The Scythe and the Forge: Smuggler's Run

[rogueblade0729]

Jarren Grayson, the Nightshade

Jarren being pulled into a kiss was unexpected, considering the circumstances, but given the incredible boost to his mood, he realized it was pure nymph magic. With how long he had been operating in the Shadows of Virtue, stalking through gloomy urban streets and traveling vast distances to topple tyrants and other villains, he had almost forgotten what it felt like. A grin crossed his lips as old memories from his younger days came unbidden to the front his mind.

Unfortunately, it distracted him just enough for the thri-kreen to get the drop on him! Taking some slashes across his body, he staggered back into a table, scythe still firmly in his hand. After taking note of his surroundings, Nightshade watched both Gitcha and the warrior closing in on him.

"Come now, friends. Can't we settle this over a pint?"

Then, with surprising ferocity, he deftly swiped up a nearby mug of ale, threw it in Gitcha's face, Gastrizein kicked the fighter in the gut to stagger him, then rolled backwards over the table behind Callyndia.

As he landed on the other side, crouched in a three-point landing to break line of sight, the shadows began to wrap around him again as he attempted to slip out of sight. Knowing the outskirts of the Tavern are less illuminated than the center (where else will all the mysterious hooded figures lurk?), he maneuvered himself southeast, considering whether to look for a way out through the Attic Library, or simply diving through the southern window.

Mechanics & OOC

Statblock

Jarren Grayson, the Nightshade
Male NG Dark Human LA 1/Rogue 5/Avenger 7 || Urban Ranger 3/Fighter 4/Swashbuckler 2/Urban Ranger +3/Barbarian 1, Level 13, Init 7, HP 83/131, DR 1/- (7/10), Speed 60ft
AC 23, Touch 16, Flat-footed 18, Fort 11, Ref 16, Will 6, Base Attack Bonus +13/+8/+3
Lesser Cold Assault Rogue Blade +19/+14/+9 (1d8+1+1d6 Cold, 19-20/x2)
+1 Light Swordbow (x40 Arrows) +19/+14/+9 (1d6+1 [Bow] | 1d8+1 [Rapier], x3 [Bow] | 18-20/x2 [Rapier])
+2 Short Sword +20/+15/+10 (1d6+2, 19-20/x2)
+3 Least Iron Ward Mithral Chain Shirt (+7 Armor, +6 Dex)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 21, Con 13, Int 18, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition

Dark Subtype

• Resistance: Cold 10
• Hide in Plain Sight (Ex)Use the Hide skill even while being observed (except in natural daylight, the area of a daylight spell, or a similar effect).

Rogue/Avenger

• Sneak Attack (+7d6+13)
• Trap Sense (Ex) +1Trap Sense (Ex)
  At 3rd level, a rogue gains an intuitive sense that alerts her to danger from traps, giving her a +1 bonus on Reflex saves made to avoid traps and a +1 dodge bonus to AC against attacks made by traps. These bonuses rise to +2 when the rogue reaches 6th level, to +3 when she reaches 9th level, to +4 when she reaches 12th level, to +5 at 15th, and to +6 at 18th level.
  
  Trap sense bonuses gained from multiple classes stack.
• TrapfindingTrapfinding
  Rogues (and only rogues) can use the Search skill to locate traps when the task has a Difficulty Class higher than 20.
  
  Finding a nonmagical trap has a DC of at least 20, or higher if it is well hidden. Finding a magic trap has a DC of 25 + the level of the spell used to create it.
  
  Rogues (and only rogues) can use the Disable Device skill to disarm magic traps. A magic trap generally has a DC of 25 + the level of the spell used to create it.
  
  A rogue who beats a trap’s DC by 10 or more with a Disable Device check can study a trap, figure out how it works, and bypass it (with her party) without disarming it.
• (Improved) Uncanny Dodge (Ex)Uncanny Dodge (Ex)
  Starting at 4th level, a rogue can react to danger before her senses would normally allow her to do so. She retains her Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) even if she is caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. However, she still loses her Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized.
  
  If a rogue already has uncanny dodge from a different class she automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead.
  
  ---
  
  Improved Uncanny Dodge (Ex)
  A rogue of 8th level or higher can no longer be flanked.
  
  This defense denies another rogue the ability to sneak attack the character by flanking her, unless the attacker has at least four more rogue levels than the target does.
  
  If a character already has uncanny dodge from a second class, the character automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead, and the levels from the classes that grant uncanny dodge stack to determine the minimum rogue level required to flank the character.
• Evasion (Ex)Evasion (Ex)
  At 2nd level and higher, a rogue can avoid even magical and unusual attacks with great agility. If she makes a successful Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half damage on a successful save, she instead takes no damage. Evasion can be used only if the rogue is wearing light armor or no armor. A helpless rogue does not gain the benefit of evasion.
• Poison UsePoison Use
  Avengers are trained in the use of poison and never risk accidentally poisoning themselves when applying poison to a blade.
• +3 to Saves vs Poison
• Death Attack (DC 21)Death Attack
  If an avenger studies his victim for 3 rounds and then makes a sneak attack with a melee weapon that successfully deals damage, the sneak attack has the additional effect of possibly either paralyzing or killing the target (avenger's choice). While studying the victim, the avenger can undertake other actions so long as his attention stays focused on the target and the target does not detect the avenger or recognize the avenger as an enemy. If the victim of such an attack fails a Fortitude save (DC 10 + the avenger's class level + the avenger's Int modifier) against the kill effect, she dies. If the saving throw fails against the paralysis effect, the victim is rendered helpless and unable to act for 1d6 rounds plus 1 round per level of the avenger. If the victim's saving throw succeeds, the attack is just a normal sneak attack. Once the avenger has completed the 3 rounds of study, he must make the death attack within the next 3 rounds.
  
  If a death attack is attempted and fails (the victim makes her save) or if the avenger does not launch the attack within 3 rounds of completing the study, 3 new rounds of study are required before he can attempt another death attack.

Urban Ranger

• Favored Enemy (Human +4) (Gnoll +2) (Ex)Favored Enemy (Ex)
  At 1st level, a ranger may select a type of creature from among those given on Table: Ranger Favored Enemies. The ranger gains a +2 bonus on Bluff, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot, and Survival checks when using these skills against creatures of this type. Likewise, he gets a +2 bonus on weapon damage (and attack, due to Solitary Hunting) rolls against such creatures.
  
  At 5th level and every five levels thereafter (10th, 15th, and 20th level), the ranger may select an additional favored enemy from those given on the table. In addition, at each such interval, the bonus against any one favored enemy (including the one just selected, if so desired) increases by 2.
  
  If the ranger chooses humanoids or outsiders as a favored enemy, he must also choose an associated subtype, as indicated on the table. If a specific creature falls into more than one category of favored enemy, the ranger’s bonuses do not stack; he simply uses whichever bonus is higher.
• Urban TrackingUrban Tracking
  You can track down the location of missing persons or wanted individuals within communities.
  
  Benefit
  To find the trail of an individual or to follow it for 1 hour requires a Gather Information check. You must make another Gather Information check every hour of the search, as well as each time the trail becomes difficult to follow, such as when it moves to a different area of town.
  
  The DC of the check, and the number of checks required to track down your quarry, depends on the community size and the conditions:
  
  If you fail a Gather Information check, you can retry after 1 hour of questioning. The game master should roll the number of checks required secretly, so that the player doesn't know exactly how long the task will require.
  
  Normal
  A character without this feat can use Gather Information to find out information about a particular individual, but each check takes 1d4+1 hours and doesn't allow effective trailing.
  
  Special
  A character with 5 ranks in Knowledge (local) gains a +2 bonus on the Gather Information check to use this feat.
  
  You can cut the time between Gather Information checks in half (to 30 minutes per check rather than 1 hour), but you take a -5 penalty on the check.
• Wild Empathy (Ex) (1d20+3)Wild Empathy (Normal)
  A ranger can improve the attitude of an animal. This ability functions just like a Diplomacy check to improve the attitude of a person. The ranger rolls 1d20 and adds his ranger level and his Charisma modifier to determine the wild empathy check result. The typical domestic animal has a starting attitude of indifferent, while wild animals are usually unfriendly.
  
  To use wild empathy, the ranger and the animal must be able to study each other, which means that they must be within 30 feet of one another under normal visibility conditions. Generally, influencing an animal in this way takes 1 minute, but, as with influencing people, it might take more or less time.
  
  The ranger can also use this ability to influence a magical beast with an Intelligence score of 1 or 2, but he takes a -4 penalty on the check.
  
  Wild Empathy (Urban Ranger)
  An urban ranger adds only one-half his class level to wild empathy checks, reflecting his limited connection with the natural world.
• Combat Style (Two-Weapon) (Ex)Combat Style (Ex)
  At 2nd level, a ranger must select one of two combat styles to pursue: archery or two-weapon combat. This choice affects the character’s class features but does not restrict his selection of feats or special abilities in any way.
  
  If the ranger selects archery, he is treated as having the Rapid Shot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  If the ranger selects two-weapon combat, he is treated as having the Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  The benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor.
• Improved Combat Style (Two-Weapon) (Ex)Improved Combat Style (Ex)
  At 6th level, a ranger’s aptitude in his chosen combat style (archery or two-weapon combat) improves. If he selected archery at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Manyshot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  If the ranger selected two-weapon combat at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Improved Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  As before, the benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor

Swashbuckler

• Weapon Finesse (Ex)A swashbuckler gains Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat at 1st level even if she does not qualify for the feat.
• Grace (Ex) (+1)A swashbuckler gains a +1 competence bonus on Reflex saves at 2nd level. This bonus increases to +2 at 11th level and to +3 at 20th level. A swashbuckler loses this bonus when wearing medium or heavy armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load.

Barbarian

• Ferocity (Ex)Ferocity (Ex)
  Once per day, the barbarian can enter a state of adrenaline-fueled fury, increasing both his physical might and his reaction time. He temporarily gains a +4 bonus to Strength and a +4 bonus to Dexterity, but he takes a -2 penalty on ranged attack rolls beyond short range (30 feet).
  
  He can enter this state as an immediate action, even when flat-footed at the start of combat, so he may apply the enhanced Dexterity modifier to his initiative check.
  
  While in a state of ferocity, the barbarian cannot use any Charisma- or Intelligence-based skills (except for Intimidate), the Concentration skill, or any abilities that require patience or concentration, nor can he cast spells or activate magic items that require a command word, a spell trigger (such as a wand), or spell completion (such as a scroll) to function. He can use any feat he has except item creation feats and metamagic feats. Ferocity lasts for a number of rounds equal to 4 + his Constitution modifier (if positive). The barbarian may prematurely end his state of ferocity. At the end of ferocity, he loses the ferocity modifiers and restrictions and become sickened (-2 on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks) for the duration of the current encounter (unless he is a 17th-level barbarian, at which point this limitation no longer applies). Abilities that normally render him immune to being sickened (such as the Strong Stomach feat, Cityscape 64) reduce the penalties to -1, but do not remove them entirely.
  
  The barbarian can invoke ferocity only once per encounter. At 1st level he can use this ability once per day. [0/1]x/day
• Lion TotemRegal and intimidating, the powerful lion is a symbol of nobility among the races of the wild. By selecting him as your spiritual totem, you gain the pounce ability (MM 313).

Shadows of Virtue

• Rank 30 (Nightshade)
• Hire for Lesser ActionA Vigilante gains the ability to hire an agent to perform a simple action. Among these include Urban Tracking/simple intelligence-gathering, stealing an unprotected item, and commandeering small numbers of horses/simple land vehicles. Lethal actions not allowed, and it is up to the DM's discretion as to how successful the agent was. This ability may be used once per mission.
  
  Base cost is 50gp for a level 1 Urban Ranger or Rogue; +100gp per additional level.
• Hire for Greater ActionA Nightwatch gains the ability to hire an agent to perform an advanced action. Among these include kidnapping, infiltrating a dangerous organization, stalking a target for an extended time, stealing important documents (or planting false ones), and commandeering a large convoy or sea vessel. Lethal actions must require a DM's approval, but the result is also to their discretion. This ability may be used once per mission.
  
  Base cost is 100gp for a level 1 Urban Ranger or Rogue; +200gp per additional level.
• Nimble ChargeRun or charge across difficult surface without Balance check
• Nimble StandStand from prone safely (no provoked AoOs)
• Dimension DoorDimension Door
  Conjuration (Teleportation)
  Level: Brd 4, Sor/Wiz 4, Travel 4
  Components: V
  Casting Time: 1 standard action
  Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
  Target: You and touched objects or other touched willing creatures
  Duration: Instantaneous
  Saving Throw: None and Will negates (object)
  Spell Resistance: No and Yes (object)
  
  You instantly transfer yourself from your current location to any other spot within range. You always arrive at exactly the spot desired—whether by simply visualizing the area or by stating direction. After using this spell, you can’t take any other actions until your next turn. You can bring along objects as long as their weight doesn’t exceed your maximum load. You may also bring one additional willing Medium or smaller creature (carrying gear or objects up to its maximum load) or its equivalent per three caster levels. A Large creature counts as two Medium creatures, a Huge creature counts as two Large creatures, and so forth. All creatures to be transported must be in contact with one another, and at least one of those creatures must be in contact with you.
  
  If you arrive in a place that is already occupied by a solid body, you and each creature traveling with you take 1d6 points of damage and are shunted to a random open space on a suitable surface within 100 feet of the intended location.
  
  If there is no free space within 100 feet, you and each creature traveling with you take an additional 2d6 points of damage and are shunted to a free space within 1,000 feet. If there is no free space within 1,000 feet, you and each creature travelling with you take an additional 4d6 points of damage and the spell simply fails. [1/1]x/day
• Opportunist (Ex)Once per round, the rogue can make an attack of opportunity against an opponent who has just been struck for damage in melee by another character. This attack counts as the rogue's attack of opportunity for that round. Even a rogue with the Combat Reflexes feat can't use the opportunist ability more than once per round.

Magic Items

• Rogue BladeROGUE BLADE
  Price (Item Level): 12,320 gp (13th)
  Body Slot: — (held)
  Caster Level: 6th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 18) illusion
  Activation: Swift (mental)
  Weight: 2 lb.
  
  The edges of this elegant rapier seem to fade and twitch, making it difficult to look at directly and surrounding it with a blur of motion though it remains per*fectly still.
  
  When you activate this +1 rapier, it provides you with the effect of a blink spell for 6 rounds. The effect ends prematurely if you stop holding the rogue blade. This effect can be used twice per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, blink.
  Cost to Create: 6,000 gp (plus 320 gp for masterwork rapier), 480 XP, 12 days. [2/2]x/day
• Belt of BattleBELT OF BATTLE
  Price (Item Level): 12,000 gp (13th)
  Body Slot: Waist
  Caster Level: 9th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 19) transmutation
  Activation: — and swift (mental)
  Weight: —
  
  This leather belt bears a platinum buckle set
  with three small black pearls.
  
