PrP: Donations

Log Info

• Title: Donations
• Emitter: Benthus
• Characters: Margaret lvl6, Bahken lvl4
• Place: Alexandria - Temple district
• Time: Feb 2, 2015
• Summary: A dead body was placed in an Althean donation bin.
• APL: 5
• Encounter 1: 1x Human rogue (sniper) 5/assassin 3, CR7

(Scene is occurring in a the temple district)

The temple of Althea receives a lot of petitioners to her hallowed halls, either asking for guidance or assistance in one sort or another. The day seems to be unremarkable with the normal chores being done by the temple attendees.

Then, a scream echoes in the hall.

Guards rush swiftly to the site of concern and there they find one attendee visibly shaking from what she has discovered.

Stashed into one of the donation bins is a dead body. The dead body appears to be wearing the clothes commonly seen amongst sailors.

Margaret is at the scene, of course. She usually hangs out in or near the Temple... you know, being a priestess and all. So when a -body- is discovered in the -donation bin-, she's front and centre, kneeling at the poor soul that's been laid out on the floor. Some kindly soul provided a cloak for a blanket. Even in death, people are treated with respect and given comfort at the Temple of Althea. "Blessed Mother," the blue-clad priestess is saying. "Who'd do such a thing? And why here?" For all that she appears shocked, she's all business when it comes to a patient... or ex-patient, as the case is here; she's checking for a pulse(just to be sure), and then trying to determine cause of death.

Bahken likely is making temple rounds. Though not the most pious, as a mercenary he does believe different gods come in handy at different times and it pays to 'grease the wheel' as it were. Thus, he hears the commotion and approaches, noticing the body in the sailor garb and frowning.

The dead body with the sailor outfit has many tattoos on his body. One particular tattoo which is located on his forearm is that of a trading vessel. It has the words 'Man of Manetho' inked visibly. The person appears to have several stab wounds from the back, and by the looks of it, the crime was committed within the temple itself.

The body is still warm.

<OOC> Benthus request for one more pose from each character and then roll perception check (DC20). And if that fails, Sense motive (DC15).

Bahken's lips draw down more sharply at the edges as he steps through the crowd. It might be another Manetho.. after all, there are other Cesran's that still use the old names... there's just fewer and fewer of them each passing century... He confirms the tattoo then looks around. GAME: Bahken rolls perception: (9)+7: 16

There's blood on Margaret's hands, but that's from handling the body; she deftly pulls a cloth out of a pouch at her side that looks made to be easily accessed without soiling it. So she wipes her hands on the cloth, and says to the nearest guard, who's undoubtedly loitering just nearby, "Check the exits, please. Ask if anything suspicious has been seen. There's been a murder right here in the Temple."

GAME: Margaret rolls perception: (13)+4: 17
GAME: Margaret rolls sense motive: (17)+11: 28

A man casually moves through the throng of onlookers, not particularly interested in what is going on. He is heading towards the exit. There are several other people that are heading out of the temple, but it is only this person who seems to be continuing his walk without even taking a glance on what is causing people to gather around a donation bin... (Margaret's sense motive success)

"Hey, you there!" Alas, the guard's already moved off to investigate the exits, so the diminutive priestess doesn't have anyone else handy to help apprehend anyone - everyone else present is a civilian and onlooker. Margaret points directly at the somewhat-too-nonchalant man as she rises to her feet. "Could I have a word with you?" Her tone is carefully neutral... but there's some steel behind the words; she is a priestess, after all, with some experience with authority despite her rather unassuming appearance.

Bahken reacts a little more dramatically, following the priestesses indication, he looks at the man and motions with his hand. The words from his lips radiate power as he sings out, o/~ Hold me now.... Warm my heart... STAY WITH MEEEEE! o/~

GAME: Bahken casts Hold Person. Caster Level: 4 DC: 17

The man continue to head towards the exit. It would appear that he may have not heard Margaret's call, or he simply ignores her. But the guard stationed at the exit point where the person is heading has heard Margaret and slowly move to block the exit. He extends a hand out and gestures for the man to hold. But the man doesn't stop, continuing to walk until the guard presses his outstretched palm at his chest. It is at this point that the man attacks the guard by raising both his hands up and bringing them down together on the guard's arm. The guard is pulled down by the momentum of the blow. The person then quickly rolls over his back and continues walking out of the exit. It is at this point that Bahken acts...

GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (1)+4: 5 (EPIC FAIL)

The man continues to walk forward as if nothing has happened until all of a sudden, he is rooted in place.

GAME: Margaret rolls initiative: Roll: 11 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 12
GAME: Bahken rolls initiative: Roll: 17 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 20
GAME: You roll initiative for Stranger: Roll: 19 + Bonus: +4 = Total: 23

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round One - Init 23.
      It is now Stranger's turn! Bahken is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "The stranger attempts to resist the hold spell..."
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (18)+4: 22
<OOC> Benthus says, "And it manages to do so. It can move next turn."

The Stranger is held in place and it takes every last bit of strength and will from his body to break the hold on him. He manages to do so in the end. It prepares to make its move...

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round One - Init 20.
      It is now Bahken's turn! Margaret is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Bahken ended.
<OOC> Bahken says, "Distance?"
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d6: (2): 2
<OOC> Benthus says, "20 feet."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Crowd in the way?"
<OOC> Margaret says, "... at which point Maggie goes "Sit DOWN." (Command). :P"
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d8: (6): 6
<OOC> Bahken says, "You'll get your turn ;)"
<OOC> Benthus says, "About six normal temple patrons."
<OOC> Benthus says, "Crowd are in the way."
<OOC> Benthus says, "Some of them are going in and other are coming out..."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Hmm.. so if I draw and throw tanglefoot bag, -2 for range +1 for point blank, and +4 his AC for cover from patrons?"
<OOC> Benthus nods. Target the person or the ground?
<OOC> Bahken says, "Tanglefoot unlike Alchemist's fire does not seem to be a splash weapon.."
<OOC> Bahken says, "So person' touch AC"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Roll it."
GAME: Bahken rolls BAB+Dex-2+1: (2)+3+Dex+-2+1: 4
<OOC> Bahken says, "well I don't think it handled dex right but I rolled 2 so... yeah"
<OOC> Benthus says, "One of the patrons unerringly moves into the path of your tangle bag. It explodes on him and fixes him in place."
GAME: Bahken used a Tanglefoot Bag.

Bahken draws out a bag and lobs it at the stranger. SMACK! Someone is stuck to the floor!... Unfortunately its one of the patrons in between Bahken and the Stranger, drawing a curse from the bard's lips.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round One - Init 12.
      It is now Margaret's turn! Stranger is next!
GAME: Note Flat-footed on Margaret ended.
<OOC> Margaret says, "Command! Fall. Makes him lie down and remain prone for a round."
GAME: Margaret casts Command. Caster Level: 6 DC: 15
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (20)+4: 24
<OOC> Margaret says, "Yikes."
<OOC> Benthus says, "It refuses your command."
<OOC> Margaret will be moving up to keep up with 'im, too.

Oh no you don't. "Sit DOWN," says Margaret, pointing at the fleeing person as she stomps after him. There's a curious resonance to her voice; it rings with divine authority. At the edges of the scene, a small child who was busy clearing used candles from the devotional altar suddenly plops down on its butt on the floor from sheer gotta-obey-the-Hearthguardness. The stranger, however... doesn't.

GAME: NEW ROUND!
      Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Two - Init 23.
      It is now Stranger's turn! Bahken is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "The Stranger begins to run at full tilt... (120 feet distance from where he stood in the span of 6 seconds)."
<OOC> Benthus says, "Are you all wearing light armour?"
<OOC> Bahken is!
<OOC> Benthus nods.

The stranger looks at Bahken, a look of recognition on his face. It then bolts at full speed, nimbly avoiding the people in his path by either sliding under them, or somersaulting over them...

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Two - Init 20.
      It is now Bahken's turn! Margaret is next!
<OOC> Bahken says, "Move 30, cast Hold Person again, range is 140 ft"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Cast."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Draw bow as moving"
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (2)+4: 6
GAME: Bahken casts Hold Person. Caster Level: 4 DC: 17
<OOC> Benthus says, "It is held in place again."

