The Sheraton Tara - move 3

It is just past when 1:30 in the morning when the halfling moans. He is alive. The poison no longer ripping through his system.

Voss nods in the direction where Q'wyn just vanished, "As my traveling companion Q'wyn is off with a companion of a different sort, Alion and I arrange a room across the hall or next door. With what we've all been through, I agree we should l stay close this night. United we stand..."

He ponders for a moment.

"Unless anyone has other arrangement ideas? Do they have rooms here for a whole group such as us?"

Alion looks toward the doorway, "As Stones said, we could always just stay here." He gestures toward the room.

Radegast looks around the room. It is a bizarre room when you really think about it. An injured halfling, a fat man and a young boy huddled together behind a table, and three heavily armed giants of men.

“I have to agree with Alion. I think it best if as many of us stay here as possible. If there is anyone gifted in the arts of traps and gadgets, perhaps he should check around this room for hidden passageways, or other ways into the room. These old castles are full of secrets. And if we can bar the door, I also think that is best. Or at least move some heavy furniture in front of the door.”

He pauses, looking over his companions, one by one.

“We are facing a short night of sleep, if we get any at all. The priesthood runs the town here, and many of the towns along this road. We really have no place to go that they cannot find us. And they are looking for us, of that you can be certain. The only way for us to get out from under their claws will be to cut the head off the beast itself, and that will take us back to the temple at the graveyard. So the closer we are to the temple, the better. "

Ronak The Fat Man winces at the words.

“The only other certainty… they know where we are, and they are coming for us. Staying here is as good as staying anywhere else at this point. Either the priests or the town watchmen will come for us, be it within the hour, or sometime in the night, but before the sun rises, we will be cornered here within these high castle walls. So we best be prepared.”

He looks to Voss. “Would you be so kind as to make a few quick rounds of this floor. I think we need to see about finding several ways up and several ways down. They will come fast and hard, and when they do, I hope against hope that they won’t take the time to cover all our exits.”

Voss replies, "Aye. That I can do. I'll scout the floor and see what I can see."

Voss picks up his two long swords, sheaths them, then exits out the door into the hallway.
Radegast walks to the window, and flips the catch, pushing open the glass panes. He looks down to determine how far to ground.

“Does anyone have a rope? We might want to see what we can get it tied to in case I am wrong and we end up boxed in here. It would be wise to plan a way down, if all else fails. Also, we will need to figure out a way to get this one down,” he says, gesturing towards the prone form of Elbeneth.

He turns to Stones. “Please stay here with us tonight, warrior-priest. You are powerful and work with old magics. We won’t make it out of here alive without your help.”

Radegast's fatigue clear on his face. He sets his mug down on an end table. “I apologize for my silence earlier. I have many demons from my younger days that often occupy my thoughts. But I assure you, I am here with you now, and will do what I can to make sure we all make it out of this alive.”

He gestures towards the keg. “Please, drink what you will. But be wary. The brew is strong, and you will find it a sorry ally if the fight comes sooner than the morning sun. Please excuse me, I need to speak with the woman and her Dwarf.”

He moves toward Inara’s bedroom door. He gives the door a brisk rap. “It is Radegast. I need to speak with you before you retire.”

The door opens, Radegast disappears inside. A few minutes later he exits the door - whatever conversation they had is for their ears only.

Thirty seconds after Radegast's re-appearance, Remsfeld the dwarf exits Inara's room. He goes to the keg, takes a remaining cup, and pours himself a cup wordlessly.

He takes a deep gulp, his eyes glistening with pleasure. It is about as happy as a dwarf will ever look. He reaches into his cloak, takes out a gold piece.

"For respect" He puts the gold piece next to the keg. It is an old dwarven custom more everyone knows about. If a dwarf liks a drink a dwarf leaves a token of respect for the brewer.

Remsfeld then disappears back into Inara's room. The door thuds with a loud slam.

Ronak the Fat Man looks about. He has not been more than two feet from the boy the entire time. He reaches forward, picking up the bastard sword. "I will happily do my part to help."

Ronak looks toward Brin, "Though YOU will stay hidden and quiet."

About 15 minutes later Voss returns. He is not even breathing heavy.

"All quiet on the Tara front," he says. The floor below us seems to house traditional guests, though I heard nothing from within them. But the floor above is a long long doorless corridor of war murals carved intricately into the rock face.

"I checked as best I could for secret passages, but found none. Where the hall ends, I do not know. Perhaps more secluded accommodations than we ourselves have or could afford."

"I'm willing to head back up if anyone's up for joining me. Otherwise, while this room is defensible, other than the windows, I don't like being cornered like this. Are the windows a viable escape route?"

Radegast studies the mental map Voss paints for the group.

Radegast's finally speaks.

“While the upper hallway interests me, I don’t believe snooping much further and risking alienating the hotel staff which currently serves as our only, albeit thin, buffer against priestly incursions, is the best way to proceed. The windows are an option, but only if we have about 150 feet of sturdy rope. We can send one down, then lower Elbeneth with a bowline knot, then send the rest of the party down one by one, but it will take time, be pretty dangerous for the last person to climb down, and for each person escaping, the remaining party is more and more at risk. In other words, it’s doable, but not a great option. I think, if you remember the hallway we came up to reach here, just past the spiral staircase, there is a choke point where only one man can pass at a time. If necessary, I can hold that choke point while the rest of the party escapes down the rope, and then I can join you on the ground if someone is handy with a bow, and arrow, and some well-timed insults. I’ll explain more if it comes to that."

Stones and Voss nod in agreement. Understanding enough to let Radegast keep speaking.

“Inara seems to have full confidence that we will be fine here for the night, but I think caution is best. We should post one scout outside the doorway, within sight of the spiral staircase, so we can mark all comers and hear if a party larger than one or two approaches. We can take shifts. If we all agree, I can take the first watch. Do we have a second? "

Stones nods along while listening to both men.

"I can mask the room I silence so no one can hear us. I can also lock the door so that none may pass through unless they break it down, or of they are an extremely skilled lock pick. Either way, awake or asleep I would know the moment the door was breached. But you are right, a man awake is better than any spell. I will take the second watch. We should gather our rope just in case and secure it to the table that is bolted to the floor."

Within minutes you are getting rope together, tying it securely to the table.

As he gets the ropes together Stones speaks, "--And I can also make a portal that will take us from this room directly to the temple...but I lack the gold and components needed...perhaps Inara...well, as you say, we shouldn't tread upon the hospitality being shown to us..."

It is now 2 AM. People lie down on the floor to rest. Ronak the Fat Man acts as a giant sofa of sorts for Brin.

Radegast takes first watch. His two hours are uneventful.

It is now 4 AM.

Stones takes the second watch. Toward the end of his watch one of the damndest sites ever greets him in the hallway.

Qwyn appears at the edge of the hallway. He is sprinting toward Stones, he yells out a quick yell, "Everyone up, We've got company and lots of it!!!"

When Qwyn finally gets into the light - there are stones permanently lit aligning the walls to give off light - Stones notes that the tiefling is half dressed. Covering his lower half are two towels that have been tied together in some sort of loin cloth.

As Qwyn comes to a halt the loincloth falls to the floor.

Half-naked tiefling bearing bad news.

It is now 5:45 AM. It is still pitch black out save for the waning moon light.

Notes section

• DM Notes- Someone let me know the two people who donated rope to the cause.
  Also everyone EXCEPT Ronak managed to get his/her gear out of the fire.


• In regard to powers--daily powers have NOT reset as you did not rest long enough.


• Next post Thursday AM

Sheraton Tara Map & Information

With the hectic mess of coming into the Sheraton Tara and your injured state you did not catch every nuance of palatial hotel.

You certainly recall the basics though. They are hard to forget due to its uniqueness.

The main entrance had a towering dome right when you came in - at least 40 feet high, painted black with the star themselves painted on the ceiling. EVERYTHING has a stone base, most likely carved from the hill where the Sheraton is part of. Smooth wood has been added to places along the stone. You did not see any security guards when Inara swooshed you by everyone.

There was also a primitive pull elevator that could also have taken you to your current level (and levels above) though it is currently unmanned. It looks to be made of solid gold and only able to hold four people. The elevator actually could disappear through a hole in the center of the dome.

From the main entrance you went up a winding stone stair case that was actually tiled with marble. It was a good three stories tall where you got off - thought it also continued upward. From the stair case there were three ways to go.

You all went right. Who knows where the straight passageway and the passageway to the left went.

It was a long passageway sloping upward with doors (presumably to rooms) on each side. Every now again there were stairwells. You didn't really count since you were injured, distracted or just didn't give a damn - depending on who you are.

