The Good, The Bad, and the Alchemy
Shining Chalice Meetinghouse, midday
The meeting house of the Shining Chalice is a well-kept building on the border between the University district and the noble quarter. The only signs of its unique nature -- a place for sorcerers to meet and exchange ideas -- are the silver chalice emblem emblazoned out front, and the softly-glowing mage-lights at the door.
You are welcomed at the door by a servant, and escorted to one of the parlors within. The decor is expensive, befitting nobility, with magical wall-sconces and thickly upholstered chairs. Waiting for you is the Lord Archmage, Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon, his expression a mix of wryness and irritation -- not directed at you, but for this task.
"The 'Dark Platinum Wizard Gang'... and dear gods, I cannot believe I am saying that with a straight face..." Telamon takes a deep breath. "They are something of a minor nuisance, usually. A small group of magically-inclined ne'er-do-wells, confining their criminal activity to petty actions. They've avoided the Arcanists' dungeon simply by dint of being too small to bother with, and to be honest the Chalice and the Arcanists have had much more serious threats to corral."
"However, it seems their brushes with the law have simply not been enough to dissuade them." Telamon picks up a couple of papers. "It seems some of them have once again begun compounding and selling magical potions and elixirs of questionable efficacy." He makes a face. "It's a shame they don't apply themselves and actually try to go into legitimate business. Their last venture involved a fascinating bit of artifice that was filtering magical pollutants out of the sewers." Tel shrugs. "Wisdom will chase people, but they will always run faster."
Telamon clears his throat. "The city council, as well as the Chalice and the Arcanists, wish this enterprise shut down. We would prefer you take as many members of the gang into custody, as well as their accomplices if any. So far, none of their actions have risen to high crimes. I would prefer they have the opportunity to repent and find a better path."
Vex is new to these confines and the way she slowly pans her faceplate around to see the sights as she is lead through to the meeting does nothing to betray the curiosity she has as she absorbs the new data and stimulus from the location and information that is sure to come with the experience. Her long graceful steps seemingly exagerrated and slow by virtue of her leg construction as the metal of her braids chimes softly against each other until she comes to a rest and it stills quickly.
"Apples." She says softly in the hollow resonant echo of her voice matrix when she recognizes who the speaker is, the mask unmoving with the words which probably explains the echoey bit as it originates somewhere behind it. She otherwise absorbs the information and gives a brief nod, observing Telamon and the others. Her gold and pearl eyes don't blink, but they do dim slightly in something resembling a blink, or if she had closed them briefly, but lets the other two speak before offering anything further than the name of a fruit.
"Ey blondie," Bryn greets the somehwat-familiar Archmage Telamon Lupecyll-Atlon perhaps a bit to casually and/or familiarly. Followed by a whistle as she eyes the place. "Pretty." Then she listens to the situation.
A tusky smirk grows on her face. "So, big name, li'l problems? Pretty sure we can show 'em the err of their ways. Right?" She then looks over to others who have entered.
City life is *endlessly fascinating* to Lani'kua. Take, for example, the sheer variety of people one might find oneself walking next to! Or the insane scale of *house* they might lead one into or--
"...Forgive me," the hooded half-oruch says in answer to Telamon. "You're saying there are wizards -- young wizards, yet -- who seek to misuse the gifts they've worked so hard to attain. ...And currently, their chosen form of sacrilege... is snake oil."
The Elunan's jaw works, as she sucks on a tooth in thought. Such a dichotomy, this land... the wondrous matched with the *stunningly* petty.
Auranar has left.
Vex's attention drifts towards Bryn then and another single soft word sounds, or rather, a sound. Like that of a champaign cork or a wine bottle cork being popped free from its bottle... not the best approximation, but not bad either. She nods her head faintly and turns her attention to Lani'kua who gets studied a bit longer than Telamon or Bryn did. Maybe it's because Lani is almost as tall as she is which is fairly unusual in her experience, or she's just thorough. Her attention shifts back to Telamon and when she speaks again it is louder:
"It is the nature of organic life to strive for their goals. They do not always take the wisest path available to them. Sometimes out of necessity. Sometimes out of fear. Sometimes out of greed. Or many other emotions. Emotions are difficult to fathom and understand. As are desires. It sounds that these individuals need to be properly disciplined and educated since their freedoms impinge upon the well being of others."