Bahken moves forward, unslinging his bow as he steps around the stuck person. Again he reaches out with his free hand, closing a fist as he sings those lyrics again and again the man jerks to a halt as he's held by magical strings, paralyzed there, 110 feet from the bard.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Two - Init 12.
      It is now Margaret's turn! Stranger is next!
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d6: (1): 1
<OOC> Benthus says, "Margaret, you are 130 feet from the suspect."
<OOC> Benthus says, "Action please."
<OOC> Margaret says, "Seriously? Wow, he moves fast."
<OOC> Bahken says, "He ran, his ac should really suck right now."
<OOC> Margaret ... doesn't want to actually hurt him, though. Not in the temple.
<OOC> Bahken says, "I think he's out of the temple..."
<OOC> Margaret says, "Or at the temple grounds. :P"
<OOC> Benthus says, "He would still be in the temple grounds."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Well, I recommend running after him.. if he makes this save he's still burned a full round action this turn."
<OOC> Margaret runrunrun!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Light armour, Margaret?"
<OOC> Margaret says, "Yarp. Mithril chain shirt."
<OOC> Benthus says, "You are 10 feet away from him now. Pose."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Is she 10' ahead of him?"
<OOC> Bahken says, "Oh no, I would be"
<OOC> Bahken says, "Nvm"

Seeing that kind of speed on the mysterious figure can take one aback. Margaret, however, hitches up the front of her robe... and sprints after him. She's got some legs on her, the little priestess. Despite her diminutive size, she manages to almost catch up to him. "Halt!" she pants. "We just - want to - talk to you!"

GAME: NEW ROUND!
      Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Three - Init 23.
      It is now Stranger's turn! Bahken is next!
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (12)+4: 16
<OOC> Benthus says, "It is still held in place."

Once again, the stranger is held in place by magic. Again it tries to resist that which is keeping him in place, but alas, he is not strong enough to do so.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Three - Init 20.
      It is now Bahken's turn! Margaret is next!
<OOC> Bahken says, "Run 120' to 10' ahead"

Bahken sprints dodging around people as best he can, though the path seems clear after the previous two sprinted along, he actually makes it ahead of them both, panting as he holds up his bow aiming back at the attempted escapee.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Three - Init 12.
      It is now Margaret's turn! Stranger is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Margaret, action please."
<OOC> Margaret says, "Ohboy. I'm going to regret this..."
<OOC> Margaret says, "Imma tackle 'im. xD"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Roll CMB"
GAME: Margaret rolls cmb: (20)+4: 24
<OOC> Margaret says, "Haha!"
<OOC> Benthus says, "You manage to grapple him."

It's almost silly. Maggie, short and not very athletic and, well, comparatively light as a feather, leaps on top of the paralysed stranger, grabbing hold of him and bringing them both down onto the ground, trying to hold him in place. "Seriously!" she pants, trying to find a good hold and looking hilariously inexperienced at it. "Just stay still! We don't want to hurt you!" What are you going to do to hurt him, pummel him with your tiny kitten fists?

GAME: NEW ROUND!
      Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Four - Init 23.
      It is now Stranger's turn! Bahken is next!
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (14)+4: 18
<OOC> Benthus says, "Next turn, he can move again."
<OOC> Bahken says, "So question.. does that make him not helpless right now, or 'just before his next turn'?"
<OOC> Benthus says, "As he manages to break the spell at the end of his turn, I would say he is not helpless."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Kay!"
<OOC> Margaret is grapplin'.

The stranger finds somebody tackling him from behind. He could do nothing to prevent this. But he manages to break the spell that has held him in place. Now that he is able to control his movements again. He attempts to make a grab for something under his coat...

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Four - Init 20.
      It is now Bahken's turn! Margaret is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Margaret, you can try to pin him if you like."
<OOC> Margaret says, "Sure. It's going to fail hilariously, but yeah. xD"
<OOC> Bahken says, "I think It's my turn still... drop bow, draw sword as moving 5' and stab the man.."
GAME: Bahken rolls Melee: (11)+4: 15
<OOC> Bahken says, "he's at -4 dex"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Yup, you hit."
GAME: Bahken rolls 1d8+1: (6)+1: 7
<OOC> Benthus says, "You manage to nick him."

Bahken drops his beautiful and super nice bow and draws his longsword as he steps closer, he thrusts it down in the fracas underneath Margaret, and cuts the man, wounding him but only slightly.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Four - Init 12.
      It is now Margaret's turn! Stranger is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Okay, going to pin the man, Margaret?"
<OOC> Margaret says, "Hopefully!"
<OOC> Benthus says, "True. Roll the pin attempt then."
GAME: Margaret rolls cmb: (7)+4: 11
<OOC> Margaret says, "Oh dear."
<OOC> Benthus says, "No pin. Grappled still."

