PbP Game Thread - Braye's Troubles

[BRP]

(Final day of the 7th month, it is late summer)

It has been ten years since the end of a barbarian invasion that has caused so much damage to the New Kingdoms. Entire nations were burnt to the ground and countless lives were lost. For a town like Braye which managed to survive the chaos, it remains grateful for such a blessing. On the anniversary of the end of the war it holds a festival to remember the lives lost and to appreciate life despite the dark age they live in.

The tradition of the festival was the idea of man named Dentan. It started as something much smaller. He opened a tavern named "One Year" exactly one year since the war had ended. Every anniversary he would change the name of his tavern to match the number of years since. On that day drinks and food would be on the house. This quickly became popular. The church of Pelor and the town council saw this and began to make their own contributions. By the time Dentan's tavern was named "Three Years", the entire town was celebrating on that day.

Now named "Ten Years", the tavern is full with life. The air is clouded with chatter with an occasional drunken cheer. Hours earlier the streets of Braye held a festival, but now that has died down as the sun is about to set and the final portion of the celebrations is coming to an end: a traditional visit to Dentan's tavern for a free drink or bite to eat.

A exhausted, but smiling Dentan, working as barkeeper, leans comfortably against the bar. He's all the more older now a decade has passed, his hair is graying and his face is wrinkled. On the other side sit two men, a half-elf, three dwarves, and one priest. The priest is none other than Noah Cannenbow. Dentan passes Noah a jug of ale. "I don't suppose I should be giving you this, since ya' know... you're a man of faith..." his deep and wise voice says quietly, "But then again, you ain't as uptight as those other guys at central." He is referring the St. Alexander Church of Pelor that sits at the very heart of the town.

In the back three men are gambling with about thirty gold on the table at stake. In their greasy hands they hold five cards. One looks nervous, one looks confident, and one is in a drunken stupor. But loosely watching them from another table alone is the half-dragon ranger only known as Variz. Unknown to him he is also being watched, someone amazed by those two swords he holds at his side. A bald common man pulls up a seat. If he wasn't drunk, he would be much too terrified to approach. "Look at you! I bet you could beat up anyone here... you must be one of them... uh... Paladins!"

Finally, sitting in the darkest corner are three figures: an unnaturally attractive blonde half-elf who is a bit too feminine for his gender, a cloaked, but armored figure, and the devilish tiefling Somoé Ay'Dayeed. "Well, you turned out to be nicer than I've heard. Let's get to the point. There is good news and there is bad news. Starting with bad news, your... father... Del Pourdos, stole something valuable from my employers. And then... he just disappeared! Maybe he is dead, I do not know, but..." his voice is soft and high. He is certainly from somewhere very far from Braye, a city. "They... my employers are firm believers in... bloodlines. They want you to either find your father alive or you return the valuable yourself. A very special little gem."

Spoiler: show

GO!

Okay, well, if you want to ask any questions about the local area you think your character would know I am very willing to answer. And any other questions are fine too, but probably should use the other thread for that.

If I made any glaring errors, do say. I always type these things up when I'm about to pass out.

[Zilong]

Variz was idle in his thoughts, reminiscing on the events that had occurred the past years. The memories of the battlefield still deeply etched in his mind, of the enemies he killed, and of the comrades he lost. In the seemingly short 10 years, he watched as civilizations rebuild from the ashes of the war. His first visit to Braye was when the tavern was still named "One Year". Over the years, he watched as how one man's idea takes hold and become an entire town's celebration.

Naturally, he made it a point not to miss each anniversary, returning to Braye from his travels at the middle of 7th month to share his stories with Dentan, or maybe even help him out with the preparations. If nothing else, it was a night of free drink and food, but most importantly, he was able to observe people of many race and culture celebrates the peace that he had fought to attain. As usual though, his form intimidates other more than he would like it to, and despite of his regular presence on each anniversary, hardly anyone beside drunkards and Dentan would strike a conversation with him. So he would spent the entire night of the anniversary just observing people.

This night was no exception, Variz was watching the progressing card game between the 3 men when the bald man's words snaps him out of his idle thoughts. He looked at the man, and decides to humor him with an answer.

"Well, I'm no knight of Pelor, but as far as beating up people goes, I suppose you could say that I'm a trained professional" Variz replied jokingly.

He then continue watching the ongoing card game, easily noticing one of them pulling a hidden card out of his pocket, like he had been doing the entire game. It wasn't too hard to get past his opponents, as one of them is a complete newbie in the game, while the other is too drunk to even realize how much money he is losing. He would stop the game before the cheater swindled those poor suckers' lifesaving, but he's more interested to see what would happen when the game ends.

Spoiler: show

Well, I hope my passive perception check should be enough to pick up the cheating.

