[Game Thread] Chapter 1 - Lost

[Lentil Sponge]

Location	Map	Season	Day	Time	Weather
The Dead Mermaid's Casino	J9	Harvest	102 of 120	4:13pm	Sunny

The Dead Mermaid's Casino Sandraminae's lips slowly pursed when a trio of questions, and one simple request, were thrown her way. She had to take a moment to burrow them into little mental boxes to answer. Her eyes dipped low in consideration, before they settled first on Damien. "Flattery like that gets you nowhere, Buranta. If you need an answer right now, just know that it's always handy in a city like this to have people who owe you." She then turned her attention onto Grim, considering his proposal. "I'd rather my workers be good workers, though there aren't many better places to hear rumours than here. So, I'll give you a three hour shift, then a break to work on what you have... then you come back and finish your shifts for tonight. Believe me, we'll know where you go if you try to run - Tilly has her ways." The last people that Sandraminae addressed were Kara and Tarbin. The elf noticed Kara's discomfort - it would take blindness to not - and she gave a slightly malicious cackle. "I'll answer your question in a little bit. I need to show you around before I put you to work." Then, without warning, THWEEEP! from her clenched teeth. Everyone of the staff about her looked to her. "We'll give our new co-workers some privacy - they've got clothes to put on, after all." While her workers scurried out like rats, she pointed to the cupboard that held your own clothes. Thankfully, they're your clothes, and not the uniforms that Tilly threatened. Though she made a note to say, "Grim, Liana, Damien... I'd just bring your clothes with you for now. It'll save you some time later." Then, with just a waggle of her fingers, and a quick pause to grab Raul's unconscious body by the hair, she strode out of the room. When you all emerged, changed and ready, Sandraminae was there with a stern, but not severe, look about her. She was alone, though the room was full of noise. She gestured out to the grand floor beneath the balcony. "Ladies and gentlemen, your new home." All of the sights, sounds and smells of yesterday smashed into you like a recurring dream. The candlelight dancing about the huge hall. The swarming, swirling masses going from table to table like flies on meat. The shouts of joy, pride, despair, derision. And through the vast sea, there travelled like red fireflies the scantily clad men and women you would soon be joining. Their leader, dressed similar but in so much more control, regarded you in turn carefully, before gesturing to your right. "Alright, you lot, with me." Her gait was swift and brisk, though she always looked over her shoulder to make sure you kept up. "If there's something fun to do, it can be done here. Conch Shell Call, Gebeta, Orcstones, you name it, it's here. On some days, we even get Harrowers. And everyone here is doing something fun." She stopped suddenly, only warning you to do the same by lifting her hand. Without warning, a door swung open, and out of it stumbled a lizardman, tugging the trousers around his thighs up to his waist. He didn't even acknowledge your existence, just wobbling about and trying desperately to get his clothes on. The door had closed just in time for all of you to see a lizardwoman dive onto him, her fists swinging in rage with a scream of "You cheating snake!", and for the two of them to tumble off of the balcony with a meaty set of thuds. There was a lull in the motion. Sandraminae simply turned back to all of you, unimpressed. "Everything fun. So stay sharp - I've had more knives and hands on me than you all have teeth." She briefly checked around the door. "All ok in there? ... right. Remind me at the end of the night, I'll make sure you're paid." She guided you past the sordid scene and down the stairs. You all came close to the huge double doors, but then she gestured to another set of stairs leading further down. "Cellar. Wine, beer, food, all sorts. Don't be surprised if Tilly asks you lot to get our stock from Drunken Mermaid Distillery, they're always late for one reason or another. Oh, and there's a door down there - any customers ask to go in there, you bring them to me." She stopped. A low chuckle escaped her out of nowhere. "You lot won't be going there any time soon. Though if the half-orc keeps running his mouth... well, that's Tilly's call..." The next part of the tour was through the large hall. The biggest crowd was around the two lizardfolk - they had gotten back up, and bets were being placed on whether the wife would kill her hapless husband or stop at breaking all his limbs. This, Sandraminae ignored, focusing instead on the bar ahead of her, then onto Kara. "To answer your question earlier, if you work behind the bar or in the kitchen, you get an apron. If you're wrestling in the ring, you wear whatever's comfortable for you. Everyone else gets the uniform. Logic goes, even if they're not taking you upstairs, our customers still want pretty staff serving them." Her eyes then fixed onto Tarbin briefly. "You're a Man of Otoma, I'm sure you understand. I'm not personally, or rather I just pray to everyone and hope someone answers. If it's sacrilege, then it's sacrilege that's worked so far." The curtained-off area where the burlesque is held is passed by, with only deep scarlet velvet to suggest its purpose. Nearby, a few small wrestling rings are either being washed of blood or filled with blood by wrestlers tossing drunks about. These too are passed by. All until Sandraminae unlocked a large heavy door and took you into a large common area. Here, yet more of the Casino's staff milled about, though they seemed so much more relaxed. Now out of the watchful, dizzy gaze of the customers they could talk freely and let their hair down. Of course, the moment Sandraminae walked in, they all stopped. Half of the room was a kitchen, with bubbling soups and meat on spits filling the air with spice, and all along one wall was shelves filled with scarlet loincloths and bras. That was all the furniture there was. "Sleep wherever there's a free bed. There should be plenty," she said, as if she didn't notice the lack of furniture. Then it occurred to you each that the lack of furniture was the bed. Strawpiles, bedrolls and blankets abound. She nodded to a set of stairs. "If I'm not on the floor, I'm upstairs. As is our carpenter, Mr Fletcher - he's our surgeon, too, so try not to see much of him if you can avoid it. Tilly's room is there too, though I don't think I have to tell you to stay far away if she's in there. The woman only sleeps three hours a day, and if she's interrupted you'll have a very long sleep indeed." "Kitchen is over there, both for customers and us. Even if you don't enjoy living here, you won't starve, someone's always making something. And along that wall, shelves with uniforms." She clapped her hands together and looked back to you with a smile. Then the smile got longer, expectant and eager, and it focused itself on Damien, Grim and Liana. "Sorry, there's only space for a few wrestlers, and I doubt your half-orc friend can do the maths needed for Conch Shell Call. So, are you getting changed?"

Location	Map	Season	Day	Time	Weather
The Dead Mermaid's Casino	J9	Harvest	102 of 120	6:02pm	Dusk

Vyeggar Vyeggar woke alone, and alone with his thoughts he remained. Until, at last, he forced himself out of the door and into the dancing lights of the casino. He found himself on a balcony overlooking the casino, which was more crowded than he had ever seen it. To his right something was dropped. He turned and saw an halfling woman in a skimpy outfit gawping at him, her wine goblet rolling about by her feet. "That wine comes out of your wages." That sound... it came from Vyeggar's left, and it was instantly recognisable. Tilly One-Eye Gansog. Even with her deformities and scars, she winced when she saw Vyeggar. But then she immediately gave out a cruel laugh, which came out in one horrific bark. "That sight'll please Danedin - that's the referee whose knee you shattered yesterday." From somewhere in her apron she extracted a large chunk of tobacco. It was black and looked like boot leather, and she tore a chunk out of it with her tusk. "You're lucky I hate his guts, or I'd have killed you for that. Unlucky for you, he made me a lot of money as a hype man." Tilly began to chew on her tobacco as she looked off into the distance. It was a horrid chewing sound, full of spit and bile. Her focused, one-eyed gaze compelled Vyeggar silently to follow it to the wrestling rings in the corner. "Money's not been so good recently. If you hadn't ****ed up the delivery, that wouldn't be such an issue. It's now always on my mind. Makes other things slip. Like, say, the names of people I've seen a certain half-orc bouncer I had to fire talking to not too long ago." Her one, leering eye slowly turned to Vyeggar with a very cold, very commanding gaze. "A lot of wannabe tough-guys see an ugly half-orc who's a prick to everyone and will happily pay to kick his arse. Or fail to. So how about you go make me some money, and I might have time to think about some of those other things."

Location	Map	Season	Day	Time	Weather
The Dead Mermaid's Casino	J9	Harvest	102 of 120	7:42pm	Night, Hot
Kara earned	30gp	Liana earned	17gp 5sp	Grim earned	68gp
Damien earned	68gp	Vyeggar earned	10gp	Tarbin earned	5gp

End of the Shift All of you had to knuckle down and get to work. And that's what all of you did. After all, it looked like you weren't getting out of this without Tilly extracting something from you, even if it was just your time. The wrestling was quite troublesome. Tarbin knew what he was doing, but he was caught out by surprisingly strong opponents. Vyeggar started late and had to use brute force to win the matches he did (which, in his defence, was quite a few). But Kara shone - despite her lithe frame, her knowledge of the obscure halfling wrestling tradition and her speed won her match after match after match against increasingly more powerful but increasingly drunk opponents. Damien and Grim worked at opposite tables. While Grim had his own charms, they were more social-based charms. Damien, unfortunately, made the unwise decision to come to work being an attractive man. So, rather than focusing on any suspicious characters or whispered rumours around him, Damien was swamped by women and some men, all swooning for him, buying him drinks, reaching for his waistband... still, Damien's loss was Grim's opportunity to listen. Liana put on a performance that many in the Cirque de la Fumée would have been familiar with. It was cheeky, funny, traditional and well-performed. However, she couldn't help but note that the crowd weren't exactly feeling it. While the performers around her loved her, and were very impressed, the subtleties of her act were lost on the audience. Each of you in turn was eventually summoned back to the common area. Sandraminae was already there, standing by the kitchen counter and rattling a few coins together. "You know, for three hours, you lot didn't do too bad," she purred, though she then looked to Tarbin knowingly. That look was enough to tell him just how many of his losses she had seen. Then she carried on, "You won't make this much most days - the regulars always want to see and spend time with the new staff members, get a feel for them. You'd probably be making plenty if I hadn't stopped Tilly." She hastily sorted the coins out into little towers, gesturing to each in turn. Damien and Grim had the most by far, double Kara's earnings, though she wasn't exactly poor. Liana also had a decent amount, though she knew she could make more. Vyeggar and Tarbin were the odd ducks out. But then, before she could hand them out, Sandraminae swiped them back into a sack. "I'm giving you until 10 to discuss any leads you have. Then you're back to work until close. Then you get paid. Understood?"

Out of Character Here is a floor plan of the casino, as Sandraminae shows you around. I've only rolled for Grim as he was the one who specifically said he would, so for now I'll say none of you learned anything on your shifts regarding rumours or seeing any kobolds or pale women. But, for now, if you want to begin searching you can roll Diplomacy to gather information at a lower penalty than Grim had, as now you're not distracted by your respective shifts. Or, if there's leads you already know how to pursue, you can just go for it. Remember, some of you are known to the city guard, and I think I told someone about the area of town where kobolds usually live (sorry, I can't remember right now) Responses might be a bit slow for now, as I begin my farm work very soon. So expect long posts, but less frequent. Though I'll try not to make them this long in future.