The further you walked the less doors there were. Finally there was a switchback on the rampway (G-19) on the map, (meaning the passageway continued upward, doubling back on itself), which had a stair well next to it, and then your room was the only one at the end of the hallway.

The passageways are immense - all wide enough for three people shoulder-to-shoulder. The door to the servant's quarters is directly in the middle of where the passageway ends. Meaning a person could stand on either side of it.

Most likely this is a private passageway to a private room.

The room itself.
The rip-roaring fire I mentioned earlier is at K-8 though I forgot to put it on there. Sue me.

Otherwise there are tapestries on the wall, the outhouse in the corner itself(!), and two windows that overlook the hill you came up when you first approached. The table CANNOT move. However Elby is laying on an orantely carved wooden bed (G-2) which CAN be moved.

You are not sure what is in Inara's room, save for Remmy and Inara.

There were a bunch of questions on what people saw/noticed in the Tara. So hopefully this post will help it.

Thanks to Mark for providing the tokens AND a better overlay AND a location where I can glom maps. Makes my life as a DM a hell of a lot easier that is for sure. It ain't perfect yet but it's getting better.

Voss and Qywn are not on the map as they are currently not in the room.

The Sheraton Tara - move 2

Distrust, confusion and apprehension fills the air. Ronak's tale has thrown so many questions into the air after such a battle and escape.

Inara lays what she has collected on the sitting room common table.

"Gentlemen, two bows, a bastard sword, a long sword, and a few dozen arrows; please help yourselves."

Stones picks up one of the bows and says to her, " I can make these weapons...better. You seem to have the means to afford certain luxuries. If you are interested in enchanted weapons or potions, we may be able to work out a trade of sorts. I am not as powerful as some, but I am skilled in making weapons better and other useful items. Think on this, and we can speak in more detail about how we may help each other."

Stones seems distracted and almost distraught, but almost in a daze...

Everyone else tends to his or her own wounds, letting thoughts become ideas and ideas become execution. All while sipping beer.

Inara escapes to the other room for a moment, an object in her hand.

"Radegast, please take a look at this and let me know if it means anything to you tomorrow morning." Inara unfolds the object...it is a piece of paper which she then offers it to Radegast.

Radegast sits in silence as though he had not heard him. He does not take the paper.

Undeterred Inara slips the paper away, then turns to Q'wyn the tiefling. Alyssa has attached herself to Q'wyn's hip and gives Inara a most unkind look.

"Dear Qwyn, thank you most kindly for the lending of your cloak; and my dearest halfling, may you quickly recover."

Inara touches the sleeping face of the archer that saved her in the alley with kindness.

Voss looks to Elby, "How is he?"

Stones puts the bow back down and walks over to the Halfling. From somewhere - you really have no idea where it came from - he pulls forth a small container that seems to shimmer.

He puts a small amount of something sticky on his finger tips and reaches under the shroud, finding where the arrow has pierced the Halfling. For a moment it seems that Stones hesitates but then he applies the ointment. Once the ointment is applied, the container disappears and he speaks to no one in particular. "The poison will afflict him no longer, but he will need to heal on his own."

Alion nods his approval. Keeping his own private counsel.

Elbenth awakes with a plaintive moan. His eyes are still glazed, but he moves on his own accord. Stiff, tired, overworked.

"Keep resting," says Alion as he puts a gentle hand on the halfling. Elbeneth's eyes close, his rest being the most important thing to him.

Ronak nods his head toward Q'wyn, his mug still raised as he honors the tiefling with, "thank you good sir for helping save my life. I don't think I properly thanked you - or all of you - for what happened."

Voss lowers his mug of cold ale, a foam mustache on his upper lip. He addresses Ronak.

"So this man from the tavern. The one who attacked you. He was one of these priests? And he sought you and this child to sacrifice to some portal? Where do they call home? Perhaps we should pay them a visit."

Ronak smiles, almost to himself. Brind'amour winces at the thought. In full light you can see the boy is quiet pale.

Stones nods at what Voss says and agrees, "if they will come looking for us, perhaps we should be waiting for them..."

"Agreed, Stones." Voss fills his mug after handing Stones another full tankard.

Radegast continues to take every moment in.

Voss looks at Inara, "Thank you Inara for offering such fine accommodations. And thanks to all of you in that fight back there. A more noble display of valor I have not seen. These lands now know not to trifle with us. Though, I expect someone will follow our trail here come dawn, when the fire has burned itself out and word of our war spreads..."

His words are an attempt at kindness, though his voice rises involuntary at the second half - almost accusatory, though not at anyone specifically.

"They will most likely come for us." The words come from Brin. He continues to look unhealthy.

Voss nods "Any worm in this establishment hungry for coin or the Priests favor has most likely already noted our presence and may already be half way through the snow to wherever that drake throwing fool rematerialized. He lost five loyal warriors tonight. Good fighters all. His power is such he's most likely got more to spare.

The silence engulfs his words. Despite the delivery there is truth. It is plain to see.

"This town is not safe for any of us now. We saw Donal off. We toasted his memory. Seems our adventures on his behalf, continue. Perhaps he brought each of us here for that purpose.

"I for one will see this through, wherever it leads. Though first, Alion if you could help dig these arrows from my flesh... I fear my beer is pouring out the holes. Ha ha." Voss chuckles, despite the pain, always proud of a quip when he can fashion one.

Alion silently rips the arrow out of Voss's side.

Inara nods toward Remsfeld the dwarf.

"Gentlmen, I have had enough for today. I am taking my bath and retiring. Goodnight to you all," Inara heads for the door to her bedroom.

The entire time, Stones has seemed to be building to something, growing more tense. Finally he turns to Ronak. "Tell me where this portal is and where I will find them men that worked that magic." He is almost shaking now, visibly straining to reign himself in. "If what you say is true about Suresh's soul being trapped, then I have people to kill and a soul to set free."

His voice is rising and he seems to be holding himself back from grabbing Ronak, "I have protected you and Brind and all I ask is that you tell me how to free Suresh. If you know where I must go, if you know what Imust do, you MUST tell me, you WILL tell me!"

His rage is stunning, everyone caught completely off guard.

Stones is now shaking and yelling, and he grabs Ronak's collar, "If you know who Suresh was to me, then you will tell me NOW! How will I free him?!"

Ronak's face is placid as he replies, "Yes, most likely. I didn't ever meet him before. They call the Temple home. The Temple where Donal was just buried. The portal is there. Though the road is trecherous and dangerous - that is if you can even get in."

Stones releases him.

Q'wyn finall stands after his unusual silence, " I need to digest this for a while. The priests of Cholme deserve a severe ass-whooping but I'll see you all later." He takes the young barmaid by
the hand and heads to the door.

Alion asks as you exit, "How will we find you, good sir?"

With a friendly wink Q'wyns replies, "I'll swing by your room in the morning, Alion. For now, I'm going to find accommodations that are suitable for my beautiful companion here." Q'wyn exits with Alyssa.

Inara gracefully leaves the sitting room and kitchen of her suite to the adjoining bedroom and bath area. Remsfeld trails closely behind. He turns to swing the doors shut with a distrustful scowl on his face. As the doors close, you distinctly hear a very loud clang of an armored dwarf laying down to sleep, his body blocking the doors from the other side.

DM Note:

• Everyone has used surges to get back to max HP.
• And...now what?

The Sheraton Tara - move 1

Radegast walks up to the party, with a loud splat he drops the body of the last Triplet at everyone's feet.

"What happens next?" asks Radegast.

The bar continues to burn neatly behind you. The conversation is quick, the possibility of the enemy still very present.

The tribesman sees Ronak awake and seems somewhat relieved. Although not relieved of his burden.

The Tribesman scowls out his request, "Radegast is it? You have a cart? Perhaps we could put Ronak on your cart or over a mule? I am at my limit..."

"I can walk," states Ronak. He shakes his legs free from the women. "I'bin hit worse." The blood has soaked into his collar, already caking in the region of his neck.

The Tribesman pauses to catch his breath, "and perhaps we should put the boy on a mount as well. And for the love of god, if you've got beer, I've got coin..."

Haas the bartender sighs, looking longingly at his bar. "I'll wait for the fire brigade. They will have questions. Don't worry about me."

Everyone gets the distinct feeling that Haas is not pleased with the Priests more than anything else.

Inara clears her though, subtly drawing everyone's attention. "Gentlemen, This has been a most regrettable evening. My name is Inara. This is my bodyguard, Remsfeld. I have already had the pleasure of meeting Radegast. However, at the moment, I have been shot, I'm mostly naked, and my cloak has been sacrificed to the God of bar fires. May he grant me three wishes. I am not going to freeze to death in a barmaids hut..."

