Chapter 9 - Tolls & Trolls
posted: 28 December 2019
We didn't kill him
REEEEEALLY...
Of COURSE you didn't kill him wink wink
Guys, should we take our newly dead friend to a temple, or did we waste enough time with the last one?
Thats why you tucked the body in an alleyway, and doused him with sniff sniff cheap wine
It's. What. He. Wanted
Right.
Ok, whatever.
Shall we check out the bodies?
And I feel a little obligation to that dead guy. He has style
and a hole in his chest
Yes, I say we take the valuable items, including this staff, and get our friend to the nearest temple post haste
OH- and we should probably make sure about these guys as well. That Tiefling came back once, and that sexy fox is still out there
Hey, we have a Nemesis now!
Oh- one more thing...
Belkor heads to all the dead foes... and starts urinating on each
Gotta keep up appearances you know 
1
Octavious’ body lies still.
Still bleeding?
800% dead
Okay , um , thanks for helping me get some loot. Lets put your buddy somewhere and pile all the dead meat somewhere out of sight and get somewhere non descript. Hopefully with beer
I'll buy the first round! nothing imported. Domestic only
I drink by the barrel, soooo
For the sake of brevity after you loot the bodies I will assume you find a local inn (there are plenty just outside the temple district) and take a long rest. In the morning you decide to split up and wander the temple district, asking around about resurrection services. You reconvene around noon and share the following information:
Resurrection services can indeed be found at a few temples in the district, though none are cheap. Here are your options:
- The temple of Ilmater has a cleric who will cast Raise Dead on Octavious for a sum of 650 gp
- A priestess of Sune is willing to do the same for a 100 gp donation to her temple, but you would need to supply the 500 gp diamond
- A druid at the temple of Lathander has been learning to cast the Reincarnate spell, and the temple will even provide the components, but he cannot guarantee Octavious will return as a human
- The temple of Mouqol (which looks more like a place of business than a place of worship) will cast Raise Dead for 300 gp and "one favour of our choosing", or for free if one of the party agrees to serve the temple for a year and a day
Damnit. Why couldn't I be Evil??
Alright. So let me tell you a little why I was being chased. Let me just say it involves scamming a stupid but rich member of the City. I can contribute 500 gp to the Raise Dead.
for one thing- he looks kinda connected, so I don't want to run from ANOTHER group of Bounty Hunters
But for that- I want a share in whatever you're doing!
If I'm going to help, I'm going to get paid
You remind me of my late drunk companion
/r d8+3 #Great Ones Demand Rolls
BOT
@Xavavor: d8+3 Great Ones Demand Rolls = (1)+3 = 4
/r 1d4
BOT
@Kalochex: 1d4 = (1) = 1
I say the first one.
So- we agreed? We find the 650 rezzer and get that guy rezzed?
Actually- Gumbar, and I shall go find the Guy with the Raise Dead spell ( a little help here, DM, as I can't find that post) we'll return with your newly living friend and discuss how I'm going to get paid back because that Rogue was clumsy
K
* - The temple of Mouqol (which looks more like a place of business than a place of worship) will cast Raise Dead for 300 gp and "one favour of our choosing", or for free if one of the party agrees to serve the temple for a year and a day*
This was the plan last I knew, from the #general-chat room.
same
Yes- thats what I said.
@Octavious you wake up, feeling like you've been stepped on by a tarrasque. You are in an unfamiliar building, looks to be a temple of some sort, and you are currently surrounded by your party. You have no memory of what happened after you jumped over the paladin's body and took a shot at the monk.
Now- we can discuss my VERY reasonable interest rate on that 500 gp loan
welcome back by the way
Greetings, Octavius
grunts
New friend belkor, the repayment on that loan was paid up front by helping you live.
WHAT?!?!?!
I believe YOU interrupted MY wiping the floor of those Hunters!
I very nicely let you get a share of their loot by LETTING you help me kill them
If you were prefer, we can find their employer and offer to work on his behalf to see you brought in
or you can live.... and share in our future profits and treasures
As entertaining as it was watching you miss half of your attempts at stabbing, we should be off to go collect our payment at the tavern.