[CatCanCook]

The little lady angles for wealth and knowledge When time permitted, Liana suggested to Sandraminae, "Lady Sandraminae -- might there be some game of performance or gambling where the talents of OOC: Wondering if you'll extend the set of games at some point?bluffing and sleight of hand may of best use in earning coin? As much as I enjoy dancing the burlesque, it involves some skill in reading the audience which isn't my strength." Otherwise, she's noticed that the conch shell game pays the best. She may just wind up doing that in the future, if that is the best option for coin. While there is time to meet and mingle: Liana will do so cheerfully. She has a lot of leads she would like to pursue. And as she does so, she plays up the charm and humor; she tosses in a few Cirque Harlequin performances of sleight of hand and comedy for the amusement of patrons. These are the classics the Cirque is most known for; she isn't the greatest at these arts but she's not bad at them either: thanks to her uncanny ability to psionically segment her mind and concentrate. It was a hard afternoon and evening's work, altogether.   Diplomacy to gatherr information: +1(rank)+3(class)+4(charisma)+1(theologian trait) = +9. Aid Another (Diplomacy on Self) is +9 vs DC 10; if successful adds +5 to her actual Diplomacy check. Similarly, she will be boosting her other skill attempts as she works the floor. 1st prep -- Perform Comedy just to grease the wheels engaging with patrons and staff. Dice Aid Another (Perform Comedy: self) +6 vs DC 10: 1d20+6 (7)+6 Total = 13 Got the +5. Dice Perform (Comedy): 1d20+11 (1)+11 Total = 12 Alas, her attempts to entertain with comedy fall flat. She earns groans and winces. How embarrassing. 2nd prep -- Perform Sleight of Hand to entertain, and continue to give reason to mingle, meander, be an entertaining presence. Dice Aid Another (Perform Sleight of hand: self) +7 vs DC 10: 1d20+7 (2)+7 Total = 9 Missed the +5. Dice Perform Sleight of Hand: 1d20+7 (14)+7 Total = 21 Her Sleight of Hand - comes across as solidly professional. Whew. A Cirque member if watching from hiding isn't going to be advocating drumming her out today. But all this preparatory work is just to create excuses to circulate and mingle. Now the real work: While she is talented at what she does, and her mental focus is impeccable, her luck is mediocre. She gathers some information but lacks phenomenal breakthroughs. (The best she could do is 34, in fact her best total was 23. ) 1st Gather Information. Dice Aid Another (Diplomacy self) Gather Info vs Private Goal +9 vs DC 10: 1d20+9 (17)+9 Total = 26 Liana was on a mission and looking for clues. Got the +5 bonus. Dice Gather Info vs Private Goal: 1d20+14 (9)+14 Total = 23 Gathers: maybe bordering into obscure facts. 2nd Gather Information. Dice Aid Another (Diplomacy self) Gather Info vs Find the Prophetic Girl +9 vs DC 10: 1d20+9 (16)+9 Total = 25 She came to the Dead Mermaid because of a rumor about a girl with oracular talents. She was still looking for her, or her father. Got the +5 bonus. Dice Gather Info vs Find the Prophetic Girl: 1d20+14 (6)+14 Total = 20 Gathers: maybe bordering into obscure facts. 3rd Gather Information. Dice Aid Another (Diplomacy self) Gather Info about the Suspicious Kobold +9 vs DC 10: 1d20+9 (14)+9 Total = 23 While she cared more about her personal quests and areas of religious zeal, if she could aid her new friends in their shared investigation, that would be all for the better. Got the +5 bonus. Dice Gather Info vs Find the Suspicious Kobold: 1d20+14 (5)+14 Total = 19 Gathers: maybe slightly uncommon facts. 4th Gather Information. Dice Aid Another (Diplomacy self) Gather Info about How fellow employees became staff +9 vs DC 10: 1d20+9 (11)+9 Total = 20 Exuding friendliness, Liana wanted to know how employees who were here longer than her (and her new "friends"), came into employment. Without ever saying so, she was looking for information that might reveal whether Tilly used deception or trickery to force people into debt-servitude. She is interested in this generally, but also our of religious devotion she wants to show care for and empathize with the prostitutes and entertainers. Got the +5 bonus. Dice Gather Info vs How fellow employees became staff: 1d20+14 (3)+14 Total = 17 Gathers: maybe slightly uncommon facts. You might rule out the last checks entirely due to lack of time? (Later) A bit fatigued at the end of this self-imposed task of information gathering, she goes to get a bite to eat from the staff common room, and there finds Tarbin. "You know, I wonder if you correctly understand the nature of Otoma, who you worship. The Heavenly Masters are the one true religion. Erotes is the master of the hundred and elven gods and goddesses of love of lust. Otoma, as a goddess of Fertility is technically subordinate to Erotes in the hierarchy of heaven. The so-called 'three sisters faith' mistakenly promotes three above their actual and true places, so technically speaking, people who teach and practice that are heretics. I hope you understand the correct and proper structure of faith, and that you are among the proper believers." As charming and light hearted about many things Liana Xirkul was, she was rather a zealous fanatic about certain matters of faith.

[Dylan Scott]

Grim's Promise Grim knew that Sandraminae's warning was reasonable and entirely to be expected but he still found it insulting. suggesting he would run from his responsibilities, that a Grimzinta would not fulfil his promise? unheard of. As much as he wanted to let his anger loose, more than he had swearing at the attendants, He knew now was not the time and raising reluctantly to his feet, Grim offered the tall Elven Woman his hand "You have my word Lady Sandraminae, On my own honour and that of my clan, I will not run or leave until my pledge to return Mistress Gansog's property has been fulfilled and my debt paid" The issue of trust settled, at least from his point of view, Grim followed along for the tour of the Casino, Juggling this folded pile of clothing in one hand as he attempted to gather up the overlarge robe in the other. relieved when the opportunity to get dressed presented itself, though it was in the Red uniform of the Casino itself this time. Luckily as a future attendant of one of the gaming tables, and a Man, the uniform was much more concealing than some of the others on the shelves and Grim quite liked the colour on himself

After First Shift Although only part way through his first Shift, Grim was finding himself enjoying his time at the Casino as one of the employee's, It turns out his deft gnomish hands, and his cheerful eloquent disposition made him quite adept at the Conch Shell Game and he was able to turn a sizeable profit for himself and the House. perhaps the chest being stolen were actually a good thing for him after all. if he could make this much money at the Casino from the patrons then perhaps he could make enough money for his admission to the University after all, and in time for his families return in six New Moons time. Luckily he had an easier time at the table than his new friend Damien was having at the table opposite. Also working the Conch Shell Game expertly, Damien had a lot more attention to deal with but that was to be expected considering his stature and exotic looks The poor man, now that's a problem i'd love to share Grim thought to himself with a chuckle as he watched his friend trying to fend off their advances without insulting the customers. At least with only the game to concentrate on, he was able to focus his attention more on the crowd and tapping into his replenished magic once more the rooms began sending its whispers his way, and his eyes flitted between the lips of the patrons, stealing their secrets and words at a glance. so much gossip made its way to his ears, the majority useless trivia but some of it useful, and a possible lead presented itself. Returning to the break room, looking for a much more comfortable resting place than the ottoman or the floor, and for food, Grim informed the others in his new Troupe of the possible lead of the Kobold Drug dealer working so close to the ambush spot and the bridge. Surely they must have bribed the guards on the bridge to ignore them so perhaps the dealer would be able to tell them who this pale woman was or at least who the bribed guards were so they could find the right person to question about the ambush. He made sure Damien was present when he mentioned the lead, as far as Grim could tell, He was the only Local in their group and he might perhaps have heard of this Kobold or someone associated with him.

Actions & Movement   Turn Summary Initiative: Move: Action: Bonus Action: Reaction: Other:

Stat Block   Kitwix Hillivi Grimzinta / Grim Chaotic Good | Gnome - Traveller | Sorcerer - Mongrel Mage HP: 5 | AC: 11 | Initiative: +0 | Low-Light Vision Passive Perception: 14 | Speed: 20 STR 7 (-2) | DEX 10 (+0) | CON 8 (-1) | INT 15 (+2) | WIS 14 (+2) | CHA 22 (+6) Fortitude Save -1 | Reflex Save +0 | Will Save +2 Weapons: Finesse, Thrown 10ft. +1 Attack (1 Damage, 19-20/x2)Dagger (4) | Finesse, +1 Attack (1 Damage)Brass Knuckles Features and Abilities: Common, Gnome, Sylvan, Elven, Dwarven, Halfling, Orc, Goblin, Draconic, UndercommonLanguages | Armor: None Weapons: Simple/Finesse Skills: Acrobatics:+0, Appraise: +2, Bluff: +11, Climb:-2, Craft:+2, Diplomacy:+11, Disguise:+6, Escape Artist:+0, Fly:+0, Heal:+3, Intimidate:+6, Knowledge (Local):+6, Perception:+4, Perform:+6, Ride:+0, Sense Motive:+2, Sleight of Hand: +4, Stealth:+4, Survival:+2, Swim:-1Proficiencies Sorcerer Traits: A sorcerer casts arcane spells drawn primarily from the sorcerer/wizard spell list presented in Spell Lists. She can cast any spell she knows without preparing it ahead of time. To learn or cast a spell, a sorcerer must have a Charisma score equal to at least 10 + the spell level. The Difficulty Class for a saving throw against a sorcerer's spell is 10 + the spell level + the sorcerer's Charisma modifier Like other spellcasters, a sorcerer can cast only a certain number of spells of each spell level per day. Her base daily spell allotment is given on Table: Sorcerer. In addition, she receives bonus spells per day if she has a high Charisma score (see Table: Ability Modifiers and Bonus Spells). A sorcerer's selection of spells is extremely limited. A sorcerer begins play knowing four 0-level spells and two 1st-level spells of her choice. At each new sorcerer level, she gains one or more new spells, as indicated on Table: Sorcerer Spells Known. (Unlike spells per day, the number of spells a sorcerer knows is not affected by her Charisma score; the numbers on Table: Sorcerer Spells Known are fixed.) These new spells can be common spells chosen from the sorcerer/wizard spell list, or they can be unusual spells that the sorcerer has gained some understanding of through study Upon reaching 4th level, and at every even-numbered sorcerer level after that (6th, 8th, and so on), a sorcerer can choose to learn a new spell in place of one she already knows. In effect, the sorcerer loses the old spell in exchange for the new one. The new spell's level must be the same as that of the spell being exchanged. A sorcerer may swap only a single spell at any given level, and must choose whether or not to swap the spell at the same time that she gains new spells known for the level. Unlike a wizard or a cleric, a sorcerer need not prepare her spells in advance. She can cast any spell she knows at any time, assuming she has not yet used up her spells per day for that spell level.Spellcasting | Each sorcerer has a source of magic somewhere in her heritage that grants her spells, bonus feats, an additional class skill, and other special abilities. This source can represent a blood relation or an extreme event involving a creature somewhere in the family's past. For example, a sorcerer might have a dragon as a distant relative or her grandfather might have signed a terrible contract with a devil. Regardless of the source, this influence manifests in a number of ways as the sorcerer gains levels. A sorcerer must pick one bloodline upon taking her first level of sorcerer. Once made, this choice cannot be changed. At 3rd level, and every two levels thereafter, a sorcerer learns an additional spell, derived from her bloodline. These spells are in addition to the number of spells given on Table: Sorcerer Spells Known. These spells cannot be exchanged for different spells at higher levels. At 7th level, and every six levels thereafter, a sorcerer receives one bonus feat, chosen from a list specific to each bloodline. The sorcerer must meet the prerequisites for these bonus feats.Bloodline | Sorcerers learn a number of cantrips, or 0-level spells, as noted on Table: Sorcerer Spells Known under “Spells Known.” These spells are cast like any other spell, but they do not consume any slots and may be used again.Cantrips | You can cast many spells without needing to utilize minor material components. Benefit: You can cast any spell with a material component costing 1 gp or less without needing that component. The casting of the spell still provokes attacks of opportunity as normal. If the spell requires a material component that costs more than 1 gp, you must have the material component on hand to cast the spell, as normal.Eschew Materials | | A mongrel mage is a sorcerer whose bloodline is so weak, or mixed with so many others, that her power isn’t clearly associated with any bloodline source. A mongrel mage’s bloodline powers can change on a daily basis, but always fall short of those of a full-blooded sorcerer’s powers. A mongrel mage is a dabbler in all bloodlines but a master of none, and she is looked down upon by true sorcerersMongrel Mage | At 1st level, a mongrel mage has an innate pool of magical energy, known as her mongrel reservoir, that she can draw upon to activate her weakened bloodline. Her mongrel reservoir can hold an amount of magical energy equal to 3 + her sorcerer level. Each day when refreshing her spell slots, her mongrel reservoir is restored to full. The mongrel reservoir can never hold more points that the total mentioned above; points gained in excess of this maximum are lost. Each day when she refreshes her spell slots, the mongrel mage selects one sorcerer bloodline. She must select an ordinary bloodline with this ability, not one altered by the wildblooded archetype or any other archetype. She gains this bloodline’s 1st-level bloodline power for that day, using it as if she were only a 1st-level sorcerer. (If this ability is used to gain an arcane bond and the bonded item is selected, she can use the item only to cast a 1st-level spell known, as she counts as only a 1st-level sorcerer.) A mongrel mage can have only one bloodline selected at a time. As a swift action, she can expend 1 point from her mongrel reservoir to activate that bloodline, allowing her to use its 1st-level bloodline powers as well as its bloodline arcana at her full sorcerer level, including using a bonded item from an arcane bond. This lasts for a number of rounds equal to her Charisma modifier (minimum 1)Mongrel Reservoir (4) Current Chosen Bloodline & Ability: At 1st level, you can cloak yourself in illusory magic as a standard action, making you invisible (as per invisibility) for a number of rounds per day equal to your sorcerer level + your Charisma bonus (if any). These rounds need not be used consecutivelyNaga - Vanishing (7 rounds) Character Feats: Visiting so many large, exotic cities has put you in touch with many diverse civilizations, cultures, and races. Benefit: You can speak and read two additional languages of your choice. In addition, choose two Intelligence-, Wisdom-, or Charisma-based skills. Those skills always count as class skills for youWorldly Traveller Gnome Traits: Gnomes are Small creatures and gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a –1 penalty on combat maneuver checks and to their Combat Maneuver Defense, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks.Small Size | Gnomes have a base speed of 20 feetSlow Speed | Gnomes can see twice as far as humans in conditions of dim lightLow-Light Vision Gnomes receive a +2 racial bonus on Perception checksKeen Senses | Gnomes love languages and learning about those they meet. Gnomes with this racial trait gain a +1 bonus on Bluff and Diplomacy checks, and they learn one additional language every time they put a rank in the Linguistics skillGift of Tongues | Gnomes study languages in both their mundane and supernatural manifestations. Gnomes with this racial trait add +1 to the DC of spells they cast with the language-dependent descriptor or those that create glyphs, symbols, or other magical writings. They gain a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against such spells. Gnomes with Charisma scores of 11 or higher also gain the following spell-like abilities: 1/day—arcane mark, comprehend languages, message, read magic. The caster level for these effects is equal to the gnome’s levelMagical Linguistics | The character has a mystic connection to one terrain type, selected from the ranger's favored terrain list. The character selects three 0-level druid spells and one 1st-level druid spell. If the character has a Charisma score of 11 or higher, when in the selected terrain, she gains these spells as spell-like abilities that can be cast once per day. The caster level for these effects is equal to the user's character level. The DC for the spell-like abilities is equal to 10 + the spell's level + the user's Charisma modifier. These spells are treated as being from a fey source for the purposes of the druid's resist nature's lure class feature and similar abilities.Fey Magic - Urban | Gnomes with this racial trait are skilled at imitating sounds and voices. Doing so requires a Bluff check opposed by the listener’s Sense Motive check, and the gnome gains a +4 racial bonus on Bluff checks to mimic sounds (including accents and speech patterns) she has listened to for at least 10 minutes. Listeners unfamiliar with a particular sound take a –4 penalty on the Sense Motive check.Sound Mimicry Character Traits: For unknown reasons, you have deeper reserves of magical energy than those around you. Perhaps you are descended from a family of powerful arcane casters, or maybe you believe this trait marks you as destined for magical greatness. Wherever the truth lies, you gain an additional use of one of your gnome magic spell-like abilities each day. This does not always have to be the same spell-like ability—one day you might use dancing lights twice, only to use the additional casting for speak with animals the next day.Naturally Gifted |When you, like all other young gnomes, were taught the hodgepodge Gnome language, you became curious about the original meaning of each word and what language it was derived from. Anytime you come across a new language, you are immediately absorbed by both how it works and what words you can co-opt from it for the Gnome language. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Linguistics checks, know one additional bonus language, and treat Linguistics as a class skill.Etymologist |A harrowing experience with insects when you were young instilled in you a deep-seated fear of vermin of all description, especially when they swarm together. You take a –2 penalty on attacks against vermin, and you take a –2 penalty on saving throws against the nauseated condition of a swarm’s distraction ability.Entomophobe Background: You have sailed the seas your whole life. Sometimes as a merchant. Sometimes as a corsair. Of course, with the number of coasts you have been on, you have caught many a disease, and are now very hardy. You actually came to Julianople to meet a physician who wanted to study you, but then they never showed up at the meeting spot. In a new land with no currency, you sniffed out a job with plenty of gold to be made. Benefit: Choose two out of Climb, Swim, Heal or Appraise. You gain +1 to these, and these are class skills. In addition, all DCs for saving throws vs Diseases are halvedSea-dog Spellcasting: Charisma | Save DC: Cantrip 16, 1st Level 17 Sorcerer Spells Daily Usage - Cantrips: Unlimited First: 5 (3 Base + 2 Cha Bonus) Cantrips: Casting Time: 1 Standard action Range/Area: 10 ft Components: V,S Duration: Upto 1 Hour Prestidigitations are minor tricks that novice spellcasters use for practice. Once cast, a prestidigitation spell enables you to perform simple magical effects for 1 hour. The effects are minor and have severe limitations. A prestidigitation can slowly lift 1 pound of material. It can color, clean, or soil items in a 1-foot cube each round. It can chill, warm, or flavor 1 pound of nonliving material. It cannot deal damage or affect the concentration of spellcasters. Prestidigitation can create small objects, but they look crude and artificial. The materials created by a prestidigitation spell are extremely fragile, and they cannot be used as tools, weapons, or spell components. Finally, prestidigitation lacks the power to duplicate any other spell effects. Any actual change to an object (beyond just moving, cleaning, or soiling it) persists only 1 hour.Prestidigitation | Casting Time: 10 Minutes Range/Area: 10 ft Components: V,S Target: One object upto 1lb per level Duration: Instantaneous Save: Will Negates (Harmless, Object) Spell Resistance: Yes (Harmless, Object) This spell repairs damaged objects, restoring 1d4 hit points to the object. If the object has the broken condition, this condition is removed if the object is restored to at least half its original hit points. All of the pieces of an object must be present for this spell to function. Magic items can be repaired by this spell, but you must have a caster level equal to or higher than that of the object. Magic items that are destroyed (at 0 hit points or less) can be repaired with this spell, but this spell does not restore their magic abilities. This spell does not affect creatures (including constructs). This spell has no effect on objects that have been warped or otherwise transmuted, but it can still repair damage done to such items.Mending | Casting Time: 1 Standard action Range/Area: 5 ft Components: V, S Target: One or More Written objects Duration: Concentration, Upto 1 Minute/Level Saving Throw: Will (Harmless, Object) Spell Resistance: Yes (Object) This spell imbues a quill with animate energy and rapidly transcribes words from one page to another. The quill copies a written work at the rate of one normal-sized page per minute. The Linguistics skill can be used to make a convincing copy, but otherwise the reproduction is written in the hand of the caster. You must concentrate upon the material being duplicated for the spell's duration and provide new blank pages as required. The scrivener's chant requires blank paper and a quill or other writing materials, in addition to the material components. This spell cannot duplicate magical writing (including spells and magical scrolls), though it can duplicate non-magical writing from a magical source.Scrivener's Chant | Casting Time: 1 Standard action Range/Area: Close (25ft +5ft/2 Levels) Components: V,S Target: One Nonmagical, unattended object weighing upto 5lbs Duration: Concentration Saving Throw: None Spell Resistance: No You point your finger at an object and can lift it and move it at will from a distance. As a move action, you can propel the object as far as 15 feet in any direction, though the spell ends if the distance between you and the object ever exceeds the spell's range.Mage Hand First Level: Casting Time: 1 Standard action Range/Area: Personal Target: Self Components: V,S Duration: 1 Hr/Level If a creature within 100 feet that you can see is speaking a language you understand, you can read its lips with perfect accuracy. Reading lips in this manner gives the exact wording of conversation and does not assist in deciphering any obfuscated ideas such as secret messages or slang. Reading lips requires moderate concentration, and you take a –4 penalty on other Perception checks while doing so. Speechreader's Sight | Casting Time: 1 Round Range: Medium (100 ft + 10ft/level) Area: One or more Living Creatures within 1 10ft radius burst Components: V, S Duration: 1 Minute/Level Saving Throw: Will negates Spell Resistance: Yes A sleep spell causes a magical slumber to come upon 4 HD of creatures. Creatures with the fewest HD are affected first. Among creatures with equal HD, those who are closest to the spell's point of origin are affected first. HD that are not sufficient to affect a creature are wasted. Sleeping creatures are helpless. Slapping or wounding awakens an affected creature, but normal noise does not. Awakening a creature is a standard action (an application of the aid another action). Sleep does not target unconscious creatures, constructs, or undead creatures.Sleep Magical Linguistics Spells Daily Usage - Once per Day Each Cantrips: Casting Time: 1 Standard action Range/Area: Touch Effect: One personal rune or mark, all of which must fit within 1sq.ft Components: V,S Duration: Permanent This spell allows you to inscribe your personal rune or mark, which can consist of no more than six characters. The writing can be visible or invisible. An arcane mark spell enables you to etch the rune upon any substance without harm to the material upon which it is placed. If an invisible mark is made, a detect magic spell causes it to glow and be visible, though not necessarily understandable. See invisibility, true seeing, a gem of seeing, or a robe of eyes likewise allows the user to see an invisible arcane mark. A read magic spell reveals the words, if any. The mark cannot be dispelled, but it can be removed by the caster or by an erase spell. If an arcane mark is placed on a living being, the effect gradually fades in about a month. Arcane mark must be cast on an object prior to casting instant summons on the same object (see that spell description for details).Arcane Mark |Casting Time: 1 standard action Range/Area: Medium (100ft +10ft/level) Target: One creature/level Components: V, S Duration: 10 Minutes/level You can whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Those nearby can hear these messages with a DC 25 Perception check. You point your finger at each creature you want to receive the message. When you whisper, the whispered message is audible to all targeted creatures within range. Magical silence, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal (or a thin sheet of lead), or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks the spell. The message does not have to travel in a straight line. It can circumvent a barrier if there is an open path between you and the subject, and the path's entire length lies within the spell's range. The creatures that receive the message can whisper a reply that you hear. The spell transmits sound, not meaning; it doesn't transcend language barriers. To speak a message, you must mouth the words and whisper.Message |Casting Time: 1 standard action Range/Area: Personal Target: Self Components: V,S Duration: 10 Minutes/level You can decipher magical inscriptions on objects—books, scrolls, weapons, and the like—that would otherwise be unintelligible. This deciphering does not normally invoke the magic contained in the writing, although it may do so in the case of a cursed or trapped scroll. Furthermore, once the spell is cast and you have read the magical inscription, you are thereafter able to read that particular writing without recourse to the use of read magic. You can read at the rate of one page (250 words) per minute. The spell allows you to identify a glyph of warding with a DC 13 Spellcraft check, a greater glyph of warding with a DC 16 Spellcraft check, or any symbol spell with a Spellcraft check (DC 10 + spell level).Read Magic First Level: Casting Time: 1 Standard action Range/Area: Personal Target: Self Components: V, S Duration: 10 Minutes/Level You can understand the spoken words of creatures or read otherwise incomprehensible written messages. The ability to read does not necessarily impart insight into the material, merely its literal meaning. The spell enables you to understand or read an unknown language, not speak or write it. Written material can be read at the rate of one page (250 words) per minute. Magical writing cannot be read, though the spell reveals that it is magical. This spell can be foiled by certain warding magic (such as the secret page and illusory script spells). It does not decipher codes or reveal messages concealed in otherwise normal text. Comprehend Languages Fey Magic - Urban Daily Usage - Once per Day Each Cantrips: Casting Time: 1 standard action Range/Area: Close (25ft +5ft/2 levels) Target: One Fine Object Components: V,S Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: Fortitude Negates (Object) Spell Resistance: Yes (Object) You can make an unattended Fine flammable object catch on fire. This works as if you were using flint and steel except that you can use spark in any sort of weather and it takes much less time to actually ignite an object. Spark |Casting Time: 1 standard action Range/Area: Touch Target: Object Touched Components: V Duration: 10 Minutes/Level This spell causes a touched object to glow like a torch, shedding normal light in a 20-foot radius, and increasing the light level for an additional 20 feet by one step, up to normal light (darkness becomes dim light, and dim light becomes normal light). In an area of normal or bright light, this spell has no effect. The effect is immobile, but it can be cast on a movable object. You can only have one light spell active at any one time. If you cast this spell while another casting is still in effect, the previous casting is dispelled. If you make this spell permanent (through permanency or a similar effect), it does not count against this limit. Light can be used to counter or dispel any darkness spell of equal or lower spell level.Light |Casting Time: 1 standard action Range/Area: Touch Target: Creature Touched Components: V,S Duration: 1 Minute or until discharged Saving Throw: Will Negates (Harmless) Spell Resistance: Yes (Harmless) You imbue the subject with divine diplomacy skills. The creature gets a +2 competence bonus on a single Diplomacy or Intimidate check. It must choose to use the bonus before making the roll to which it applies.Enhanced Diplomacy First Level: Casting Time: 1 Full Round action Range/Area: Personal Target: Self Components: V,S Duration: 10 Minutes/Level Upon casting this spell, you are able to gain knowledge from the land itself. As you walk through the terrain, it whisper information in a language you understand, though the whispering is so rambling it is hard to distinguish useful information. This whispering grants you a +4 insight bonus on a single Knowledge skill type appropriate to the type of terrain you are in. If you are within an urban environment, you gain the bonus on Knowledge (local) checksWhispering Lore - Urban

[Noquarter19]

