The Second Step

[Terran]

Sister Elektra. Healer & Elementalist

QUICK STATS:  AC=18, Touch=12, FF=16 / HP=15/15 / Init=2 / Saves: Fort=4, Reflex=2, Will = 6 _______________________________________________________________________

Sister Elektra smiles as she lays a well-worn silver piece on the bar top and says, "I'll take two ales. The rest of the change is for you," she adds hoping to change the orc bartender's mood and perhaps loosen his tongue a slight bit.

Nodding her head at Shade, the Dwarven Priestess adds, "Yes, he's with me. I needed an escort through the crowd; something or other going on with the Watch which I didn't have time for this morning."

After downing the first full mug in mere moments without stopping until the cup is completely empty, the Elementalist lets out a loud echoing belch, "BAAARRAAAP!

Followed by, "Ahhhh! That's good brew," she honestly admits while grabbing the second mug and taking a normal gulp from it as she evaluates the motives of the orc bartender. Unless she senses a problem or issue, she will continue with her story.

However, if the opposite is true, then she will get him talking and see what she can learn while keeping her interests private instead.

_________________________________________________________________________

Assuming she does not have any internal trepidations, Elektra honestly reveals with a sincere smile, "As I was saying, I was supposed to arrive before a meeting being attended by Varron ended so I could deliver a message, but it appears that I'm either too late or the meeting hasn't happened yet."

Placing a pair of newly minted highly polished silver pieces on the bar pinned down by her fat index finger, the holy woman drops her voice and says, "I'm obligated to complete this task, but you see, I really don't want to spend all day doing so. If you know what I mean," she adds with a wink. "Bosses and all."

Sliding the silver pieces toward the orc and letting them gleam brightly in the light, the cleric grins and says softly and sweetly as possible, well for her anyway, "So if you could help me locate this fellow, it would get the big-wigs off my back and allow me to attend to my other work today."

"Which of course they won't give me credit for doing, yet it all must be done," she adds in an attempt to create a common connection of the working class versus the 'Man' and then takes another huge drink from her remaining mug of beer as she awaits the bartender's response.

Show Mechanics

PURCHASES: Cure Light Wounds Potion, Scroll (Comprehend Languages), Potion Bandolier, 2 Flasks of Acid, 3 Crossbow Bolts, Wand of Vigor, Lessor (4/50 charges) = 170 GP, 3 SP

Free Action:   

Move:  

Swift Action:   

Move Action:   

Standard Action:  

Continuing Effects:  None

Edited February 18 by Terran (see edit history)

[Slayer4399]

 Macsen Mistwalker

 

AC: 15, Touch: 12, Flat-footed: 13, HP: 8/8, Initiative: +2, Saves: Fort: +2 Reflex: +4 Will: +1

---

Returning the smile to Edwyn. "Greetings."

As Varon suggests heading to the inn, Macsen nods in agreement. "Good idea, after you."

 

 

 

 

 

[Draidden]

  

Gaerbarradd (Shade) Whisper Gnome, Rogue 2 

---

AC: 18, HP: 12/12, Initiative7: +4, Perception: +8, Search: +8Stonecunning: If he moves within 10' of a stonework trap or hidden or secret door, then he makes a Search check to spot as if actively searching.

---

Str: 11 (+0), Dex: 18(+4), Con: 12 (+1), Int: 16 (+3), Wis: 13 (+1), Cha:13 (+1)

---

 

 

Shade gives a nod back to the bartender as he continues to the front door. He opens it and takes a look outside, but stands so he can still see Elektra and the bartender as he glances out. Maybe the guy is just an unfriendly bartender, but something about him is not setting right with Shade.

OOCTake 10 on all search checks for a total of 17 for both Perception and Search.

Will buy Everbunring Torch for 110 gp and 2 alchemist fires for 20 gp each.

 

 

 

[Lord of Monies]

Skold

Skold - Crusader

---

HP: 12/12 | Init: +0 | AC: 16 Touch: 10 FF: 16 | Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +1 |

Stance: Martial Spirit- Initiation Action: 1 Swift Action
- Range: Personal
- Target: You
- Duration: Stance
- Effect -
While you are in this stance, you or an ally within 30 feet heals 2 points of damage each time you make a successful melee attack. This healing represents the vigor, drive, and toughness you inspire in others. Your connection to the divine causes such inspiration to have a real, tangible effect on your allies’ health.

