The Silent Tide - Continuation

[Togot]

Inside the Crimson Coin Skurvin maintains a very neutral face when speaking with the servants. In a place like this, it seems that being overly friendly would be a sign a weakness. Not a good thing in a den of vipers. Kria stays close by, keeping her features hidden as best she could, though enough of her tail and clawed feet show to let those who looked think twice about attacking. It was something Skurvin always counted on when wandering the streets. A cut purse pays attention to his mark, and would think better of attacking potentially dangerous prey. Skurvin Dice perception: d20+2 (16)+2 Total = 18 scans the room, not letting his eyes linger on anyone too long lest they perceive it as some kind of challenge. The girls were of little interest to him, being far too mundane for his exotic tastes. "Well, Reyd," he finally says after deciding he dislikes this place immensely. "I suspect you have more experience in such establishments than myself. What course of action would you suggest?"

[Totentanzen]

Inside the Crimson Coin Molrim looks to the women in interest. He had little care for their luxurious looks but had an idea. He thought logically about how much they must hear on a normal day and how little people pay attention to them other then their "assets". He walks over to Kyra and Mara. "If I could have a moment of your time young ladies?" Molrim says with a Attempting to make their attitude lighter Diplmacy below.half smile "Have you two beauties heard of anything out of the ordinary in the past couple weeks? Anything along the lines of something called war hounds?" Molrim winks at them "I can make it worth your time."   Diplomacy: Dice Roll: 1d20+5 (17)+5 Total = 22 (22) Sense Motive: Dice Roll: 1d20+6 (8)+6 Total = 14 (14) Just to see if they are lying to me

[coldmug]

Inside the Crimson Coin Reyd takes a careful sip from his mug, swills it around in his mouth, then deciding it's OK, he swigs a big mouthful. Smiling at Molrim as he takes the lead, he nods to Skurvin, Follow his lead He walks over to the bartender acting nonchalantly and slaps a silver coin on the counter under his palm. Hail Master tradesman... I've been looking for an old friend of mine... said he lurked around these quarters. Reyd looks around the bar and then back at the barman. Would you happen to have heard of him... calls himself Nessian As he raised his glass to his lips and drank of the bitter brew, he carefully studied the barman's face   Going to gather information. Hoping the silver helps ease his mood and maybe give me a bonus. Dice Diplomacy, +9: 1d20+9 (5)+9 Total = 14 Diplomacy check. And a Dice Sense Motive, +6: 1d20+6 (4)+6 Total = 10 sense motive check.

[Geldar]

The Basement Under the Old Library It wasn’t the ghouls that spooked the adventuresome black cat, but rather the powerful swing of Pogar’s axe. As soon as the dwarf brought his weapon down on the undead brute, Amolas shot back into the darkness and up the stairs like a light. Well, maybe not “like a light,” because it’s evidently quite dark where our heroes currently occupy themselves; but certainly, it was something like that. Faunra is momentarily startled by the ghoul (as much as a ghoul attacking out of darkness would startle a curious elf), but overall she was not worried. She had Pogar to protect her, and Belros was a cleric more-than-capable of handling such meanies. What can possibly go wrong? She turns her attention from the immediate position of the now-presumably-chopped-up ghoul, to just beyond the ghoul’s point of attack. Using her low-light vision, Faunra looks to see if there are any more ghouls headed their way. Um, maybe we’d better move back, close up this passage. Stories of ghouls having entire cities underground; could be hundreds down here for all we know. In case other ghoulies are headed up, Faunra once again has the obligatory Standard action, Delayed: casting Grease IF another ghoul moves up to attack us.spell on her lips.   Dice Roll: 1d20+5 (4)+5 Total = 9   Move action: Speaks to party. Standard action, Delayed: IF another baddie moves up to attack, Faunra casts Grease in a 10’ square, with the spell centered 5’ behind the intended target (so that it won’t catch friendly characters standing 5’ in front of the intended target, if that makes sense). Grease A grease spell covers a solid surface with a layer of slippery grease. Any creature in the area when the spell is cast must make a successful Reflex save or fall. A creature can walk within or through the area of grease at half normal speed with a DC 10 Acrobatics check. Failure means it can't move that round (and must then make a Reflex save or fall), while failure by 5 or more means it falls (see the Acrobatics skill for details). Creatures that do not move on their turn do not need to make this check and are not considered flat-footed. If on the other hand her two other party members retreat back upstairs as she urges, she'll "Run away!" as well.