"Hey! We don't want to kill the guy." Also, pointy swords right in the direction of her squishy self are scary. Margaret squirms around like a tiny, angry squirrel, trying to hold the man down with any means necessary - arms, legs... teeth... Alas, she's less than successful. She's not made for wrasslin'!

GAME: NEW ROUND!
      Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Five - Init 23.
      It is now Stranger's turn! Bahken is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "The stranger attempts to break grapple.."
<OOC> Benthus says, "Using escape artist skill..."
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+13: (13)+13: 26

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|   Name   |   Race   |   Class   |E Lev| CHP | HP  | AC |CMD |For |Ref |Wil |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Bahken    |HUMAN     |Bard       |  4  | 28  | 28  | 17 | 17 | 4  | 8  | 5  |
|Margaret  |HUMAN     |Clr        |  6  | 26  | 40  | 17 | 15 | 8  | 4  | 10 |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<OOC> Benthus says, "That beats your cmd, Margaret."
<OOC> Margaret says, "It does, by like 11."
<OOC> Benthus says, "In any case, it attempts to make a run for it again. He moves 30 feet, eliciting AoO from both of you."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Do we count as flanking?"
<OOC> Margaret says, "Wouldn't he still be prone and having to get up from the grapple?"
<OOC> Bahken says, "Grapple doesn't actually make you prone..."
<OOC> Margaret says, "That sounds odd."
<OOC> Benthus says, "Otherwise, the trip feat is not a good feat at all."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Think of it more like 'trapping' wing chung stuff.. or professional wrestling instead of Gracie style BJJ"
<OOC> Margaret says, "Except much, much less graceful and professional-lookin', 'cos Maggie is a profoundly nonathletic cleric. :P"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Hmmm... It would be funny if he were to run with Margaret dangling behind his back."
<OOC> Bahken pictures her jumping on his back from behind and trying to wrap up his arms while beating ineffectively on him
<OOC> Margaret laughs.
<OOC> Bahken says, "Anyway, flanking? She hit him from the back and I hit him from the front"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Roll it."
GAME: Bahken rolls Melee+2: (15)+4+2: 21
<OOC> Benthus says, "And roll wisdom check to remember something."
<OOC> Margaret says, "Have I somehow managed to keep my staff with me?"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Yup."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Oof.. knowledge/local would be easier.."
GAME: Bahken rolls wisdom: (6)+0: 6
GAME: Margaret rolls weapon6+2: (15)+4+2: 21
<OOC> Margaret says, "Whack!"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Roll damages, Bahken."
<OOC> Benthus says, "And Margaret as well."
GAME: Bahken rolls 1d8+1: (7)+1: 8
GAME: Margaret rolls 1d6: (1): 1
<OOC> Benthus says, "He gets hit twice but manages to distance himself from you guys (30 feet, going sideways from both of you, jumping through an open window with his incredible acrobatic skills."

The stranger manages to shakes himself free of Margaret, before attempting to make a run for it again. It is then that he is face to face with Bahken. Again, the look of recognition on the man's face before he changes direction and jumps through an open window. He gets hit as he does so by both Bahken and Margaret...

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Five - Init 20.
      It is now Bahken's turn! Margaret is next!
<OOC> Bahken says, "Dance through the window and grease the floor under him"
<OOC> Bahken has versatile performance dance, so I use that instead of acrobatics
<OOC> Margaret is spectacularly unsuited for chase scenes. xD
<OOC> Bahken says, "and flying whenever I get that"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Cast it."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Want the dance roll too?"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Nope."
<OOC> Benthus says, "I just need the Grease DC."
GAME: Bahken casts Grease. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (16)+10: 26
<OOC> Benthus says, "He maintains his balance."
<OOC> Benthus says, "But the people in the building are slipping and sliding..."
<OOC> Benthus says, "Pose it."

