New Kingdoms #4

[GM Fenrir]

Arrival at the Makkee farm for the scouts has not turned out to be one of open-armed greeting and welcome but instead revealed a grizzly scene. Most of the farm buildings stand open to the day and the animals broken free of their pens, retreating to the grazing fields to the north of the farm. Three bodies lie in the midday sun, none of which have moved and most assuredly have passed on. No other sounds disturb the eerie silence within the center of the farm as if even the air is afraid to breathe.

After an agreement of sorts, Aesa makes her way back towards Sir Rovach and the others sticking to the lightly wooded areas as best she is able. Butternut meanwhile begins to move back towards where the one body lay a short distance from a storage shed. Though she has no fear of death, she is still prudent enough to be alert and approaches the area cautiously. After all it is doubtful the body is going anywhere. Seeing and hearing nothing that would cause her to halt, she slinks up to where the body lays.

Butternut reaches the body and sees it is a human male of a minimum of forty years, his hair streaked with grey where it was once a bold brown. He lies on his belly, the part of his face you can see is etched in painful agony and is how he undoubtedly left this world. His right leg looks twisted, but not because of the way he fell. A walking stick of petrified wood lays just outside the reach of his right hand. The cause of his pain instead looks to be the two arrow shafts his body lays upon. Undoubtedly broken from his fall, they must have spun him around with violent force before he landed giving the patterns on the earth at his feet. That would lead you to believe they were fired from somewhere near the first guest house.

Kaelyn watches all of this from his hidden spot just off the road. Only the buzzing of persistent insects in his ears giving him any other distractions.

Aesa will reach the spot where they had left the remainder of the group. She will emerge from the wooded area some distance from Sir Rovach so as not to startle the paladin too much. She will tell of what she saw: the animals broken free and staying away from the farm, three bodies yet to be picked at by scavengers, the doors of all but one building open wide, and Butternut’s desire to investigate the one body she could easily get to.

Aesa will then collect Butternut’s pony and Kaelyn’s horse as well as her own and prepare to ride back to the Makkee farm.

[Aesa]

Aesa:

Aesa steps out on the road and sees Sir Rovach standing vigilant. She waves her hand in greeting and waits for his acknowledgement of her presence. No sense getting run through with a sword if it can be helped, she thinks. Once she rejoins the others she quickly tells what she observed.

"There is nothing dangerous between here and the farm," Aesa says. "The farm itself is too quiet. The animals were spooked by someone or something and broke free from their corrals and are now grazing lazily in the northern fields. Butternut observed three bodies in her scouting of the southern part of the farm. She believes they have been dead for some time but is even now planning on confirming that with one body she thinks she can reach without notice of anyone who might be lurking about. I saw nothing else of note except that no carrion or scavangers had yet to pick at the bodies, so either they are more fresh than Butternut believes them to be or there is something else keeping the animals away."

Since she had no gear to gather, Aesa walks over and collects the reigns of Kaelyn's and Butternut's mounts and then climbs on her own. "I suggest we make haste," Aesa prods. "Our halfling companion apparently has left fear of her own death somewhere in her past and that may cause her to be impatient in waiting for us."

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Gliding through the grass toward the body, Butternut watches her surroundings for any sign of what attached the inhabitants. All appears quiet and still; even the normal sounds one would expect of birds and insects seems quieter than she would expect.

Gazing down at the man, Butternut notes the oddly-bent leg and the nearby cane. Most likely, this was the woman's lame brother. The two arrows protruding from underneath the body are obvious; thus, they can assume some kind of human or humanoid creature killed these people. Butternut examines the foot patterns in the dirt; it appears that the arrows probably came from somewhere over near the more southerly guest house.

Wanting a look at the wounds, Butternut attempts to roll the body over. Hopefully, she'll be able to get some idea of how long he's been dead and whether there was any poison on the arrowheads. If she can extract one of the arrows, she'll examine it for clues as to who made it, as well as evidence to show the others when they arrive.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Aesa steps out on the road and sees Sir Rovach standing vigilant. She waves her hand in greeting and waits for his acknowledgement of her presence. No sense getting run through with a sword if it can be helped, she thinks. Once she rejoins the others she quickly tells what she observed.

Sir Rovach see's Lady Aesa appear on the road in front of him. She's good, he thinks. She knows how to use the cover very well. Sir Rovach waves in greeting back at her. He removes his helmet, places two fingers in his mouth & does a quick whistle to get the attention of Lady Erizhetiana and Lady Stephanie in case they did not see Lady Aesa return. He motions with his hand to Lady Aesa, replaces his helm, and proceeds over to Lady Aesa to hear what she has to say. He is wondering where the others are, thinking it strange that Lady Aesa would return by herself, & hopes no ill has befallen them.

She will tell of what she saw: the animals broken free and staying away from the farm, three bodies yet to be picked at by scavengers, the doors of all but one building open wide, and Butternut’s desire to investigate the one body she could easily get to.

"There is nothing dangerous between here and the farm," Aesa says. "The farm itself is too quiet. The animals were spooked by someone or something and broke free from their corrals and are now grazing lazily in the northern fields. Butternut observed three bodies in her scouting of the southern part of the farm. She believes they have been dead for some time but is even now planning on confirming that with one body she thinks she can reach without notice of anyone who might be lurking about. I saw nothing else of note except that no carrion or scavangers had yet to pick at the bodies, so either they are more fresh than Butternut believes them to be or there is something else keeping the animals away."

Sir Rovach listens to Lady Aesa's description of the situation as the Ladies Erizhetiana & Stephanie approach. "Strange that the bodies appear to have been dead some time yet have not been despoiled by carrion eaters." says Sir Rovach as he reviews the situation over again in his mind. "Could be many things, but I would guess that either the bodies have been...made unclean...so that carrion eaters would not touch them or something is still present that stops such creatures from approaching. Either one does not spell good news. And as far as we know, the building are occupied by the foul beings that did this deed."

Since she had no gear to gather, Aesa walks over and collects the reigns of Kaelyn's and Butternut's mounts and then climbs on her own. "I suggest we make haste," Aesa prods. "Our halfling companion apparently has left fear of her own death somewhere in her past and that may cause her to be impatient in waiting for us."

"She's approaching on her own? With only Kaelyn watching from afar?" Lady Butternut is either extremely brave or foolish thinks Sir Rovach. Then again, she is "The Badger", with all that entails. Hopefully she will be lucky and naught will happen to her until support has arrived.
"I agree with Lady Aesa's assessment of the situation. Our companion, if she run's in to trouble will need our support. With the exception of Lady Aesa, we are not skilled stealth. So let's not even try. Let us ride to the homesteed immediately. Once we know Lady Butternut & Mister Kaelyn are alright, I suggest a look at the building that still had it's doors closed. A closed door is a better defensive position than an open one; if the area is occupied then that could be a sign of someone, friend or foe, inside there. What say you?"
Sir Rovach listens for what the others might have to say, gathers his horse and rides to the homestead along with his companions, ready to do battle upon arrival if need be.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

Erizhetiana has readied herself for either word from the scouts or some other commotion to happen. But the waiting is a challenge, not so much boring, but a little anxious. She tries to remember her training in war in the Temple and practices her breathing to relax her mind ans steady it.