[Maguspk]

Spoiler: show

I didn't know we'd have to write such detailed stuff so I'll try my best, haha. I think spoiler tags are a good idea for the OoC stuff

"Ha, even a man of faith is allowed to have fun, just not too much and not too frequently," Noah kids as he gives a warm smile and accepts the ale. Dentan's words comforted him a bit in knowing that his reputation preceded him, he never wanted to be viewed as an uptight religious man. In truth, he only chose to be a priest because he wanted to return the kindness payed to him as a child by the church. He also viewed it as a great foray into traveling as he could kill two birds with one stone, discover the world around him and help others he might find along the way.

Noah turned around now to view the tavern and find the most promising table for a good time. He almost instantly noticed the hooded figure talking to the tiefling and wondered what business she had with them, it didn't look friendly that's for sure.

Spoiler: show

I figured my insight would let me see they weren't friends and I could approach knowing this.

Being who he is he decides to rudely interrupt figuring he'll either help someone out or overhear something interesting, a win-win situation in his book.

"Looks like the party's over here," Noah remarks as he pulls up a chair to the table and sets his jug down, flashing the half-elf a mischievous smile before realizing it's a man and quickly turns to the hooded figure. He gives the half-elf a nudge and gives a nonchalant point at the hooded figure, "What's with the creepy guy under the cloak of mystery?"

[Bagel]

Somoe gives a pointless but sweet "Ah, I see~" to the half-elf then suddenly pulls Noah aside and addresses him.

"Oh good sir priest, I am glad divine providence has brought thee here! Please you must help me!" she says with wattery eyes and quivering lip. "I fear this... this... elf... *sniff* wants to take me and... and... sell me as a slave *sniff* of the most... impure sort."

She begins quietly sobbing, but glancing at Noah to see how he's received her performance.

Spoiler: show

I stickied the posts with house rules and everyone's character sheets.

To BRP: I'm meeting M.C. Hammer for the first time right? He hadn't contacted me before this on his "quest?"

[BRP]

Spoiler: show

Yeah first time meeting him.

The drunk speaking to Variz suddenly stands up and rises his cup up in the air. "Damn good man!" he cheers to Variz and walks away shambling.

The entire tavern hears a loud growl come the table of Somoe, the half-elf, the cloaked figure, and the new addition of Noah. "What?! Argh!" the half-elf stands and slams his fist on the table. "It's nothing like that! You..." He knocks his chair aside and storms out of the tavern. "You are worst than they say! You know what you must do Somoe!" While exiting he knocks over the drunk that was talking to Variz.

The drunk lays on the ground dazed for a moment, but then stands up and brushes himself off. "Yeah you better run... fairy!" he yells at the door. He looks down mournfully at his spilled ale. "Another please!"

The rest of the tavern watching the incident slowly return to their previous activity. All the while the cloaked armored figure has only moved his head to watch the half-elf exit. "Oh, he left." His voice is deadpan. He turns his head to Noah, then Somoe. "So it has come to this."

Now that his head is raised high, the man's features become visible. His face is made of steel, not flesh. It is as if he is not wearing armor, but is the armor. In place of eyes are glowing green orbs. He has no lips or hair, but a rigid smile and a very thick brow. Both you realize he is a Warforged, gnome-built soldiers with a conscious. "Somoe your father had a contract for my services. I intend to fulfill it despite his disappearance. I was suppose to be the good news."

[Zilong]

The spectacle catches Variz's attention. He had overheard their earlier discussion, he didn't find it too important until the event that just occurred. This piqued his interest, and he decided that maybe he should join in.

He stand up and walked to the table, but on his way, he made a quick stop on the gaming table, pats the confident man on his shoulder and whispered.

"Better watch your move, pull that kind of trickery on this place one more time, and you'll be the secret ingredient of this house's special stew"

He then continued in his way to the table with the priest, tiefling, and the newly revealed warforged.

"Hmm, a priest, a half succubus, and a mechanical man sitting in a bar, I don't believe I've heard of that one" he joked as he pulled a seat.

"Too bad the fairy left, I'm sure that would have been a great comedy, but I can't help overhearing that last conversation." as he sat down

He looked at Somoe and asked "I don't suppose you too have a good-for-nothing father making your life a bit harder than it could have been?"

[Bagel]

"Oh if only you knew! I was abandoned by my father as a child and now am left all alone and forced to atone for his crimes. Whatever shall I do!"
She continues sobbing dramatically.

[Maguspk]

Caught up in the events Noah is a bit flustered but regains his composure expertly and calmly addresses Variz, "I'm not sure of the particular details but this Tiefling here appears to need help and it looks like she has an interesting friend willing to lend his hand. I'm always up for a good time and I was headed out tomorrow anyway. Where exactly are you headed..." his face distorts to a quizzical expression briefly as he turns his head towards Somoe, "what's your name little Tiefling?"

[Zilong]

"I guess you can start by telling us what that man wanted you to do"

Spoiler: show

Should I run a motive/insight check to find out if she's telling the truth?

