Olana d20=7 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 11:58:25 AM
With as nasty laugh, the elf turns on Shad's opponant. As to why the other had run off like that - she had no idea, but this was getting good. Overconfidence and the new armour letting her miss, she squares up for another blow.
Shadrach d20+3=5 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 12:07:31 PM
"Ah bless it!" Shad yiped as he got stuck, and tried to riposte, swinging heavily and missing (AC13). He grinned weakly at Olana as she joined him.
DM Jan (Obsidian) d20=2 d20+1=3 d20+1=11 d20+1=4 d6=5 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 12:37:43 PM
The bolter goes down with a THUD after a meeting with Dakar's axe.
Figment's bolts of energy go whistling out into the corridor, hitting the first man up the stairs and flinging him against the wall. The man's clothes throw off smoke and he yells - "Get him!" - while recovering from the blow.
Ingrge's staff find's his opponant's skull, which cracks like an egg, and the man falls to the floor.
Milo manages to sneak and hide by the door into the corridor.
K'Nara discovers the answer to the question - "What has six legs and goes WOOF?" as her sword spectactularly ignites the web - and the three helpless men start screaming.
Olana and Shad do a fancy dance around their man, who manages to avoid their blows with some fancy footwork.
Out in the corridor, Fluet's carefully planned backstab (x3 modifier) hits the last man up the stairs, who falls back with a whump whump whump, until he hits the bottom - lifeless.
Obsidian retaliate -
6 in the room are now dead. 3 are on fire. 1 is still gamely battling on, missing Shad narrowly with his blade.
Out of the four others who arrive up the stairs -
1 is dead. 1 is wounded but recovering to fight the next round. 2 are rushing into the room in a battle charge along with the cry of aaaaaaaaaargh - attacking Figment who gets hit for 5 damage as one of the blades makes it's mark.
Smoke is now rising from the web. There's an awful gagging burning smell and it's getting hard to see.
Figment d4+1=4 d4+1=2 d4+1=4 d4+1=2 d4+1=3 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 12:50:52 PM
The mage whirls into action as the two new swordsmen attack, thinking how much magic he is having to expend in this fight. He fires 3 more missles at the same guy he hit the first time - hopefully finishing him off before having to deal with the two new threats. He refrains from calling to Dakar for help so as to not compromise Milo's backstab efforts. (11 Dmg Note: all damage rolls of 1 are to be rerolled - or at least that used to be Jerry's rule. 2 roll above were 1s.).
Flueterflam d20=5 d20=20 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 1:17:43 PM
The bard heaves a sigh of relief now that he doesn't need to hold his breath. Despite his pounding heart, he runs down the stairs the retrieve his dagger from the dead guy. (voluntary dex for the stairs) Luckily, in his somewhat frantic state, his is able not to trip. Being down by the door now, Fluet hopes that everyone can handle themselves. He cracks the door open a bit to see if anyone is in the room. Through the crack, he is not able to make out anything. (voluntary per, failed)
Dakar d20=16 d20=18 d10+6=11 d10+6=14 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 3:44:43 PM
Dakar has the two new entrants taste his steel as he cuts deeply into one, and then, spinning his axe head, circles around and delivers a vicious chop to the second. The dwarves bellows cut through the smoke and ash, and they seem to have taken on a primal, inhuman quality. His face is wild, and flecks of blood stain his clothes and bear. The butcher has taken over and the bellows have become a deep passionate battle song.
Milo d20+4=20 d6+1=2 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 7:06:11 PM
As the men charge into the room to be met by Dakar, Milo whirls to face their backs and promptly buries his short sword (OOC: AC-2 for 6 damage) in one of their backs.
Ingrge d20=18 d20=10 d4=2 d4=4 Wednesday November 8th, 2000 7:36:59 PM
Ingrge watches for a moment with a grim satisfaction as his opponent's head splits open from his staff strike. With a deft movement Ingrge reaches for his bandolier of daggers and with a practiced move throws his two magic daggers at Shad's opponent (hitting AC -5 & AC 3 for a total of 10 points of damage) and watches with glee as they immediately remove themselves from their target and return to the bandolier.
K'nara d20+4=16 d20+4=11 d8+4=11 d8+4=9 Thursday November 9th, 2000 6:24:13 AM
"Cover Figment!" bellowed the warrior woman as she struck at her burning foes in an effort to dispatch them as quickly as possible. (OOC: first blow hits AC-2 for 11hp damage; second blow hits AC 3 for 9hp damage.)
Olana d20=14 d6+1=3 Thursday November 9th, 2000 10:56:49 AM
Avoiding the man's sword swipe, Olana dips and thrusts her own blade toward him, smiling grimly when it hits home. Glancing around she reckoned it was time to leave this room because of the flames.
DM Jan (Obsidian) d20+1=20 d6+1=4 d4=4 Thursday November 9th, 2000 12:01:04 PM
Figment's attack howls toward the man shouting at the top of the stairs, hitting him hard. He slides lifeless to the ground in a smouldering heap.
Dakar attends to the two rushing Figment, chopping away like a madman, and when Milo leaps up, embedding his own weapon into the one nearest - that man crumples in a heap.
Combined attacks on Shad's opponent, render him somewhat dead with a terror-striken look on his face.
K'Nara attempts to finish off those in the web. One of them - her first hit - is sort of sat there burning away and has stopped screaming. The second has staggered away alight, but falls when she delivers another blow. One of them is still screaming and flailing about - now free of the web and moving erratically about the room.
The fire is now licking at the wooden floorboards.
Downstairs - Fluet will have to open the door wide to see inside, but he can hear a low moan coming from within.
Obsidian retaliate -
9 of the ten men in the room are now dead. 1 flails around in his death throes - completely on fire - K'Nara - roll under you dex to avoid 4 fire damage.
3 of the 4 men from downstairs are dead. 1 is wounded and still in melee counterattacking Dakar, swinging at the dwarf killing machine with his longsword, hitting home for 4 damage.
Dakar the Painmonger d20=17 d10+6=15 Thursday November 9th, 2000 12:05:24 PM
He snarls at the pain, now havinng become a quite feral creature. He knees his opponent in the stomach, causing them to double over, before bringing the axe down for what he hopes will be a final death blow (AC -2, 15 damage). The song of fury continues uninterrupted, and he quickly turns in place, his eyes glowing wild and bright, and his very presence seeming to be filled with the strength of rage.
Figment d20=11 Thursday November 9th, 2000 12:39:00 PM
The mage races over the the fallen leader of the Obsidian and yanks off his rings. He also pulls his blades out and leaves them for anyone who might want a soveigneer "We'd better not dally, I think a fire will garner a lot of attention.". The mage scans the fallen for anything that might appear magical (Int by 7) or worth grabbing. He also rifles through the effects of the leader looking for maps, orders, etc.
Ingrge Thursday November 9th, 2000 6:21:51 PM
With a quick glance around, Ingrge ses that the fighting is well under hand and quickly assists with the removal of any valuables and weapons that are not owned by members of the party and helps Shad get them out of the room. As Shad grabs the eye ring Ingrge says' "be careful of that one my friend, I don't think your scarf will protect you from it."
Milo Thursday November 9th, 2000 7:48:47 PM
Seeing the fire getting dangerously close to catching the building on fire, Milo drops his backpack, and pulls the thick winter blanket that he has strapped to the bottom, rolled up like a bedroll. Moving quickly, Milo throws the winter blanket over the flames, and begins beating them out furiously.
Shadrach d20+3=5 Friday November 10th, 2000 12:58:06 AM
Shad looked puzzledly at Ingrge, leaving him and Figment to their looting. He ran over to back up Dakar and missed completely again.
K'nara d20=1 d20=17 Friday November 10th, 2000 6:46:59 AM
The leader of the Emerald Talons danced out of the way of the figure in flames and over to the door, where Figment and Ingrge were quickly divesting the agents of Parnoth of those items which they would never be needing again.
"Aye, mage--you, Fluet and Ingrge go search the lower level for the person we came here for...the rest of us will tend to the fire and these others left up here..." she ordered, then held up her sword, "Lucia!" K'nara sheathed her now-extinguished blade, then went to help the halfling put out the fire by going back to the dinner table, yanking off the table cloth and throwing it over the dying man lurching around the room, slapping the fire out none too gently.
(OOC: made the Dexterity check; rolled to hit AC-1.)
Olana Friday November 10th, 2000 10:25:11 AM
"I'll go and keep watch at the door," said the elf, picking up a spare longsword and wrinkling her nose at the smoke. Standing by the main door - she'll wait till the fire's out before she opens it, and has a peek outside.
DM Jan (Emerald Talons 14 Obsidian 0) Friday November 10th, 2000 10:44:04 AM
With a final whack from Dakar, the man falls to the ground, slipping past Shad's trident.
As weapons and rings are hurriedly collected by Figment, Ingrge and Olana, Figment is aware that "some" of the weapons appear magical - the jewelry most certainly. The rings will need identifying. Did that one holding the green eye just blink at him while he was taking it off? Maybe it was just a trick of the light. No sign of any maps or orders. Milo's "put out the fire" stamping dance does it's job, and the flames - deprived of oxygen, shrink to nothing. K'Nara has similar success with the now dead burning warrior.
Down below, the low moan of someone in pain continues.
When Olana looks out - she'll see that all is quiet for the moment, although there are thin curls of smoke escaping from cracks in the walls and window casings.
Figment d20=12 Friday November 10th, 2000 11:24:17 AM
The mage realizes that the green dragon ring is most likely a scrying device and stashes it under the dead leader immediately - hoping that the dragon did not get a good look at who is in the room with him. Although, he knows it's probably too late. "We are going to have company very soon. Lets get scarce - and no more talking in here! We're being watched!".