  A belt of battle helps you avoid being caught off guard in combat and allows occasional bursts of extra activity. While worn, it grants you a +2 competence bonus on initiative checks. This is a continuous effect and requires no activation.
  
  In addition, a belt of battle has 3 charges, which are renewed each day at dawn. Each time you activate the belt, one of the black pearls set into its buckle turns white. The pearls return to normal when the ring's charges renew. Spending 1 or more charges grants you an extra action, which must be taken immediately (before you take any other action).
  
  1 charge: 1 move action.
  2 charges: 1 standard action.
  3 charges: 1 full-round action.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, haste.
  Cost to Create: 6,000 gp, 480 XP, 12 days. [3/3] charges
• Rod of RopesRod of Ropes
  This versatile item meets your every rope-related need.
  
  Crafted from the darkest teak and repeatedly stained until it holds a lustrous black shine, this rod is a sculpted, 18-inch-long baton. Closer inspection (Search DC 15) reveals three barely perceptible concave indentations in the middle third of the rod.
  
  The three indentations act as buttons. Pressing any one of the rod’s buttons requires a move action.
  
  The rod has three functions, each of which can be employed an unlimited number of times. However, no two functions can be used at the same time
  
  Rope: When you press button 1, rope begins to extrude from one end of the rod at the rate of 60 feet per round. The rod can extrude 300 feet of rope in this manner. Pressing the button a second time stops the rope from extruding. Pressing it a third time draws the rope back in, also at a rate of 60 feet per round. Any knot in the rope automatically unties when it comes within 30 feet of the rod. This rope has the same hardness and hit points as the rest of the rod.
  
  Grappling Hook and Rope: When you press button 2, a small leather wrist loop springs from one end of the rod and three sharp grappling hooks sprout from the other end. Pressing the button again launches one-third of the rod (the end with the three hooks) in the direction you aim it. A length of rope up to 300 feet long trails behind the launched section and connects it with the end you hold; all 300 feet of rope can discharge in 1 round. The rope stops unreeling if the hooks strike something solid (including a creature) or if you give the rod a quick backward jerk. Pressing the button a third time retracts the rope, drawing the held end toward the hooked end if it is secured properly. The retracting feature can pull up to 1,000 pounds with it, drawing up 60 feet of rope per round. The rope has the same hardness and hit points as the rest of the rod. This function can be used to attack and push back opponents within 30 feet (beyond that distance it lacks sufficient power). On a successful ranged attack (no range increment) the hooked end deals 1d6 points of damage. The force of the blow is considerable, and those struck by it are subject to a bull rush effect (treat the hooked end as having a +5 bonus on its opposed check). The hooked end cannot pursue a pushed opponent.
  
  Grappling Hooks and Slide: When you press button 3, three sharp grappling hooks sprout from each end of the rod. Pressing the button again launches the two ends of the rod (each one-third of its length) in opposite directions simultaneously. A length of rope up to 300 feet long trails behind each launched section and connects it with the middle third you hold (all 600 feet of rope can discharge in 1 round). The grappling hooks work exactly as described above, including the possibility of bull rushing opponents. Pressing the button a third time causes part of the middle section to expand slightly in diameter and slide freely along the extruded rope. The slide can be released from the remaining part of the middle section by squeezing it to loosen it. Two hand loops allow you to slide down the rope if it is at an angle. Regardless of the angle of the rope or the load on it (up to 1,000 pounds), if attached firmly the rope does not sag. Pushing any button a second time returns the rod to its previous (unactivated) state.
  
  Aura/Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 10th.
  Weight: 4 lb.
• Corsair's EyepatchCORSAIR'S EYEPATCH
  Price (Item Level): 3,000 gp (7th)
  Body Slot: Face
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) divination
  Activation: Swift (command)
  Weight: —
  A leather strap and a bit of hardened leather and krenshar hide make up this menacing black eyepatch.
  
  Despite its name, the improved visual acuity provided by a corsair's eyepatch is equally useful to landlubbers. Wearing this eyepatch has no negative impact on your eyesight—it appears completely transparent to you. While you wear a corsair's eyepatch over your left eye, activating it grants you the ability to use see invisibility (as the spell) for 1 round. While you wear it over your right eye, activating it grants you the benefit of the Blind-Fight feat for 1 minute. Moving the eyepatch from one eye to another requires a move action that doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity.
  
  A corsair's eyepatch functions a total of three times per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, see invisibility.
  Cost to Create: 1,500 gp, 120 XP, 3 days.
• Bracers of MurderBRACERS OF MURDER
  Price (Item Level): 8,000 gp (11th)
  Body Slot: Arms
  Caster Level: 5th
  Aura: Faint; (DC 17) evocation
  Activation: —
  Weight: 3 lb.
  Each of these burnished metal bracers is adorned with grinning skull set with onyx stones in its eye sockets.
  Bracers of murder grant you a +2 profane bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls against flat-footed targets.
  If you have the death attack ability, the save DC to resist your death attack increases by 2.
  If you have sneak attack or sudden strike, reroll any result of 1 on the dice.
• Cloak of the BatCloak of the Bat
  
  Fashioned of dark brown or black cloth, this cloak bestows a +5 competence bonus on Hide checks. The wearer is also able to hang upside down from the ceiling, like a bat.
  
  By holding the edges of the garment, the wearer is able to fly as per the spell. If he desires, the wearer can actually polymorph himself into an ordinary bat and fly accordingly. (All possessions worn or carried are part of the transformation.) Flying, either with the cloak or in bat form, can be accomplished only in darkness (either under the night sky or in a lightless or near-lightless environment underground). Either of the flying powers is usable for up to 7 minutes at a time, but after a flight of any duration the cloak cannot bestow any flying power for a like period of time.
  
  Moderate transmutation; CL 7th; Craft Wondrous Item, fly, polymorph; Price 26,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.
• Necklace of Vine StrikeGrants sneak attack against plant creatures 3 times per day. [3/3]x/day
• Anklet of TranslocationANKLET OF TRANSLOCATION
  Price (Item Level): 1,400 gp (5th)
  Body Slot: Feet
  Caster Level: 7th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 18) conjuration
  Activation: Swift (command)
  Weight: —
  
  A pewter chime hangs from this simple leather ankle-band.
  
  An anklet of translocation allows you to make short dimensional hops. When it is activated, you can instantly teleport (with no chance of error) up to 10 feet. The new space must be within line of sight and line of effect.
  
  You can't use the anklet to move into a space occupied by another creature, nor can you teleport into a solid object; if you attempt to do so, the anklet's activation is wasted. You can bring along objects weigh*ing up to your maximum load, but you can't bring another creature with you.
  
  An anklet of translocation functions two times per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, dimension door.
  Cost to Create: 700 gp, 56 XP, 2 days.
• Ring of the DarkhiddenRING OF THE DARKHIDDEN
  Price (Item Level): 2,000 gp (6th)
  Body Slot: Ring
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) illusion
  Activation: —
  Weight: —
  
  More than a dozen etchings of closed eyes circle this tarnished silver ring.
  
  You are invisible to darkvision, although you are fully visible in normal light.
  
  Prerequisites: Forge Ring, invisibility.
  Cost to Create: 1,000 gp, 80 XP, 2 days.
• ShiftweaveSHIFTWEAVE
  Price (Item Level): 500 gp (3rd)
  Body Slot: Torso
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) transmutation
  Activation: Swift (mental)
  Weight: 5 lb.
  
  This otherwise plain-looking set of clothing seems to have gossamer threads woven ran*domly into the fabric.
  
  When you activate shiftweave, it changes your garb to resemble any of five specific outfits designated during its creation. Shiftweave has no effect on any armor you wear (nor can it mimic armor) and does not change the effect of any magical clothing you wear.
  
  Lore: Though originally created for wealthy socialites who wanted to avoid wearing the same gown to the gala, shiftweave is also useful to spies and assas* sins (Knowledge [nobility and royalty] DC 10).
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, disguise self.
  
  Cost to Create: 250 gp, 20 XP, 1 day.
• Handy HaversackHandy Haversack
  
  A backpack of this sort appears to be well made, well used, and quite ordinary. It is constructed of finely tanned leather, and the straps have brass hardware and buckles. It has two side pouches, each of which appears large enough to hold about a quart of material. In fact, each is like a bag of holding and can actually hold material of as much as 2 cubic feet in volume or 20 pounds in weight. The large central portion of the pack can contain up to 8 cubic feet or 80 pounds of material. Even when so filled, the backpack always weighs only 5 pounds.
  
  While such storage is useful enough, the pack has an even greater power in addition. When the wearer reaches into it for a specific item, that item is always on top. Thus, no digging around and fumbling is ever necessary to find what a haversack contains. Retrieving any specific item from a haversack is a move action, but it does not provoke the attacks of opportunity that retrieving a stored item usually does.
  
  Moderate conjuration; CL 9th; Craft Wondrous Item, secret chest; Price 2,000 gp; Weight 5 lb. 

Active Effects: Darkstalker, Hide in Plain Sight, Ring of Darkhidden, Nondetection, Lips of Rapture+2 morale to all d20 rolls and damage rolls; an additional +2 on saves against enchantments; suppresses fatigue, exhaustion and nausea (5 rounds), FerocityOnce per day, the barbarian can enter a state of adrenaline-fueled fury, increasing both his physical might and his reaction time. He temporarily gains a +4 bonus to Strength and a +4 bonus to Dexterity, but he takes a -2 penalty on ranged attack rolls beyond short range (30 feet).

He can enter this state as an immediate action, even when flat-footed at the start of combat, so he may apply the enhanced Dexterity modifier to his initiative check.

While in a state of ferocity, the barbarian cannot use any Charisma- or Intelligence-based skills (except for Intimidate), the Concentration skill, or any abilities that require patience or concentration, nor can he cast spells or activate magic items that require a command word, a spell trigger (such as a wand), or spell completion (such as a scroll) to function. He can use any feat he has except item creation feats and metamagic feats. Ferocity lasts for a number of rounds equal to 4 + his Constitution modifier (if positive). The barbarian may prematurely end his state of ferocity. At the end of ferocity, he loses the ferocity modifiers and restrictions and become sickened (-2 on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks) for the duration of the current encounter (unless he is a 17th-level barbarian, at which point this limitation no longer applies). Abilities that normally render him immune to being sickened (such as the Strong Stomach feat, Cityscape 64) reduce the penalties to -1, but do not remove them entirely.

The barbarian can invoke ferocity only once per encounter. At 1st level he can use this ability once per day. (5 rounds)

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Notes on Sneaking

Before crossing the portal, Jarren casts nondetection on himself, meaning anyone who attempts a divination spell like locate object, clairaudience / clairvoyance, and detect spells are blocked, unless the caster makes a DC 22 caster level check (15 + Jarren's caster level) to pierce the veil.

He then attempts to sneak across the room! He will move at half his normal movement speed to avoid penalties to Move Silently, meaning he can cross 30ft per move action. Recall the rules about invisibility, which involve distances and other factors at play.

Several things to note about his sneaking:

1. Jarren's got stupid high Hide and Move Silently checks, which are rolled below. I actually noticed an error a little while ago where I added several overlapping bonuses to his Hide check, so it's not +40-ish anymore, and should now be correct.
2. Jarren has the Darkstalker feat, meaning creatures with blindsense, blindsight, scent, or tremorsense have to roll Spot to notice him.
3. Jarren has the Dark template, meaning he has Hide in Plain Sight. He can use the Hide skill even while being observed (except in natural daylight, the area of a daylight spell, or a similar effect).
4. Jarren has the Ring of Darkhidden, meaning he is considered invisible to darkvision. He must have some light cast on him in order for creatures with low-light or normal vision to possibly see him.

OOC: Quick note, I realize I forgot to update Jarren's AC from when he upgraded his armor. It only goes up by +1, but that shouldn't make a difference in damage taken or not from here. With Ferocity, it maxes out at 24 due to max Dex with his armor.

A little music for the occasion, as this is technically a "bar fight".

The beer-throw and the kick are just for dramatic flair, no attack rolls or anything. It's just a clever representation of Jarren's stupidly high Tumble check. He will then attempt to hide again, relying on his old tricks to escape from sight and moving southeast towards the stairs.

Jarren activates Ferocity as an immediate action before his turn begins, before the Tavern hazards saving throw. He then attempts the Reflex save, now at a +20 bonus, followed by his Tumble, Hide and Move Silently checks. His movement is 30' southeast, which is him moving at half-speed.

Edited January 14 by rogueblade0729 (see edit history)

[Delia2531]

Reflex Save

Primary weapon - AoO

 

AoO Damage

AoO Sonic Damage
 

 

Cufwell Greenskin

Cufwell sidesteps the flames, and swings his axe as the Thri-kreen tries to tumble past him.

Edited January 14 by Delia2531 (see edit history)

[Blue Jay]

In the Tavern

Cufwell

One of Cufwell's axes wasn't done swinging. As flames boiled the air around Cufwell, and Gitcha turned to fight someone more on his level, a battleaxe reaches out of the flame, slicing it asunder and cutting a heavy gouge down the thri-kreen's back. Gitcha stumbles a bit, and the light in his eyes flickers momentarily before reasserting itself and compelling the thri-kreen on to his attacks on Jarren.

Jarren

With the faerie fire quenched and nymph magic now swimming about in his skull, Jarren immediately takes action, cleverly evading his two attackers and tumbling past Callyndia and over a table, then vanishing again into the shadows in the southeast corner of the room.

((I gave you a little extra movement because that was a natural-20 Tumble.))

NPC Adventurers

The swordsman rights himself after Jarren's gastrizein kick, then turns to look about, confused at the lack of Nightshades in his view again.

Likewise, the expert with the shortbow tracks Jarren for another shot, but suddenly seems unable to see him again.

Spot

Their eyes slide back and forth across the room, but neither of them seems able to see or predict where the intruder might have gone. Callyndia smiles and winks at the warrior. "Good luck!" she teases.

The warrior briefly raises his sword towards her, but refrains from striking. He chooses instead to merely scowl and roll his glowing eyes in annoyance at her. "If you're not going help, get out of my way!" the Barkeeper's voice says from the warrior's lips. Then, he walks a few feet towards the southeast for a closer look.

((Both of these two are readying actions.))

The spellcaster is distracted by a draconic unicorn, and simply withdraws eastward to avoid the monster while keeping his eyes half-open for his real quarry.

Skallaburljalf

Skall steps forward onto the table between Cufwell and Gitcha. Looking dead into Cufwell's eyes, the dwarf says menacingly in his own voice and the Barkeeper's, "You're on the wrong side of this, Cufwell. Get your head straight!" He then turns and plants a healing spell on the thri-kreen.

((maximized cure critical wounds for 46 hp.))