Well- you can go back and ask them who their employer is... that is, if you can get a moment of their time away from the City Watch- and the fact THEY'RE DEAD!
And what about that other body I saw there... Think the Watch would be interested in how he died???
Well, your options are to join us and share in future adventures, or go out on your own and try to avoid any future groups of bounty hunters
....
Interesting proposal
I'm sure that body is as interesting to them as their shits...
Our friend literally died to keep you safe. The least you could do is pay for the majority of the resurrection
Hmm
Alright- so what are you doing? Who needs dying
?
i believe we are on our way back to a tavern of mediocre repute to collect payment for a job
Oh! I like those!
"what hit me?"
"Did everyone make it out?"
"what happened to that little halfing... did we save him?"
“Did he... did he die?”
“So tired...”
Yeah. Ok. He's awake now. Let's go to the tavern!
“Oh you’re alive... come here buddy, let me see your face?”
I feel so weak...
Can we get some heals for this guy?
Maybe a strong mead?
“Where is he? Let me see his face to know he’s okay?”
Yeah. I'm gonna stay over here. Not gonna let you cop a feel
“What? I can’t hear so good, my head is ringing.”
“I just need to see your face. Tell me it was worth it?”
sigh FINE!
I approach the slightly unnerving rogue
But this doesn't mean we can take long, hot showers together
“Oh man are you a sight for my eyes...”
Thats what she said
I back away quickly
anyway- you're alive. Huzzah and all that.. Now, what about a tavern
Too late.
/r d20-3
BOT
@Octavious: d20-3 = (7)-3 = 4
/r d20-3
BOT
@Octavious: d20-3 = (11)-3 = 8
Thank you rolly bot!!!
IM GONNA FUCKING BEAT YOU UNTIL YOU (gasp) TELL ME WHAT THE FUCK YOU (gasp) STOLE FROM CAPTAIN HAMMER TIME AND HIS (gasp) WITCH AND TWO LITTLE PEOPLE!!!
“I really need a drink”
TAVERN TIME!!!
And- alright
Lets go- I'll buy the first round.. nothing imported. domestic only and I'll tell the tale
That ugly dwarf (but I repeat myself) said you had to go to one anyway to get cash from a job..
I’m going to have whatever cocktail I want and you are buying it.
......no,no, I have to not pick on the recently resurrected. Ok bub... whatever you wanrt
“Thanks...” I get up, and try not to fall down as I walk with the party to the Tavern. “I need to pick up some things.”
Can we go shopping after we get paid?
"so what did you do to those guys?"
"we killled 3 of the 4. The druid escaped, but not before dropping her staff."
"no, I mean Belkor..."
"and how did the druid get away?"
"by running.....away from us.....and hiding somewhere."
"the druid ran? and Kalochek or Ramza couldnt catch her?"
you were dead, everyone else was pretty banged up
"we just wanted out of combat, and to figure out our next move"
on the bright side, we may have an archenemy now!
"... this is why I dont like loose ends."
"eh... at least we have our health"
you shot before we could talk. we did the best we could
I tip my glass " to our health! and being faster on the draw!"
I grumble something about being grateful instead of critical under my breath
"nice bow"
You want to make your way to Purethought to the Soldier's Grave?
is that the tavern we mmust return to in order to receive payment?
There are several ways across the river be the easiest would either be Plaza Bridge or the docks bridge.
Yeah
Those of you from the city know Plaza Bridge has a toll of 1 sp to cross, docks bridge is free
Docks bridge sounds seedy.
Probably just crowded
when the DM says we get there, I'll tell the story
apparently we have to run a gauntlet of cops or something
Gentlemen, I know I asked in the sewer but we were a bit preoccupied. What exactly do you already know about the state of magic in this world? What can we do to fix it?
we know that it is failing sporadically. we know that it caused a village to be swept up in a lava flow that cost use a load of ore
other than that, i can't recall
Spell bad, sword good
save it, sellsword. my holy magic is part of the reason most of us have survived this long
Yes. That volcano destroyed more that one village. That is why I'm here. What do we know about how to solve it?
I say we cross the Docks bridge. It sounds less policed, which would be good considering how many bodies we left behind
We are well rested and leveled up
Yes, but we're not at the bar yet
You want to make your way to Purethought to the Soldier's Grave?