Each time you hit an opponent in melee, you can choose a differen recipient within range to receive this healing. | ManeuversCharging Minotaur; Vanguard Strike; Douse the Flames | Steely ResolveYou have a delayed damage pool that allows you to forestall the effects of many injuries. This pool begins at 0 with each encounter. When you are attacked, any hit point damage the blow deals is added to your delayed damage pool. At the end of your next turn, you take damage equal to the total stored in your delayed damage pool, which then resets to 0. Any healing you receive can either increase your current hit point total as normal or reduce the total damage in your delayed damage pool. When you receive healing, you choose whether it affects your damage pool, your hit points, or both (you can split the amount of healing as you wish). 0/5

---

Varon had known their names. This was their first meeting and under Lady Emberings they had been introduced under different names she believed was true for some reason, but Varon already knew. He was most definitely a man with a finger on the pulse of the entire town, so if he felt their business wasn't safe out in the open then Skold was inclined to believe there was good reason for that.

Too distracted to give more than a small nod as greeting to Edwyn, Skold focused his watchful eye on the street and the buildings for anywhere a hidden person could be surveiling them from as they moved towards the tavern.

[Ruess]

Deeds And Words

 

Sarai, Skold and Macsen

It is not a short walk across the distance. A hundred feet maybe. The reason why it feels longer is because Varon isn't moving in a hurry.

Curiously, someone opens the front door by the time you get started towards Bent Copper: opening the door is a rather familiar looking gnome whom you have been venturing with these past days. It's Shade.

 

Shade and Elektra

Shade has an easy time opening the door now that the bartender is busy with Elektra. It opens easily and swings open to let Shade see the streets of the city as well as the crowds gathering. Looks like the Watch has the street blocked on the other end too, which means Shade sees a group of four people walking directly towards him. It's the group of three he left behind, and Varon.

 

 

The orc takes your coin without comment and pours your two ales into clean enough looking wooden goblets. He listens without too much comment, nodding and grunting acknowledgements as Elektra goes on and wipes the bar table as Elektra talks.

Once Elektra finishes her speech, the bartender leans in and turns his voice to a murmur. By all accounts it looks like he is just wiping the wood while listening to a customer.

 

 

 

---

RielatThird weekday, 30th49 days to a month, except Mesha is a day short of MeshaFirst month of the year, out of eight in total. 8:04 A.M

 

 

 

Edited February 21 by Ruess (see edit history)

[Terran]

Sister Elektra. Healer & Elementalist

QUICK STATS:  AC=18, Touch=12, FF=16 / HP=15/15 / Init=2 / Saves: Fort=4, Reflex=2, Will = 6 _______________________________________________________________________

Sister Elektra smiles and says, "Thanks," when the orc bartender acts in a much friendlier manner towards her, nonetheless the Dwarven holy woman really never trusts anyone, much less abject strangers.

Thus, even though Shade is nearby, Elektra grins as she raises her half-empty wooden mug of ale with her right hand while keeping her left hand laying gently on the bar top and absent-mindedly pointed at the bartender.

Should the orc make an aggressive move, then Sister Elektra will intervene with disruptive magic to momentarily 'freeze' the fellow in place, however if his action is harmless, she will simply take another huge pull from the cup of brew.

Even as the Elemental Priestess is secretly ready to protect herself and her friends should the Orc barkeep act aggressively toward her or her colleagues, nonetheless he is not the only potential threat in the world, and she likewise keeps one eye and her ears focused on her immediate surroundings as well.

