New Kingdoms #5

[GM Fenrir]

The investigation of the Makkee farm is underway. It appears that at least two elves have attacked the family in the pre-dawn hours of the previous day before the Makkees could break their fast. One elf has been examined by the druid Aesa and it has been determined that he was poisoned by the “Mad Death” concocted from aelfro berries. Searching the kitchen of the Makkee’s revealed none of these berries found there, so it was not by their hand that at least one elf met such a horrible fate. Seemingly though the elf was spared a truly agonizing end by a severe blow to the head.

So far the bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Makkee, as well as her lame brother, have been found, but none of the children. All three of them have been killed by elven blade or bow, although the typical precision seen among the elven people is not evident here. A full search of the main farmhouse has not turned up any of them. The party has split up to begin searching the other buildings while the rest finish up examining bodies and looking for other clues.

Stephanie leaves the main farmhouse and moves out towards the next closest buildings which are the storage shed and one of the barns. Sir Rovach, Erizhetiana and Butternut all follow at different distances. Aesa is still in the main farmhouse finishing up her fact finding and, when she doesn’t appear outside, Kaelyn slips in from the shadows of the porch to make sure nothing has befallen her.

Stephanie can see into the shed long before she ever reaches it. It is wall to wall tools of every type that a farm and livestock ranch might need; sheers, shovels, hoes, rakes, scythes, hammers, nails, spikes, straps, bailing wire, twine, saws, hatchets, and so forth. All of this crammed in every available nook and cranny in the shed with no apparent rhyme or reason to how they are stored. There is nowhere for anyone to hide and so Stephanie moves on. Speculation on the lame brother’s death here could be that he was trying to reach the shed for something to use as a weapon to repel invaders, for as Stephanie knows most farmers posses no true weapons since they can simply not afford them. A good hatchet or scythe does work well in a pinch however.

Moving on to the barn, it’s doors wide open, Stephanie can see inside. The smell of animals reaches her nose first and this barn is set up to house many of the livestock the farm is in possession of. Entering carefully, the barn is empty as all of the animals have fled. Spying the hay loft, Stephanie and Sir Rovach approach it much like they did in the farmhouse. The two of them climb up while Erizhetiana keeps the watch below. Butternut keeps a lookout outside while all of this is going on but it remains as quiet as it has been.

Inside the main farmhouse, Aesa finishes her examination of Mrs. Makkee’s body. There is no sign that she came into contact with the poison that afflicted the elf. She appears to have died of the wounds caused by the throwing knives. The missing knife eludes her for a while but it is found eventually under the far counter. It appears to be the same as the others that were used and merely bounced off of bone due to a poor throw, causing it to skitter away.

While this is going on, Kaelyn does a quick scan upstairs, checking under beds and in footlockers. Small children have been known to hide in the least likely of places, however he finds none in any of the rooms. Only clothes reside in the footlockers, all in different stages of wear and most neatly folded, except for what must be the youngest of the children’s room. Their footlockers have a few wooden pull toys mixed in with rumpled clothing. Kaelyn does find a very small box in a hidden compartment on the small night table in the parent’s room. It is simply latched with no lock or trap, and inside are a pair of extremely old rings made of copper and a plain brooch without a necklace. These were probably kept for sentimental reasons rather than any resembling wealth. Nothing more can be found up here.

Upon his descent downstairs, Kaelyn sees Aesa ready to depart. The two exit the house and make for the body of the lame brother. No traces of any poison can be determined upon his body either, but upon examining the stout cane, Aesa spots something that might be dried blood. It would appear she has found the cause of the elf’s demise inside the main farmhouse.

It is at this point that the others emerge from the barn and everyone is within sight of each other once more. Still no real answers have revealed themselves as to the catalyst of what occurred here and all of the children remain unaccounted for. Now the group is faced with where to pursue next - cut back and across to the first guesthouse or continue north up to the stables and the barn with the closed doors.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

It is at this point that the others emerge from the barn and everyone is within sight of each other once more. Still no real answers have revealed themselves as to the catalyst of what occurred here and all of the children remain unaccounted for. Now the group is faced with where to pursue next - cut back and across to the first guesthouse or continue north up to the stables and the barn with the closed doors.

Seeing that Lady Butternut, Lady Stephanie, and Lady Erizhetiana are closest to him, Sir Rovach will approach them and say in a low voice so not to have his words carry "I suggest we head up towards the stables and then to the barn with the closed doors. We can then head back down to the other guest house we haven't searched yet & the last barn, eventually making our way back to our horses."

Pausing to hear what the others have to say, Sir Rovach will then add "It may be nothing, but there is something strange about the barn by the stables. Why are it's doors still closed when every other building here has had it's doors left open? Perhaps something is in there that doesn't want to be seen or exposed to others?"

Sword at the ready, Sir Rovach will then proceed towards the stables and barn #3, with the same level of caution as he used when approaching the previous buildings.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Seeing that Lady Butternut, Lady Stephanie, and Lady Erizhetiana are closest to him, Sir Rovach will approach them and say in a low voice so not to have his words carry "I suggest we head up towards the stables and then to the barn with the closed doors. We can then head back down to the other guest house we haven't searched yet & the last barn, eventually making our way back to our horses."

Pausing to hear what the others have to say, Sir Rovach will then add "It may be nothing, but there is something strange about the barn by the stables. Why are it's doors still closed when every other building here has had it's doors left open? Perhaps something is in there that doesn't want to be seen or exposed to others?"

"I think we should leave the barn to last, as that is the most likely trouble spot. Less chance of getting caught by surprise if we secure all the other buildings first. Might be a good idea to have one or two people watch the barn as we do so."

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

Erizhi watches as the others examine the shed and the open barn. She bites back her slight impatience, knowing that a slow procedure is the way the to properly secure the farmstead. Still she wonders if anything is even here any longer. And if so, likely it is not in force, as there is no indication of such as yet.

Seeing that Lady Butternut, Lady Stephanie, and Lady Erizhetiana are closest to him, Sir Rovach will approach them and say in a low voice so not to have his words carry "I suggest we head up towards the stables and then to the barn with the closed doors. We can then head back down to the other guest house we haven't searched yet & the last barn, eventually making our way back to our horses."

Butter responds, "I think we should leave the barn to last, as that is the most likely trouble spot. Less chance of getting caught by surprise if we secure all the other buildings first. Might be a good idea to have one or two people watch the barn as we do so."

"I would normally agree," Erizhi states as she moves closer, still keeping a watchful eye about her. "But I am not convinced that a strong defense is present here. If an enemy is present and they are making a concerted effort to procure this place, it is not apparent as yet. There are no horses, no abundance of tracks, no ransacking, not even a random entity slinking about." Erizhi looks about again. "There are not any indications that a force is here, especially after almost two days since the attack."

"I would suggest since the Stables are right there," she says pointing, "as well as the barn that Rovach is concerned about, that we should head for those next and as Rovach also stated, then work our way back towards the main house."

Sir Rovach will then add "It may be nothing, but there is something strange about the barn by the stables. Why are its doors still closed when every other building here has had its doors left open? Perhaps something is in there that doesn't want to be seen or exposed to others?"

"Perhaps. Perhaps the children are hiding in there. Perhaps there are the remaining attackers in there. Perhaps nothing came close enough to it to spook the animals. The only way to know for sure is to go there and see for ourselves!" Erizhi finds herself getting a little worked up at the slowness of the searching. "The longer this goes on, with us here in the open, the more likely that something bad may happen."

Erizhi will look to the amazon Stephanie. "Surely you are feeling a strong desire for vengence towards those who killed your people? Slaughter of simple farm folk in any land is the epitome of callousness and cowardace! Surely your blade is ready for blood?!" (OOC - Using Incite on Stephanie in case we need the boost for impending combat. How many times per day can this be used?)

[GM Fenrir]

Erizhi will look to the amazon Stephanie. "Surely you are feeling a strong desire for vengence towards those who killed your people? Slaughter of simple farm folk in any land is the epitome of callousness and cowardace! Surely your blade is ready for blood?!" (OOC - Using Incite on Stephanie in case we need the boost for impending combat. How many times per day can this be used?)

It may be used on as many warriors per day as you wish, but only once per day per particular warrior so incited. It takes one full round (minute) to work up the warrior and the effect lasts 6 turns (1 hour). It has to be accepted by the warrior so receiving the incite, meaning if Stephanie wants to resist this she can. However given the situation and her background, it is definitely a suitable time and environment to use it. I'll let Stephanie decide and make the appropriate rolls should she choose to fight this.