DMy, yesterday
Yeah, I'm agreeing with you is what I am saying
Just remember I’m weak for the next 3-4 days.
Ok- we'll get you a nice feathered bed and a comfy pillow
So we head to that tarvern, DM
Helping our rogue along
taking the docks bridge?
Yes!
Docks bridge is pretty crowded this time of day, I'll need everyone who is crossing (i.e. everyone @here) to make a perception check
/r 1d20
BOT
@Belkor: 1d20 = (2) = 2
I saw the sky!
/r d1000
BOT
@Dungeon Master: d1000 = (55) = 55
um?
@Belkor you jostle through the crowd making your way successfully across the bridge. when you get to the docks you feel like your coinpouch is slightly lighter
by 55 cp (or 5sp 5cp)
Grr
Um, I don,t have any copper
round down 
Ok
oh, I just realized I typed d1000 - I meant for a d100 (max 1 gold)
want me to reroll?
nope
k
cos that would be a great roll :D
/r d100
BOT
@Dungeon Master: d100 = (6) = 6
lol
could have only been out 6 copper!
BS- if I had said 'Sure' it would be 99
lol
Am I at -4 for this check?
You are! 
Pretty much all checks, reduced by 1 per day
/r d20
BOT
@Octavious: d20 = (5) = 5
wait, what about checks reduced each day?
That’s for me only
Because I was just raised from the dead
/r d50
BOT
@Dungeon Master: d50 = (13) = 13
ooooh ok
so perception check for bridge crossing right?
@Octavious you find yourself missing 13 copper
@Gumbar yep
!roll d20+2
BOT
@Gumbar rolled 3. (1, 2)
fuck me
so hard
Busy bridge, lots of pickpockets
with a rusty spoon
/r d100
BOT
@Dungeon Master: d100 = (15) = 15
All rolls are low today...
15 copper missing for Gumbar
Bloody thieves
DC is only 10 to notice the pickpockets - below 10 you lose 1d50 copper, below 5 you list 1d100
i was expecting that with a nat 1 my coin purse was gone, my armor was missing the pants, and i no longer have a god
lol
Nat 1's aren't a thing for skill checks fortunately
Just attack rolls and death saves
/r d20+2
BOT
@Xavavor: d20+2 = (16)+2 = 18
@Xavavor you are walking behind the others and notice something is off. You keep your coin pouch close and lose nothing.
books are so much better than people...
/r d20-1
BOT
@Kalochex: d20-1 = (4)-1 = 3
/r d20+3
BOT
@Ramza: d20+3 = (11)+3 = 14
Wtf is with these rolls?
A few coppers for the local thieves guild is a small price to pay to cross. It’s considered a small tax to keep them from stealing your real money.
these rolls have indeed been abysmal
/r d100
BOT
@Dungeon Master: d100 = (83) = 83
@Kalochex your purse feels much lighter than it did before - 8 silver and 3 copper missing
Doesn't mean i can't complain.. And they can just ask nicely
@Ramza a child tries to grab your bag but you swat him away
that is everyone but @Bongo, right?
Yup
jokes on them I only had one copper to steal
you only had one copper? or you had the 8 silver but not 3 copper?
I had 11 silver and 1 cp
ok cool, just subtract 8 sp and the 1 cp then
if you only had a single cp I was gonna have the thief take some supplies
lol yeesh
On to the drink palace!
I slip 50gp into Kalochex hand
"Why, friend?"
Consider it an investment to get you started right on your journey
"Thank you Octavius. I will not allow it to go to waste."
I nod and keep walking
He got 50g or so for the last fight
He should have some monies
( oh yeah, in case that wasn't clear I did get that 50 or so gp from the last one lol)
Just make sure you buy a potion of healing with it.
I wink at Oct, and begin to keep an eye out for potion shops
/r d20+1 #bongo perc
BOT
@Dungeon Master: d20+1 bongo perc = (18)+1 = 19
Bongo is also unaccosted
After you make your away across the bridge you find yourself once again in the Purethought docks. You continue west, then north, finding your way to the Soldier's Grave. There are two Protectors outside, standing guard.
