Chat log started at 5.12.2010 / 18:35:34

Savage Worlds Ruleset for Fantasy Grounds II
(c) 2009 Pinnacle Entertainment Group.
It is now 0900 on 24 February, 1880.
Stinky Pete: Tack FAILS
Uriel Iscariot: I must atone for the error of my ways, I shall swear a vow of silence and do nothing more than cast Healing on my party members until I feel as though I am redeemed.
Uriel Iscariot goes mute.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): HOORAH!
Xiu Li looks at Uriel suspiciously.
Stinky Pete: So, in other words, we should just cut out your vocal chords now, since you'll never reach that level of atonement
Uriel Iscariot shrugs noncomittally.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): -1 Healing spell for Pete this game
Xiu Li: We should be going.
Stinky Pete: Yes
Ezekial Ikwiano nods.
GM: So is the party heading back to Shan Fan?
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): Yes
Xiu Lu gets Doctor Carr's wagon, everyone gets their horses, and you head back to Shan Fan via Sacramento.
GM: Vigor checks.
Zach Dallas: Vigor [1d6 = 7]
Ezekial Ikwiano: Vigor [1d12 = 3]
Stinky Pete: Vigor [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6 = 5]
Ezekial Ikwiano is using a benny
Ezekial Ikwiano: Vigor [1d12 = 7]
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): WOOHOO!
GM: Several members of the group feel marginally better.
The group makes it without further mishap back to Sacramento.
Captain Tyson stops feeding chickens as the group approaches.
Stinky Pete: Feels nice not being cooped up
Captain Tyson: Absolutely, I enjoy not being henpecked.
Captain Tyson: So, did you find the source of Ghost Rot?
Stinky Pete: Not yet
Ezekial Ikwiano: Sort of
Captain Tyson looks curious given your answers.
Zach Dallas: In a way, but I don't think we can quite cash out on it....
Zach Dallas: not yet, anyways
Captain Tyson kicks a hen that is acting like a Mississippi leg dog on him.
Captain Tyson: Stupid bird.
Captain Tyson: I see, well, keep me a-breast of your findings.
Zach Dallas: Anything interesting happen while we were away?
Captain Tyson: And don't let the distributor wing-away or get a leg up.
Captain Tyson shrugs.
Captain Tyson: Not really, although a stage came through this morning and said that everyone in Blank's Springs was killed. A cavalry patrol went out to investigate this morning.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): time?
Stinky Pete: Hopefully, we'll know something by Fry-day
Zach Dallas: Ewww
Ezekial Ikwiano: They was some crazy bitches and a robot and some magic shit
Zach Dallas: Zeke got drunk
Ezekial Ikwiano: I didn't see what happened, but they killed erybody and turned into dust
Zach Dallas: Like I said
Ezekial Ikwiano: And den I smoked a cigar with my horse
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): to Tyson
Zach Dallas: Between you and me, I don't think it was a cigar
Ezekial Ikwiano: Notice [1d6 = 4]
Zach Dallas: Stealth {--2 Untrained:Mike} [1d6-2 = 6]
It is now 2100 on 24 February 1880.
Captain Tyson looks suspiciously at Zeke.
Captain Tyson: Well, I can agree with that opinion Mr. Dallas.
Zach Dallas: Anyways, we're probably going to spend the night in town and pick up the trail again in the morning
Ezekial Ikwiano: Yeah, an afterwords, I became king of Blank's springs
Captain Tyson: Since I am not one to believe in magic and hokum.
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): Zeke is becoming more and more credible by the moment...
Captain Tyson: I think Zeke has been in the sun a little too much, or maybe he is a bit tired. The group of you should probably stop at a hotel and get some rest.
Zach Dallas: Spellcasting [1d6-2 = 3]
Zach Dallas is using a benny
Zach Dallas: Spellcasting [1d10-2 = 7]
Ezekial Ikwiano: In the sun too long? This ain't a tan, I's born this color
Captain Tyson: I was getting more at the sun might have fried your brain a bit.
Xiu Li: I will meet up with you in the morning.
Xiu Li takes her wagon off to the west side of Sacramento.
