Into the Heart of the Storm (IC - Streets of Nuz Edrak)

[Paladin]

At a quick glance, Shylock sees a spice merchant with vials, bowls, and pouches of various exotic and expensive wares on display to his left. To the right, he spots a canopy shading several large, lidded earthenware vessels (some large enough to contain a halfling, he thinks) and a table littered with smaller vessels.

Dried meats, amphorae of wine, fragrant perfumes, bowls heaped with dates. Tucked between the wine-seller's tent and the potter's shed is a small empty cart. He also spots a stall filled with exotic pets. A massive serpent lounges upon a cut section of a tree branch. Large lizards pose on a wide table while a well-trained big cat sits tethered to a chain of silver links. It is tall, sleek, and dappled with black spots. It watches, looking decidedly unimpressed by the goings-on around it.

A dwarven gem-merchant is the last stall in sight, and they've obviously heard the cry of "Thief!", because one of the two dwarves minding the stall ducks out with an ugly-looking club clenched in his meaty fist and starts toward the little halfling.

Meanwhile, Corthalis overhears the robed man discussing with relish his plans to flay the barbarian alive and tan his skin to make a doormat for the servants' quarters in his city home.

[Grognardsw]

Gil, barbarian skald

Gil hands the sack to the guard as he catches sight of Darius. "I have nothing to do with the thief"

"Ho - Jasmine! The slaver worm Darius approaches," says Gil. He points and steps away from the guards, not wanting them to think his drawing his sword is because of them. "Two thugs with him. Be ready!"

The barbarian gives a sharp whistle and Claw the war hawk circles closer, awaiting sight of threat against his master.

As Darius and his thugs approach, Gil's anger at the slaver explodes and with barbarian power he leaps 10' forward, sword cleaving, hoping to surprise and land on Darius!



As Gil engages his opponent, Claw the war hawk identifies the target and dive bombs the man's face with claws outstretched.



Rolls

Barbarians can leap 10' forward from standing position.

Not sure if you roll initiatives, but if not:
Gil Initiative [1d6] = 3 (+2 if Dex. modifier counts)

Bastard sword attack [1d20+1] = 9+1 = 10 Damage SM [2d4+3] = 4+3 = 7, L [2d8+3] = 8+3 = 11

Claw c/c/b [1d20] = 3, [1d20] = 20, [1d20] = 20 Obviously Claw hasn't been drinking ale all day. Do you do criticals for double damage or something?

Claw damage Dam. [1d2] = 2, [1d2] = 1, [1d1] = 1 if hit 25% one eye blinded [1d100] = 16 An eye is pecked out!

Claw the war hawk stats are in the Notes section of my sheet. It's my substitute for a starting magic item. He needs to see which person is attacking Gil, so Claw goes at end of initiative for the first round.

[Paladin]

(I do max damage on the die for crits. I only do double damage if players ask for it, but then it applies to their foes, as well. So no one ever asks. )

To her suprise and dismay, Jasmine is not only ignored but shoved rudely aside from the path the guards are taking in their pursuit of Shylock. Their locked shields plow through the crowd like the prow of a ship breaking the waves and sweep her to one side. She lands unceremoniously on her butt in the dust.

The sergeant nods at Gil. "My thanks, Outlander," he says and rejoins his men upon their pursuit. But they have not taken three steps before the impulsive barbarian leaps like a jungle cat through the air to cleave down upon the vengeful slave-trader.

At the whistling clang of a sword slicing the air and landing with a shower of dust and sparks on the stones at their feet, the guard sergeant turns and his brow furrows. For those who can speak the tongue of Nuz Edrak, his muttered words are: "What is wrong with people today? Plague take you all! My shift was almost over!"

The tired man sighs and grabs a small whistle hanging at his neck. A shrill blast which you assume is an alert and call to arms blasts down the streets and alleys around you. Before the sound fades completely, the jingle of harness and clank of arms is heard approaching from all direction as several units converge.

The small thief is apparently forgotten in the commotion and all eyes are upon Gil as the guards jog back toward their confrontation. The guard sergeant is inhaling to address Gil when the beast from above soars down to scratch, claw, and peck at the face of the robed man. A hideous scream and a gout of blood and water run down the slaver's face before the bird wings safely away.

In the same moment, the pair of masked guardsmen flanking Darius whip gleaming scimitars free and both take wicked slashes at Gil.

One man stumbles and his slash goes wide as Darius falls back into his path, but the other is deadly accurate and cleaves neatly through the meaty bulge of Gil's right shoulder. (11 damage)

The guards fan out, intent on surrounding all four parties involved in this conflict. Barring an alternative course of action, you will be surrounded in the space of a few seconds. The sound of their reinforcements grows ever louder.

What will you do?

[Bluetongue]

Shylock Cravat

Looking back sees a large bird of prey erupt from the melee of merchants and guards to the gable of a nearby roof, some tasty morsel in its beak.

The halfling hears the whistle and assumes a bigger commotion is happening. When the booted footsteps of another squad of city guards approach towards the conflict and passes by, the rogue will attempt to feign getting bumped by the next Sgt-at-arms and try to snatch his own alarm whistle.