[Stephanie]

Stephanie:

Departing the main farmhouse, Stephanie makes her way towards the closest building on the left, the storage shed with one of the barns not far behind. The shed is overflowing with tools that are typical to a farm, as the swordswoman well knows. Nothing odd here and not really any room for even a child to hide. And if farm children know anything, its how to find places to hide!

The barn is next and it also seems deserted. The loft is checked as it is a good place to hide, but nothing is found.

Seeing that Lady Butternut, Lady Stephanie, and Lady Erizhetiana are closest to him, Sir Rovach will approach them and say in a low voice so not to have his words carry "I suggest we head up towards the stables and then to the barn with the closed doors. We can then head back down to the other guest house we haven't searched yet & the last barn, eventually making our way back to our horses."

Pausing to hear what the others have to say, Sir Rovach will then add "It may be nothing, but there is something strange about the barn by the stables. Why are it's doors still closed when every other building here has had it's doors left open? Perhaps something is in there that doesn't want to be seen or exposed to others?"

Sword at the ready, Sir Rovach will then proceed towards the stables and barn #3, with the same level of caution as he used when approaching the previous buildings.

“Sounds reasonable,” Stephanie agrees. “We can then head back towards the main farmhouse and complete checking out the buildings on the other side of the road. The children could be hiding in there and that's why the doors are closed, perhaps even barred from the inside.”

Others chime in and Stephanie’s attention wanes as more talking occurs. While she is still young, she's seen enough death in her short adventuring career that it no longer startles her. What happened here is tragic, but Stephanie remains in control of her emotions.

"I think we should leave the barn to last, as that is the most likely trouble spot. Less chance of getting caught by surprise if we secure all the other buildings first. Might be a good idea to have one or two people watch the barn as we do so."

"I would normally agree," Erizhi states as she moves closer, still keeping a watchful eye about her. "But I am not convinced that a strong defense is present here. If an enemy is present and they are making a concerted effort to procure this place, it is not apparent as yet. There are no horses, no abundance of tracks, no ransacking, not even a random entity slinking about." Erizhi looks about again. "There are not any indications that a force is here, especially after almost two days since the attack."

"I would suggest since the Stables are right there," she says pointing, "as well as the barn that Rovach is concerned about, that we should head for those next and as Rovach also stated, then work our way back towards the main house."

"Perhaps. Perhaps the children are hiding in there. Perhaps there are the remaining attackers in there. Perhaps nothing came close enough to it to spook the animals. The only way to know for sure is to go there and see for ourselves!" Erizhi finds herself getting a little worked up at the slowness of the searching. "The longer this goes on, with us here in the open, the more likely that something bad may happen."

Erizhi will look to the amazon Stephanie. "Surely you are feeling a strong desire for vengeance towards those who killed your people? Slaughter of simple farm folk in any land is the epitome of callousness and cowardice! Surely your blade is ready for blood?!" (OOC - Using Incite on Stephanie in case we need the boost for impending combat. How many times per day can this be used?)

Stephanie turns in surprise when the small painted woman starts to speak to her, but then her face turns redder as what she is saying sinks in. Anger builds up inside the swordswoman the likes that none of you had seen before.

“ENOUGH!” Stephanie yells, her voice booming loud enough to be heard for a good country mile. “Enough talk! All you people do is talk! Talk, talk talk! The time for talk is over!”

With that, Stephanie confidently starts to charge towards the closed up barn up ahead. From the sound of her voice and her body language, you can all be sure that you really don’t want to get in her way!

“Now is the time to either rescue the children hiding inside or to deal out swift justice with strength and steel if those responsible are inside!”

Reaching the barn door, Stephanie flings it open to find....

(OOC: Who's the bear again? ;D )

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

As the discussion continues about where to go next, Erizhi feels like they have been having too many discussions. Without a leader, each step has been a lengthy, slow process. It is not unexpected, but it wears on her. Erizhi is used to a very structured society, where people have roles and a heirarchy. Her time in the temple has only reinforced that.

Turning toward the amazon, Stephanie, the priestess of Ishtar tries to prompt them on a bit. She is a little surprised at Stephanie's control and lack of outward emotion given the slaughter of these simple townsfolk. It could be experience or it could be shock. In any case a little provocation never hurt, she said to herself.

Suddenly, at Erizhi's prompting, Stephanie erupts!

“ENOUGH!” Stephanie yells, her voice booming loud enough to be heard for a good country mile. “Enough talk! All you people do is talk! Talk, talk talk! The time for talk is over!”

With that, Stephanie confidently starts to charge towards the closed up barn up ahead.

Erizhi looks toward Rovach, a surprised and slightly bemused look up on her face. She is about to say, "That was my point as well," but decides now is not the time.

As Stephanie rushes headlong to the barn, completely oblivious to any danger, Erizhi realizes that if anyone is here, they are aware of the group's presence now, if they were not before. "Well, then.....!" She says loudly and heads off after her raging companion. Erizhi will not follow directly behind Steph in her path, but rather somewhat to her left, just in case there is a missile volley or magickal attack. her shield and mace at the ready.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

"I think we should leave the barn to last, as that is the most likely trouble spot. Less chance of getting caught by surprise if we secure all the other buildings first. Might be a good idea to have one or two people watch the barn as we do so."

A solid idea, thinks Sir Rovach. However, he thinks there is very little chance of the other buildings being occupied. He is about to say this when Lady Erizhetiana speaks.

Erizhi will look to the amazon Stephanie. "Surely you are feeling a strong desire for vengence towards those who killed your people? Slaughter of simple farm folk in any land is the epitome of callousness and cowardace! Surely your blade is ready for blood?!"

What is this, coming from Lady Erizhetiana?

Stephanie turns in surprise when the small painted woman starts to speak to her, but then her face turns redder as what she is saying sinks in. Anger builds up inside the swordswoman the likes that none of you had seen before.
“ENOUGH!” Stephanie yells, her voice booming loud enough to be heard for a good country mile. “Enough talk! All you people do is talk! Talk, talk talk! The time for talk is over!”
With that, Stephanie confidently starts to charge towards the closed up barn up ahead. From the sound of her voice and her body language, you can all be sure that you really don’t want to get in her way!
“Now is the time to either rescue the children hiding inside or to deal out swift justice with strength and steel if those responsible are inside!”

By the wind, thinks Sir Rovach! He wonders what set her off when Lady Erizhetiana speaks again.

As Stephanie rushes headlong to the barn, completely oblivious to any danger, Erizhi realizes that if anyone is here, they are aware of the group's presence now, if they were not before. "Well, then.....!" She says loudly and heads off after her raging companion. Erizhi will not follow directly behind Steph in her path, but rather somewhat to her left, just in case there is a missile volley or magickal attack. her shield and mace at the ready.

Looks like this is our main battle plan, thinks Sir Rovach as he smilies to himself inside his helmet. All surprise gone at this time, Sir Rovach lells out a battle charge himself and begins rushing forward, sword drawn, attempting with all his strength to keep up with the seemingly berzerk Lady Stephanie despite his armor he is wearing. He continues into the barn with her, ready to strike...

[Aesa]

Aesa:

After finishing examing the bodies, Aesa has found so far none of the human family has come into contact with any aelfro berries. She isn't sure yet about the second elven body the lies over by the guest house, but it would appear the poison was ingested by the elves alone. Now whether they consumed it unknowingly because of ignorance or desperation, she thinks or there is something far more sinister here then appearances offer.

Seeing the others coming out of the barn empty-handed, Aesa starts to head in that direction to tell Sir Rovach and the others what she has determined. It doesn't look like they have found anything yet either. She sees Erizhetiana speaking with Stephanie, but her fellow warrior woman seems to have had enough of conversation.

“ENOUGH!” Stephanie yells, her voice booming loud enough to be heard for a good country mile. “Enough talk! All you people do is talk! Talk, talk talk! The time for talk is over!”
With that, Stephanie confidently starts to charge towards the closed up barn up ahead. From the sound of her voice and her body language, you can all be sure that you really don’t want to get in her way!
“Now is the time to either rescue the children hiding inside or to deal out swift justice with strength and steel if those responsible are inside!”

Aesa stands for a moment in shock. Thoughts take her back to when Stephanie had suggested her and Aesa just bypass all these people and ride out to the farm themselves. She has also noticed that the warrior woman wanted nothing to do with discussions, questions or plans since they've arrived. I agree this was taking quite a long time to investigate a simple farm, she echoes in her mind, but this is wholly unexpected.

Having no option but to catch up or be left behind, Aesa breaks into a jog and looks over at the other buildings we have not yet investigated. If anyone is in there, they should be coming out shortly, for if they hadn't been alerted to our presence before, there is no doubt they are now.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

"Perhaps. Perhaps the children are hiding in there. Perhaps there are the remaining attackers in there. Perhaps nothing came close enough to it to spook the animals. The only way to know for sure is to go there and see for ourselves!" Erizhi finds herself getting a little worked up at the slowness of the searching. "The longer this goes on, with us here in the open, the more likely that something bad may happen."