Before long, the northern barbarian, Aesa, reappears, back in her normal human form. Or maybe this is a shape shift form as well, Erizhi thinks for a moment. As Aesa approaches Rovach to give her report, Erizhi will step up to listen as well.

"There is nothing dangerous between here and the farm," Aesa says. "The farm itself is too quiet. The animals were spooked by someone or something and broke free from their corrals and are now grazing lazily in the northern fields. Butternut observed three bodies in her scouting of the southern part of the farm. She believes they have been dead for some time but is even now planning on confirming that with one body she thinks she can reach without notice of anyone who might be lurking about. I saw nothing else of note except that no carrion or scavangers had yet to pick at the bodies, so either they are more fresh than Butternut believes them to be or there is something else keeping the animals away."

"This sounds like a random bandit attack of some kind so far," she adds simply.

"Could be many things, but I would guess that either the bodies have been...made unclean...so that carrion eaters would not touch them or something is still present that stops such creatures from approaching. Either one does not spell good news. And as far as we know, the building are occupied by the foul beings that did this deed."

"Unclean," she repeats. "Are you suggesting there is some sort of necromatic involvement here?"

"I agree with Lady Aesa's assessment of the situation. Our companion, if she run's in to trouble will need our support. With the exception of Lady Aesa, we are not skilled stealth. So let's not even try. Let us ride to the homesteed immediately. Once we know Lady Butternut & Mister Kaelyn are alright, I suggest a look at the building that still had it's doors closed. A closed door is a better defensive position than an open one; if the area is occupied then that could be a sign of someone, friend or foe, inside there. What say you?"

"My advice is that the enemy is there and sitting here, split up can not bode well. The enemy may have seen one of the scouts and even if they are unaware of us, they have the defensive position. We were taught in the temple that a frontal attack is not always the best option, even if you have overwhelming numbers or superiority of forces. Perhaps a frontal feint with an few coming in from the side could be advantageous?"

Erizhi will reattach her mace to her belt and gather her horse, mount and ride off with the others, when they do so...

[Aesa]

Aesa:

"This sounds like a random bandit attack of some kind so far," she adds simply.

"It would seem, but from what I could tell the Makkee's horses are still there in the fields," Aesa replies. "Bandits would have taken them at least, unless they plan to make a permanent home. That would be even more brazen than an attack on a farm however." She will look to Stephanie to see if the local warrior has heard of bandits that do such things in this part of the south.

"I agree with Lady Aesa's assessment of the situation. Our companion, if she run's in to trouble will need our support. With the exception of Lady Aesa, we are not skilled stealth. So let's not even try. Let us ride to the homesteed immediately. Once we know Lady Butternut & Mister Kaelyn are alright, I suggest a look at the building that still had it's doors closed. A closed door is a better defensive position than an open one; if the area is occupied then that could be a sign of someone, friend or foe, inside there. What say you?"

"My advice is that the enemy is there and sitting here, split up can not bode well. The enemy may have seen one of the scouts and even if they are unaware of us, they have the defensive position. We were taught in the temple that a frontal attack is not always the best option, even if you have overwhelming numbers or superiority of forces. Perhaps a frontal feint with an few coming in from the side could be advantageous?"

Aesa blinks at Erizhetiana, "I might agree on a holdfast, or even a manor. This is a very undefensible farm however. Still we shouldn't rush in. I know where Butternut is supposed to be and so I suggest we ride past the farm, giving any ruffians still lingering the impression that nothing is amiss. This will also alert Kaelyn that we are here since I do not know exactly where he is hiding. Then we can wheel around and approach from the west off the road. The only building that would have vantage from that approach would be the main farmhouse. The storage shed and one barn, neither of which seemed to have west-facing windows, would keep us from view of the other buildings, including the barn with the closed doors in the northeastern part of the farm." Aesa will draw a crude map in the dirt while she talks. OOC: Aesa is assuming she and Butternut gave thorough information to each other. Plus she did go as far as the northwestern wooded area so probably could see that side of those buildings pretty well.

"Another option is have some come in from the east as well, but I think we need to meet up with Butternut and see what she discovered," Aesa adds. "I do know a way through the woods if that is an option we choose." She will mount up and wait to see what the final decision is to be.

[Stephanie]

Stephanie:

After a brief time on guard duty, Stephanie hears a whistle and returns. She hears part of the conversation.

"I agree with Lady Aesa's assessment of the situation. Our companion, if she run's in to trouble will need our support. With the exception of Lady Aesa, we are not skilled stealth. So let's not even try. Let us ride to the homestead immediately. Once we know Lady Butternut & Mister Kaelyn are alright, I suggest a look at the building that still had it's doors closed. A closed door is a better defensive position than an open one; if the area is occupied then that could be a sign of someone, friend or foe, inside there. What say you?"

“Then let's find out what is going on,” Stephanie says as she walks up to Thunder, her horse. The others continue to talk, but time is wasting. Mounting up, Stephanie will ride towards the farm ready for battle.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

"Unclean," she repeats. "Are you suggesting there is some sort of necromatic involvement here?"

"Not necessarily." replies Sir Rovach to Lady Erizhetiana's question. "I was thinking more along the lines of poison or such. Many cowardly brigands have been known to use such dishonorable methods. I'm not a woodsman, so I'm no expert here, but might scavengers avoid feeding on dead bodies that might have been poisoned?"

"My advice is that the enemy is there and sitting here, split up can not bode well. The enemy may have seen one of the scouts and even if they are unaware of us, they have the defensive position. We were taught in the temple that a frontal attack is not always the best option, even if you have overwhelming numbers or superiority of forces. Perhaps a frontal feint with an few coming in from the side could be advantageous?"

"A flanking manuver, my Lady?" Sir Rovach considers this approach. "Yes, I like that idea. Draw their attention forward, looking straight ahead at us approaching. Never noticing our support charging at them from the side until it is too late."

I know where Butternut is supposed to be and so I suggest we ride past the farm, giving any ruffians still lingering the impression that nothing is amiss. This will also alert Kaelyn that we are here since I do not know exactly where he is hiding. Then we can wheel around and approach from the west off the road.

"Your idea has merit, Lady Aesa." comments Sir Rovach on her plan of attack "But I am not one for personally sneaking around my enemy and striking from his back." Sir Rovach bows to Lady Aesa and says "No disrespect my Lady, but this is something I cannot do. I will face these enemies head on, face to face, honorably. And if they are hiding & wish to strike from the shadows, so be it. Then they will see, before they die by my sword, how a Paladin of Anu fights."

Pausing a moment to think about the situation, Sir Rovach continues "However, my ways are not necessarily the ways for everyone. Mmmmm. No boasting or ego intended, but would you say I might look intimidating enough to attract and hold the attention of our enemy, who might be some local bandits, as I approach?" At this point, Sir Rovach steps back and holds his arms out so they can view him. ooc: just a reminder; Rovach is 6'4", average wieght for that size & muscular (probally around 225 or 230lbs) dressed in plate mail & carrying a two-handed sword.