Show Mechanics

PURCHASES: Cure Light Wounds Potion, Scroll (Comprehend Languages), Potion Bandolier, 2 Flasks of Acid, 3 Crossbow Bolts, Wand of Vigor, Lessor (4/50 charges) = 170 GP, 3 SP

Free Action:   Speak and Passive Sensory Check

Move:  

Swift Action:   

Move Action:   Feint with mug of ale

Readied Standard Action:  Readied Action to Cast Inhibit Spell on Orc Bartender if he attempts to attack or harm/threaten Elektra or her colleagues or Varron

Continuing Effects:  None

Edited February 22 by Terran (see edit history)

[Lord of Monies]

Skold

Skold - Crusader

---

HP: 12/12 | Init: +0 | AC: 16 Touch: 10 FF: 16 | Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +1 |

Stance: Martial Spirit- Initiation Action: 1 Swift Action
- Range: Personal
- Target: You
- Duration: Stance
- Effect -
While you are in this stance, you or an ally within 30 feet heals 2 points of damage each time you make a successful melee attack. This healing represents the vigor, drive, and toughness you inspire in others. Your connection to the divine causes such inspiration to have a real, tangible effect on your allies’ health.

Each time you hit an opponent in melee, you can choose a differen recipient within range to receive this healing. | ManeuversCharging Minotaur; Vanguard Strike; Douse the Flames | Steely ResolveYou have a delayed damage pool that allows you to forestall the effects of many injuries. This pool begins at 0 with each encounter. When you are attacked, any hit point damage the blow deals is added to your delayed damage pool. At the end of your next turn, you take damage equal to the total stored in your delayed damage pool, which then resets to 0. Any healing you receive can either increase your current hit point total as normal or reduce the total damage in your delayed damage pool. When you receive healing, you choose whether it affects your damage pool, your hit points, or both (you can split the amount of healing as you wish). 0/5

---

The sight of Shade was a welcome surprise. Good to see that splitting up helped to secure the location in advance of their arrival, and that they had arrived without complication. Still, he had already slipped up for letting his guard down already, so best to give Shade an appreciative smile as he walked in, then scope the place out quickly himself just to ensure they were safe.

Skold immediately did not feel safe.

He froze for a moment on entry, only moving off to the side once he could tell Elektra had the bartenders attention, then stood at attention more stiffly than normal while attempting to look at anything other than the orc behind the counter.

[snugglepooh]

 

Sarai, Enchantress of the Veil

Female   Gray Elf   Enchanter 2  

Init 6 | HP 9/9 | AC 11, Touch 11, FF 9 | Fort 2, Ref 2, Will 1

---

Sarai stayed alert as they moved off toward their destination. Things weren't always what they seemed, and this situation certainly seemed no different - which of course was its own Catch 22.

Since Varon was taking his time, she decided to take the opportunity (considering her spell had not worn off yet) to learn what she could from their sponsor as they took a little stroll away from the sounds of violence. I was curious about your friend there: what function he might serve, she says to the bald enigma. Is he with the temple of Osiris?

As they approached the tavern, she would stay close to Skold, not knowing who or what to expect once inside.

 

 

 

Show Stats

Sarai

Init 6 | HP 9/9 | BAB 1 | Speed 30'

AC 11, Touch 11, Flat-footed 9

Fortitude 2, Reflex 2, Will 1

Str 6, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 14

Condition Healthy

Shortbow (18/20 arrows) +2 (1d6-2, x3)
Dagger -2 (1d4-2, 19-20 x2)

Resources 
Potions: CLW (2), Parchment (4), Ink (1 vial), Sealing Wax (1 lb), Candles (10), Chalk (10), Twine (50'), Sparker (10), Trail Rations (8)

Money
51 g, 61 s, 13 c

Prepared Spells
0 Level:  Detect Magic, Daze, Mage Hand
1st Level:  Charm Person, Hypnotism, Mage Armor, Obscuring Mist

Zila

Hummingbird Familiar

Init 2 | HP 2/2 | Speed 10'/40' Fly (Average)

AC 17, Touch 16, Flat-footed 15

Fortitude 2, Reflex 4 Will 2

Str 1, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 6, Wis 14, Cha 6

Condition Healthy

Show Mechanics

 

Actions

Free Action:

Swift Action: 

Move Action: 

Standard Action: 

Skill Checks

Diplomacy

---

Continuing Effects: Friendly Face

 

[Slayer4399]

 Macsen Mistwalker

 

AC: 15, Touch: 12, Flat-footed: 13, HP: 8/8, Initiative: +2, Saves: Fort: +2 Reflex: +4 Will: +1

---

As they open the door to the tavern and seeing their ally Shade, Macsen gives a nod before striding into the room. Surveying the room, Macsen joins Elektra at the bar taking the opportunity to take a look at the other patrons of the tavern and whether he can spot the individual they were here to meet.