"Watch the windows!" his amalgamated voice calls out to the uncontrolled adventurers who seem to be helping them, "We need to keep him here in the Tavern!"

Map

Initiative and Status

24 - Skallaburljalf

22 - Cufwell

18 - Gitcha (61/134 hp)

16 - Callyndia

14 - Jarren

12 - Generic Adventurers (Expert?/? hp, Spellcaster?/? hp, Warrior?/? hp)

To Post: Cufwell

Special Actions: --

Edited January 14 by Blue Jay (see edit history)

[Delia2531]

Cufwell Greenskin

As Tanu returns to the room Cufwell suppresses a grin; "Skall, you need to fight this friend. We're all concerned about you and the tavern; let Jarren do what he needs to do and then perhaps we can all talk. Rhiannon knows most, but she can't get back yet." He lets out a whistle directing Tanu to stop the swordsman and protect Jarren. No sooner has the sound left his lips than he blinks out of existence, reappearing behind Skall's shoulder in reach of the Thri-kreen once more and lets his axes do the talking to protect his friend.

OOC

Anklet of translocation SW 1 square and then S 1 square.

Then FRA; any attack after the Gitcha falls go to Skall.

 

Tanu races under the table to the S to end up North of the swordsman to bite him.

 

EDIT

I'm pretty sure Gitcha is a grease-stain on the floor at this point, and Skall is going to feel that in the morning too?!

Tanu Bite
Tanu Bite Damage

Cufwell Primary weapon - first attack
Primary weapon - first attack damage
Primary weapon - first attack sonic damage
Primary weapon - first attack skirmish
Primary weapon - second attack
Primary weapon - second attack damage
Primary weapon - second attack sonic damage
Primary weapon - second attack skirmish
Primary weapon - third attack
Primary weapon - third attack damage
Primary weapon - third attack sonic damage
Primary weapon - third attack skirmish
Primary weapon - fourth attack
Primary weapon - fourth attack damage
Primary weapon - fourth attack sonic damage
Primary weapon - fourth attack skirmish
Secondary weapon - first attack
Secondary weapon - first attack damage
Secondary weapon - first attack acid damage
Secondary weapon - first attack electricity damage
Secondary weapon - first attack skirmish
Secondary weapon - second attack
Secondary weapon - second attack damage
Secondary weapon - second attack acid damage
Secondary weapon - second attack electricity damage
Secondary weapon - second attack skirmish
Secondary weapon - third attack
Secondary weapon - third attack damage
Secondary weapon - third attack acid damage
Secondary weapon - third attack electricity damage
Secondary weapon - third attack skirmish

Edited January 14 by Delia2531 (see edit history)

[Blue Jay]

In the Tavern

Cufwell

With a swift teleport, Cufwell arrives beside his two possessed friends and turns on the blender with moral certainty that everyone would have to admire. His axes slash and flicker with magic. There's a burst of sonic energy that reverberates through the thri-kreen's chitinous exterior with a spider web of microfractures, and Gitcha topples with the clang of heavy armor and the scratching of scrabbling fingers and toes.

The axes continue swinging, but pivot from Gitcha to Skall. Skall manages to evade one axe slice, but he takes the other on the jaw and chest and arms.

As Cufwell's axes swing, there's a strange ripple in the air behind each one, like the world is warping and bending around Cufwell. The lanterns in the room waver, and your ears are kind of ringing. You hear the Barkeeper grunt in discomfort, and that discomfort reverberates out across the Tavern, temporarily pressing like a migraine in every Tavern adventurer's skull: Skall, Jarren, Callyndia, that rogue over there, even Tanu, all seem to feel it for just a moment, before reality seems to return to normal.

Tanu rushes past Callyndia, under and table and snags the leg of the NPC warrior ((Doesn't Tanu get to Trip when she bites?)).

Callyndia

The half-nymph looks around herself in a moment of indecision. Jarren and Cufwell seem to both be back in their respectively elements, with no urgent need of her services, but there's still a great deal of chaos all around, which looks like it's threatening to pitch the entire Tavern into a manic, unstructured brawl.

Callyndia suddenly starts to fade from existence, with a look of surprise on her face.

"No mother!" she says, "Not yet! I can still help him! Just give me a moment!"

She stops disappearing, then closes her eyes in the midst of battle. Lights glitter around her, and Cufwell and Jarren feel warmth touch them.

((Gift of Grace. She's sharing her Divine Grace with both of you. You each get a +3 bonus to to all saving throws for the rest of the day.))

Map

((I'm feeling too lazy to update the map. All that's changed is Cufwell's and Tanu's movements.))

Initiative and Status

24 - Skallaburljalf

22 - Cufwell

18 - Gitcha (-9/134 hp)

16 - Callyndia

14 - Jarren

12 - Generic Adventurers (Expert?/? hp, Spellcaster?/? hp, Warrior52/72 hp)

To Post: Jarren

Special Actions: --

[rogueblade0729]

Jarren Grayson, the Nightshade

Well, no sense in delaying the inevitable. Feeling the rush of adrenaline, Nightshade bolted across the room, jammed the blunt end of the scythe into the window to crack it, then threw himself through the shattered glass. He landed on the grass outside with a skilled tuck and roll, back on his feet as quickly as he went down.

With the sun fully risen, the rogue's shadows immediately dissipated around him, revealing himself in full. With an encouraging wink and a grateful smile to Callyndia, Cufwell, and Tanu, Jarren sprinted away as fast as his legs could carry him, flying like a bat out of Hell.

He stowed the scythe into his haversack as he ran, heading for the Marketplace.

Mechanics & OOC

Statblock

Jarren Grayson, the Nightshade
Male NG Dark Human LA 1/Rogue 5/Avenger 7 || Urban Ranger 3/Fighter 4/Swashbuckler 2/Urban Ranger +3/Barbarian 1, Level 13, Init 7, HP 83/131, DR 1/- (7/10), Speed 60ft
AC 23, Touch 16, Flat-footed 18, Fort 11, Ref 16, Will 6, Base Attack Bonus +13/+8/+3
Lesser Cold Assault Rogue Blade +19/+14/+9 (1d8+1+1d6 Cold, 19-20/x2)
+1 Light Swordbow (x40 Arrows) +19/+14/+9 (1d6+1 [Bow] | 1d8+1 [Rapier], x3 [Bow] | 18-20/x2 [Rapier])
+2 Short Sword +20/+15/+10 (1d6+2, 19-20/x2)
+3 Least Iron Ward Mithral Chain Shirt (+7 Armor, +6 Dex)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 21, Con 13, Int 18, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition

Dark Subtype

• Resistance: Cold 10
• Hide in Plain Sight (Ex)Use the Hide skill even while being observed (except in natural daylight, the area of a daylight spell, or a similar effect).

Rogue/Avenger

• Sneak Attack (+7d6+13)
• Trap Sense (Ex) +1Trap Sense (Ex)
  At 3rd level, a rogue gains an intuitive sense that alerts her to danger from traps, giving her a +1 bonus on Reflex saves made to avoid traps and a +1 dodge bonus to AC against attacks made by traps. These bonuses rise to +2 when the rogue reaches 6th level, to +3 when she reaches 9th level, to +4 when she reaches 12th level, to +5 at 15th, and to +6 at 18th level.
  
  Trap sense bonuses gained from multiple classes stack.
• TrapfindingTrapfinding
  Rogues (and only rogues) can use the Search skill to locate traps when the task has a Difficulty Class higher than 20.
  
  Finding a nonmagical trap has a DC of at least 20, or higher if it is well hidden. Finding a magic trap has a DC of 25 + the level of the spell used to create it.
  
  Rogues (and only rogues) can use the Disable Device skill to disarm magic traps. A magic trap generally has a DC of 25 + the level of the spell used to create it.
  
  A rogue who beats a trap’s DC by 10 or more with a Disable Device check can study a trap, figure out how it works, and bypass it (with her party) without disarming it.
• (Improved) Uncanny Dodge (Ex)Uncanny Dodge (Ex)
  Starting at 4th level, a rogue can react to danger before her senses would normally allow her to do so. She retains her Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) even if she is caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. However, she still loses her Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized.
  
  If a rogue already has uncanny dodge from a different class she automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead.
  
  ---
  
  Improved Uncanny Dodge (Ex)
  A rogue of 8th level or higher can no longer be flanked.
  
  This defense denies another rogue the ability to sneak attack the character by flanking her, unless the attacker has at least four more rogue levels than the target does.
  
  If a character already has uncanny dodge from a second class, the character automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead, and the levels from the classes that grant uncanny dodge stack to determine the minimum rogue level required to flank the character.
• Evasion (Ex)Evasion (Ex)
  At 2nd level and higher, a rogue can avoid even magical and unusual attacks with great agility. If she makes a successful Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half damage on a successful save, she instead takes no damage. Evasion can be used only if the rogue is wearing light armor or no armor. A helpless rogue does not gain the benefit of evasion.
• Poison UsePoison Use
  Avengers are trained in the use of poison and never risk accidentally poisoning themselves when applying poison to a blade.
• +3 to Saves vs Poison
• Death Attack (DC 21)Death Attack
  If an avenger studies his victim for 3 rounds and then makes a sneak attack with a melee weapon that successfully deals damage, the sneak attack has the additional effect of possibly either paralyzing or killing the target (avenger's choice). While studying the victim, the avenger can undertake other actions so long as his attention stays focused on the target and the target does not detect the avenger or recognize the avenger as an enemy. If the victim of such an attack fails a Fortitude save (DC 10 + the avenger's class level + the avenger's Int modifier) against the kill effect, she dies. If the saving throw fails against the paralysis effect, the victim is rendered helpless and unable to act for 1d6 rounds plus 1 round per level of the avenger. If the victim's saving throw succeeds, the attack is just a normal sneak attack. Once the avenger has completed the 3 rounds of study, he must make the death attack within the next 3 rounds.
  
  If a death attack is attempted and fails (the victim makes her save) or if the avenger does not launch the attack within 3 rounds of completing the study, 3 new rounds of study are required before he can attempt another death attack.

Urban Ranger

• Favored Enemy (Human +4) (Gnoll +2) (Ex)Favored Enemy (Ex)
  At 1st level, a ranger may select a type of creature from among those given on Table: Ranger Favored Enemies. The ranger gains a +2 bonus on Bluff, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot, and Survival checks when using these skills against creatures of this type. Likewise, he gets a +2 bonus on weapon damage (and attack, due to Solitary Hunting) rolls against such creatures.
  
  At 5th level and every five levels thereafter (10th, 15th, and 20th level), the ranger may select an additional favored enemy from those given on the table. In addition, at each such interval, the bonus against any one favored enemy (including the one just selected, if so desired) increases by 2.
  
  If the ranger chooses humanoids or outsiders as a favored enemy, he must also choose an associated subtype, as indicated on the table. If a specific creature falls into more than one category of favored enemy, the ranger’s bonuses do not stack; he simply uses whichever bonus is higher.
• Urban TrackingUrban Tracking
  You can track down the location of missing persons or wanted individuals within communities.
  
  Benefit
  To find the trail of an individual or to follow it for 1 hour requires a Gather Information check. You must make another Gather Information check every hour of the search, as well as each time the trail becomes difficult to follow, such as when it moves to a different area of town.
  
  The DC of the check, and the number of checks required to track down your quarry, depends on the community size and the conditions:
  
  If you fail a Gather Information check, you can retry after 1 hour of questioning. The game master should roll the number of checks required secretly, so that the player doesn't know exactly how long the task will require.
  
  Normal
  A character without this feat can use Gather Information to find out information about a particular individual, but each check takes 1d4+1 hours and doesn't allow effective trailing.
  
  Special
  A character with 5 ranks in Knowledge (local) gains a +2 bonus on the Gather Information check to use this feat.
  
  You can cut the time between Gather Information checks in half (to 30 minutes per check rather than 1 hour), but you take a -5 penalty on the check.
• Wild Empathy (Ex) (1d20+3)Wild Empathy (Normal)
  A ranger can improve the attitude of an animal. This ability functions just like a Diplomacy check to improve the attitude of a person. The ranger rolls 1d20 and adds his ranger level and his Charisma modifier to determine the wild empathy check result. The typical domestic animal has a starting attitude of indifferent, while wild animals are usually unfriendly.
  
  To use wild empathy, the ranger and the animal must be able to study each other, which means that they must be within 30 feet of one another under normal visibility conditions. Generally, influencing an animal in this way takes 1 minute, but, as with influencing people, it might take more or less time.
  
  The ranger can also use this ability to influence a magical beast with an Intelligence score of 1 or 2, but he takes a -4 penalty on the check.
  
  Wild Empathy (Urban Ranger)
  An urban ranger adds only one-half his class level to wild empathy checks, reflecting his limited connection with the natural world.
• Combat Style (Two-Weapon) (Ex)Combat Style (Ex)
  At 2nd level, a ranger must select one of two combat styles to pursue: archery or two-weapon combat. This choice affects the character’s class features but does not restrict his selection of feats or special abilities in any way.
  
  If the ranger selects archery, he is treated as having the Rapid Shot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  If the ranger selects two-weapon combat, he is treated as having the Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  The benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor.
• Improved Combat Style (Two-Weapon) (Ex)Improved Combat Style (Ex)
  At 6th level, a ranger’s aptitude in his chosen combat style (archery or two-weapon combat) improves. If he selected archery at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Manyshot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  If the ranger selected two-weapon combat at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Improved Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  As before, the benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor

Swashbuckler

• Weapon Finesse (Ex)A swashbuckler gains Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat at 1st level even if she does not qualify for the feat.
• Grace (Ex) (+1)A swashbuckler gains a +1 competence bonus on Reflex saves at 2nd level. This bonus increases to +2 at 11th level and to +3 at 20th level. A swashbuckler loses this bonus when wearing medium or heavy armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load.

Barbarian

• Ferocity (Ex)Ferocity (Ex)
  Once per day, the barbarian can enter a state of adrenaline-fueled fury, increasing both his physical might and his reaction time. He temporarily gains a +4 bonus to Strength and a +4 bonus to Dexterity, but he takes a -2 penalty on ranged attack rolls beyond short range (30 feet).
  
  He can enter this state as an immediate action, even when flat-footed at the start of combat, so he may apply the enhanced Dexterity modifier to his initiative check.
  
  While in a state of ferocity, the barbarian cannot use any Charisma- or Intelligence-based skills (except for Intimidate), the Concentration skill, or any abilities that require patience or concentration, nor can he cast spells or activate magic items that require a command word, a spell trigger (such as a wand), or spell completion (such as a scroll) to function. He can use any feat he has except item creation feats and metamagic feats. Ferocity lasts for a number of rounds equal to 4 + his Constitution modifier (if positive). The barbarian may prematurely end his state of ferocity. At the end of ferocity, he loses the ferocity modifiers and restrictions and become sickened (-2 on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks) for the duration of the current encounter (unless he is a 17th-level barbarian, at which point this limitation no longer applies). Abilities that normally render him immune to being sickened (such as the Strong Stomach feat, Cityscape 64) reduce the penalties to -1, but do not remove them entirely.
  
