Fury Road PT 1
The meeting place is quiet, as it was meant to be. The affair being of some delicacy, certain 'interested parties' went to the guild for an apolitical solution. The contact, a matronly Khazadi woman who is waning into the twilight years, looks at what the Adventurer's Guild has afforded her for the situation. She frowns for... reasons, but begins once the alloted bodies have arrived, "Greetings, adventurers." she starts, "You may be wondering why it is you have been sent here. There is to be a diplomatic visit on behalf of the Khazadi Royal Family soon. There are... indications, that a splinter of what remains of the Iron Tide, the brigands, are intending to attack the delegation on Alexandrian soil. I am certain you can appreciate the sort of diplomatic catastrophe that would ensue should they succeed."
Quicksilver nods gravely at diplomatic implications. "That would be bad," he agrees. "However, have no fear, we will prevent the catastrophe. We are the brave sould of the Guild, here to triumph over the forces of evil." He seems quite confident of this.
Victor looks at the Khazad for a moment before nodding. "Can you explain more about the delegation? Are they travelling by foot? Or wagon? Are their guards or warriors among them?"
Sitting in a darkened corner the small Gnome fiddles with some device then glances up. "What?" He blinks a few times through his goggles then nods slowly. "Yes, yes, anihilate the enemy." Shifting in his seat Disaster gets comfortable. "This will be an excellent oportunity to proove Gnomeish genius and our love for our brothers the Khazadi people."
"I dont know any royal khazadi." Kaydin says as he as he strings his bow and begins to look to the others. "With luck I may be able to hit something. These past few days I been unable to hit my target." He says calmly.
"There is a wagon, with escort. We do not know the sort of resources the Tide has to bear on the delegation, and our sending a larger escort could increase... other tensions." The yet unnamed woman explains to the Golem. The man's words are met with a wan smile, though those of the gnome steal the show for a moment. With a granny-worthy arching of an eyebrow, she considers the inventor briefly then, "While I do not believe the Iron Tide need to live any longer than they already have, it would behove us to capture some so that we may wring the locations of their brothers from them. We have no idea how far this plot, if it even has that level of depth to it, extends."
Quicksilver smiles to Kaydin, and says encouragingly, "Have no fear! If not today, then tomorrow. You've risen above challenges to get here. One more will be child's play!" The man seems a bit unkempt for his level of optimism. He nods at the dwarvish woman, and says, "Tell us where to go and who to meet, then? And we shall perform with grace and elegance."
"Recovery of living assets can be difficult and difficulty can mean a higher cost." The Gnome states then continues. "Supplies, equipment, wear and tear, collateral damage." He motions over his shoulder with his right hand to the haft of his death ray that is slung across his back. "I will try to accomadate your wish." He grins then and rubs his little hands. "So when do we get started, Tides are are just water, Iron rusts, and a wise Gnome can use both to make something better."
Victor nods in agreement. "The sooner we reach the delegation, the better. I am ready to depart now, in fact."
"I can track with the best of them." Kaydin says as he watches the various people. He looks to the golem and then looks to the gnome. "You will try? Losers whine about trying their bests. Winners go home and fuck the bar wench."
"We don't have an exact identification of who you must deal with. What information we -do- have indicates there are several of the Iron Tide in the town of Tref. They should have more detailed information." the Dwarf replies, "You will be compensated on completion of the mission by the Guild directly, plus an additional stipend to remember that you are merely concerned citizens, and I was never here."
Victor looks thoughtful. Well, maybe. It's hard to tell because barely changes beyond a slight tilt of the head. "Tref? My understanding is Tref is a town of refugees. It may be difficult to identify unusual behavior or who does not belong. Perhaps if we set up observation points to watch for armed groups leaving the city..."
Quicksilver says to Victor, "On the other hand, the town is mainly Arvek. A dwarf will be out of place. And we can ask the locals who's new and who's been around for a while." He suggests, "In fact, we can probably ask one of the town reps who's new and loitering."