Butternut agrees that they don't know what is in the barn, though the thought that the kids may be there is something she hadn't considered. However, since they are apparently up against intelligent opponents, then they're most likely to attack when it is to their advantage rather than because more time has gone by.

Erizhi will look to the amazon Stephanie. "Surely you are feeling a strong desire for vengence towards those who killed your people? Slaughter of simple farm folk in any land is the epitome of callousness and cowardace! Surely your blade is ready for blood?!"

“ENOUGH!” Stephanie yells, her voice booming loud enough to be heard for a good country mile. “Enough talk! All you people do is talk! Talk, talk talk! The time for talk is over!”

With that, Stephanie confidently starts to charge towards the closed up barn up ahead. From the sound of her voice and her body language, you can all be sure that you really don’t want to get in her way!

“Now is the time to either rescue the children hiding inside or to deal out swift justice with strength and steel if those responsible are inside!”

Erizhi looks toward Rovach, a surprised and slightly bemused look up on her face. She is about to say, "That was my point as well," but decides now is not the time.

As Stephanie rushes headlong to the barn, completely oblivious to any danger, Erizhi realizes that if anyone is here, they are aware of the group's presence now, if they were not before. "Well, then.....!" She says loudly and heads off after her raging companion. Erizhi will not follow directly behind Steph in her path, but rather somewhat to her left, just in case there is a missile volley or magickal attack. her shield and mace at the ready.

This turn of events surprises the young halfling. These humans are crazy! The humans among the rangers she trained with were nowhere near this reckless - or fun. Butternut finds herself wondering if working by herself wouldn't actually be safer than working with a group so obviously lacking in discipline and self-control. Then again, who cares? Everybody dies eventually, so you might as well have some fun along the way...

Before she fully understands what is going on, pretty much everyone else in the group has run off toward the next building. Well, no sense being left behind! Butternut shrugs and trots after the others, hoping to get in on whatever action may arise.

{{OOC: I'm really having to work at playing Butternut's chaotic nature vs. my much more orderly and regimented approach to things.}}

[GM Fenrir]

Stephanie has finally had her fill of all the time spend discussing what to do next. After a few words of encouragement from Erizhi she lets it be known just that and rushes off towards the furthest barn with its closed doors. The rest of the group has little option at this point but to make haste if they wish to catch up to the warrior woman.

As the group closes on the barn, nothing moves to impede them. The unexplored guest houses remain as quiet as they have been. The stables can be seen pretty clearly and not a single horse remains inside. There looks to be stalls for nearly a dozen animals and an area is set up at one end of the stables for cleaning, repairing and fitting horseshoes. A small training corral is attached to the other end where an unbroken horse can be led from a stall right into the yard.

Stephanie reaches the large barn doors and pulls at them with all her might. She thinks she can hear talking coming from inside, but by then it’s too late. The midday sunlight pours into the barn and illuminates the interior for all to see. Three wagons, one of which is in poor shape and needs major repair, reside in this barn. One of the wagons looks to be strictly for hauling material while the other is more suited for a family to ride within. The broken down one looks to be of the hauling variety as well with little in the way of passenger comfort. Tools that would be used for lifting a wagon and replacing a wheel are along the left wall as you look inside. There is also a work bench with hammers, nails and other small tools upon it. Several planks of wood are stacked up near this area and would be used to replace floor boards and beds for the wagons.

By this time the rest of the group has arrived, having spread out a bit from each other, but still all can hear what sounds like two people talking, although they seem to be quite distant somehow. The voices echo a bit and seem to be coming from the far back corner behind one of the wagons.

“… should have been out of here long before now,” comes one voice, clearly irritated. Kaelyn freezes upon hearing it, for it is a voice he knows all too well.

“We would have been if we hadn’t have had to chase this one down,” comes the rebuttal.

“Okay. Finish up here then and be done with it. I’m going to rendezvous with the others and will see you there,” the first voice says.

Before anyone can move or speak themselves, Stephanie, Sir Rovach and Erizhi all spot movement by the wagon. Two men emerge from the shadows there and Erizhi can’t believe her eyes. One of the men is a retainer of her father! An oily man of somewhat diminutive stature called Pothos. Both of these men seemed to have known you were there and it is Pothos who speaks first.

“My lady Erizhetiana Iltani,” he says respectfully. “I had not known it was you who was behind all of this. Very bold of you I must say, first with your father and now your actions here. At least things are getting done. Those in Lotan will have no choice but to sit up and notice now.” The smile accompanying his words lets you know he is indeed quite impressed at your accomplishments so far.

“So these are the mercenaries then?” Pothos asks, indicating the rest of the group with a sweep of his hand. “Very good. We are nearly done here. Everything is the way you wished it to be.”

At that moment three more individuals step out from the shadows. Two of the men are leading an elf forcefully by the wrists. Those nearest the front of the group can see the pain etched on the elf's face and his extremely wild eyes. Blood trickles from his lips where he seemingly bit deep into them in an effort to fight what must be the poison coursing through him. Kaelyn does not see the man whose voice he knows so well among either group. Of the four humans present, three seem to hail from the Shining Coast while the fourth's origins can not be determined merely by looking upon him.


Game notes: Obviously the player group is surprised. Everyone was expecting something but I’m sure very few, if any, were expecting this. However, there is no combat resolution to begin currently since apparently everyone is under the employ of Erizhi! At least until a slightly berserk Stephanie figures all of this out…

[Kaelyn]

Kaelyn

(Making this easy on me posting from Last gm post or my post would be gigantic!)

Watching Stephanie going berserk really makes Kaelyn’s eyes go wide. This woman seemed calm when he had met her, but this, he would have never expected! As she gets to the Barn doors, Kaelyn follows along best he can, as she goes to open the doors, “That may not be the best id…..” If anything is in there we are surely going to be noticed. He thinks to himself as the barn doors are flung open.

Noting seems out of place but then voices are heard from within, barely being able to make it out Kaelyn listens closer,

“… should have been out of here long before now,” comes one voice, clearly irritated. Kaelyn freezes upon hearing it, for it is a voice he knows all too well.

“We would have been if we hadn’t have had to chase this one down,” comes the rebuttal.

“Okay. Finish up here then and be done with it. I’m going to rendezvous with the others and will see you there,” the first voice says.

Kaelyn’s eyes go wide, his palms begin to sweat uncontrollably causing him to clench and unclench his fingers upon his blade, as he looks to his left and right. He knew this voice all too well. “It couldn’t be! I left them far behind. How did they know I was here?” he says softly to himself rather than anyone. (Assuming this is the second voice he heard in his background) Fear takes it toll on the young thief-mage, his first instinct is to turn and run but something inside him causes him to freeze up. ‘But then this is not about me', an inner voice tells himself. There was no way they would know he was here. The others, has the guild decided to act so quickly?’ he wonders to himself as two men step from the confines of the wagon.

“My lady Erizhetiana Iltani,” he says respectfully. “I had not known it was you who was behind all of this. Very bold of you I must say, first with your father and now your actions here. At least things are getting done. Those in Lotan will have no choice but to sit up and notice now.” The smile accompanying his words lets you know he is indeed quite impressed at your accomplishments so far.

“So these are the mercenaries then?” Pothos asks, indicating the rest of the group with a sweep of his hand. “Very good. We are nearly done here. Everything is the way you wished it to be.”

‘They know her? He thinks to himself. ‘You had this planned? But you were with us and spoke not of this. “Wished it to be? I am no mercenary and will not be apart of your dirty work, Erizhetiana,” eyeing the woman very warily. That first voice still haunts him as his gaze switches between Erizthetiana and her consorts. He puts each man's face to the voice he heard but none resemble him. ‘He is still here’, he thinks to himself. As an Elf is dragged forth from the shadows, surrounded by two men. ‘You poor unfortunate soul to be poisoned and used in such a way,’ he thinks to himself.

“And where is your fifth? Where is he(Insert name if he knows it.)?” he asks those before him, making his voice be heard, “There is at least another of their number, hiding within the shadows!”

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Two men emerge from the shadows...An oily man of somewhat diminutive stature...Both of these men seemed to have known you were there and it is <the oily man> who speaks first.

Sir Rovach slows down but keeps advancing slowly towards these two men. At last, they decided to show themselves! Hiding in the barn like cowards, Sir Rovach thinks with disgust. This vermin doesn't deserve a trial. But the law is the law, created by the good people of this area, so he will follow it and not attack but allow them to surrender themselves to their keeping.