Bahken dances gracefully through the window and then sings out, o/~ Slip slidin away, slip slidin awaaaaay o/~ motioning to the floor. The floor from under the man to five feet ahead turns greasy in a big 10' square, others slip and fall but not this guy.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Five - Init 12.
      It is now Margaret's turn! Stranger is next!
<OOC> Margaret says, "That is one graceful son of a wossname."
<OOC> Margaret says, "Hold Person!"
<OOC> Margaret says, "... after moving to stay near him, as far as my move allows."
GAME: Margaret casts Hold Person. Caster Level: 6 DC: 16
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (14)+4: 18
<OOC> Benthus says, "He manages to resist the spell."
<OOC> Margaret says, "I do believe you've created the slipperiest NPC I've ever seen. And I don't mean just the grease."
<OOC> Bahken says, "We just haven't gotten the rope around him fast enough..."
<OOC> Benthus says, "Make a skill check sense motive again."
GAME: Margaret rolls sense motive: (6)+11: 17
<OOC> Benthus says, "Margaret can sense that the person is heading south of your present location. Roll knowledge/local to see if you can actually intercept him somewhere."
<OOC> Bahken has rope.. I just needed him to fail like.. one more check :P
<OOC> Margaret says, "Hahahyeahno, I'm Myrrish. Not a local. :P"
<OOC> Margaret says, "Also not got the skill."
<OOC> Benthus nods. But I think someone else does --->Bahken.
<OOC> Benthus leaves it to you, Margaret.
<OOC> Benthus says, "Pose when ready."
<pre>

It's not graceful. It's not pretty. It might be cute, if you're into that kind of thing. Margaret scrambles to catch up to the stranger, pausing at the open window - seriously, who jumps through a WINDOW? - and voicing syllables of power. The syllables are "Stop in the name of the Mother!"
They have no effect. The Mother must be busy elsewhere.
Margaret adds, "... he's going south! ... what's south?"

<pre>
GAME: NEW ROUND!
      Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Six - Init 23.
      It is now Stranger's turn! Bahken is next!
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+10: (10)+10: 20
<OOC> Benthus says, "He manages to move out of the greased up area and is heading for the roof of the building..."
<OOC> Margaret says, "Oh."
<OOC> Margaret says, "As in, what can be found there, not what is the direction."
GAME: Bahken rolls knowledge/local: (9)+8: 17
<OOC> Benthus says, "There is a bridge to the south. If he is heading further south, you will find him passing there."
<OOC> Margaret says, "There's bound to be, like, Sentinels, regular guards, all kinds of martially inclined Althean folks, in and around the Temple. What've they been up to while we've been playing Road Runner and the Coyote?"
<OOC> Benthus says, "After the bridge is a commercial district with lots of alleyways. One can easily get lost in that maze of a place..."
<OOC> Benthus says, "Apparently, the sentinels are not where they should be. They must be busy elsewhere."
<OOC> Margaret says, "No Althean cookies for them today. :("

The Stranger rolls on the ground where he landed and continues to sprint even when the floor is made slippery by Bahken's magic. A few of the people who are inside the building with him suddenly begin to loose footing and begin slipping and sliding. The stranger dashes for the stairs heading to the roof...

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Six - Init 20.
      It is now Bahken's turn! Margaret is next!
GAME: Bahken rolls perform/Dance: (10)+12: 22

"There's a bridge to the south, if that's where he's heading, he'll have to take it! Cut him off there!" Bahken says, running after the man. And dancing nimbly over the grease that he doesn't have time to dismiss... He is hot on the mystery man's heels!

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Six - Init 12.
      It is now Margaret's turn! Stranger is next!
<OOC> Margaret will... run towards the bridge. And try to rally people to help stop the guy.
<OOC> Benthus says, "Roll diplomacy, Margaret."
<OOC> Margaret says, "Finally something I'm good at! -- watch me totally flub it."
<OOC> Benthus chuckles.
GAME: Margaret rolls diplomacy: (14)+15: 29
<OOC> Benthus says, "You manage to get the assistance of the locals. Point when the man shows himself (perception check DC10), and they will mob him."
<OOC> Benthus says, "Pose when ready."

"Citizens!" Margaret calls as she breaks off and runs in the direction of the bridge. "There has been a murder in the Temple of the Mother! We need your help in catching the man! He's heading towards the bridge!" She manages, somehow, to shout all this while running. She is SO out of breath. "Please--" Pant, pant, "Please help!"

It just so happens that there are some murderhob-- adventurers are in the area. They are more than happy to lend their assistance to the Althean priestess, knowing that whatever the outcome may be, they are going to get paid for it...

GAME: NEW ROUND!
      Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Seven - Init 23.
      It is now Stranger's turn! Bahken is next!