Ezekial Ikwiano: No, I'm tellin you, the magic guy killed the lady in the robot and then turned to dust. Then I became king and we fought some more giant robots, and a little chinese girl kicked my ass, but she all right now.
Zach Dallas: Alright then
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): how wounded do we appear?
Ezekial Ikwiano: Unskilled {--2 Unskilled} [1d4-2 = 5]
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): that's a persuade
Zeke, Zach, and Pete look like they have had the crap kicked out of them. More than a few people are stopping to stare and wondering how you are managing to stay upright on your horses.
Captain Tyson: Smarts [1d8 = 14]
Captain Tyson: Uh huh.
Captain Tyson looks like he does not believe a word Zeke is saying.
Captain Tyson: Well, I am off duty now, I recommend you guys get some rest before you fall off your horses and possibly cause further head trauma.
Captain Tyson walks back to his chicken ranch.
GM: Okay, would the group like to get a hotel room for the night?
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): sure
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): Yes please
Nick (Stinky Pete): Sleep is good. Food and free booze is better
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): Also, if I could get some hearsay
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): preferable somewhere where our horses can stay in our rooms with us
Zach Dallas: Streetwise [1d6-2 = 3]
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): rather than in a stable
Zach Dallas: Persuasion [1d6 = 4]
Zach Dallas: The horses will be fine on their own
It will be $10 per room. Pay as appropriate. There is no hotel that will let you keep your horse in a room.
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): I'm paid up for a room then
But as soon as you get to the stable, Uriel's horse tries to mount a large black stallion and gets the shit beat out of it.
Zeke's horse sits on its ass and uses it's shoes to light up a cigar.
Nick (Stinky Pete): Wow. That beating mustang a little
Zach's horse drops to the ground and rolls around in the hay. Pete's horse just sits there, then lets out a massive belch and appears to pass out.
Stable Worker: Those are some strange animals you have there.
Ezekial Ikwiano: Don't you talk shit 'bout my horse.
Ezekial Ikwiano takes out a cigar and lights it.
Ezekial Ikwiano: Intimidation [1d6 = 4]
Stable Worker looks impressed that Zeke has such a well trained horse.
GM: Or the horse has such a well trained rider, he's not sure which.
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): I think this horse was magically trained by the future Mrs. Ezekial Ikwiano
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): I don't think either is true...
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): I'll try my luck at some Poker
GM: The horses are stabled, pay for your lodging. Then let me know whatever sheninganes you wish to engage in.
Zach Dallas: Gambling [1d8-2 = 13]
GM: Zach rakes in about $100 in winnings over the course of four hours.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): WOOHOO!
Zach Dallas treats the room to a round (assuming we're in a bar)
Of course, his exceptional skill and luck means that he will be remembered by a LOT of people.
GM: It costs $25 to buy everyone a round.
Stinky Pete nurses a couple beers. At once.
Zach Dallas gives out his name under the alias of Ulysses N Owen
Beer nurses Pete, then asks if he wants to go upstairs for some quiet alone time.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): (quite frankly, I don't want to be remembered in this town at all)
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): Don't want to be successfully tracked
TADM: We'll see how well that works out, and how soon you are running from Union territory.
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): Washington is nice
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): So is Canada
GM: Any other shenigans the party wishes to engage in?
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): and Mehiko
Zach Dallas: Streetwise [1d6 = 5]
Nick (Stinky Pete): nope. I'm good.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): -2, of course. Anything great and noticible going on?
GM: Nothing too exciting is going on in town right now.
Time passes. It is 0700 on 25 February 1880.
Zach Dallas: Vigor [1d6-2 = 2]
Zach Dallas is using a benny
Zach Dallas: Vigor [1d6-2 = 5]
Ezekial Ikwiano: Vigor [1d12 = 14]
Stinky Pete: Vigor [1d8 = 3]
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): will that be enough?
Stinky Pete is using a benny
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): and can I take Zeke's roll instead?
Stinky Pete: Vigor [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6 = 2]
Stinky Pete: Mmmm the food here is great!