“My lady Erizhetiana Iltani,” he says respectfully. “I had not known it was you who was behind all of this. Very bold of you I must say, first with your father and now your actions here. At least things are getting done. Those in Lotan will have no choice but to sit up and notice now.” The smile accompanying his words lets you know he is indeed quite impressed at your accomplishments so far.
“So these are the mercenaries then?” <the oily man> asks, indicating the rest of the group with a sweep of his hand. “Very good. We are nearly done here. Everything is the way you wished it to be.”

Sir Rovach's head quickly turns towards Erizheriana. This takes his attention away for a moment from the two men, but the shock of his statement surprises Sir Rovach. "What game are you playing, Erizhetiana?!" Sir Rovach asks in her direction. Anyone in the party paying attention will notice the emphasis on her name alone, without the accompanying Lady he always referred to her. Sword still drawn, he is not quite sure at this moment who he should be most concerned about.

At that moment three more individuals step out from the shadows. Two of the men are leading an elf forcefully by the wrists.
“Wished it to be? I am no mercenary and will not be apart of your dirty work Erizhetiana.” <Kaelyn> Eyeing the woman very wearily....“And where is your fifth, Where is he?” he asks those before him, making his voice be heard, “There is at least another of their number, hiding within the shadows!”

Sir Rovach hears Mister Kaelyn's remarks. He seems to know somehow that there is another hiding. Typical of the type of scum facing them (ooc: the two men, not Kaelyn ). Mister Kaelyn also seems more betrayed as he. Seems like I can count on Mister Kaelyn to watch my back in regards to Erizhetiana, thinks Sir Rovach.

Sword lowered now but still being held by his right hand, Sir Rovach points with his left hand towards the oily man. "By the power vested in us by the Constable of Dormare, you and your band will drop your weapons and place yourselves into our custody, to be returned to Dormare for questioning about the murder of the Makkees. If you resist, we will use whatever force we deem necessary. How do you stand?" Sir Rovach re-grips his sword with both hands, holding it up and ready to charge the oily man if he chooses to resist.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

Two men emerge from the shadows there and Erizhi can’t believe her eyes. One of the men is a retainer of her father! An oily man of somewhat diminutive stature called Pothos. Both of these men seemed to have known you were there and it is Pothos who speaks first.

“My lady Erizhetiana Iltani,” he says respectfully. “I had not known it was you who was behind all of this. Very bold of you I must say, first with your father and now your actions here. At least things are getting done. Those in Lotan will have no choice but to sit up and notice now.” The smile accompanying his words lets you know he is indeed quite impressed at your accomplishments so far.

Erizhi is rather shocked to see Pothos standing before them. Her mind starts to race through various scenarios and situations. She first wonders why Pothos would think that she was responsible for the calamity regarding her father. Then the realization comes that her brother Balathu may have told the household that Erizhi was sent away because she had involvement in the act. Her eyes take on a far-away look however, as she realizes that he could very easily have told any number of people about “her secretive and horrible plot” and she may now be loathed by her father’s allies and possibly even wanted by the authorities. Her heart sank at the thought.

“So these are the mercenaries then?” Pothos asks, indicating the rest of the group with a sweep of his hand. “Very good. We are nearly done here. Everything is the way you wished it to be.”

These words snap her out of her melancholy. Did this fool really believe that she was somehow in charge of a subversive attack upon Maletar? Or did he simply jump to conclusions? What else had Balathu set in motion? And likely that witch Zakiti as well, Erizhi thought. This was a decidedly bad development.

Erizhetiana looks to her new companions for a moment, hoping that they do not believe the words and that she is not beset upon by them immediately. She will keep a close eye on Stephanie, as there is no telling what she may do at this point. Erizhi will make certain to take a few steps away from her as she moves closer to Pothos. She will look to see if any of the other three men are recognizable in any way.

First Kaelyn speaks, then Rovach. Both are so eager to believe the words of these scum and her heart sinks again. She was about to try to get them to tell of their plans, but the quick tongues of her companions make that nearly impossible now. Still there may be yet a chance. She places her flanged battle-mace into her shield hand, wanting it close at hand if something bad should happen.

It is a huge risk, but one she is willing to attempt. In truth, it was her specialty. Hopefully Rovach will be hesitant enough to allow it to work. Erizhi throws her head back a bit and smiles, letting out a slight chuckle. "The joke is on you, Pothos." She will walk up to Rovach and put her hand on his shoulder. "This is Sir Sinnasir. He is quite the comedian, is he not? And a bit of a dreamer too," she says with a laugh. "Not to worry, they all work for this 'painted lion'," she says, emphasizing the avatar from Sir Rovach's dream, as she looks directly into the paladin's eyes, for a brief moment. She will place her hand over Rovach's which hold his sword and press down, hoping he understands the gesture.

Easily slipping back into her noble role, Erizhi will narrow her eyes at Pothos and step towards him authoritatively. “When you worked for my father, there were questions about your... thoroughness, Pothos,” she says, thinking quickly. “I would like more than a simple acknowledgement of these plans. We have time, I should think, for a full report. Now. And try not to leave out any details, this time.” She will then casually move further away from her companions, just in case something unexpected happens. She will use her Charm/Fascinate ability on Pothos while she is talking. She will also use Empathy if possible, as well as Allure. Pulling out all the stops here.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Erizhi throws her head back a bit and smiles, letting out a slight chuckle....She will walk up to Rovach and put her hand on his shoulder.

Sir Rovach tenses up when he notices Erizhetiana walking towards him. But she doesn't seem to have her weapon ready to attack him. Has she truly betrayed them? Is she one of those creatures from back home, enjoying their own personal political games at the suffering of others? But he looked into her heart. There was goodness there!! Anu, he silently prays, give me the wisdom & clarity of sight to know thy enemies! (ooc: if able, Sir Rovach will use his detect evil ability and look towards Erizhetiana, the oily man & his companions)

"The joke is on you, Pothos." She will walk up to Rovach and put her hand on his shoulder. "This is Sir Sinnasir. He is quite the commedian, is he not?," she says with a laugh.

Pothos? So she does know this foul creature. And she mentions a joke. What game is going on here? he thinks as Erizhetiana places her hand on his shoulder. He tenses, startled. But she has done him no harm yet. He has traveled with her & she has joined in the mission to discover the fate of the Makkees. Making his decision, he will not strike without cause. Especially not striking a....Lady. Who has shown him nothing but honor and friendship.

"Umm, my Lady," Sir Rovach will whisper to her, "Who is Sir Sinnasir?"

"Not to worry, they all work for this 'painted lion'," she says, emphasizing the avatar from Sir Rovach's dream, as she looks directly into the paladin's eyes, for a brief moment. She will place her hand over Rovach's which hold his sword and press down, hoping he understands the gesture.

Seeing the meaning in her eyes, Sir Rovach will give Lady "Painted Lion" the time she needs. But he does resist lowering his sword, still ready to strike if need be. "Be careful my Lady," he whispers again to her. "Mister Kaelyn suspects there is another hiding in the back shadows. No honorable opponent would do that, faced with the ultimatum I just gave." Sir Rovach will now wait and see how Lady Erizhetiana handles the situation.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

Sir Rovach allows her to get close to him, but he is clearly tense, especially when she puts her hand upon his shoulder.

"Umm, my Lady," Sir Rovach will whisper to her, "Who is Sir Sinnasir?"

Erizhi smiles, and runs her hand, somewhat seductively down the breatplate of Sir Rovach, but does not answer.

As she looks into his eyes, he resists lowering his sword, as she thought he would.

"Be careful, my Lady," he whispers again to her. "Mister Kaelyn suspects there is another hiding in the back shadows. No honorable opponent would do that, faced with the ultimatum I just gave." Sir Rovach will now wait and see how Lady Erizhetiana handles the situation.

Facing away from Pothos and his cronies, Erizhi will wink at Rovach, so that they cannot see the gesture. "Yes, you are such a jester, Sir Sinnasir. But I am not sure that dear Pothos there would understand your wit." She will then look briefly to each of her companions, not willing to risk any silent communication however, but also trying to judge their current state (Empathy allowed?), given this unlikely string of recent events.

She will then proceed as previous post.

[Aesa]

Aesa:

Aesa stands ready with sword and staff as the sunlight enters the previously-closed barn. A number of wagons are present, but there appears to be someone, or several someones, lurking within. Upon hearing one of the voices, she notices Kaelyn get tense. Not the actions of an old friend, she thinks while judging his reaction, so it is someone he fears or despises. Given what she picks up from the overheard conversation that can only be a good thing that Kaelyn is not friendly with those speaking. At least now we are the end of this, she adds mentally.