  The barbarian can invoke ferocity only once per encounter. At 1st level he can use this ability once per day. [0/1]x/day
• Lion TotemRegal and intimidating, the powerful lion is a symbol of nobility among the races of the wild. By selecting him as your spiritual totem, you gain the pounce ability (MM 313).

Shadows of Virtue

• Rank 30 (Nightshade)
• Hire for Lesser ActionA Vigilante gains the ability to hire an agent to perform a simple action. Among these include Urban Tracking/simple intelligence-gathering, stealing an unprotected item, and commandeering small numbers of horses/simple land vehicles. Lethal actions not allowed, and it is up to the DM's discretion as to how successful the agent was. This ability may be used once per mission.
  
  Base cost is 50gp for a level 1 Urban Ranger or Rogue; +100gp per additional level.
• Hire for Greater ActionA Nightwatch gains the ability to hire an agent to perform an advanced action. Among these include kidnapping, infiltrating a dangerous organization, stalking a target for an extended time, stealing important documents (or planting false ones), and commandeering a large convoy or sea vessel. Lethal actions must require a DM's approval, but the result is also to their discretion. This ability may be used once per mission.
  
  Base cost is 100gp for a level 1 Urban Ranger or Rogue; +200gp per additional level.
• Nimble ChargeRun or charge across difficult surface without Balance check
• Nimble StandStand from prone safely (no provoked AoOs)
• Dimension DoorDimension Door
  Conjuration (Teleportation)
  Level: Brd 4, Sor/Wiz 4, Travel 4
  Components: V
  Casting Time: 1 standard action
  Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
  Target: You and touched objects or other touched willing creatures
  Duration: Instantaneous
  Saving Throw: None and Will negates (object)
  Spell Resistance: No and Yes (object)
  
  You instantly transfer yourself from your current location to any other spot within range. You always arrive at exactly the spot desired—whether by simply visualizing the area or by stating direction. After using this spell, you can’t take any other actions until your next turn. You can bring along objects as long as their weight doesn’t exceed your maximum load. You may also bring one additional willing Medium or smaller creature (carrying gear or objects up to its maximum load) or its equivalent per three caster levels. A Large creature counts as two Medium creatures, a Huge creature counts as two Large creatures, and so forth. All creatures to be transported must be in contact with one another, and at least one of those creatures must be in contact with you.
  
  If you arrive in a place that is already occupied by a solid body, you and each creature traveling with you take 1d6 points of damage and are shunted to a random open space on a suitable surface within 100 feet of the intended location.
  
  If there is no free space within 100 feet, you and each creature traveling with you take an additional 2d6 points of damage and are shunted to a free space within 1,000 feet. If there is no free space within 1,000 feet, you and each creature travelling with you take an additional 4d6 points of damage and the spell simply fails. [1/1]x/day
• Opportunist (Ex)Once per round, the rogue can make an attack of opportunity against an opponent who has just been struck for damage in melee by another character. This attack counts as the rogue's attack of opportunity for that round. Even a rogue with the Combat Reflexes feat can't use the opportunist ability more than once per round.

Magic Items

• Rogue BladeROGUE BLADE
  Price (Item Level): 12,320 gp (13th)
  Body Slot: — (held)
  Caster Level: 6th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 18) illusion
  Activation: Swift (mental)
  Weight: 2 lb.
  
  The edges of this elegant rapier seem to fade and twitch, making it difficult to look at directly and surrounding it with a blur of motion though it remains per*fectly still.
  
  When you activate this +1 rapier, it provides you with the effect of a blink spell for 6 rounds. The effect ends prematurely if you stop holding the rogue blade. This effect can be used twice per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, blink.
  Cost to Create: 6,000 gp (plus 320 gp for masterwork rapier), 480 XP, 12 days. [2/2]x/day
• Belt of BattleBELT OF BATTLE
  Price (Item Level): 12,000 gp (13th)
  Body Slot: Waist
  Caster Level: 9th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 19) transmutation
  Activation: — and swift (mental)
  Weight: —
  
  This leather belt bears a platinum buckle set
  with three small black pearls.
  
  A belt of battle helps you avoid being caught off guard in combat and allows occasional bursts of extra activity. While worn, it grants you a +2 competence bonus on initiative checks. This is a continuous effect and requires no activation.
  
  In addition, a belt of battle has 3 charges, which are renewed each day at dawn. Each time you activate the belt, one of the black pearls set into its buckle turns white. The pearls return to normal when the ring's charges renew. Spending 1 or more charges grants you an extra action, which must be taken immediately (before you take any other action).
  
  1 charge: 1 move action.
  2 charges: 1 standard action.
  3 charges: 1 full-round action.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, haste.
  Cost to Create: 6,000 gp, 480 XP, 12 days. [3/3] charges
• Rod of RopesRod of Ropes
  This versatile item meets your every rope-related need.
  
  Crafted from the darkest teak and repeatedly stained until it holds a lustrous black shine, this rod is a sculpted, 18-inch-long baton. Closer inspection (Search DC 15) reveals three barely perceptible concave indentations in the middle third of the rod.
  
  The three indentations act as buttons. Pressing any one of the rod’s buttons requires a move action.
  
  The rod has three functions, each of which can be employed an unlimited number of times. However, no two functions can be used at the same time
  
  Rope: When you press button 1, rope begins to extrude from one end of the rod at the rate of 60 feet per round. The rod can extrude 300 feet of rope in this manner. Pressing the button a second time stops the rope from extruding. Pressing it a third time draws the rope back in, also at a rate of 60 feet per round. Any knot in the rope automatically unties when it comes within 30 feet of the rod. This rope has the same hardness and hit points as the rest of the rod.
  
  Grappling Hook and Rope: When you press button 2, a small leather wrist loop springs from one end of the rod and three sharp grappling hooks sprout from the other end. Pressing the button again launches one-third of the rod (the end with the three hooks) in the direction you aim it. A length of rope up to 300 feet long trails behind the launched section and connects it with the end you hold; all 300 feet of rope can discharge in 1 round. The rope stops unreeling if the hooks strike something solid (including a creature) or if you give the rod a quick backward jerk. Pressing the button a third time retracts the rope, drawing the held end toward the hooked end if it is secured properly. The retracting feature can pull up to 1,000 pounds with it, drawing up 60 feet of rope per round. The rope has the same hardness and hit points as the rest of the rod. This function can be used to attack and push back opponents within 30 feet (beyond that distance it lacks sufficient power). On a successful ranged attack (no range increment) the hooked end deals 1d6 points of damage. The force of the blow is considerable, and those struck by it are subject to a bull rush effect (treat the hooked end as having a +5 bonus on its opposed check). The hooked end cannot pursue a pushed opponent.
  
  Grappling Hooks and Slide: When you press button 3, three sharp grappling hooks sprout from each end of the rod. Pressing the button again launches the two ends of the rod (each one-third of its length) in opposite directions simultaneously. A length of rope up to 300 feet long trails behind each launched section and connects it with the middle third you hold (all 600 feet of rope can discharge in 1 round). The grappling hooks work exactly as described above, including the possibility of bull rushing opponents. Pressing the button a third time causes part of the middle section to expand slightly in diameter and slide freely along the extruded rope. The slide can be released from the remaining part of the middle section by squeezing it to loosen it. Two hand loops allow you to slide down the rope if it is at an angle. Regardless of the angle of the rope or the load on it (up to 1,000 pounds), if attached firmly the rope does not sag. Pushing any button a second time returns the rod to its previous (unactivated) state.
  
  Aura/Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 10th.
  Weight: 4 lb.
• Corsair's EyepatchCORSAIR'S EYEPATCH
  Price (Item Level): 3,000 gp (7th)
  Body Slot: Face
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) divination
  Activation: Swift (command)
  Weight: —
  A leather strap and a bit of hardened leather and krenshar hide make up this menacing black eyepatch.
  
  Despite its name, the improved visual acuity provided by a corsair's eyepatch is equally useful to landlubbers. Wearing this eyepatch has no negative impact on your eyesight—it appears completely transparent to you. While you wear a corsair's eyepatch over your left eye, activating it grants you the ability to use see invisibility (as the spell) for 1 round. While you wear it over your right eye, activating it grants you the benefit of the Blind-Fight feat for 1 minute. Moving the eyepatch from one eye to another requires a move action that doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity.
  
  A corsair's eyepatch functions a total of three times per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, see invisibility.
  Cost to Create: 1,500 gp, 120 XP, 3 days.
• Bracers of MurderBRACERS OF MURDER
  Price (Item Level): 8,000 gp (11th)
  Body Slot: Arms
  Caster Level: 5th
  Aura: Faint; (DC 17) evocation
  Activation: —
  Weight: 3 lb.
  Each of these burnished metal bracers is adorned with grinning skull set with onyx stones in its eye sockets.
  Bracers of murder grant you a +2 profane bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls against flat-footed targets.
  If you have the death attack ability, the save DC to resist your death attack increases by 2.
  If you have sneak attack or sudden strike, reroll any result of 1 on the dice.
• Cloak of the BatCloak of the Bat
  
  Fashioned of dark brown or black cloth, this cloak bestows a +5 competence bonus on Hide checks. The wearer is also able to hang upside down from the ceiling, like a bat.
  
  By holding the edges of the garment, the wearer is able to fly as per the spell. If he desires, the wearer can actually polymorph himself into an ordinary bat and fly accordingly. (All possessions worn or carried are part of the transformation.) Flying, either with the cloak or in bat form, can be accomplished only in darkness (either under the night sky or in a lightless or near-lightless environment underground). Either of the flying powers is usable for up to 7 minutes at a time, but after a flight of any duration the cloak cannot bestow any flying power for a like period of time.
  
  Moderate transmutation; CL 7th; Craft Wondrous Item, fly, polymorph; Price 26,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.
• Necklace of Vine StrikeGrants sneak attack against plant creatures 3 times per day. [3/3]x/day
• Anklet of TranslocationANKLET OF TRANSLOCATION
  Price (Item Level): 1,400 gp (5th)
  Body Slot: Feet
  Caster Level: 7th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 18) conjuration
  Activation: Swift (command)
  Weight: —
  
  A pewter chime hangs from this simple leather ankle-band.
  
  An anklet of translocation allows you to make short dimensional hops. When it is activated, you can instantly teleport (with no chance of error) up to 10 feet. The new space must be within line of sight and line of effect.
  
  You can't use the anklet to move into a space occupied by another creature, nor can you teleport into a solid object; if you attempt to do so, the anklet's activation is wasted. You can bring along objects weigh*ing up to your maximum load, but you can't bring another creature with you.
  
  An anklet of translocation functions two times per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, dimension door.
  Cost to Create: 700 gp, 56 XP, 2 days.
• Ring of the DarkhiddenRING OF THE DARKHIDDEN
  Price (Item Level): 2,000 gp (6th)
  Body Slot: Ring
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) illusion
  Activation: —
  Weight: —
  
  More than a dozen etchings of closed eyes circle this tarnished silver ring.
  
  You are invisible to darkvision, although you are fully visible in normal light.
  
  Prerequisites: Forge Ring, invisibility.
  Cost to Create: 1,000 gp, 80 XP, 2 days.
• ShiftweaveSHIFTWEAVE
  Price (Item Level): 500 gp (3rd)
  Body Slot: Torso
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) transmutation
  Activation: Swift (mental)
  Weight: 5 lb.
  
  This otherwise plain-looking set of clothing seems to have gossamer threads woven ran*domly into the fabric.
  
  When you activate shiftweave, it changes your garb to resemble any of five specific outfits designated during its creation. Shiftweave has no effect on any armor you wear (nor can it mimic armor) and does not change the effect of any magical clothing you wear.
  
  Lore: Though originally created for wealthy socialites who wanted to avoid wearing the same gown to the gala, shiftweave is also useful to spies and assas* sins (Knowledge [nobility and royalty] DC 10).
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, disguise self.
  
  Cost to Create: 250 gp, 20 XP, 1 day.
• Handy HaversackHandy Haversack
  
  A backpack of this sort appears to be well made, well used, and quite ordinary. It is constructed of finely tanned leather, and the straps have brass hardware and buckles. It has two side pouches, each of which appears large enough to hold about a quart of material. In fact, each is like a bag of holding and can actually hold material of as much as 2 cubic feet in volume or 20 pounds in weight. The large central portion of the pack can contain up to 8 cubic feet or 80 pounds of material. Even when so filled, the backpack always weighs only 5 pounds.
  
  While such storage is useful enough, the pack has an even greater power in addition. When the wearer reaches into it for a specific item, that item is always on top. Thus, no digging around and fumbling is ever necessary to find what a haversack contains. Retrieving any specific item from a haversack is a move action, but it does not provoke the attacks of opportunity that retrieving a stored item usually does.
  
  Moderate conjuration; CL 9th; Craft Wondrous Item, secret chest; Price 2,000 gp; Weight 5 lb. 

Active Effects: Darkstalker, Hide in Plain Sight, Ring of Darkhidden, Nondetection, Lips of Rapture+2 morale to all d20 rolls and damage rolls; an additional +2 on saves against enchantments; suppresses fatigue, exhaustion and nausea (4 rounds), FerocityOnce per day, the barbarian can enter a state of adrenaline-fueled fury, increasing both his physical might and his reaction time. He temporarily gains a +4 bonus to Strength and a +4 bonus to Dexterity, but he takes a -2 penalty on ranged attack rolls beyond short range (30 feet).

He can enter this state as an immediate action, even when flat-footed at the start of combat, so he may apply the enhanced Dexterity modifier to his initiative check.

While in a state of ferocity, the barbarian cannot use any Charisma- or Intelligence-based skills (except for Intimidate), the Concentration skill, or any abilities that require patience or concentration, nor can he cast spells or activate magic items that require a command word, a spell trigger (such as a wand), or spell completion (such as a scroll) to function. He can use any feat he has except item creation feats and metamagic feats. Ferocity lasts for a number of rounds equal to 4 + his Constitution modifier (if positive). The barbarian may prematurely end his state of ferocity. At the end of ferocity, he loses the ferocity modifiers and restrictions and become sickened (-2 on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks) for the duration of the current encounter (unless he is a 17th-level barbarian, at which point this limitation no longer applies). Abilities that normally render him immune to being sickened (such as the Strong Stomach feat, Cityscape 64) reduce the penalties to -1, but do not remove them entirely.

The barbarian can invoke ferocity only once per encounter. At 1st level he can use this ability once per day. (4 rounds), Gift of Grace+3 bonus to all saving throws for the rest of the day (until end of day)

---

Notes on Sneaking

Before crossing the portal, Jarren casts nondetection on himself, meaning anyone who attempts a divination spell like locate object, clairaudience / clairvoyance, and detect spells are blocked, unless the caster makes a DC 22 caster level check (15 + Jarren's caster level) to pierce the veil.