GAME: Quicksilver rolls diplomacy: (3)+9: 12 GAME: Victor rolls perception: (14)+6: 20 GAME: Disaster rolls perception: (19)+2: 21 GAME: Kaydin rolls perception: (4)+10: 14 GAME: Quicksilver rolls perception: (18)+6: 24
The road to Tref is still new, but reasonably well travelled, what, with all the supplies and other sorts headed that way. No undue wildlife attacks, the worst being some mosquitoes and a horsefly, but even the weather cooperated with the band's travel.
The Town of Tref is still in the young stages, though with such a large Arvek population, it has a certain order, despite.
A middle aged couple approach the group and introduce themselves as representing what management the town has available, and, while dubious at first, eventualy tell the Tsuran that, yes, there have been a number of folks coming and going the last few days, with a sort of off demeanor to them, but they weren't in a position to turn anyone away in these trying times. Some rough descriptions of a couple of Dwarves and some humans are given, as well as a request that whatever this matter is, it's handled quietly.
While everyone notices one of the supply wagons is riding a little too low for one of that style, three are able to find assorted hidden compartments hidden in it's belly. One, Quicksilver, finds a stray thread of an unusual orange hue.
Quicksilver shows the others the unusual orange thread. He has no idea what to make of it, but at least everyone can think about it now. He'll ask the wagon driver where he's headed with such a heavy load.
"Handle it quietly? You mean that when bandits try and use a town to attack nobles, we do things as loudly as possible." Kaydin asks as he watches everything else and goes back to searching for stuff.
Victor examines the thread as well, but doesn't seem to recognize it. While Quicksilver talks to the driver Victor himself circles slowly and at a discreet distance to look at it from different sides. He pauses each time he spots what he feels confident is a hidden compartment, then finally completes his circle and ends up at Quicksilver's side again.
GAME: Disaster rolls Craft/Alchemy: (5)+10: 15 GAME: Kaydin rolls knowledge/nature: (4)+7: 11 GAME: Victor rolls knowledge/nature: (14)+9: 23
The little Gnome trundles around as everyone is busy searching and finding things. He of course finds something much more important. "This axel is going bad." He states simply then gasps. "These hinges are on improperly!" He swings one of the hidden compartmants open and close. "Here the thud-thock?" The Gnome looks disgusted. "That's the sound of the hinge not having enough space to travel, it's lifting against the face of the wagon. Which is going to make it push the nails out and it will fall!" Disaster stomps his feet. "Horrible worksmanship, absolutely terrible. Must be Goblin." Then there is a pause as the orange fiber is drawn out. The little Gnome trundles over.
"Oh, that seems to be iron oxide and some plant based extract formed into a dye. Highly unsual, very expensive. Totally uneconomical." Says Disaster.
"Probably cotton." Kaydin says as he looks at the fiber and he turns to the others and watches their reactions. The gnome's reaction gets a smirk out of him. "And here I thought the Khazad were master crafters." He says as he watches the gnome.
The townspeople, elders, councilors(?) looks stunned, even aghast as Kaydin makes his outburst, which also results in a murmur amongst the refugees around the group, hushed at first, but growing more intense."THat's your idea of QUIET?" the wife demands.
The wagoneer replies, "I was hired to bring supplies to aid the-" and he twists to look down as he hears the gnome tinkering with the compartments, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU-?" He blinks, stunned, "... what the hell...?" He holds up his hands, "Sirs, I swear by any Gods still listening, that I was just hired to bring this wagon here, then take it back tomorrow."
Quicksilver arches a brow, and says, "If that's the case, you'll need to tell us who hired you."
Victor turns his head slowly to look at the councilors. "Such hidden compartments would likely be used for smuggling." And then he glances at the driver. "If you don't know of what is inside, would you object to our opening it to see?"
GAME: Disaster rolls perception: (2)+2: 4 GAME: Victor rolls perception: (18)+6: 24 GAME: Quicksilver rolls perception: (14)+6: 20 GAME: Kaydin rolls perception: (10)+10: 20
"My hand.." The little Gnome stares at his left hand, his perception of the world so sharp he becomes lost in the little swirls and callouses. "It is so big." Disaster murmurs. "All the things I put in it."
Quicksilver uhms, "I think this is what we were supposed to be doing onesy-twosies, but happening all-at-once-sies."