Shylock grabs guard whistle vs 55% Pickpockets skill [ 1d100] = 71

It seems pockets at hip height are a more favourable target than neckline baubles.

"Oof! Look where ya going ya big oaf!" he says and brushes the dust off his garments innocently.

sorry Gil, my hope for a clean snatch and run down the alleys blowing a tune to draw the extra militia away fails.

[tarlyn]

Jasmine

The Big Barbarian, recognizing Darius, yells at the top of her lungs as she springs forward and jumps into the air, aiming to land right in front of the slaver. She

unsheathes her two handed blade in midair and as she lands she attempts to cut Darius into two Darius'.

Jump / Attack / Slice and Dice / [1d20+1] = 19+1 = 20

Hoo boy! That is excellent for a called shot! She really wants to chop that dude in half and also intimidate any of Darius' guards at the same time.

Damage [1d10+1] = 3+1 = 4

[cybersavant]

Corthalis Aelvynwynne stops in his tracks when the barbarian leaps toward the slaver. He rubs a ring on his finger, looks around at the throng of a crowd, then slips off to a side until he nears the wall of a permanent building where he can watch the proceedings.

[Darklin2]

Alex

Feeling out gunned and out numbered. Having started off to the Horse trader, to the tries to disappear into the crowd. trying to distance himself from the others and to hide in shadows, stalls, curtains, alleys, etc.... He figures to purchase what is needed and meet them outside the gates on the road.

[Grognardsw]

Gil, barbarian skald

Gil growls as the city guards swarm around him. Even the head-strong and impulsive barbarian knows when the odds are against him. Running would make him an outlaw, not a situation he wants at this point in time. He lowers his sword.

"The slaver was going to kill me," Gil says.

[Paladin]

The leader of an oncoming guard unit feels a solid smack against his chest and looks down to see a halfling brushing dust from his clothing. He growls and swipes at the small man, intent on picking him up by the scruff of the neck. "Try to steal from me, vermin? I will see you rot."

(If you wish to evade capture, make a regular 3d6 dex check. You're looking to roll under your dex score for success.)

Other units hasten their approach at a wild, savage cry that rings off the walls of shops and homes. As they come within sight, they spy a muscular outlander soaring through the air with a massive blade overhead. It knifes down with a sickening crunch.

Back in the Bazaar, Jasmine sees the results of her ferocity spilling onto the city street. Darius stumbled out of range when his eye was clawed out, but the man attacking Gil remained in the danger zone. He is bleeding freely after that vicious downward strike, his shoulder laid open much like Gil's. The man snarls like an animal and thrusts his cruel blade into Jasmine's middle, burying the steel deeply. "You will be his woman soon enough," he hisses before withdrawing his blade with the wet grinding sound of steel against bone.

(14 damage)

His companion attempts a return strike as well, but is hampered by the bleeding slaver in his path.

The bedraggled sergeant can only shake his head, a bemused expression on his careworn face. "Cease your fighting! I am Artabanu," he says. "And by my soul, I have never seen such a day as this," he admits. The man shakes his head as the snare closes, guards filing into the Bazaar from every corner to form a silent ring around the proceedings.

"Will you come in peace, Outlander?" He asks Gil with a nod toward the big brute's naked blade. "And you, woman? The magistrate will decide your guilt and levy punishment."

Darius and his men say nothing, but quietly relinquish their weapons and are led away by a half-dozen guards. "Soon," Darius mouths silently over his shoulder to Gil. One hand covers his eye and blood trickles into his mouth, but sheer malevolence flows off the slaver in waves.

The remaining guards watch Jasmine carefully, hands on weapons as they await her answer. The other members of your party remain silent observers. Perhaps, at this moment, that is wise decision.

[Bluetongue]

Shylock Cravat

"My pardon Sir. You have me all wrong.
I was running terrified from those bloodthirsty cutthroats in the bazaar." he says taking a step backwards with his hands behind his back like a naughty schoolboy.

"And that dwarf over there. He has an evil look in his eye. I would search his shop good and proper if I were you." he says pointing down the alleyway taking another step to the side as he theatrically gestures.

Then with an arms breadth distance, he pulls a face and runs off, (the very observant might notice some skeletal hand opening the cover of a rear pouch and give the guard a middle finger before crawling back inside.

Shylock. Charisma skill check vs 15 [3d6] = 13

my dex is 18 so will auto pass a normal skill check.

[Darklin2]

Alec

Alec will watch as the guards clear out and his two new companions are lead away.

Damn. Those two are always talking shit. If they had just killed the slaver and been done with it, we wouldn't be in this mess. I guess I will gather the supplies and hope the guards don't kill them.



He turns keeping an eye out for the little thief and goes to carry out his tasks of getting a wagon, draft horses, barrel, rations, and an additional quiver full of arrows.

[tarlyn]

Jasmine

Growling, Jasmine puts away her two handed blade. Spitting on the ground in Darius' direction, she says "I not cause more trouble but that one"

pointing at Darius', "he no better than the dirt under my boot and that is insulting to the dirt under my boot. I not know laws but will listen to you for

now."