Telamon quirks an eyebrow at Vex, bemused at the non-sequitur. But he offers Bryn a fierce (if less tusky) smile of his own. "That's a good summary. They're no Charnethi necromancer -- thankfully -- but this sort of thing happens." He rubs the bridge of his nose. "And people keep asking me why I teach ethics."
Telamon nods a bit sourly to Lani. "Well... not exactly snake oil. The problem is that the potions are sub-standard, and often masquerading as established craft. There's also been an uptick in these potions winding up in the hands of various criminal elements here, which is something the city guard does -not- need. A potion of invisibility that only works for thirty seconds is still thirty seconds of being unseen."
He picks up another paper, on which is scribed an address in his characteristic neat handwriting. "My apprentice actually encountered one of the gang, and managed to inveigle the location of their little operation out of them." His lips quirk. "Dangerous, but the boy does -not- lack courage. I would appreciate it if you went there, and ensured the gang cannot churn out any more elixirs -- preferably before their quality control gets better."
Bryn looks to Vex and rolls a shoulder. "People gotta do what they gotta do. I get it..." Then on to the half-oruch to shrug the other one. "Folks with power do that lots. Least that I know of." Then she pans her eye back to Telamon. "But there's lotsa ways they can do that stuff. They ain't picked the best way." A snort. "Least not good 'nuff to NOT get caught so quick."
"Well," Lani says around a sigh, "I suppose we'd best get to it. With luck, we can show them the error of their ways."
Lifting her shoulders, she spreads her hands. "Very well, Master Lupecyll-Atlon... Best we get on our way then. Though I have to ask... is there a likelihood of these criminal customers being present, and sniffing about their wares?"
After all, if adventurers have to do a murder in front of the very brats they're out to capture... That might make things difficult.
"Or, perhaps, learn their dilution process. Being able to make two potions for the price of one at half effectiveness of each could be very beneficial for the commonfolk." Vex muses softly, her dragonbone clawed fingertips lightly clicking against the plate of her palm one hand, then the next, then reverse in sequence as if timing her internal calculations. "I have no desire to end someone's existence for petty crime, I will only do so as a last resort to save the life of one of my companions, an innocent, or myself. Is there any information on numbers and threats? Also, I am curious if their technique to make platinum dark would work on dragonbone."
Vex agrees with the terms of the 'mission' falling silent to let the other two continue to work out particulars beyond what she's asked while giving a nod to Bryn at her comment of people doing what they gotta do. Then she introduces herself, "I was designated as Vex." If no one else reaches for the address, Vex will take it, hoping Telamon has more info than blindly walking into the enemies den.
Bryn starts to reach out a hand for the adfress then pulls it back to wave at the others. "I know maybe three places in this city. Prolly better somebody't knows better here guide us to the place. Point me in the right direction, though! I'm ready!"
"As I said, I would prefer everyone be taken into custody -- particularly the members of the gang. I cannot rule out criminal elements there as well." Telamon heaves a sigh. "But I won't bar you from defending yourselves, either. If they are smart enough to surrender, that would please me."
He passes the address to Vex, a warehouse in the Docks district. There are some notes -- two members of the gang itself, plus a variable number of 'customers' and security. One sentence is underlined: 'Potion brewing operation is not stable! Be careful!'.
Vex takes the adress and the information, reads it, and passes it to the others so they can also read for themselves. "I believe I know the general layout of the area. I have been to the docks on several occasions since my arrival to the city. Before we depart, or as we traverse to our destination, perhaps we should discuss how we intend to approach this, and what capabilities we have? My construction imbues me with some small amount of channeled magic effects, similar to spells. I have ready access to some offensive, defensive, and disabling magics. When we get closer to the docks, if you wish to know particulars, I will provide whatever information best assists us in our goal to keep innocents and ourselves safe in subduing these criminal elements for proper restitution for their crimes."