"How about using myself, with maybe another companion, to draw the enemy out? We could head north and approach the farm, while the other group strikes from the west. The second group could collect Butternut on the way, which would allow Mister Kaelyn to observe and join up. Lady Erizhetiana, Lady Stephanie: what say you? If we do this plan, would you like to join me as I ride north and the second group comes from the west? I would consider it an honor to have your weapons side by side with my own in this endeavour." Sir Rovach is thinking about the tall, armored warrior woman would be good in a fight & attact as much attention as himself, while a cleric of Ishtar is someone who can hold their own in a fight & have magical abilities to help them in the middle of battle as well.

"I am still suspicious of the barn furthest north with the closed doors but if the group would like to begin with searching the main farmhouse first, then that is what I will do too."

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -


"Unclean," she repeats. "Are you suggesting there is some sort of necromatic involvement here?"

"Not necessarily." replies Sir Rovach to Lady Erizhetiana's question. "I was thinking more along the lines of poison or such. Many cowardly brigands have been known to use such dishonorable methods. I'm not a woodsman, so I'm no expert here, but might scavengers avoid feeding on dead bodies that might have been poisoned?"

Erizhi nods her understanding, but does not add anything to the comment.



"A flanking manuver, my Lady?" Sir Rovach considers this approach. "Yes, I like that idea. Draw their attention forward, looking straight ahead at us approaching. Never noticing our support charging at them from the side until it is too late."

"Against an undisciplined foe, it is a simple yet effective method of gaining an advantage. Since we do not know who our enemies are, it would not hurt to use such a stratgey just in case." Erizhi sees no reason to assume that this will be an easy attack, although she does not truly expect much resistance.

"How about using myself, with maybe another companion, to draw the enemy out? We could head north and approach the farm, while the other group strikes from the west. The second group could collect Butternut on the way, which would allow Mister Kaelyn to observe and join up. Lady Erizhetiana, Lady Stephanie: what say you? If we do this plan, would you like to join me as I ride north and the second group comes from the west? I would consider it an honor to have your weapons side by side with my own in this endeavour."

"Very well. It is as good of a plan as any I should think. Let us make haste!" Erizhi will follow slightly behind the two taller fighters. She will likely be unseen behind them at first and she will be in a position to support them with her spells also, both offensive and healing.

[GM Fenrir]

Butternut has reached the body of Mrs. Makkee’s lame brother. She is able to roll the man but with some difficulty meaning he probably has been dead just over a day. There are two arrows lodged in his chest, broken quite close to the arrowheads themselves. The locations of the arrow hits tell Butternut that either the shooter wasn’t skilled or was firing hastily. The impacts are in the breastbone and ribcage instead of the softer tissue in-between. It would be doubtful that these blows would have killed a heartier man.

The arrows themselves are more notable however. Although she can’t be entirely sure, Butternut believes the arrows to be an elvish hunting type used for larger game. She can’t tell anything by the fletching alone, but the wood shafts are delicate yet sturdy and the arrowheads finely crafted. There does not seem to be any poison on the arrowheads but that fact alone doesn’t preclude the possibility. There are however none of the more common signs of poisoning evident on the body.

Meanwhile, Aesa has returned to the others and plans have been made using a rough map the druid has scratched into the earth. During the discussion between her, Sir Rovach and Erizhetiana, Stephanie has mounted up and ridden off after hearing only a part of the information being given. This has caught the other three flat-footed and so they will either need to mount up and ride hard to catch Stephanie or continue their planning and meet up at a later time.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Meanwhile, Aesa has returned to the others and plans have been made using a rough map the druid has scratched into the earth. During the discussion between her, Sir Rovach and Erizhetiana, Stephanie has mounted up and ridden off after hearing only a part of the information being given. This has caught the other three flat-footed and so they will either need to mount up and ride hard to catch Stephanie or continue their planning and meet up at a later time.

Sir Rovach smilies as Lady Stephanie gets on her horse and rides off. "Agreed my Lady" Sir Rovach responds to Lady Erizhetiana's comment about making haste. "Let us be off!" Sir Rovach mounts his warhorse and begins to follow Lady Stephanie, attempting to catch up with her. It will be difficult but not impossible as his armored warhorse is built for combat, not speed.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

The evidence is concerning, though a bit confusing. Butternut will have to think on this. After examining the wounds and the arrows, she takes one of the arrows, tucks it into a pouch and backs away. She moves southwest away from the buildings, then begins to circle around toward where she last saw Kaelyn.

[Aesa]

Aesa:

Aesa had looked around to get Stephanie's input of the possibility of bandits, but sees her riding away instead. "Guess we're going in straight away," she comments while quickly heading to her horse. With the other two mounts in tow, she will ride as fast as she is able to.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

Erizhi comments that they should move out quickly, but apparently the amazon warrior, Stephanie, has beaten them to the action and is already at a full gallop, riding past!

Sir Rovach smilies as Lady Stephanie gets on her horse and rides off. "Agreed my Lady" Sir Rovach responds to Lady Erizhetiana's comment about making haste. "Let us be off!" Sir Rovach mounts his warhorse and begins to follow Lady Stephanie, attempting to catch up with her. It will be difficult but not impossible as his armored warhorse is built for combat, not speed.

Erizhi rolls her eyes for a moment and a slight smile graces her features. Not wanting to be left behind, she runs over to her horse, mounts up and heads after the others. She should be able to catch up to and stay with Rovach, as she has a riding horse which is faster than his battle steed. She will remain behind him and keep her eyes open for the signs of enemy or any danger.

[GM Fenrir]

With an arrowhead in her pouch and more questions than answers in her mind, Butternut withdraws from the farm. She is not challenged as she makes her way out, across the road and back towards where she had left Kaelyn. He easily sees her approaching and notices nothing stalking the Halfling on her return.

Soon after, the sounds of horses can be heard. One at first, and then several more moments after. Stephanie is the first to arrive at the path leading to the Makkee farm off the west road. Sir Rovach never did quite catch up to her, but Erizhetiana caught him. Aesa had a harder time of it bringing along the two extra mounts and so will arrive a short time behind the rest. The only question now is whether Stephanie stops or barrels onto the dirt path and into the Makkee farm.

[Kaelyn]

Kaelyn

Butternut reaches the body and sees it is a human male of a minimum of forty years, his hair streaked with grey where it was once a bold brown. He lies on his belly, the part of his face you can see is etched in painful agony and is how he undoubtedly left this world. His right leg looks twisted, but not because of the way he fell. A walking stick of petrified wood lays just outside the reach of his right hand. The cause of his pain instead looks to be the two arrow shafts his body lays upon. Undoubtedly broken from his fall, they must have spun him around with violent force before he landed giving the patterns on the earth at his feet. That would lead you to believe they were fired from somewhere near the first guest house.

What is she doing? He thinks to himself as the Halfling moves into the farm near a body, without any of the others to cover her small backside. His icy blue eyes scan the farm for any sign of hostility but none comes, as he smacks the back of his neck. Damn gnats could eat a cow. His gaze drifts back to Butternut as he sees her hand move into a pouch. Plundering the dead? He thinks to himself with a slight shake of his head as he swats gnats out of his field of vision. While he wouldn’t be against it, there would probably be nothing of value by now.