The stranger gets on to the top of the stairs and rushes out of the door leading to the roof. He is no longer visible at the moment...

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Seven - Init 20.
      It is now Bahken's turn! Margaret is next!
<OOC> Margaret says, "I suppose it does help that Maggie's outfit couldn't look more Althean if she tried. http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/wondrous-items/wondrous-items/c-d/cassock-of-the-clergy"
<OOC> Bahken says, "Still chasing"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Bahken, you lost sight of your target when he dashed out of the door and into the roof..."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Hrm.. so I get onto the roof and don't see anything?"
Bahken says, "Do I have any actions left?"
<OOC> Benthus says, "On the roof, you spot him trying to check the distance between the building he is currently on and the building to the south. He looks at you and decides it is time to jump."
<OOC> Benthus says, "You have a standard action left."
<OOC> Margaret says, "Oh, I forgot the +3 I'd get to Diplomacy for any similarly-aligned or Althean people, from the robe..."
<OOC> Bahken says, "How far's the fall?"
<OOC> Benthus says, "The distance between buildings is 20 feet."
<OOC> Bahken says, "No, I mean.. how many feet UP are we?"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Oh, 20 feet down."
<OOC> Bahken says, "My plan is ready silent image for just before he jumps. Make it Bahken on the other side, waiting to grab him. If he hits it, he gets a roll to disbelieve.. otherwise, let him think I teleported."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Hopefully messing up his jump and sending him 20' down :P"
<OOC> Margaret says, "That'll still leave him 20' down and you 20' up."

Bahken huffs, moving up the stairs and pausing outside. He looks over and sees the stranger on the roof about to jump to another. Sucking in his breath, his hand clutches some fleece from a pouch.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Seven - Init 12.
      It is now Margaret's turn! Stranger is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Okay, you have some guildies with you and they are rearing at the opportunity to trash someone's face."
<OOC> Margaret is running to the bridge, yessiree. Also keeping a sharp eye on the buildings and rooftops and things leading towards the bridge.

Margaret, for her part, looks very grateful for the assistance of her new found friends; she quickly fills them in on the details as they run, pointing out the rooftop the possible killer fled up onto and the direction he might take towards the bridge. "Keep a sharp look-out, please, it's important we not let this guy get away!" Pause. "But, uh, please try not to kill him if you can."

Some of the adventurers seems sad at the thought that they can't kill anyone.

GAME: NEW ROUND!
      Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Eight - Init 23.
      It is now Stranger's turn! Bahken is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "The stranger makes a running jump..."
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+15: (6)+15: 21
GAME: Bahken casts Silent Image. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (5)+4: 9
<OOC> Benthus says, "He makes it to the otherside and believes that Bahken is on that roof top as well."
<OOC> Benthus says, "He searches for a way to get off the roof (His action consumed for the round)."

o/~ Do you see what I see.... o/~ and then suddenly there's Bahken on the other side, waiting for the stranger with his sword out and ready.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Eight - Init 20.
      It is now Bahken's turn! Margaret is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Bahken, the stranger is looking to get off the roof. He does not want to figth you, although he could have already done so."
<OOC> Bahken says, "standard action.. concentrate, move back in the stairs so that he doesn't see the two of us.. Would I be able to tell if Margaret is ready at the bridge?"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Not inside the building, no."
<OOC> Bahken assumes she's not ready then.. Move the image closer to the stranger, trying to back him off the building.
<OOC> Benthus nods.
<OOC> Benthus says, "It gets a save every round, right?"
<OOC> Bahken says, "No saves unless he actually interacts with it, but yeah I'd say a save every time he does. also it makes no sound, smell, and has no texture..."

Bahken focuses to maintain the illusion as he slips back into the hall. Through thought he guides the apparition and its blade closer to the man, trying to back him off the side of the building.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Eight - Init 12.
      It is now Margaret's turn! Stranger is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "Margaret, you are at the bridge."
<OOC> Margaret iiiis... going to Bless the group of adventurers. Because she's a buffy, healy kind of type. Using the Bless charge from her robe which was linked earlier.
<OOC> Benthus says, "The adventurers begin to talk tactics amongst themselves and set up an ambush. They begin to hide from sight..."
GAME: Margaret casts Bless. Caster level: 6 DC: --

While the adventurers prepare, Margaret herself makes herself useful in the most familiar way - by voicing a soft prayer to the Mother goddess, asking her to shine her light on her companions for success in their endeavors. And it works: a gentle luminescence settles over the scene, strengthening the random murderhobos' resolve. "I hope they know what they're doing," mutters Margaret to herself. Then pauses, and adds, "I hope I know what I'm doing, recruiting random people off the street. The mother superior is going to have Words..."