"Great!" Bryn doesn't expound whether she is pleased that Vex took the note, that Vex knows where they're going, or that Vex has access to magic. "Ye! Can plan on the way!" Could be that, too. "I can do a li'l magic. Nothin all Archie Magey-like, course..." A nod at Telamon. "Can always toss 'em over my shoulder, if need be. Since we ain't planning on bashin skulls. Much." Since they're planning to walk and talk, she adds walk to her talk.
"Lani'kua," says the half-oruch, "Silverguard. I may not boast much in the way of magical might, but, I do have extensive training in arcane theory, and it's a dim, but present, hope that the Temple's authority might put greater weight behind our words."
Falling into step next to Bryn, she cannot help but look back to Vex now and again.
"...I'm sorry," she says after a couple blocks. "And I beg your forgiveness if I come across as rude, but... How did a being such as you come to be?"
The walk to the Docks is without incident, aided by the rain that splatters down from a stormy dark sky. It chases people indoors, and thus your passing goes unnoted. Soon enough, you arrive at the warehouse in question. A roll of thunder overhead, to punctuate your errand. The warehouse is built of stout, tarred wood -- possibly sourced from a ship broken down for lumber. Circling it, there are two doors -- one at the front, and one at the back.
"I was created during the period that is commonly called the Crown Wars, by a now deceased mage, as an assistant in their experiments. There was several prior models, prototypes, commissioned for my creator prior to my construction. I was the last model he commissioned as I suited his purposes." Vex explains in her hollow echo of a voice to Lani'kua on their way down to the docks, "And, may I ask by which you would prefer to be called?" She asks Bryn, "The only sound I have associated with you so far is:" The sound of a wine cork again.
Then they are coming upon the warehouse and she will indicate which one it is and Vex will opine after their initial observations, "If possible, perhaps we should approach through all points of entry, or, try to restrict which are usable before we enter. Going in separate does reduce the risk of us all being disabled by a single spell at the very least but makes us more vulnerable to being individually overwhelmed."
"Oh!" She didn't introduce herself. "Brynhildragar, but Bryn's easier ta yell out in the heat o' things. The Crown Wars?! Weren't that like thousands a years ago?" She gives Vex a much longer look, now.
For better or worse, her eyeing is cut off when they reach the warehouse. "So.. go in from all sides?" her energy is still there, though her volume is now lower. "Sounds like a plan ta me. Harder for any ta sneak out the back, neither."
"Utterly fascinating," Lani marvels at Vex's story. "My condolences for their passing, but still... Incredible even as a concept, let alone reality." With a quiet laugh, the paladin shakes her head, then grows much more businesslike as a plan is laid out. "I'd agree," she says, "and if you'll allow, I shall announce myself at the front door. Either the commotion will give the two of you time and space to slip in, or they'll run right into you on their way out."
"Less than a hundred, Brynhildragar." Vex clarifies, "The crown wars had not yet become the sorceress wars by the point of my construction. Though, it is approaching a full century." She considers, "Do we wish to attempt to parlay before violence? Perhaps we should see if we can block retreat first, before we enter. We are not in the gravest of rushes, I believe and we should not put our own safety as a lesser goal than arresting some minor malcontents."
GAME: Vex rolls perception: (17)+9: 26
"Oh." She is corrected on the time, though was only a -little- off. "If'n we can talk 'em out, all the better," Bryn agrees. "Used ta bashin heads, but that ain't always the only way." Besides, maybe the other folks'll choose violence, anyhow. Who knows? "Right. Block 'em in sounds good, too." Looks even better, since Vex spies something they can use to block it off and is still easier enough for an oruch or two to wrestle into position. After that, she looks to Lani. "You wanna announce yerself, now? Maybe they come out all nice. However they come out, least we know where they'll come out, eh?"
