<span style="font-weight: bold"> In the streets of Espen...</span><br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">&lt;&lt;&lt;Sherani&gt;&gt;&gt;</span><br/><br/>The raccoon watches with almost hungry eyes as Sherani counts out the coinage in her hand. The soft clink of gold and silver pieces was like music to his ears. Until those clinks stop, adding up to about forty five gold in total.<br/><br/>The look of dissapointment on the Raccoon's face is almost heartrending - forty five gold?!<br/><br/>"Well..." He begins, a somewhat sour look on his face "...I'd really wanted to get fifty for it. That, in and of itself, is a steal. However, Shifter.."<br/><br/>(Sherani can make a DC<span style="font-weight: bold">23</span>sense motive check to realise the Raccoon's bluff - and figure out something is up here.)<br/><br/>His frown suddenly turns upside down, his tiny, sharp teeth practically glinting in the sunlight as his lips broaden into a smile "I like your face. Fine - you promise to keep where you got this a secret, and I'll let you have it for what'cha have there. I wouldn't do this for just anyone, but you are a cutie - so I'll cut you a deal."<br/><br/>Without really giving her a chance to retract her offer - or consider his - he reaches forwards and snatches the coinage right out of Sherani's hand.<br/><br/>(She can resist this with a DC 12 Dexterity check, if she has changed her mind)<br/><br/>The tiny vial that was once held in the raccoon's off hand is now sitting right in the middle of Sherani's palm, the syrupy liquid inside clinging thickly to the sides of the minute glass container.<br/><br/>(Sherani has gained a potion of Enlarge Person)<br/><br/><br/>(Assuming Sherani does not stop him...)<br/><br/>"Well, then. I'm off. Careful where you use that potion. Don't want the city guard comin' down on you cause you smush a building underfoot or whatever." Slipping the hand containing Sherani's coin into the pocket of his jacket, the Raccoon offers her a brief salute, and - somewhat hastily - makes his way back into the crowd.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">&lt;&lt;&lt;Ureck&gt;&gt;&gt;</span><br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">Definantly time to buy some things! ^_^ There are all SORTS of goods here - thieved and otherwise. XD</div></div></div><br/><br/>It actually takes Ureck quite a bit of time to spot a merchant that he recognized. There were so many new faces - this entire section of the city had become so incredibly overcrowded. Those who used to deal business here had apparantly moved on to greener pastures...or, perhaps, something had happened to them.<br/><br/>Ureck does notice a couple of merchants selling some...very specialized stock that he recalled only a handful of others carrying...<br/><br/>Still, it was impossible to tell if those goods were stolen, if something had happened to the origional owner, or what. Yet, with all the things happening in Espen, it would not be surprizing.<br/><br/>Finally, Ureck manages to spot an old merchant friend of his - an almost emaciated looking blue-skinned lizardfolk by the name of Gurul. Ureck *ALSO* notices that this particular vendor has two rather beefy cohorts guarding his ware-tent, standing guard an at the ready just under the overhang.<br/><br/>A faint, merchant-like smile crosses Gurul's face when Ureck walks up to his stand "Ooohhh, It is my collie friend. Ahhh...." He pauses, trying to recall the name...then, seems to simply forget about it, waving it away like it was not important "Anyway, what can I get for you?"<br/><br/>When Ureck chooses a crossbow from his incredible selection of goods, Gurul smiles - it was always an awkward looking smile. Made all the more awkward by his strange method of breathing - inhaling to nearly double the size of his chest, and every exhale making his ribs perfectly visible. He was already skinny - but watching him for any period of time was discomforting "Oooohhh, yes, yes. A fine crossbow of the best making..."<br/><br/>The lizardfolk goes into a long sales pitch, which finally ends with Ureck purchasing the crossbow. The accompanying sling allows him to easily carry it over one shoulder, or simply dangle it from the back of his pack.<br/><br/><span style="font-weight: bold">&lt;&lt;&lt;In the Streets...some two minutes later&gt;&gt;&gt;</span><br/><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">This has been a lesson for me. Never try to include too much in one post. XD I shall have to revise my writing style in the future to ensure interaction (Such as that between Sherani and the Raccoon), is not interrupted or not played out as fully as it could have been! <br/><br/>Also, I am an experienced DM - but even I make mistakes. If you see anything wrong, please send me a PM so I can make alterations and fix it. <img alt=";)" src="./images/smilies/wink.gif" title="Wink"/></div></div></div><br/><span style="font-weight: bold"> Surprize Round </span><br/><br/>A impromptu shiver courses through Prendar's body - it was like something's eyes were upon her. Taking a nervous glance into the crowd, she rubs her arms, suddenly feeling chilled.<br/>"C'mon, Adanoa...swallow her and let's get going. I swear, feel like someone is dancing on my grave out here in the open.."<br/><br/>Her complaints seem to go unheard, though - her enormous tiger companion was far, far too enthralled with his meal. The large feline sighs softly as the weakly-struggling mouse-girl's head dissappears between his jaws, the taste of her body exploding on his tongue...<br/><br/>(Will save, 1d20(14) + 6 = 20. Failed by 2)<br/><br/>Yet, for some reason - he could no longer force his meal any further into his awaiting mouth. His muscles seemed to simply stop working as an ethereal band sours out of the crowd, surrounds his body, and sinks into his flesh.