Vyeggar Vugmuk Credit to @TSRodriguez14 For once in his life, Vyeggar said nothing. It wasn't pain that kept him silent, although there definitely was still a good deal of that. He may have been a muscle-bound bad man, but he was intuitive enough to know Tilly's patience with him was at its limit. He would go down in flames in the end, of that he had no doubt, but he would find every single person who conspired to betray them and drag them down to hell with him. And then he would hear whatever his new orc employer had to say regarding his brother first and judge her words as well. He didn't care about the debt he owed, because he knew in the end, he would either find the chest and those who took it, or he would be killed; it was as simple as that. But for the moment, there was absolutely nothing to say, so Vyeggar just nodded in agreement and walked away from his new boss. Upon entering the casino floor, his head was immediately inundated with colored lights and loud noises, and he knew he was way too sober to put up with this scene. And after snatching a bottle from behind the bar and taking a few heavy swallows of high proof whiskey, he was as ready as he likely ever would be in his present mental and physical state to go earn some coin in the ring. A few hours later Sweat dripped from Vyeggar’s brow, but still he stood tall in the middle of the ring, undefeated, as his time there wound to a close. It was getting on towards supper time, though his appetite seemed to have gone the way of his looks. All he wanted to do lately was drink and fight, but the sensible part of his brain told him he’d never find any answers he sought if he carried on this way. Go eat something. Go drink some water. Towel off your face. Go find those other mercenaries. Find out everything you can. Kill everyone who was involved. It was a mantra of sorts, a purpose. He’d lived so long having to take care of his brothers only to see his efforts fall like a house of cards, and the failure had gnawed at his soul like a thumbscrew. The middle brother in prison, the youngest gone – possibly dead. If he wanted answers – if he wanted vengeance – then he was going to have to play nice. And while vengeance may have been less wholesome of a purpose than that of being a caretaker, it had its own sickening sweetness to it. Like a body drying in the summer sun. After replacing IIRC meals are comped, but if I’m remembering wrong, let me know what I owe the house. I’m good for it.whiskey with water and hunting around for a bit of meat and bread to nibble on, Vyeggar ambled through the slowly clearing casino floor toward the back of the house where employees took their breaks. For some strange reason, people seemed to be keeping out of his way even more than normal, and he had to remind himself that his face was jacked up. I wonder how long before I’m fully healed. And, on the heels of that, I wonder if it even matters. He was no diplomat or runway model. He didn’t need to wear the newest high-end fashion or fancy expensive cosmetics to live his life. He was a bruiser, a breaker, an absolutely no-sh*t taker. If he wanted answers, pretty words were not his forte. No, all the answers he’d ever get would come from wrenching joints and breaking bones. There was a grim satisfaction in that, knowing what his skills were and how best to leverage people to get what he needed. The simplicity and freedom of knowing himself and his strengths was a comfort, just like the fact that he knew he wasn't here to make friends; it made the prospect of stepping on toes to get what he needed all the more palatable. The back room seemed to go quieter as Vyegger entered, and he made a point to look everyone he saw dead in the eyes. Most of them dropped their gaze immediately, though a few of the stupider orcs only stared back. He scanned the room for the wayward bodyguards, Ah'butt and Kustallo. Did they have anything to do with the setup, beyond being distracted from their job at the sight of a nice piece of ass? Vyeggar didn’t know. The backroom where the employees took their breaks was much less smoky than the gambling floor, making it Dice * Perception: 1d20+3 (17)+3 Total = 20 fairly easy for Vyeggar to scan the room for the two bodyguards. Along the way he saw the faces of a few of the other guards who had accompanied him on their ill-fated expedition. Whatever they thought of him before or since didn’t really matter; they were all in the same boat and would have to find a way to co-exist if they wanted to get out from under the shadow of the debt they were stuck with. He decided to stop in and sit a spell, joining them as they rested after their own shifts. ”What’s going on?” his deep voice rumbled? ”Have you super-sleuths figured out who took the chest yet?” He had no memory of what details had been shared when they had all first awoken, his mind still wracked with pain and fighting desperately just to stay conscious. ”I know I saw a few interesting tidbits on the bridge, but nothing, you know, groundbreaking.” He shared his based on earlier Kn: Local rollsuspicion of the involvement of the Grand Temple of Sophi – a sore subject due to his time there. ”I honestly wouldn’t put anything past those people,” he spat with a snarl. ”Don’t get me wrong – she’s my goddess – but it’s the church that pisses me off.” He shared his incredulity at whoever had picked the route and whatever their reasoning had been for choosing the south bridge – ”Any idiot with a map could see the north bridge would be a straighter shot to the inn. South bridge, now you’ve got a bunch of back streets to deal with and the chance of being robbed in an alley…”. He spoke of the two orc bodyguards – ”Yeah, they were talking about who they wanted to get with more between Kara and Liana,” – and how they had wandered off upon spotting some woman. ”I didn’t get a look at her, don’t know why they couldn’t keep it in their pants on the job. I mean, this casino is swimming in dames, prettier ones than some streetwalker.” And he shared the last tangible piece of information he could recall, before he’d been beaten to a pulp. ”The guard – the one that yelled out we were hauling contraband, his eyes… they didn’t look right. Like he wasn’t all there, you know? I don’t know how to explain it other than it seems like someone must have messed with him. I think you said you sat down at the table with the rest? Disregard if you’re not there.Grim, you’re from here, right? Thought you mentioned this was your hometown. Any other history of guards going wacko like this that you’ve ever heard of?”   Standard Action: Perception of 20 to spot the two orc bodyguards out back in the employee area. Swift Action: Free Action: Movement: Stat Block Vyeggar Vugmuk Half-orc Brawler 1 Hit Points: 13/13 | AC/Touch/FF: 14 /11/ 13| Speed: 30 | Initiative: +2 | Spell Resistance: None | Damage Resistance: None Saves: Fort +5 | Reflex +3 | Will -1 STR 17 (+3) DEX 12 (+1) CON 17 (+3) INT 12 (+1) WIS 9 (-1) CHA 4 (-3) Attacks: Melee BAB +4 Ranged BAB +2 | Combat Maneuver Bonus +4 | Combat Maneuver Defense 15 Weapons: Fists. +4, 1d6+3, x2. Skills: Intimidate +8 | Kn: Local +5 | Perception +3 | Swim +6 | Skill Mod Skill Mod Acrobatics +0 Knowledge (Local) +5 Appraise +1 Knowledge (Nature) +1 Bluff -3 Knowledge (Nobility) +1 Climb +2 Knowledge (Religion) +1 Craft +1 Knowledge (The Planes) +1 Diplomacy -3 Linguistics +1 Disable Device +0 Perception +3 Disguise -3 Perform -3 Escape Artist +0 Profession -1 Fly +0 Ride +0 Handle Animal -3 Sense Motive -1 Heal -1 Sleight of Hand +0 Intimidate +8 Spellcraft +1 Knowledge (Arcana) +1 Stealth +0 Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +1 Survival -1 Knowledge (Engineering) +1 Swim +6 Knowledge (Geography) +1 Use Magic Device -3 Knowledge (History) +1     Skills Table Race/Class Abilities, Feats, Traits, etc. Racial Traits: Darkvision: Half-orcs can see in the dark up to 60 feet.Darkvision | Intimidating: Half-orcs receive a +2 racial bonus on Intimidate checks because of their fearsome nature.Intimidating | Orc Blood: Half-orcs count as both humans and orcs for any effect related to race.Orc Blood | Orc Ferocity: Once per day, when a half-orc is brought below 0 hit points but not killed, he can fight on for 1 more round as if disabled. At the end of his next turn, unless brought to 1 or more hit points, he immediately falls unconscious and begins dying.Orc Ferocity | Weapon Familiarity: Half-orcs are proficient with greataxes and falchions, and treat any weapon with the word "orc" in its name as a martial weapon.Weapon Familiarity | Favored Class Bonus (Brawler): Add 1/4 to the brawler’s effective level to determine her unarmed strike damage.Favored Class Bonus Traits and Drawbacks: Bloody Minded: You are always ready for bloodshed. You gain a +1 trait bonus on initiative and Intimidate checks. Bloody Minded | Bruising Intellect: Your sharp intellect and rapier-like wit bruise egos. Intimidate is always a class skill for you, and you may use your Intelligence modifier when making Intimidate checks instead of your Charisma modifier. Bruising Intellect | Cruelty: You were rewarded as a child for flaunting your victory over others as completely as possible, and you discovered you enjoyed the feeling of rubbing your foes’ faces in the dirt. Whenever you are engaged in combat and there are dying or helpless foes within 30 feet, you take a -2 penalty on attack rolls against foes who are neither dying nor helpless. Cruelty Class Features: Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A brawler is proficient with all simple weapons plus the handaxe, short sword, and weapons from the close fighter weapon group. She is proficient with light armor and shields (except tower shields).Weapon and Armor Proficiency | Brawler's Cunning (Ex): If the brawler's Intelligence score is less than 13, it counts as 13 for the purpose of meeting the prerequisites of combat feats.Brawler’s Cunning | Martial Flexibility (Ex): A brawler can take a move action to gain the benefit of a combat feat she doesn't possess. This effect lasts for 1 minute. The brawler must meet all the feat's prerequisites. She may use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + 1/2 her brawler level (minimum 1). The brawler can use this ability again before the duration expires in order to replace the previous combat feat with another choice. If a combat feat has a daily use limitation (such as Stunning Fist), any uses of that combat feat while using this ability count toward that feat's daily limit. At 6th level, a brawler can use this ability to gain the benefit of two combat feats at the same time. She may select one feat as a swift action or two feats as a move action. She may use one of these feats to meet a prerequisite of the second feat; doing so means that she cannot replace a feat currently fulfilling another's prerequisite without also replacing those feats that require it. Each individual feat selected counts toward her daily uses of this ability. At 10th level, a brawler can use this ability to gain the benefit of three combat feats at the same time. She may select one feat as a free action, two feats as a swift action, or three feats as a move action. She may use one of the feats to meet a prerequisite of the second and third feats, and use the second feat to meet a prerequisite of the third feat. Each individual feat selected counts toward her daily uses of this ability. At 12th level, a brawler can use this ability to gain the benefit of one combat feat as an immediate action or three combat feats as a swift action. Each individual feat selected counts toward her daily uses of this ability. At 20th level, a brawler can use this ability to gain the benefit of any number of combat feats as a swift action. Each feat selected counts toward her daily uses of this ability.Martial Flexibility | Martial Training (Ex): At 1st level, a brawler counts her total brawler levels as both fighter levels and monk levels for the purpose of qualifying for feats. She also counts as both a fighter and a monk for feats and magic items that have different effects based on whether the character has levels in those classes (such as Stunning Fist and a monk's robe). This ability does not automatically grant feats normally granted to fighters and monks based on class level, namely Stunning Fist.Martial Training | Unarmed Strike: At 1st level, a brawler gains Improved Unarmed Strike as a bonus feat. A brawler may attack with fists, elbows, knees, and feet. This means that a brawler may make unarmed strikes with her hands full. A brawler applies her full Strength modifier (not half) on damage rolls for all her unarmed strikes.Unarmed Strike Feats: Deft Maneuvers: (from EITR) You do not provoke an attack of opportunity when performing a trip, disarm, dirty trick, feint, reposition, or steal combat maneuver. In addition, you receive a +2 bonus on checks with these combat maneuvers. Now a prerequisite for the relevant greater combat maneuver feats.Deft Maneuvers | Improved Unarmed Strike (class): You are considered to be armed even when unarmed - you do not provoke attacks of opportunity when you attack foes while unarmed. Your unarmed strikes can deal lethal or nonlethal damage, at your choice.Improved Unarmed Strike Languages: | Common | Orc   Eligible for Armor Focus feat (+1 AC - armor) Eligible for Aquatic Combatant (bludg strikes hit for full dmg underwater) Eligible for Artful Dodge (+1 AC - dodge - if only threatening combatant) **Eligible for Belier's Bite (+1d4 bleed damage to unarmed strikes)** Eligible for Blind Fight (Reroll miss percentile due to concealment) Eligible for Cleave (additional attack vs adjacent foe if initial attack hits) Eligible for Combat Expertise (trade atk bonus for AC bonus) Eligible for Combat Reflexes (bonus AoO = to Dex mod) Eligible for Combat Vigor (allows for self healing of 1d6 at price of 1 min fatigue, replen after 8 hours) Eligible for Death From Above/Death From Below (situational, bonus from high ground/bonus vs flying creatures) Eligible for Demonic Style (bonuses to Atk + Dmg when charging) Eligible for Desperate Battler (bonuses when no allies within 10 feet) Eligible for Dirty Fighting (bonus to combat maneuver attack when flanking) Eligible for Drag Down (trip a foe who trips you) Eligible for Enforcer (intimidate as free action when dealing nonlethal dmg) Eligible for Felling Escape (trip a foe when breaking a grapple) Eligible for Flanking Foil (affect flanking enemy with successful attack) Eligible for Frightening Ambush (intimidate as free action vs flat footed foes) Eligible for Ground Grabber (+2 CMD vs larger enemies) Eligible for Intimidating Prowess (add str mod to intimidate checks + cha mod (int mod with trait)) Eligible for Ki Throw (throw opponent prone on successful trip attack) Eligible for Opportunistic Grappler (attempt dirty trick while being grappled) Eligible for River Raider (stealth and swim bonus when weather is clear) Eligible for Scorpion Style (after successful atk, foe makes wis save or speed reduced to 5 feet) Eligible for Shadow Strike (deal precision damage vs foes with partial concealment) **Eligible for Smash (bonus to breaking objects and doors)** **Eligible for Snapping Turtle Style (bonus to ac when at least 1 hand is free)** Eligible for Solo Maneuvers (+1 to CMB/CMD when only one threatening) Eligible for Step Up (when foe takes a 5 foot step, take 5 foot step toward them immediately) Eligible for Throw Anything (no bonus on ranged attacks with improvised weapons) Eligible for Toppling Pileup (after successful trip vs foe, attempt trip against adjacent foe) **Eligible for Weapon Focus - Unarmed Strike (+1 to attack rolls)** **Eligible for Whirling Hold (can sicken foe when maintaining a grapple)** Level 2 ideas: Dodge Feat (Bonus). Makes eligible for Azata Style (+1 dodge bonus if move at least 15 feet), Crane Style (-2 to defensive attacks, +1 additional Dodge AC), Landing Roll (if tripped move 5 feet as an immediate action) Take 1 rank in Knowledge (Dungeoneering), eligible for Rat Catcher (bonus vs small creatures and swarms) Level 3 ideas: 3 ranks of Intimidate makes eligible for Boar Style (unarmed strikes can be B or S) 3 ranks of Swim makes eligible for Shark Style (unarmed strikes can be piercing and do bonus 1d6 bleed dmg) Eligible for Reap the Infirm (bonus damage vs diseased creatures) Eligible for Savage Slam (do damage and move foe when releasing a grapple) Eligible for Tiger Style (bonuses to CMD, slashing dmg, bleed dmg on crit)