He then attempts to sneak across the room! He will move at half his normal movement speed to avoid penalties to Move Silently, meaning he can cross 30ft per move action. Recall the rules about invisibility, which involve distances and other factors at play.

Several things to note about his sneaking:

1. Jarren's got stupid high Hide and Move Silently checks, which are rolled below. I actually noticed an error a little while ago where I added several overlapping bonuses to his Hide check, so it's not +40-ish anymore, and should now be correct.
2. Jarren has the Darkstalker feat, meaning creatures with blindsense, blindsight, scent, or tremorsense have to roll Spot to notice him.
3. Jarren has the Dark template, meaning he has Hide in Plain Sight. He can use the Hide skill even while being observed (except in natural daylight, the area of a daylight spell, or a similar effect).
4. Jarren has the Ring of Darkhidden, meaning he is considered invisible to darkvision. He must have some light cast on him in order for creatures with low-light or normal vision to possibly see him.

OOC: Don't know if you need any rolls here, but Jarren is moving at full speed (taking a -20 penalty to Hide and Move Silently), jumping through the window, then booking it. Just in case, I'll roll Tumble, Hide, and Move Silently.

Since it's daylight outside, he can no longer hide, so he's just moving as fast as he can while Ferocity lasts.

With a base speed of 60ft, and only wearing light armor / bearing a light load, he can run up to 240ft per round. According to the movement rules, he can keep up this pace for about a minute (10 rounds, so ~2,400ft or just shy of half a mile) before he has to slow down to catch his breath. Hopefully he reaches the Marketplace before that happens!

Edited January 15 by rogueblade0729 (see edit history)

[Delia2531]

Tanu

With her teeth embedded in the warrior's leg Tanu shakes to try to drag him under the table with her.

Trip attempt

[Blue Jay]

Warrior vs Trip

((Down he goes!))

Edited January 15 by Blue Jay (see edit history)

[Blue Jay]

In the Tavern

Jarren and Cufwell

As the bar brawl starts to heat up and descend into chaos, Jarren nonchalantly slips out a window with an almost inaudible crash of glass. Callyndia smiles contentedly, then whispers, "I think there's something wrong with the Barkeeper" (a little late to the party), before she is whisked away by her mother, presumably to somewhere safe.

Tanu tugs the swordsmen to the ground.

NPC Adventurers

Cufwell is the middle of hacking into Skall with his axes, when the dwarf is suddenly grabbed from behind by a gargoyle and hurled out a nearby window. Once he lands outside, he rolls to his hands and knees, then transforms into a raven and starts flying eastward (the same direction Jarren went).

((I'm planning to leave the Tavern scene behind soon, but I want to know if Cufwell plans to follow along with Jarren, of if he's going to stay here to slow any pursuers.))

Marketplace

The Realm Folded Tavern sits in the middle of an interplanar marketplace, with streets full of people, lined with stalls and shops. This is, of course, one of countless different destinations one could walk into when exiting the Tavern's main door (though, strangely enough, the only destination one reaches when exiting through a window). This is the rest of a strange demiplane that is connected to the Realm Folded Tavern and the Barkeeper, and while Tavern itself is the nucleus of the Barkeeper's power, you have to imagine that the Barkeeper's influence extends out here as well.

Jarren has purchased equipment at these shops before, and he probably knows many people here and knows the streets. He knows that he'll have to cross several blocks of shops and stalls before he reaches a country road that passes through an idyllic, pastoral woodland and curls around a quiet, secluded hill before approaching the Weird Cave. Jarren certainly knows the most direct route, and probably also knows a couple of more circuitous routes to take.

((If you'd like, you can roll Knowledge (local) to glean some insights into potential routes you can take, places where ambushes or traps are most likely, and places where Aryn Vord is most likely to be setting up his countermeasures to aid you.

You also might get a brief chance to scout around, so I'll let you roll up to three more skill checks to perceive things, stealth about, investigate an area, etc.))

Map

((I'm feeling too lazy to update the map. All that's changed is Cufwell's and Tanu's movements.))

Initiative and Status

24 - Skallaburljalf

22 - Cufwell

18 - Gitcha (-9/134 hp)

16 - Callyndia

14 - Jarren

12 - Generic Adventurers (Expert?/? hp, Spellcaster?/? hp, Warrior52/72 hp)

To Post: --

Special Actions: Respond to prompts for the next sequence.

[rogueblade0729]

Jarren Grayson, the Nightshade

Upon arrival at the Marketplace, but before anyone sees him, Jarren ducked down an alleyway to slow down and catch his breath. Wiping some beads of sweat from his forehead, he took a few moments to collect himself. "I'm out of the frying pan, but am I about to plunge into the fire?"

With no certainties, the rogue made a quick change of wardrobe. Uttering a few words in Draconic and making a spinning motion with his left index finger, his appearance shifted, taking on the appearance of a humble, albeit aged, worker. Drawing his swordbow, he wills it to appear as but a humble walking stick. With his disguise complete, he hunches his shoulders forward and calmly walks out of the alleyway, casually strolling down the marketplace row towards the woods.

While in this disguise, he gleaned what he could of the others in the Marketplace. If he could avoid a confrontation entirely on his way to the Weird Cave, that would be ideal. For now, he was Rollan the Forester, heading into the woods to seek the best trees for felling.

Mechanics & OOC

Statblock

Jarren Grayson, the Nightshade
Male NG Dark Human LA 1/Rogue 5/Avenger 7 || Urban Ranger 3/Fighter 4/Swashbuckler 2/Urban Ranger +3/Barbarian 1, Level 13, Init 7, HP 83/131, DR 1/- (7/10), Speed 60ft
AC 23, Touch 16, Flat-footed 18, Fort 11, Ref 16, Will 6, Base Attack Bonus +13/+8/+3
Lesser Cold Assault Rogue Blade +19/+14/+9 (1d8+1+1d6 Cold, 19-20/x2)
+1 Light Swordbow (x40 Arrows) +19/+14/+9 (1d6+1 [Bow] | 1d8+1 [Rapier], x3 [Bow] | 18-20/x2 [Rapier])
+2 Short Sword +20/+15/+10 (1d6+2, 19-20/x2)
+3 Least Iron Ward Mithral Chain Shirt (+7 Armor, +6 Dex)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 21, Con 13, Int 18, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition

Dark Subtype

• Resistance: Cold 10
• Hide in Plain Sight (Ex)Use the Hide skill even while being observed (except in natural daylight, the area of a daylight spell, or a similar effect).

Rogue/Avenger

• Sneak Attack (+7d6+13)
• Trap Sense (Ex) +1Trap Sense (Ex)
  At 3rd level, a rogue gains an intuitive sense that alerts her to danger from traps, giving her a +1 bonus on Reflex saves made to avoid traps and a +1 dodge bonus to AC against attacks made by traps. These bonuses rise to +2 when the rogue reaches 6th level, to +3 when she reaches 9th level, to +4 when she reaches 12th level, to +5 at 15th, and to +6 at 18th level.
  
  Trap sense bonuses gained from multiple classes stack.
• TrapfindingTrapfinding
  Rogues (and only rogues) can use the Search skill to locate traps when the task has a Difficulty Class higher than 20.
  
  Finding a nonmagical trap has a DC of at least 20, or higher if it is well hidden. Finding a magic trap has a DC of 25 + the level of the spell used to create it.
  
  Rogues (and only rogues) can use the Disable Device skill to disarm magic traps. A magic trap generally has a DC of 25 + the level of the spell used to create it.
  
  A rogue who beats a trap’s DC by 10 or more with a Disable Device check can study a trap, figure out how it works, and bypass it (with her party) without disarming it.
• (Improved) Uncanny Dodge (Ex)Uncanny Dodge (Ex)
  Starting at 4th level, a rogue can react to danger before her senses would normally allow her to do so. She retains her Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) even if she is caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. However, she still loses her Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized.
  
  If a rogue already has uncanny dodge from a different class she automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead.
  
  ---
  
  Improved Uncanny Dodge (Ex)
  A rogue of 8th level or higher can no longer be flanked.
  
  This defense denies another rogue the ability to sneak attack the character by flanking her, unless the attacker has at least four more rogue levels than the target does.
  
  If a character already has uncanny dodge from a second class, the character automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead, and the levels from the classes that grant uncanny dodge stack to determine the minimum rogue level required to flank the character.
• Evasion (Ex)Evasion (Ex)
  At 2nd level and higher, a rogue can avoid even magical and unusual attacks with great agility. If she makes a successful Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half damage on a successful save, she instead takes no damage. Evasion can be used only if the rogue is wearing light armor or no armor. A helpless rogue does not gain the benefit of evasion.
• Poison UsePoison Use
  Avengers are trained in the use of poison and never risk accidentally poisoning themselves when applying poison to a blade.
• +3 to Saves vs Poison
• Death Attack (DC 21)Death Attack
  If an avenger studies his victim for 3 rounds and then makes a sneak attack with a melee weapon that successfully deals damage, the sneak attack has the additional effect of possibly either paralyzing or killing the target (avenger's choice). While studying the victim, the avenger can undertake other actions so long as his attention stays focused on the target and the target does not detect the avenger or recognize the avenger as an enemy. If the victim of such an attack fails a Fortitude save (DC 10 + the avenger's class level + the avenger's Int modifier) against the kill effect, she dies. If the saving throw fails against the paralysis effect, the victim is rendered helpless and unable to act for 1d6 rounds plus 1 round per level of the avenger. If the victim's saving throw succeeds, the attack is just a normal sneak attack. Once the avenger has completed the 3 rounds of study, he must make the death attack within the next 3 rounds.
  
  If a death attack is attempted and fails (the victim makes her save) or if the avenger does not launch the attack within 3 rounds of completing the study, 3 new rounds of study are required before he can attempt another death attack.

Urban Ranger

• Favored Enemy (Human +4) (Gnoll +2) (Ex)Favored Enemy (Ex)
  At 1st level, a ranger may select a type of creature from among those given on Table: Ranger Favored Enemies. The ranger gains a +2 bonus on Bluff, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot, and Survival checks when using these skills against creatures of this type. Likewise, he gets a +2 bonus on weapon damage (and attack, due to Solitary Hunting) rolls against such creatures.
  
  At 5th level and every five levels thereafter (10th, 15th, and 20th level), the ranger may select an additional favored enemy from those given on the table. In addition, at each such interval, the bonus against any one favored enemy (including the one just selected, if so desired) increases by 2.
  
  If the ranger chooses humanoids or outsiders as a favored enemy, he must also choose an associated subtype, as indicated on the table. If a specific creature falls into more than one category of favored enemy, the ranger’s bonuses do not stack; he simply uses whichever bonus is higher.
• Urban TrackingUrban Tracking
  You can track down the location of missing persons or wanted individuals within communities.
  
  Benefit
  To find the trail of an individual or to follow it for 1 hour requires a Gather Information check. You must make another Gather Information check every hour of the search, as well as each time the trail becomes difficult to follow, such as when it moves to a different area of town.
  
  The DC of the check, and the number of checks required to track down your quarry, depends on the community size and the conditions:
  
  If you fail a Gather Information check, you can retry after 1 hour of questioning. The game master should roll the number of checks required secretly, so that the player doesn't know exactly how long the task will require.
  
  Normal
  A character without this feat can use Gather Information to find out information about a particular individual, but each check takes 1d4+1 hours and doesn't allow effective trailing.
  
  Special
  A character with 5 ranks in Knowledge (local) gains a +2 bonus on the Gather Information check to use this feat.
  
  You can cut the time between Gather Information checks in half (to 30 minutes per check rather than 1 hour), but you take a -5 penalty on the check.
• Wild Empathy (Ex) (1d20+3)Wild Empathy (Normal)
  A ranger can improve the attitude of an animal. This ability functions just like a Diplomacy check to improve the attitude of a person. The ranger rolls 1d20 and adds his ranger level and his Charisma modifier to determine the wild empathy check result. The typical domestic animal has a starting attitude of indifferent, while wild animals are usually unfriendly.
  
  To use wild empathy, the ranger and the animal must be able to study each other, which means that they must be within 30 feet of one another under normal visibility conditions. Generally, influencing an animal in this way takes 1 minute, but, as with influencing people, it might take more or less time.
  
  The ranger can also use this ability to influence a magical beast with an Intelligence score of 1 or 2, but he takes a -4 penalty on the check.
  
  Wild Empathy (Urban Ranger)
  An urban ranger adds only one-half his class level to wild empathy checks, reflecting his limited connection with the natural world.
• Combat Style (Two-Weapon) (Ex)Combat Style (Ex)
  At 2nd level, a ranger must select one of two combat styles to pursue: archery or two-weapon combat. This choice affects the character’s class features but does not restrict his selection of feats or special abilities in any way.
  
  If the ranger selects archery, he is treated as having the Rapid Shot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  If the ranger selects two-weapon combat, he is treated as having the Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  The benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor.
• Improved Combat Style (Two-Weapon) (Ex)Improved Combat Style (Ex)
  At 6th level, a ranger’s aptitude in his chosen combat style (archery or two-weapon combat) improves. If he selected archery at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Manyshot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  If the ranger selected two-weapon combat at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Improved Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  As before, the benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor

Swashbuckler

• Weapon Finesse (Ex)A swashbuckler gains Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat at 1st level even if she does not qualify for the feat.
• Grace (Ex) (+1)A swashbuckler gains a +1 competence bonus on Reflex saves at 2nd level. This bonus increases to +2 at 11th level and to +3 at 20th level. A swashbuckler loses this bonus when wearing medium or heavy armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load.

Barbarian

• Ferocity (Ex)Ferocity (Ex)
  Once per day, the barbarian can enter a state of adrenaline-fueled fury, increasing both his physical might and his reaction time. He temporarily gains a +4 bonus to Strength and a +4 bonus to Dexterity, but he takes a -2 penalty on ranged attack rolls beyond short range (30 feet).
  
  He can enter this state as an immediate action, even when flat-footed at the start of combat, so he may apply the enhanced Dexterity modifier to his initiative check.
  
  While in a state of ferocity, the barbarian cannot use any Charisma- or Intelligence-based skills (except for Intimidate), the Concentration skill, or any abilities that require patience or concentration, nor can he cast spells or activate magic items that require a command word, a spell trigger (such as a wand), or spell completion (such as a scroll) to function. He can use any feat he has except item creation feats and metamagic feats. Ferocity lasts for a number of rounds equal to 4 + his Constitution modifier (if positive). The barbarian may prematurely end his state of ferocity. At the end of ferocity, he loses the ferocity modifiers and restrictions and become sickened (-2 on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks) for the duration of the current encounter (unless he is a 17th-level barbarian, at which point this limitation no longer applies). Abilities that normally render him immune to being sickened (such as the Strong Stomach feat, Cityscape 64) reduce the penalties to -1, but do not remove them entirely.
  