[Belros]

The Basement Under the Library The cat streaking past him and Pogar springing into action alerts Belros to trouble ahead. As he takes stock of the situation his initial fears were realized as he confirms that the rotting smell they all encountered is that of dead flesh. "Ghouls..." he whispers with a sneer. The cleric pauses a moment to see if Pogar dispatches the one before them and if others come forward.   To speed things up for us and keeping me from being a delay I'll post two actions: Belros is going to delay his action until the end to first see if there are others attacking or within 30'. If he doesn't see or think there are others nearby and Pogar didn't kill that one then he will move closer and attack with his hammer: Dice Warhammer Attack: 1d20+5 (10)+5 Total = 15 Dice Dmg if needed: 1d8+3 (2)+3 Total = 5 Second Option: If there are more around then he will hold up his holy symbol of Torag and call upon the holy power of his deity to destroy the evil creatures. Dice Channel Positive Energy: 1d6 6 Dice Channel Positive Energy dmg: 2d6 5, 5 Total = 10 The creatures receive a Will save DC 12 for16 total, 8 if they make save half the damage. If Pogar kills that first one and there are no signs of others around immediately then Belros will take a moment to try and see if he can identify what this ghoul was eating before following Pogar and Faunra back up the stairs.

[Captain K]

Inside the Crimson Coin Well, so much for subtlety... Morton had hoped to have given the impression they were a bunch of rascals out for fun, but the others had immediately started asking questions about the mission. Shame really, could have had the opportunity to mix work and play. Still can. "Hellooooo ladies!" Morton grabs the girls then presses a couple of gold coins into their hands. "Mara, Kyra, you be good to us and I'll treat you right. Run along, get me a bottle of port wine and something nice for yourselves. Round up a couple of salts for some cards, then come sit down next to me and we'll have a nice time." OOC Dice Diplomacy: 1d20+10 (3)+10 Total = 13

[Storm]

Under the Old Library Basement Before Pogar has time to react to the ghastly lacedon, the Ghoul sweeps at Pogar's armor with a claws raking across the master work plate armor that has protected the Dwarf. Missing in it's attempt at inflicting a terrible fever then paralysis, the ghoul bites where Pogar's face had been moments before. In vainglory, Pogar crushes the ghoul with a powerful sweep of his great axe across the mid section of the lumbering ghoul. It's wide eye expressions shows a spark of hatred and animosity. It has fell in death, finally released from it's tormenting prison. The attack from Pogar is enough to frighten Amolas, Faunra's familiar, companion and friend the black cat. The frighted cat shudders at the Dwarfs attack but not before the Mage conjures black ink that sprays from her finger tips. the black ink coats a thirty feet radius, enough to create a substantial hazard to any incoming undead. Soon a lumbering lacedon, slips and falls in front of Pogar, leaving him flat footed and swinging wildly at the air, trying to gain footing. Belros brings forth his holy symbol and calls forth a diving prayer to Torag. The light from the channeling energy brightly fills the room but is not enough to turn the powerful undead. There is only one who turns to flee the radiant energy from Belros. The other two ghouls are sentient enough to heed the black grease, and stay their position while swinging their claws in front of them trying to grasp at your flesh.