Dakar the painmonger d8=5 Friday November 10th, 2000 1:28:29 PM
His bretahing is scarce and shallow as the dwarf begins to wipe the blood of the fallen off himself. It is only then that he realizes that he has taken numerous wounds in the short combat. A quick incantation later and the largest of the wounds heals (I think I have another 5 hp of damage left). He remains oddly silent for a few moments, before finally rousing himself to a state in which he can understand and comply with Figment's suggestions.
Ingrge Friday November 10th, 2000 6:12:28 PM
Sketching a playful salute to his group leader Ingrge finishes with his pile and with a nod toward Figment, rumages through his pouches and asks, Well shall we? It seems the mages have become expendable. How are you on spells? I have a few left, so when we go in you go in low and left and I'll go in to the right. I will cast a sleep spell on any enemies I see and we go from there all right? Almost without waiting for an answer, Ingrge is out the door and finally seems to find what he is looking for passes a small flask to Dakar as he passes. Drink what you need and save the rest there are three doses in there. With that he heads down the stairs trying to step over the bodies without to much more noise.
Milo d100=3 Saturday November 11th, 2000 2:14:36 AM
Watching Ingrge move quickly out the door, Milo turns, and snatching his backpack (though leaving his blanket) he straps it on as he is moving to catch up with his friend. As he moves up behind Ingrge, he does so with absolute silence... (OOC: Nailed my Move Silently roll again) and draws his short sword, following him, ready for action.
Shadrach d8=3 Saturday November 11th, 2000 9:47:13 PM
Shad sighed, wishing he'd been more use. The fire was out and although everyone had gotten nicked, nobody looked too bad. He cast a Cure Light Wounds spell, in case trouble showed up quick.(C3)
K'nara Sunday November 12th, 2000 1:46:51 AM
Upon hearing Figment's words, the human bladesinger wasted no more time since the fires were out--she simply went down the stairs, looking and listening for any clues to where the men who'd come up the stairs had come from...and seeing Fluet paused at a door.
"Quickly, bard!" she whispers fiercely. "We might be having unwanted company soon!"
Flueterflam d20=3 d20=20 d4=1 d20=2 Sunday November 12th, 2000 11:24:32 PM
Hearing K'nara yell, Fluet turns around, nods his head, then moves back about a step and a half. With a solid blow, he side kicks the door open. (str check) With knife in hand, the bard runs in after a second of effect after kicking the door. If the bard sees any more Obsidian looking people, he runs full force at the guy and, using two hands, stabs his dagger into the brunt of that man. (Natural 20!! hmm, but only 1hp damage) But, if no one is there, Fluet searches quickly for where the moaning is coming from. (voluntary per passed)
Olana Monday November 13th, 2000 11:41:30 AM
Staying by the door, the elf hisses - "Make it fast! It's quiet out there now, but someone might see the smoke." She'll stay guard there unless fighting sounds suggest otherwise.
DM Jan (Obsidian) Monday November 13th, 2000 11:48:54 AM
The strange eye ring is tucked back under the dead leader, and the fires have gone out. Down below - Fluet bursts into the room beyond the door. Inside is what looks like a man strapped to a table. He seems concious but only just. Fortunately - there is no one else in there. Outside - the streets are still quiet.
Dakar the painmonger d8=1 d8=8 Monday November 13th, 2000 11:55:35 AM
Dakar chants again, returning to a far more passive state than he was moments ago (rerolled the 1 on cure light wounds, got 8 points). He hands the proferred potion back stating "I rely more on my faith to act as healer."
Figment Monday November 13th, 2000 1:55:32 PM
The mage finishes his search and quickly looks around the room for anything that might be of interest - a desk w/ drawers, papers, a scroll, etc. If he sees anything he grabs it for later perusal as he moves to the outside door and waits for the others to procure their quarry. He looks out the door and down the street in all directions for any sign of activity.
Shadrach Monday November 13th, 2000 6:07:54 PM
He went to the stairs, waiting to help the others.
Milo d100=40 Monday November 13th, 2000 7:22:56 PM
Moving quietly halfway down the stairs, Milo stops for a second to hold his breath as Fluet kicks the door in. Then seeing there is no trouble, the halfing turns on his step, and heads back up... stopping to speak to K'nara for a moment, "I'll keep watch on the outside... I'll, bang on the door if I see trouble." Milo then makes his way outside, and disappears into the shadows at its base, silently watching the street. (OOC: Passed my Hide in Shadows roll 40%)
Flueterflam Monday November 13th, 2000 8:04:43 PM
The bard runs towards the barely conscious man. He begins to unstrap the man. Quietly, so the man will not be startled, "We're here to help. Are you ok? I'm with people who can heal you.(hopefully)" If the man appears to be slipping into unconsciousness, Fluet lightly slaps his face to wake him back up.
Ingrge Monday November 13th, 2000 8:26:21 PM
Seeing Fluet charge by him and kick the door in Ingrge turns back around and while everyone is focussed on the downstairs door slips back into the other room and with a rag wrapped around his hand, he slips his hand under the dead body and wraps the rag around the eye-ring, removes it, ties it in the rag, and places it in to an empty pouch. When finished Ingrge wraps up all the other items in a cloak and joins the others in the hall.
K'nara Tuesday November 14th, 2000 6:38:16 AM
The warrior woman looked around in the hallway, trying to see if there were any other doors or exits besides the way the Emerald Talons came in.
Olana Tuesday November 14th, 2000 11:30:41 AM
Watching Milo move outside into guard position, the elf slips back inside and down the stairs. She grins at Fluet as he slaps the man around, then says - "We need him to be quiet." Helping to untie the man quickly, she pulls him roughly off the table. "On your feet, and don't make a sound," she growls.
Dakar the Painmonger d8=1 d8=7 Tuesday November 14th, 2000 11:31:55 AM
Dakar is the last to leave the room, still settling from the combat. He goes to join Fluet and looks over the man's industries. "Oath-breakers all." the dwarf spits "May they find no welcome in the arms of Gargul for these crimes." Quickly chanting in dwarvish he lays a hand on the captor (rerolled 1, got 7 points of healing). "That should stabalize him, but we need to move quickly."
DM Jan (The Rescue Part 1) Tuesday November 14th, 2000 11:51:01 AM
As Dakar and Shad are occupied with various healing spells, Ingrge procures the strange ring from beneath the dead leader's body, and bundles the weapons together.
K'Nara notices that the dark corridor goes a little ways beyond the stairwell and ends in a door. There are no sounds coming from beyond it. An earlier perusal of the building on the outside suggested a building of some size - like a warehouse - with two storeys - and a rear door, so it's conceivable that there are more rooms to explore.
Figment is unable to find anything else of interest.
As Fluet unties the man, he stirs a little - until a slap brings him concious. "Get me outta here - get me outta here," he croaks. Fluet can see that the man looks in his thirties, is extremely unkempt and smells like a garbage dump. His watery grey eyes flit toward the bard mistrustfully. When Olana arrives, the man narrows his eyes at what she says, but shuts up. When his feet hit the floor he hisses in pain. With no prompting, he begins to shuffle to the door, obviously eager to be away.
Outside, both Fig and Milo see men on horseback ride past the end of the street. Luckily the smoke has dissipated. Milo is close enough to see that the men are wearing guards uniforms like those at the main gate. Maybe it's the night watch or something.
Figment Tuesday November 14th, 2000 2:33:47 PM
The mage sighs in relief as the guards move by. "That was close. I'm glad to see the dragon hasn't activated his forces yet. I hope leaving that green dragon ring here will break any chance that he can track us. But I'm sure we'd better hurry.". The mage pops his head in the door and says "Hurry guys, one contingent has already came by. We'd better leave right now.".
Shadrach Tuesday November 14th, 2000 3:30:58 PM
"Green dragon ring? Probably the same as the amulets he gave us originally. With them, he could hear us, see us, and do magic through them." Shadrach prepared to move out into the streets. Then he whispered to the others, "We can't be sure there aren't more spy magic on that jewelry. I suggest we keep it covered and watch what we say. It would be better if we left that junk someplace other than where we go with our friend."
Milo Tuesday November 14th, 2000 7:52:52 PM
Coiled to spring from his perch at the base of the door, Milo nods and winks his acknowledgement of Figment's statements, and then turns his head, and keeps his watch steady until everyone has vacated the building.
Ingrge d20=15 Tuesday November 14th, 2000 8:50:38 PM
(failed Wis roll) Listening to those around him comment about the ring, Ingrge thinks about saying something, but seeing as it is wrapped in a dirty cloth and burried deep in his back pack, he figures that it is safe for the time being and says nothing about it.
K'nara Wednesday November 15th, 2000 6:31:25 AM
"Anybody got a spare cloak or something for this guy..?" K'nara asked as she returned to the main body of the party members. "Let's get this guy covered and get the hell outta here." She waited long enough for someone to produce a cloak for their rescuee and then led the party back out to rendezvous with Milo for his observations.
The sooner we get our butts back to the Heated Cross, the better... the female fighter thought to herself, intending to lead the party there as soon as Milo gave them the "all clear."
Olana Wednesday November 15th, 2000 10:34:17 AM
Olana narrowed unusually cold eyes, shoving the man along. "Move it, rivvil(lang.drow = human)," she muttered. There was no way he was getting her cloak - even the sewers smelled better than he did.