Before anything can be done however, two men emerge from the shadows and it is soon very clear that at least one of the men knows Erizhetiana. Listening to the words spoken, Aesa believes they have been duped. This maalatanainen has betrayed us all, she thinks sadly. She is about to open her mouth, but then Erizhetiana begins speaking and so she shuts it instead. What is going on here? she thinks to herself. Probably just buying time so we don't run her through, but no she's trying to do... what exactly? All of her conflicting thoughts cause her to be unable to do anything at the moment but see how this drama plays out.

[Stephanie]

Stephanie:

Flinging the barn doors open, Stephanie stalks in ready to rescue or dismember what ever is inside. Voices are heard and she rushes towards them. Two men appear and words, yet again are exchanged, but Stephanie is too far gone in her battle rage to even hear them, let alone understand them. In her mind, the men are clearly not children hiding, nor are they victims given their calmness. Therefore, they can only be one thing: the people responsible for this slaughter!

“MURDEOUS SCUM!” Stephanie screams as she rushes the men. She'll go after the oily talking man as he is clearly the leader of the bunch. “YOU WILL PAY FOR YOUR EVIL DEEDS! THE INNOCENT LIVES YOU TOOK SHALL BE AVENGED!”

Whack'm until they cannot be whacked any more!

((OOC: What? You were expecting something else? )

[Aesa]

Aesa:

Indecision time has apparently passed as Stephanie rages.

“MURDEOUS SCUM!” Stephanie screams as she rushes the men. She'll go after the oily talking man as he is clearly the leader of the bunch. “YOU WILL PAY FOR YOUR EVIL DEEDS! THE INNOCENT LIVES YOU TOOK SHALL BE AVENGED!”

"Wait the children!" Aesa cries out. "We don't know....!" but by then it's far too late. May we strike swift so that they may be spared this day, she offers up a quick prayer in the hopes that the missing children are still alive at this point.

There is no time to cast any beneficial spells, so Aesa will instead begin to advance on the two men holding the elf hostage. She doesn't know if there is anything that can be done for the elf at this point but to put him out of his misery, which is what she is prepared to do as well.

[GM Fenrir]

Game notes: Even though the group was anticipating trouble they were still surprised. Having no time to prepare or coordinate the entry of the closed barn, along with no one ever having seen the inside of the barn, forced everyone to take a few moments to look around. Hearing voices without seeing who they belonged to caused additional confusion. It was only when two men appeared from the shadowy recesses of the interior was there any ability to start sizing up the foes. These men chose to parley instead of attack, seeing as how the man called Pothos acknowledged Erizhetiana as the orchestrator of this massacre in addition to deeds done in Lotan.

As first Kaelyn, then Sir Rovach called out warnings and challenges, Pothos and his companion began to turn tense and steel was drawn. The arrival of the other two men escorting an elf clearly under the effects of the “Mad Death” only further complicated things.

“And where is your fifth? Where is Buchard?” he asks those before him, making his voice be heard, “There is at least another of their number, hiding within the shadows!”

Pothos merely looks at Kaelyn with a raised eyebrow and does not answer. The man next to him seems a bit more startled upon hearing the name but holds his tongue as well.

Sword lowered now but still being held by his right hand, Sir Rovach points with his left hand towards the oily man. "By the power vested in us by the Constable of Dormare, you and your band will drop your weapons and place yourselves into our custody, to be returned to Dormare for questioning about the murder of the Makkees. If you resist, we will use whatever force we deem necessary. How do you stand?" Sir Rovach re-grips his sword with both hands, holding it up and ready to charge the oily man if he chooses to resist.

Drawn steel by both men is as clear of an answer as any. Pothos pulls a dirk with a blade nearly two feet in length while the other man draws a short sword and a wicked looking dagger. It would appear as though something is coated upon the dagger’s blade.

(ooc: if able, Sir Rovach will use his detect evil ability and look towards Erizhetiana, the oily man & his companions)

Sir Rovach’s ability to detect evil can cover the entire barn given his vantage point. The only evil presence he detects are the four human males. Nothing else in the barn radiates evil.

Through it all though Erizhetiana attempts a gambit of her own which causes the men to stay their hands for the moment and see how it all plays out. However, the still enraged Stephanie has finally determined that while the elf may very well be a victim here, these four men clearly are not and so she begins her charge.

“It seems I was in error,” Pothos says to Erizhetiana then. “You are not clever enough to be behind all this.” His companion steps up in attempt to intercept the charge aimed at Pothos.

Aesa begins to move as well towards the pair holding the elf. Seeing that things are starting to turn badly, they both release their grip on the elf and one man says, “Go on, your salvation begins upon their deaths.” The elf starts sizing up the party with those wild eyes and looks ready to pounce. The two men will draw steel of their own, in this case short swords for both. The elf is bare handed.

Game notes: Combat will begin. If Butternut wishes to add any non-combat dialogue since the Halfling has yet to post then please do so, otherwise communication has to be limited to a sentence or two at most. Any changes for those who already posted combat actions (Aesa and Stephanie) will be allowed. Stephanie is still charging but she can change the target of her charge should she wish and Aesa is closing on the other pair but with the elf seemingly about to attack as well her actions can be modified. All others can post combat actions as desired.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Sir Rovach’s ability to detect evil can cover the entire barn given his vantage point. The only evil presence he detects are the four human males. Nothing else in the barn radiates evil.

If you resist, we will use whatever force we deem necessary. How do you stand?" Sir Rovach re-grips his sword with both hands, holding it up and ready to charge the oily man if he chooses to resist.
Drawn steel by both men is as clear of an answer as any. Pothos pulls a dirk with a blade nearly two feet in length while the other man draws a short sword and a wicked looking dagger. It would appear as though something is coated upon the dagger’s blade.

Sir Rovach is still wondering what Lady Erizhetiana is up to. He is not quite comfortable with her using deception by making them believe he has a different name. What is the purpose of that? he wonders. Once this matter is all over, and they both survive, they'll have to have a long talk together. He is about to mention all of this when a number of responses from others occur.
Seeing the blades drawn as a response to his challenge, it occurs to Sir Rovach that the Lady Erizhetiana's ploy has failed. In addition Lord Anu has shown him the type of people they are. And they are as evil as any he has ever met.

“MURDEOUS SCUM!” Stephanie screams as she rushes the men. She'll go after the oily talking man as he is clearly the leader of the bunch. “YOU WILL PAY FOR YOUR EVIL DEEDS! THE INNOCENT LIVES YOU TOOK SHALL BE AVENGED!”

Well, here we go. thinks Sir Rovach upon hearing & seeing the berzerk Lady Stephanie's response. Yelling at the top of his voice, Sir Rovach says "ANU HAS SHOWN ME THEY ARE EVIL! ATTACK COMPANIONS!!!" Sir Rovach will charge with his sword towards Pothos, attacking any of the other men if they choose to get in his way.

(ooc: Sir Rovach will attack Pothos first, in accordance with the knightly code and all since he appears to be the leader. Since he has a two handed sword and no sheild, it will be a full attack (no dodging or parrying) and he will trust in his armor, and his Anu-given Paladin ability Protection from Evil, to protect him. If any opponent attacks him in melee on his way to Pothos, he will combat them first and continue on to Pothos if able once the opponent has been dispatched)

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Arriving last to the barn, Butternut finds the others talking with some unknown men. Two of those men are holding an elf who, from the looks of him, has been fed those deadly elf berries like the others. Clearly, these men are responsible for setting the other poisoned elves upon the innocent farming family!

Even worse, these men know Erizhi and she seems to confirm that she was involved in this horrible plot! Listening to the banter, Butternut's heart shrivels into a small, cold, hard nut of anger and righteous vengeance. She glances over at Eri with death in her eyes. There will be a reckoning, witch! Kaelyn mentions another opponent hidden in the shadows, but the ranger is beyond caring at this point.

But first, these killers of innocents must die. Stephanie seems to come to the same conclusion at about the same time and charges forward. Butternut's response is to whirl up her sling and fire a small ball of leaden death at the oily man who appears to be the leader of these murderers.

"RRAAAGGHH!!!" A sound of cold fury rips from the halflings throat and chases the lead ball toward the man Eri called Pothos. Immediately, Butternut begins preparing a second shot. This monstrous crime shall not go unpunished!

[Aesa]

Aesa:

Aesa skirts to the left to avoid her charging companions. At least half of their number seem intent on the man Pothos, but there are three other adversaries to be concerned with, four if you count the poor poisoned elf. Those holding him release him and direct him to attack as one might do with a hunting dog. Is this how they made the others attack the Makkees, with promises of hope and salvation? she ponders as she closes.