[Bagel]

My name is Somoe Ay'Dayeed, daughter of Del Pourdos the rogue. Apparently that man wants me to find either my father himself or a gem that he stole.

Spoiler: show

Would there be some sort of skillcheck I could do to know more about this gem?

[BRP]

Spoiler: show

Prefer to keep player vs player rolls to a minimum. Let's have your character decide how trusty worthy Somoe is based on the response.

EDIT:

Spoiler: show

Forums were a bit laggy there. Hmmmm. History will do.

Before the Half-Elf began talking about good news and bad news, he said he was working as a messenger for a group known as the Lost Ones.

Spoiler: show

You can make a History check to see what you know about them.

"I did not know the man. I was looking for your father, but I had very little to go on. This man found me. I think it is because he was looking for your father as well and was able to trace our contract to me. He said he had a lead, so I joined him." The Warforged voice remains slow and understandable. "If we are on introductions, my name is Hammer."

[BRP]

Spoiler: show

Rolls should go in spoilers. You shouldn't need to register. Just pick a name you will always use. I guess it wouldn't hurt to search if it has been used before

[Bagel]

Spoiler: show

History Check

1d20+9=26

[BRP]

The Lost Ones are an organization that collects relics, magic items, and valuables from bygone eras. They have strong political allies and alliances with many trading groups and mercenary bands. They are highly respected in public, but there are rumors of very shady practices. Among these rumors, thievery, blackmail, and murder are the most frequently discussed. The Lost Ones have been around for almost an entire century cementing themselves within the history of the New Kingdoms. Finally, they are based in cities in the North.

Spoiler: show

Btw, you nailed it. Goddamn

[Bagel]

"So won't you noble gentlemen please help a poor defenseless girl track down her father and this stolen gem? Mr. Hammer, it goes without saying that this goes along with what you were trying to do."

Spoiler: show

going to be heading out in a bit I think for RL stuff

[Zilong]

Variz's light expression turned serious upon hearing Somoe's explanation.

"Sounds like a really dangerous group of people you're dealing with here" he told Somoe.

"My name's Variz, pardon the late introduction"

"Well, with the festival ending, I suppose I don't have any reason to stick around here, I guess I could lend you a hand on your quest"

[Maguspk]

Noah wraps his arm around Variz's neck and cheerfully says, "Well it looks like it's settled, I can't pass up an opportunity like this it sounds way too exciting, you can count me in too."

Spoiler: show

Going out with some friends so I'll be gone for the night too, I can't wait until we head out and start fighting shit. This is gonna be so fun ><

[BRP]

Spoiler: show

You guys can come and go as you like, that's the beauty of Pbp. A 30 minute confrontation can be split over any amount of time depending on schedules.

We are not finished with the tavern yet.

The atmosphere is shattered once again as the front door of the tavern is slammed shut. A skinny, pale balding man leans his back against the door as if trying to prevent something from entering. He is out of breath and looks crazed with fear.

Dentan rolls his eyes and asks with an annoyed tone, "What jokes and lies will you be telling us now Westly?"


"Something ba-" the man attempts to say before the door rips right off its hinges and collapses on top of him.


Walking on top of the busted door and Westly are four armored and sword wielding Hobgoblins. Each step they take on the door is accompanied with a "crack" sound. One of them shouts "Show them what you got boys!" in a very harsh voice.

The three others take swings at other patrons. One misses a bar wench by a hair and another flips a table over. The man that was previously talking to Variz attempts to whack the fourth one with his cup. His wrist is caught by the hobgoblin and the would-be victim stabs him in the throat. He falls to the ground a bloody and dead mess. A bar wench screams at the sight.

Spoiler: show

Roll initiative.




Please don't make any actions yet. Normally you would either write up your turn or just post initiative and wait until your friends go first, but for now just post your initiative and maybe a few spoken words at most.

The reason is I have to post the battle map. I haven't really detailed the situation or location enough for you guys to know how to react, so just wait until I can do that. I'll be posting the map, with your representing tokens either late tonight or early tomorrow. Which fits nicely since you guys have to go apparently. Anyway, if you end up posting your initiative after I post the map none of this applies.

I've been waiting for these guys to bust in, so when Magus said he can't wait to go out and fight something, it made me lol a little.


EDIT: Also Bagel, you roll Hammer's initiative.

[Zilong]

Variz placed his hands on the hilt of his swords, and begin sizing up his would-be-opponents.

"Dentan!" he shouted "get everyone out the backdoors, and hope you don't mind me causing a bit of a mess here"

He then looked at everyone on the table and gestured them to take action.

Spoiler: show

Are we surprised? Also would we have our implements and weapons drawn when entering this encounter? In my case, during combat, would I be able to draw both of my weapon with a single minor action as a Two handed ranger, or would I still have to spend 2 minor actions drawing both

Initiative: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1700595/