DM Jan (The rescue Part 1) Wednesday November 15th, 2000 10:46:49 AM
The man is able to walk a little better after Dakar's spell, and makes the stairs fairly quickly, his eyes shifting between the rest of the party as he arrives at the front door. "Get me outta here," he repeats before going into a coughing fit. Outside, it is still clear and just after midnight. Those who stayed briefly at the Heated Cross know that it is north east of their position, a few blocks away from this insalubrious district, north of the Stinking Hole, and near the river.
Flueterflam d20=4 Wednesday November 15th, 2000 10:50:09 AM
"Olana, what the hell is your problem?????" Fluet hissed. "Leave the guy alone." Fluet shoves Olana away from the man. "I don't know what's gotten into you lately, but I don't like it. Somethin's not right." After a few intense moments of impaling Olana with his wrinkled nose and a mean frown, Fluet whispers into K'nara's ear, "I think something's wrong with her. I don't know what it is, maybe she's possessed or somethin. I think everyone should watch her closely though." Then he returns to the man's side. He takes off his cloak and wraps it around the man. Speaking to him quietly, "I'm sorry about her. I think she's a bit tense or something," he lied. "Is there anything you need right away?" (voluntary chr, passed)
Milo Wednesday November 15th, 2000 11:12:57 AM
Looking over to Figment for a moment, Milo points at him, then his own eyes with his index and middle finger, and then points out to the street beyond. Then, he quietly slips into the building for a moment, pads down the stairs, and speaks quietly to K'nara... "The street is clear, and Figment is outside watching still." and then whispering, "I think I'll be invisible for our journey through the city... I'll remain slightly behind the group, and watch for trouble." With that said Milo starts moving back up the stairs, as an afterthought, he pauses to ask, "Have we verified this man's identity yet?"
Figment Wednesday November 15th, 2000 12:29:53 PM
The mage continues to keep a look out and waits for the others to emerge.
Dakar d20=10 Wednesday November 15th, 2000 2:35:54 PM
Dakar falls in step behind Olana, watching her carefully. He attempts to recall the language that she speaks, but fails to recognize it. Still, he regards her with deep suspicion, unaware of what has come over the elven maid as of late.
Ingrge Wednesday November 15th, 2000 7:14:31 PM
Walking past and Olanna mouths her Drow utterings, Ingrge turns to her and growls a few words at her. " Venoriia DOSSTAN DARTHIIR dalninil." As he catches up to the front as Milo asks his question, Ingrge turns to the injured captive and says, "Oh I will find out who he is and what he knows and he will tell it to me willingly if he knows what is good for him. So one way or another we will get the information we need. As he reaches the front of the group he takes the lead to Heated Cross, watching for any who might be showing too much interest in the late night wanderers.
Shadrach Thursday November 16th, 2000 12:12:52 AM
He stared at Olana in shock. He'd hardly ever seen her behave so viciously, except for the one time she'd threatened that grey elf with a dagger. Seeing that Fluet was protecting the man, Shad moved out ahead, already knowing the way to the Heated Cross. If he saw guards, he'd warn the others, hopefully to stay out of sight.
K'nara Thursday November 16th, 2000 6:18:43 AM
The leader of the Emerald Talons didn't reply to either the thief or the bard.
"Follow me." she said in an urgent whisper, then cautiously but quickly headed to where Figment awaited.
"Anyone unwanted about?" she asked him. Upon hearing confirmation that they were still undiscovered, K'nara would sheathe her weapon and hastily show the others the way to the Heated Cross.
Olana Thursday November 16th, 2000 10:56:44 AM
Olana blinks, astonished at Fluet's reaction, and when Ingrge mutters those words she begins to look downright confused. Then her face changes again, glancing at everyone with a look of cunning that is rapidly replaced with a sweet smile. "I'm sorry," she says lightly. "Don't know what came over me." She moves out with the rest of them.
DM Jan (The Rescue Part 1) Thursday November 16th, 2000 11:15:16 AM
The party moves swiftly through the dark streets. At this time after midnight, there is no one around except for the patrols. Everywhere, doors and windows are closed, shutting out the darkness, and few lights shine in any of the dwellings the party happen to pass by. The rescued man's behaviour leads everyone to believe that he's not particularly nice. He virtually snatched the cloak from Fluet and gripped it about him like it was his own and that Fluet had stolen it from him. Out in the streets he mumbles and utters curses under his breath constantly.
Because of those on the lookout fore and aft, the party manages to reach The Heated Cross without intervention. Here, there is a light in one of the windows.
Figment Thursday November 16th, 2000 12:02:08 PM
The mage makes sure and close the door into the Obsidian stronghold as they leave and he keeps his eyes peeled as they move through town. When they finally get to their destination he approaches the door first - as he was the one the waitress Cherry spoke to - and knocks lightly on the door.
Flueterflam d20=13 Thursday November 16th, 2000 3:19:54 PM
Fluet looks at the man, mildy surprised after Fluet's attempt to be nice. But he shrugs off the feeling. Noticing the man isn't doing too well, the bard tries to make conversation. "So, are you ok? I seems that being under Obsidian's care might have gotten you a little on the edgy side. Do you have any family or relatives?....." He continues on talking until hitting some subject that strikes some kind of quiet conversation. (vol chr passed)
Milo d100=95 Thursday November 16th, 2000 6:10:43 PM
Just as he said he would, as Milo steps out onto the cold, dark street, he activates his ring, becoming invisible. As the party moves out, he hangs back, looking and listening for any signs of trouble. (OOC: Failed Detect Noise roll at 95)
Ingrge Friday November 17th, 2000 7:49:29 AM
As k'narra moves up to join Ingrge in leading the way to the Inn, Ingrge moves close and whispers. "There are several things about this which I do not like." First off that was far too easy, Secondly i'm not sure we have the right person and Thirdly and possibly most important is that Olanna has become very erratic and may be hazardous to our health. if you have not noticed she has started speaking in the languge of the underdark.
Olana Friday November 17th, 2000 11:33:04 AM
Moving along with the others, strange thoughts flit through the elf's mind. Tell her to shut up would they? Look at her accusingly do they? Talk about her behind her back will they? Well - one day they would pay. Oh yes they would. By Lloth, she would have her revenge.
DM Jan (The Rescue Part 1) Friday November 17th, 2000 12:14:11 PM
Shortly after Figment knocks on the door, it is opened and Cherry's face is seen beyond it. "Come in, come in," she whispers beckoning them hurriedly. The party's rescuee is still churlish despite Fluets attempts and looks at the place with distaste. "What's this dump?" he mumbles.
Figment d20=14 Friday November 17th, 2000 2:50:12 PM
The mage smiles at Cherry's beckon. He enters with the others. He also notices that Olana's unusual disposition has now been going on for some time (Int) - very unlike her. He begins to watch her a little more closely trying to see if he can figure out what's going on. Whenever it is feasible he sits or stands near her and tries to speak with her when possible.
Shadrach Friday November 17th, 2000 8:32:35 PM
"A safehouse," he whispered. He checked the streets hurriedly and stepped inside. "K'Nara, we have to move the stuff someplace else now, before someone gets the bright idea to track it. Even simple Locate Object spells work on stuff they know."
Dakar Friday November 17th, 2000 10:08:53 PM
"Spellcraft. Something I care nothing for." Dakar glares at the man as he continues to complain. "Just as we have granted you healing, we can take it away. Do not forget that we shed blood for your freedom. And in my culture, blood shed for a brother gives the brother a responsibility, a calling, to shed an equal amount of blood if called to do so." He raises one of his mailed fists, the long spike protruding. "Understand?"
Flueterflam Saturday November 18th, 2000 8:51:50 PM
Since his attempts at talking to the man failed, and he a few minutes to think, he started wandering why he exploded at Olana. Before the bard walks in, he holds Olana back, so that he may have a word alone with each other. "Sorry about that. I really shouldn't have gotten so mad. But I don't think you should have treated him so poorly. Although, after trying to talk with him, I'd agree that he might deserve it. But we didn't know that then." For a moment, Fluet gazes deep into her eyes. He pierces her soul, in search....search of something. "I just need to know why you're acting the way you are. It's just not you. Lately you've been so irritable. But normally you're always so cheery. You always lighten up my mood," smiling, "and I thought that I was the on who was supposed to make everyone happy." Then he grabs her hand gently and holds it to his heart. With that, he leaves her and walks through the door.
Milo Monday November 20th, 2000 12:09:36 AM
Entering the house last, Milo moves in quietly, closing the door behind him. He then proceeds, to stand away from the group, and just keep an eye on everybody, especially the man. He periodically changes where he is standing in the room so as to keep people from knowing precisely where he is at any given time.
Olana Monday November 20th, 2000 11:44:56 AM
Olana smiles at Fluet a little too sweetly. "I'm alright, really I'm alright. Maybe I had something bad to eat or something," she offers as an explanation before moving inside. In the tavern, she keeps her back to the wall, glancing around, extremely defensive, checking and rechecking her weapons. Occasionally she will glance at the escapee with open hostility.
DM Jan (The Rescue Part 1) Monday November 20th, 2000 12:04:40 PM
Inside The Heated Cross, it is warm and well lit. At this time - now very early morning - it is also empty apart from Cherry, and what looks like the landlord, who's wringing his hands and muttering nervously. ".. don't want Mop here. Not Mop....."
Cherry beckons everyone in, appearing to recognise the man brought in. "I hope you didn't encounter too much trouble," she says, closing the door rapidly behind everyone. "The landlord here has offered places to rest up, and there's some food. But we can't stay too long. Has he said anything?" she asks, looking at the man.