  The barbarian can invoke ferocity only once per encounter. At 1st level he can use this ability once per day. [0/1]x/day
• Lion TotemRegal and intimidating, the powerful lion is a symbol of nobility among the races of the wild. By selecting him as your spiritual totem, you gain the pounce ability (MM 313).

Shadows of Virtue

• Rank 30 (Nightshade)
• Hire for Lesser ActionA Vigilante gains the ability to hire an agent to perform a simple action. Among these include Urban Tracking/simple intelligence-gathering, stealing an unprotected item, and commandeering small numbers of horses/simple land vehicles. Lethal actions not allowed, and it is up to the DM's discretion as to how successful the agent was. This ability may be used once per mission.
  
  Base cost is 50gp for a level 1 Urban Ranger or Rogue; +100gp per additional level.
• Hire for Greater ActionA Nightwatch gains the ability to hire an agent to perform an advanced action. Among these include kidnapping, infiltrating a dangerous organization, stalking a target for an extended time, stealing important documents (or planting false ones), and commandeering a large convoy or sea vessel. Lethal actions must require a DM's approval, but the result is also to their discretion. This ability may be used once per mission.
  
  Base cost is 100gp for a level 1 Urban Ranger or Rogue; +200gp per additional level.
• Nimble ChargeRun or charge across difficult surface without Balance check
• Nimble StandStand from prone safely (no provoked AoOs)
• Dimension DoorDimension Door
  Conjuration (Teleportation)
  Level: Brd 4, Sor/Wiz 4, Travel 4
  Components: V
  Casting Time: 1 standard action
  Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
  Target: You and touched objects or other touched willing creatures
  Duration: Instantaneous
  Saving Throw: None and Will negates (object)
  Spell Resistance: No and Yes (object)
  
  You instantly transfer yourself from your current location to any other spot within range. You always arrive at exactly the spot desired—whether by simply visualizing the area or by stating direction. After using this spell, you can’t take any other actions until your next turn. You can bring along objects as long as their weight doesn’t exceed your maximum load. You may also bring one additional willing Medium or smaller creature (carrying gear or objects up to its maximum load) or its equivalent per three caster levels. A Large creature counts as two Medium creatures, a Huge creature counts as two Large creatures, and so forth. All creatures to be transported must be in contact with one another, and at least one of those creatures must be in contact with you.
  
  If you arrive in a place that is already occupied by a solid body, you and each creature traveling with you take 1d6 points of damage and are shunted to a random open space on a suitable surface within 100 feet of the intended location.
  
  If there is no free space within 100 feet, you and each creature traveling with you take an additional 2d6 points of damage and are shunted to a free space within 1,000 feet. If there is no free space within 1,000 feet, you and each creature travelling with you take an additional 4d6 points of damage and the spell simply fails. [1/1]x/day
• Opportunist (Ex)Once per round, the rogue can make an attack of opportunity against an opponent who has just been struck for damage in melee by another character. This attack counts as the rogue's attack of opportunity for that round. Even a rogue with the Combat Reflexes feat can't use the opportunist ability more than once per round.

Magic Items

• Rogue BladeROGUE BLADE
  Price (Item Level): 12,320 gp (13th)
  Body Slot: — (held)
  Caster Level: 6th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 18) illusion
  Activation: Swift (mental)
  Weight: 2 lb.
  
  The edges of this elegant rapier seem to fade and twitch, making it difficult to look at directly and surrounding it with a blur of motion though it remains per*fectly still.
  
  When you activate this +1 rapier, it provides you with the effect of a blink spell for 6 rounds. The effect ends prematurely if you stop holding the rogue blade. This effect can be used twice per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, blink.
  Cost to Create: 6,000 gp (plus 320 gp for masterwork rapier), 480 XP, 12 days. [2/2]x/day
• Belt of BattleBELT OF BATTLE
  Price (Item Level): 12,000 gp (13th)
  Body Slot: Waist
  Caster Level: 9th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 19) transmutation
  Activation: — and swift (mental)
  Weight: —
  
  This leather belt bears a platinum buckle set
  with three small black pearls.
  
  A belt of battle helps you avoid being caught off guard in combat and allows occasional bursts of extra activity. While worn, it grants you a +2 competence bonus on initiative checks. This is a continuous effect and requires no activation.
  
  In addition, a belt of battle has 3 charges, which are renewed each day at dawn. Each time you activate the belt, one of the black pearls set into its buckle turns white. The pearls return to normal when the ring's charges renew. Spending 1 or more charges grants you an extra action, which must be taken immediately (before you take any other action).
  
  1 charge: 1 move action.
  2 charges: 1 standard action.
  3 charges: 1 full-round action.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, haste.
  Cost to Create: 6,000 gp, 480 XP, 12 days. [3/3] charges
• Rod of RopesRod of Ropes
  This versatile item meets your every rope-related need.
  
  Crafted from the darkest teak and repeatedly stained until it holds a lustrous black shine, this rod is a sculpted, 18-inch-long baton. Closer inspection (Search DC 15) reveals three barely perceptible concave indentations in the middle third of the rod.
  
  The three indentations act as buttons. Pressing any one of the rod’s buttons requires a move action.
  
  The rod has three functions, each of which can be employed an unlimited number of times. However, no two functions can be used at the same time
  
  Rope: When you press button 1, rope begins to extrude from one end of the rod at the rate of 60 feet per round. The rod can extrude 300 feet of rope in this manner. Pressing the button a second time stops the rope from extruding. Pressing it a third time draws the rope back in, also at a rate of 60 feet per round. Any knot in the rope automatically unties when it comes within 30 feet of the rod. This rope has the same hardness and hit points as the rest of the rod.
  
  Grappling Hook and Rope: When you press button 2, a small leather wrist loop springs from one end of the rod and three sharp grappling hooks sprout from the other end. Pressing the button again launches one-third of the rod (the end with the three hooks) in the direction you aim it. A length of rope up to 300 feet long trails behind the launched section and connects it with the end you hold; all 300 feet of rope can discharge in 1 round. The rope stops unreeling if the hooks strike something solid (including a creature) or if you give the rod a quick backward jerk. Pressing the button a third time retracts the rope, drawing the held end toward the hooked end if it is secured properly. The retracting feature can pull up to 1,000 pounds with it, drawing up 60 feet of rope per round. The rope has the same hardness and hit points as the rest of the rod. This function can be used to attack and push back opponents within 30 feet (beyond that distance it lacks sufficient power). On a successful ranged attack (no range increment) the hooked end deals 1d6 points of damage. The force of the blow is considerable, and those struck by it are subject to a bull rush effect (treat the hooked end as having a +5 bonus on its opposed check). The hooked end cannot pursue a pushed opponent.
  
  Grappling Hooks and Slide: When you press button 3, three sharp grappling hooks sprout from each end of the rod. Pressing the button again launches the two ends of the rod (each one-third of its length) in opposite directions simultaneously. A length of rope up to 300 feet long trails behind each launched section and connects it with the middle third you hold (all 600 feet of rope can discharge in 1 round). The grappling hooks work exactly as described above, including the possibility of bull rushing opponents. Pressing the button a third time causes part of the middle section to expand slightly in diameter and slide freely along the extruded rope. The slide can be released from the remaining part of the middle section by squeezing it to loosen it. Two hand loops allow you to slide down the rope if it is at an angle. Regardless of the angle of the rope or the load on it (up to 1,000 pounds), if attached firmly the rope does not sag. Pushing any button a second time returns the rod to its previous (unactivated) state.
  
  Aura/Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 10th.
  Weight: 4 lb.
• Corsair's EyepatchCORSAIR'S EYEPATCH
  Price (Item Level): 3,000 gp (7th)
  Body Slot: Face
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) divination
  Activation: Swift (command)
  Weight: —
  A leather strap and a bit of hardened leather and krenshar hide make up this menacing black eyepatch.
  
  Despite its name, the improved visual acuity provided by a corsair's eyepatch is equally useful to landlubbers. Wearing this eyepatch has no negative impact on your eyesight—it appears completely transparent to you. While you wear a corsair's eyepatch over your left eye, activating it grants you the ability to use see invisibility (as the spell) for 1 round. While you wear it over your right eye, activating it grants you the benefit of the Blind-Fight feat for 1 minute. Moving the eyepatch from one eye to another requires a move action that doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity.
  
  A corsair's eyepatch functions a total of three times per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, see invisibility.
  Cost to Create: 1,500 gp, 120 XP, 3 days.
• Bracers of MurderBRACERS OF MURDER
  Price (Item Level): 8,000 gp (11th)
  Body Slot: Arms
  Caster Level: 5th
  Aura: Faint; (DC 17) evocation
  Activation: —
  Weight: 3 lb.
  Each of these burnished metal bracers is adorned with grinning skull set with onyx stones in its eye sockets.
  Bracers of murder grant you a +2 profane bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls against flat-footed targets.
  If you have the death attack ability, the save DC to resist your death attack increases by 2.
  If you have sneak attack or sudden strike, reroll any result of 1 on the dice.
• Cloak of the BatCloak of the Bat
  
  Fashioned of dark brown or black cloth, this cloak bestows a +5 competence bonus on Hide checks. The wearer is also able to hang upside down from the ceiling, like a bat.
  
  By holding the edges of the garment, the wearer is able to fly as per the spell. If he desires, the wearer can actually polymorph himself into an ordinary bat and fly accordingly. (All possessions worn or carried are part of the transformation.) Flying, either with the cloak or in bat form, can be accomplished only in darkness (either under the night sky or in a lightless or near-lightless environment underground). Either of the flying powers is usable for up to 7 minutes at a time, but after a flight of any duration the cloak cannot bestow any flying power for a like period of time.
  
  Moderate transmutation; CL 7th; Craft Wondrous Item, fly, polymorph; Price 26,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.
• Necklace of Vine StrikeGrants sneak attack against plant creatures 3 times per day. [3/3]x/day
• Anklet of TranslocationANKLET OF TRANSLOCATION
  Price (Item Level): 1,400 gp (5th)
  Body Slot: Feet
  Caster Level: 7th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 18) conjuration
  Activation: Swift (command)
  Weight: —
  
  A pewter chime hangs from this simple leather ankle-band.
  
  An anklet of translocation allows you to make short dimensional hops. When it is activated, you can instantly teleport (with no chance of error) up to 10 feet. The new space must be within line of sight and line of effect.
  
  You can't use the anklet to move into a space occupied by another creature, nor can you teleport into a solid object; if you attempt to do so, the anklet's activation is wasted. You can bring along objects weigh*ing up to your maximum load, but you can't bring another creature with you.
  
  An anklet of translocation functions two times per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, dimension door.
  Cost to Create: 700 gp, 56 XP, 2 days.
• Ring of the DarkhiddenRING OF THE DARKHIDDEN
  Price (Item Level): 2,000 gp (6th)
  Body Slot: Ring
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) illusion
  Activation: —
  Weight: —
  
  More than a dozen etchings of closed eyes circle this tarnished silver ring.
  
  You are invisible to darkvision, although you are fully visible in normal light.
  
  Prerequisites: Forge Ring, invisibility.
  Cost to Create: 1,000 gp, 80 XP, 2 days.
• ShiftweaveSHIFTWEAVE
  Price (Item Level): 500 gp (3rd)
  Body Slot: Torso
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) transmutation
  Activation: Swift (mental)
  Weight: 5 lb.
  
  This otherwise plain-looking set of clothing seems to have gossamer threads woven randomly into the fabric.
  
  When you activate shiftweave, it changes your garb to resemble any of five specific outfits designated during its creation. Shiftweave has no effect on any armor you wear (nor can it mimic armor) and does not change the effect of any magical clothing you wear.
  
  Lore: Though originally created for wealthy socialites who wanted to avoid wearing the same gown to the gala, shiftweave is also useful to spies and assassins (Knowledge [nobility and royalty] DC 10).
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, disguise self.
  
  Cost to Create: 250 gp, 20 XP, 1 day.
• Handy HaversackHandy Haversack
  
  A backpack of this sort appears to be well made, well used, and quite ordinary. It is constructed of finely tanned leather, and the straps have brass hardware and buckles. It has two side pouches, each of which appears large enough to hold about a quart of material. In fact, each is like a bag of holding and can actually hold material of as much as 2 cubic feet in volume or 20 pounds in weight. The large central portion of the pack can contain up to 8 cubic feet or 80 pounds of material. Even when so filled, the backpack always weighs only 5 pounds.
  
  While such storage is useful enough, the pack has an even greater power in addition. When the wearer reaches into it for a specific item, that item is always on top. Thus, no digging around and fumbling is ever necessary to find what a haversack contains. Retrieving any specific item from a haversack is a move action, but it does not provoke the attacks of opportunity that retrieving a stored item usually does.
  
  Moderate conjuration; CL 9th; Craft Wondrous Item, secret chest; Price 2,000 gp; Weight 5 lb. 

Active Effects: Darkstalker, Hide in Plain Sight, Ring of Darkhidden, Nondetection, Gift of Grace+3 bonus to all saving throws for the rest of the day (until end of day), Disguise Self [old peasant] (70 minutes)

---

Notes on Sneaking

Before crossing the portal, Jarren casts nondetection on himself, meaning anyone who attempts a divination spell like locate object, clairaudience / clairvoyance, and detect spells are blocked, unless the caster makes a DC 22 caster level check (15 + Jarren's caster level) to pierce the veil.

When sneaking, Jarren will move at half his normal movement speed to avoid penalties to Move Silently, meaning he can cross 30ft per move action. Recall the rules about invisibility, which involve distances and other factors at play.

Several things to note about his sneaking:

1. Jarren's got stupid high Hide and Move Silently checks, which are rolled below. I actually noticed an error a little while ago where I added several overlapping bonuses to his Hide check, so it's not +40-ish anymore, and should now be correct.
2. Jarren has the Darkstalker feat, meaning creatures with blindsense, blindsight, scent, or tremorsense have to roll Spot to notice him.
3. Jarren has the Dark template, meaning he has Hide in Plain Sight. He can use the Hide skill even while being observed (except in natural daylight, the area of a daylight spell, or a similar effect).
4. Jarren has the Ring of Darkhidden, meaning he is considered invisible to darkvision. He must have some light cast on him in order for creatures with low-light or normal vision to possibly see him.

OOC: Jarren casts Disguise Self, changing himself in the following ways:

• He now wears worn common worker's clothing, a rough, slate blue cloak cast about him
• His height is reduced by 1 foot, he appears skinnier
• He now takes on the appearance of an older human with thinning silver hair
• His eyepatch is hidden
• His swordbow now looks like a plain walking stick

For his skill checks, I'm going to choose Disguise (buffed by disguise self), Listen to eavesdrop on any conversations that may be relevant, and Spot to keep an eye out for suspicious characters or people that may be following him. Since Jarren knows that he is being observed, and he tries to act in character, he gains a +2 synergy bonus from Bluff.