Several moments, later he sees Butternut approach, he scans the area around he but sees nothing, relaxing his bow and stepping out from his hiding place. “What did you find?” he asks curiously,’Where is Aesa?”
Thundering of hooves reaches his ears, and he begins drawing his bow towards the sound not knowing it is friend or foe. Within moments he sees it is the others and lowers his bow. “Subtle they are not,” he mutters to Butternut as he raises a hand to the riders.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Several moments, later he sees Butternut approach, he scans the area around he but sees nothing, relaxing his bow and stepping out from his hiding place. “What did you find?” he asks curiously,’Where is Aesa?”

"She went to get the others," Butternut replies as she digs something out of the pouch at her waist. She then holds out her hand with a broken arrow laying across it for Kaelyn to look at. "I found two of these in the man's chest." The wood shaft is delicate yet sturdy and the arrowhead is finely crafted.

Thundering of hooves reaches his ears, and he begins drawing his bow towards the sound not knowing it is friend or foe. Within moments he sees it is the others and lowers his bow. “Subtle they are not,” he mutters to Butternut as he raises a hand to the riders.

"Ha!" Butternut guffaws at the understated humor in this man's jest. "They make as much noise as a stampeding herd of cattle." It should be interesting to see whether these humans have enough sense to stop.

[Stephanie]

Stephanie:

Urging Thunder on, Stephanie rides hard towards the Makkee farm. Looking back, she doesn’t see anyone immediately following her.

“Apparently 'Let us ride to the homestead immediately' means let's stand around and talk for a while in their native tongue,” Stephanie thinks to herself shaking her head. “Foreigners.”

Reaching the road that leads to the farm itself, Stephanie rides down it until the buildings come into sight. Then she'll slow her speed and look about to see what is going on and if any threats are apparent.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Riding his warhorse as fast as it will carry him, Sir Rovach follows the road to the Makkee farm in his attempt to catch up to Lady Stephanie. He looks back and see's Lady Erizhetiana has caught up with him, but see's no sign of Aesa yet. Probably slowed down leading the other two horses thinks Sir Rovach.

Reaching the road that leads to the farm itself, Stephanie rides down it until the buildings come into sight. Then she'll slow her speed and looking about to see what is going on and if any threats are apparent.

Riding up to the farm, Sir Rovach sees Lady Stephanie slowing down and looking about the farm. Riding at a speed where he can keep an eye on the nearest buildings but finally able to catch up to Lady Stephanie, Sir Rovach approaches and rides up to her side. Smiling inside his helmet, Sir Rovach says to Lady Stephanie when she can hear him "Now that we have stormed the farmstead my Lady, shall we continue and begin by clearing the main house?"
Sir Rovach will look for a fence pole or tree stump to tie the horses to as they explore the buildings. Once he finds one he will dismount, secure his horse and draw his sword. He will proceed to the main house on foot, keeing an eye on the doorway and windows for attack or ambush.

[Aesa]

Aesa:

The other riders are gone as Aesa trots along with the other two horses in tow. Good thing there is nothing lurking in wait for us she thinks grimly, wondering about her new companions. Eventually the road leading to the Makkee farm comes into view and, from the small rise, can see some of the others already down there.

Aesa will look for Kaelyn and Butternut. If she can not see them, she will head down towards the farm near the grouping of trees to the southeast. There she will loosely tie up the horses and proceed into the farm cautiously near the first guest house. If they do show themselves, Aesa will instead meet up with them, hand over their mounts and proceed into the farm from wherever they are.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

Erizhi rides after the implusive amazon, Stephanie, and the paladin, Rovach. She is able to catch Rovach, but stays at his pace and a little behind. This way she can be in position to respond if some attack or ambush manages to happen. She sees Aesa behind them, slower than the rest since she is leading the other two horses as well. Erizhi considers for a moment and then decides that stringing the party out could be dangerous. So she keeps her pace with the others.

Ahead are Kaelyn and Butternut, as well. Erizhi will keep a slight distance, waiting to see what will happen, unless everyone gathers up, and then she will join them. When there is a moment, she will take her shield from its hanging place over one of her saddlebags and strap it to her forearm. If the group ends up split up still, she will tie off her horse just inside the woods and then follow the others...

[Butternut]

{{ OOC: I'm a little confused as to where everyone is. I believe Kaelyn and Butternut are in plain sight just off the road near the edge of the woods. Did Stephanie and Sir Rovach ride on by them? }}

[GM Fenrir]

{{ OOC: I'm a little confused as to where everyone is. I believe Kaelyn and Butternut are in plain sight just off the road near the edge of the woods. Did Stephanie and Sir Rovach ride on by them? }}

Based on what Stephanie posted, she either did not see you two standing just off the road or chose to ignore both of you. Sir Rovach's post also makes no mention of seeing either of you and instead caught up to Stephanie. Erizhi on the other hand has seen both of you and is currently paused, while Aesa is riding up last with the other horses and has not yet moved off the road since she is specifically looking for Butternut and Kaelyn.

So at the moment, Stephanie and Sir Rovach are at the Makkee farm approaching the main family home. Erizhi is at the point where the road breaks off apparently waiting for everyone to gather together. Aesa is a short distance on the road behind while Butternut and Kaelyn are standing just off the west road and can see all the other characters clearly at the moment.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

Erizhetiana stops short of the Makee farm. She sees that Stephanie and Rovach have ridden past Butternut and Kaelyn. Aesa is closing in from behind, but still a short distance away.

"Well," she states, basically to herself, "it does not appear that we will be forming up before exploring the farm." Erizhi will dismount and tie off her horse, just off the road, close to where the scouts are waiting. She will then secure her shield and unstrap her mace and jog over to the others, probably about the time that Aesa arrives.

"Apparently, the plan was to have the three of you circle around from one side, presumably the left, while I followed the two armored fighters in directly," Erizhi will say to her companions. She will try to position herself so that she can see Stephanie and Rovach as they approach the main house.

If the others have no questions, then she will move out as quickly as she can to catch up to the two fighters, hopefully getting close before they enter the main house. She will keep her eyes on each of the buildings in turn as she approaches, especially the other guest house.

[GM Fenrir]

Butternut is sharing information with Kaelyn when the pair hears horses approaching in the direction from where they had left the others. Kaelyn steps out from behind cover with the intent to raise a hand in greeting and flag them down. He sees Stephanie ride up first and she appears so focused on the Makkee farm she doesn’t notice Kaelyn at all! Instead she wheels her horse and starts riding down the rise to the farm, although she does slow her pace some. This allows for Sir Rovach who appears next, who also pays Kaelyn no mind, to catch up to her. He then dismounts close to the main farmhouse and begins to approach it.

Erizhetiana who was riding just behind Sir Rovach actually stops and walks her horse over to Kaelyn and Butternut. A quick imparting of words occurs and then she dismounts, grabs her weapon and shield and begins to hurry down the rise on foot after securing her horse. Lastly Aesa arrives with Butternut and Kaelyn’s horses in tow. She will turn over the reigns upon arriving.