[w] Ezekial Ikwiano: I'm gonna roll streetwise this morning to find someone to buy this gold dust off me
Ezekial Ikwiano: Unskilled {--2 Unskilled} [1d6-2 = 2]
Stinky Pete: So, where are we heading? We need to get this show on the road
[w] Ezekial Ikwiano: whelp, nvm that then
[w] -> Ezekial Ikwiano: You find a guy willing to take it off your hands for about $175
[w] Ezekial Ikwiano: done deal
[w] -> Ezekial Ikwiano: Adjust sheet as appropriate.
[w] Ezekial Ikwiano: done and done
Random Bystander: Hey ya'all hear the news? Doctor Carr was murdered! His step daughter had his body cremated last night, then sold his wagon and stuff.
Random Noose Holding Guy: Did she say who did it! I got a rope to string the bastard up!
Random Bystander: I'll go form a mob!
Ezekial Ikwiano: Riding [1d4 = 5]
Random Noose Holding Guy: Find the bastards and kill them!
Random Bystander: We need her to tell us who killed him!
Mob: We want BLOOD!
Ezekial Ikwiano rides out of town smoking a cigar.
GM: Okay, what would the group like to do? Zeke seems to be opting for "discretion is the better part of survival."
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): Well, for once in Zeke's life, he can't just kill his way out trouble
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): Eh, I s'pose. I'd rather not let him out of my sight anyways
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): nonsense, with that roll last night you could take out a dozen of them
Xiu Li meets Zeke on the edge of town.
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): But with Uriel's roll last week, I can't bring myself to...
Xiu Li: I sold my father's possessions. I will take his remains to the Isle of Ghost Tears in Shan Fan, like he requested.
Ezekial Ikwiano: I heard you burned him?
Xiu Li holds up small cremation jar.
Xiu Li: Easier to transport.
Stinky Pete: And less of a smell
Ezekial Ikwiano: They is officially called "cremains"
Xiu Li shrugs.
Ezekial Ikwiano: S'how we did my momma
Zach Dallas: That it is. We'll escort you there, if it's alright with you
Ezekial Ikwiano: Did you miss the show yesterday Zach, I don't think she needs escortin'
Xiu Li: I will go with you to Shan Fan, it is not like there are things for me to do out here any longer.
Zach Dallas: We should probably head in the same way anyways, and there is safety in numbers
GM: Plus Zach figures he gets a cover bonus if he is behind her.
Zach Dallas: Common Knowledge [1d12 = 11]
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): She is quite small though
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): on the Isle
Nick (Stinky Pete): Cover, no. Easy-to-carry meat shield, yes
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): also, it's less likely for people to think that we're the culprits if she's not actively killing us
Zach remembers hearing the the Isle of Ghost Tears is the "unofficial" cemetery for Shan Fan. It is a small island in the bay near Shan Fan.
GM: It is going to take 1 day to ride by horse back to Shan Fan, or you can get at train and make it in five hours. Obviously horseback will be cheaper and less conspicuous if you are worried about that.
Zach Dallas: While we travel, I do have a question. I seem to remember those robots saying that they were recovering something. Do you know what it was?
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): I'll offer to support her financially for the trip, if she wants. I know she probably doesn't need it, but it's out there
Zach Dallas: Common Knowledge [1d12 = 6]
Xiu Li: The Hellstromme automatons were programmed to recover my father's corpse if I was not present.
GM: Xiu Li is happy to let you pay for the trip.
Zach Dallas: Ah, if you were not present. But then you were, so they just left?
Ezekial Ikwiano: Two of them did anyways
Zach Dallas: True
Ezekial Ikwiano: heh
Xiu Li: They left after all hostile targets were eliminated.
The group arrives on the outskirts of Shan Fan around 1100 on February 26, 1880.
The Sunrise Hotel is nearby, on the bluff overlooking the rest of the town. You see Captain Smythe smoking his pipe and reading a paper on the porch.
Ezekial Ikwiano: Yo Rod, how you doin with destroyin' that ommelette
Captain Smythe: Ah, you blokes are back, capital!
Captain Smythe stops and looks at Xiu Li.
Captain Smythe: And you have a new friend...miss...
Ezekial Ikwiano: She ain't like, a whore or nothin'
Ezekial Ikwiano: Not that there's anythin' wrong with whores
Ezekial Ikwiano: but she aint
Zach Dallas: Tactful
Zach Dallas: This is Xiu Li
Captain Smythe: Ah, pleased to meet you Xiu Li. I am Captain Roderick Pennington-Smythe, lately of her Majesty's Coldstream Guards.