After the wagon gets moved, Vex notes, "It is a place of business. We should get in out of this weather I believe. It would be more comfortable for all involved."
GAME: Vex casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15
The door to the warehouse is unlocked, though a chain and lock can be seen tucked away inside. Evidently when no one's here, they lock up -- courteous of them.
Inside it's dimly lit, with tall walls of crates around you. The crates are neatly stacked and ordered, but further in, you can hear voices raised in argument around one side of the aisles.
"...No. Not just no, but -hells- no. Did we or did we not have this conversation two days ago when you wanted to speed up production? And you didn't listen! What happened?"
A long pause. Then the same voice. "Yeah. We had three lots we had to dump down into the sewers because they were inert. Stick to bullying people, it's what you're best at."
A harsh, very oruch voice responds, "Why you--"
"Ah ah ah! Don't mess with us. You'll never see the Dark Platinum hittin' your pillow."
A third voice, "That's a lame threat, you know."
Just before entering into the warehouse, Vex holds up her left hand and traces a strange sigil in the air and says a single word in draconic, a minor word of power, but a word of power none-the-less. As she does so runes and sigils carved into her dragonbone glow brightly a moment, then fade, back into the carvings of her dragonbone chassis. She nods to the others, and follows their lead.
With the back door blocked off, and their entrance gone unheeded, Lani looks to the others, raising an eyebrow. With a shrug, the lanky oruch seems to decide that the initial plan is still good enough to go with, and unlimbers her bow, nocking an arrow and stepping forward. "I'm afraid you've got bigger worries to contend with," she says, projecting her voice as far as paladin training and oruch blood allows for. "In the name of the Explorer's Guild and the Temple of Eluna, we're charged with apprehending the... Dark Platinum Wizard Gang -- seriously, *that* was the best you had? -- and bringing them to the Guard. ...Alive. Bring them to the Guard *alive.* That goes for any associates, I'm afraid, so... how about you stop what you're doing and take a knee?"
Tilting her head to one side, then the other, she smiles as winningly as her tusks allow. "Be rather upsetting if this had to get bloody, after all, wouldn't it?"
Bryn moves in with Lani, standing beside her with a big, tusky grin. She doesn't say anything just yet so she doesn't tromp on the directive-giving. Well, mostly. She can't stop a snicker at the part about Dark Platinum Wizard Gang.
The trio step into the warehouse, and Lani issues her challenge as she steps around the wall of crates.
In the center there are four rather rough-looking fellows -- two humans, and two half-orcs. Evidently you've interrupted a discussion (of sorts) between them, and two young weedy looking fellows in robes dyed with eye-searing hues. The two wizards stand in front of a complex alchemical apparatus, and evidently there was a face-down between the criminals and the magicians.
Which comes to a halt as Lani challenges them, and the bigger half-orc roars, "Adventurers! GETTUM!"
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Telamon has dropped a TIMESTOP!
Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Telamon to instruct you further. You may earn RPP by logging a scene for a GM.
For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 18.
It is now Bryn's turn! Vex is next!
GAME: Bryn refreshes special ability pools.
GAME: Bryn spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 17.
It is now Vex's turn! Hood is next!
GAME: Vex casts Glitterdust. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16
Looks like they chose violence... but Bryn double-checks. She pulls the rather large, curved blade from her back. "Ye sure ye boys wanna dance?" If they do, then there should be music or singing to accompany! A sword doesn't make the best music, so the oruchess goes with the latter, beginning to belt out in a heady contralto, "They pickin a fight, we'll do 'em up right! Jab 'em fulla holes, bash 'em inna skulls!"
It may not translate the best from Yrch to Tradespeak... or it could be very literal.
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+1: (7)+1: 8
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+2: (14)+2: 16
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+2: (7)+2: 9
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+3: (11)+3: 14
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 16.
It is now Hood's turn! Hatchet is next!