As Stephanie and Sir Rovach approach the main dwelling, they can see it is a typical two-story farmhouse. It is weathered and could use fresh paint but otherwise seems quite sturdy. A number of windows, crafted from impure glass that would seem to let little in the way of light to penetrate inside, can be seen on both floors. The front of the house has a long covered porch stretching the entire exterior wall where the front door is. The door is currently wide open. Just off the porch lying on the earthen path leading to it, is a body. It appears to be a human male of some advanced years given his grey hair. His head is not directly facing you and so facial features can’t yet be discerned. He wears clothing found on nearly every farmer in this part of the continent; well-worn boots, overalls, a thick wool shirt with its sleeves rolled up, all in drab colors that have seen more mud than soap. Not typically common however are the two arrows sticking out of his torso that probably led to his untimely death.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

As Butternut discusses the arrow and other findings with Kaelyn, the sound of rapidly-approaching horses swells from down the road. As they step out to hail the riders, the swordswoman named Stephanie races by, followed moments later by Sir Rovach. Stephanie slows enough that the paladin is able to catch up with her before they reach the main house. The noblewoman, Erizheti-something, spots Butternut and Kaelyn and stops to fill them in after dismounting and tying her horse to a nearby tree.

"Apparently, the plan was to have the three of you circle around from one side, presumably the left, while I followed the two armored fighters in directly," Erizhi will say to her companions. She will try to position herself so that she can see Stephanie and Rovach as they approach the main house.

"Uhm... okay..." Butternut murmurs, bemused. "'Was' apparently being the most important word there." Before Butternut can show her the arrow, Erizhi runs off after the other two.

Just then, Aesa rides up, trailing the other scouts' mounts. Butternut accepts Springheel's reins and ties them to the nearest tree. "Hello, Aesa. Our new friends appear a bit... hasty. I found a couple arrows in the body of the wife's lame brother, but I don't know how helpful that information is at this point," she says, with a pointed glance toward the farmhouse. "I think we should prepare to provide support to the others, in case they've gotten themselves in a bit too deep." Butternut pulls out her sling and a small handful of bullets for use as needed.

[Erisciana]

(OOC- I did post above that she would run off after the other two, only if no one has any questions and after Aesa joined the group. She would keep an eye on the two fighters until that point as best as she could.)

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

As Stephanie and Sir Rovach approach the main dwelling, they can see it is a typical two-story farmhouse. It is weathered and could use fresh paint but otherwise seems quite sturdy. A number of windows, crafted from impure glass that would seem to let little in the way of light to penetrate inside, can be seen on both floors. The front of the house has a long covered porch stretching the entire exterior wall where the front door is. The door is currently wide open. Just off the porch lying on the earthen path leading to it, is a body. It appears to be a human male of some advanced years given his grey hair. His head is not directly facing you and so facial features can’t yet be discerned. He wears clothing found on nearly every farmer in this part of the continent; well-worn boots, overalls, a thick wool shirt with its sleeves rolled up, all in drab colors that have seen more mud than soap. Not typically common however are the two arrows sticking out of his torso that probably led to his untimely death.

Approaching the main house, Sir Rovach sees the body lying just off the porch in front of him. Plenty of time to check out the dead once we know this building is secure thinks Sir Rovach. Hearing movement coming up behind him, Sir Rovach looks back and observes Lady Erizhetiana approaching. Thanking Anu for the bravery of his friends, Sir Rovach quickly says a quiet prayer asking for the sight. He then continues to proceed forward cautiously, ready for an attack from the house, up to the front door. If that is clear, he will then proceed inside to discover what lays beyond.

[Aesa]

Aesa:

Just then, Aesa rides up, trailing the other scouts' mounts. Butternut accepts Springheel's reins and ties them to the nearest tree. "Hello, Aesa. Our new friends appear a bit... hasty. I found a couple arrows in the body of the wife's lame brother, but I don't know how helpful that information is at this point," she says, with a pointed glance toward the farmhouse.

Aesa dismounts after handing over the reins. "Hello again," she replies. "It is useful in that we know humanoids did this and not bears or something," she says with a smile.

"I think we should prepare to provide support to the others, in case they've gotten themselves in a bit too deep." Butternut pulls out her sling and a small handful of bullets for use as needed.

She will go and retrieve her staff from where it is secured on her saddle while still holding her broad-bladed sword in the other hand. "I agree we should before they get too far ahead." With that she will head down with Butternut, and presumably Kaelyn, and fan out a bit from the others but not so far as to be unable to come to the aid of anyone.

[Kaelyn]

Kaelyn

"She went to get the others," Butternut replies as she digs something out of the pouch at her waist. She then holds out her hand with a broken arrow laying across it for Kaelyn to look at. "I found two of these in the man's chest." The wood shaft is delicate yet sturdy and the arrowhead is finely crafted.

Kaelyn nods in reply, “Who would kill them and leave all that they own behind? It doesn’t make sense.” He says more so to himself then the Halfling as he looks up from the arrows to Butternut.

"Ha!" Butternut guffaws at the understated humor in this man's jest. "They make as much noise as a stampeding herd of cattle." It should be interesting to see whether these humans have enough sense to stop.

Why am I not surprised? He asks himself as the others come galloping up the road. Raising a hand at the approaching riders, he is surprised when both Stephanie and Sir Rovach ride past him without a word. His eyebrow cocks in confusion. They mustn’t have seen me, but then how can you miss a man standing in the road wearing all black? But soon after Erizathiana rides up and tells us of a plan, as well as Aesa bringing up the rear with our horses.

“Thank you for bringing the horses Aesa.” He says as he takes the reins and ties them to a nearby tree, near Erizathiana’s.

Kaelyn will stow his bow and draw his shortswords, he will then circle around to the back of the house, and quietly approach being mindful of the windows.

(Probably will be my last post for the week, If he runs into trouble pump a magic missile into them from a far, if by some chance they are with in melee he will deal with them. If the opportunity arises to sneak up behind someone he will do so, rather then backstab them he will attempt to knock them out for questioning with the pommel of his sword. If he is needed in any way to do something please feel free to use him as you will GM =) )

[Butternut]

Butternut:

{{OOC: Butternut didn't really have any questions for Eri. However, if Eri paused long enough, then Butternut would have shown her the arrow as well.}}

Kaelyn nods in reply, “Who would kill them and leave all that they own behind? It doesn’t make sense.” He says more so to himself then the Halfling as he looks up from the arrows to Butternut.

Butternut cocks an eyebrow at Kaelyn. "At this point, I don't think we know what was taken and what wasn't - other than the animals, which may have been hard to catch. Still, it does appear that killing people was more the intent here."

Aesa dismounts after handing over the reins. "Hello again," she replies. "It is useful in that we know humanoids did this and not bears or something," she says with a smile.

"The arrow appears elven-made, but the archer displayed little skill, so I suspect the arrows were stolen. Probably bandits or goblins," Butternut concludes.

As they fan out toward the left side of the bulding, Butternut will take the intermediate position between Aesa and Kaelyn so that she can cover both with her sling.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

Butternut shows the arrows to Aesa and Erizhi, as Aesa leads the other two mounts up.

"The arrow appears elven-made, but the archer displayed little skill, so I suspect the arrows were stolen. Probably bandits or goblins," Butternut concludes.

Erizhi listens to the information, and has no comment. The pirates that they fought on the Golden Coast used captured, looted and stolen equipment all the time. So obviously these could also be used by anyone as the halfling states.