Xiu Li: I am honored to meet you.
Captain Smythe: Likewise.
Captain Smythe: Well chaps, I have some information for you, if you'd care to come upstairs.
Xiu Li: This hotel has nice baths. I shall take one while you are discussing whatever important matters you have to discuss.
Zach Dallas: Very well
Ezekial Ikwiano: Horse troughs are good for that too
Xiu Li dismounts and heads inside. She charges "exclusive sauna and spa treatment" to Zach Dallas' room, which actually comes out of Captain Smythe's account.
Captain Smythe leads everyone upstairs to the Explorer's Society temporary HQ.
Stinky Pete: So, what's up? Something new w/ Ghost Rot, I assume?
TADM: Prepare for monologue!
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): teehee
Captain Smythe: You do remember the Amulet of Rahashamir we fought so hard to recover? Quite. As I mentioned, Mr. Dillenger and I were intent on destroying the thing. I must admit we’ve still not discovered a way to do so. Damn thing has a knack for resisting physical abuse, I can promise you that.
Captain Smythe: We’ve hidden the amulet here in Shan Fan, and we’re staying until we can figure out a way to deal with it—permanently.
Captain Smythe: Now here’s where you blokes come in. The amulet isn’t the only reason we’re staying in Shan Fan. There’s a small vault of sorts under the ruins of the Explorer’s Society lodge, where our most precious artifacts were kept. As far as we know, that vault remains intact despite the looting of our temple by philistines.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): I have learned to hate them through HoN
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): nobody in HoN is pleasent
Captain Smythe: We would dearly like to empty that vault of its contents—some of which may be useful to you in your current endeavors—and leave Shan Fan. Therein lies the problem. You see, during the sack of the lodge, the key that would open the vault was stolen.
Captain Smythe: I have reason to suspect that Big Ears Tam has ended up with the key, and if you could recover it, that would open the vault to us again.
Zach Dallas: Is the lock...enchanted?
Zach Dallas shuffles a deck of cards
Captain Smythe: Very much so. I doubt your card-based shenigangs would do much more than add small pieces of scrap paper to the front of the vault.
[w] Zach Dallas: Change on the top card of the deck, so that it is holding a key if it is not, or so that it is locked up if it is
Zach Dallas: Spellcasting [1d10 = 5]
Zach Dallas: Oh, dammit
Zach Dallas flips the top card to revealed a locked up Joker
Stinky Pete: So, where's Big Ears at?
Captain Smythe: I'd imagine in his palatial estate on the north side of town.
TADM: "T" is for Tam!
Nick (Stinky Pete): T is for target
The door of the room bursts open and a Chinese man flies into the room, smashes into the table, and drops to the ground with a thud. It appears that his neck is broken by the impact.
Captain Smythe: I SAY!
Captain Smythe draws pistol and points it at the door.
Stinky Pete: Looks like we had a spy
Ezekial Ikwiano draws his guns and runs to the door.
Ezekial Ikwiano: Notice [1d6 = 4]
GM: Zeke notices that a naked, and dripping wet, Xiu Li is standing there. The towel she was wearing has dropped to the ground.
Zach Dallas: Aw, my cards!
Ezekial Ikwiano: Spirit [1d8 = 4]
Xiu Li: He was listening at your door.
Ezekial Ikwiano: You cute when you killin' guys.
Xiu Li: Thanks.
Xiu Li puts towel back on and goes back to the bath room.
Ezekial Ikwiano puts his guns away.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): any particular dress on him?
Zach Dallas examines the corpse
Nick (Stinky Pete): Well, two of the three are put away, anyway
[w] Zach Dallas: Hunch, was he alone?
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): A big white, fluffly princess dress with lots of petticoats
Zach Dallas: Spellcasting [1d10-1 = 5]
Captain Smythe: You chaps sure have a way of finding...interesting...women.
GM: The Chinese man is wearing a business suit.