Aesa plans to attack the left most of the pair of the men who had been holding the elf, unless the elf chooses to attack her. She will strike with sword and staff until he is downed permanently before moving on.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

Swords are drawn as conflict between Pothos' men and Erizhi's companions seems imminent. Erizhi takes a gamble and tries to not only defuse the situation, but more importantly take advantage of the opportunity to learn the men's plans, since they think she is in charge.

They pause for a moment, which means she was starting to sway them to her influence. But another moment later everything is lost when Stephanie bellows out her rage and charges at the men.

“It seems I was in error,” Pothos says to Erizhetiana then. “You are not clever enough to be behind all this.” His companion steps up in attempt to intercept the charge aimed at Pothos.

"Little do you know how clever I can be...," she says, as her eyes narrow at the man.

Chancing a quick glance, she sees her companions moving forward on the attack. She catches Butternut's glare at her and realizes that her own companions may not be 'on her side' at the moment. As they move out, most of them are moving against Pothos and his companion, which leaves Aesa in a near three against one situation. Erizhi will cast Shield on herself immediately and then move to assist Aesa, as she had moved to the left away from Stephanie already. She will engage one of the free combatants (attempting to avoid the elf, if possible), with shield and battlemace.

[Kaelyn]

Kaelyn


Pothos merely looks at Kaelyn with a raised eyebrow and does not answer. The man next to him seems a bit more startled upon hearing the name but holds his tongue as well.

The look on Pothos’ face as well as the other man’s confirm his suspicions. Buchard is involved in this slaughter and apparently so is Erizthetiana’s people! Apparently what he overheard went far deeper then he realized.

Seeing the men pull weapons and advance, Kaelyn notes the substance upon the dagger’s blade. Definitely a thief’s weapon! Kealyn will stay where he is (near the doors)and cast a magic missile at the poison wielding foe. If anyone steps within melee he will defend himself with his shortswords

[GM Fenrir]

Combat begins in earnest in the northernmost barn on the Makkee farm. Most of the group is concerned about Pothos, believing him to be the leader of the villains. Stephanie leads off by charging Pothos, while Sir Rovach closes and Butternut readies her sling. Aesa moves to engage the other pair of men, wary of the poisoned elf that has been directed to attack the players. Erizhi is going to cast a spell before entering combat while Kaelyn stays near the barn doors and prepares his own spell to use against the man protecting Pothos.

Game Notes: I use individual initiative rolls modified by weapon speed and casting times. I find this to be much more realistic. The only time I may use single group initiatives is in large scale battles with groups of disciplined soldiers trained to fight as one unit. I will also be showing damage done both by and to characters since in a regular setting each player would know even though adversary hit point totals remain secret regardless.

Butternut reacts first, her sling bullet sails past the charging Stephanie, hitting Pothos in the collar bone (4 pts dmg). He hisses at her, “You filthy imp! How dare you!”

Erizhi casts her Shield spell and moves up to engage the two men, her mace and shield at the ready.

Kaelyn’s Magic Missle spell goes off and unerringly strikes the man moving to protect Pothos (4 pts dmg). The man takes the blow but remains concentrated on the charging Stephanie.

The poisoned elf lets loose a guttural cry and leaps at Kaelyn. Clawing at him wildly, the elf fails to land a blow, yet.

The man guarding Pothos waits for Stephanie to close.

The left-most of the pair of men that was holding the elf closes with Erizhi, swinging his short sword. The blow however is deftly blocked by the war priestess’ shield.

Stephanie reaches Pothos, but his companion strikes first. His short sword is deflected off of her plate armor, but that was merely the feint. The true attack comes as he ducks low and lashes out with his dagger as she rushes past. The wicked blade finds the week spot behind the bend of the knee and cuts (2 pts dmg). Stephanie feels an immediate burn that a normal blade cut wouldn’t cause, but in her berserker state she shrugs it off.

Stephanie swings her sword furiously and nearly cleaves Pothos in two (12 pts dmg). Her second swing finishes the job, opening his throat and silencing him permanently (11 pts dmg).

Pothos never gets to make his attack.

The right-most of the pair of men that was holding the elf converges on Aesa. Since she was focused primarily on the other, the man takes advantage, appearing to have darted off against someone else and flanks the druid. His strike slips between her ribs on the right side and she struggles to remain upright (10 pts dmg from critical hit). Blood pours freely from the wound and he smiles as he pulls his blade clear.

Aesa engages her original target who is currently trying to hit Erizhi. First her staff connects against the back of the man’s skull (5 pts dmg) and then her hefty long sword follows up with a swing that cuts the man down (9 pts dmg).

Sir Rovach finally arrives and, upon seeing Pothos hacked down, he turns his attention to the quick man in front of him with Stephanie’s blood on his dagger. The man makes a move to dart away, but the reach of the paladin’s two-handed sword is enough, and the villain takes a solid blow to his chest (14 pts dmg). Somehow the man is still standing, although blood soon stains his lips from the devastating wound. He remains alert enough to avoid the paladin's second swing, but only just barely.


The first round of combat draws to a close. Aesa takes another point of damage from the critical hit. She remains standing but it is getting tough to focus. The poison in Stephanie’s system causes her extreme pain, but she is able to push through it. She does take another 5 points of damage from its effects.

Next round…

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Stephanie reaches Pothos, but his companion strikes first. His short sword is deflected off of her plate armor, but that was merely the feint. The true attack comes as he ducks low and lashes out with his dagger as she rushes past. The wicked blade finds the week spot behind the bend of the knee and cuts.

"NO!! YOU FOUL VILLIAN!" yells Sir Rovach upon seeing the coated blade strike Lady Stephanie.

Sir Rovach finally arrives and, upon seeing Pothos hacked down, he turns his attention to the quick man in front of him with Stephanie’s blood on his dagger. The man makes a move to dart away, but the reach of the paladin’s two-handed sword is enough, and the villain takes a solid blow to his chest. Somehow the man is still standing, although blood soon stains his lips from the devastating wound. He remains alert enough to avoid the paladin's second swing, but only just barely.

Seeing this dishonorable opponent still alive angers Sir Rovach! He continues his attack against this man with all the strength he has.

(ooc: Sir Rovach will continue attacking the opponent with the poisoned blade until he is dead, not stopping even if he tries to surrender. After that, he will turn his attention to the other two men who had the elf.)

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

As the battle begins, Erizhi sees most of the group move toward Pothos and his companion. While there might be safety in numbers, she also did not want to be anywhere near that poisoned blade that flashed. Turning towards the two with the elf, Erizhi casts a spell. As her hands sweep with a flourish, there is only a slight sparkle effect that occurs in front of her and nothing else is seen. "Scudo, mi proteggono!" But the priestess is far more confident with the Shield spell protecting her. She takes a few steps forward.

One of the men that had been holding the elf moves toward her swinging his short sword. Erizhi moves her own shield into place, easily deflecting the blow to the side. Aesa moves in on the man, flanking him, but is flanked in turn by the other enemy. Aesa takes a terrible blow in the side and Erizhi can see her painful grimace as the foe pulls the blade from her wound, spurting blood. Undetered, the druidess continues on her attack against the man engaged with Erizhi. Before the priestess can attack, Aesa has landed two solid blows, including a solid sword blow to the man's neck and Erizi's foe is down. However, she sees that the druidess is staggered from the wound in her side that continues to spill her red lifeblood.

Erizhi will move forward and cast a Cure Light Wounds (burning Bless in the process) on Aesa. She will then prepare to defend herself against that attacker. Hearing the mighty clash behind her, Erizhi will glance over to see that Pothos is down and his companion is nearly so. None of her companions other than Aesa appear seriously wounded thus far, for which Erizhi is thankful.

[Aesa]

Aesa:

Aesa loses sight of one of the men and the poisoned elf leaps past her. She focuses on the one that is trying to find a way past Erizhi's shield. Suddenly a blade slides between her ribs and the pain is incredible. Foolish, foolish, she chides herself mentally. Despite this she will NOT leave Erizhi on the defensive. Both her staff and her sword strike true, and that foe drops.

Aesa has trouble catching her breath and sees Erizhi moving towards her instead of the other foe. Seeing the priestess about to move her mace to her off hand she guesses that magical aid will soon be rendered, but that will mean the other opponent will have free reign to do as he wishes. She can not allow that to happen.

"No," Aesa urges Erizhi. "I shall be fine in but a moment. You must deal with the other," she says the last through such terrible pain. She can say no more and feels her life's blood pouring from such a horrible wound.

Concentrating, Aesa will shapeshift into her bear form. Hopefully Erizhi trusts her enough to not waste the magical healing on her and instead lay low the foul villain who did the deed. Otherwise he will strike again and surely cut one of them down.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

Erizhi moves to the severely wounded druidess, Aesa, as she moves her mace to her off hand, ready to heal her. She interposes the shield between the attacker and the two of them as she does so.