Edited January 18 by rogueblade0729 (see edit history)

[Delia2531]

Cufwell Greenskin - Inside

With Skall no longer a threat and Jarren making his own exit, Cufwell whistles to Tanu and nods to the open window before stepping that way himself. He pauses to speak to the room, raising his voice to be heard over the din; "There is more going on here than anyone can know; believe me when I was we are doing what we believe is best for the Tavern and the Barkeep. I'm leaving now to make sure Nightshade gets where he needs to go. Those that helped here, I will remember; those that didn't, I am sure you had your reasons and I'll leave it at that; but anyone that follows and tries to interfere does so at their own risk!" He then turns to face the window and follows Tanu through it with an agile leap.

 

Cufwell Greenskin - Outside

Out on the street Cufwell relies on Tanu's scent-tracking abilities to follow Jarren, combined with knowing generally where he is heading and confident in his movements having call the Tavern's Demi-plane home for several years now.

 

Tanu the Wonderdog - Inside

At her friend's whistle Tanu releases her hold on the warrior, bounds over him and leaps straight through the window pane as it fixes itself, her tough hide and armour sending shards of glass scattering outside.

 

Tanu the Wonderdog - Outside

In the street Tanu sniffs the cobbles for a trace of Jarren's scent and tries to follow him through the crowd.

 

Tanu's Track

[rogueblade0729]

((Unfortunately, Jarren can't be tracked with scent, due to Darkstalker. But you could just try to follow his footsteps, since he doesn't have pass without trace))

[Delia2531]

Tanu the Wonderdog - Outside

Tanu sniffs this way and that, and then stands confused in the street; turning her head to enquire of Cufwell.

 

 

Cufwell Greenskin

Cufwell lets Tanu work and then realises; of course she can't track him; but perhaps I can, he's good but he's still got to touch the ground!

 

He looks about the marketplace for signs of Jarren's passage.

 

Cufwell Survival/Track

 

Cufwell gets Swift Tracker from L8 Ranger so can track at full movement speed (60') and has x5 run speed. Tanu can't move so quickly, but she can track Cufwell easily enough by scent (even with his Pass Without Trace).

 

 

 

[Blue Jay]

Tavern Exit

As Cufwell exits the Tavern, he catches sight of the body of Gitcha on the ground. A few sparks of magic glitter around the thri-kreen's fallen form: the Tavern's magic starting to bring a fallen adventurer back to life...

Tracking

((OOC: I think tracking uses the "local movement" rules, rather than the "tactical movement" rules. So, your speed for this purpose is 600 feet per minute. You can track at up to that speed with no penalty. If you move faster than that ("hustle" or "run"), then you still take a -10 penalty, and you can't track at all if you're going faster than 1200 feet per minute.))

Cufwell and Tanu follow behind Jarren, and are able to keep pace easily enough.

Marketplace

((I'm going to try to run the rest of the mission without maps.))

Jarren is somewhat familiar with the Tavern Demiplane, and he knows some of the shops along these roads --- one sells potions (emphasizing quantity over quality), another specializes in magical daggers (though it sometimes has other blades for sale), a third sells clothing that would probably mostly see use in costumes, etc. The Market Road is relatively crowded with people, mainly adventurers out selling their loot or looking for new magic items to purchase from high-end craftspersons. You know that there is a crossroads ahead with Cove Avenue, which leads "south" to the Mermaid Lagoon, while the Market Road continues on towards the woods. There are two smaller roads that run parallel to the Market Road, which could be alternative routes if you're hoping to throw off pursuit. The tradeoff is that these side roads are a more out of your way (making your journey longer), and the crowds there are thinner (so you can't hide among them).

There are also rooftops you could try to cross, but you've never tried rookwalking here before, so you'd effectively be running blind.

You do see that there are intermittent shadows for you to hide in, but any route you take will probably include substantial stretches in bright daylight.

As you listen, there don't seem to be any conversations about you happening: mostly, it's about commerce. You see a blue-skinned woman**This is Meris, though I don't think Jarren has met her? admiring a pearl necklace the shopkeeper is trying to sell to her. She looks up at you curiously for a second, smiles politely, then goes back to her own business. You also hear an orc yell at a blacksmith angrily, apparently unhappy about the price of a fancy-looking battleaxe for sale. The orc also seems to pause briefly to look in your direction, sizing you up dismissively, before forgetting about you and resuming his rant.

With a Spot check of 33, you will see a raven perching on a street lamp at the corner of Market Road and Cove Avenue, its head sweeping back and forth as it scans the crowds in a manner that is far too intelligent to just be a simple bird. You don't see Aryn Vord, but you assume he's not too far away.

((What's going to be your plan, in terms of route and general approach to things? And Cufwell, are you hanging back, going ahead, etc?))

 

[rogueblade0729]

Jarren Grayson, the Nightshade

Now that he's disguised, Jarren knows he must play the part. Rollan the Forester wouldn't be heading to the Weird Cave, but he would be heading to the woods. The longer path would be less likely to be watched as well, and since he's hiding in plain sight, why would it matter how many crowds he'd be able to blend into? Still, there must be a way he can signal Aryn Vorn's aid.

Deciding that Aryn Vorn is more likely to be found along the main Market Road, the "old man" continues his easygoing way down the street, keeping a subtle eye out for his helper. If he could find a way to distract that bird, whatever it is, that would allow Jarren to slip away far more easily once he's in the woods.

Mechanics & OOC

Statblock

Jarren Grayson, the Nightshade
Male NG Dark Human LA 1/Rogue 5/Avenger 7 || Urban Ranger 3/Fighter 4/Swashbuckler 2/Urban Ranger +3/Barbarian 1, Level 13, Init 7, HP 83/131, DR 1/- (7/10), Speed 60ft
AC 23, Touch 16, Flat-footed 18, Fort 11, Ref 16, Will 6, Base Attack Bonus +13/+8/+3
Lesser Cold Assault Rogue Blade +19/+14/+9 (1d8+1+1d6 Cold, 19-20/x2)
+1 Light Swordbow (x40 Arrows) +19/+14/+9 (1d6+1 [Bow] | 1d8+1 [Rapier], x3 [Bow] | 18-20/x2 [Rapier])
+2 Short Sword +20/+15/+10 (1d6+2, 19-20/x2)
+3 Least Iron Ward Mithral Chain Shirt (+7 Armor, +6 Dex)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 21, Con 13, Int 18, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition

Dark Subtype

• Resistance: Cold 10
• Hide in Plain Sight (Ex)Use the Hide skill even while being observed (except in natural daylight, the area of a daylight spell, or a similar effect).

Rogue/Avenger

• Sneak Attack (+7d6+13)
• Trap Sense (Ex) +1Trap Sense (Ex)
  At 3rd level, a rogue gains an intuitive sense that alerts her to danger from traps, giving her a +1 bonus on Reflex saves made to avoid traps and a +1 dodge bonus to AC against attacks made by traps. These bonuses rise to +2 when the rogue reaches 6th level, to +3 when she reaches 9th level, to +4 when she reaches 12th level, to +5 at 15th, and to +6 at 18th level.
  
  Trap sense bonuses gained from multiple classes stack.
• TrapfindingTrapfinding
  Rogues (and only rogues) can use the Search skill to locate traps when the task has a Difficulty Class higher than 20.
  
  Finding a nonmagical trap has a DC of at least 20, or higher if it is well hidden. Finding a magic trap has a DC of 25 + the level of the spell used to create it.
  
  Rogues (and only rogues) can use the Disable Device skill to disarm magic traps. A magic trap generally has a DC of 25 + the level of the spell used to create it.
  
  A rogue who beats a trap’s DC by 10 or more with a Disable Device check can study a trap, figure out how it works, and bypass it (with her party) without disarming it.
• (Improved) Uncanny Dodge (Ex)Uncanny Dodge (Ex)
  Starting at 4th level, a rogue can react to danger before her senses would normally allow her to do so. She retains her Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) even if she is caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. However, she still loses her Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized.
  
  If a rogue already has uncanny dodge from a different class she automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead.
  
  ---
  
  Improved Uncanny Dodge (Ex)
  A rogue of 8th level or higher can no longer be flanked.
  
  This defense denies another rogue the ability to sneak attack the character by flanking her, unless the attacker has at least four more rogue levels than the target does.
  
  If a character already has uncanny dodge from a second class, the character automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead, and the levels from the classes that grant uncanny dodge stack to determine the minimum rogue level required to flank the character.
• Evasion (Ex)Evasion (Ex)
  At 2nd level and higher, a rogue can avoid even magical and unusual attacks with great agility. If she makes a successful Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half damage on a successful save, she instead takes no damage. Evasion can be used only if the rogue is wearing light armor or no armor. A helpless rogue does not gain the benefit of evasion.
• Poison UsePoison Use
  Avengers are trained in the use of poison and never risk accidentally poisoning themselves when applying poison to a blade.
• +3 to Saves vs Poison
• Death Attack (DC 21)Death Attack
  If an avenger studies his victim for 3 rounds and then makes a sneak attack with a melee weapon that successfully deals damage, the sneak attack has the additional effect of possibly either paralyzing or killing the target (avenger's choice). While studying the victim, the avenger can undertake other actions so long as his attention stays focused on the target and the target does not detect the avenger or recognize the avenger as an enemy. If the victim of such an attack fails a Fortitude save (DC 10 + the avenger's class level + the avenger's Int modifier) against the kill effect, she dies. If the saving throw fails against the paralysis effect, the victim is rendered helpless and unable to act for 1d6 rounds plus 1 round per level of the avenger. If the victim's saving throw succeeds, the attack is just a normal sneak attack. Once the avenger has completed the 3 rounds of study, he must make the death attack within the next 3 rounds.
  
  If a death attack is attempted and fails (the victim makes her save) or if the avenger does not launch the attack within 3 rounds of completing the study, 3 new rounds of study are required before he can attempt another death attack.

Urban Ranger

• Favored Enemy (Human +4) (Gnoll +2) (Ex)Favored Enemy (Ex)
  At 1st level, a ranger may select a type of creature from among those given on Table: Ranger Favored Enemies. The ranger gains a +2 bonus on Bluff, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot, and Survival checks when using these skills against creatures of this type. Likewise, he gets a +2 bonus on weapon damage (and attack, due to Solitary Hunting) rolls against such creatures.
  
  At 5th level and every five levels thereafter (10th, 15th, and 20th level), the ranger may select an additional favored enemy from those given on the table. In addition, at each such interval, the bonus against any one favored enemy (including the one just selected, if so desired) increases by 2.
  
  If the ranger chooses humanoids or outsiders as a favored enemy, he must also choose an associated subtype, as indicated on the table. If a specific creature falls into more than one category of favored enemy, the ranger’s bonuses do not stack; he simply uses whichever bonus is higher.
• Urban TrackingUrban Tracking
  You can track down the location of missing persons or wanted individuals within communities.
  
  Benefit
  To find the trail of an individual or to follow it for 1 hour requires a Gather Information check. You must make another Gather Information check every hour of the search, as well as each time the trail becomes difficult to follow, such as when it moves to a different area of town.
  
  The DC of the check, and the number of checks required to track down your quarry, depends on the community size and the conditions:
  
  If you fail a Gather Information check, you can retry after 1 hour of questioning. The game master should roll the number of checks required secretly, so that the player doesn't know exactly how long the task will require.
  
  Normal
  A character without this feat can use Gather Information to find out information about a particular individual, but each check takes 1d4+1 hours and doesn't allow effective trailing.
  
  Special
  A character with 5 ranks in Knowledge (local) gains a +2 bonus on the Gather Information check to use this feat.
  
  You can cut the time between Gather Information checks in half (to 30 minutes per check rather than 1 hour), but you take a -5 penalty on the check.
• Wild Empathy (Ex) (1d20+3)Wild Empathy (Normal)
  A ranger can improve the attitude of an animal. This ability functions just like a Diplomacy check to improve the attitude of a person. The ranger rolls 1d20 and adds his ranger level and his Charisma modifier to determine the wild empathy check result. The typical domestic animal has a starting attitude of indifferent, while wild animals are usually unfriendly.
  
  To use wild empathy, the ranger and the animal must be able to study each other, which means that they must be within 30 feet of one another under normal visibility conditions. Generally, influencing an animal in this way takes 1 minute, but, as with influencing people, it might take more or less time.
  
  The ranger can also use this ability to influence a magical beast with an Intelligence score of 1 or 2, but he takes a -4 penalty on the check.
  
  Wild Empathy (Urban Ranger)
  An urban ranger adds only one-half his class level to wild empathy checks, reflecting his limited connection with the natural world.
• Combat Style (Two-Weapon) (Ex)Combat Style (Ex)
  At 2nd level, a ranger must select one of two combat styles to pursue: archery or two-weapon combat. This choice affects the character’s class features but does not restrict his selection of feats or special abilities in any way.
  
  If the ranger selects archery, he is treated as having the Rapid Shot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  If the ranger selects two-weapon combat, he is treated as having the Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  The benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor.
• Improved Combat Style (Two-Weapon) (Ex)Improved Combat Style (Ex)
  At 6th level, a ranger’s aptitude in his chosen combat style (archery or two-weapon combat) improves. If he selected archery at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Manyshot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  If the ranger selected two-weapon combat at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Improved Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  As before, the benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor

Swashbuckler

• Weapon Finesse (Ex)A swashbuckler gains Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat at 1st level even if she does not qualify for the feat.
• Grace (Ex) (+1)A swashbuckler gains a +1 competence bonus on Reflex saves at 2nd level. This bonus increases to +2 at 11th level and to +3 at 20th level. A swashbuckler loses this bonus when wearing medium or heavy armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load.

Barbarian

• Ferocity (Ex)Ferocity (Ex)
  Once per day, the barbarian can enter a state of adrenaline-fueled fury, increasing both his physical might and his reaction time. He temporarily gains a +4 bonus to Strength and a +4 bonus to Dexterity, but he takes a -2 penalty on ranged attack rolls beyond short range (30 feet).
  
  He can enter this state as an immediate action, even when flat-footed at the start of combat, so he may apply the enhanced Dexterity modifier to his initiative check.
  
  While in a state of ferocity, the barbarian cannot use any Charisma- or Intelligence-based skills (except for Intimidate), the Concentration skill, or any abilities that require patience or concentration, nor can he cast spells or activate magic items that require a command word, a spell trigger (such as a wand), or spell completion (such as a scroll) to function. He can use any feat he has except item creation feats and metamagic feats. Ferocity lasts for a number of rounds equal to 4 + his Constitution modifier (if positive). The barbarian may prematurely end his state of ferocity. At the end of ferocity, he loses the ferocity modifiers and restrictions and become sickened (-2 on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks) for the duration of the current encounter (unless he is a 17th-level barbarian, at which point this limitation no longer applies). Abilities that normally render him immune to being sickened (such as the Strong Stomach feat, Cityscape 64) reduce the penalties to -1, but do not remove them entirely.
  