In answer to that, after giving a scowl at Dakar, the man blurts "Oh? And what do you people want exactly? Eh? Eh? What makes you think I'll tell you anything. Maybe you should let me go." Then he sniffs the air. "That food? I'm as hungry as a horse."
As for Olana, Fluet was close enough to see that Olana looked rather ill, with dark shadows beneath her eyes, her skin a pasty colour, her hair lank and lifeless. Figment also notices her defensiveness, her glances not at all friendly. Something is obviously wrong.
Dakar the painmonger Monday November 20th, 2000 12:36:16 PM
"By the oath! I swear there are no thankful humans in this world... Always an exchange. Have none of you people heard of the common good?" Dakar pounds his fist into the wall, sending a tremor up the building. He slumps against the wall and takes several deep breaths. "I give up on this one... he is yours to question."
Shadrach Monday November 20th, 2000 5:49:33 PM
"Mop? What do you mean Mop? Why would Mop be here?" Shad looked nervously around for Parnath's right hand man.
Ingrge Monday November 20th, 2000 7:09:37 PM
Starting at hearing the name of Parnoth's right hand, Ingrge stares hard at the injured man.
Milo (Invisible) d100=40 Monday November 20th, 2000 7:32:20 PM
Sensing that something is amiss when he sees Shad's and Ingrge's reactions, he silently draws his short sword, and moves as quietly as a mouse, positioning himself behing the man they just rescued, and waits to see what happens next.
Figment d20=8 Monday November 20th, 2000 9:31:38 PM
At Cherry's expression of concern the mage says "We did indeed encounter some resistance. We had to kill about 10 of them to spring him. I doubt they will be very appreciative of that. Food would be a good thing...".
As the man is identified as 'Mop' and not knowing the significance of it, he notices the prisoner's interest in food. "So you want food, eh? An exchange might be arranged I think, but I doubt you'd really want us to let you go. If the black robed ones got you once, they would probably get you again. We might actually be able to get you out of the city and safely away if you tell us what we want to know. You will find us not nearly as draconian as they, but we do have our means. But I would rather call you ally than enemy, though. Perhaps we can work out a deal?". The wiley mage makes his pitch in a way that is appealing to the guy in hopes of getting him to cooperate (CHA).
Flueterflam Tuesday November 21st, 2000 1:45:47 AM
Taking a moment inside to warm up and shrug his thoughts off his shoulders, he grins. Then snickers. "Thank you Dakar. You have obviously chosen to display the non-human quality of giving your opinion without the want of any exchange..." the bard jokes, and makes sure that the dwarf realizes that he really is joking. Fluet pats him on the back, "I'm just givin' you a hard time. You have to ease up a little. Being this tense outside of battle won't get you very far."
After lightening his own mood, Fluet takes several moments to consider the very recent events he'd just witnessed. He quietly asks Cherry if there is a room he could occupy during his short stay, or a room away from the common one so no one might disturb him. Without looking at a soul, the bard wanders casually over to K'nara. Whispering in her ear, "Shit...sorry, don't mean to cuss, but there's definitely something wrong. I'm gonna try to pull Olana away for as long as possible. If it works, don't get us until you guys all know what's goin on, and where we're all headed. Well....yeah..." After stopping with an obvious thought, Fluet drifts away from the female warrior. He finds himself in a corner making no eye contact with anyone. Just drifting in his own thoughts
With what seems like hours to him, but in reality is only about five minutes, Fluet strolls over to Olana. He takes hold of her hand softly. Quietly, "I need to talk to you...alone." Assuming Cherry pointed him towards a different room, that's where the bard leads her. In the room, "Wanna sit down?" Depending on the response, he sits or stands as well. "Olana...I don't know what it is. You just look as though you haven't slept for days. You've been acting really strangely. The problem is that it isn't constant. It comes in spurts. You're just fine, ::BAM:: you're weird. And just as fast, you're fine again. I've been tryin to think of lots of different reasons. And I narrowed it down to two things. It either has something to do with those weird beetles or our encounter with the youth just before arriving at this city. I have to ask, were you bitten by one of the bugs?" Flueterflam waits for a bit, letting everything he just said soak in. "What I've also decided is that however you were affected, it has somehow grabbed a hold of your spirit or your mind. I'm not quite sure how to describe it cause I'm not really sure exactly what's going on. It's all truly speculation. But I DO know for a fact that you've changed. I'm afraid of what may happen if this can't be figured out." He puts his head in his hands and breathes deeply. "Olana, you have to help me here. The way you've been acting could put all of us in danger. You may get yourself killed, or one of us for that matter."
Fluet looks suddenly defeated. He appears as though he'd permanently lost his soul. His gaze dropped from the elf to the ground. "I don't know....I just.....don't know. Please just talk to me. Please." He lifts his head enough for Olana to see a tear stroll softly down his cheek.
Olana Tuesday November 21st, 2000 11:02:08 AM
Olana gives an insolent shrug at Fluet's suggestion, but she follows him anyway. Anything to avoid those accusatory eyes of the others. But oh... she'd get her own back, yes she would.
Once they are alone, she gives the attitude that she's only half listening, although when she see's the tear, something changes. Sitting down heavily, she whispers "Not the beetles, and not.......it won't let....me...." the look on her face one of total horror.
But then she changes again, and a slow smile appears. "It's not me - it's them, and I bet they're conspiring against you too. Oh yes. We're going to have to kill them, one by one, come from behind, when they're not expecting it. It's the only way to survive. Lil arlurl velve zhah lil velkyn uss (drow - 'the best knife is the unseen one')." With that, she took out one of her daggers and examined the point of it. Her smile becomes cold enough to freeze a cow.
DM Jan (The Rescue Part 1) Tuesday November 21st, 2000 11:32:08 AM
Cherry rolled her eyes and frowned at the Innkeeper for a moment and then stepped forward toward the unkempt man. "This 'gentleman' you have rescued goes by the name of Clegg. He is the one who we've been trying to talk to for the best part of 10 days now. He escaped from prison, didn't you, Mr Clegg," she said, giving the man a wry smile. "And the question is - how on earth did you accomplish such a feat?"
The man broke into a yellow toothed grin and gave Cherry a hearty slap on the backside. "Ha ha! Wouldn't you like to know, wench! Do yer job and fetch me something to eat. And ale! I want ale!" Something Figment said, made him turn and look at the mage. "A deal, eh? Heh - I bet you don't have half the money I'm owed. I'm not going anywhere until I get what's owed to me. Deal indeed. Help me get my money! Then we'll talk about deals. Where's my dinner?"
With a growl, Cherry heads over to the Innkeeper who looked ready to knock the other man's block off. "Stop talking about Mop," she says. "We'll get this done as fast as we can, and as discreetly as possible. We owe you a great debt and we thank you. The future of the Kingdom rests on what we accomplish here. Now lets go and get some food organised." They disappear into the kitchen, the inkeepers conversation - "... discreet? That man said they killed 10 people! How discreet is that? If Mop finds out, they'll come down here and.... you know I've got a livelyhood, children to feed. This cloak and dagger stuff is all very well but....." - is cut off as the kitchen door closes.
Meanwhile, Fluet is alone with an unstable elf with a drawn dagger.
Ingrge Tuesday November 21st, 2000 7:22:57 PM
Walking over to the extremely rude and loud Clegg, after making he is sure that he is not the afore mentioned Mop in disguise, Ingrge stares down at him slaps him across the face and says, "Now shut Up and Listen! We just saved your bacon and you are going to listen to what I have to say." With that Ingrge grabs the side of Clegg's head and placing his mouth near his ear whispers something and then awaits his rection. (DM Email)
Milo (Invisible) d20=6 d20=11 Tuesday November 21st, 2000 7:55:54 PM
Attempting to discern the man's validity from his manner is nearly impossible for Milo as he listens to everyone in the room interact with him. (OOC: Voluntary Wis check at 6) Though Milo feels as though he may attempt to milk the group for more than his information is worth. Growing tired of the absurdity of it all, and very impatient with this rude human, Milo steps up behind the man as Ingrge is whispering in his ear, and removing a dart from his pouch, he very carefully reaches up and pricks the man on the arm with it... just enough to draw blood. (OOC: 11+4 for backstab hits AC 3) As he circles around the front of the human, becoming visible, Milo remains out of arms reach, looking to Ingrge, "I apologize friend, but I must interrupt, I'm sick of this filthy worm and his demands." Milo reaches into his satchel drawing forth his vial of silver mercurium, and holding it out for all to see, "Mr. Clegg... I've just injected you with one of the more deadlier poisons known to this world." Milo quickly puts it back in his satchel, and begins to circle the man sitting in the chair, out of reach, and ready to spring aside in an instant. As he circles around to a point where the man can't see him, in winks and smiles ever so briefly at his elven friend, "I have an antidote for this poison, but I won't be administering it to you unless you very rapidly, and very politely tell us how you escaped from the prison." As Milo continues to talk, he describes in lurid detail how the poison takes hold of your body, and eventually kills you.
Shadrach Tuesday November 21st, 2000 10:53:01 PM
Relieved that Clegg wasn't Mop, Shad sat down to observe their captive. Shad wasn't hopeful about the use of force in getting the man to talk--hadn't he just been tortured? And the man had nerve and smarts...somehow they had to get him to talk without him escaping them in turn.
Olana Wednesday November 22nd, 2000 11:08:33 AM
Plots and counter plots flit through the elf's mind like bats. She feels tired, exhausted, and feels her eyelids dropping.