Since there appear to be no questions, Erizhetiana will say, "It appears we are exploring the main farm house. Or at least those two are." She points down toward the armored fighters, Stephanie and Rovach. Seeing them dismount, she will head after them at a full run. At least this way, they have the two groups, if she joins them. Although not in the formation that was originally discussed.

Erizhi sees Rovach stop at a body on the porch and look back at her. He then heads to the front door. Erizhi will keep an eye on the other guest house nearby as stated earlier and close the distance to her companions as fast as she can.

[GM Fenrir]

Stephanie and Sir Rovach have reached the front door of the main farmhouse. Since it stands wide open they can see a portion of the room beyond. There is a body just inside the room, but it is not moving. Stepping in, one after the other, the two secure the room. It is a large living area with a few chairs and a low table. A stone fireplace in bad need of cleaning dominates the left wall as you enter and an open doorway is on the right wall. Another body can be seen through that doorway. Near the far right corner is a wooden staircase leading to the second floor. Light in here is dim despite being mid-day given the poor quality of the windows. There are thin, fanciful curtains that would typically liven up the sparse room a bit, but does nothing for the grizzly scene.

The body by the door is a bit of a surprise. It is the body of a male elf, nearly six foot in height with long blonde hair. His ears stick up prominently and his angular features confirm it can be no other race. His sky-blue eyes are wide as if in shock; quite possibly from the wound that he appears to have suffered to his skull. It looks cracked and his hair is a mess of matted blood, long since dried. He is dressed in supple leather armor the color of wheat and armed with a bow and a quiver of arrows, but they are both secured to his back. He also has a belt of throwing knives from which several are missing.

The second body is of a middle-aged female human with long brown hair, just barely touched with grey, secured in a bun to keep it off face and shoulders. She is dressed plainly with a long apron on over her ensemble and well-worn house shoes. The room behind her is a well-stocked kitchen, of which several pans and pots are out and apparently in the process of being used for a meal. Several countertop areas are cluttered with foodstuffs as well. A rustic table with six chairs dominates the other half of this large room. In what could be presumed to be Mrs. Makkee’s body are two throwing knives. One is in the meaty part of her left upper arm and the second near her navel. A third wound is apparent on her collarbone, but no knife is evident. Another throwing knife is lodged into the far wall across from the doorway. None of these appear to be thrown with any great skill.

As Erizhi hurries her way to the main farmhouse, she watches the first guest house on her approach. Although quite some distance, she can see the body lying there dressed in what appears to be leather. Whoever it is looks quite tall and has long blonde hair. The body is not as full as a typical human’s might be, but instead much more sleek and angular. An elf perhaps? There is also a quiver secured to the back of the body, arrows splayed out everywhere and a bow lies a short distance from now-dead fingers.

Both Sir Rovach and Erizhi will have thoughts enter their heads upon seeing the elven bodies. Stories told to them while growing up of elves raiding and pillaging human settlements and other atrocities. Of course one or both of you might have believed them to have been aspersions, but the scene laid out now before you does cause you to pause and consider the credibility of such stories in a different light.

The trio circling around the back side of the main farmhouse see nothing of any consequence. None of the windows appear to be able to be opened on either floor and there does not seem to be a second means of egress for the dwelling’s occupants. Continuing around to the front of the house will have you all arrive just moments after Erizhi unless a different path is decided upon before that point.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Looking at the carnage around him, Sir Rovach is at first shocked at the scene in front of him. Are these an example of Elven raiders I had heard about from Sir Atohmos? wonders Sir Rovach. His shock quickly turns to anger at the thought of warriors attacking common folk....a family. Except for greed, there is no reason he can think of. And no honor in such a deed either.

Near the far right corner is a wooden staircase leading to the second floor.

Focusing his mind back to the task at hand, Sir Rovach continues his inspection of both rooms. As he does so he also watches the ceiling to ensure no surprises come from there. He eventually makes his way to the staircase and stops. He waves his left hand to get Lady Stephanie's attention (ooc: if Lady Erizhetiana is present, he will do this also to get her attention as well). He will point to himself and them, then point up the staircase. He will then proceed upstairs cautiously, sword still drawn, testing each step with his foot as he goes.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

As they move around the house, it quickly becomes apparent that there are no other means of egress. "Nobody's escaping this way," Butternut says to Kaelyn and Aesa. "Might as well head back to the front."

[Stephanie]

Stephanie:

{{ OOC: I'm a little confused as to where everyone is. I believe Kaelyn and Butternut are in plain sight just off the road near the edge of the woods. Did Stephanie and Sir Rovach ride on by them? }}

I had no idea where people were in relation to the map, so if Steph ignored anyone it wasn't intentional. She's just not that observant... Yeah, that's the ticket!

Riding up to the farm, Sir Rovach sees Lady Stephanie slowing down and looking about the farm. Riding at a speed where he can keep an eye on the nearest buildings but finally able to catch up to Lady Stephanie, Sir Rovach approaches and rides up to her side. Smiling inside his helmet, Sir Rovach says to Lady Stephanie when she can hear him "Now that we have stormed the farmstead my Lady, shall we continue and begin by clearing the main house?"

Sir Rovach's humor eludes the swordswoman as she scans the area. “Main house sounds like a fine place to start.”

Reaching the main house we go in and find more bodies and perhaps those of the attackers. Elves? Okay...

Sir Rovach motions that he is going up stairs. Steph nods her understanding and will follow a short distance behind, her sword and shield ready for battle.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

Closing in on the main house and her two companions, Erizhi sees the dead body which she presumes is an elf. An elfin raider, she thinks to herself. She remembers the stories that she was told about their pillaging ways. It seems the Makees were victims of the same. The thought briefly enters her mind though: why would the humans live so close to the elfin border without more defenses if the elves were so dangerous. There may be more to all of this than meets the eye, she decided.

Reaching the house, she sees the bodies of the elf raider and the dead farmer's wife. She takes in the scene and crinkles up her nose at it, not happy with the thoughts that fill her mind. Stepping over and around the dead elf, she quickly surveys the room to see if it looked ransacked or if this was just a case of slaughtering the inhabitants.

She sees Rovach heading up the stairs and Stephanie behind him. Erizhi will take a point at the bottom of the stairs, with her back positioned near the corner, so that she can see up the stairs and follow their progress, but also keep an eye on the rooms here. Her shield and mace are at the ready. She considers casting some protective magicks, but decides against it for now, as the area seems quiet and there are no sounds coming from the upper area as yet.

[Aesa]

Aesa:

"Nobody's escaping this way," Butternut says to Kaelyn and Aesa. "Might as well head back to the front."

Aesa observes how difficult it would be for anyone to leave this home. Easy to defend but easy to get trapped, she thinks. "Sounds fine," she'll reply to Butternut and move that way. Once there, unless something or someone distracts her, she will begin to investigate the bodies.

[GM Fenrir]

Sir Rovach motions that he is going to ascend to the second floor of the main farmhouse. Stephanie joins him on the stairs momentarily and Erizhi takes a defensive position at the bottom of the stairs. It would appear to her eyes that nothing has been taken from these rooms, not that there was much to begin with.