  The barbarian can invoke ferocity only once per encounter. At 1st level he can use this ability once per day. [0/1]x/day
• Lion TotemRegal and intimidating, the powerful lion is a symbol of nobility among the races of the wild. By selecting him as your spiritual totem, you gain the pounce ability (MM 313).

Shadows of Virtue

• Rank 30 (Nightshade)
• Hire for Lesser ActionA Vigilante gains the ability to hire an agent to perform a simple action. Among these include Urban Tracking/simple intelligence-gathering, stealing an unprotected item, and commandeering small numbers of horses/simple land vehicles. Lethal actions not allowed, and it is up to the DM's discretion as to how successful the agent was. This ability may be used once per mission.
  
  Base cost is 50gp for a level 1 Urban Ranger or Rogue; +100gp per additional level.
• Hire for Greater ActionA Nightwatch gains the ability to hire an agent to perform an advanced action. Among these include kidnapping, infiltrating a dangerous organization, stalking a target for an extended time, stealing important documents (or planting false ones), and commandeering a large convoy or sea vessel. Lethal actions must require a DM's approval, but the result is also to their discretion. This ability may be used once per mission.
  
  Base cost is 100gp for a level 1 Urban Ranger or Rogue; +200gp per additional level.
• Nimble ChargeRun or charge across difficult surface without Balance check
• Nimble StandStand from prone safely (no provoked AoOs)
• Dimension DoorDimension Door
  Conjuration (Teleportation)
  Level: Brd 4, Sor/Wiz 4, Travel 4
  Components: V
  Casting Time: 1 standard action
  Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
  Target: You and touched objects or other touched willing creatures
  Duration: Instantaneous
  Saving Throw: None and Will negates (object)
  Spell Resistance: No and Yes (object)
  
  You instantly transfer yourself from your current location to any other spot within range. You always arrive at exactly the spot desired—whether by simply visualizing the area or by stating direction. After using this spell, you can’t take any other actions until your next turn. You can bring along objects as long as their weight doesn’t exceed your maximum load. You may also bring one additional willing Medium or smaller creature (carrying gear or objects up to its maximum load) or its equivalent per three caster levels. A Large creature counts as two Medium creatures, a Huge creature counts as two Large creatures, and so forth. All creatures to be transported must be in contact with one another, and at least one of those creatures must be in contact with you.
  
  If you arrive in a place that is already occupied by a solid body, you and each creature traveling with you take 1d6 points of damage and are shunted to a random open space on a suitable surface within 100 feet of the intended location.
  
  If there is no free space within 100 feet, you and each creature traveling with you take an additional 2d6 points of damage and are shunted to a free space within 1,000 feet. If there is no free space within 1,000 feet, you and each creature travelling with you take an additional 4d6 points of damage and the spell simply fails. [1/1]x/day
• Opportunist (Ex)Once per round, the rogue can make an attack of opportunity against an opponent who has just been struck for damage in melee by another character. This attack counts as the rogue's attack of opportunity for that round. Even a rogue with the Combat Reflexes feat can't use the opportunist ability more than once per round.

Magic Items

• Rogue BladeROGUE BLADE
  Price (Item Level): 12,320 gp (13th)
  Body Slot: — (held)
  Caster Level: 6th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 18) illusion
  Activation: Swift (mental)
  Weight: 2 lb.
  
  The edges of this elegant rapier seem to fade and twitch, making it difficult to look at directly and surrounding it with a blur of motion though it remains per*fectly still.
  
  When you activate this +1 rapier, it provides you with the effect of a blink spell for 6 rounds. The effect ends prematurely if you stop holding the rogue blade. This effect can be used twice per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, blink.
  Cost to Create: 6,000 gp (plus 320 gp for masterwork rapier), 480 XP, 12 days. [2/2]x/day
• Belt of BattleBELT OF BATTLE
  Price (Item Level): 12,000 gp (13th)
  Body Slot: Waist
  Caster Level: 9th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 19) transmutation
  Activation: — and swift (mental)
  Weight: —
  
  This leather belt bears a platinum buckle set
  with three small black pearls.
  
  A belt of battle helps you avoid being caught off guard in combat and allows occasional bursts of extra activity. While worn, it grants you a +2 competence bonus on initiative checks. This is a continuous effect and requires no activation.
  
  In addition, a belt of battle has 3 charges, which are renewed each day at dawn. Each time you activate the belt, one of the black pearls set into its buckle turns white. The pearls return to normal when the ring's charges renew. Spending 1 or more charges grants you an extra action, which must be taken immediately (before you take any other action).
  
  1 charge: 1 move action.
  2 charges: 1 standard action.
  3 charges: 1 full-round action.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, haste.
  Cost to Create: 6,000 gp, 480 XP, 12 days. [3/3] charges
• Rod of RopesRod of Ropes
  This versatile item meets your every rope-related need.
  
  Crafted from the darkest teak and repeatedly stained until it holds a lustrous black shine, this rod is a sculpted, 18-inch-long baton. Closer inspection (Search DC 15) reveals three barely perceptible concave indentations in the middle third of the rod.
  
  The three indentations act as buttons. Pressing any one of the rod’s buttons requires a move action.
  
  The rod has three functions, each of which can be employed an unlimited number of times. However, no two functions can be used at the same time
  
  Rope: When you press button 1, rope begins to extrude from one end of the rod at the rate of 60 feet per round. The rod can extrude 300 feet of rope in this manner. Pressing the button a second time stops the rope from extruding. Pressing it a third time draws the rope back in, also at a rate of 60 feet per round. Any knot in the rope automatically unties when it comes within 30 feet of the rod. This rope has the same hardness and hit points as the rest of the rod.
  
  Grappling Hook and Rope: When you press button 2, a small leather wrist loop springs from one end of the rod and three sharp grappling hooks sprout from the other end. Pressing the button again launches one-third of the rod (the end with the three hooks) in the direction you aim it. A length of rope up to 300 feet long trails behind the launched section and connects it with the end you hold; all 300 feet of rope can discharge in 1 round. The rope stops unreeling if the hooks strike something solid (including a creature) or if you give the rod a quick backward jerk. Pressing the button a third time retracts the rope, drawing the held end toward the hooked end if it is secured properly. The retracting feature can pull up to 1,000 pounds with it, drawing up 60 feet of rope per round. The rope has the same hardness and hit points as the rest of the rod. This function can be used to attack and push back opponents within 30 feet (beyond that distance it lacks sufficient power). On a successful ranged attack (no range increment) the hooked end deals 1d6 points of damage. The force of the blow is considerable, and those struck by it are subject to a bull rush effect (treat the hooked end as having a +5 bonus on its opposed check). The hooked end cannot pursue a pushed opponent.
  
  Grappling Hooks and Slide: When you press button 3, three sharp grappling hooks sprout from each end of the rod. Pressing the button again launches the two ends of the rod (each one-third of its length) in opposite directions simultaneously. A length of rope up to 300 feet long trails behind each launched section and connects it with the middle third you hold (all 600 feet of rope can discharge in 1 round). The grappling hooks work exactly as described above, including the possibility of bull rushing opponents. Pressing the button a third time causes part of the middle section to expand slightly in diameter and slide freely along the extruded rope. The slide can be released from the remaining part of the middle section by squeezing it to loosen it. Two hand loops allow you to slide down the rope if it is at an angle. Regardless of the angle of the rope or the load on it (up to 1,000 pounds), if attached firmly the rope does not sag. Pushing any button a second time returns the rod to its previous (unactivated) state.
  
  Aura/Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 10th.
  Weight: 4 lb.
• Corsair's EyepatchCORSAIR'S EYEPATCH
  Price (Item Level): 3,000 gp (7th)
  Body Slot: Face
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) divination
  Activation: Swift (command)
  Weight: —
  A leather strap and a bit of hardened leather and krenshar hide make up this menacing black eyepatch.
  
  Despite its name, the improved visual acuity provided by a corsair's eyepatch is equally useful to landlubbers. Wearing this eyepatch has no negative impact on your eyesight—it appears completely transparent to you. While you wear a corsair's eyepatch over your left eye, activating it grants you the ability to use see invisibility (as the spell) for 1 round. While you wear it over your right eye, activating it grants you the benefit of the Blind-Fight feat for 1 minute. Moving the eyepatch from one eye to another requires a move action that doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity.
  
  A corsair's eyepatch functions a total of three times per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, see invisibility.
  Cost to Create: 1,500 gp, 120 XP, 3 days.
• Bracers of MurderBRACERS OF MURDER
  Price (Item Level): 8,000 gp (11th)
  Body Slot: Arms
  Caster Level: 5th
  Aura: Faint; (DC 17) evocation
  Activation: —
  Weight: 3 lb.
  Each of these burnished metal bracers is adorned with grinning skull set with onyx stones in its eye sockets.
  Bracers of murder grant you a +2 profane bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls against flat-footed targets.
  If you have the death attack ability, the save DC to resist your death attack increases by 2.
  If you have sneak attack or sudden strike, reroll any result of 1 on the dice.
• Cloak of the BatCloak of the Bat
  
  Fashioned of dark brown or black cloth, this cloak bestows a +5 competence bonus on Hide checks. The wearer is also able to hang upside down from the ceiling, like a bat.
  
  By holding the edges of the garment, the wearer is able to fly as per the spell. If he desires, the wearer can actually polymorph himself into an ordinary bat and fly accordingly. (All possessions worn or carried are part of the transformation.) Flying, either with the cloak or in bat form, can be accomplished only in darkness (either under the night sky or in a lightless or near-lightless environment underground). Either of the flying powers is usable for up to 7 minutes at a time, but after a flight of any duration the cloak cannot bestow any flying power for a like period of time.
  
  Moderate transmutation; CL 7th; Craft Wondrous Item, fly, polymorph; Price 26,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.
• Necklace of Vine StrikeGrants sneak attack against plant creatures 3 times per day. [3/3]x/day
• Anklet of TranslocationANKLET OF TRANSLOCATION
  Price (Item Level): 1,400 gp (5th)
  Body Slot: Feet
  Caster Level: 7th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 18) conjuration
  Activation: Swift (command)
  Weight: —
  
  A pewter chime hangs from this simple leather ankle-band.
  
  An anklet of translocation allows you to make short dimensional hops. When it is activated, you can instantly teleport (with no chance of error) up to 10 feet. The new space must be within line of sight and line of effect.
  
  You can't use the anklet to move into a space occupied by another creature, nor can you teleport into a solid object; if you attempt to do so, the anklet's activation is wasted. You can bring along objects weigh*ing up to your maximum load, but you can't bring another creature with you.
  
  An anklet of translocation functions two times per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, dimension door.
  Cost to Create: 700 gp, 56 XP, 2 days.
• Ring of the DarkhiddenRING OF THE DARKHIDDEN
  Price (Item Level): 2,000 gp (6th)
  Body Slot: Ring
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) illusion
  Activation: —
  Weight: —
  
  More than a dozen etchings of closed eyes circle this tarnished silver ring.
  
  You are invisible to darkvision, although you are fully visible in normal light.
  
  Prerequisites: Forge Ring, invisibility.
  Cost to Create: 1,000 gp, 80 XP, 2 days.
• ShiftweaveSHIFTWEAVE
  Price (Item Level): 500 gp (3rd)
  Body Slot: Torso
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) transmutation
  Activation: Swift (mental)
  Weight: 5 lb.
  
  This otherwise plain-looking set of clothing seems to have gossamer threads woven randomly into the fabric.
  
  When you activate shiftweave, it changes your garb to resemble any of five specific outfits designated during its creation. Shiftweave has no effect on any armor you wear (nor can it mimic armor) and does not change the effect of any magical clothing you wear.
  
  Lore: Though originally created for wealthy socialites who wanted to avoid wearing the same gown to the gala, shiftweave is also useful to spies and assassins (Knowledge [nobility and royalty] DC 10).
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, disguise self.
  
  Cost to Create: 250 gp, 20 XP, 1 day.
• Handy HaversackHandy Haversack
  
  A backpack of this sort appears to be well made, well used, and quite ordinary. It is constructed of finely tanned leather, and the straps have brass hardware and buckles. It has two side pouches, each of which appears large enough to hold about a quart of material. In fact, each is like a bag of holding and can actually hold material of as much as 2 cubic feet in volume or 20 pounds in weight. The large central portion of the pack can contain up to 8 cubic feet or 80 pounds of material. Even when so filled, the backpack always weighs only 5 pounds.
  
  While such storage is useful enough, the pack has an even greater power in addition. When the wearer reaches into it for a specific item, that item is always on top. Thus, no digging around and fumbling is ever necessary to find what a haversack contains. Retrieving any specific item from a haversack is a move action, but it does not provoke the attacks of opportunity that retrieving a stored item usually does.
  
  Moderate conjuration; CL 9th; Craft Wondrous Item, secret chest; Price 2,000 gp; Weight 5 lb. 

Active Effects: Darkstalker, Hide in Plain Sight, Ring of Darkhidden, Nondetection, Gift of Grace+3 bonus to all saving throws for the rest of the day (until end of day), Disguise Self [old peasant] (70 minutes)

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Notes on Sneaking

Before crossing the portal, Jarren casts nondetection on himself, meaning anyone who attempts a divination spell like locate object, clairaudience / clairvoyance, and detect spells are blocked, unless the caster makes a DC 22 caster level check (15 + Jarren's caster level) to pierce the veil.

When sneaking, Jarren will move at half his normal movement speed to avoid penalties to Move Silently, meaning he can cross 30ft per move action. Recall the rules about invisibility, which involve distances and other factors at play.

Several things to note about his sneaking:

1. Jarren's got stupid high Hide and Move Silently checks, which are rolled below. I actually noticed an error a little while ago where I added several overlapping bonuses to his Hide check, so it's not +40-ish anymore, and should now be correct.
2. Jarren has the Darkstalker feat, meaning creatures with blindsense, blindsight, scent, or tremorsense have to roll Spot to notice him.
3. Jarren has the Dark template, meaning he has Hide in Plain Sight. He can use the Hide skill even while being observed (except in natural daylight, the area of a daylight spell, or a similar effect).
4. Jarren has the Ring of Darkhidden, meaning he is considered invisible to darkvision. He must have some light cast on him in order for creatures with low-light or normal vision to possibly see him.

OOC: I don't think Jarren has met Meris "on-camera". Only Belregar did. And I don't think Belregar met Callyndia, either.

Jarren, disguised as an old man, is just going to casually walk through the crowd along the Main Market Road, acting as if he totally belongs and isn't in a rush to get where he's going. He'll just keep an eye out for Aryn Vorn along the way, to hopefully be able to signal him to distract the bird.