About to go into work so probably won't be able to do much tonight, but for now I'll flash my badge again to the two outside
once you flash the Protector's symbol they open the door, allowing you inside
private bar? I like it. Are the strippers good then?
“Just don’t be a fool and take from these people buddy. And remember -top shelf cocktail.”
Looking at this bar- theres only one shelf. Just the way I like it
And I'm not a thief..
“Well stealing 500 gold makes you a thief m’boy”
I didn't steal it
See, I just pulled a prank like we used to do in Ranger school
Fake amulet trade and all that.
I heard of this lonely rich guy (you'd think the two wouldn't go together, but whatever)
I made him an "Amulet of Woodland Love"
Wonderful thing if I do say so
Sold it to him.
Anyway.. he found out just what we used to make them from at a party... Must have been hilarious!
and THATs why he hired the Four Seasons to track me down
So I guess they have to come up with a new name?
Annnnnnd what was it made of?
Bear dung, panther musk and a few shiny rocks I found in a stream.
I made it in the shape of a heart! That should count for something
I told him the smell showed that it was working
So apparently he belived me- and now hes so embarrassed he'll never show his face at another party
Pretty neat joke!
ROFL!!!
(Gasp)
ROFL
Speaking of which turns to Ramza You look like you can use an Amulet of Woodland Strength. I can make you one, pretty cheap
Is it too late to exchange you for our previous companion?
You sure your not a thief?
hmm.. 
Considering hes a little digested and probably rotting, yes
Considering hes a little digested and probably rotting, yes
Yes. Here- pull my finger and find out
Do the protectors have any potions they sell at discount for friends?
Good question.
I whisper “Kalochek in order for you to get you paid we need you to just go with whatever we come up with. Just be agreeable.”
@Octavious make a perception check
/r d20
BOT
@Octavious: d20 = (15) = 15
you see the same woman who gave you the chest sitting alone at a table in a far corner
I can do that.
I order a rum based cocktail
and suggest to Ramza we may want to mozy to her table?
and suggest to Ramza we may want to mozy to her table?
I mention to the bartender the halving carries the gold for the drink.
*halfling
8 silver for a decent cocktail
Woooooo big spender!
WHAT!??!?! 8 SILVER
I can get a blo--- oh, nevermind
grumble grumble clumsy rogue
"Get him his drink then"
I'll have a pint of your house ale
"an ale for me as well"
I lean over to octavius "is there a food menu?"
ale is 5 copper
can they make change for a gold?
food is whatever they made tonight (roast mutton and fresh bread) and is 5 copper
they can make any change you need
perfect. I'll take the mutton and an ale, 1 silver and I'll take the 9 silver in change
Hey, that sounds good as well.
do you take it to an empty table? or the table with the woman?
The table with the woman. Apparently my roguish friend gets interested when he's resurected
I hope they gave you one of those little umbrellas with your drink at least
if there's an empty table next to the one with the woman, I'd like to sit there and listen in on any conversation while I enjoy my meal
I wait for Ramza as these are his people.
He should lead the conversation
"how much does it cost to get good and drunk in this here establishment, kind sir?"
Is he asking for an all-you-can-drink deal?
I'll have what he's having.
I motion for a flagon and slide nonchalantly opposite the woman at the table.
6 silver to get a dwarf drunk, 1 gold to get you completely shit-faced
I sit adjacent to them both positioned so that I have the best view of the establishment as possible while sitting there.
I'll just take the one flagon for now lol
Well- you've found a woman, chat her up, big guy
Do I touch her boobs or what
That might work- give it a roll
“Ahem.”
“May we sit miss?”
2
is already sitting
"Welcome back. I received a message that the goods were delivered successfully last night. I also heard about some trouble in the sewers?" [her eyebrow raises]
"There was a bit more company than we were expecting."
she looks around the group "I can see that, I assume the new guys are with you?"
"And where is that annoying artsy fellow?"
"He didn't make it. Taken by surprise by a particularly hungry slime."
[she grunts] "Did you kill the slime?"
"Both of them, yes. I was beginning to think we were home invaders."
Yes Ma'am.