DM Jan (The Rescue Part 1) Wednesday November 22nd, 2000 11:29:47 AM
Looking at Ingrge and then snarling at Milo who poked him with something sharp, the man gives them both a "here we go again" look. "Listen," he growls, "You wanna know how I got out? I'll tell you - but on my terms. Something tells me you're not gonna bring that foul snake of a dragon into this, and as for you," he said - pointing a finger at where he last saw Milo, "you give me the antidote you scurvy little imp or you'll get nothin' from me!" He glowers at everyone before continuing. "There's a man - a wizard. He got me out. He's got the secret. He owes me money. You and your band of toughs help me get it from him - he's an evil son of a toad's toe nail, so you have my permission to bruise him a little. Heh - bruise him a lot for all I care. But he has the means to get in and out of that place. That's the deal, my friends." With that he sat back and waited.
Milo Wednesday November 22nd, 2000 12:34:25 PM
Batting his eyes innocently at the man, Milo turns on his heel and snorts, muttering under his own breath, "Scurvy little imp... indeed." Walking over to the innkeeper, Milo speaks in low tones to the man, "I'll give that man an antidote he'll never forget..." In a normal speaking voice, "Good sir... I need a few items from your larder in order to make this man," Milo indicates Mr. Clegg, "an antidote." Milo winks, and then almost whispering... "I'll need one egg, a drop of vinegar, a half mug of warm ale, a clove of garlic, and some day-old goat's milk." Milo offers the innkeeper a gold piece for his trouble. Keeping his back to the group, and Mr. Clegg in order to hide his work, Milo proceeds to mix his ingredients together thoroughly in a large mug. Lastly, he pulls a pouch from his hip, and pretends to pinch something within, draw it forth, and sprinkle it in the drink before stirring one last time... With one last nod to the innkeeper, the halfling takes his conconction, and proceeds to move carefully across the room with it, a look of studied concentration on his face. Reaching Mr. Clegg, if offers him the mug, "Your antidote sir."
Figment d20=11 d20=11 Wednesday November 22nd, 2000 12:56:44 PM
Frowning at Milo's approach - and realizing that Milo is lying (Int), the mage decides to continue the coversation. "Gentlmen please. Let's try diplomacy first, and then you can do your worst after that, if necessary. Somehow, though, I don't think we'll need it.". Turning to the worm of a man, Figment continues (Cha). "Let me make sure I understand what you're saying: A wizard got you out of the prison and this guy can do this at will. And he did this for you, why? If he owes you money, then it would seem to me that getting you out would be the last thing he'd do. If you want us to help you with an evil mage, we'd probably be willing to if it gets us what we want. But before we would risk it, we'd have to be sure you were being honest. We don't care who you are, we don't care what you'll do after we let you go. We only care about this deal we're about to make and I promise, we'll have your head if you lie to us about that. The rest - well - we can be flexible. So fill us in on who this guy is, where he is, how we can get to him, where he keeps his money, and all that. And one other thing: Are you saying you know how he does it, or that we need to get that from him? That would be important to know. It would also be good if you would tell us what you saw him when he sprung you. So what do you say?".
Flueterflam d20=9 Wednesday November 22nd, 2000 4:16:18 PM
As Fluet sees he couldn't quite break through to the old Olana, he considers talking, fighting, lying, doing whatever it may take to figure out how to stop whatever it is that was controlling her. Just as he was about to speak, he noticed Olana becoming sleepy. The bard almost snickered evilly, but held his smile just enough. He waited until she slowly dropped away into dreams. While waiting, he felt control over the situation knowing that he may be the only one with power enough to control the half-crazed elf.
Ingrge d20=11 Wednesday November 22nd, 2000 8:25:09 PM
Seeing Milo putting away the dart after his ruse, Ingrge mutters under his breath, let's go with overkill why don't we? Giving one last glare at Clegg, he turns and finds a seat. pausing at the last moment, only to catch Clegg's eye and to say, Personally I could care less about that green, slimy, scaled, over-sized, earth worm. He really isn't worth my losing muxh sleep over, but I understand he wants YOU very badly, and if I don't feel we have gotten the information we need from you, I will keep my promise. With that said, Ingrge snears and sits down.
Olana Thursday November 23rd, 2000 1:25:21 AM
In her sleep, Olana smiles, her slender fingers caressing her armour. Occasionally she mutters phrases in drow.
Shadrach Thursday November 23rd, 2000 1:25:50 AM
He looked glum while he listened. What were they going to do if Olana betrayed them under her present mood? Perhaps this was a good time for an augury.
K'Nara Thursday November 23rd, 2000 1:30:37 AM
She kept a straight face while Milo mixed his 'concoction', folding her arms. "Good point. Why does the wizard who aided you owe you money?"
DM Jan (The Rescue Part 1) Thursday November 23rd, 2000 11:26:54 AM
Clegg stabbed a finger toward Figment. "Ya see now THERE'S a man I can do business with." He leans over a table and sweeps it clear, causing a couple of mugs to go clattering. "Okay - hey girl!" he shouts toward the kitchen. "Bring me some paper and something to write with while you're fetching my dinner!" Then he looks at the others conspiratorily. "Let me explain. This wizard - and no, I'm not gonna tell you his name or where he is. I'm not stupid. I'll take you there. Anyway - this wizard developed a potion that will protect a man trying to negotiate the invisible barrier that surrounds the jail. It doesn't last forever - but certainly long enough to get in or out providing you don't hang about."
He paused, scratching his filthy hair, and about that time the kitchen door opened to allow Cherry through with plates of hot food. "Just meat, potatoes and gravy I'm afraid," she said, plonking the plates on various tables. "But it should keep you going." She is followed by Milo who offers the mug to Clegg. The man stares at it for a moment and then downs it in one gulp. What follows is the loudest *BELCH* ever heard. Clegg then shakes his head, looking totally stunned. "Woah... got any more of that stuff?" Cherry disappears back into the kitchen and starts to-ing and fro-ing with ale and some paper and charcoal.
"Right" - croaks Clegg. "The reason I got involved was simple. He needed someone to test the potion. He promised me 300 gold. In this town that's a LOT of money. It was worth the risk. I can move to Plateau City with that kind of money. So I got myself arrested and thrown in the clink." He leaned back and laughed. "Well - the darned thing worked like a charm! Trouble is - he's gone back on his word and won't pay me, the lousy rat faced toad eating double crossing no good......" Clegg slammed his fist on the table. "I'll get what's coming to me if it kills me! Anyway... when I was at his house I saw a ton of that stuff - all in little bottles. Right next to his beetle collection."
He looked at them all in turn. "Well? Are you with me? I'll even throw in a plan of the jail."
In another part of the Inn, Olana sleeps on, her hands wrapped around the armour she wears. Her hair now has narrow streaks of pure white in it, nestled in amongst the blonde.
Shadrach Friday November 24th, 2000 12:19:03 AM
Shad squeaked. "Beetles? Beetles? What color? What color beetles does he got? Does he breed 'em?"
K'Nara Friday November 24th, 2000 12:23:04 AM
She looked meaningfully at the others. "Would you submit to a truth spell?"
Milo Friday November 24th, 2000 3:18:50 AM
A sour look on his face as his ruse fails to pan out, Milo steps away from Mr. Clegg with a particularly disgusted look on his face, and bored with the whole "make nice with the rude smelly human routine" he steps quietly out of the room to peek in on Flueterflam and Olana, and see if they are both okay. Thinking to himself, 'Feh... these guys don't need my help here... I'll go see if Fluet has figured out what is up with Olana yet.'
Flueterflam Saturday November 25th, 2000 2:08:10 AM
When Milo appears, Fluet looks up at him happy for a moment. With his action, he suddenly looks towards the sleeping elf to make sure that she didn't see his reaction. Seeing she's sleeping, the bard puts up his hand in a sign of distress to get Milo's attention. He puts one finger to his mouth to keep everything quiet. Fluet mouths the words, 'get rope, two or three people jump her at one time!!!!' Before Milo can turn to comply, 'HURRY!!!' in the loudest quiet he can visually send. While he waits, he turns towards the elf. She was so perfect, but suddenly so corrupt. That instant, Flueterflam vows to kill whoever was the cause of this. And if possible, he would torture the person for as long as possible without killing him or her. There would be no easy escape from this bard.
Olana Saturday November 25th, 2000 7:02:58 PM
Sleeping - dreaming. Maybe while they were traveling through streets - take out one at a time, using her dagger. It was the only way - then she could get out of town quietly. Go somewhere dark. Survival - that was the main priority of the accursed.
Ingrge Sunday November 26th, 2000 1:56:22 PM
Sitting and observing for a while, Ingrge interrupts the process by standing and walking in between Clegg and K'narra and staring up at their Human leader. "K'nara, don't you think it would be wiser to take this to a more private room instaed of letting who knows who hear what we discuss?"
K'nara Monday November 27th, 2000 6:21:41 AM
Looking around the deserted tavern, K'nara pointed out to Ingrge: "There's nobody here, but we probably ought to get our 'guest' to a private room...the better to use that truth spell to confirm his story..." The tall human woman stood up.
"Say...where did Fluet, Milo and Olana go..?" she asked, only just noticing their absence.
Milo d100=53 d20=5 d20=8 Monday November 27th, 2000 10:52:58 AM
Without moving from his spot, Milo quietly slips the backpack off of his back, and opens it, pulling a length of silk rope from within. Stalking silently as a cat, the burglar expertly creates a loop with a slip knot. (OOC: 53% on Move Silently should pass as well as 5 on my Rope Use roll) As he approaches Olana, a tear rolls down his cheek. Ever so gently, with a feather touch (OOC: Dex check passed by 9) Milo guides Olana's hands till they are together in front of her, and then he very slowly and deliberately slips the loop around them, and pulls the rope tight, whispering to Fluet, "Take her weapons."