Inara gives the barmaid a very flatting smile.

"No offense my dear, I just don't know you."

"Where are my manners, my dear lady?" Qwyn whips off his cloak with a practiced flourish and offers it to Inara. The cloak is of fine quality and quite warm.

"Please accept this until we are back at shelter. I can sympathize with your level of dress. I've spent more time naked and being treated like a pin-cushion in the last few days than I care to admit."

The bar wench Alyssa, who Q'wynn threw out the window, gives Inara a steely look. She too has been shivering in the cold. She throws her arms around Q'wynn.

"You can keep me warm, Sir!"

"Well met, all. Well met. I am Voss. This is my cleric friend Alion. Another old friend of Donal's. I'll share in that beer and warmth if it means having a chance to heal our wounds and avoid any more poison darts from this settlement."

Voss fingers his bow expectantly, as though he expects to be attacked at any moment.

"I suggest we move the horses and after-party to a different location, away from the flaming bar..." says Radegast. He takes the reins of his mule hauling the small wagon.

Q'wynn adds, "Now, let us be off, whether it is to the Sheraton or Alyssa's fine residence, the important thing is to get out of this storm so we can properly treat our wounded and avoid dying of exposure."

"Haas, Alyssa, I offer you our protection until this unfortunate turn of events is passed."

Qwyn flashes a smile. It's quite a fine smile. For an instant, the area feels just a tad bit warmer.

"Still staying here," says Haas.

"Staying with you," coos Alyssa.

Inara checks the dead Triplet. Once again there is a bow, quiver and long sword. All worth a second look at a later time. As she checks the body she continues to speak.

"Radegast please accompany back to my royal suite at the Tara Sheraton? I still have something for you. And no more disappearing, please. The halfingis coming with me so I can repay his saving my life. Alion, is it?... I hope you will come with us to help heal him. And so bring the
fat man, too... which means the tribesman will have to... oh damn it. Everyone come along. Just don't expect impressive rooms."

The Tribesman says to Inara , "and if you've got shelter, I gladly accept your invitation, no matter the state of the rooms. And perhaps under less duress we can start discussing why those clerics and their henchman would see us and the boy dead. My name is Stones by the way."

Stones looks at the halfling under the shroud. "I can heal him of that foul poison but not here. I'm ready to move when you are, just lead the way and I will follow. I've already had my fill of this godforsaken place."

Stones looks expectantly at Radegast. They put the halfling in the wagon, still covered by the shroud the dwarf put on him.

The young woman and the dwarf take ownership of two mules and wait for Radegast by his rolling brewery. The dwarf seems interested in the contents of said wagon.

"Soon enough, Remmy. When we get back to the suite," says Inara.

Remmy grunts acknowledgement.

Inara hands Qwyn his cloak as they prepare to start of, "gentlemen, there's one more person that needs to be checked. if you could cover me..."

She puts her hands on the wall to climb. The stone is already too hot. Whatever she was going to check on the roof, it is out of reach now.

"Ouch... she puts her fingers in the snow to cool them off.

Stones picks up Brind'amour onto one of the mules. Ronak stands protectively by him.

Voss and Q'wyn mount their horses. Q'wyn has almost no choice when Alyssa leaps on the horse behind him.

The group rolls out. Slowly. Very very slowly. The other bar maids staying behind with Haas.

Voss adds, "Wherever we're going, lead the way. Everyone keep your eyes and ears open. We're at war with Framingham..."

Weapons are at a ready. Remmy on a mule with his heavy sword out. Inara looking particularly alert, an arrow already knocked. Thanks to the heavy snow Stones is able to walk and keep up the group sans issue.

Radegast leads his mule, also traveling on foot.

The Road to the Tara
It is only 2.6 miles from the Happy Swallow to the Sheraton Tara. The snow continues to fall, the cold air crisply biting at your lungs.

The town is quiet after so much snow and the continual storms. The roads have not been shoveled, resulting in several hours of travel to the Sheraton Tara.

By the time you arrive your fingers are numb from exposure to the cold, nerves frayed from being on edge, and the only sounds Alyssa's kisses to Q'wyn's neck and Ronak's wheezing.

There are no incidents. Except the horrors that will never escape from your memories.

You see the Tara in the distance, a lone sentinel on a hill. Everyone near and far has heard of the oppulence of the Sheraton Tara. Guilded knobs, guilded tiles, and the most guilded people too.

Two stories of stone protrude from the hill. Those are the highest levels. The rest of the Sheraton Tara is actually PART of the hill itself, having been carved into the side by dwarves. It is the closest people can get to living in a castle without owning a castle.

It is now close to 1 am. Was it only eight hours ago that the black gates opened inward for your friend's funeral?

Inside the Tara
The group gets quite an odd look from the butlers and groomsmen as they enter the Tara Sheridan. The headman is exceedingly surprised at the appearance and condition of the woman. Several servants are motioned to tend to her immediately. She dismissively waves them away.

Inara has been here before. She does the talking.

"There is a mobile brewery outside. It needs to be locked up safely. There are horses and mules that are quite on edge that need to be cared for. We have wounded from an ambush--"

She nods towards the halfling under the shroud as Remmy carries him.

"The cleric has free passage to my suite at anytime," she nods toward Alion.

"Let's see if I have this correct... Qwyn, Alyssa, Alion, Radegast, and Voss. Please set them up in a servant group hall. I would like them to stay together for safety for right now. We're all a little shaken."

"These two," she points to Radegast and Stones will be accompanying me and Remmy to my suite to care for the wounded. They will rejoin the others later.

While speaking, Inara writes two missives for the courier at the front desk and sealing them with her necklace signet.

Radegast carries a keg of his best beer. A large tip takes care of any questions. The mules and horses are taken to the stables.

The Room
After a brief discussion about not splitting up everyone heads to Inara's room.

An unimpressive room? This is one of the largest rooms you have ever seen.

Inara's room already has a fire burning when you all enter. There is plenty of space for everyone. Remmy lays Elbeneth on the bed, removing the shroud.

Elbeneth's eyes are glazed over, his breathing still shallow though very much still alive.

Radegast taps the keg. From an elven cabinet Alion fishes out pewter mugs perfect for imbibing. For those who drink the beer this is easily the best ale you have ever had in your life.

Ronak musses the boys hair in a loving manner.

Ronak speaks, "My God, this is damn good. Though every good drink deserves a good tale. Though for this tale please reserve questions to the end. I am Ronak Rasheen, a Paladin of Cholme. Yes, I am a Paladin for those who just attacked us. If feels like..."

Ronak runs his finger along the pewter mug.

"...a lifetime ago. I was far more svelte when I began my life as a Paladin. I see skepticism on your faces. Deservedly snow. Sadness overwhelms a man in strange ways. My way was food and drink."

His sips Radegast's ale.

"I was a paladin of Cholme in New Hampshire, my job was to help transport children. Now before you slay me - it was the children of those who were enemies of Cholme. What war does not allow the victors to take slaves of all ages? We wanted to give these children better lives. Lives without violence. That we did. We did not see them as slaves. If a slave is born into a life and only knows goodness, is he truly a slave?"

Another sip. Whatever he is saying, however strange, he is telling the truth. He reaches into his shirt, taking out a symbol - a gray coin with a hole punched out in the middle where a plain steel chain runs through it.

"The symbol of Cholme. The steel chain is the simple forges that all men are capable of making. The coin for the gray areas that define all lives."

He turns the coin over as he continues to speak, "One side a smiling woman for the happiness we bring, a sad man for the pain in the world. So are the basic tenents of our religion."

Another sip.

"I met Donal three years ago, he spoke of losing his child and wife, it was Right before what Priests of Cholme call 'The Great Sweep.' I do not pretend to know why some men do what they
do. Only that the Priests called the closest friends of Donal enemies, turning upon them. Suresh. Dinah. Volan. All were killed. The most powerful allies the Priesthood had. All executed."

The Fat Paladin wipes a tear from his eye.

"I was to be Ordained for the Order of Sacrifice. Brought to Framingham for the passage--" his eyes are suddenly far away, as though looking into a time he can barely understand. "--A greedy man. The body of a good man. An innocent child. So I was told are the needs for sacrifice."

He laughs. A nervous laugh that has no pleasure behind it.

"Donal's friend Suresh was the body of a good man. I recognized him immediately. I met him several time. A good fair man. It is said he could have run away when he died. He died so others may live. That is honor few people know."

He goes to drink more of his ale. The cup is empty, he tips it so he can look inside. Anything to avoid looking at you.

"Together the Priesthood took them into the temple and--and--and--the innocent child - slave or not - THAT is not just. They sacrificed them all to a portal, all together. I can't pretend to understand that part. What I did understand is that it trapped the souls - that the dead could not continue to the afterlife."