[Vaerdis]

Kara Kurdst Sandraminae was already well at work introducing the failed guardsmen to their work schedule. Though, with how tyrannical Tilly had seemed. Three hours of work per day did not seem too bad. Until, of course, one considered that those in Kara's company are on a trail of vengeance or otherwise some form of redemption the rest of the time. Truly, living under the economic hardship of a debt to Tilly One-Eye Gansog was not a hero's lot, and Kara herself will enjoy being rid of such a yoke. Once more, someone had given Kara an odd gaze, this time a woman, and not upon her appearance, but more of her mannerisms. Overt as she is being, it still made her spine shiver. The elven woman's whistle caused Kara's gaze to fall upon the servants in the room, merely for their swiftness of activity the moment after the whistle and the command tersely offered. Though the servants had yet to fully leave, Kara had already made the significant strides to the cupboard, and swiftly donned her trousers in as few of motions as possible. She tightens the sash at her waist before tossing aside her gown. She looks toward Sandraminae as she exited and murmurs, "I suppose difficult women are the product of this side of town." If it were for the color of uniforms alone, Kara could easily be considered one of the staff for the abundance of red cloth that comprises her gear. However, she simply has more things to wear that aren't red cloth, and are less revealing than undergarments. All the commotion about lizardfolk on the journey...seemed rather typical already to Kara. Last time she was here, consciously, a lizardfolk was the one that stepped up to fight Vyeggar when Kara hastily retreated from the ring. Though it is quite difficult to tell lizardfolk apart if it isn't a major feature of theirs, Kara is somewhat certain this wasn't the one that got beaten by a brute worse than Hoya. She can only give a small prayer in passing, under her breath for the man's deliverance. With the exception of the everyone else part of what Sandraminae had said, it was quite normal uniform policy. However, this meant that Kara would be due to be working in the ring for awhile, lest she clean the floors in little more than her skin. She nods her head in acknowledgement, then looks aside. However, thoughts go to her goddess of mark and choice. The art was always on the riskier side, of a dancer in pink attire. She cannot think of herself higher than Dustaw, but it feels all too revealing and wrong. Kara, unbeaten after a day of dealing with drunken brawlers of some skill had earned a significant sweat. She arrived sometime after wiping down her flesh with a rag, being the latest and last to arrive. Coin accepted, but not given was easily stolen from Kara's reaching grasp, her eyes were certainly not amused by the elf's games, nor repeated mentions of alternative works for her body. She responds to the question and sentiment both, "Noted." So it was one three hour shift, and another few hours. Tilly was the tyrant, and Sandraminae was the slave driver. Offering up information that she can, Kara says, "I still have my prior statements of the pale woman and the kobold. I have not seen the kobold in the crowds as of yet. The woman...I believe I have enough information to go out and hunt for some leads on her. it would be difficult to do so when side-stepping drunks that are wagered to beat me." Her thoughts drift to the fights at the wrestling ring, thankfully unlike Hoya, none that fought her could use their body like a weapon, but the blessings ended there. It was a run of luck or skill on their part that was oddly untouched by the booze on their breath. Tiring out each opponent before holding them til they passed out did not excite the audience in her favor. Thankfully that meant the casino earned more from the losing betters.

[Alatere]

Tarbin Haldar Tarbin listened carefully as Liana further explained her abilities. "I have no objection to it and even if you could read my mind through the link I have no great secrets to hide..." Tarbin replied with a shrug of his shoulders. "I just find it a shame that you cannot share that awareness of others itself... I know how to heal... it would be a great boon to know straight away who needs help..." Tarbin explained as he voiced his thoughts. "Though I suppose I could trust you to tell me whenever someone is in need..." Tarbin added with a thoughtful look. Tarbin then flushed slightly at the slighty suggestive way that Liana worded her request. "Ahem yes well I am willing to try it..." Tarbin finally agreed as he never quite met Liana's eye. "Though I am not sure I am in need of the blessings of Erotes... I have no immediate plans to seduce anyone..." Tarbin commented. Once Sandraminae and the casino staff left the room Tarbin strode straight back to his pack and pile of clothes. Quickly shrugging off his robe Tarbin fully revealed his muscular body that while nothing quite as bad as Vyeggar's new appearance was still littered with with scars from a multitude of battles fought both won and lost. As he changed Tarbin made a point not to glance in anyone else's direction and instead kept his gaze locked on a single point of floor. Soon enough Tarbin was back in his farmer's garb complete with a wide straw hat with a rather sizeable pack slung over his shoulders. Striding back out on to the casino floor Tarbin once again found himself feeling both out of place but also somewhere familiar. The difference here however was that in the arena the crowds of people were usually further removed and you did not just stroll among them. Obediently following after Sandraminae Tarbin glanced around the place once again as he listened to what the elf had to say. The name of the games meant little to the large man and he certainly did not know any of the rules so he was glad that he would not be the one responsible for running any of these games. Though from what he had observed they were mostly games of chance that heavily favoured the casino itself. While there must have been a chance of winning inorder for the masses to want to play the chances of any one person walking out of the casino a big winner was rare. Tarbin blinked in surprise at the fighting lizardpeople and it took him a moment to realise that the pair were a couple but the lizardman had still decided to use the services of this place. While Sandraminae checked on the third party Tarbin instead glanced at where the lizards had hit the ground checking to see how bad the fall had been. Tarbin nodded at the mention of the Drunken Mermaid Distillery, a delivery run sounded simple enough and sounded as though it was one that would be much less likely to involve an ambush and a beating from the city guards. "Staff can be pretty without having to have everything on show but I get your point I like a pretty face just as much as the next man..." Tarbin replied when he was directly addressed though counter to his point the large man had seemed to do his best to avoid staring at the scantily clad servers too much. "Just aslong as the customers know that they can't just take what they want just because they like what they see..." Tarbin commented as he quickly glanced between Kara and Liana. "What's the rule on touching? Am I allowed to break a few fingers if someone gets too handsy?" Tarbin then questioned. Tarbin shrugged at the sight of the common room, he was no stranger to sleeping on a hard floor and the provision of bedroll and blankets seemed good enough as far as he was concerned. Tarbin found the shift itself somewhat embarrassing. Due to not having to wear the uniform he likely had one of the less degrading jobs and while he was used to fighting in the arena he couldn't quite get his head in the game. It didn't help that he wasn't one hundred percent certain of the rules of the game. When the first man had attempted to throw him his first instinct had been to punch the man in the face hard so he wouldn't be able to focus on getting a good grip but then Tarbin had hesitated unsure whether that was allowed within the rules. That moment of hesitation had led to Tarbin's first loss and from there he just couldn't get in to the grove. Tarbin wished he could just let let loose and fight to his full potential in a proper straight fight rather than having to obey the rules of a game... Tarbin frowned to himself at the end of the shift when Sandraminae praised them he had not been happy with how he had performed and he was not blind to the fact that his stack was the smallest pile of coins. "Perhaps I should have just acted as a bouncer until I'd settled in..." Tarbin grumbled to himself though he wasn't sure if that would have earned him even less coin. As the group gathered in the common room with after their first shift Tarbin stood with a thoughtful look upon his face and his arms crossed infront of his chest. "If they have any sense those involved in the ambush will not come anywhere near the casino so soon after the theft..." Tarbin reasoned with a frown. "The best we could hope for is rumours or gossip..." Tarbin added. "Two hours does not give us a lot of time? Is there anything you think we should do in this time?" Tarbin asked those he considered the smarter members of the group. "I'm begging your pardon Miss Liana but I'm no religious scholar..." Tarbin replied with a slight frown as he adjusted his hat. "I'm a simple man raised on a farm and when you work the fields its Otoma you pray to to make sure the crops do well and its Otoma you pray to to keeps the pests at bay. And when the wolves come prowling at your door it's Otoma you pray to to give you the strength to fend them off. No offense intended miss Liana but you could pray to Erotes until your blue in the face but its not going to help your average farmer working the fields..." Tarbin replied honestly if not somewhat bluntly. "Now I can't say I know anything about this hierarchy of yours but what I do know is while The Heavenly Masters might be all good and well for the fancy folks in their cities and their palaces they don't seem to care a whole lot about the common folk who break their backs to get by. When the common man... or woman cries out in pain or in need from my experience its the three sisters that answer... now if keeping my family safe or putting bread on the table so that they can eat makes me a heretic well I guess you can call me a heretic and proud!" Tarbin declared as he crossed his arms infront of his chest.

[Touketsu]

Damien Buranta As far as vishkanya went, Damien was probably one of the showier of his kind. It was a shame running casino games and wooing customers wasn't his dream field; he'd probably have considered his current situation more of a blessing than a curse. Certainly his cut was decent enough, and he didn't mind attention, particularly when it came to his looks... though it was admittedly not the way he would have chosen to begin his entry into a full-time career in the underworld. All in good time though... and as Damien put forth his best effort during the casino shift, his mind continued to dwell on what was to come. What the next move would be toward righting what was wrong. Later on as discussion took place over the pertinent details around the ambush, Damien took an initial backseat in the discussion, listening to what the others had to say first. Admittedly, he still hadn't ruled out the possibility that potential accomplices to their attackers hid amongst the group... but by this point, he'd begun ruling out suspects based on motive and what he could deduce about their strengths, weaknesses, and skill at deception. While he had no firm evidence, it seemed entirely too coincidental that such an attack could have been staged without inside information... but for now, it was seeming less likely that the source of that was in this room. "Unfortunately, I wasn't able to dig up anything on the kobold OR this "pale woman"... and I can't say I have any personal knowledge of either prior to now." Damien looked over at Grim apologetically. "Kobolds are by no means exclusive to one particular area of the city. They kind of live everywhere... but they're most densely concentrated in a district outside the city limits, just north of the wall... place called "Dragon Road". If I were looking for a place to start poking around for clues, it wouldn't be far down on the list." The vishkanya steepled his fingers as he settled back against a wall, sighing. Even with all their combined info, it wasn't much to go on. It would have to be enough though... these bastards weren't getting away with pulling this half-baked bridge heist. That said, Tarbin was certainly right about the lack of time this particular evening. 2 hours was hardly sufficient enough time to hit the streets and turn up anything useful. "I can try to talk to Sandraminae... but if the work order's coming down from Tilly herself, I doubt we'll be able to get out of it tonight. Might be we just have to bide our time for now, keep ours ears and eyes open. When we ARE out of here though... we need to keep our groupings small and manageable. We won't get any leads walking around as a big, conspicuous mob. At minimum, we split down the middle. Kara in one group looking into the pale woman, and the others with me investigating Dragon Road to see if we can loosen some dragon lips and find someone willing to point us toward our scarred friend."

