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Why would a Smoke Bomb be used? EDIT: Sorry, but I don't agree a few players should be able to hijack the battle for their role playing purposes. This should definitely be put to a vote before it's done.

Hoke surges forward and slashes the detective with all of his might. After seeing the monk step in to finish LeStrange off, Hoke leaps towards the Paladin Commander, the short sword in his hand cackling with glee. Fervent, Zoot's Order, Back Row

"Aye then." LeStrange, Zoot's Order, Back Row

@The Legonater "Rone, do we press the attack or regroup?" Do you want Hoke to call for a Truce this round?

Hoke charges once again at LeStrange. Repeat, Hoke looks around at his comrades, many wounded. The magical protection of Heroica Hall has truly left them. "Do we need a moment to regroup (Should Hoke call for an Armistice)?"

"Have it your way then." Almost uncontrollably, Zoot's Order quickly and violently transforms into a wickedly tipped short sword, perfect for a tavern brawl. LeStrange, Zoot's Order, Back Row

"Aye, it may come down to that."

Only if I have to.

Hoke ducks, dodges, and dives as the fists, tables, chairs, spit, spittle, and curses start flying. He notices his plea convinces at least one combatant, and he hopes the solider would not face discipline later. The orb was almost uncontrollably violent in Hoke's palm. Hoke could feel it willing itself into a weapon, but he squeezed his fist harder, not wanting to fight yet. "We really don't want to hurt any of you. We just want answers. Please." Diplomacy, Paladin Infantry, Back Row

"Thanks for the Boost." If Dipolmacy doesn't work: LeStrange, Zoot's Order, Back Row

I hate you (not really ). Always throwing a wrench in the works. Hoke looks around him quickly once more, not seeing an alternative exit through which to abscond with the drunk Copper Fox. He calls forth the dark metallic orb hidden within a small pocket in his glove. He had to will it to not morph into a weapon, not yet. The orb almost buzzes, shaking violently within Hoke's palm. It had been to long since it had fed on violence and chaos. Using Diplomacy, he addresses the Town Watch and Paladins blocking the exit. "We truly do not want to hurt any of you. We just want answers, and time to find those answers. We here who were locked out of Heroica Hall have done good for Eubric. We truly do now wish to fight you, but we don't trust you either. Put yourself in our place."

I am assuming this means Hoke's plan of grabbing Copper Fox and running while the others fight is a no-go?

Leaning into his close circle again. "I saw we grab the drunk Fox if fighting starts. We can find somewhere to get him to talk them dump him when we get what we want or keep him around if that's what we need to do." Hoke looks around again, quickly, trying to figure out a way... "If you stand with the Jacq Altraite and Kukulkan, defend them now! The future of Heroica and Eubric could depend on them!" he yells to the others, ready to grab the Copper Fox and make a run for it out the back door. @Zepher @CMP @K-Nut

"Not necessarily fend for themselves, but let's allow for the natural synergies and group dynamics to determine the outcome." Hoke takes a look around. "Us four and Dyric would make a great team. However, I do see the value of splitting our power up for faster results in this endeavor." OoC - I think PCs with similar levels should be in their own parties if we split up. This will help balance the battles better. Hoke makes note of the slip up.

NPC?

Hoke tries to stifle a chuckle, but spits it out anyway. "Agreed. Who do we start with? I say the drunk one." "And it looks like we have 15 minutes to do it."

Hoke laughed too. "It's a good thing I was in the Fields that much. It looks like we could use all the help we can get." Hoke looks around, making sure no ear is direct towards them. "What is really going on? Should we leave here and start to investigate?" he asks Althior, Boomingham, and Atramor,"I know if we want to find out the truth, it will most likely be outside these walls."

"As always! Wouldn't have it any other way. Just this time, not so much of this," Hoke says, thumping Boomingham's tankard,"It makes you...sleepy" "Seems like this fellow didn't get the point," Hoke whispers to Althior and Boomingham,"I'm not sure I would care for his, or Copper Fox's company in this endevour." Hoke raises the freshly delivered Atramor's way in salute. "If ever there was a rogue," Hoke said to himself, drinking down the mead.

Hoke listens as the others speak. There was much to learn.

Hoke looks around to those fellows Heroicans gather within the tavern. He knows something is coming, but, by the looks of it, they would be ready. He set his jaw, mulling the upcoming battles, trying to see each and every one of their abilities and roles. Were the veterans, the 'original' veterans, friends or foes?

"The Dragonlord is dead..." Hoke thought to himself. He held no allegiance to the man per se, but he couldn't help the growing knot in his stomach. The dragonlord and his dragon, both dead. Did she kill her own son?

A smile spread across Hoke's lips. He poked Althior and pointed out the 'newcomers'. "I thought this place was a dump before, but know I'm certain it is," he calls out to the trio, still smiling.

The hair on Hoke's neck stood on end at the mention of a dragon in the city. He eased into a calm quickly, mostly from....regret? He knew it was best for Torc to go back to the dragons with Vipera, but what he wouldn't give to see her, to see them, one more time.

"Hmm...not bad. Not bad at all. Wish I had a couple more."

Hoke's tankard arrives. He sniffs it and takes a sip warily. "Well, if I'm drinking this stuff, I might as well try it." Hoke consumes his Pickled Mushroom.