Stinky Pete: Guess you'll need to have guards on the lookout at the vault. And, it means we need to hurry
Zach Dallas glares at Zeke
Ezekial Ikwiano: Smarts [1d6 = 5]
Stinky Pete: So, do you want to go to him? Or, wait til he comes to us
[w] -> Zach Dallas: The other two ran off.
Zach Dallas: Two more survived
Zach Dallas: They already took off
Stinky Pete: Guess that means we just go to the vault and sit tight. Saves us the trouble of breaking in
Ezekial Ikwiano: Can you use your freaky, super-cosmic powers to track em down?
Zach Dallas: Nope. I can't tell the difference between Chinese anyways
Zach Dallas: They're pretty much all the same to me
Ezekial Ikwiano: I knew you was racist
Zach Dallas: Doesn't help that they keep proving the stereotypes right
Ezekial Ikwiano: Are you calling me a stereotype?
Captain Smythe: Well, however you do it, I'd appreciate the retrieval of the key. Dillenger and I will remain here. Do try not to kill each other.
Zach Dallas laughs
Zach Dallas: Yes sir
Captain Smythe leaves the room and goes down to the lobby to report the corpse and broken door.
Zach Dallas begins picking up the cards that were spewed across the floor
Ezekial Ikwiano: Fair enough, I s'pose
Zach Dallas: So, you know where the old headquarters is?
Nick (Stinky Pete): looks at map of city. It's either P or S, I think
Xiu Li steps out of the bathing room wearing "Chun Li Street Fighter" outfit.
Xiu Li: I feel much better after taking a bath. What are you doing now?
Stinky Pete: Besides admiring your "handiwork"?
Uriel Iscariot makes random hand gestures, then points to the spot where the old Explorer's Lodge was before it was burned down.
Zach Dallas: Excellent! I almost forgot you were here!
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): What's that Uriel? Little Billy's trapped in the well?
Uriel Iscariot makes sign language for "Me too!"
Zach Dallas: Common Knowledge [1d12 = 6]
The group wanders over to a burned out husk of a building. The people in the area seem to shy away from it.
Xiu Li speaks Cantonese to a local.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): yay! fewer people to witness this
Xiu Li: He said this place is haunted, and they all avoid it.
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): There were no witnesses to the Carr incident, but word of that somehow spread instantly to everyone in the universe
Nick (Stinky Pete): Yay! Fewer innocents for Zeke to kill!
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): that's because Xiu Li had his corpse cremated
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): We were wanted with everyone before she even showed up
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): true. perhaps it was in anticipation of the robots?
A solitary Chinese man wearing a business suit and a bowler hat walks over to the group as you are standing near the burned building.
Zach Dallas: Good afternoon
Stinky Pete: Notice {+2 Alertness(S)} [1d8+2 = 7]
Zach Dallas: Notice [1d4 = 6]
Chinese Man: Good afternoon gentlemen.
Ezekial Ikwiano: Notice (Wounds -1) [1d4-1 = 2]
Chinese Man bows.
Zach Dallas tips his hat
Ezekial Ikwiano lights a cigar.
Chinese Man: The honor of your presence has been requested at the estate of my master, Big Ears' Tam. He wishes to speak with you on a matter of mutual importance.
Chinese Man bows again.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): can we see the safe from up here?
GM: There is no sign of the "vault" that Captain Smythe spoke about.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): Hmmm
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): Does he appear to be waiting on us?
[w] Stinky Pete -> Zach Dallas: Since I have to bail early tonight, Pete is going to stay here and guard the vault.
Chinese Man is waiting patiently for your response.
Zach Dallas: That does sounds rather fortunate
Ezekial Ikwiano: You gonna all have to wear nametags for Zach though, you all look alike to him.
Zach Dallas gives Zeke an odd look
Ezekial Ikwiano: racist.
Stinky Pete: Well, you four have fun. I'm gonna sit here for a spell
Zach Dallas: I'll be right with you, good sir
Ezekial Ikwiano: Don't get too drunk on us
Chinese Man is still waiting patiently.
Zach Dallas: I'd like to check on something before heading out, but I'm more than interested in discussing things with Big Ears' Tam
Zach Dallas: Notice [1d4 = 5]
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): to find the vault
GM: There is no sign of the vault in this area, given that roll.
