and where its sniper ally is located. It shambles along ever so slowly... retreating.
(Foes retreated but were able to accomplish their mission of terrorizing the villagers. The two heroines decided to stay as they have achieved their job of protecting the village. End of scene... for now.)