He takes a deep breath.

"I grew fat on my conflict as I turned my eyes away. I met Donal once in that time. He spoke of losing his own son. He had no idea the Priests had taken his friends. When I met Brind'amour. Who knows how many lies this world contains?"

This time it is a sigh. So many conflicting emotions from this man.

"I took Brind out of slavery. Away from certain death. When Donal died...unwise as it was every child should have a chance to meet his father. I did not expect anyone would know us in Framingham. I was gravely wrong on that account. I thank you for saving us."

He pauses one last time.

"I hope I have not bored you. Every good drink needs a good story. We will be gone in the morning."

Charisma and the Players - Part 2

Here is part two - where I order the lesser charismatic members of the parties. If you see your party in this list please read message 1 as it explains what I am talking about/why I am posting this. Plus it explains the tokens.

Interesting note, the drop off between the fourth most charismatic player to the fifth is large.

Elbeneth is a fine halfling. There are times he comes off a bit naive while other times a bit of a recluse, though his big heart it obvious. He isn't going to offend anyone by his presence alone, though he will not sway anyone to your side either.

Voss, The Tribesman and Remmy actually have the same charisma score.

The Tribesman has ill manners, social issues and seems not have spent much time around people. He tends to sound like an irritated douche-bag who would happily beat you to death for the fun of it.

Voss is a human who does not mean to come off as a pompous know-it-all, it just sounds that way to others. He can grate on you even when he is completely correct.

Remmy is a dwarf who lives up to the cliche that dwarves are a cranky, curt people. That is when he bothers to talk. Most of the time he only bothers to scowl.

Charisma and the Players - Part 1

Mark was kind enough to create some tokens that I can use for the maps (Thanks Mark!). If you have issue with your token then he likes beers, board games, and easy women.

I've doubled the appearance of tokens with a little bit of information on the charisma/personality and how people come off during the game. It should provide role playing opportunities.

For those keeping track at home charisma measures your force of personality, persuasiveness, and leadership. This is a difficult skill to play so part of how I handle it is how the player comes off - not necessarily what the player intended but how others took in the information.

For example, someone might say "My character nicely says, 'I will shower you with gold for helping us out.'" Well that is a nice sentiment. If you have a charisma of 18 it comes out a certain way rather than if you have a charisma of 8.

This also allows players to be as long winded/short winded/whatever winded in how they play. As a Dungeon Master it doesn't matter (to me) though certainly it matters to the world you're in.

This is in order from most charismatic to least. This is the first four because blogger only lets me upload four at a time.

Let us focus on Q'wyn, Inara, Radegast and Alion.

Q'wyn is not your average tiefling, unless all tiefling's possess the most magnetic personality in existence whatever this man says sounds like the best idea ever, immediately soothes and leaves you utterly wanting to help or do whatever he suggests. He could call you an asshole to your face and you would find yourself nodding in agreement.

Inara would be the most charismatic person in any other situation, except she lags behind Q'wyn. By no means is she a slouch as she combines great looks with a penetrating presence. Women would rule the world if they were all had the personality of Inara.

Radegast has the charisma of the world's greatest salesman with a brooding undercurrent of danger. Just a touch behind Inara he has drawn many a person toward him with his strong words and deep convictions.

Alion draws you in with few words but a bold aura that makes you want to love this man. He puts people instantly at ease yet blends into the world at all times until he wants you to know he is there. Then he cannot be denied.

Any four of these men and women are instantly likeable and their words are taken with the best intentions. It isn't fair sometimes but hey, the world isn't exactly full of people like them.

Images from move 9 - 11

From top to bottom

• End of move 11
• End of move 10
• End of move 9
• Distance move for end of move 11
  

The Happy Swallow - moves 9 - 11

Radegast takes half a step back as Elbeneth is slammed backwards by the arrow. There is a greenish ooze that begins to seep from the wound as Elbeneth’s body slumps to the ground. There is a slight sucking noise in the air, a burst of wind. Radegast has vanished, leaving only
footprints in the snow.

Voss unsheathes the captured dwarven broadsword and hands it to Alion. "Hold this for me, friend." Voss sheaths his two blades and draws the keen bow from his back and knocks and arrow as he leans out from behind the corner, scanning for a target. Alion so close behind that Voss can hear the man's breathing.

The Tribesman looks to Voss and Alion and shouts, “get the fucking horses before they catch fire too! Grab all of them, I don’t care if they’re yours or not!” He looks around quickly, trying to see where someone might be holed up and still shooting arrows…not dropping the Fat Man Ronak.

Voss nods in agreement, over his shoulder he says to Alion. "Lash it to my horse after you help these people. We all need to clear these streets. And fast. Do as the tribesman says. Get the mounts - get the wounded on them!"

Turning to the beautiful woman and the dwarf he says, “can you get the Halfling to your horse? If you can get him there and I don’t die, I can save him…although I don’t know where we’ll put the fat man...”

"Shit on a stick," Inara cries, seeing the elven archer drop from the poisoned arrow. She draws an arrow from the quiver she grabbed and arms herself with the bow she took from inside the bar. She notches an arrow and takes aim in the direction of the poisoned arrow's flight.

Since she was facing the wall she really has no idea where it came from.

The Tribesman asks Q'wyn, “think you can keep moving him?”

Q'wyn unceremoniously releases Ronak the Fat Man's leg which hits the ground with a loud thump as he states, "Gentlemen, please get the wounded to a safe location. Plainsman, moving heavy objects is not my number one skill. Let Voss and I deal with that archer."

With that Qwyn is off in the direction of Voss and Alion. He is polite and charismatic when speaks, and there seems to be an inherent rationale that the plainsman is much stronger and probably knows more about healing too. He can better help the wounded with Haas' assistance. Qwyn seems much more geared towards blowing things up than fixing them afterwards.

As he walks toward the corner he pulls out his thick, long rod of awesome ready to use it.

Inara is at a loss. Both the fat man and the archer that likely saved her life were in desperate need of aid, and one more bandit to dispose of still. The fat man was likely worse off, but could be bandaged by the cleric. There were already several people helping him. Although one just disappeared...

"Fabulous. Keeps getting better," thinking about Radegast's sudden disappearance.

The archer is poisoned and fading fast...

Finally Inara says, "Remmy. Shroud the archer, grab him and go. Stables. We have some animals to save. I'll cover you."

The two barmaids move forward, one grabbing Ronak's upper thigh, the other grabbing Ronak's ankle. Together they are able to help keep the Fat Man moving.

The Tribesman addresses Haas, “and you, unless you help me drag this piece of shit out of the way, I will blame you for having tables obviously soaked in fire oil and not one fucking bucket of water in your bar, now move him!”

The group begins dragging the fat man towards the southwest corner of the building.

He yells to Brind'amour, “stay behind me, between me and the building” trying to shield the boy from any more archers.

Brind'amour immediately moves to where the Tribesman has stated.

Haas smiles as he replies to the Tribesman. "I blame you for nothing. I am just telling you what THEY will blame YOU for."

The Tribesman snaps, "who the fuck are THEY, and how will THEY know who WE are? Because the only people left alive that saw what happened are YOU AND YOUR WENCHES! Do you know more than you're telling?"

Veins bulge on the Tribesman's forehead out of anger that match the veins on his arms.

Haas looks taken aback. "THEY are the Temple of Chumbe priests. One of who you just attacked--"

"Well then who gives a shit because they obviously didn't like us to begin with..." snarls the Tribesman, thus ending the conversation.

Q'wyn yells over to Voss, "Voss, the arrow came from over there. Alion, please see if you can help Elby or Ronak."

The dwarf throws a shroud atop the barely breathing halfling while still holding his sword at the ready. He tosses the halfling over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, takes a few steps, scoops up the halfling's gear from the doorway and continues forward.

Inara tries to keep as much cover as possible, scanning for a target, bow drawn.

As the the Tribesman and the others reach the corner with Ronak the Fat Man Alion moves in steps with them - putting his hand on the wound on Ronak's neck. He mutters a few words of prayer and the wound closes.

"At least he won't bleed to death," says Alion.

Everyone wonders the same thing. Are there more people out there? What happened to Radegast?

The night is suddenly eerily quiet. So quiet that footsteps crunch loudly in the snow, seemingly echoing off the buildings.

Voss and Q'wynn allow the rest of the group to pass. They act as rear vanguards as the group continues to the stables. Alion sprints ahead, reaching the stables and immediately starts working to free animals.

As the group passes Voss asks, "I do not know this city. Any of you know a place we can recoup and defend?"