Victor takes in the refugees moving towards them, and then casts a quick glance at one other that seems to be moving with just as much purpose, only away from them. He positions himself between the potential enemies and the rest of the party. "Keep an eye on that one," he points at the refugee who appears to be fleeing. The he begins casting a defensive spell.
GAME: Victor refreshes spells. GAME: Victor casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 4 DC: 16
Kaydin looks to the various people as they seem to come closer and closer. He pulls an arrow and nocks it. "I think we are about to have company." Kaydin says as he raises his longbow and watches the goings on intently.
Quicksilver will draw his dragonspitter at the last moment, remembering that he's bought this stylish accessory for just such an encounter.
"Of course, sirs." the wagonner agrees, dropping the reins to the golem, "I'm an honest man." before holding his hands up again.
The councilors or, whatever they are, turn to try and calm the crowd with, "Please, everyone, remain calm, I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation, everything is under..."
"THE TIDE RISES!" bellows one of the 'refugees' moving toward the group with a fist raised and a short blade in his hand. "RISE!" comes a chorus of four more humans, similarly armed. Sure enough, well behind a gaggle of folks is a human moving straight and sure toward... something. Meanwhile, those other refugee? Once weapons come out they scatter like leaves in the wind.
GAME: Quicksilver rolls 1d20+6: (13)+6: 19 GAME: Quicksilver rolls 1d8: (6): 6
Quicksilver draws his dragonspitter with a flourish completely unhindered by skill, and he cocks back the hammer with a thumb. "Stand and deliver!" he calls out, even though it's just him firing, and he draws a bead on one of the attackers. This close, it's not a tough shot, and the weapon lets off a huge BANG and a cloud of smoke, and one of the enemy is now bleeding and injured. "Take that!" he cries.
GAME: Kaydin rolls weapon1: (11)+5: 16 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+3: (5)+3: 8 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+3: (19)+3: 22 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+3: (17)+3: 20 GAME: Strike rolls 2d6+1: (4)+1: 5 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+3: (3)+3: 6 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+3: (15)+3: 18
The bandits emerge from the crowd just in time for one of the adventurer's to plug him with a gun, and he cries out in pain, but he staggers the last few steps and flails ineffectually at his near-killer. Meanwhile, his pal sidesteps and smoothly thrusts his short sword into the gunman with a triumphant, "HA! That for tyrants!" Another, eyes wild, charges the golem, only to swing at butterflies only she can see. The fourth tries his luck with the Artificer, his blade skating along the contours of the Gnome's armor to little real effect, while the last manages to huff and puff his way alongside the wagon the archer stands upon, being threatening.
And down the way, the guy in the distance with an arrow stuck in his tunic looks back toward the sniper and continues running.
GAME: Disaster rolls 1d20+4+1: (18)+4+1: 23 GAME: Disaster rolls 1d6+3: (2)+3: 5 GAME: Victor rolls weapon5-1: (2)+7+-1: 8
"Aaah!" Disaster exclaims as the short sword snips a few hairs on his beard and dinks off some of the metal bits on his armor. Falling back, he bounces once onto his back then dexterously scrambles to his feet. The motion also helping him draw his deathray which hums to life as the motion also charges the cylinder. "I believe this is not your optimal instance. May you have a beneficial reincarnation! Or just fry like.." ZRRAAAAP! The Death fires early, sending a bolt of electrical energy hammering into his opponent's chest. ".. oh. I forgot the safety was not installed."
Victor briefly sized up his attacker. "I recommend you surrender. We seek to capture, not to slay you." He swings a fist but it falls well short. "...eventually," he adds.
GAME: Quicksilver rolls 1d20+8: (9)+8: 17 GAME: Quicksilver rolls 1d6+2: (5)+2: 7
Quicksilver ows as he is stabbed. He drops the dragonspitter and draws his rapier, defending himself and striking at the attacker who he's already shot. He figures it's best to take out enemies completely rather than get everyone all upset. He thrusts his rapier between the fellow's ribs and he goes down. "Take that! Thus to the enemies of Alexandria! Thus to the wicked!"