[Lentil Sponge]

Location	Map	Season	Day	Time	Weather
The Dead Mermaid's Casino	J9	Harvest	102 of 120	7:42pm	Night, Hot
Kara earned	30gp	Liana earned	17gp 5sp	Grim earned	68gp
Damien earned	68gp	Vyeggar earned	10gp	Tarbin earned	5gp

The Dead Mermaid's Casino Sandraminae nodded as Liana asked about other games. "You won't be waiting long for new games. Changing tastes, or what Tilly thinks will make the most gold, always dictates that we change it up." The common area was quite crowded at this time, with staff milling in and out. Shifts started, shifts ended, men, women and others got changed into their uniforms and went out to collect coin for their master. The ones with heavier, more world-weary eyes barely seemed to notice you. Just more cogs in Tilly's machine. But there are quite a few who peered at you all, silently debating whether or not to approach and introduce themselves. Liana and Tarbin's discussion especially seemed to draw attention. Seems like a fair few of the staff take religion a bit more seriously than Sandraminae seemed to.

Out of Character Just a quick post, all of you can roleplay amongst yourselves for a bit and decide what to do. All of you know that you can probably make it to the south bridge and back in time for the second shift if you were quick about it. Maybe not long enough to do much other than ask some questions, though. Dragon Road is all the way out of town. Making it there tonight is probably not on the cards. As for tomorrow? It depends on when your shift starts. The Dead Mermaid's Casino isn't the type of establishment that's open for breakfast. Or you tell Sandraminae that you don't need a break. Anyone who does can earn, let's say, 15gp on top of what they've currently earned, and gives you a chance to question some of Tilly's staff directly.

[CatCanCook]

Upon a quest (Earlier) When Tarbin consented, Liana Xirkul added him to the collective, and as promised it was unobtrusive, and occasionally inspiring. From that time forward, the members of the collective could feel themselves dropping out when they got far enough from Liana, and then silently coming back in to the collective later once she got line of sight upon them. From time to time, when Liana saw them working at something (that lay within her skills), they might feel an occasional surge of focus, clarity and inspiration. She enjoyed being of help. (A little later) Liana Xirkul argued a few minutes with Tarbin about theology. With her theological training, she ran circles of logic and lore around his poor farmer’s brain. Her rightness was just so evident, why couldn’t he see it? It was frustrating. (It's true though, that her preaching appealed most to urban entertainment workers. She had not heart or insight yet for plain farm folk, who perhaps were not quite as simple as they seemed.) "Well, maybe you’ll see the light some day. It’s okay. Just got my pulse worked up up there, a bit. No offense meant." "For now, we have a job to be done." (later) In the common room, Liana was intrigued when Kara mentioned a potential lead." I’ll come with you; I can be helpful. We’ll run down there to the south bridge and back, before the next shift. Maybe not all of us, certainly not in our ‘work clothes’, but let’s go and be done with it quickly." "Now, I heard a tip. We have a possible source of information. Gwendoline Miller. Girlfriend of the Sergeant at the bridge crossing. If we can't successfully bribe the guards or we don’t want to pay them, we can bribe her. She has a terrible drug habit that she'll do anything to feed."   In the Collective: Liana (always), Grim, Kara, Damien Buranta, Tarbin

[Vaerdis]

Kara Kurdst "You'll come with me?" Kara looks down at the halfling. Something of a dancer by appearance, but with a strange power that she had roped Kara into earlier. She crosses her arms then thinks for a moment, "If you are persuasive, sure we can make a quick dash over. Go get changed as you need to. I know some guards but my words... leave much to convince others." Says the rough woman as she looks to the others. "Now, I heard a tip. We have a possible source of information. Gwendoline Miller. Girlfriend of the Sergeant at the bridge crossing. If we can't successfully bribe the guards or we don’t want to pay them, we can bribe her. She has a terrible drug habit that she'll do anything to feed." "I wouldn't think of a bribe as the first resort. Not like we are robbing them." Kara says, hands moved to her hips. She reaches up to scratch her temple about her hairline, "After all, we just need to hear about one name, then it will be far easier to find the pale lady."

[Noquarter19]

Vyeggar Vugmuk Credit to @TSRodriguez14 Vyeggar didn't see the two moronic bodyguards amongst the crowd. Better for them, he thought, his attention turned back to the sorry little clique he found himself a part of. The others at the table shared their insights and began planning on taking a trip around the south bridge. Unsurprisingly, nothing was said about including Vyeggar. He noticed, of course, but was not offended. The circumstances of their collective were not ideal, and he was going to have to make certain social concessions if he were to have any chance of being successful in retrieving the orc’s chest. And if that meant putting up with the barely suppressed ire of the little halfling, well, then that’s what he’d do. ”I may not have a silver tongue, but I can still help you out. We don’t know if these people are still out there or not, but if they are they might try to finish you lot off. At least I can give them a run for their money if they do crawl their sorry asses out of the woodwork. Don’t worry, I won’t open my mouth. Not like I enjoy showing off my missing chompers anyway,” he groused, his tongue moving incessantly over the jagged bone where whole teeth used to reside. ”And who knows, maybe I’ll see something myself while I’m out there, something that might have been missed.” He shrugged, then stood up. ”So? Let’s go, while there’s still some light out.”   Standard Action: rp Swift Action: Free Action: Movement: Stat Block Vyeggar Vugmuk Half-orc Brawler 1 Hit Points: 13/13 | AC/Touch/FF: 14 /11/ 13| Speed: 30 | Initiative: +2 | Spell Resistance: None | Damage Resistance: None Saves: Fort +5 | Reflex +3 | Will -1 STR 17 (+3) DEX 12 (+1) CON 17 (+3) INT 12 (+1) WIS 9 (-1) CHA 4 (-3) Attacks: Melee BAB +4 Ranged BAB +2 | Combat Maneuver Bonus +4 | Combat Maneuver Defense 15 Weapons: Fists. +4, 1d6+3, x2. Skills: Intimidate +8 | Kn: Local +5 | Perception +3 | Swim +6 | Skill Mod Skill Mod Acrobatics +0 Knowledge (Local) +5 Appraise +1 Knowledge (Nature) +1 Bluff -3 Knowledge (Nobility) +1 Climb +2 Knowledge (Religion) +1 Craft +1 Knowledge (The Planes) +1 Diplomacy -3 Linguistics +1 Disable Device +0 Perception +3 Disguise -3 Perform -3 Escape Artist +0 Profession -1 Fly +0 Ride +0 Handle Animal -3 Sense Motive -1 Heal -1 Sleight of Hand +0 Intimidate +8 Spellcraft +1 Knowledge (Arcana) +1 Stealth +0 Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +1 Survival -1 Knowledge (Engineering) +1 Swim +6 Knowledge (Geography) +1 Use Magic Device -3 Knowledge (History) +1     Skills Table Race/Class Abilities, Feats, Traits, etc. Racial Traits: Darkvision: Half-orcs can see in the dark up to 60 feet.Darkvision | Intimidating: Half-orcs receive a +2 racial bonus on Intimidate checks because of their fearsome nature.Intimidating | Orc Blood: Half-orcs count as both humans and orcs for any effect related to race.Orc Blood | Orc Ferocity: Once per day, when a half-orc is brought below 0 hit points but not killed, he can fight on for 1 more round as if disabled. At the end of his next turn, unless brought to 1 or more hit points, he immediately falls unconscious and begins dying.Orc Ferocity | Weapon Familiarity: Half-orcs are proficient with greataxes and falchions, and treat any weapon with the word "orc" in its name as a martial weapon.Weapon Familiarity | Favored Class Bonus (Brawler): Add 1/4 to the brawler’s effective level to determine her unarmed strike damage.Favored Class Bonus Traits and Drawbacks: Bloody Minded: You are always ready for bloodshed. You gain a +1 trait bonus on initiative and Intimidate checks. Bloody Minded | Bruising Intellect: Your sharp intellect and rapier-like wit bruise egos. Intimidate is always a class skill for you, and you may use your Intelligence modifier when making Intimidate checks instead of your Charisma modifier. Bruising Intellect | Cruelty: You were rewarded as a child for flaunting your victory over others as completely as possible, and you discovered you enjoyed the feeling of rubbing your foes’ faces in the dirt. Whenever you are engaged in combat and there are dying or helpless foes within 30 feet, you take a -2 penalty on attack rolls against foes who are neither dying nor helpless. Cruelty Class Features: Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A brawler is proficient with all simple weapons plus the handaxe, short sword, and weapons from the close fighter weapon group. She is proficient with light armor and shields (except tower shields).Weapon and Armor Proficiency | Brawler's Cunning (Ex): If the brawler's Intelligence score is less than 13, it counts as 13 for the purpose of meeting the prerequisites of combat feats.Brawler’s Cunning | Martial Flexibility (Ex): A brawler can take a move action to gain the benefit of a combat feat she doesn't possess. This effect lasts for 1 minute. The brawler must meet all the feat's prerequisites. She may use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + 1/2 her brawler level (minimum 1). The brawler can use this ability again before the duration expires in order to replace the previous combat feat with another choice. If a combat feat has a daily use limitation (such as Stunning Fist), any uses of that combat feat while using this ability count toward that feat's daily limit. At 6th level, a brawler can use this ability to gain the benefit of two combat feats at the same time. She may select one feat as a swift action or two feats as a move action. She may use one of these feats to meet a prerequisite of the second feat; doing so means that she cannot replace a feat currently fulfilling another's prerequisite without also replacing those feats that require it. Each individual feat selected counts toward her daily uses of this ability. At 10th level, a brawler can use this ability to gain the benefit of three combat feats at the same time. She may select one feat as a free action, two feats as a swift action, or three feats as a move action. She may use one of the feats to meet a prerequisite of the second and third feats, and use the second feat to meet a prerequisite of the third feat. Each individual feat selected counts toward her daily uses of this ability. At 12th level, a brawler can use this ability to gain the benefit of one combat feat as an immediate action or three combat feats as a swift action. Each individual feat selected counts toward her daily uses of this ability. At 20th level, a brawler can use this ability to gain the benefit of any number of combat feats as a swift action. Each feat selected counts toward her daily uses of this ability.Martial Flexibility | Martial Training (Ex): At 1st level, a brawler counts her total brawler levels as both fighter levels and monk levels for the purpose of qualifying for feats. She also counts as both a fighter and a monk for feats and magic items that have different effects based on whether the character has levels in those classes (such as Stunning Fist and a monk's robe). This ability does not automatically grant feats normally granted to fighters and monks based on class level, namely Stunning Fist.Martial Training | Unarmed Strike: At 1st level, a brawler gains Improved Unarmed Strike as a bonus feat. A brawler may attack with fists, elbows, knees, and feet. This means that a brawler may make unarmed strikes with her hands full. A brawler applies her full Strength modifier (not half) on damage rolls for all her unarmed strikes.Unarmed Strike Feats: Deft Maneuvers: (from EITR) You do not provoke an attack of opportunity when performing a trip, disarm, dirty trick, feint, reposition, or steal combat maneuver. In addition, you receive a +2 bonus on checks with these combat maneuvers. Now a prerequisite for the relevant greater combat maneuver feats.Deft Maneuvers | Improved Unarmed Strike (class): You are considered to be armed even when unarmed - you do not provoke attacks of opportunity when you attack foes while unarmed. Your unarmed strikes can deal lethal or nonlethal damage, at your choice.Improved Unarmed Strike Languages: | Common | Orc   Eligible for Armor Focus feat (+1 AC - armor) Eligible for Aquatic Combatant (bludg strikes hit for full dmg underwater) Eligible for Artful Dodge (+1 AC - dodge - if only threatening combatant) **Eligible for Belier's Bite (+1d4 bleed damage to unarmed strikes)** Eligible for Blind Fight (Reroll miss percentile due to concealment) Eligible for Cleave (additional attack vs adjacent foe if initial attack hits) Eligible for Combat Expertise (trade atk bonus for AC bonus) Eligible for Combat Reflexes (bonus AoO = to Dex mod) Eligible for Combat Vigor (allows for self healing of 1d6 at price of 1 min fatigue, replen after 8 hours) Eligible for Death From Above/Death From Below (situational, bonus from high ground/bonus vs flying creatures) Eligible for Demonic Style (bonuses to Atk + Dmg when charging) Eligible for Desperate Battler (bonuses when no allies within 10 feet) Eligible for Dirty Fighting (bonus to combat maneuver attack when flanking) Eligible for Drag Down (trip a foe who trips you) Eligible for Enforcer (intimidate as free action when dealing nonlethal dmg) Eligible for Felling Escape (trip a foe when breaking a grapple) Eligible for Flanking Foil (affect flanking enemy with successful attack) Eligible for Frightening Ambush (intimidate as free action vs flat footed foes) Eligible for Ground Grabber (+2 CMD vs larger enemies) Eligible for Intimidating Prowess (add str mod to intimidate checks + cha mod (int mod with trait)) Eligible for Ki Throw (throw opponent prone on successful trip attack) Eligible for Opportunistic Grappler (attempt dirty trick while being grappled) Eligible for River Raider (stealth and swim bonus when weather is clear) Eligible for Scorpion Style (after successful atk, foe makes wis save or speed reduced to 5 feet) Eligible for Shadow Strike (deal precision damage vs foes with partial concealment) **Eligible for Smash (bonus to breaking objects and doors)** **Eligible for Snapping Turtle Style (bonus to ac when at least 1 hand is free)** Eligible for Solo Maneuvers (+1 to CMB/CMD when only one threatening) Eligible for Step Up (when foe takes a 5 foot step, take 5 foot step toward them immediately) Eligible for Throw Anything (no bonus on ranged attacks with improvised weapons) Eligible for Toppling Pileup (after successful trip vs foe, attempt trip against adjacent foe) **Eligible for Weapon Focus - Unarmed Strike (+1 to attack rolls)** **Eligible for Whirling Hold (can sicken foe when maintaining a grapple)** Level 2 ideas: Dodge Feat (Bonus). Makes eligible for Azata Style (+1 dodge bonus if move at least 15 feet), Crane Style (-2 to defensive attacks, +1 additional Dodge AC), Landing Roll (if tripped move 5 feet as an immediate action) Take 1 rank in Knowledge (Dungeoneering), eligible for Rat Catcher (bonus vs small creatures and swarms) Level 3 ideas: 3 ranks of Intimidate makes eligible for Boar Style (unarmed strikes can be B or S) 3 ranks of Swim makes eligible for Shark Style (unarmed strikes can be piercing and do bonus 1d6 bleed dmg) Eligible for Reap the Infirm (bonus damage vs diseased creatures) Eligible for Savage Slam (do damage and move foe when releasing a grapple) Eligible for Tiger Style (bonuses to CMD, slashing dmg, bleed dmg on crit)