Alyssa, the woman Q'wyn tossed out the window earlier, says, "My place is available. It is nearby." The looks longingly in Q'wyn's direction. "It is the least I can do."

The tension mounts. The groups move as quickly as possible, though not nearly as quickly as they would like. You pass the window where people escaped earlier. The fire has now reached the walls in some places.

Still, you cannot move too quickly or those unconscious could be re-injured. Running in tandem is out of the question.

Voss and Q'wyn slowly walk backwards, scanning the area. Looking for anything. The wind picks up slightly, causing eyes to tear, the snowflakes continue to fall.

Deathly quiet, save for the sounds of the fire destroying the bar.

As the Tribesman and his group approach the stables Ronak the Fat Man the starts coughing. "BLAAAH," cries Ronak, as he spits blood from his mouth. His eyes open wide, as though he has seen death. Instead he sees two beautiful woman holding his leg, "I am indeed dead--" he sees Haas at his other leg, "--and I am with the damned."

"Ronak!" Brind'amour cries out in delight.

Ronak the Fat Man smiles at the boy. A fatherly smile.

Thirty feet away and coming in quickly Voss and Q'wynn see a silhouette. From the direction of the silhouette you hear Radegast's familiar voice, “Hail, companions. Radegast is back from the hunt!”

Alion exits the stable, all of the animals freed. A mule with a small wagon behind it, two horses, and two other mules.

The stable does not have a back way out. Only the open entrance you are standing at.

DM Note: David I believe your wagon is back at the Sheraton

• Move nine ended with "At least he won't bleed to death."
• Move ten ends with the Fat Man stirring.
• Move eleven ends with you able to see inside the stables
• You cannot re-enter the bar as it is engulfed in flames
• All images are in another post
  

Map of Happy Swallow and Surrounding Area

One hex = 30 feet in this case. You guys are all in the giant green thing, well except those who are around the side of the building.

The Happy Swallow - move 8a

Radegast takes half a step back as Elbeneth is slammed backwards by the arrow. There is a greenish ooze that begins to seep from the wound as Elbeneth’s body slumps to the ground. There is a slight sucking noise in the air, a burst of wind. Radegast has vanished, leaving only footprints in the snow.

DM Note:

This moves happens after move 8 and before move 9.

The Happy Swallow - moves 7 & 8

The flames crawl across the floor like a thousand angry fire ants ;devouring everything in its path. Those closest to the burning table feel beads of sweat drift to the surface of his or her skin. The fire dances a seductive reflection in the eyes of the people around the Fat Man.

The Fat Man Ronak who cannot be budged. His fat belly and rolls of fat are like trying to grip quicksand.

Q'wyn takes stock of the situation. To him the problem remains the same. The building is on fire, the fat man is near death and we need to get him out. Politely, yet forcefully Q'wyn calls out to those around him, the words flowing effortlessly off his tongue, tinged with determination and honesty with the point being, "Archers be damned, we need to get out of the building and we need to try to get the fat man out alive. Alion, do you have a spell that can help him?"

Maybe it is Q'wyn's word, or perhaps he was destined to him anyway, the Tribesman puts down the boy Brind'amour. "stay close and do not stray. Stay with me at all times."

The Tribesman approaches the Fat Man, bends down, puts his arms under the Fat Man's armpits and lifts...

Outside in the snow in the front of the building...
The white snow continues to fall, the fat flakes an odd contrast with the streaming yellow moonlight and the bloodlets dripping from the dead Triplet on the roof.

The beautiful woman offers the shroud back to her dwarven ally as she speaks to him in dwarven, "Remmy... take the cloak. Save the fat man. I need him alive. Go. No, I'm fine. And thank you."

She said she's fine, but the pain in her eyes suggest otherwise. The beautiful woman looks more like a beautiful vampire. Her face has been drained of color. In the dark of the alley she blends into the shadows now making herself a very difficult target. She slowly and painfully cuts the shafts free of the arrows that pierced her, but leaves in the heads so as not to bleed. She hopes the cleric makes it out of the building.

The dwarf does not leave her side, standing protectively over her his sword at the ready.

Radegast mumbles words to himself that ends with, "Hey, some of us live in our mobile breweries. It is warm, safe, and filled with beer. I live a simple life.

Inside by the window...
The flames from the table chew up the wood, nipping at Alion's heels, singeing his boots ever so slightly.

Looking outside the injured Voss sees certain freedom. He checks for danger then climbs out the window, landing softly in the snow. His weapons are drawn, his eyes alert for any additional danger. The pain from his wounds continues to slow him down.

Alion calls out to Q'wyn, "I have nothing that can help at this moment, my friend Q'wyn. Meet us around front." His face is grief stricken at not being able to assist. He climbs out the window after Voss, streaks of blood creating a neat path behind him.

Voss quickly plows through the snow, his strong legs driving him forward. This area has less snow, serving as a path to the stables where the horses, mules and transport are held.

Alion moves out the window, his movements not nearly as fluid as Voss's. He moves quickly into position behind Voss, hesitating only to pick up the sacks tossed out earlier.

Outside in the snow in front of the building...
Elbeneth scans the immediate area for the last Triplet or other trouble, on the way.

Inara says to Radegast, "My dear boy, I live the most complicated life possible. Inara. Primary dwarven ore dealer for New England. I would love a ride with you back to the Tara Sheridan to my suite. Perhaps you could help me identify a small drawing someone gave to me? It's supposedly dwarven, but I've never seen it, and I know dwarves."

Elbeneth realizes there is no trouble though, he yells to people still unseen, "Get the fire brigade or this whole block will go up in flames." He approaches Inara, putting his bow away.

"Miss, can you walk?" Not allowing her to fully answer reaches out to drag her away from the fire.

Her dwarven protector steps menacingly toward Elbeneth. The halfling takes a step back, raising his hands in a "mea culpa" gesture.

The woman shoulders the bow she took from inside and moves to the body of the archer that fell by the dwarf's sword. She looks through the body for papers and intelligence. There is a bastard sword and a half-filled quiver, though nothing else of note as his bow was shattered. She does not appear to be interested in any money the bandit may be carrying.

Radegast replies to her, "By the way, my mobile brewery is parked out back. Care to bring your Dwarven friend along to share a couple of pints? I trained under a dwarf in the brewing arts, so I assure you, you will both find my wares familiar and delicious."

Inside by the fire...
The Tribesman's veins seemingly push through his skin as he strains under the weight of the Fat Man Ronak. How strong is the Tribesman? Strong enough to start dragging the Fat Man away from the fire, succeeding where four others failed.

Q'wyn grabs a leg, Haas grabs the other. They get the Ronak off the ground, quickly working in tandem, heading toward the door, the boy Brind'Amour trailing like a puppy dog.

Outside by the window...
Voss continues around the side of the building, creeping around toward the front, using the side of the building as cover. Alion follows close behind, no weapon drawn, though certainly a man practiced in the art of stealth. Whenever Alion leans against the wall he leaves a hand print of blood. The bar wench that Alion threw out the window joins them, shivering in the ice cold.

Inside near the fire, heading toward the door...
The fire continues to grow quickly, snapping up everything in site.

The Tribesman and the group gets Ronak toward the door, still struggling under the man's girth.

Outside in the snow in the front of the building...
Inara eyes the corpse still on the rooftop, as she cuts away the sleeves and gown section of her ruined robes until there's little more than a sexy mini skirt left.

To Radegast she says, "Could you please hold what's left of my robes? I have to climb a building now. And no staring too long at my butt while I climb." She gives him a wink as she looks for some handholds.

Radegast begins to walk away, determined to get to his mule and belongings. Elbeneth's directly in his path and Radegast has a perfect view when it happens. Elbeneth's eyes roll skyward, the halfling clutching a spot where the arrow entered his body. Even in the moonlight, between the snow flakes Radegast can the green outline clearly.

Poison from the spot where an arrow hit the halfling. Elbeneth collapses to the ground unconscious, his breathing laboring almost immediately.

At that moment the Tribesman and the rest of the group make it out of the front out of breath from the exertion. The get clear of the doorway, stepping over Elbeneth's gear to get there.

An out of breath Haas the bartender says in a breath barely above a whisper, "The town will blame you all for this."

DM Notes:

• That actually took two rounds. So the place is six rounds from collapsing. The part where Brind'Amour trails like a puppy dog is move 7 map. Move 8 is the end of the turn. Yellow on the map denotes the spreading of the fire
  
• Some map orientation and surrounding area. The top of the map is North. This area is surrounded by various work shops, trade places, establishments, et al. The stables with your horses, mules, et al is around to the South-east side. If you went due West you would eventually hit the cemetary. The area has had several feet of snowfall so it isn't like people have been moving around a lot, nor is everything cleared out particularly well.
  