<br/><br/>"What tha.." Prendar begins, her eyes widening as her means of protection suddenly simply...stops moving.<br/><br/>She does not have very long to even be surprized, however, as a powerful blow strikes her from behind. She never even sees that hand coming - and only when she feels it starting to squeeze around her neck does her stunned brain register what has happened - something has grabbed her!<br/><br/>Sherani's feels her hand make contact, her stunned prey barely managing even a squeak of surprize before Sherani's power grip clenches down on her throat, utterly cutting off her air supply.<br/><br/>'EEK!-MMgg!!' Prendar gurgles strangely, her long, slender fingers scrabbling feircly at the titan-like (In comparison, at least) grip that has suddenly encompassed her throat.<br/><br/>Sherani feels the tiny, dagger-like clawtips trying to pry her fingers open, but Sherani was no cub when it came to wrestling. Her grip remains firm around the she-rat's throat, preventing anything but little gasps of surprize to pass her lips.<br/><br/>(Resist grapple attempt - 1d20(9) + 3 = 12)<br/>(Sherani has grappled Prendar)<br/><br/>@ Ureck<br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">I will assume your last action to have been loading your crossbow, given you need to load it on the first round of combat (Walking around with a crossbow loaded is really not an option, unless it is a VERY specialized crossbow). However, you will still be able to sneak-attack, should you decide to act during your first round of combat (After this surprize round.). Given the NATURE of the surprize round, I'll allow you a full action to load that crossbow, rather than just the standard action normally entailed in surprize. <img alt=";)" src="./images/smilies/wink.gif" title="Wink"/><br/><br/>**EDIT** Mistake made on my part. I see Ureck got a Light crossbow - not a heavy. So, Move action to load - you can *STILL* get a shot off in the surprize round, given I'm giving everyone a full-round this time. Just because of the nature of the surprize! XD</div></div></div><br/><br/>It was just this time that Lilium made her appearance, shadowed by her large, fox companion Rak.<br/><br/>"Glrrk...help me...Vrik-glk!!" Prendar gasps, apparantly calling out to one of her other companions - yet, they all seem just as surprized by the attack-out-of-nowhere as she was.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">~This...has the potential to brighten my day..~</span>Rak whispers eagerly in Lilium's mind as she confronts the three remaining ungrappled, or frozen in place - trying to bluff her way into avoiding what could turn into a dangerous fight. However - it seemed like the numbers still rather favored the thuggish trio - even if Prendar was out of the picture, for the moment.<br/><br/>The orc rounds on Lilium, Rak, and Sherani, his tongue coursing along his green lips in the anticipation of battle "Oohh...this gon' be fun, let me tell you.."<br/><br/>The smaller feline does not even seem the slightest bit concerned - and almost casually prepares to engage these foolish individuals in combat, her tiny (But still dangerous) claws unsheathing "I call cat-girl here. I'm starved."<br/><br/>Only the human - the most heavily armed and armored of any of them - seems the slightest bit nervous by the appearance of Lilium, Sherani, and her sizable fox companion. All three notice him looking at the tiger...then Sherani...the Tiger..Lilium...Tiger...Rak...<br/><br/>And he begins to slowly back away.<br/><br/>There suddenly seems to be a pretty wide berth given to the unfolding combat - with, apparantly, noone wishing to get involved.<br/><br/>Lara struggles free from the now paralyzed grip of the enormous tiger, tumbling out of his mouth and onto the cobblestone pathway. She coughs violently, struggling for breath, her hair and facial fur matted down in saliva - yet, she was alive. For the moment.<br/><br/><br/>Sherani -<span style="color: #00BF00">62/72</span><br/>Lilium -<span style="color: #008000">36/36</span><br/>Ureck -<span style="color: #008000">49/50</span><br/><br/><br/>Adanoa -<span style="color: #008000">Perfect</span>- AC 14 (4 natural, 4 dex, -4 from dex, paralyzed) - Helpless<br/>Prendar -<span style="color: #00BF00">Good</span>- AC 14 (+4 dex) - Grappled<br/>Vrillik(Orc) -<span style="color: #008000">Perfect</span>- AC 17 (6 armor, 1 dex)<br/>Gunter(Human) -<span style="color: #008000">Perfect</span>- AC 18 (8 armor)<br/>Nera (Feline) -<span style="color: #008000"> Perfect</span>- AC 18 (4 armor, 4 dex)<br/><br/><End Surprize Round. Roll Initiative><br/><div style="padding: 3px; background-color: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #d8d8d8; font-size: 1em;"><div style="text-transform: uppercase; border-bottom: 1px solid #CCCCCC; margin-bottom: 3px; font-size: 0.8em; font-weight: bold; display: block;"><span onclick="if (this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display != '') {  this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = ''; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;hide&lt;/a&gt;'; } else { this.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('div')[1].getElementsByTagName('div')[0].style.display = 'none'; this.innerHTML = '&lt;b&gt;Spoiler: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href=\'#\' onClick=\'return false;\'&gt;show&lt;/a&gt;'; }"><b>Spoiler: </b><a href="#" onclick="return false;">show</a></span></div><div class="quotecontent"><div style="display: none;">I have to admit...that surprize round...really sucked for them. xD</div></div></div>