But a strange look comes over the woman's face.

"No," Aesa urges Erizhi. "I shall be fine in but a moment. You must deal with the other," she says the last through such terrible pain.

Erizhi touches the woman briefly and nods. Trusting that she has some means of taking care of herself, Erizhi will go on the offensive. Moving the shield to the side, Erizhi will concentrate on her single foe and cast Sleep (directed with the Area of Effect on him only). "Ora si deve andare a dormire!" In the unlikely event the spell is ineffective, she will transfer the mace back to her right hand and stay interposed between the man and Aesa.

Is this man one of the Immaterians or the one who is of uncertain origin?

[Stephanie]

Stephanie:

Stephanie rushes the oily man and is only vaguely aware of the attack that hits in the back of her knee. Ignoring it, she proceeds to slice the oily man nearly in two with her first strike and finishes him off with the second. There's a burning sensation from her wound, but given her current mental state, her whole body feels like its burning with rage.

Taking a quick look around, she sees the paladin fighting the man who wounded her and that he looks nearly dead.

The others are fighting close by with two men and the elf. Stephanie advances in that direction and will take on whom ever crosses her path first, the men or the elf, and proceed to dispatch them.

[Kaelyn]

Kaelyn


The poisoned elf lets loose a guttural cry and leaps at Kaelyn. Clawing at him wildly, the elf fails to land a blow, yet.

Never before has he seen the rage within an elf as it rushes forward uttering a cry, hands clawing at him, causing Kaelyn to stumble back for a few moments then moving left to right in an effort to evade his blows. ‘He knows not what he is doing.’ Perhaps they hold an antidote he wonders as he brings his short swords up in defense.

Kaelyn will bring his short swords to bear, using the flat of his blades to deflect the Elf’s blows. “They have the antidote and yet you attack us!” he bluffs, “They did this to you! If you help us, your ‘salvation’ will come. We will cure you!” If this does not persuade the elf, Kaelyn will seek an opening and attempt to knock the elf out or the wind out of him with the pommel of his swords, which ever seems more fitting.

If the elf gets a hold of him, Kaelyn will have no choice but to use the sharp edges of his swords.

[GM Fenrir]

Is this man one of the Immaterians or the one who is of uncertain origin?

Aesa took care of the one of uncertain origin so this man you are facing is Immaterian.

The others are fighting close by with two men and the elf. Stephanie advances in that direction and will take on whom ever crosses her path first, the men or the elf, and proceed to dispatch them.

Kaelyn is actually away from the others since he stayed near the barn doors. Aesa and Erizhi are up near one of the wagons (basically the other side of the wagon where you killed Pothos). So that would be the closest opponent and currently the direction you are heading in unless you choose to change it.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Butternut reacts first, her sling bullet sails past the charging Stephanie, hitting Pothos in the collar bone (4 pts dmg). He hisses at her, “You filthy imp! How dare you!”

Her shot strikes home, drawing an angry retort from the oily man. Butternut merely smirks in reply before Stephanie cuts him down with two devastating slashes.

Glancing around at the fighting as she draws another iron bullet, Butternut sees the two men who had been holding the elf attack Aesa. She is able to handle one of them, but the other manages to stab deeply into her side. As she seems the worst injured of her companions, Butternut decides she's in most need of help. It takes but a moment to whirl her sling and release the deadly projectile at the man who stabbed Aesa.

[GM Fenrir]

The combat continues. Half of the villains responsible for the slaughter of the Makkees have been cut down. Only two of the group have really taken any damage so far, but one was Aesa who has taken a serious wound into one of her lungs. Stephanie has endured a coward’s attack and even now her body is battling the poison coursing though her system.

Butternut loads up another sling bullet, switching targets to the Immaterian facing off against Erizhi and Aesa. It sails true and catches the man near the ear (3 pts dmg).

Aesa waves away Erizhi’s aid but slumps to one knee, finding it hard to remain standing. Putting her hands to the ground to brace herself, she rises up anew on four legs. Most of the wound is lost in her golden fur and she has healed the worst of it by shape shifting (6 pts healed).

The poisoned elf doesn’t seem to register Kaelyn’s words and presses the attack. Suddenly Kaelyn’s words are cut off completely as the elf’s hands slither around his throat and begin to squeeze! (2 pts dmg) The look in the elf’s eyes seems to be one of remorse, but he bares his teeth and the muscles under his arms tighten like a vice despite this. There is very little white left in the elf’s eyes as most of it is red with thick veins showing.

Erizhi’s Sleep spell goes off and the look of surprise on the Immater’s face upon seeing Aesa turn into a golden bear slides right off as the foe drops to the ground fast asleep.

The wounded Immaterian assassin smiles upon seeing Sir Rovach suddenly all alone as Stephanie leaves the two of them. It is a gruesome smile filled with blood but it doesn’t slow the villain’s attacks. With a deft flick of the wrist, the poison-coated blade is flung at Sir Rovach. In a moment of slow motion, the paladin’s eyes go wide at seeing the blade aimed accurately at the viewing slit in the great helm. Then his brain resisters the threat and he ducks, hearing and feeling the thrown dagger impact the helm instead of his eye socket and ricochet away.

Stephanie reaches the now-slumbering villain and looks around quickly. Seeing Kaelyn in trouble she moves in that direction . She plunges her blade through the elf and the grip on Kaelyn’s throat goes slack. (10 pts dmg) Kaelyn sees what looks like the release of all pain from the elf’s face as he slides to the ground.

The sleeping Immaterian, well, sleeps.

Kaelyn finally gets his blades free of their scabbards. There is no one left to melee with except for the one the paladin faces off against. He starts to move in that direction but it seems as though that fight is near its conclusion.

The paladin brings his massive two-handed sword to bear once more against the assassin. With a mighty swing, it knocks away the pitiful attempt at a block by the villain’s short sword and slices deep once again into the man’s chest, quite nearly cutting him in two. (15 pts dmg) There is no smile of defiance left in the man as he expires.


Aesa’s shape shifting stopped the critical bleeding she was suffering and the druid takes no additional damage. The poison in Stephanie doesn’t seem to be anything more than an irritation at this point and she takes no further damage.

This brings a close to combat. No other foes are visible, but the man Buchard that Kaelyn heard earlier has yet to show himself. Stephanie can come down off of her rage should she choose or remain to keep it active since the barn has not yet been secured. Additionally there is still the orchestrator of this whole thing left standing among you…

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

The wounded Immaterian assassin smiles upon seeing Sir Rovach suddenly all alone as Stephanie leaves the two of them. It is a gruesome smile filled with blood but it doesn’t slow the villain’s attacks. With a deft flick of the wrist, the poison-coated blade is flung at Sir Rovach. In a moment of slow motion, the paladin’s eyes go wide at seeing the blade aimed accurately at the viewing slit in the great helm. Then his brain resisters the threat and he ducks, hearing and feeling the thrown dagger impact the helm instead of his eye socket and ricochet away.

Sir Rovach readies his sword for another swing at the villian, anger and loathing filling his heart for an opponent to be so dishonorable as to use poison in just combat. All of a sudden, to Sir Rovach's surprise, the assassin throws his poison dagger right at his head. Move!! , thinks Sir Rovach, forcing his body to avoid the blade coming straight for his eye. He ducks just in time as the blow strikes his helmet but does not do any damage.

The paladin brings his massive two-handed sword to bear once more against the assassin. With a mighty swing, it knocks away the pitiful attempt at a block by the villain’s short sword and slices deep once again into the man’s chest, quite nearly cutting him in two. (15 pts dmg) There is no smile of defiance left in the man as he expires.

Enough is enough, thinks Sir Rovach, amazed this villian is still able to stand. Smiling back within his helmet, Sir Rovach strikes again with all his strength to cut down this rogue and remove his threat from the world.

The assassin down, Sir Rovach looks around but sees no other foes standing. His sight had also detected no other evil presence in the barn except for the foes they just faced. Was there ever anyone else in the barn, as Kaelyn said? And who in the name of the pit is "Buchard"? Is it possible Kaelyn knows these villians too? Lowering his sword, but still keeping it ready, he turns and walks in the general direction of both Kaelyn and Erizhetiana, hoping to find some answers to his questions. Sir Sinnasir indeed...

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

Guessing that Aesa has a means to heal herself and simply is not being self-sacrificing, Erizhi moves around to engage the Immaterian opponent who wounded her. The man is distracted temporarily, first as a pellet glances off the side of his head and then his eyes go wide, looking past Erizhi. The priestess guesses that she has used her shapeshifting ability, both to heal herself and draw such a reaction from the man.