Sliding a coin to the barman for a drink before rejoining the others.

 

 

 

 

 

[Ruess]

Deeds And Words

 

"Edwyn is a priest by training, the son of a priest if I recall correctly," Varon answers quietly to Sarai's question, without breaking his calm stride. "I understand his title would be a mortician, although worded differently by the clergy of Osiris. He was to have his own small mortuary near an entrance into the city's catacombs before these events."

Varon leads you inside the Bent Copper without much fanfare or hurry but neither does he waste time heading to the bartender orc.

"I'd like to throw some shade," he states to the orc who gives him a cross look.

"It figures," The orc responds. "You want to throw hands too?". There is a pause as he waits for a response and gives Varon a cross looks. When nothing comes of it, the orch continues speaking and loks your fully gathered group over. "Big party you're bringing in."

When Varon doesn't comment the orc shrugs and ceases looking cross. "Boss is upstairs, first door on the left."

 

Varon departs without comment and indicates at the stairs on the far end, opposite the bar itself. It is something oif a walk in a spiral up some rather steep stairs but it is manageable. The upstairs, as you discover it, is a much more spacious and also more comfortably furnished thing than the crass business that met you on ground floor. The wood is has been cleaned recently and there are actual plants near some lanterns. The windows actually have glass panes, and those are clear enough to let light plentiful light in.

Varon leads you to the first door on the left, and through after a rapid knock on the wood.

Inside the room, you are met by a large and strong looking blue-colored reptilian humanoid of very dark blue coloration leaning over a table and pouring over a heavy looking stack of parchments, scrolls, letters and other written pages all pinned in place with a large looking dagger. It's quite distinctly a male, and wearing little more than some ornaments and enough basics to avoid being charged with nudity. Its head turns so that one beady eye rivets onto Varon, and then considers your group as you follow the man inside the room. (And presumably close the door behind you.)

"Varon. Welcome." Its voice is heavy and rough, and its pronouncation feels snarled through teeth.

"Good morning, Shade. The bank is overrun. Edward's report was correct."

The lizard, now named shade, grins widely. "Pity."

Varon turns to you, and indicates at the chairs. "Have a seat. Please. This meeting involved your sales of a statue and the buyer."

Varon lets each of you either you to take your time either introducing yourselves or reacting as you see best before continuing.

"Access to Water Plaza is restricted due to recent events as well as the rising unrests in the area. City Watch is in conflict with every noble house that has a standing troop of its own, which means little is accomplished. They are in conflict over authority on matters of assassinations recently carried out by persons unknown as well as a surge in unlawful awakenings within family mausoleums. Your primary interests lie in knowing that Lady Neferkare has lost her husband along with her three children to what is reported as an assassination. We suspect otherwise."

A pause, in which Varon lets you consider the matter. And then he continues.
"The plan was and is very simple, as Roy will have told you. An invitation into Water Plaza is required and Shade has several in his possession due to a matter of exchanged favors. Lady Neferkare has been informed by her castellan to expect persons of interest, so the only challenge is avoiding the attention of house guards and City Watch both. While adventurers are not barred from Water Plaza the house guards and local branch of City Watch both possess the authority to remove the presence of persons deemed either unlawful or disruptive. Adventurers are historically noted as being both. Additionally, you may wish to don a provided apparel of nobility lest you draw unwelcome attention to your persons."

Varon indicates at Elektra, then Shade and Skold as he continues on: "While a cleric would likely draw pleased attention, your other two associates will not have equally welcome status. It is a matter of old views and old values that refuse to acknowledge their error. I do not imagine any of you care for feuds two thousand years old by now."

Varon takes a breath and then continues some more.

"Lastly, I must caution you: Shade's associates also report that Lady Neferkare was very recently visited by members of Evening Glory's clergy. What that entails may be of interest to us: as you may recall, one of Evening Glory's interests lie in, by the word of their faith, ''love everlasting.' In her present state Lady Neferkare is almost certain to be in unstable mood."