[cybersavant]

Corthalis Aelvynwyyne considers the guard talk about imprisoning the barbarian. He considers what he overheard the merchant say while tailing him earlier. Corthalis sighs, and follows the procession.

[Paladin]

"Forget the whelp," the guard mutters as Shylock slips his grasp. "He is beneath our notice." The man sends the halfling a sideways glance. The dwarf in question, wisely motionless and club tucked into his belt while the guard is in sight, smiles and waves. The guard rolls his eyes and moves on. "Fend for yourself, half-man. If he clubs you, it'll be no more than you deserve."

Artabanu motions for his men to move in. "I will care for your weapons and grant them the dignity they deserve." His men quickly disarm the pair (respectfully if the weapons are handed over without incident, or with a beating if you resist) and he gestures for you to proceed. "We will escort you to the holding cells where you will await your trial with the magistrate. There you may explain your case and plead your innocence, if you wish."

For the observant among you, you'll notice several guards fanning out into the crowd and collecting eyewitness accounts of the ordeal. It would seem that Artabanu is a thorough man who takes his job seriously.

"It is my duty to inform you that you will be charged with attacking a citizen of Nuz Edrak and breaking the peace of the Great Bazaar." He speaks mechanically, as if the words are so commonly spoken that he no longer has to think about them. "If you are not familiar with our laws, a man of learning will be sent to your cell before your meeting and provide you council. Our King wishes no man to face justice unprepared," he finishes, this time with a hint of pride.

You are led down a procession of streets which alternate between wide and open thoroughfares and cramped residential lanes. The guards keep watch to either side as the sun begins to fade. They are becoming noticeably nervous as the twilight deepens. The day's revelry is silent now, the streets quickly emptying as doors are locked and windows barred.

(Anyone who wishes, make a hard (4d6) wisdom check.)

If he chooses to continue shopping, Alec finds what he seeks before sunset without incident. Prices are high, as expected, but not unreasonably so. Otherwise, those of you not placed under arrest watch your companions being led away under heavy guard.

Corthalis is spotted and waved over by a member of the guard. "Did you see what happened here? I am collecting accounts for the court. If you please, could you relate what took place?"

[Darklin2]

Alec

Gathers the needed equipment and make preparations to spend the night in the wagon so nothing happens to it. Planning to rise early the next morning and go to find out what befell his new companions.

[Bluetongue]

Shylock Cravat

Glad to see the back of the guards, he peers back down the alley at the market scene, bemused merchants nodding and shrugging with differing opinions. The two tall barbarians are easier to make out and surrounded seem to be taken away.

Not usually one to have a conscience (for all his knowledge Gil has been arrested for stealing the bag), so he determines to follow but at a distance could easily get lost in the streets. He ideally needs a better view ... perhaps a bird's-eye view. Was that predator not on the man's shoulder as he walked the alleys? Unlike most humans, pets at least have some intelligence and loyalty.

The halfling goes to the exotic animal handler. "Excuse Sir, I would like to purchase a bird hood and harness if you have them and perhaps a small box of live mice."

Watching then from the stall, he tries to follow if the bird flies above the city and circles over a particular area as it my follow its master being taken away.

Shylock Cravat: hard check vs wisdom 10 [4d6] = 13

[tarlyn]

Hard Wisdom Check [4d6] = 18

Points at a rock... "Hey that's a rock".....

[cybersavant]

Meanwhile, Corthalis overhears the robed man discussing with relish his plans to flay the barbarian alive and tan his skin to make a doormat for the servants' quarters in his city home.

(Anyone who wishes, make a hard (4d6) wisdom check.)

Corthalis is spotted and waved over by a member of the guard. "Did you see what happened here? I am collecting accounts for the court. If you please, could you relate what took place?"

Corthalis Aelvynwynne walks over to the guard. Some of it. I heard the merchant and his henchmen plan to attack the large man that jumped at him. Corthalis follows the guards and the prisoners.

wis11 [_4d6] = (4+3+5+6)=18

[Grognardsw]

Gil, barbarian skald

As Gil walks along with Jasmine through the dense residential quarters of the city, he discretely brushes her arm and nods up at the one story buildings they are passing. Their rooftops and adjacent locations to other buildings may provide an escape. For once the barbarian is glad for the hot and arid region which has most buildings' roofs flat instead of pitched to handle snow and rain.

Timing his action for just the right building, Gil breaks and leaps and scrambles to the rooftop, hoping Jasmine has done the same. He sprints across the next roof away from the street and guards, looking back, ready to run, leap and climb to escape pursuit.

Requested roll: Wisdom check vs. 10 [4d6] = 17

The barbarian's leaping and running x2 movement abilities should enable him to leap catch up and onto one- story building. Window sills could further aid.

[Paladin]

Getting ready for my little dude's 1st bday party, but I will give the guards their shot at grabbing you guys (assuming Jasmine follows suit) sometime this evening. Eager to see how this shakes out!