Sir Rovach will reach the landing and is greeted by a short hallway. Beyond lies three doors, all open, two to the left and one to the right. Proceeding with caution once Stephanie reaches the landing, Sir Rovach begins to examine each. The first door on the left reveals a small bedroom with a pair of beds. Some discarded clothes litter the floor and the beds are unmade. A small trunk is at the foot of each bed. The door on the right reveals another bedroom, this one having one large bed, neatly made, taking up most of the room. A small table with an unlit lamp is to the left of the bed and a large iron-bound trunk is at foot of the bed. A small wooden crib sits in the far right corner under a window. Everything is picked up and in its place. The last door on the left is another bedroom. It has two small disheveled beds in it with clothes and a carved wooden duck toy strewn about. A small trunk is at the foot of each bed. Every bedroom has a window and handmade thin curtains adorn each.

The scouting trio circles around to the front of the house after seeing no other means of entry to the farmhouse. Kaelyn steps back into the shadows of the porch to keep a lookout while Aesa begins to examine the bodies. She can determine that the body of Mr. Makkee has been dead for about a day just like Butternut had confirmed with Mrs. Makkee’s lame brother’s body. Aesa will see that the arrows hit the man in the torso. One being lodged into the protective ribcage but the second finding purchase in the softer tissue and organs between the ribs. Butternut can also tell that the arrows in this body are just like the ones she found earlier and from the direction of his fall that they were shot from about the same position as the ones that felled the brother.

Moving on, Aesa sees the elven body just inside the house. She looks it over and the blow to the head was the most obvious sign of his demise, but she spots something else. Around the elf’s eyes are serious strain and stress marks and a slight discoloring. It’s the tale tell signs of a poison the orcs call “Elf Rot” because of their inability to properly pronounce the aelfro berries that the poison is made from. Aesa knows it better as “Mad Death” because it is extremely fatal to elves, causing death within 18 hours of ingestion. It’s symptoms are cramps, pain and agony beginning after four hours of ingestion, slowly building in intensity until one is literally driven mad. Half-elves don’t typically die from it, but until it runs its course it is not remotely pleasant and has been known to cause skin boils and worse. Humans and Halflings don’t suffer too many ill effects from the poison, with skin irritation being the worst. It is not believed that dwarves suffer any ill effects at all.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

As her two heavily armored companions move up the stairs and survey the upper level, Erizhi scans the lower floor from her position near the foot of the stairwell. She has experienced pirates and bandits in the Golden Archipaegalo and when they strike, they take anything and everything of perceived value. While there is not much here to loot from the simple farmers, there is no sign of any looting. Not a typical bandit attack, most certainly, she thinks to herself.

Before Rovach and Stephanie return, Aesa appears in the doorway and examines the dead elf. Erizhi sees that she is examining the body's eyes quite closely with a look of realization wafting over her face, but the priestess has no idea what this means. Since the house seems quiet and only the heavy footfalls of the two companions upstairs can be heard, Erizhi will ask of Aesa, "Someone you know? Or something you recognize?"

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Sir Rovach finishes conducting a cursory search of the top floor with Lady Stephanie. He then approaches her and says, in a low voice, "It appears this building is clear of hostile forces. What do you say we proceed downstairs and keep an eye out for enemies while the others in our group, who might have a more trained eye to spot hidden clues, conduct their search? We can then move on to the other buildings from here."

If there aren't any questions or objections, Sir Rovach will then proceed downstairs. When he see's Lady Erizhetiana he will update her on their findings of the top floor & his intention to watch for enemies while the others use their skills to investigate. He will then proceed to the front porch, sword at the ready, watching for the approach of any potentally enemies.

[Aesa]

Aesa:

Aesa looks over what appears to be Mr. Makkee's body. Nothing appears taken from his person and he was killed by arrows at range. She will look up at Butternut if the halfling woman is close by to see her reaction. Looking from where she thinks the shots may have come from, she sees a body near the first guesthouse. Is that an elf? she ponders, for it certainly looks like it could be, from this distance anyhow.

Moving inside, Aesa comes upon a body of an elf, of that there is no mistake. "Not stolen," she says to no one in particular about the arrow comment that Butternut had made a short while before. High elves, she thinks with disdain. Why does it not surprise me given what they did to our people?

She begins to examine the body, noting the trauma to the head that surely did this elven attacker in when she sees... what?! Aesa pulls back her hands quickly from the elf's body, her eyes wide in fear for the briefest of moments. Then the information of the poison comes back to her from her herbalism training. It can't hurt me now, she tells herself like a mantra, but still better to be cautious than foolhardy here.

Since the house seems quiet and only the heavy footfalls of the two companions upstairs can be heard, Erizhi will ask of Aesa, "Someone you know? Or something you recognize?"

"Something most foul," Aesa replies. "This elf has been poisoned with a type of berry that is fatal almost exclusively to them. It has earned the loathsome moniker 'Mad Death,' among others," she explains. "Death would have found this one had the blow to the head not. It was probably more merciful that way."

Upon hearing Sir Rovach desending the stairs, she will wait until he is close and then motion to him and Erizhi. She will explain the poison, its properties and the length of time it would take until death claimed them. "A full day would not have passed before this one would have died after ingesting the poison. In order for the potency of the poison to be insured it has to be made into a paste and ingested. Quite like spreading jam on bread. Eating the berries raw might be enough to kill an elf if an abundance was consumed. I tend to believe this would be a rare occurance however. No sane being would eat something as foul as aelfro berries by the handful even if they didn't know it was poison," she will explain at length.

Aesa will also point out the signs of the poison, noting the stress lines around the eyes and the discoloration there. "The victims litterly go mad from the pain before the poison's damage is enough to kill them. Might be the reason for the attack," she offers, "not being in their right mind."

[Stephanie]

Stephanie:

Sir Rovach finishes conducting a cursory search of the top floor with Lady Stephanie. He then approaches her and says, in a low voice, "It appears this building is clear of hostile forces. What do you say we proceed downstairs and keep an eye out for enemies while the others in our group, who might have a more trained eye to spot hidden clues, conduct their search? We can then move on to the other buildings from here."

“All right,” Stephanie simply answers.

Moving back downstairs Steph sees Aesa examining one of the elves. Stephanie moves past her and back outside to the porch. Since this area seems secure, she'll cautiously start to walk towards the next closest building to see if any one or thing is hiding there.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Upon hearing Sir Rovach desending the stairs, she will wait until he is close and then motion to him and Erizhi. She will explain the poison, its properties and the length of time it would take until death claimed them.

Sir Rovach listens to Lady Aesa's description of the poison & her findings on the elves bodies. If his face wasn't hidden by a helmet, the others would be able to see the look of disgust upon his face. Speaking to Lady Aesa, Sir Rovach says "I know very little of poisons, my Lady. Except that they are used by the most cowardly and lowest forms of life. But something doesn't make sense to me. Do you know of anyone who uses such a poison as a weapon against the elves? And how would you get someone to ingest this poison in the form it must be administered? Wouldn't it be difficult it fool a number of elves in ingesting it in the amount & form needed?"

Moving back downstairs Steph sees Aesa examining one of the elves. Stephanie moves past her and back outside to the porch. Since this area seems secure, she'll cautiously start to walk towards the next closest building to see if any one or thing is hiding there.