GAME: Kaydin rolls athletics: (17)+5: 22 GAME: Kaydin rolls weapon1: (20)+5: 25 (THREAT) GAME: Kaydin rolls weapon1: (16)+5: 21 GAME: Kaydin rolls 3d8: (17): 17
Kaydin climbs along the supplies and tries to avoid tripping before managing to nail it and fire a shot. The arrow flies and sticks the man right in the back. Kaydin grunts to himself as the arrow hits and he turns to deal with the homicidal maniac at his feet.
GAME: Strike rolls 1s20+3: (1)+1s20+3: 4 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Strike rolls 1s20+3: (17)+1s20+3: 20 GAME: Strike rolls 1d6+1: (1)+1: 2 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+3: (8)+3: 11 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+4: (7)+4: 11 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+3: (8)+3: 11
First to bleed, first to fall. Tidey number one slides off the rapier blade like it was oiled and falls flat on his back, while his partner, brother, something, shouts "Yewi! NOooo!" he turns, full of new purpose but misses with his furious swing, his sword spinning off somewhere overhead. Don't worry, someone will catch it. The woman braving the Golem's wrath evades the fist and scoffs, "Ha! Bold words for a-!" and thrusts into the wrong timezone and blinks abashedly, "lap..dog...?" Meanwhile, the last manages to clambor up onto the wagon to take a swipe at Kaydin, but to no more effect than the others so far.
Down the way, now that the civvies have cleared out, the last human is on his knees and face with an arrow sticking out of his back and, with a groan he tries to will his limbs to move again. That HURT!
GAME: Disaster rolls 1d20+4+1: (3)+4+1: 8 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+3: (19)+3: 22 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+3: (19)+3: 22 GAME: Strike rolls 2d6+1: (12)+1: 13
"One moment while I put this on." Disaster produces a small metal stud he starts to fix to his weapon. Producing next a slim tool and a simple punch he starts afixing the safety to the weapon's length. Unfortunately the weapon then discharges, even more unfortunately it doesn't hit the opponent as the bolt of lighting wiffs through the air. He however doesn't miss Disaster as the short sword impales deeply into the little Gnome's body who squeeks and gurgles in response.
GAME: Victor casts Scorching Ray. Caster Level: 4 DC: 17 GAME: Victor rolls 4d6: (11): 11 GAME: Victor rolls ranged: (16)+6: 22 GAME: Quicksilver rolls 1d20+8: (12)+8: 20 GAME: Quicksilver rolls 1d6+2: (4)+2: 6
Victor recognizes Disaster's voice, but the tone and manner is new to the golem. He glances back at the gnome, and a tiny crease appears on his forehead. "Excuse me a moment," he says to the woman he's fighting, stepping away. He then chants a few words in the arcane language. A fiery ray streaks across and singes into the Tider threatening Disaster. Then Victor turns back to the woman evenly. "Shall we continue? Or will you re-consider surrender...?"
Quicksilver raises his blade and flicks the worst of the blood from it, and turns on the fellow that stabbed him. "Now," he says, "you will regret the mistakes you've made in your life. Have at you!" He levels the rapier and thrusts, wounding the fellow, though not badly enough to take him out of the fight.
GAME: Victor rolls intimidate: (13)+0: 13 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20-1: (15)+-1: 14 GAME: Quicksilver rolls intimidate: (6)+7: 13 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20-1: (18)+-1: 17 GAME: Kaydin rolls athletics: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Kaydin rolls reflex: (18)+6: 24 GAME: Quicksilver rolls 1d20+8: (8)+8: 16 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+1: (7)+1: 8 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+3: (13)+3: 16 GAME: Strike rolls 1d6+1: (6)+1: 7 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+2: (10)+2: 12 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+3: (16)+3: 19 GAME: Strike rolls 1d6+1: (1)+1: 2 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20: (2): 2
"I seen whatcha done t'my friend!" Tidey 2 cries indignantly, and braves the man's rapier to take a chance at punching him.... and misses by a country mile. The young woman staring down the golem seems momentarily less sure of herself, then, "We have to set things right!" and she STABS Victor for all she's worth! The last, smelling a winner(mostly because he hasn't noticed how things are going for his pals) jumps down with a triumphant, "A-ha!" and slashes at the archer, drawing a (very)little bit of precious blood, "Have at you!"
Meanwhile, the guy with the arrow in his back decides to just... keep doing that for a little longer.