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+1: (10)+1: 11
Vex doesn't move past her more martial and physically imposing companions, she traces a symbol in the air that Bryn, at least, has seen her use before. She speaks a single word in draconic and then the area amidst the vast majority of the thugs and wizards explodes in gold and silver dust in a brilliant flash, clinging /everywhere/ and blinding them so. "I do not wish to harm you, but, if you do not surrender now, you give me no choice but to use potentially lethal force." Her serene and soft voice transmits louder with an echo trying to carry past Bryn's song.
There are a string of curses as three of the four thugs, as well as the two wizards, are blinded. One of the thugs, a slight-looking human female, backs up around one of the crates, rubbing in frustration at her face to try and get the sparkles out. Her other hand dips down to her belt, pulling a vial free which she uncaps and drinks hurriedly.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 12.
It is now Hatchet's turn! Greataxe is next!
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (20)+5: 25
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (4)+5: 9
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d12+4: (6)+4: 10
The half-orc who wasn't hit with the glitter snarls, yanking a heavy axe from his back. "Not bad. Now it's our turn!" He charges towards the paladin, feinting with the haft before swinging the axe around and slamming it viciously into Lani!
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 10.
It is now Greataxe's turn! Lani'kua is next!
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+2: (16)+2: 18
The other half-orc paws at his face, snarling. "Damn wizards are nothin' but trouble!" He pulls a vial from his belt, sucking it down as well before drawing his own massive axe. He shakes his head, the glitter finally wiped from his eyes as he glares. "I'm gonna -hurt- you."
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 9.
It is now Lani'kua's turn! Wizgangers is next!
GAME: Lani'kua rolls ranged+1+1+3-5: (4)+5+1+1+3+-5: 9
GAME: Lani'kua rolls ranged+1+1+3-4: (2)+5+1+1+3+-4: 8
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 8.
It is now Wizgangers' turn! Rook is next!
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+3: (14)+3: 17
The two wizards stumble back, yelping, wiping their faces. They scuttle around the alchemical lab, casting their spells hurriedly -- some kind of protective ward, probably. Finally, their eyes clear as they look around worriedly.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 1.
It is now Rook's turn! Bryn is next!
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+2: (10)+2: 12
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 18.
It is now Bryn's turn! Vex is next!
The greataxe crashes against Lani's breastplate, the force of the blow causing the paladin to turn in place... But then she glares at her attacker from under her hood, her grin turning hard. "...And now it's *my* turn," she says, slipping back a pace. "And as the Seer's eye falls upon your darkened heart, She shall rejoice to see your evil works undone."
As she recites her invocation, it's as if the ceiling, for a brief moment, simply wasn't there. Nor the clouds, and the rain, and a brilliant, silvery shaft of moonlight illuminates the axe-wielding thug. Lani draws back the string of her bown, sighting down on the criminal's kneecap. "And your defeat shall be a sacred gift to Her!"
The arrow is loosed.
It clatters against the ground next to the thug's foot.
Lani looks up, lifts a shoulder. "I mean I wasn't *lying...*"
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+1+1: (1)+6+1+1: 9 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+1+1: (6)+6+1+1: 14
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 17.
It is now Vex's turn! Hood is next!
GAME: Vex casts Color Spray. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+2: (1)+2: 3 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d4: (4): 4
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 16.
It is now Hood's turn! Hatchet is next!
"Are they?" Vex wonders aloud as she drifts behind Bryn with a light pat on her shoulder, "You have him right where you want him." She tells both the Oruch and then getting to the crate, moves up to where she can get a clear field. Cuz that's /exactly/ where you want to be as a sorcerer. Where everyone can target you and shoot you without cover, but, it also gives you a good view of the battlefield.
"You may be correct. I would not know. I am not a wizard." Vex says to the great axe wielding thug and she points one hand at him, dragonclaw talons spread, and then quickly traces another sigil while intoning in draconic again. The fact that she displays no emotion at all makes it somewhat creepy when a burst of color comes out, washing over the two thugs, but one is already blinded and thus, can't see it. The one who doesn't like wizards though.... well.