Speaking to Lady Erizhetiana, Sir Rovach says "I will continue to accompany Lady Stephanie in our search of the next building. Do you wish to accompany us while the others continue there search of these bodies?" Sir Rovach will then continue to accompany Lady Stephanie to the next building (ooc: is Lady Stephanie proceeding to Guest House #1 or the Storage Shed? Sir Rovach will accompany her to either one she is heading towards.) , sword drawn & cautiously advancing.

[Aesa]

Aesa:

Speaking to Lady Aesa, Sir Rovach says "I know very little of poisons, my Lady. Except that they are used by the most cowardly and lowest forms of life. But something doesn't make sense to me. Do you know of anyone who uses such a poison as a weapon against the elves? And how would you get someone to ingest this poison in the form it must be administered? Wouldn't it be difficult it fool a number of elves in ingesting it in the amount & form needed?"

"Poisons are used by assassins, though I would venture that any shady type of person regardless of profession could employ them if they had the means to make or acquire such," Aesa replies after a moment's though. "I don't know yet how many elves we are expecting to find, but I agree it would be hard to convince any number of them to willingly ingest a poison. This elf doesn't look stricken with hunger so we can most likely rule out desperation."

After another pause, Aesa adds, "If they were ensorcelled they might ingest such a poison since it can easily look like a jam. It would be better to speak with a mage about such things though as my spheres of magic don't delve deep into charms and the like. Although most elves tend to resist such magics, so the answer may not be there either."

"Aelfro berries can grow most anywhere except extreme cold and heat," Aesa says remembering more. "So it's not a rare plant. I don't remember seeing any nearby, but honestly I wasn't looking for any of the bushes either. I can, however, if there is a desire for me to do so."

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Aesa looks over what appears to be Mr. Makkee's body. Nothing appears taken from his person and he was killed by arrows at range. She will look up at Butternut if the halfling woman is close by to see her reaction. Looking from where she thinks the shots may have come from, she sees a body near the first guesthouse. Is that an elf? she ponders, for it certainly looks like it could be, from this distance anyhow.

Seeing Aesa look over at her, Butternut steps closer and looks down at the man's body, then follows her gaze over to the guest house. "Same as the brother: poor shooting. Seems like the right direction, though," she confirms with a nod. When Aesa moves inside to examine the other body, Butternut stays just outside the door to watch the area.

Aesa begins to explain her findings to Erizhi and Rovach, so Butternut listens in from the doorway. "I think someone's going to a lot of trouble to convince us that elves did this. It wouldn't be too hard to feed the poison to the elves after knocking them unconcious; that would explain the head injury you mentioned. Hard to imagine elves not being better shots than what we're seeing here, but someone else could have killed these people, then dumped the elves' bodies in suspicious locations."

Noting Stephanie and then Sir Rovach moving off toward another of the buildings, Butternut follows along some ways behind, her sling still at the ready.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

"Someone you know? Or something you recognize?"

"Something most foul," Aesa replies. "This elf has been poisoned with a type of berry that is fatal almost exclusively to them. It has earned the loathsome moniker 'Mad Death,' among others," she explains. "Death would have found this one had the blow to the head not. It was probably more merciful that way."

As Rovach comes back down the stairs, Erizhi will comment to him, "Perhaps your thoughts of poison in the bodies, at least these elves, were true afterall."

There is a brief discussion about the poison berries and the affect it has, plus how the elves could have been poisoned so without their knowledge.

After another pause, Aesa adds, "If they were ensorcelled they might ingest such a poison since it can easily look like a jam. It would be better to speak with a mage about such things though as my spheres of magic don't delve deep into charms and the like. Although most elves tend to resist such magics, so the answer may not be there either."

Erizhi speaks up. "With a Charm magick, they could be persuaded to ingest such a thing depending on the power of the magick-user, especially if they were unaware of the berries and the poison in advance. It would not be difficult to get them to think they were eating something else which they loved."

Aesa begins to explain her findings to Erizhi and Rovach, so Butternut listens in from the doorway. "I think someone's going to a lot of trouble to convince us that elves did this. It wouldn't be too hard to feed the poison to the elves after knocking them unconcious; that would explain the head injury you mentioned. Hard to imagine elves not being better shots than what we're seeing here, but someone else could have killed these people, then dumped the elves' bodies in suspicious locations."

"That is a bit of a conspiracy. If you are correct, then we may have walked into something more complicated than originally expected. Of course, if the elves were poisoned first, then reacted, the madness which Aesa describes could have caused their shots to be more random, chaotic and inaccurate," Erizhi offers. "Of course, that would somehow imply....." She catches her thought and decides to go into the kitchen where a meal was in progress. She will look closely at the food on plates, examine the area more closely, as well as checking the cooking area and the pots and pans recently used.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

MOVING FORWARD IN TIME A TINY BIT:

Regardless of the outcome of the talk about the poison and the elves demise, Rovach and Stephanie are heading to the next guest house.

Speaking to Lady Erizhetiana, Sir Rovach says "I will continue to accompany Lady Stephanie in our search of the next building. Do you wish to accompany us while the others continue their search of these bodies?" Sir Rovach will then continue to accompany Lady Stephanie to the next building, sword drawn & cautiously advancing.

"Most certainly," Erizhi will answer. "Just because this house is empty of danger, we cannot assume that the rest are as well." Erizhi will follow the others a short pace or three behind as support, watching other buildings for movement or anything out of the ordinary, as they close on the next house.

[GM Fenrir]

As Aesa descirbes the aelfro berries and the poison it can make, both Butternut and Erizhetiana recall its properties from their respective herbalism training. Butternut doesn't remember seeing any symptoms of the poison of the body of the wife's brother. The poison wouldn't have killed him anyway, but he also doesn't appear to have ingested any of the berries.

She catches her thought and decides to go into the kitchen where a meal was in progress. She will look closely at the food on plates, examine the area more closely, as well as checking the cooking area and the pots and pans recently used.

It would appear that Mrs. Makkee was preparing quite the morning meal before she was interrupted and unable to return due to her body sprouting knives. Eggs are on the counter, some still in a basket brought in after being gathered from the hens. Flour is in a large mixing bowl while one of the pans holds uncooked pork. Another bowl has berries while a third has larger fruits with a sharp knife nearby probably meant for slicing. Cooking spices and a small tub of butter are scattered about the remaining free counter space. None of the berries are aelfro and none of the other food appears to have anything wrong with it except for being out in the air and unpreserved for over a day. The fuel for the cooking fires have been reduced to ashes.


I am not entirely sure where the group wishes to go next. The closest building is the storage shed and then the nearby barn or the first guest house would be the next closest. Others' posts would lead me to believe the next destination is the guest house but Stephanie's said the closest building instead.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

Erizhi examines the food that the Makkes had been cooking. There was a thought that perhaps Mrs. Makkee had inadvertantly (or intentionally) cooked some of the aelfro berries in the food, which could have been consumed by the elves (guests?) and in their maddedned state, they slew the Makkees. That does not appear to be the case. But judging by the condition of the fire and the food, they have been dead for over a day already.

As far as where going next, Erizhi is following Rovach and Stephanie and Rovach is following Stephanie and she seems headed for the storgae shed. Guess we are headed there next...