[w] Zach Dallas: is there anything that I could make LOOK like a vault for 24 hours with Change? A large piece of rubble or something?
[w] -> Zach Dallas: Absolutely. Spell cast away!
Zach Dallas: Spellcasting [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6 = 10]
Ezekial Ikwiano waits next to the chinese man.
Zach Dallas the loud crack of breaking wood sounds out
Zach Dallas: SON OF A
[w] Zach Dallas: basically lost my balance or what not after casting
Ezekial Ikwiano: Notice (Wounds -1) [1d6-1 = 4]
[w] Zach Dallas: got my leg stuck in a burnt rut
[w] Zach Dallas: how's my handicraft?
Zach walks around a corner, steps in the wrong spot, and opens up a crack in the floor that reveals an impressive looking bank safe, slightly singed but otherwise undamaged. Pete takes up a great sniping position to guard it.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): well then
Xiu Li looks at the vault with curiosity.
Xiu Li glances over at Zach Dallas.
[w] Zach Dallas: is there a decoy vault?
Xiu Li: You forgot to put a key hole in it.
[w] -> Zach Dallas: That is your decoy vault.
[w] Zach Dallas: LOL had me fooled
[w] -> Zach Dallas: Then I guess it will work very well.
[w] Zach Dallas to Li: Hm. Eh, I might as well add it in. They'll figure it out when they bring the key anyways
Zach Dallas: Spellcasting [1d10 = 9]
Chinese Man is still waiting patiently.
Zach Dallas: Alright, I'm set to go
Ezekial Ikwiano: Just pretend like you ain't seen that.
Chinese Man nods at Zeke.
Chinese Man: I see only that which Big Ears' Tam wishes me to see.
Ezekial Ikwiano: Intimidation [1d6 = 13]
Chinese Man: See what?
Ezekial Ikwiano: Exactly
Chinese Man backs away from Zeke, as he is clearly scared of being mercilessly gunned down.
Chinese Man: I only remember seeing a immodestly dressed young Chinese woman with white ribbons in her hair.
Chinese Man leads the group over to Big Ears' Tam's estate.
Big Ears Tam’s enormous estate sits beside the Ever-Triumphant Trail as it leaves the northern verges of the city. The place is huge, and built in the traditional Chinese style, which makes it quite a sight to behold. It’s even more impressive on the inside.
The whole place is surrounded by what could be best described as a miniature Great Wall of China. The ring of stone towers connected by battlemented walls is visible for miles, and thick with cannon and triad soldiers.
The chinese man escorts the four of you inside the estate.
The many pagodas inside the compound are arranged by the precepts of feng shui, which is why the layout might seem odd to Western eyes at times. Tam had his palace, temple, and other structures built in harmony with the natural rock outcroppings and evergreen growth in the area. Rock gardens and small orchards of bonsai trees accent the paths and lanes that wind from building to building.
Chinese Man escorts the group to a guard shack, where you are asked to deposit all your weapons.
Xiu Li hands over her chopsticks and hair pins.
Ezekial Ikwiano places hands over his rifle and all of his bullets.
Zach Dallas unloads his guns and several daggers
Uriel Iscariot hands over all of his weapons.
Chinese Man: If you wish to keep any weapons, the guards will need to verify they are unloaded.
Ezekial Ikwiano shows Bo and Luke to the guards.
Ezekial Ikwiano: They have extreme sentimental value.
Guards inspects any weapons and makes sure they are unloaded.
Chinese Man: I understand, thank you for cooperation.
GM: Assuming no one is trying to keep anything more dangerous than a knife, the guards let you pass.
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): Just keeping my unloaded guns
Chinese Man escorts the group to the central pavilion. A man is sitting on a throne. The most noticable thing about him is a fu-man-chu and a wry smile on his face.
The pavilion has a large number of people in it, several of which are obviously harem girls. About three dozen martial artists are "lounging" around, watching you carefully. Several people who look like diplomats are talking nearby.
Ezekial Ikwiano ignores the Chinese man and wanders over towards the harem girls.
The man with the fu-man-chu claps as you enter and all sound stops. Everyone turns to face the new arrivals.
Uriel Iscariot frowns at Zeke.