 

 

---

RielatThird weekday, 30th49 days to a month, except Mesha is a day short of MeshaFirst month of the year, out of eight in total. 8:11 A.M

 

 

 

[Draidden]

  

Gaerbarradd (Shade) Whisper Gnome, Rogue 2 

---

AC: 18, HP: 12/12, Initiative7: +4, Perception: +8, Search: +8Stonecunning: If he moves within 10' of a stonework trap or hidden or secret door, then he makes a Search check to spot as if actively searching.

---

Str: 11 (+0), Dex: 18(+4), Con: 12 (+1), Int: 16 (+3), Wis: 13 (+1), Cha:13 (+1)

---

 

 

He gets a little concerned when Varon states to the bartender that he wants to toss some shade and makes sure he is out of arms reach. He follows the group upstairs, staying near the back.

Then they are introduced to the blue lizard man who is also called Shade.

Well this could get confusing.

After hearing Varon out, this Shade speaks up.

If my being there has potential of causing problems, I can either wait here or back at the Portal. But I am pretty good at moving through crowds and not being noticed.

I do have one question. If the group is discovered to be non-nobles, dressed like nobles, is that going to cause some problems?

After getting that response he speaks up again.

If clergy are welcome, then perhaps we let Elektra lead the way and we act as her entourage slash body guards. There has been trouble in the area so it would not be uncommon for someone to bring protection along.

OOCTake 10 on all search checks for a total of 17 for both Perception and Search.

Will buy Everbunring Torch for 110 gp and 2 alchemist fires for 20 gp each.

 

 

 

[Terran]

Sister Elektra. Healer & Elementalist

QUICK STATS:  AC=18, Touch=12, FF=16 / HP=15/15 / Init=2 / Saves: Fort=4, Reflex=2, Will = 6 _______________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Sister Elektra grins and then flips the Orc bartender another well-worn tarnished silver and simply says, "Thanks," as she joins Varron's entourage heading upstairs to meet with the boss.

When the time is appropriate, the holy woman politely introduces herself saying, "Greetings and blessings.  I'm Sister Elektra Stoneshoulder," she adds with a well-practiced smile before taking a seat as invited.

As the Elemental Priestess sits and listens to the situation, Elektra contemplates various matters including who is 'Edward' once she hears that a bank has been overrun, the recent assassinations and unrest, the undead awakenings, Lady Neferkare and her family, the Evening Glory church, the phrase 'Love everlasting,' and the Water Plaza.

When the blue lizard, who is strangely also named Shade, advises that Sister Elektra's affiliation with the church should allow her to access the Water Plaza district, and the 'real' Shade suggests the rest could pose as bodyguards or the like, Sister Elektra nods affirmatively but says nothing.

Show Mechanics

PURCHASES: Cure Light Wounds Potion, Scroll (Comprehend Languages), Potion Bandolier, 2 Flasks of Acid, 3 Crossbow Bolts, Wand of Vigor, Lessor (4/50 charges) = 170 GP, 3 SP

Free Action:   

Move:  

Swift Action:   

Move Action:   

Standard Action:  

Continuing Effects:  None

Edited March 1 by Terran (see edit history)

[snugglepooh]

 

Sarai, Enchantress of the Veil

Female   Gray Elf   Enchanter 2  

Init 6 | HP 9/9 | AC 11, Touch 11, FF 9 | Fort 2, Ref 2, Will 1

---

Sarai stays quiet through their transition from the street, through the rather seedy looking bar area, and then up a precarious spiral stairway to a better apportioned upstairs. That's a little better, she thinks as she looks around.

She gives Varon a questioning look when he invites them to sit without introduction. Perhaps self-introductions were the norm in Sandpyke; she wasn't sure. Sarai of the Moonveil, she would offer with a curtsy when it came her turn.

While Varon explained the situation, she would study his contact intently, trying to identify the species. She would leave most of the talking to the others, as was her custom, only nodding her agreement at the suggested plan. Once they were decided, she would express her thanks to their benefactor. We appreciate you making the invite and the disguises available to us. What did you want in exchange?