Inside the Crimson Coin Skurvin's scrutiny of the room and the inhabitants inside, show a few men out of sorts in the Crimson Coin. They look like lowly thugs and gangers of the Dock District. They seem to eye you warily and turn back to enjoy their conversation with the patrons of the bar. They carry saps, nets and a small buckler with a sheathed dagger in its scabbard. There are eight of them scattered around the room. The two maidens warm up more to Molrim the Elven Ranger than Morton. They have seen a lot of patrons come through here, willing to wager coin and drink and they roll their eyes at 'Another Big Shot' coming to play the odds. Kyra and Mara are more impressed with the sincere's Rangers approach to getting to the real reason you are here. When you inquire about Nessian, they bring their petite hands to their faces and Kyra holds her jeweled index finger to your lips. Kyra then begins to speak,"We don't say that name around here Ranger. You will live longer and happier if you keep out of his business. Whatever business you have with him. Coming right to the lions den takes balls!" Mara smiles at you Morton and begins to nod in agreement after a brief response from Kyra to Molrim. "Bard, if your intentions are well, we shall entertain you with vast amounts of fine drink, cards for the playing and beautiful woman to court your most wildest desires. Your fantasy while at the Coin will come true!" Both woman escort Naum, Skurvin, Kria, Morton and Molrim to an upper balcony, where a private room is established. They ask if you would like more drink and food and bring out cards. The smell of permeable stale ale and exotic pipeweed move through the rafters and the upper and lower lofts. They leave at once and give you much needed privacy. Reyd is equally unsuccessful at his inquisition of the bartender named Nab! The oversized bald man is middle aged and looks to be a half ogre of sorts. His bulging muscles flex with shining the delicate crystal goblets used to drink wine and a half tub of pewter goblets fill a basin of soapy water. There is a single lone piece of hair protruding from his lip as he smiles with one tooth. The crusty finger nails are soaked and crooked from years of washing dishes and serving alcohol. Nab say to you, "Can't tell you I heard of him! I think you might be looking in the wrong place mister! Why don't you keep the silver and go back to your seat!" Even though you tried as you will with him, there is no convincing Nab to divulge the information to you.

[Belros]

Under the Old Library Basement "I like when they just stand there," says Belros with a grin to Pogar. "Nice work on that one," he adds with a nod to the disfigured ghoul at their feet. The cleric takes a step forward to stand right next to Pogar, his hammer and shield at the ready for the first ghoul to step forward near the deadly pair. "Nice work, Faunra," the cleric looks over at the ghouls as they wait at the edge of the spell. "Gives us time to ready ourselves." The cleric waits patiently, ready for any ghoul that gets hungry enough to challenge dwarf and priest.   I believe Belros can take a step forward next to Pogar which would allow both of us an attack of opportunity on any ghoul moving toward us. If so, he will most definitely take that attack and hopefully the pair can quickly dispatch the wounded undead.

[Totentanzen]

Inside the Crimson Coin "Well" Molrim says "I am starting to get the feeling that we won't get much information from the people here. What are you thinking my friends?"

[Captain K]

Inside the Crimson Coin "Frankly, we should wait, Molrim. We have only been here five minutes. We have a good table, here on the balcony away from wagging ears and we haven't been subtle about arriving. Check your shooting distances from up here. Reyd, establish whether you can leap from this balcony safely. Check the windows for escape routes. Skurvin, think of something useful for Kria. They will come, if they are about at all. Flash the cash, get some buzz going. Reyd, I appreciate you Rogues are often cheapskatesmay have had to scrimp and save in your life, but don't just give the barman a silver coin. They'll think we are nonentities. If nothing happens, Skurvin, please help me out. We might need to spark a debate about the merits of Taldorian influence. Say something loud and controversial." OOC Please note, Morton is a huge believer in bribery and extravagance. This method might not be for everyone.

[Geldar]

Under the Old Library Basement (general silliness) Speaking volumes to her vast intelligence, a million things go through Faunra's head inside of the six seconds she currently spends with the ghouls. Chiefly, she thinks about her companions over at the pub, and what a good time they must be having. We're down here fighting for our lives, while they're probably dancing on tables by now, harrassing the waitresses and doing Yuelral-knows-what. Talk about a cushy assignment...I bet Morton probably slipped some extra coin to good ol' Captain Hestrem in order to get his boys an easy job back up on the ground floor, while we're down here among undead and whatnot; that bard, he is a big-spender after all, riding around town in those fancy taxis and such. Only by-way of her aforementioned intellect is our elven wizard's mind able to return so quickly to the task at hand, dealing with these blasted ghouls. Well I don't know if it's worse down here or not...I have had some terrible waiters and waitresses in my time.

[Totentanzen]

Molrim nods to Morton."Your'e right." Molrim though to himself "Ive never been one for crowded spaces.". Molrim nonchalantly walks over to the edge of the balcony with a drink in his hand. He takes a sip as he surveys what is down below. As he tastes the cool ale, it helps to loosen him up a bit and calm his nerves.

 

Ooc Perception: Dice Roll: 1d20+8 (15)+8 Total = 23 (23) My goal is to see if I can accurately tell how close general landmarks are, and also to keep an eye out for anything on while not seeming out of place? Assuming I want to go unnoticed ill throw in a stealth move? Ha better then not I guess. Stealth: Dice Roll: 1d20+11 (7)+11 Total = 18 (18)

[Togot]

Skurvin gives Morton a tight smile as he keeps his irritation in check. “We are trying to have a meeting, not start a brawl. I do agree that we were put here for observation, possibly even assassination, though that would be rash before he knows our intentions.” Skurvin sighs. “Stay here and keep an eye out, and I wouldn’t drink anything if I were you. I will return shortly.”