Flueterflam d20=5 Monday November 27th, 2000 11:02:43 AM
Fluet feels a shudder in his soul seeing Milo's emotion. He felt the same way. But, for now, nothing else could be done. Nodding to Milo, the bard whispered quietly back, "I'll explain why soon." Slowly, he begins disarming her with as much stealth as his body will allow him. (dex passed by 7)
DM Jan (The Rescue Part 1) Monday November 27th, 2000 11:04:21 AM
The man named Clegg snorts in between mouthfulls. "Truth spell? NO way. What better idea to get the location of the wizard's place eh? Don't think I'm falling for that" he says, occasionally stabbing toward everyone with his fork. " Listen - I don't trust anyone, but let me tell you something. I can't get at my money. That stinkin' wizard is too strong. But with YOU people - I have a chance. And he DOES have the potions. I'm guessing you wanna break into the jail. Heh - the gods only know why. Nothing in there but people like me!" He finishes with a roar of laughter. Picking up the charcoal - he starts to draw, and then glances at Shadrach. "Those beetles? Heck I dunno what he does with 'em. Horrible big green things they are. One of 'em followed me all the way to the jail. Found it in my trouser turn-up. Tasty though. Made a good snack while I was in prison."
Meanwhile - in the other room, the elf sleeps on, for the moment exhausted - oblivious to that fact that she's being disarmed and tied up.
Figment d20=12 Monday November 27th, 2000 11:20:42 AM
The mage listens to the others but does not take his eyes off Clegg. "OK Clegg, we'll get you your money. It's a deal - provided my colleagues are satisified that you are telling us the truth. We will go with you to this guys place and we'll help you get your money. If he should meet an unfortunate demise in the process, you can have anything else you see of interest as well - once we have a look. All provided we get the potions and this map of yours. I would think you also had some concealed way in and out of the prison? You will need to explain to us how you actually got out of your cell block and to the barrier as well. Once we're done with this undertaking, we'll shake hands and part ways. How does that sound?". If he agrees, the mage stands and waits for the innkeeper to give them a key.
Flueterflam d20=2 d20=3 Monday November 27th, 2000 11:54:05 AM
While disarming the elf, Fluet thinks about possible reasons again. The beetles? Those young elves? Obsidian? Was there something that he had forgotten? To be on the safe side, the bard decided that maybe they should take everything of the elf. They should probably even take off her clothing and armor and reclothe her with something safer. To Milo, "Let's take everything. We can't be too sure. She might even have something hidden where we'd never expect." Having spoken, and disarmed her weapons, Fluet proceeds to take all other possessions and move them into the common room where everyone else is. (disarm dex passed by 10 : move between rooms quietly dex passed by 9)
Ingrge Monday November 27th, 2000 7:10:39 PM
Getting a bit disgusted with our friend Clegg Ingrge walks up to him only inches from his face and asks, Just how much money does this wizard owe you any way? And what were you supposed to do for it?
K'nara Tuesday November 28th, 2000 6:40:42 AM
The leader of the Emerald Talons frowned at Clegg as she listened to him speak, then addressed Ingrge.
"Clegg here was supposed to be a guinea pig for this potion-brewing wizard, apparently." K'nara said. "I can guess that the mage in question is about as honorable as Clegg here, thus was he cheated out of his fee." She folded her arms across her chest.
"Very well, Clegg--" the redhead acquiesed, "--we will help you get your money if you help us. Finish your meal...we have to make sure you're fit for travel and then we'll go." Since nobody answered her question about Milo, Fluet and Olana, K'nara turned, muttering, and went to look to see where the trio had gotten to...
Olana Tuesday November 28th, 2000 10:44:02 AM
The elf's dreams twisted into something alarming, as though she was being trapped or something, and so she starts to awaken.
DM Jan (The Rescue Part 1) Tuesday November 28th, 2000 10:58:39 AM
In answer to Ingrge's question, Clegg grunts and stabs his fork toward K'Nara. "Yeah what she said," he mutters. After a couple more mouthfulls he shrugs at Figment. "I'll have this plan done by the morrow, and I'll tell you everything I know about getting in and out. It's easy once the barrier problem is taken care of, so long as you're fast. You the leader of this group?" he asks him before shovelling in more food and then pausing to leer at K'Nara's rear as she leaves the room. The Innkeeper returns from the kitchen and hands out keys to some of the rooms. "I have other residents," he says, "So I'd be grateful if you were all fairly quiet." Cherry offers to stay with Clegg and watch over the map drawing. "Get some rest," she whispers to them.
K'Nara finds the others in another room, where Olana suddenly wakes up. The look on her face is a mixture of rage and cornered rat. Fluet's attempts at removing anything else are only partially successful. This is because for some reason - he can't seem to get the armour off. Maybe the catches are stuck or something.
Figment d20=4 Tuesday November 28th, 2000 11:31:21 AM
Smiles at Clegg's guess. "Let's just suffice it to say I'm one of several you need to keep happy. Who leads this group is not your concern - or your business. Cherry is quite correct, we exerted a great deal of power in getting you out. We need to recharge for this new guy. He sounds pretty powerful.". The mage begins to leave for a room, until he realizes the noise from the other room is Olana. He excuses himself and goes to see what's up, wondering a bit more about why she could be changing so rapidly. When he sees her hair, and hears her drow words reverberating in his head, he realizes what is going on - or at least has a working theory (Int by 14!). "Olana, it's your armour. You got it from that drow weapon down in The Maw. I warned you about using it but did not realize it was changing you - until now. You need to take it off. Can you?" Looking back into the other room he calls in a calm voice "Ingrge, I need your help if you have a minute.".
Flueterflam Tuesday November 28th, 2000 3:29:09 PM
Fluet jumps back, seeing Olana awake. Yelling at K'nara, partially because of becoming startled seeing her and partially Olana waking up, "We have to get her away from everything of hers. I don't know what it is, but something's affecting her. I only have two possible reasons, but it might be something else. Whatever it is, we have a better chance if she can't do anything while we're figuring it out." Fluet points out the now white hair on the elf's head. "She becoming a dark elf. DAMN you Olana, how the hell did you get yourself into this???!!!!" Fluet yells enraged by his powerlessness. "First of all, no matter what you think, we are trying to save you? Secondly, we will not try to kill you? Thirdly, how the hell did you start becoming a DROW?????" All rational thought seems dissipated at this point from the bard.
Milo Tuesday November 28th, 2000 5:28:58 PM
As K'nara enters the room, Milo is startled, but regaining his senses, he looks up to her pleadingly, and squeaks out, "She has gone mad... help us help her... please." Milo holds up the end of the rope that he is holding with the other end binding Olana's hands, and fear is clearly etched into the halfling's brow.
Dakar the Painmonger Tuesday November 28th, 2000 6:26:13 PM
"DROW?!" The seemingly somnambulent dwarf is quick to suddenly rouse himself. One glance at Olana and the struggles that Fluet is having with her armor. "We'll shell that armor off her if we have to. Quick cutting and dwarven steel." He reaches for his axe haft, readying it for quick usage in whatever scenario should arrive from this most improprietous turn of events.
Ingrge Tuesday November 28th, 2000 7:41:32 PM
Hearing the ruckus and Figment's call for help, Ingrge steps forward. "Hmmm... The armor huh? Suppose I should've thought of or seen that. Well, What are your tho... Whoa Dakar, hold up a minute this is still our Olanna. Put your can opener away. If we need your assistance we will give you a ring."
Shadrach Tuesday November 28th, 2000 8:04:33 PM
Shad listened to the others yells but elected to stick around and watch Clegg. Cherry was a good spy, but he didn't believe Clegg's story for a minute. As long as the party needed him, Shad was going to guard the man.
Olana d20=19 d2=2 Tuesday November 28th, 2000 10:29:16 PM
Startled at being surrounded, frightened to discover her weapons have gone, and outraged, the elf gives a snarl and kicks out, giving Fluet (assuming he's the nearest) a nasty kick, before pulling against the rope and trying to make a break for it. She doesn't look as though she recognises anyone.
K'nara d20=19 d4=1 Wednesday November 29th, 2000 6:23:48 AM
"Turning into a--?" K'nara gasped, then pulled back one fist and tried to land a punch on Olana as the mystically-mind-morphing elf tried to flee the room (hits AC-1 for 1hp of damage), intending to knock the ranger unconscious with the blow.
Milo d20=19 d3=2 Wednesday November 29th, 2000 11:29:42 AM
More assured that he has assistance Milo charges Olana, with rope in hand, hitting her at the knees in an attempt to knock her feet out from under her. (OOC: 19 hits AC-1, 2 hps of subdual damage)
DM Jan (The Rescue Part1) Wednesday November 29th, 2000 11:40:33 AM
Cherry looks somewhat relieved when it's obvious that Shad is going to stay and help keep an eye on their cantankerous charge. As for Clegg, for the moment he seems intent on drawing his map. He has a definite gleam in his eye, and is muttering - "... oh boy, you're gonna get it, you double crossing freak... no one messes with Clegg.." etc. etc. ad nauseum.
It is now well after midnight.
In the other room, things are getting a bit too lively as the elf wakes up and makes a break for it - savagely punching Fluet and pulling wildly at Milo's rope - although after an unfortunate meeting with K'Nara's fist, and the body of Milo, she falls back onto the ground, unconscious for the moment.