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d100: (9): 9
Bryn's rousing lyrics continue and/or repeat. While she does have a powerful voice and is on key, her lyrics may not be the most ... elaborate. After seeing Lani get hit, she does interject a "Get farked!" at hatchet as she steps up to take a swing at him. A swing that doesn't come near enough. Maybe she was trying too hard to hit softly... or too hardly.
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+1: (18)+1: 19
The hooded thug curses loudly again, pulling another vial from her belt as well as her dagger. She tries to tip the vial's contents over the dagger, but fumbles it, the glass bottle falling to the floor and breaking, wasting its content. Finally the sparkles are wiped from her eyes. "We gotta get outta here, guys!"
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 12.
It is now Hatchet's turn! Greataxe is next!
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (14)+5: 19
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d12+4: (12)+4: 16
The rangy half-orc snarls as Bryn jabs at him, fending off the strike with his greataxe. "Oh, you want some too, missy?" He whirls, coming around with his greataxe and slamming it into Bryn next, another deep wound. "I gots enough for ALL of you!"
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 10.
It is now Greataxe's turn! Lani'kua is next!
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 9.
It is now Lani'kua's turn! Wizgangers is next!
GAME: Lani'kua rolls ranged+1+1+3-4: (10)+5+1+1+3+-4: 16
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 8.
It is now Wizgangers' turn! Rook is next!
As Bryn darts in to occupy the thug's attention -- and axe -- Lani nocks another arrow, taking a few calming breaths. Bringing the bow up, she sights in on the thug's leg, waits for an opportune moment... And snarls, as the arrow hisses through the space his leg *was,* and bounces again off the floor. "I think," she says gravely, "that this is a sign. A very unfortunate one, for you lot."
"I think that sounds like a great idea!" One of the magicians yells to the hooded thug. Suddenly both wizards are beating feet for the back wall and the door there. "Legalize meteor swarms!" they yell, as they dart behind crates, approaching the door. The door they don't know is blocked. That door.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 1.
It is now Rook's turn! Bryn is next!
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (16)+5: 21
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+7: (17)+7: 24
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d100: (18): 18
The blinded thug stumbles towards where he heard Vex chanting, hefting his polearm. A wild swing comes whistling around, but it fails to come near Vex, the attack foiled by the blindness... for now.
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+2: (20)+2: 22
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 18.
It is now Bryn's turn! Vex is next!
GAME: Bryn rolls weapon1+1+1: (11)+6+1+1: 19
GAME: Bryn rolls damage1+1+1: aliased to 2d4+4+1+1: (8)+4+1+1: 14
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 17.
It is now Vex's turn! Hood is next!
GAME: Bryn spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE.
GAME: Bryn spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE.
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+7: (14)+7: 21
GAME: Telamon rolls 2d4+3: (6)+3: 9
Bryn's belting catches a momentary hitch when Hatched decides to bury it. 'It' being his greataxe and the burying being into Bryn. Her lyrics hence gain a bit of extra vibrato from the blood, but her spirit isn't dampened at all. "Ha!" She spits a bit of that at him. "Ye hit like a whelp!" With that, she returns the favor, this time her blade finding him and slicing deep. "Blood for blood!"
GAME: Vex casts Invisibility. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16
GAME: Vex rolls 3d4+6: (8)+6: 14
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 16.
It is now Hood's turn! Greataxe is next!
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+0: (9)+0: 9
Seeing that Bryn is under assault, and things are in danger of getting out of hand, the serene mask of Vex looks at the guisarme wielder and then ignores him. She steps towards the north, the man's guisarm clanging off her dragonbone chassis and tweaking some of the sensitive gears and such underneath and then continues on as if it were nothing, though, she was clearly damaged. She cants a quick brief word in draconic, the molten gold in her eyes flares brilliantly and she launches three flaming spears of energy the great axe wielder Bryn was engaged with and they slam into him with burning sizzles as they puncture flesh and vital organs:
"Observe. One of your crew is now inanimate. The door will not lead you to safety. Surrender. Now."