Zach Dallas catches Zeke by the shoulder
Uriel Iscariot grabs Zeke and directs him back towards the obviously important man sitting on the throne.
Uriel Iscariot: Faith {+2 Conviction, -1 Wound} [1d12+1 = 8]
Ezekial Ikwiano: Spirit [1d8 = 4]
Zach Dallas: Notice [Trait roll was a natural 1] [1d6 = 4]
Ezekial Ikwiano follows Uriel without protest.
Chinese Interpreter: Greetings honored guests of my lord.
Chinese Interpreter bows to the man with the fu-man-chu on the throne.
Zach Dallas tips his hat and bows
Zach Dallas: Thank you for the invitation
Ezekial Ikwiano lights a cigar.
Chinese Interpreter relays this to Tam, who replies.
Chinese Interpreter: You are most welcome. Your recent efforts have not gone unnoticed and my Lord suspects you have need of friends, especially given who you have angered recently.
Chinese Interpreter glances over at Xiu Li.
Zach Dallas whistles
Chinese Interpreter says something in Cantonese to her.
Zach Dallas nods
Xiu Li responds in Cantonese.
Big Ears' Tam speaks for a few seconds.
Chinese Interpreter: My Lord states that he has a need for people with your skills, and you undoubtedly need his help, either by accepting his protection, or perhaps for the return of some items that might have gone missing from friends of yours.
Big Ears' Tam speaks for a few seconds.
Chinese Interpreter: He now wishes to hear what you have to say on the matter.
Ezekial Ikwiano: We like items.
Chinese Interpreter nods at Zeke's statement.
Xiu Li says something in Cantonese.
Zach Dallas: It certainly sounds like a plan.
Zach Dallas: What did you have in mind?
Ezekial Ikwiano: Normally I'd be happy to go shootin' folks for money, but my preacher friend told me somethin' about some bible thing about murderin folk
Ezekial Ikwiano: I'm not clear on all the particulars just yet
Ezekial Ikwiano: and he can't talk today
Ezekial Ikwiano: so I ain't gonna kill nobody that don't have it comin'
Ezekial Ikwiano: unless they try to kill me first
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): is waiting
Ezekial Ikwiano: But I think I'm still in the clear to hurt and scare people
Ezekial Ikwiano: I aint never read the bible myself
Chinese Interpreter listens to what you have said, then relates that to Big Ears' Tam.
Big Ears' Tam speaks for a few seconds.
Chinese Interpreter: My Lord wishes for you to put an end to the Pirate raids of that scourge, Kang. You are to track down his flagship, the Abysmal, and sink it.
Zach Dallas: Common Knowledge [1d12 = 8]
Ezekial Ikwiano: What, like with a boat?
Chinese Interpreter: Kang is using the Abysmal to slaughter innocents and disrupt shipping, destroying it will restore prosperity to Shan Fan.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): do I recognize the name?
Chinese Interpreter relays Zeke's question to Tam, who responds.
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): I do
Chinese Interpreter: My Lord assumes you are smart enough to find a solution to this task on your own.
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): Kang was the klingon commander from the classic TOS episode Day of the Dove
Zach knows the Abysmal is usually based out of Lion's Roar. It is the most heavily armed ironclad warship on the West Coast. It is also sometimes home to Walord Kang, who happens to be the sole owner and master of the Iron Dragon railroad.
Zach Dallas coughs
TADM: Just in case you thought you might escape this campaign without making an enemy of EVERY rail baron.
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): Hopefully we will make a corpse of this rail baron
Chinese Interpreter: My lord is tiring of your presence, do you have any other questions for him?
Xiu Li says something in Cantonese.
Zach Dallas: So our task is to stop the Abysmal?
Big Ears' Tam responds in Cantonese.
Chinese Interpreter: Yes.
Ezekial Ikwiano: I ain't never been on a boat before
Chinese Interpreter: I recommend you learn to swim.
Zach Dallas: And in exchange we get that key back?
Chinese Interpreter: You wish a key? I am sure my Lord will be happy to oblige that request.
Ezekial Ikwiano: How bout you throw in a couple them whores too.
Ezekial Ikwiano points to the harem.
Chinese Interpreter laughs.
Zach Dallas: ugh
Chinese Interpreter: I am sure that can be agreed to also.