He leaves his companions scolding himself for placing such faith in them. He had hoped that their experience in such rat holes would be an asset, and yet they had acted like bounty hunters looking for the man’s head. If you wanted something done right, do it yourself.

Skurvin makes his way to the bar with Kria shadowing him. He makes no attempt at smiles or pleasantries as he tosses a small pouch of

Dice Diplomacy, because money talks:

d20+7

(13)+7

Total = 20

20 gold pieces to Nab. Speaking as if he were the man‘s boss, Skurvin says, “Tell Nessian that someone with money wishes to speak with him about that business in the puddles. I will await him on the balcony with my associates.”

Without waiting for the man’s response, Skurvin turns his back sharply and walks away, returns to the others, taking a seat and mentally preparing himself for the future discussion. Kria stays on her feet behind and to the left of him, ever vigilant.

“Remember,” Skurvin says quietly without looking at anyone. “Do not attack unless they do. We are here to talk, until talking is no longer an option.”

As a precaution, Skurvin whispers a few words and points his finger as he tries to get a Detect magicbetter feel for the tactical situation.

[Storm]

Underneath the Basement of the Old Library Your channeling energy is enough to sear holy energy into the lumbering ghasts as they swiftly move forward from opposing sides of the room. One takes the upper corridor and the other takes the lower corridor split by a black onyx in the middle of the room. There is blood stained throughout the room as the radiating light from your holy cross is enough to show signs of struggle from Troglodyte and Ghoul. There was a recent battle as some of the bodies of the fallen scatter throughout the basement. Tham takes his turn to approach down the stairs as the onslaught continues, Pogar is there to greet the northern most Ghoul and severs the body in half from his masterwork great axe. Black blood sprays about as the two pieces of the ghast fall to the ground, Belros is approached by the other Ghoul but misses his attack of opportunity. It is the Ghouls turn to attack and slices its rotted hands and claws through mid air. The attack is a critical miss as it is the heroes turn to act against this threat.

Inside the Crimson Coin Inside the Crimson Coin, Molrim, Morton and Naum stand atop the balcony observing the casual business of the Coin. It seems to grow a little busier this time of day as the day progresses into mid afternoon. Skurvin and Reyd are talking to Nab as the Half-Ogre receives the pouch full of gold coins and does as he wishes. Seems a little air of authority goes a long way and the ogre snaps his fingers and a messenger, more a lowly foot stool is sent to fetch the likes of Nessian. Not so much longer than the errand boy goes to retrieve the leader, then an arrogant Captain walks into the Crimson Coin with two ladies attached underneath each arm. The man has a curly mustache and has dark black curly locks. His wear is of a Cheliaxian Nautical Navymen and with the stripes to match, confirms him as a Captain. The men stand to cheer the man walking into the Taproom as Du'Moire. All clap and several of the ladies begin to refill pitchers of ale and mugs of swill. He swirls his wrist around, ordering everyone a drink including all of you. He eyes you and smiles. Before long, the place erupts in song and expression of Cheliax. Land of the Infernal. Kyra and Mara bring a display full of foamy mugs and wild boar from the spit with chunks of artisan bread and sopping gravy. It is a lavish feast. "Compliments of the Du'Moire, Captain of the Hydra Fang!"

[Togot]

Well, it's a better start than him drawing weapons on us, Skurvin thinks as he accepts the gift graciously with a nod.

"And my compliments on the good captain's hospitality," he says,

Dice Sense motive:

d20+4

(12)+4

Total = 16

watching the man closely. No doubt the captain was doing the same, gauging their reactions, sizing them up. The food and drink was meant to soften them up, get them to lower their guard or put them in a more friendly mood for talk. That was fine with Skurvin; at least he was getting his 20 gold's worth. It was less likely that their drink was poisoned now that the man had made an appearance, though still a possibility. Still, it would be rude, and seen as cowardly if Skurvin refused to partake. He sips his drink slowly, deliberately while maintaining an air of calm and control about him as he waits for their guest to come join them.