Vex looks at the wizard gang members, and then flicks her gaze at the hood as she approaches. Still. Expressionless. Like a creepy dragonbone combat doll of sorcerous destruction.
The hooded rogue comes sprinting after the wizards. "Wait for me, damn it -- holy shit!" she screams as Vex turns and fires a trio of fiery darts into the vicious axe-wielding half orc. "You wind-up FREAK!" The dagger's in her hand, and she drives it at Vex's faceplate, only to miss.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 10.
It is now Greataxe's turn! Lani'kua is next!
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 9.
It is now Lani'kua's turn! Wizgangers is next!
GAME: Lani'kua rolls 1d6: (1): 1
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 8.
It is now Wizgangers' turn! Rook is next!
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 1.
It is now Rook's turn! Bryn is next!
Reaching out, Lani's hand shimmers with moonlight as she rests it on Bryn's shoulder. While the healing isn't terribly *strong,* it does at least provide some relief and still the bleeding from the terrible wound the bard took. "See to our friend up there," she says, her voice serious and encouraging.
Then she looks up to the pair of thugs still in the middle of the room; ine insensate, and one very much not. "I'll handle this one."
The bow clatters to the floor, and the orc draws a steel ring, lined with a trio of large, sharp crescent moons. Her step is easy, almost casual, as she advances on the human. "I want you to remember," she says, "we offered you a chance to end this without blood. *You* denied us."
The wizards stare at Vex in confusion, and then one extends his forefinger and pinky in response. "Dark Platinum Wizard Gang! We love casting spells!" Then the two of them try to open the door and... it doesn't open. "What the f..." "It's not opening. Like there's something stuck in front of it." One of the wizards yells at the hooded thug attacking Vex, "Help us open this thing!"
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+6: (17)+6: 23
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+2: (2)+2: 4
Meanwhile, the guisarme-armed warrior drops his polearm as Lani approaches, whipping out a longsword. A quick thrust draws blood, though it's a relatively minor wound compared to the painful hit from the axe-wielding half-orc. "Oh no you don't, you're not taking ME back in chains!"
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 18.
It is now Bryn's turn! Vex is next!
GAME: Bryn casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 3 DC: 14
GAME: Bryn rolls 1d6+3: (4)+3: 7
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 17.
It is now Vex's turn! Hood is next!
GAME: Vex casts Color Spray. Caster Level: 5 DC: 15
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+3: (15)+3: 18
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+1: (4)+1: 5
GAME: Telamon rolls 2d4: (5): 5
And down goes Hatchet, by fiery bolts of doom. "Ha!" Bryn looses a hand form her falchion long enough to make a gesture, then moves up to stand with Lani once more. "Back atcha!" She gives the halfsy firm affirming slap that also dumps a bit of magic into her of the helpful variety. "Yer runnin outta meatshields!" That's called out to the mighty Copper Apprentice Cowder.
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d4: (2): 2
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 16.
It is now Hood's turn! Greataxe is next!
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 10.
It is now Greataxe's turn! Lani'kua is next!
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 9.
It is now Lani'kua's turn! Wizgangers is next!
As the wizardgang calls out for the hood to help them after she tries to stab Vex in the face, which misses, badly, deflected by a flare of arcane energy from a brief glowing image of her own personal wards, Vex steps back lifts a hand, again intones another well, more familiar these days, incantantion, and sends a blast of color at at the trio. The wizards are a little canny and are able to avoid the spray, but hood... hood crumples to the ground unconscious. Vex starts to turn and says again, "You have until I return to surrender, or, we will not be so lenient." Does she mean it? Really? It's so hard to say with one of those War Golems!
GAME: Lani'kua rolls melee+1+1: (3)+4+1+1: 9
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 8.
It is now Wizgangers' turn! Rook is next!
"You go back in chains," Lani says, eyes hard, "or you go to the Mountain in a cart. Choose *swiftly,* for every second you refuse is another second where the chains stop being an option for you."
Pausing as Bryn returns the favor, she tosses a grateful look over her shoulder, then lunges out, the tines of her starknife tearing through the air... but not finding purchase in flesh.