Zach Dallas rubs his head
Uriel Iscariot frowns at Zeke.
Uriel Iscariot: Faith {+2 Conviction, -1 Wound} [1d12+1 = 7]
Ezekial Ikwiano: Spirit [1d6 = 5]
[w] -> Ezekial Ikwiano: Uriel beat you by two points.
Chinese Interpreter: If there is nothing else, I bid you good day.
Ezekial Ikwiano: We can talk about that later, when he aint around
Chinese Interpreter nods in understanding of Zeke's predicament when in the presence of the "fun police."
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): what are you going to do with a bunch of whore? We can't take them with us and they can't pass guts checks
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): then again, if they're trained in Martial Arts, they could be useful little minions
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): Zeke would not pass up the opportunity
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): that may or may not speak English
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): regardless of their usefulness
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): Zeke is a simple man
TADM: I think you misunderstand Zeke's intentions towards them, or how long he would "have" them.
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): Yeah, Zeke isn't recruiting a sidekick
Chinese Interpreter gestures that you are dismissed.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): lol
Big Ears' Tam smiles at you.
Big Ears' Tam says something in Cantonese.
Ezekial Ikwiano leaves.
Xiu Li responds in Cantonese.
Zach Dallas: Ugh, this is going to be fun, for sure
Ezekial Ikwiano: I believe you have some of my stuff
As you are departing, your weapons, bullets, and any other gear that you left at the guard station is returned.
Once rearmed, you are ushered outside the main gates at high speed, at which point the doors close behind you and you are outside Tam's estate.
Ezekial Ikwiano: I never been on a boat Zach, do you know anything about sailing?
It is 1900 on 26 February, 1880.
Ezekial Ikwiano: The British have lots of boats
Ezekial Ikwiano: We should ask Rod if he knows how to sail
Zach Dallas: Nothing myself
Zach Dallas: Well, I'm thinking it may be best to avoid the boat when it is in the dock
Zach Dallas since the Rail Baron will be in the area
Zach Dallas: and he will likely punch our boat underwater
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): Why would a rail baron be good at combat?
Zach Dallas to clarify: he'll punch it, and it will sink
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): because he's Chinese
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): But they're all basically old stodgy men
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): plus, using Grey and Hellstromme as templates, I don't think any of them are things to be laughed at
Feneril (Ezekial Ikwiano): Who do you think would win in a fight, Bill Gates or Mike Tyson
TADM: Honestly? Bill Gates. He would bring a dozen sharpshooters and have Tyson gunned down before Tyson would have a chance to bite.
Zach Dallas: To Smythe!
Zach Dallas heads over to Smythe
The group returns to Captain Smythe without incident.
Zach Dallas explains the basics of the situation
Captain Smythe: I see chaps, bit of a sticky wicket I see.
Zach Dallas: Pardon?
Captain Smythe: It seems like we have quite the problem. How do you suppose to solve the issue?
Xiu Li: I figured Zeke would just shoot it until the problem went away.
Ezekial Ikwiano: I was figurin that, cause you British, you'd have a boat
Zach Dallas: You can't exactly shoot the most armored ship in the west until it sinks if all you have are pistols
Captain Smythe: Sorry chap, the British Navy is a far cry from here.
Zach Dallas: I was thinking if we could get some explosives on it we can easily take it down
Zach Dallas: Do the attacks normally take place during the day, night, or are there never any survivors to tell?
Zach Dallas: Common Knowledge [1d12 = 7]
Captain Smythe: Possibly. If it is like most ironclads, it is not entirely encased in iron and susceptible to underwater or internal explosions.
GM: They don't leave survivors, so the attacks could happen at pretty much any time.
Captain Smythe: No idea chap when the attacks happen.
Zach Dallas: I don't suppose you know of any convenience mad scientists around here with machines that can travel underwater, do you?
Captain Smythe: I will ask around, but I doubt you would be so lucky.
Xiu Li leaves.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): What if I spent a benny?
TADM: And rolled REALLY REALLY well? Still no.
Kazemi (Zach Dallas): do the enemy boats survive?
TADM: Only the really nice ones that are worth capturing once they are done slaughtering the crew.
Campaign saved.