 

 

Show Stats

Sarai

Init 6 | HP 9/9 | BAB 1 | Speed 30'

AC 11, Touch 11, Flat-footed 9

Fortitude 2, Reflex 2, Will 1

Str 6, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 14

Condition Healthy

Shortbow (18/20 arrows) +2 (1d6-2, x3)
Dagger -2 (1d4-2, 19-20 x2)

Resources 
Potions: CLW (2), Parchment (4), Ink (1 vial), Sealing Wax (1 lb), Candles (10), Chalk (10), Twine (50'), Sparker (10), Trail Rations (8)

Money
51 g, 61 s, 13 c

Prepared Spells
0 Level:  Detect Magic, Daze, Mage Hand
1st Level:  Charm Person, Hypnotism, Mage Armor, Obscuring Mist

Zila

Hummingbird Familiar

Init 2 | HP 2/2 | Speed 10'/40' Fly (Average)

AC 17, Touch 16, Flat-footed 15

Fortitude 2, Reflex 4 Will 2

Str 1, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 6, Wis 14, Cha 6

Condition Healthy

Show Mechanics

 

Actions

Free Action:

Swift Action: 

Move Action: 

Standard Action: 

Skill Checks

Diplomacy, Sense Motive, Knowledge Checks

---

Continuing Effects: Friendly Face

 

[Lord of Monies]

Skold

Skold - Crusader

---

HP: 20/20 | Init: +0 | AC: 16 Touch: 10 FF: 16 | Fort: +5 Reflex: +0 Will: +1 |

Stance: Martial Spirit- Initiation Action: 1 Swift Action
- Range: Personal
- Target: You
- Duration: Stance
- Effect -
While you are in this stance, you or an ally within 30 feet heals 2 points of damage each time you make a successful melee attack. This healing represents the vigor, drive, and toughness you inspire in others. Your connection to the divine causes such inspiration to have a real, tangible effect on your allies’ health.

Each time you hit an opponent in melee, you can choose a differen recipient within range to receive this healing. | ManeuversCharging Minotaur; Vanguard Strike; Douse the Flames | Steely ResolveYou have a delayed damage pool that allows you to forestall the effects of many injuries. This pool begins at 0 with each encounter. When you are attacked, any hit point damage the blow deals is added to your delayed damage pool. At the end of your next turn, you take damage equal to the total stored in your delayed damage pool, which then resets to 0. Any healing you receive can either increase your current hit point total as normal or reduce the total damage in your delayed damage pool. When you receive healing, you choose whether it affects your damage pool, your hit points, or both (you can split the amount of healing as you wish). 0/5

---

Skold moves a little awkwardly as they enter the stairway, then lets out a breath he hadn't realised he was holding as they made their way up into the office space. He took another breath to re-focus himself, to the job, and listened with attention for the details. There were always key points of information you needed for any job, and usually that boiled down to a target, strengths, vulnerabilities, and motivation. 'Target' was about the only thing they knew for sure here as Lady Neferkare, which seemed like small intel for a man as seemingly well connected as Varon.

First, though, their Shade had the right of it to focus on their entry. Nothing else is relevant without that secured. "What if we passed ourselves off as Tiign Co?" He asked Varon. "Way I hear it, there's no door that name can't open, 'old fashioned values' or not. If you've got connections with them, perhaps we could borrow their name this one time?" It was a tall ask, but it would be a powerful tool if they could get it.

"As for the Lady herself," Skold continued once the initial matters had been discussed, "why her? 'Assassins', Evening Glory, she's got some attention on her head. Is there a reason why she's wanted like this over any other noble in town?"

[Slayer4399]

 Macsen Mistwalker

 

AC: 15, Touch: 12, Flat-footed: 13, HP: 8/8, Initiative: +2, Saves: Fort: +2 Reflex: +4 Will: +1

---

Macsen listens keenly to the quick exchange between Varon and the barkeeper. This connection obviously likes to play it safe.

Following the others up the stairs and into the room, Macsen held his breath to prevent him from letting out an unnecessary gasp of shock, the connection they had come to meet was not what he has expected.

Letting Varon lead the introductions and conversation, Macsen paid close to attention to the discussion, intrigued at the story of association and chaos that was bubbling over in the city.

"Is their likely a connection between our meeting and her being a target of assassins? Or mere coincidence. Disguising as nobles shouldn't be too difficult, simply act like the sun shines from your derriere and that everyone else is not worthy of your time and the guards should leave us alone."