"Duck and cover!" Evidently the wizards aren't unfamiliar with these spells, both ducking away as the color spray goes off. Then they look up, and see... the rogue unconscious on the floor. "Aw, shit. Did you bring...?" "No, I had to leave it behind, remember?" "Shit." They both look at Vex, and then sigh... sitting down with their backs to the door, hands visible.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Four - Init 1.
It is now Rook's turn! Bryn is next!
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+6: (6)+6: 12
The sword-wielding thug shouts at the half-orc who's spent the whole fight in a daze, "SNAP OUT OF IT, IDIOT, THEY'RE KICKING OUR ASSES!" He doesn't know if it'll help, but he scrambles around to try and keep from getting double-teamed, jabbing at Lani'kua again -- but this time she fends off his blade with her starknife.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 18.
It is now Bryn's turn! Vex is next!
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+8: (9)+8: 17
GAME: Telamon rolls 2d4+6: (4)+6: 10
Bryn moves in, and deals a vicious strike to the sword-wielding thug with her own blade, crowing in triumph as the criminal staggers from the hit.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 17.
It is now Vex's turn! Hood is next!
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 16.
It is now Hood's turn! Greataxe is next!
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 10.
It is now Greataxe's turn! Lani'kua is next!
"Your companions have surrendered or been rendered ineffective. You fall alone at this point. None shall rescue you." Vex says to Rook as she wanders almost casually over to the downed half-oruch and kicks the great axe away to the north of her to clatter against one of the crates. She kneels down and starts the process of trussing up the stunned half-oruch like everything else is just, done, forgone, no use even needing to help put the still standing half-oruch down.
It's called... dismissal.
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 9.
It is now Lani'kua's turn! Wizgangers is next!
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+6: (20)+6: 26
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+6: (1)+6: 7 (EPIC FAIL)
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d8+2: (5)+2: 7
GAME: Lani'kua rolls 1d6: (5): 5
GAME: Lani'kua rolls melee+1+1+2: (15)+4+1+1+2: 23
GAME: Lani'kua rolls 1d4+2: (2)+2: 4
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 8.
It is now Wizgangers' turn! Rook is next!
GAME: Telamon advances the initiative order.
Round Five - Init 1.
It is now Rook's turn! Bryn is next!
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+2: (11)+2: 13
"I would listen to the lady if I were you," Lani says almost conversationally, circling around... and reeling slightly as the thug's sword flashes out, drawing a deep, bloody furrow in her cheek. Grinning, she reaches up to the cut, fingers shimmering as she runs them down its length... and what was just moments ago a grievous wound, is now a thin, angry pink line.
"*My* turn."
And the starknife flashes out again, slicing at the criminal's ribs.
As the wizgangers sit there quietly, the sword-wielding thug slashes at Lani'kua as she goes past. "We can handle this, Krod, just-- oh what the fuck?!" The man's eyes bug out as he sees his companion getting trussed up like a turkey, still drooling. Then the man screams in pain as Lani's starknife sinks into him.
Something breaks, and he drops his sword. "Alright! Alright! Quarter, damn you, quarter!" He holds his hands up, bleeding heavily.
GAME: Telamon removes the timestop.
Timestop by Telamon has left.
GAME: Vex rolls 1d6+5: (3)+5: 8
With the last thug's surrender, you are able to secure the surviving three thugs, as well as the two gang members. Getting them out is a bit of a chore, but manageable, especially as you're able to flag down a watch patrol not long after and get some additional hands.
Telamon meets you at the precinct office, looking pleased. "Well done, well done. It looks like it was rough, but you won out. I wouldn't mind 'independent entrepreneurs' so much, but they give every magician a bad name when they run around being little more than scoundrels." He gives the two gangers in particular a flinty stare, before ushering you away.
"Now, why don't we adjourn to the temples first, get those injuries looked at. And then, perhaps drinks at the TarRaCe? They have the most marvelous autumn cider laid in..."