GAME: NEW ROUND!
      Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Nine - Init 23.
      It is now Stranger's turn! Bahken is next!
<OOC> Benthus says, "The stranger make a leap of faith from one corner of the roof in order to avoid the illusion that Bahken has set up..."
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+15: (17)+15: 32
<OOC> Benthus says, "He manages to land on the ground without injuring himself. He continues to run... south."

The stranger blinks as he find Bahken on the other roof. He steps back and nearly falls off the roof. Looking down he realizes that that would not be a good idea. He looks to the left and then to the right. He chooses to go right. He jumps off of the building and manages to land on one vendor's tarp roof and slides down from it. He continues running towards the direction of the bridge...

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Nine - Init 20.
      It is now Bahken's turn! Margaret is next!
<OOC> Bahken says, "let the illusion fade, run and dance after him.."
<OOC> Benthus says, "Jump off the roof too?"
<OOC> Bahken nods
<OOC> Benthus says, "Roll DC20."
GAME: Bahken rolls Perform/dance: (6)+12: 18
<OOC> Benthus says, "Ouch."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Could be worse.. you didn't see what the Huge Xorn did to me"
<OOC> Bahken says, "but I'm prone in addition to damage"
<OOC> Benthus says, "You land on the same tarp roof but you got snagged by one of the poles and hit the ground hard."
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d6: (3): 3
GAME: You damaged Bahken for 3 points of nonlethal. 3 total.

Bahken can do that.. Yeah, why not? He takes a flying leap at the tarp, yep, hit it perfe-ohfu-SLAM! His foot still in the tarp he swings down to land head first on the concrete, could have been worse, but could have been a lot better then ending up with his chin on the ground.

GAME: Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Nine - Init 12.
      It is now Margaret's turn! Stranger is next!
<OOC> Margaret says, "Uhm..."
<OOC> Benthus says, "Margaret, will you be readying an action?"
<OOC> Bahken says, "You can ready a charge"
<OOC> Margaret says, "Hum. Yes. It's an unorthodox use of it, but could I conceivably use Shatter to shred his shoes?"
<OOC> Margaret says, "I mean, if that won't make you fall over, nothing will."
<OOC> Benthus says, "I am afraid that this is not a cinderella man, Margaret. He's not wearing glass slippers."
<OOC> Margaret says, "Oooor... I can just keep a sharp eye out for his approach and signal the adventurers the moment I spot him."
<OOC> Benthus says, "good idea."

Margaret readies an action.

GAME: NEW ROUND!
      Benthus advances the initiative order.
      Round Ten - Init 23.
      It is now Stranger's turn! Bahken is next!
<OOC> Margaret | Alternatively, you can target shatter against a single solid non-magical object, regardless of composition, weighing up to 10 pounds per caster level.
<OOC> Benthus says, "Okay, there is a group of people heading towards the bridge. Margaret, roll perception."
<OOC> Benthus says, "that I did not know, Margaret."
<OOC> Margaret says, "But yeah, signallin'. :D"
GAME: Margaret rolls perception: (13)+4: 17
<OOC> Benthus says, "You spot him. Pose it."
<OOC> Margaret says, "Ooh ooh, can I use Create Water as my signal to soak him to the bones for ease of identification? Because that would be hilarious. :D"
<OOC> Margaret says, "Nevermind, silly idea. :P"
<OOC> Margaret poses!

"There!" Margaret spots the swiftly-running man. "That guy, see him? The one in the pants and the jacket. Runs like he's born to do it. That's the guy!" She has never been good at battlefield jargon, poor thing.

Margaret also points at the stranger, helpfully.

The adventurers spring into action. Chaos ensues as all forms of spells and devices that could render a man immobile is put to use. Tangle bags, bollas, whips, hold spell, and even a web spell. Needless to say, the other people that were walking together with the stranger are caught up in the attack. But the end result is the same. The stranger is caught.