Happy Swallow - move 6 encounter map

This is where everyone ended up after move number six.

The Happy Swallow - move 6

Inside...
The fire continues to spread in all directions. Not enough to hurt anyone though certainly not a place where you should remain

Elby grabs his stuff, running out the front door. On the way he yells, (again), at that stupid bar wench "Woman get up and get out or you'll be a lump of charcoal."

He exits the Happy Swallow, sees Inara on the ground with two arrows in her. In one smooth motion he drops his gear, pulls two arrows from his quiver, then gets himself clear of the doorway, by coming to a sliding halt in the snow.

He spins his body 180 degrees, scanning the rooftop of Happy Swallow. Silhouetted neatly amongst the fat falling flakes, highlighted by the waning moon light is a bows man.

Elbeneth's first arrow is in the flight before the silhouette can react. It richochetts of the front of the roof. His second arrow is true though, straight into the silhouette's neck. The bow man falls dead on the roof of the building.

Still inside..

The Tribesman, feeling somewhat responsible for the fire but ultimately blaming the last remaining enemies (triplets/archers) for having been forced to use his fire magic checks out the spiral staircase...better or worse that the front door, hmm? Arrows or trapped with fire and smoke?

Looking around and not loving his options the tribesman effortlessly picks up the boy Brind'amour and barrels towards the kitchen door. He carries the boy using both arms even though he knows this leaves him unarmed.

All he knows is that he has made a promise to this boy, and he will not break it. He honors Suresh by keeping his word and he sees the boy as his first opportunity to repay a kindness from long ago.

He looks into the kitchen for a means of escape. There does not seem to be an obvious exit from where the Tribesman stands.

He protects the boy with his body and his life, not allowing stray arrows to pose a threat to the child.

"Help, Ronak," says the Brind'amour gesturing toward the bleeding Fat Man.

Outside...
Raedgast makes the doorway.

Radegast steps out of the bar, sinking into the deep snow covering the landing and stairs. The entire scene seems to move in slow motion, time
passing to the rhythm of the falling flakes, large and sticky, quickly filling the otherwise silent streets. To the left of the stairs is a blood stained patch of snow.

Elbeneth stands just past the violent stain. A quick glance upwards rewards Radegast with the rigid form of one of the rigid form of one of the triplets, bow almost falling from his hand as his body begins to teeter back and forth, the arrow through his windpipe distracting him from silly things such as life and balance.

He is a dead gargoyle of flesh, who just hasn't quite yet accepted his inevitable fate. His face moves, gasping for breath like a sad pale fish, tossed into a cold boat on a winter's eve.

He steps past Inara and her Dwarven warrior. Irritation is clear on his face as he scans the empty street. A movement off to the far right catches his eye.

The last archer. Moving quickly away from the scene in the snow.

Radegast squares himself, takes a deep breath, and lifts his Axe-Hammer
aloft in the air as he stumbles forward, trying to move quickly as the snow
pulls at his legs, trying to claim him as it has the streets, rooftops, and
walkways that weave through this quiet and normally peaceful town.

He casts a funny flickering grayness as he moves forward, the flames from inside the Happy Swallow giving shadows where shadows should not be.

After a few bounds of pursuit, his Axe-Hammer bursts forth in flame, filling the streets with an eerie red glow.

"Come to me, dog!" he bellows, his arm arching backwards, and then violently down into the snow, drifting almost to his waist. In time with the movement of his arm, the fleeing archer halts in his tracks, and is jerked upwards, out of the snow, and pulled as if my an wire, back, through the
air, and slams into the snow at Radegast's feet, just as the axe meets the same spot.

The snow around the two of them is blown aside by the falling body, and the heat radiating out of the Axe-Hammer. Radegast's face is
filled with frustrated fury. "No one runs from me. Stand and fight, coward."

His axe-hammer descends toward the Triplet. He raises his bow to defend himself.

The bow will only ever be kindling now. When Radegast pulls back his weapon it shines with the man's blood.

Inside...
Voss grabs the dead dwarfs bastard sword and sheaths it in his empty scabbard. The fire slowly inching its way toward him.

He turns, stumbling toward the southrn window. His serious injuries hindering his movement.

"Qwyn! Alion! Warriors! Through the (southern) window and we'll come around front to attack! Death awaits us out that door!"

Outside...
The Triplet seemingly has no quit in him. Bouncing up off the snow as though it was a trampoline he withdraws his long sword from its sheath then returns Radegast's blow with one of his own.

He fients toward Radegast's neck, when Radegast attempts to defend the blade reaches an exposed spot in his midsection (14 hp.)

The beautiful woman says in dwarven, "Cut him down" (dwarven), the woman grunts and points to the archer.

She gets a second wind (19 hit points) and screams in common, "Now you're going to die!!!"

Inside...
The fire snaps angrily at those near it. Not enough to harm, though certainly a look at what is about to come.

Q'wyn uses a healing surge of his own (19 hp).

He crouches down -- not wanting to be a target in case people are drawing aim into the building. He moves and examine the Fat Man to see if he's alive.

He is. Barely.

He is deinitely close to death, well past the point of conciousness.

"Ladies, if you'd be so kind to help us." Q'wyn is a man so charistmatic that these ladies move over to help.

Outside...
The dwarf plows though the snow, raising his bastard sword high into the air.

"NO MORE!" he screams in common.

The Triplet - his weapon still sticking Radegast - has no way to defend himself.

His skull splits like a ripe melon. Bloods and brain shower the snow. This Triplet will give no information in his life.

Inside...
Haas, the bar wenches and Q'wyn have effectively surrounded the Fat Man. Each grabs a limb. They attempt to lift him.

They fail.

They are not strong enough.

"Please," pleads the boy to the Tribesman. "He is my friend."

Alion takes deep breathes to gain control of himself, he gets a second wind also (15 hp). He staggers over to Voss at the Southern window.

The fire burns.

DM Note:
Nine rounds and the building comes crashing down.

The Happy Swallow - move 5

The fire starts spreading.

The Tribesman runs after the boy (with donal's eyes) calling out to him, "there is no one left that wishes you harm, boy. You have my word I will see you safe."

The Tribesman, gently yet firmly grabs the boy as he continues to speak,"look at those men" (pointing to Voss and Alion) "they've made themselves into pin cushions to save your hide. The least we can do is make sure that they, and you, don't go up in flames! And what of your escort, the fat man? Is he friend or for?"

Sheathing his sword, he lets go off the boy, offering his hand adds, "I can be a real bastard, boy, but I don't lie. Come with me or be on your way, but I must aid these men and get out of this fucking slice of hell.

Elbeneth runs to Voss and Alion's stuff, grabs it and tosses it outside to safety. "Hey! Watch it!" a decidedly female voice from outside yells.

Radegast heads toward the door.

Voss staggers to the dwarf he slew, he's going to cash in on his victory...nearly died fighting them. There is some sort of stone embedded in the dwarf's throat area. The scale armor is not going to be cut off easily. The bastard sword. Nicely balanced.

Alion reaches into his inner pocket, pulls out a potion and quaffs in quickly (12 hp.)

The boy nods toward the Tribesman. "My name is Brind'amour, I will go with you."

Q'wyn yells out, "Serving Wench! Run and tell the Fire brigade this part of the city is about to go up in smoke..."

Q'wyn sprints toward the fire, not afraid of burning up. Seeing where he can help. He gets to the edge of the Fat Man. Under the shroud the Fat Man has stopped bleeding.

The beautiful woman yells in dwarven, "Remmy! If you would!" The female, having dismantled the archers, motions to her dwarven bodyguard to exit the building out the front door with the fat man underneath his shroud.

In common she shouts at the man she saw healing others, "Cleric, if you would assist with the fat man outside? He is at the end of his tether."

The woman grabs the bow off the table from her fallen opponent, hops up on the table, and jumps out the smashed open window after the second archer she sent airborne, hoping to find someone possibly still alive and unconscious to interrogate.

Not the wisest move.

As she lands in the snow outside her feet sink into the snow...THUMP. THUMP....Inara finds herself airborne again as two arrows knock her backward (30 hp.)

The scream comes from deep within her soul, she drops the bow to the ground. The blows hit her so hard it knocks her three spaces back to end up where you can see her in the open front door. Two arrows sticking out of his chest.

Remsfeld grabs the shroud off the Fat Man's body, then rushes toward the door, as he reaches the end of his move he punches himself in the face (1 hp) and disappears. He reappears between the beautiful woman and put two arrows in her.

DM Notes:
Here is the current map.

If you want to use an action point to do something this move, let me know (that will be my standard question).

Also, this is not a new encounter. It is a continuation of the previous moves.