“There was definitely some risk. Did you know the slimes were there?”
"You never know what you'll find when you go down - it is not a commonly-traveled location. We appreciate you clearing them out though, I have to go down myself in a few days so I'm glad you took care of the slimes. You did say slimes, plural?"
"Correct. Two, with the second dividing itself further until it was no more"
“One was a clear cube. Hard to see in the dim light. That’s what got our friend. The other was black and looked like sewage... it was quite savage. The acid from it ate away from our weapons and armor. Some of the guys still have acid scars.”
“Definitely bring light if you have it in case there’s more of them.”
"Noted. Well, here's your reward [she tosses a heavy pouch to Ramza] and here's a bit more for taking care of the slimes [she pulls out a second pouch, counts 5 platinum, looks up, counts you lot, pulls out 2 more, and hands over 7 platinum]. Let Tegan know if you are looking for more work, he should be in later tonight."
I nod in thanks. "We'll stick around yet, hoping for a citadel contact. You wouldn't happen to know anyone, would you?"
"Tegan might, He's the one who knows people."
I grunt. "He does at that. Be seeing you."
I nod “thanks for your time miss.” And I step back towards the bar with my friends.
she goes back to her drink
{back at the bar}, what about this list of items we need to find?
We need to share that with the rest of the group.
We haven't told them yet?
Not fully. We came in and zipped right into a job.
“It’s time we let them in on it... away from here. Too many eyes and ears.”
agreed
“Let’s give Ramza a bit to see how he fares with the lady.”
Maybe he should start by asking her name. Just sayin'.
"Hey You" isn't a particularly good pick-up line, unless you're a barbarian
“I have faith he has some game.”
How much faith???
I got 5 silver says the only thing he scores on is his right hand
I’ll bet 1 electrum
Yer on!
I finish my meal and drink, awaiting the groups departure.
My right hand treats me right, which is better than left ok
Anyway, I bring another round back with me and settle down again across from the woman.
she looks up, eyebrows raised. "Is there something else?"
"You can let your guard down," I say with a small smirk. "I didn't catch your name." I slide her drink within reach
make a persuasion check
Oh lawd, I thought I could just talk my way through this lolol
/r d20+1
BOT
@Ramza: d20+1 = (14)+1 = 15
she smiles, but says "I didn't give one."
I lounge back in my seat with a coy expression. "Well if you don't tell me, I'll just have to make one up."
"You do what you like. You're not exactly my type."
"And what type would that be? Less attractive?" I say with a chuckle.
persuasion check again please
/r d20+1 #jesustakethewheel
BOT
@Ramza: d20+1 jesustakethewheel = (19)+1 = 20
Awwww yiss
"Less obvious, perhaps?" (she doesn't leave though)
I let out a hearty laugh at that comment. "Touche. Shall I start over? Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Ramza. Can I buy you a drink?"
one last persuasion check please, for the remainder of the conversation
/r d20+1 #jesuspleasekeeptakingthewheel
BOT
@Ramza: d20+1 jesuspleasekeeptakingthewheel = (6)+1 = 7
Welp
Precision strike?
Lolol
"I know your name, and I already have a drink. I appreciate the thought though. You seem nice, but like I said, you're not really my type." She stands, winks, and walks over to a half-elf woman in soldiers garb sitting alone across the room. You see the half-elf smile as the woman you've been talking to sits, and they begin engaging in low conversation.
I'll be in my bunk
Hahahaha that sounds about right
I nudge Octavious 5 silver please!
feeling superior
Here dude, let me buy you another drink to wash the taste of bitter failure out of your mouth
"She's into girls, nows your chance," I remark back wihh a wink
Alright!! You might be a decent companion after all!!!
I motion for a round for my new companion and I, clapping him on the shoulder. "I'll drink to that, my new friend!"
I go to the guys as they revel in their success, and whisper that we need to meet someplace more secure for discussions on our next leg of the journey
Other Halfling!!! Have a drink!
Lets drink to Failure!!
there is a booth on the north wall which is surrounded by empty tables, you could probably have a quiet conversation there
Colleagues, let's move over to that table.
booth, rather
As long as there's drink there too, lead the way
just subtract what you take
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