As some of you have realised - strange things have been happening lately. After donning the new armour, Olana began to act more sullen, hanging back, and suffering from a complete lack of any sense of humour. She began to look tired and haggard, and now looks positively ill. She started to utter strange phrases in Drow. During the battle with the men from Obsidian - her particular opponent screamed and ran as soon as he was hit. Downright weird. After that, her deterioration seems to have accelerated - manifesting itself in paranoid delusion, a penchant for violence, and white streaks in her hair.
The armour has gotta come off - but how? The bard found that he could not get it off using his hands.
Figment Wednesday November 29th, 2000 12:08:30 PM
Seeing Olana subdued for the moment, the mage turns to Ingrge. "We need a dispel magic spell to weaken the armour long enough to get it off her. It is too powerful to be destroyed so easily. I do not have it memorized. Do you?"
Dakar the painmonger Wednesday November 29th, 2000 6:47:14 PM
"STOP!" the dwarf shouts to Olana in common, invoking words of Domi as he does so (command). He imposes himself between Olana and the exit and drops his shoulders, bracing himself to bar her exit. "If we cannot remove the armor, the curse must be removed in another way, whatever way is necessary to cleanse the drow taint on her." The vindicator spits to one side. "I shall see justice be done by whatever means are necessary."
Ingrge Wednesday November 29th, 2000 8:29:15 PM
As Olanna makes her break for freedom, Ingrge barks out a command in a fluid but gutteral language. "XUAT MELEE DALNINIL! XUN IZIL DOS PHUUL QUARTHENLUETH DRO!!"
Turning momentarily to Figment. "No I don't have the spell. But if you have it written down, see if you can read it as a scroll out of your spellbook. I will buy you a new copy for you to put back in your book."
As Dakar makes his pronouncement, Ingrge all but screams at him. "If you touch her with that blade, dwarf, it will be the last thing you ever do in this world. Stop her from leaving but DO not harm her."
K'nara Thursday November 30th, 2000 7:01:13 AM
The tall human female looked even more pained than Olana possibly could when K'nara's fist connected with the ranger's chin. Then Dakar and Ingrge's words added to the bladesinger's internal burden.
"Knock it off, you two!" K'nara barked at other elf and dwarf. "We need cool heads to prevail over this...Olana is far too important and too good a friend to abandon to this...this accursed fate. We will do what we can to help her...but I must admit that there may be nothing we can do unless we can get this armor off her." The warrior woman's stern expression spasmed into pain and not a little bit of guilt.
"This is all my fault--" K'nara admitted in a grating voice, "--for 'twas I who gifted the armor to Olana... I knew that I couldn't use it, and even suspected that I couldn't stand up to the magic that it is made of--but I thought that Olana could utilize its abilities. I--I thought she was stronger than I..." The leader of the Emerald Talons blinked her hazel eyes and looked at Figment, Ingrge and Dakar.
"We don't have time to seek out any spellcasters who may have the experience to exorcise Olana," she pointed out, "Not while we're in the middle of a city run by the Green One! Do what you can to free Olana of the curse."
K'nara didn't even want to think about the consequences of failure to do just that...
Figment Thursday November 30th, 2000 10:40:52 AM
Looking at Ingrge with some pain at the thought of losing magic, the mage's face hardens with resolve. He drops his pack, pulls out his book, and opens it to the correct page. Looking around to the others he croaks out in hope and desperation, "Any other ideas? Can you clerics remove a curse, or bless her and then try before I do this?" He looks around to see if there are any other ideas.
Olana Thursday November 30th, 2000 10:46:52 AM
Unconscious. But the thought process didn't stop. Inside her head, a battle raged - chaotic good v. lawful evil. Both wrestled for control, the evil organised, presenting logical argument and slow but relentless strength - the good using assumptions it had always used, leaping forth here and there with counter arguments. It was utterly exhausting. It was nightmareish - a snake-whip snapping alter ego inside her head. The women used those didn't they? An evil creature to fear and destroy. But SHE wasn't evil - she wasn't! Was she?
DM Jan (The Rescue Part 1) Thursday November 30th, 2000 10:52:54 AM
As the others ponder over the possessed elf situation, Clegg continues his artisty. He glances up at Shad for a moment. "Why did you ask about the beetles, you a beetle collector?" he said, raising a curious eyebrow.
Flueterflam Thursday November 30th, 2000 2:43:45 PM
The bard frowns at the sting of the elf's kick. He decides to move further away to avoid further incident. "If you guys can help, then do it. Stop wasting time. Nothing good will happen if we just argue." Fluet has definitely lost touch with control. He is urgent, angry and unhappy. He begins pacing back and forth thinking of any way he can help.
Shadrach Thursday November 30th, 2000 4:21:11 PM
Shad listened worriedly to the noises, but stayed resolutely. He replied to Clegg, "We've run into Parnath's incredible spy network before. Made us suspicious when these green beetles kept showing up around us. Maybe your wizard knew we were coming." Suddenly Shad grinned, thinking he'd figured something out. "You didn't volunteer to go to jail just to test some wizard's potion that might or might not work. You were caught in a crime, weren't you? Or maybe the wizard tipped off the guard to make sure you had no choice, hunh?"
Milo d20=18 Thursday November 30th, 2000 6:48:37 PM
Working quickly, Milo gathers in the slack on the rope, and then binds Olana's ankles as best he can. He does his best to make sure that she cannot get loose, but that the ropes won't damage her either. That done, he drops the remainder of the rope, and moves well behind Figment, not wanting to get caught in the spell. "Go ahead Figment... cast the spell, then we'll peel her outta that armor... I've got enough cash stashed away to replace the spell in your book a few times over, and still eat well..." The halfling grins.
Ingrge Thursday November 30th, 2000 6:59:13 PM
Looks at K'narra and with a hurt look asks, "What did I do? I just Commanded her in the only language she probably understands at this moment not to fight. As Figment steps forward to do his thing, Ingrge steps aside and gets ready to help in whatever way he can.
Figment Thursday November 30th, 2000 11:29:51 PM
The mage casts the spell and watches as the words disappear from his book. But only for a moment as his concern for Olana overrides his personal loss.
K'nara Friday December 1st, 2000 6:17:44 AM
The woman warrior looked as though she wanted to tear off the mesh caul that bound her hair and then start in on yanking out the chestnut tresses themselves.
"Sorry, Ingrge," she said with a sharp sigh, "It...it's not you... or even you and Dakar... it's the thought that I caused Olana's current condition. Whatever may happen, this will be the last time that I allow the use of magic items of dubious origin by anyone other than myself." K'nara looked over to see how the progress with the adversely-enchanted ranger was going...
Milo Friday December 1st, 2000 10:33:45 AM
Focused on the task at hand, Milo waits until the incantation is complete, and then after confirming with Figment that it is safe to proceed, he moves quickly to Olana's side and attempts to start removing armor.
DM Jan (The rescue Part 1) Friday December 1st, 2000 11:07:28 AM
Clegg blinks at Shad for a moment, and then leans back in his chair and bursts out laughing. The man was obviously in a good mood at the prospect of getting his money back. "Hey, I never said I was an honest man," he chuckles. "Okay, so he caught me trying to steal one of his nags. A 'customer' of mine wanted a white mare. And ya know my customers never want to pay full price if you know what I mean. "The thing is, I'm good at what I do. Clegg's the name, acquisition is my game. Don't know how he caught me, but we made a deal, then he ratted on me." He then leans forward and whispers. "You know what I think? I think that wizard has got his fingers in a whole lotta pies. A WHOLE lotta pies. And the scaly one don't know anything about it." His eyes flit back and forth as he speaks. "Them beetles. Spies I reckon. They get everywhere. He has tanks full of 'em. All different kinds." He then grunted, and looked down at the table. "This map's about done. I need to get some sleep."
In the other room, Figment casts the spell, and sees the words fade from his spellbook. Olana's armour comes off easily now. The trauma of this reawakens the elf. Those stood nearby can see that her naturally thin elven physique looks almost stick-like. (STR/CON -4)
On a 24 hour clock, it would now be approx 2AM. Outside, except for the occasional patrol, and a few rats scurrying about, all seems quiet.
Olana Friday December 1st, 2000 11:09:47 AM
Awakening as the armour comes off, Olana curls up into a ball. "Not my armour, please... not my armour," she pleads, and starts to cry.
Figment Friday December 1st, 2000 11:56:36 AM
The mage closes his book slowly and moves back as the others pull off the armor. "This is a powerful item. I suggest we rid ourselves of it as soon as possible.". After a moment of reflection he smiles and says "Hey, this may not be a total loss. We could always trade it to the evil mage for some of his potion and in that way avoid a fight - maybe...".
Flueterflam Friday December 1st, 2000 2:08:46 PM
After they pull of the armor, Fluet feels guilty for having things get as far as they did. The bard feels responsible, though he really had nothing to do with it. To help in his own way, he lays next to Olana and comforts her. "Are you ok?"
Dakar Friday December 1st, 2000 5:43:17 PM
"TRADE?!" The dwarf's voice booms with anger, resonating throughout the small room. "We cannae TRADE this! It is pure evil to the touch. The only possibly recourse for this item is to destroy it, utterly and completely. I suggest we bring it to a priest of Alemi as soon as possible. I am sure the god of Good would be more than satisfied upon rendering this object of evil to dust." The dwarf looks to Olana. "It is for your own good girl, ye cannae have the blighted thing back."
Ingrge Friday December 1st, 2000 7:14:15 PM
With a noticeably loud sigh of relief as the armor is removed, Ingrge walks over to Figment and solemly looks at him in the eyes and simply says, "Thank you." At Dakar's outburst, Ingrge turns and very quickly adds his voice to the discussion. "For one of the first times, I fully agree with our esteemed dwarf. This piece of evil needs to be destroyed."