DM Notes: DM Makes Mistake...World Still Standing

Player Rick rightfully called out that I didn't let him have a chance to react during the last combat. Specifically he wanted to use an action point. An action point I thought he had used in the first round of combat.

My mistake.

Unfortunately everyone had made moves since then. In this case I use what is called the "way back" machine, which is an instance I actually covered in the FAQ.

At least this improves the play process a bit. I admit that some of these new rules, powers, functions and features are twisting my brain into a Gordian knot. Rick and his terrible d20 rolls so far were the victim.

We shall continue onward and upward. Though I did get to ask the question of "does your power work if someone teleports to another dimension?"

I love this game.

Wayne

Cull: Images for Move 4

Here is the character map, initiative rolls and current HP. In current HP anything in bold means the character is bloodied.

The Happy Swallow - move 4

It is only 12 seconds after the melee began though it might as well be a lifetime ago.

Flames leap from the table, licking at the bleeding struggling Fat Man. The dry air in the room, the wood on the floor and the walls - a dangerous situation awaiting.

The Tribesman hurls himself away from the spinning blades managing to avoid their bite*. In the same motion he lunges at the Drake, taking a huge upward swing with his bastard sword as the sword itself into flame. The blow catches the Drake directly in
the face...for a moment is almost as though the Tribesman missed until the Drake
lets out a bellow that you have all heard at one time or another.

THe bellow is the sound of death. Half of Drake's face falls off and its head, body and tail all slam into ground, causing that corner of the room to shake slightly.

The Tribesman is already sliding past the Drake as he seems unstoppable (gain 10 hp), the warrior moves effortlessly towards T’alon and the dwarfs. He yells out to no one in particular, “will someone take out those damn archers! I’ve got T’alon, or what’s left of him…” as he levels a rushing attack at the dwarf closest to him (the one on the right of T'alon) slashing past the dwarves defenses with a perfect strike which burns and slices his oponent.

Usually it would be enough to kill a creature. Though this dwarf is made of sterner material than most creatures.

The Tribesman seems to spin off of the dwarf, leveling a blow at T’alon in a sweeping backward arc which slips past the man's defenses, though not hurting him nearly as much as the Tribesman would have liked.

The flames from the burning table are precariously close to the dwarves and T'alon though they form a protective shield for their backside.

Elbeneth knocks two arrows at once, pulls back, and the air sings with the song of
arrows in flight. They split mid-flight, one strking the dwarf closest to him
(06.07), digging deep into the dwarf's exposed side. The second arrow barely misses
T'alon, though it slams neatly between the dwarf on the right's shoulder blades(06.09). The dwarf gasps loudly in shock and pain.

Elbeneth then steps back into the open doorway to provide total concealment (this
means a -5 to hit) between himself and the Triplets.

The Triplet standing atop the table points his arrow toward the main melee. He frowns, his shot inhibited by the frozen wench. His mouth curls into a frustrated grimace, he then turns his arrow toward Elbeneth. The shot is cut so-close to the door frame that it takes some of the wood off before finding its ultimate resting place in Elbeneth's body (22 hp.)

The Triplet closest to the kitchen (01.04) lets fly with another arrow fly with the
accuracy of a hawk. It nests itself into Alion (29 hp), injuring the cleric badly.

Behind the burning table the Fat Man's eyes roll skyward, he slumps to the floor.

Remsfeld (the beautiful woman's dwarf) grunts loudly as he moves forward, putting himself adjacent to the dwarf with the arrow between the shoulder blades. Remsfeld shatters armor and bone with a ringing blow. T'alon's dwarf collapses to the floor, his strings cut away from the puppeteer.

The Triplet closest to the door (03.01) knocks two arrows, much like Elbeneth's they
split mid-air. The first one finds its mark by becoming the third arrow to hit
Alion (12 hp). The cleric is now worse off than Voss with blood seeping from numerous wounds. If this keeps up the cleric will most likely be dead!

The second arrow strikes Q'wyn (16 hp), bouncing off his armor though causing blunt damage.**

While running, the most charming person in the room Q'wyn yells out, "You're a sick fuck, T'alon. Dropping a rage drake in the middle of a town! I'm going to string your balls up in the middle of times square after this is over."

He ducks to his left to conceal himself behind the table - though a little too late for the Triple's arrow. Meanwhile an illusory, twisted crown appears around the Triplet closest to the door's head who just shot Q'wyn. The Triplet screams in pain under a psychic assault.

The Triplet, his eyes are open in terror as visions of his worst nightmares haunt him. He nocks his arrow as though his life depends on it, pulls back the string, turns TOWARD the Triplet in the middle standing atop the table and shoots him at point blank range.

The beautiful woman runs out of the blade barrier, sustaining some damage (5 hp). She heads toward the bar, using it for cover, actually disappears for a moment and reappears next to the Triplet standing on the table.

The impact of the arrow deep into the Triplet's hip causes the Triplet in the middle to howl in pain, instinctively doubling over. While giving a side glance to his companion that easily reads, What the hell?

The beautiful woman, seemingly forgotten due to his pain adds a distracting flourish, managing to slash the middle Triplet's neck area. She then kicks the leg of the table as hard as she can...

...only to find good strong oak of such a table is stronger than her. For a moment is looks like she stumbled, only she jams her dagger deep into the Triplet's exposed backside, clipping him nicely to put him exactly where she wanted...

...which is airborn headfirst toward the closed window shutters. There is a loud crash the shutters give way before the force of the flying Triplet. He was alive when he went headfirst through the shutters though who knows now. His bow has been left behind on the table though.

Voss feels a surger of strength (plus 15 hit points) before setting upon his foe T'alon with his weapons bared. In his weakened state Voss misses badly. However Voss weaves toward the side - to the dwarf - to deal a wound to another adversary.

His sword slices through the air - the dwarf raising his own weapon at the last second - all for naught as Voss's sword cuts deep into the dwarf's neck killing him instantly. The blood splatters widely, spraying himself, T'alon, the Tribesman and there is a neat sizzle as the droplets land in the fire.

Alion waves his hand and jagged lines of radiant light spread across the ground like a cracking web. With a second wave the lines move to where Voss stands, then to Q'wynn. All three people gain 6 hp.

Raegarst finally has a chance. He moves forward, putting all of his focus on T'alon. Raegart's neck bulges as his body tenses with effort. T'alon once again screams in frustration, shaking off the effect of whatever Raeg attempted.

T'alon, trapped between a burning table and a wall of opponents gives a withering glare. The cocky expression from before wiped clean. He wipes the droplets of blood from his face.

"We are not done." Though his face says otherwise.

T'alon then disappears. A whisp of blue smoke marking his exit. You have all seen this before - when Donal would exit. The blade barrier disappears.

Haas rushes out from behind the bar, a bucket of water in hand. Heading toward the flames.

The Triplet to the far left leaps onto the table and then dives out the window. The Triplet closest to the door shakes his head, the fear is removed from his eyes and whatever else Q'wyn did to him. He then does a back handspring out the window - using the window sill as the location his hands go. The middle Triplet's bow has indeed been left behind.

Remsfeld rushes to the Fat Man. In one swift motion he throws a white shroud over the Fat Man, he then grabs him by the shoulders, pulling him clear of the burning table.

Haas is too late to the table. Fifteen feet of table crashes downward. There is no stopping this conflagration. The bar wench in the middle of the room lets out a yowl, dropping to floor, bursting into tears.

The boy with Donal's eyes makes a mad dash for the circular stair case.

It is now 18 seconds after the melee began. The Triplets and T'alon have vanished, two dwarves and a Drake lay dead. The party has taken a terrible beating and the Fat Man may or may not be dead under the shroud.

END OF MOVE
* The Tribesman made his saving throw resulting in no damage.
** Yeah, arrows bouncing off armor causes damage. Blunt force from arrow damage used to do in people all the time in medieval times. Thanks to the History Channel for that information.

I'll post the map and initiative screenshot later.

The Happy Swallow - move 3

The drake gives a mighty HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS at it stares down at the Tribesman.

In a flash Voss is moving across the room toward T'alon "Storm-biter" drawn and unsheathing a second long sword. He splits the dwarfves - drawing himself adjacent to T'alon using his weapons to effectively trick him into a exposing a weak spot and striking viciously.

Both swords sink into T'alon's body, tearing through the robes and causing deep wounds. T'alons scream can be be heard throughout the room.

Regarding the homonculus The Tribesman yells, "He is just protecting the boy Radegast! Fight this fucking drake if you want to be useful!"

A fiery red bead streaks from his finger toward the spot T'alon stands, where it bursts into a great ball of magic flame. T'alon is able to leap clear though one of the dwarves and the table aren't so lucky. The dwarf howls in pain, the table goes up in flames.