GAME: Disaster rolls Heal: (1)+6: 7 (EPIC FAIL)
"Aaaah, oww! AAAH!" Disaster rolls around on the ground from the brutal stabbing he took as his opponent is torched with a scorching ray. Finally rolling to his knees Disaster sees the man dying on the floor. "No! We were supposed to take survivors." Quickly he hobbles over on his knees and begins applying life saving measures. Unfortunately he uses his punch, a screw driver and a pair of pliers. The ensuing surgery sends fluids, bits of flesh and other fluids flowing about the area. Until mercifully the man finally gives up and dies either from his injuries or the horrific torture Disaster preformed on. "Oh no. He's dead!" The small Gnome blinks a few times. "Oh wait, I'm on his right side, I should have been doing this all in the other direction."
GAME: Victor rolls weapon5-1: (20)+7+-1: 26 (THREAT) GAME: Victor rolls weapon5-1: (18)+7+-1: 24 GAME: Victor rolls 2d4+12: (5)+12: 17 GAME: Quicksilver rolls 1d20+8: (5)+8: 13
Victor feels the sword blade piercing his innards. It's the most pain he can recall feeling, and for a moment he forgets their goals and shoves his own fist into the woman's abdomen. There is a sickening crunching sound and the Iron Tide member folds over his fist. Victor looks surprised and the lowers his hand, the woman sliding to the ground. "I did not...mean to..." he seems unable to continue.
Quicksilver hahs as he turns on one of the remaining survivors, and he thrusts with his rapier. Alas, he scores a hit on the fellow's armor, his blade flexing rather than piercing. Curses, foiled again. Or is it rapiered again?
GAME: Kaydin rolls weapon1+1: (17)+5+1: 23 GAME: Kaydin rolls 1d8: (2): 2
Kaydin takes a few feet step back. He then draws his bow, nocks it and fires at the man, watching it hit in his shoulder. "You should surrender. I don't think it would be in your best interest to remain alive once my friends come to help me."
GAME: Strike rolls 1d20-1: (16)+-1: 15 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20-1: (19)+-1: 18 GAME: Quicksilver rolls 1d20+8: (1)+8: 9 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Quicksilver rolls dex: (17)+dex: 17 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+1: (6)+1: 7 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20-1: (11)+-1: 10 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20+3: (14)+3: 17 GAME: Strike rolls 1d6+1: (5)+1: 6 GAME: Strike rolls 1d20: (7): 7
Tidey two, sensing his chance, takes another swipe at Quick, the mishandling of the rapier filling his heart with courage! And, as he misses utterly agaun, he finally slumps to his knees with a wracked sob of defeat.
Kaydin's assailant, still clueless of how horribly, horribly bad things have gone for his cohorts, takes another piece out of the archer, laughing mockingly at his warning, "You can't stop our righteous ambitions!"
Meanwhile... whilst feebly curling his fingers almost around the arrow in him, the last human murmurs something feeble and flops to his side.
GAME: Disaster rolls 1d20+4-3: (15)+4+-3: 16 GAME: Disaster rolls 1d6+4: (4)+4: 8
Covered in blood the Gnome stands up. "He's dead!" Putting down the pliers and wrench he tried to save the life with he lifts up his death ray and turns it on the enemy. Seeing one pressuring Kaydin Disaster raises the weapon. "Surrender!" When none is forth coming. "Very well I will shoot you in the leg so you .." ZRRAAAAP, the weapon misfires again, the bolt of lightning searing through the attacker's skull. "Oh, oh dear, maybe he's alri..." Then the skull catches fire and begins to sink in on itself deflating like a balloon. ".. oh."
GAME: Kaydin rolls heal: (6)+8: 14
Kaydin begins to walk over to the man he got earlier with an arrow and pulls the arrow out gently before treating the injury to the best of his ability. "You mind telling us why someone in armor is running away from brigands?" He asks as he tries to help the man onto his feet.
In the aftermath of the confrontation, a young man, so brave and sure, is now a broken wreck on his knees, sobbing in defeat. Another, while not critically wounded, knows how clearly that could have been mortal and decides to quit while he's ahead looks the man who shot him in the eye, "Sure, I'll tell you whatever you wanna know."