Tied up and dangling from the arms of a giant-born, the stranger is brought before Margaret. "Is this the person you want?"

<OOC> Margaret imagines the scene. Such havoc. Poor civilians. xD
<OOC> Benthus says, "That is what happens if you call for help in a city like Alexandria."
<OOC> Margaret says, "And happen to be someone people would be inclined to help. I imagine Faiza, for instance, might have some more difficulty. Filthy Mul'niessa that she is. :P"

Bahken stands up, dusting himself off as he limps in the direction of the man and the ensuing sounds of chaos. He again shoulders his way through the gathered crowd to get closer.

The stranger avoids looking at anybody in the eyes...

<OOC> Bahken says, "The thought that you might be able to open the temple coffers probably helps.. if only they knew what the donation was today..."
<OOC> Benthus chuckles.
<OOC> Bahken says, "Everyone gets a share!"

"That's the one!" Margaret looks extremely pleased that the stranger was brought in without undue harm. "We're going to have to have a chat, you and I. And possibly some of the Sentinels, too. And the mother superior of the Hearthguards. I don't suppose you have anything to say for yourself?" She's surprisingly mild in tone.

The stranger remains silent...

"No? Well..." The diminutive priestess glances up at the hulking Giantborn holding the stranger securely wrapped up. "Come along, then. We'll get down to business." She gestures in the direction of the Temple of Althea, and adds, "You might want to come along too. I have a feeling you might be interested in whatever he has to say." This in the direction of Bahken.

GAME: Bahken casts Charm Person. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16
GAME: Benthus rolls 1d20+4: (14)+4: 18
<OOC> Benthus says, "Pose casting the spell, Bahken."
<OOC> Margaret says, "Slippery guy."

Bahken watches the man interact with Margaret and tries his own interrogation trick since the combat is done and the man isn't being threatened.. not directly anyway, o/~ Why can't we be friends.. why can't we be friends... o/~ he sings to the man.

<OOC> Margaret says, "I'm sure the Temple has ways of making people talk. Gentle but persuasive ways."

The stranger raises his eyes look at Bahken and says, "Your brother sends his greetings." He is then moved along, carried by the giantborn at the request of the Althean priest. The rest of the adventurers seem to be idling around, suddenly bored and not anymore talkative...

<OOC> Benthus says, "Anywho, this is Bahken's plot, so I'll let him decide on how it should end."

Bahken frowns and nods towards Margaret, moving to follow her. He wonders if he means Manetho.. or a newer brother.. it seems strange, but he might actually prefer Manetho if only because it means there isn't a little bastard sending out hired killers, possibly for him.. Manetho's man... Awful public way to kill him.. sending a message?

<OOC> Bahken says, "Lets the authorities take him and sticks around for the interrogation as long as they let him.."
<OOC> Benthus says, "Roll wisdom again, Bahken. Just for kicks. If you fail then it was meant to be."
GAME: Bahken rolls wisdom: (6)+0: 6
<OOC> Benthus says, "It was meant to be."
<OOC> Margaret says, "I suspect the Althean paladins/guards would have jurisdiction, since the murder took place in the temple."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Same as before, I have only a 10 in wisdom you know :P"
<OOC> Bahken retrieves his bow too :P
<OOC> Bahken says, "should still be on the temple grounds"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Anyway, if the person wanted you dead, Bahken, why didn't he when you both were at the roof top alone? And he never draw out a weapon, even when he could have."
<OOC> Margaret says, "Possibly there's a message in the murder of that sailor."
<OOC> Benthus doesn't know exactly who this person is. His actions were decided by the dice I made to myself.
<OOC> Benthus says, "1 Kill Bahken 2 Do not kill Bahken"
<OOC> Benthus says, "Rolled 2."
<OOC> Bahken says, "lol"
<OOC> Benthus says, "It's weird how stories develop a mind of their own."
<OOC> Benthus says, "... if you let the dice decide what happens."
<OOC> Benthus says, "Thanks for your participation. I'll try to follow up on this story if I can."
<OOC> Bahken says, "Well without more.. my best guess is, he's Manetho's man too. The other was a traitor or a failure, killed publicly as a sign to Manetho's other men.. He knows of Bahken (possibly one of Bahken's father's crew or his brother's own) and without orders to kill his bosses brother he decided against it.. besides, aside from a little light stabbing, Bahken wasn't being super violent either."