Shad Friday December 1st, 2000 9:26:05 PM
"We'll all need to rest up before this one." He got up and spoke to Cherry. "Our new friend Clegg needs a room. We'll pay for it." Lowering his voice, he added, "One without any windows, if possible."
K'nara Monday December 4th, 2000 6:07:37 AM
Upon seeing the sorry state of the elven ranger, K'nara's pained face went completely blank.
"That armor goes if I have to destroy it with my bare hands." she said in a flat yet resolute voice. "To the temple of Alemi, I suppose...though 'twas the priests of Alemi that gave me a clean bill of health for this armor the last time Figment and I took it there..." The leader of the Emerald Talons turned to the human mage.
"Figment, have you any way of securing either the armor or Olana herself, so that Olana may be protected from any possible...telepathic persuasions it may try to tempt her with? Such an artifact as this will not easily let go of any victim its begun to bond with, I suspect."
Figment Monday December 4th, 2000 10:10:41 AM
The mage nods to Ingrge, not wanting to make too big a deal out of his loss. He frowns and the lines on his face deepen at K'Nara's question. "I'm afraid I do not possess any magic that could help our friend resist the armour. That ranges more into a clerical or divination magic I simply have not studied. I would venture to guess that the best thing to do is get it as far away from her as possible. Let's ask Cherry if there is a Temple of Alemi here in this city. If there is one near I would recommend we take it there now - and that I be the one who carry it. When we first acquired it I was able to handle the armour and resist its pull - at least for a short time. I would expect with that experience under my belt that I would be the one most able to escape unscathed from its magic - and even if they don't see anything wrong with it as the others did, it will at least no longer be our problem to deal with. I would also strongly suggest that we hurry. The spell I cast was powerful, but this item is more so. It will not be dampened for long."
DM Jan (The Rescue Part 1) Monday December 4th, 2000 10:50:20 AM
Cherry nods at Shad and goes into the kitchen to find the Innkeeper. Returning shortly, she says "There's a room that will do upstairs. I'll sleep on the floor outside the door if I have to. C'mon you," she adds, beckoning to their new 'friend'. Clegg breaks into a grin. "Hey no need for outside the door. Stay in the room with me. That way you can keep a real good eye on me there." His raucous laugh is interrupted as Cherry gives him a sharp kick. Cherry leads the man upstairs to a room with a 'very' small window. The map is left on the table.
Elsewhere - Fluet comforts the sobbing Olana and the others discuss what to do with the offending armour. Emerald Kingdom natives remember there is indeed a temple of Alemi - up in the centre of the City where all the visitors tend to stay. However - is IS late, and being on the streets might draw unwanted attention. The Innkeeper shuffles past. "Don't you lot ever rest?" he asks wearily with a yawn.
Milo Monday December 4th, 2000 12:20:59 PM
Starting from dozing off, as the innkeeper passes, the halfling shuffles over to the man, "I could use a room with a soft bed good sir... and a nice hot bath in the morning." Milo produces a pair of gold coins, though from where is a mystery... then looking to his friends, "I think perhaps we could settle this in the morning after we've all had time to let sleep clear our minds and refresh our bodies." With that, assuming the innkeeper gives him a room, the weary halfling trudges off to bed.
Figment Monday December 4th, 2000 12:25:20 PM
The mage looks concerned but then relents, I'd say it too risky to be seen wlking to the temple this late. We must guard this armor, monitor Olana - in a separate room, and our criminal partner in the other room. And speaking for myself, I must also rest to replentish my spells. So, my good innkeeper, would you please show us to our rooms?".
Flueterflam Monday December 4th, 2000 3:30:52 PM
Fluet nods off. The stress and late hours combined to knock the bard out.
Shadrach Monday December 4th, 2000 6:03:50 PM
Shad picked up the map and stuck it in his carryall pouch. He settled himself to sleep the night outside Clegg's room.
Ingrge Monday December 4th, 2000 8:59:38 PM
I don't really need any sleep just about four hours to collect my thoughts so, put that armor in a cloth bag tie it shut. Put that bag in another bag and then give it to me. I will make sure it gets to the temple and I will not be seen. I will use my last potion to ensure that I am not seen.
K'nara Tuesday December 5th, 2000 6:32:50 AM
The human bladesinger frowned, then shook her head.
"As long as Olana remains secured in one room and the armor in another, that appears safe enough for now." she said firmly. "We must not only get rid of this accursed armor but cure Olana of its influence as well, and we might as well do both at the same time--save ourselves the extra trip AND your potion for a time when we may truly need it." Here K'nara went to sit down in the chair by the small desk.
"I will stay here with Fluet and Olana. When...if...he sleeps, I shall be awake to make sure our ranger doesn't escape her bonds and tries to act on her...Drow-like tendencies." the redhead told the others, sighing and scrubbing her already-tired face with both her hands. "I'd appreciate it if someone could relieve me after a few hours, just so that I, too, could get some sleep."
Olana Tuesday December 5th, 2000 11:37:35 AM
Someone was missing. Like a best friend, a mentor - just up and gone. Leaving a hole. It was confusing because she mourned their loss, but also her head felt clearer, her body less drained. What was going on?
DM Jan (The Next Day) Tuesday December 5th, 2000 11:56:36 AM
The night rolls on. Through his door - Clegg can be heard snoring loud enough to wake the dead. Everyone else has the opportunity to get 'some' sleep at least. Luckily Olana seems too exhausted to make a break for it, giving any who guard her a quiet night.
As dawn breaks a stranger who was sleeping in another room, walks out and almost trips up over Cherry and Shadrach. "Folks sleeping in corridors," he mutters. "Standards are definitely dropping in this place." He shuffles off downstairs.
Anyone who spent the night within a 10' radius of the armour, may be coming around to the idea that perhaps it would be a good idea to sell, rather than destroy - or hey, maybe try it on. I mean look at the workmanship, the obvious skill that went into it's construction. It was unique. Such a pity to destroy. ((Those within 10' roll save against spells))
Figment d20=13 Tuesday December 5th, 2000 12:09:33 PM
The mage is not affected by the armor - but even so makes sure it is as far away from the others as possible knowing what is going on. He then rememorizes his spells.
Milo Tuesday December 5th, 2000 4:47:45 PM
Stretching as high as his diminutive frame will go, Milo comes lightly from his room, looking for the innkeeper to provide him the bath that he asked for before going to bed... and breakfast as well...
Shad Tuesday December 5th, 2000 5:49:16 PM
Looking a little rough, Shad put on his outer things to be ready for anything. With a sigh, he waited for Clegg to come out.
Ingrge Tuesday December 5th, 2000 7:31:15 PM
Ingrge shrugs his shoulders at K'nara's pronouncement and merely says, "Ok but don't look to me for answers if it takes someone else over while we sleep." "That," indicating the armor, "took over the mind of an elf. Not a halfling or a human, BUT an ELF, but if you say we sleep with it ok. I will relieve you in a four hours." With that said Ingrge finds a quiet corner in the inn and drops into his reating trance.
K'nara Wednesday December 6th, 2000 7:18:19 AM
The tall redhead watched over Olana, her resolve to cure the elf of the malady K'nara unwittingly visited upon her foremost in the human's mind.
Ingrge relieved her after four hours, but sleep was still hard to come by for the bladesinger. K'nara managed a three-hour nap before her instinct to go train prodded her awake again. She communicated with Greymalkin via the ring he left her, telling him of her friend's transformation as she went through the motions of a simplified version of her routine--it was very hard to do the leaping, twisting movements of the bladesong style when you had to train inside the room of an inn, so the Maulk was putting her through the paces of close-contact defensive melee...while also having her practice some strange hand movements.
What's with the waggling fingers and invisible swirls, master..? she mentally asked the elf, who told her to never mind the questions, just practice the hand movements, too--once she got them right, their purpose would be revealed to the human trainee.
So K'nara did as she was told.
Olana Wednesday December 6th, 2000 10:36:18 AM
Olana pushed herself up into a sitting position, watching K'Nara, watching Ingrge, watching the sleeping Fluet. She felt confused and disoriented. Thinking about her armour just made her want to cry, so she tried not to think about it. Even so, she felt unprotected and vulnerable, but at least her stomach didn't feel as queasy.
They'd tied her up. But why? She'd only been trying to protect herself. "Untie me?" she asked weakly.
DM Jan (The Next Day) Wednesday December 6th, 2000 10:55:31 AM
Breakfast smells waft from the kitchen, and some of the other patrons descend to eat a hearty plateful of eggs, bacon and beans.
Clegg bursts out of his room. "Gods, I could eat a horse!" he announced, giving Cherry a cheeky grin and Shadrach a wink. "Let's go." On the way into the tavern main room, he whispers - "So whats the plan? Eh? Eh?"
Milo's bath is in a small room dominated by a large tub filled with hot soapy water. The room is obviously used by other patrons, some of whom keep banging on the door. "C'mon will ya? We gotta be on the highway by midmorning!" yells a voice, followed by some talk in a hushed voice. "So anyway - slaughtered like pigs in a butchers I heard." "Naaaw.. you're puttin' me on." "Well, thats what I heard."
The tavern main room is abuzz with frantic but hushed conversation. "I thought they were invincible...?" "Obviously not. I reckon it was Parnoth. They'd displeased him somehow..." "Funny though - you'd think there'd be guards all over..." "Exactly... thats gotta mean the dragon did 'em in.." ".. tried to cover it up, but the lads at Hengors stables saw 'em trying to clean up the mess..." ((Sending the map sometime today))
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