[Alatere]

Tarbin Haldar (on the subject of gods) ”None taken Miss Liana, everyone is entitled to their own beliefs… but I must warn you to be careful there are some out there who are more militant in their beliefs and would take offense at the three sisters being insulted so….” Tarbin warned but in a good natured way. (in the common room) ”I’m from the north… further north than dragon road but I have passed through there several times…” Tarbin commented at the mention of the Kobold dominated area. ”Happy to take anyone there if we ever get enough time to get there…” Tarbin added. ”Unless we all plan on going to the bridge tonight I will stay here. Make sure the others are safe and see if I can get to know the staff…” Tarbin commented. Like Vyeggar Tarbin was well aware that he did not have a silver tongue either but he had an idea of how to get in their new colleagues good books. (There will be a follow up post once the two groups separate if we agree to separate)

[Touketsu]

Damien Buranta A plan was in the works... not much of one, but a plan nonetheless. While the majority seemed in favor of heading to the bridge for some quick recon and investigation, Tarbin seemed a little on the fence about where to go. Sliding over to the man, Damien placed a hand on his shoulder. "I think you've got the right idea Tarbin. Best not to send everybody... too big a group, and it might scare off potential leads. I was planning to do a bit of digging around here... see if I can get any headway on figuring out who our inside informant might be. An extra set of eyes and ears wouldn't be unwelcome." Damien smiled slyly.

[Dylan Scott]

Grim's Business Idea Hearing the other present their leads, ideas began forming in Grim's mind, some of them sadly unethical but they might produce the best result. Looking over that the Half-Orc Grim couldn't help the spike of pity he felt at what was done to the man, yes he wasn't the most civilised and polite of people but the disfigurement caused by the ambush was too cruel even for a man like him, but it could be turned to their advantage if they handled it right. Waiting for the others to form their plans and for a lull in the conversation, Grim spoke up, sipping on a mug of something steaming hot, with his feet propped up on a small stool. compared to the places he had found himself earlier, he was extremely comfortable now in the break room "I would love to accompany you beautiful ladies to the South Bridge but we have so little time and i'm afraid i am still quite sore from the beating and would only slow you down. I believe i would be of better use staying here and continuing to work the shift, see what other things i can learn. I would like to have a conversation with the staff on a few matters" "But perhaps tomorrow after we have been paid and have some resources, Mr Vugmuk could accompany me to the south bridge for a meeting with the Kobold Dealer i've heard about. I would like to make a large purchase and the presence of someone so intimidating would be a great help. Lady Liana? did your sources happen to mention which substance Ms Miller favors?"

Actions & Movement   Turn Summary Initiative: Move: Action: Bonus Action: Reaction: Other:

Stat Block   Kitwix Hillivi Grimzinta / Grim Chaotic Good | Gnome - Traveller | Sorcerer - Mongrel Mage HP: 5 | AC: 11 | Initiative: +0 | Low-Light Vision Passive Perception: 14 | Speed: 20 STR 7 (-2) | DEX 10 (+0) | CON 8 (-1) | INT 15 (+2) | WIS 14 (+2) | CHA 22 (+6) Fortitude Save -1 | Reflex Save +0 | Will Save +2 Weapons: Finesse, Thrown 10ft. +1 Attack (1 Damage, 19-20/x2)Dagger (4) | Finesse, +1 Attack (1 Damage)Brass Knuckles Features and Abilities: Common, Gnome, Sylvan, Elven, Dwarven, Halfling, Orc, Goblin, Draconic, UndercommonLanguages | Armor: None Weapons: Simple/Finesse Skills: Acrobatics:+0, Appraise: +2, Bluff: +11, Climb:-2, Craft:+2, Diplomacy:+11, Disguise:+6, Escape Artist:+0, Fly:+0, Heal:+3, Intimidate:+6, Knowledge (Local):+6, Perception:+4, Perform:+6, Ride:+0, Sense Motive:+2, Sleight of Hand: +4, Stealth:+4, Survival:+2, Swim:-1Proficiencies Sorcerer Traits: A sorcerer casts arcane spells drawn primarily from the sorcerer/wizard spell list presented in Spell Lists. She can cast any spell she knows without preparing it ahead of time. To learn or cast a spell, a sorcerer must have a Charisma score equal to at least 10 + the spell level. The Difficulty Class for a saving throw against a sorcerer's spell is 10 + the spell level + the sorcerer's Charisma modifier Like other spellcasters, a sorcerer can cast only a certain number of spells of each spell level per day. Her base daily spell allotment is given on Table: Sorcerer. In addition, she receives bonus spells per day if she has a high Charisma score (see Table: Ability Modifiers and Bonus Spells). A sorcerer's selection of spells is extremely limited. A sorcerer begins play knowing four 0-level spells and two 1st-level spells of her choice. At each new sorcerer level, she gains one or more new spells, as indicated on Table: Sorcerer Spells Known. (Unlike spells per day, the number of spells a sorcerer knows is not affected by her Charisma score; the numbers on Table: Sorcerer Spells Known are fixed.) These new spells can be common spells chosen from the sorcerer/wizard spell list, or they can be unusual spells that the sorcerer has gained some understanding of through study Upon reaching 4th level, and at every even-numbered sorcerer level after that (6th, 8th, and so on), a sorcerer can choose to learn a new spell in place of one she already knows. In effect, the sorcerer loses the old spell in exchange for the new one. The new spell's level must be the same as that of the spell being exchanged. A sorcerer may swap only a single spell at any given level, and must choose whether or not to swap the spell at the same time that she gains new spells known for the level. Unlike a wizard or a cleric, a sorcerer need not prepare her spells in advance. She can cast any spell she knows at any time, assuming she has not yet used up her spells per day for that spell level.Spellcasting | Each sorcerer has a source of magic somewhere in her heritage that grants her spells, bonus feats, an additional class skill, and other special abilities. This source can represent a blood relation or an extreme event involving a creature somewhere in the family's past. For example, a sorcerer might have a dragon as a distant relative or her grandfather might have signed a terrible contract with a devil. Regardless of the source, this influence manifests in a number of ways as the sorcerer gains levels. A sorcerer must pick one bloodline upon taking her first level of sorcerer. Once made, this choice cannot be changed. At 3rd level, and every two levels thereafter, a sorcerer learns an additional spell, derived from her bloodline. These spells are in addition to the number of spells given on Table: Sorcerer Spells Known. These spells cannot be exchanged for different spells at higher levels. At 7th level, and every six levels thereafter, a sorcerer receives one bonus feat, chosen from a list specific to each bloodline. The sorcerer must meet the prerequisites for these bonus feats.Bloodline | Sorcerers learn a number of cantrips, or 0-level spells, as noted on Table: Sorcerer Spells Known under “Spells Known.” These spells are cast like any other spell, but they do not consume any slots and may be used again.Cantrips | You can cast many spells without needing to utilize minor material components. Benefit: You can cast any spell with a material component costing 1 gp or less without needing that component. The casting of the spell still provokes attacks of opportunity as normal. If the spell requires a material component that costs more than 1 gp, you must have the material component on hand to cast the spell, as normal.Eschew Materials | | A mongrel mage is a sorcerer whose bloodline is so weak, or mixed with so many others, that her power isn’t clearly associated with any bloodline source. A mongrel mage’s bloodline powers can change on a daily basis, but always fall short of those of a full-blooded sorcerer’s powers. A mongrel mage is a dabbler in all bloodlines but a master of none, and she is looked down upon by true sorcerersMongrel Mage | At 1st level, a mongrel mage has an innate pool of magical energy, known as her mongrel reservoir, that she can draw upon to activate her weakened bloodline. Her mongrel reservoir can hold an amount of magical energy equal to 3 + her sorcerer level. Each day when refreshing her spell slots, her mongrel reservoir is restored to full. The mongrel reservoir can never hold more points that the total mentioned above; points gained in excess of this maximum are lost. Each day when she refreshes her spell slots, the mongrel mage selects one sorcerer bloodline. She must select an ordinary bloodline with this ability, not one altered by the wildblooded archetype or any other archetype. She gains this bloodline’s 1st-level bloodline power for that day, using it as if she were only a 1st-level sorcerer. (If this ability is used to gain an arcane bond and the bonded item is selected, she can use the item only to cast a 1st-level spell known, as she counts as only a 1st-level sorcerer.) A mongrel mage can have only one bloodline selected at a time. As a swift action, she can expend 1 point from her mongrel reservoir to activate that bloodline, allowing her to use its 1st-level bloodline powers as well as its bloodline arcana at her full sorcerer level, including using a bonded item from an arcane bond. This lasts for a number of rounds equal to her Charisma modifier (minimum 1)Mongrel Reservoir (4) Current Chosen Bloodline & Ability: At 1st level, you can cloak yourself in illusory magic as a standard action, making you invisible (as per invisibility) for a number of rounds per day equal to your sorcerer level + your Charisma bonus (if any). These rounds need not be used consecutivelyNaga - Vanishing (7 rounds) Character Feats: Visiting so many large, exotic cities has put you in touch with many diverse civilizations, cultures, and races. Benefit: You can speak and read two additional languages of your choice. In addition, choose two Intelligence-, Wisdom-, or Charisma-based skills. Those skills always count as class skills for youWorldly Traveller Gnome Traits: Gnomes are Small creatures and gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a –1 penalty on combat maneuver checks and to their Combat Maneuver Defense, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks.Small Size | Gnomes have a base speed of 20 feetSlow Speed | Gnomes can see twice as far as humans in conditions of dim lightLow-Light Vision Gnomes receive a +2 racial bonus on Perception checksKeen Senses | Gnomes love languages and learning about those they meet. Gnomes with this racial trait gain a +1 bonus on Bluff and Diplomacy checks, and they learn one additional language every time they put a rank in the Linguistics skillGift of Tongues | Gnomes study languages in both their mundane and supernatural manifestations. Gnomes with this racial trait add +1 to the DC of spells they cast with the language-dependent descriptor or those that create glyphs, symbols, or other magical writings. They gain a +2 racial bonus on saving throws against such spells. Gnomes with Charisma scores of 11 or higher also gain the following spell-like abilities: 1/day—arcane mark, comprehend languages, message, read magic. The caster level for these effects is equal to the gnome’s levelMagical Linguistics | The character has a mystic connection to one terrain type, selected from the ranger's favored terrain list. The character selects three 0-level druid spells and one 1st-level druid spell. If the character has a Charisma score of 11 or higher, when in the selected terrain, she gains these spells as spell-like abilities that can be cast once per day. The caster level for these effects is equal to the user's character level. The DC for the spell-like abilities is equal to 10 + the spell's level + the user's Charisma modifier. These spells are treated as being from a fey source for the purposes of the druid's resist nature's lure class feature and similar abilities.Fey Magic - Urban | Gnomes with this racial trait are skilled at imitating sounds and voices. Doing so requires a Bluff check opposed by the listener’s Sense Motive check, and the gnome gains a +4 racial bonus on Bluff checks to mimic sounds (including accents and speech patterns) she has listened to for at least 10 minutes. Listeners unfamiliar with a particular sound take a –4 penalty on the Sense Motive check.Sound Mimicry Character Traits: For unknown reasons, you have deeper reserves of magical energy than those around you. Perhaps you are descended from a family of powerful arcane casters, or maybe you believe this trait marks you as destined for magical greatness. Wherever the truth lies, you gain an additional use of one of your gnome magic spell-like abilities each day. This does not always have to be the same spell-like ability—one day you might use dancing lights twice, only to use the additional casting for speak with animals the next day.Naturally Gifted |When you, like all other young gnomes, were taught the hodgepodge Gnome language, you became curious about the original meaning of each word and what language it was derived from. Anytime you come across a new language, you are immediately absorbed by both how it works and what words you can co-opt from it for the Gnome language. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Linguistics checks, know one additional bonus language, and treat Linguistics as a class skill.Etymologist |A harrowing experience with insects when you were young instilled in you a deep-seated fear of vermin of all description, especially when they swarm together. You take a –2 penalty on attacks against vermin, and you take a –2 penalty on saving throws against the nauseated condition of a swarm’s distraction ability.Entomophobe Background: You have sailed the seas your whole life. Sometimes as a merchant. Sometimes as a corsair. Of course, with the number of coasts you have been on, you have caught many a disease, and are now very hardy. You actually came to Julianople to meet a physician who wanted to study you, but then they never showed up at the meeting spot. In a new land with no currency, you sniffed out a job with plenty of gold to be made. Benefit: Choose two out of Climb, Swim, Heal or Appraise. You gain +1 to these, and these are class skills. In addition, all DCs for saving throws vs Diseases are halvedSea-dog Spellcasting: Charisma | Save DC: Cantrip 16, 1st Level 17 Sorcerer Spells Daily Usage - Cantrips: Unlimited First: 5 (3 Base + 2 Cha Bonus) Cantrips: Casting Time: 1 Standard action Range/Area: 10 ft Components: V,S Duration: Upto 1 Hour Prestidigitations are minor tricks that novice spellcasters use for practice. Once cast, a prestidigitation spell enables you to perform simple magical effects for 1 hour. The effects are minor and have severe limitations. A prestidigitation can slowly lift 1 pound of material. It can color, clean, or soil items in a 1-foot cube each round. It can chill, warm, or flavor 1 pound of nonliving material. It cannot deal damage or affect the concentration of spellcasters. Prestidigitation can create small objects, but they look crude and artificial. The materials created by a prestidigitation spell are extremely fragile, and they cannot be used as tools, weapons, or spell components. Finally, prestidigitation lacks the power to duplicate any other spell effects. Any actual change to an object (beyond just moving, cleaning, or soiling it) persists only 1 hour.Prestidigitation | Casting Time: 10 Minutes Range/Area: 10 ft Components: V,S Target: One object upto 1lb per level Duration: Instantaneous Save: Will Negates (Harmless, Object) Spell Resistance: Yes (Harmless, Object) This spell repairs damaged objects, restoring 1d4 hit points to the object. If the object has the broken condition, this condition is removed if the object is restored to at least half its original hit points. All of the pieces of an object must be present for this spell to function. Magic items can be repaired by this spell, but you must have a caster level equal to or higher than that of the object. Magic items that are destroyed (at 0 hit points or less) can be repaired with this spell, but this spell does not restore their magic abilities. This spell does not affect creatures (including constructs). This spell has no effect on objects that have been warped or otherwise transmuted, but it can still repair damage done to such items.Mending | Casting Time: 1 Standard action Range/Area: 5 ft Components: V, S Target: One or More Written objects Duration: Concentration, Upto 1 Minute/Level Saving Throw: Will (Harmless, Object) Spell Resistance: Yes (Object) This spell imbues a quill with animate energy and rapidly transcribes words from one page to another. The quill copies a written work at the rate of one normal-sized page per minute. The Linguistics skill can be used to make a convincing copy, but otherwise the reproduction is written in the hand of the caster. You must concentrate upon the material being duplicated for the spell's duration and provide new blank pages as required. The scrivener's chant requires blank paper and a quill or other writing materials, in addition to the material components. This spell cannot duplicate magical writing (including spells and magical scrolls), though it can duplicate non-magical writing from a magical source.Scrivener's Chant | Casting Time: 1 Standard action Range/Area: Close (25ft +5ft/2 Levels) Components: V,S Target: One Nonmagical, unattended object weighing upto 5lbs Duration: Concentration Saving Throw: None Spell Resistance: No You point your finger at an object and can lift it and move it at will from a distance. As a move action, you can propel the object as far as 15 feet in any direction, though the spell ends if the distance between you and the object ever exceeds the spell's range.Mage Hand First Level: Casting Time: 1 Standard action Range/Area: Personal Target: Self Components: V,S Duration: 1 Hr/Level If a creature within 100 feet that you can see is speaking a language you understand, you can read its lips with perfect accuracy. Reading lips in this manner gives the exact wording of conversation and does not assist in deciphering any obfuscated ideas such as secret messages or slang. Reading lips requires moderate concentration, and you take a –4 penalty on other Perception checks while doing so. Speechreader's Sight | Casting Time: 1 Round Range: Medium (100 ft + 10ft/level) Area: One or more Living Creatures within 1 10ft radius burst Components: V, S Duration: 1 Minute/Level Saving Throw: Will negates Spell Resistance: Yes A sleep spell causes a magical slumber to come upon 4 HD of creatures. Creatures with the fewest HD are affected first. Among creatures with equal HD, those who are closest to the spell's point of origin are affected first. HD that are not sufficient to affect a creature are wasted. Sleeping creatures are helpless. Slapping or wounding awakens an affected creature, but normal noise does not. Awakening a creature is a standard action (an application of the aid another action). Sleep does not target unconscious creatures, constructs, or undead creatures.Sleep Magical Linguistics Spells Daily Usage - Once per Day Each Cantrips: Casting Time: 1 Standard action Range/Area: Touch Effect: One personal rune or mark, all of which must fit within 1sq.ft Components: V,S Duration: Permanent This spell allows you to inscribe your personal rune or mark, which can consist of no more than six characters. The writing can be visible or invisible. An arcane mark spell enables you to etch the rune upon any substance without harm to the material upon which it is placed. If an invisible mark is made, a detect magic spell causes it to glow and be visible, though not necessarily understandable. See invisibility, true seeing, a gem of seeing, or a robe of eyes likewise allows the user to see an invisible arcane mark. A read magic spell reveals the words, if any. The mark cannot be dispelled, but it can be removed by the caster or by an erase spell. If an arcane mark is placed on a living being, the effect gradually fades in about a month. Arcane mark must be cast on an object prior to casting instant summons on the same object (see that spell description for details).Arcane Mark |Casting Time: 1 standard action Range/Area: Medium (100ft +10ft/level) Target: One creature/level Components: V, S Duration: 10 Minutes/level You can whisper messages and receive whispered replies. Those nearby can hear these messages with a DC 25 Perception check. You point your finger at each creature you want to receive the message. When you whisper, the whispered message is audible to all targeted creatures within range. Magical silence, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal (or a thin sheet of lead), or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks the spell. The message does not have to travel in a straight line. It can circumvent a barrier if there is an open path between you and the subject, and the path's entire length lies within the spell's range. The creatures that receive the message can whisper a reply that you hear. The spell transmits sound, not meaning; it doesn't transcend language barriers. To speak a message, you must mouth the words and whisper.Message |Casting Time: 1 standard action Range/Area: Personal Target: Self Components: V,S Duration: 10 Minutes/level You can decipher magical inscriptions on objects—books, scrolls, weapons, and the like—that would otherwise be unintelligible. This deciphering does not normally invoke the magic contained in the writing, although it may do so in the case of a cursed or trapped scroll. Furthermore, once the spell is cast and you have read the magical inscription, you are thereafter able to read that particular writing without recourse to the use of read magic. You can read at the rate of one page (250 words) per minute. The spell allows you to identify a glyph of warding with a DC 13 Spellcraft check, a greater glyph of warding with a DC 16 Spellcraft check, or any symbol spell with a Spellcraft check (DC 10 + spell level).Read Magic First Level: Casting Time: 1 Standard action Range/Area: Personal Target: Self Components: V, S Duration: 10 Minutes/Level You can understand the spoken words of creatures or read otherwise incomprehensible written messages. The ability to read does not necessarily impart insight into the material, merely its literal meaning. The spell enables you to understand or read an unknown language, not speak or write it. Written material can be read at the rate of one page (250 words) per minute. Magical writing cannot be read, though the spell reveals that it is magical. This spell can be foiled by certain warding magic (such as the secret page and illusory script spells). It does not decipher codes or reveal messages concealed in otherwise normal text. Comprehend Languages Fey Magic - Urban Daily Usage - Once per Day Each Cantrips: Casting Time: 1 standard action Range/Area: Close (25ft +5ft/2 levels) Target: One Fine Object Components: V,S Duration: Instantaneous Saving Throw: Fortitude Negates (Object) Spell Resistance: Yes (Object) You can make an unattended Fine flammable object catch on fire. This works as if you were using flint and steel except that you can use spark in any sort of weather and it takes much less time to actually ignite an object. Spark |Casting Time: 1 standard action Range/Area: Touch Target: Object Touched Components: V Duration: 10 Minutes/Level This spell causes a touched object to glow like a torch, shedding normal light in a 20-foot radius, and increasing the light level for an additional 20 feet by one step, up to normal light (darkness becomes dim light, and dim light becomes normal light). In an area of normal or bright light, this spell has no effect. The effect is immobile, but it can be cast on a movable object. You can only have one light spell active at any one time. If you cast this spell while another casting is still in effect, the previous casting is dispelled. If you make this spell permanent (through permanency or a similar effect), it does not count against this limit. Light can be used to counter or dispel any darkness spell of equal or lower spell level.Light |Casting Time: 1 standard action Range/Area: Touch Target: Creature Touched Components: V,S Duration: 1 Minute or until discharged Saving Throw: Will Negates (Harmless) Spell Resistance: Yes (Harmless) You imbue the subject with divine diplomacy skills. The creature gets a +2 competence bonus on a single Diplomacy or Intimidate check. It must choose to use the bonus before making the roll to which it applies.Enhanced Diplomacy First Level: Casting Time: 1 Full Round action Range/Area: Personal Target: Self Components: V,S Duration: 10 Minutes/Level Upon casting this spell, you are able to gain knowledge from the land itself. As you walk through the terrain, it whisper information in a language you understand, though the whispering is so rambling it is hard to distinguish useful information. This whispering grants you a +4 insight bonus on a single Knowledge skill type appropriate to the type of terrain you are in. If you are within an urban environment, you gain the bonus on Knowledge (local) checksWhispering Lore - Urban

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Upon a quest To Kara, Liana responded: "I'll be changed and ready to go quickly. Now, I did not hear myself much about the Pale Lady - but prompt me if you would on such clues as you did hear, and I'll take if from there. I too would certainly prefer to get information for free -- but the idea of bribing was suggested by some of the staff. Depending on the person, though, sheer sweetness or an appeal to one's good nature may only go so far: someone resolute on coin may only accept that, no matter how artfully the case is made!" When the orc (well, okay half orc) suggest coming along, Liana Xirkul smiled sweetly as she often did when a mark suggested something awful. But ... the beast was part of the company for good or ill (probably ill), and refusing him outright would be awkward. He kind of had a right to come, he was tied up in this obligation, and anyone tied has a right to use a safeword. Hmm ... just having him along would make people perhaps a little distracted, with their guard up against him and not another. "There is, maybe, some merit to that. Come along then," she said, reluctantly. She changed (and adjusted her readied martial maneuver slightly.) When the trio was ready: Liana headed out. Stepping out the door, she immediately sneezed, an involuntary, piercing startlingly loud shriek. She blinked rapidly, until the feeling went away. Then she assumed the stance of piercing rays (a subtle adjustment to mind and posture), and was ready to travel. With her fleetfooted stride, she could keep up with the larger people easily. Her intent was to keep an eye out: but also to periodically enhance Kara, so that the warrior-woman kept an especially good eye out. She whistled softly, a care free random tune.   At the risk of jumping the action ahead, I'll give Perception checks + aid another perception checks. Dice Liana Perception: 1d20-2 (15)-2 Total = 13 (Have to get some ranks into this, someday. 7 Wisdom is lame! Dice Liana Aid Another: Kara Perception DC 10 : 1d20-2 (16)-2 Total = 14 Success! Liana gives Kara +5 to perception as some hopefully useful moment on the journey to the bridge. In the Collective: Liana (always), Kara. The others out of range: Grim, Damien Buranta, Tarbin Liana Xirkul (Sheet)