One of the Triplets Three unleashes an arrow. It whistles through the air, slamming into Voss's chest with an incredible forces (22 hp!) then breaks off leaving most of the shaft inside Voss. Not only is it bleeding, experience tells you that it will continue to thwart you in this battle.

The Triplet Three on top of the table somehow has TWO arrows on the string when he pulls back. They split toward different targets in the air. One strikes Qwynn, bouncing off his armor but still hurting (15 hp) and the other strikes Alion (17 hp.)

The drake brings down both its sharp claws, raking Stones painfully (14 hp total). The drake then jerks his head back in pain of its own.

A last member of the Triplets Three unloads an arrow of his own. It catches Voss in his shoulder, almost going completely through it (36 hp) and causing excruciating pain. Voss is unable to move for the rest of the round and also bloodied. Bloodied is the wrong word; the blow nearly kills Voss.

Alion rushes around the table to Voss's back. He puts his hands on Voss, utters a simple prayer and his touch suffuses Voss with a bright silver light (31 hp returned).

The beautiful woman says, "Radegast? Let's try to help the fat man. If we get a chance at Talon I'll bring him to you." She then says something in dwarven to the dwarf.

The beautiful woman slides her short sword into the middle of the homonculus's back. She nearly cleaves it in half as the clay gives way easily. She is close enough to see the the boy with Donal's eyes.

"Don't hurt him!" cries the boy. Silver beams shoot from his fingers. The beautiful woman turns just in time to avoid most of the damage (3 hp.)

T'alon takes a deep breath, steadies himself. Less than a moment later, a barrier of whirling blades appears, slashing at those who come too close or try to pass through. Inara (10 hp), Radegast (16 hp), the Tribesman (18 hp), Remsfeld (17 hp) and even the homonculus are caught in the barrier and feel its effects. The homonculus falls to the ground to bother no one anymore.

Radegast, still prone, quickly rolls to the side and springs back up to his feet, drawing his heavy Axe-Hammer in one swift clearly practiced motion, but ignores the blade barrier. Instead, his eyes remain focused on the priest and his escorts. As Radegast brings his weapon forth from his hip, from across the room, T’alon gives a start and screams as an invisible hand attempts to draw him foreward.

T'alon manages to brace his feet, fighting off the invisible hand. Though he looks a little worse for wear.

There is a loud thump as the the dwarf nearest the entrance (and who cut the Fat Man's throat) cracks Voss upside the head with his bastard sword (28 hp.) Voss staggers, bloodied once again, though his life spared due to Alion's action.

Qwyn shouts,"FUCK! This is not what I meant when I said I wanted to get some action tonight!" He pulls out his rod. He has the bar wench by the wrist.

Qwyn says to Elby, "Cover me, I'm going to try to get the bystanders out to safety."

"Qwyn this way!" shouts Elbeneth as he moves in front of the door and opens it with a strong kick. The cold air rushes inward as the doors swing open. He also unleashes an arrow at the dwarf nearest the door who just cracked Voss upside the head. The arrow strikes with calculated decision, burying itself deep into the dwarf's side.

"You, miss, go get the Flyers!" commands Elbenth the barmaid located near the fat man's table. She does not move.

Qwynn punches the window shutters open, takes Alyssa the bar wench and hurls her/helps her headfirst out of the window. As her bloomers disappear out the window people can see she had on no undergarments.

Well, there are now officially two enraged creatures in the room! One drake and one tiefling.

Remsfeld rushes out of the blade barrier, around the edge of the table and with a mighty swing brings his two-handed great sword down on the drake's head and cracks his foe upside the head.

T'alon's other dwarf guard put himself between Remsfeld and T'alon. With a mighty swing of his own two-handed great sword he cracks Remsfeld upside the head (17 hp). Remsfeld disappears and reappears instantly a few spaces away - re-positioned to protect the beautiful woman.

The blade barrier is still in effect.

The map now looks like this




The red dot denotes the direction the character is facing. The giant red thing is the blade barrier.

Thought it would be fun to include a screenshot of the initiative rolls to see how the move above came out (I admit I switched a tiny bit of Qwyn and Ebny's move for dramatic sense.) In the case

For a tie breaker I use the modifier score. Oh, I also included the d20 hit rolls so Rick could see his 1.

Combat attacks per round

As rounds are now 6 seconds in D&D4 multiple arrow/multiple melee attacks have now gone away (as near as I can tell.) Basically: one arrow/one sword cut.

The Happy Swallow - move 2

Adrenaline rushes through your veins. Instincts, preparation, excitement and fear meeting together. It is said in a battle time slows down yet it is over so quickly. This time is no exception.

The halfling Elbeneth moves first.

He jumps to his feet and readies an arrow in one swift motion. He partially kneels behind his chair to the left of the door heading out. The arrow is not pointed at anyone in particular.

The Tribesman pulls his sword across his lap, picks up his mead and kicks the table in front of him hard, pushing it forward. He seems otherwise unaffected and watches the scene unfold in front of him with a slight look of amusement on his face.

Voss jumps up, his long sword "Storm-biter" drawn and flashed at T'alon and his dwarves.

"Wanted or not how DARE you draw blood in a place of respect and honor for a fallen friend. What kind of sacrilege is this? Your business here may have been Framingham's and should have been taken outside, but it belongs to all of us now, and you would explain yourself or you, your blood thirsty companions and any number of hired hands in this room will be evicted at sword point so we may finish our feast in peace."

Alion remains seated, his hands neatly folded on the table. His eyes calmly survey the scene. His neck muscle tenses slightly, a sign that the body is constricted...ready to strike.

Qwyn grabs the bar wench and moves behind Voss and Alion. He whispers something to Voss as he passes. No one else can hear it.

At the outbreak of the surprising violence and attack, the female stands up with surprising speed. Her dwarven bodyguard draws a very wicked looking two handed long sword as they exchange positions, placing her in the rear.

Somewhat surprisingly, the female is now also armed. She has drawn a short sword off the hip of the dwarf. She mutters in dwarven, though loud enough that those around her can hear.

The Triplets Three move in silent unison. One leaps atop the table, landing in a tight crouch position. The others flanked outward. Their arrows are knocked and much like the Elbeneth they are forever switching targets.

The man in the black cloak (who from now on I will refer to by name - Radegast) is on his feet the instant the dwarf’s blade moves towards the fat man’s ample neck.

Elbeneth's eyes go back and forth between the dwarven guard who struck the Fat Man and Radegast.

Pulses race. Time continues to both speed up and slow down as blood reaches the inner ear. Nerves reach breaking points. The comments and noises of movement overlap on each other.

The beautiful woman proclaims,"I assume you have a writ of execution from the Earl of
Framingham? Or was that just a murder we all just witnessed? Because I doubt any of us here feel very keen in letting a murderer or his lackeys run free..."

T'alon chuckles. He is confident. He definitely believes he has some sort of advantage. A normal man would sweat, or show signs of nervousness. He is calm, almost un-nervingly calm.

The Triplet's Three continues to move their arrow aims among different groups. Eyes darting continually.

Radegast, in heartbeat’s time, he has backed up and is standing in front of the Chamberpot Room door, pushing the young boys back inside--

--It is as far as he gets. The boy who does not have Donal's eyes lunges at Radegast's back. Mid-leap the boy transforms into a clay creature the size of a human. It looks like this - a homunculus.


It jumps onto Radegast's back and digs its claws into his neck (7 hp). The blows knocks Radegast onto the ground

Radegast has not even had time to pull out his weapon.

The boy with Donal's eyes, he stumbles backward into the Chamberpot room.

"No! No! No!" his tiny voice squeaks.

It is a near free-for all. T'alons actions have taken you by surprise, though not for long.

The Fat Man wheeze on the floor. Blood continuing to spurt out. His hand is on his neck trying to keep life from leaving him.

T'alon, you do not realize it until now, has palmed an object. He tosses it underhand at the tribesman.

The second he silvery bolt of force of energy emanates from the tribesman's finger tips. Magic missiles, the aim is true. Not enough to stop T'alons toss but to hinder it.

In mid-air the figurine expands to it's full size. Large. Scaly. Red with a spiked tail. It smashes into the table the tribesman kicked - thus moving the table back to its original spot. Or it would have been the original spot.



A drake (see picture.)

The table is reduced to smithereens. The drake stands on its two hind legs and lets out a loud HIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSS.

The blood continues to pound. The adrenaline peaks. The true battle begins.

DM Note
I'm going to name the creatures as it is easier. I'll mention privately whether a person knows anything about the creature. Also I'll mark HP taken in the moves as we go along. Easier for me to track.

This is what the map looks like now