This gives her all the opportunity she needs. The Sleep spell goes off without a hitch and the man collapses to the ground. "Neat, tidy and gives us someone to interrogate," she says to no one in particular. "Slaughtering everyone does not give us any information on the why, just the what. And we already know that, it seems," she muses.

Turning back around, she is not surprised to see the bear with the golden fur nearby. Erizhi sees that the wound is not completely healed, but the critical nature of the initial strike has been dealt with. If no combat happens in the next few moments, Erizhi will heal the bear with a CLW (again burning her Bless spell to do so). [If there is an appearance by Kaelyn's friend, then cast Magick Missile.]

Seeing Rovach approaching, Erizhi will say, "We have one prisoner. Our countryman there is under the effects of magickal sleep and should be restrained as soon as possible, err he awaken again." She points to the man nearby, to further clarify about whom she is speaking.

[Aesa]

Aesa:

Far too close, Aesa thinks in her bear thoughts. Thank the Wilds that it worked. She can breathe easier and, although the right side of her ribs ache, she is confident she won't tear anything.

There is no one left to fight but Aesa doesn't change back. This is the last time she will be able to adopt this form today and so she plans to make use of it. It would seem as though Erizhi is insistent on healing her, so she'll remain there until she feels the warmth of the magical healing course through her.

Aesa will then begin to explore the rest of the barn, keeping a nose and ears out for anyone left lurking about. Eyes as well even though they are not her best senses in this form. Kaelyn seemed to think another man was here and so best to bait him out if he is. Plus she's concerned about the missing Makkee children. Maybe clues to their fate, or the children themselves, may be in here somewhere.

[Stephanie]

Stephanie:

Only the deranged elf remains as a threat as the swordswoman reaches him and a quick stab is all it takes to take him out. Looking around a moment, Stephanie sees that no more foes remain to be fought.

She lets out a loud sigh of relief and removes her helmet. Suddenly, she feels light headed and has to hold on to the side of the wagon for support. The anger in her face fades and it seems as if she's coming out of a dream.

“OW!” Stephanie complains as she feels the pain from behind her knee. Looking around, you can see confusion plainly on her sweaty face. “What the hell?”

Looking around she notes the dead bodies of several strangers and that Aesa has gone bear again.

“We were just outside?” Stephanie asks in a confused voice. “How did we get here? Who are these men? And why is my knee of fire?”

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Seeing Rovach approaching, Erizhi will say, "We have one prisoner. Our countryman there is under the effects of magickal sleep and should be restrained as soon as possible, err he awaken again." She points to the man nearby, to further clarify about whom she is speaking.

Sir Rovach walks towards Lady Erizhetiana, the adrenaline rush from the battle slowly leaving his body. He looks down at the man, noting that they will have to find some rope or other means to restrain him.

“OW!” Stephanie complains as she feels the pain from behind her knee. Looking around, you can see confusion plainly on her sweaty face. “What the hell?”
Looking around she notes the dead bodies of several strangers and that Aesa has gone bear again.
“We were just outside?” Stephanie asks in a confused voice. “How did we get here? Who are these men? And why is my knee of fire?”

With a small sigh, Sir Rovach puts his sword away. Needs first, the memory of Sir Atohmos's instructions coming back to him. His questions will have to wait for now.
"A moment, my Lady, and I shall assist you." Sir Rovach tells Lady Erizhetiana, impressed that she was able to take out her enemy so easily with her magic.
He proceeds over to the Lady Stephanie, seeing the confusion on her face and the wound from the assassin on her leg. He takes off his helmet and when he gets to her he sets it upon the ground. "We were just in a battle, my Lady. You were....not quite yourself, I would guess. Your leg has taken a nasty wound from a dishonorable enemy." Holding his empty hands up before her, he asks Lady Stephanie "My Lady, if you will allow me, with the help of my Lord Anu I may heal most of your pain." If there is no objection, he will use Lay on Hands to heal Lady Stephanie's wound. After this, he will attend the securing of the sleeping Immaterian with Lady Erizhetiana.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

With their opponents getting desperate, things occur quickly. Her bullet seems to do little more than startle the target, but Eri's spell drops him to the ground... asleep? At the same time, Aesa turns back into her bear form, which is less surprising now that she knows of this strange ability.

The near-feral elf tries to strangle Kaelyn, but Stephanie cuts him down. Meanwhile, Sir Rovach finishes off the man with the poisoned blade.

All of the apparent opponents have been removed, but Butternut has not forgotten Kaelyn's mention of another hiding in the shadows. Swapping out her sling for her blades, she slinks off toward the shadowed corner from which the men appeared. As she progresses, Butternut carefully checks the shadows for the hidden man, as well as watching for an access to the loft.

[Stephanie]

Stephanie:

He proceeds over to the Lady Stephanie, seeing the confusion on her face and the wound from the assassin on her leg. He takes off his helmet and when he gets to her he sets it upon the ground. "We were just in a battle, my Lady. You were....not quite yourself, I would guess. Your leg has taken a nasty wound from an unhonorable enemy."

Stephanie regards Sir Rovach as he draws closer, removing his own helm in the process.

“Were it not for the blood on my sword, I would have said you were crazed,” Stephanie plainly states. “But that is clearly not the case. Were these the men responsible for what transpired here? They got what they deserved if they are.”

Holding his empty hands up before her, he asks Lady Stephanie "My Lady, if you will allow me, with the help of my Lord Anu I may heal most of your pain." If there is no objection, he will use Lay on Hands to heal Lady Stephanie's wound. After this, he will attend the securing of the sleeping Immaterian with Lady Erizhetiana.

“Okay,” Stephanie answers, not quite sure what he is going to do, but will not object.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Stephanie regards Sir Rovach as he draws closer, removing his own helm in the process.
“Were it not for the blood on my sword, I would have said you were crazed,” Stephanie plainly states. “But that is clearly not the case. Were these the men responsible for what transpired here? They got what they deserved if they are.”

"We believe so, my Lady. But there are still questions to be answered. Hopefully some answers will be forthcoming from the prisoner Lady Erizhetiana obtained for us. But for now, please allow me..."

Sir Rovach kneels to the side of Lady Stephanie and places his hands upon the wound on her leg. My Lord, he prays, please heal this brave warrior of this foul wound. Sir Rovach feels the healing energy of Anu flow from his chest and down his arms, through his hands and into the Lady Stephanie's leg.

Once done, Sir Rovach stands and says "It may take a few moments for normal feeling to return, but your leg should be healed some now. At least enough not to be so irritating to you. My pardon, my Lady, if it is not enough but it is the best I can do at this time." Turning around, Sir Rovach retrieves his helmet and replaces it upon his head. Bowing to Lady Stephanie, he asks "If you could help me find some rope my Lady, hopefully there is some in this barn, we can properly secure the prisoner. Afterwards, I'm guessing all our questions will be answered."

Sir Rovach walks back over to Lady Erizhetiana. Standing beside her, with his arms crossed and watching the prisoner, Sir Rovach will ask "So my Lady, this could have been alot worse. And I don't know how the others might react still. I ask you to please tell me truthfully: how did you and this villian Pothos know each other? And what was the meaning behind what he said?"

[Erisciana]

[Erizhetiana of Lotan -/b]

The halfling Butternut slips into the shadows and Erizhi will keep an eye on any result of her search, even if she quickly loses the stealthy humanoid.

Given the time, she will heal Aesa. "We may still be attacked and better to be prepared," the priestess explains to the "bear". Erizhi resists the urge to pat the "animal's" head when finished.

After Rovach attends to Stephanie and they restrain the sleeping Immaterian, Rovach asks about the verbal exchange that she had with Pothos.

"To answer your question, Pothos WAS a retainer to my father. I never was fond of that man. And obviously, as the last time I saw my father, he was still laid low by the vile attack that struck him down, Pothos could have been working for anyone, unfortunately."

"And as to that exchange, obviously he was making assumptions regarding myself and our presence here." Erizhi will leave the explanation at that for now.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

After Rovach attends to Stephanie and they restrain the sleeping Immaterian, Rovach asks about the verbal exchange that she had with Pothos.

(ooc: I'm sorry if I wasn't clear in my previous post. Rovach doesn't have anything to restrain the man. He asked Stephanie to help him find something for this so he could have a brief moment to ask Eri about Pothos, and then help restrain him. Again, sorry about that!)

"To answer your question, Pothos WAS a retainer to my father. I never was fond of that man. And obviously, as the last time I saw my father, he was still laid low by the vile attack that struck him down. Pothos could have been working for anyone, unfortunately."
"And as to that exchange, obviously he was making assumptions regarding myself and our presence here.". Erizhi will leave the explanation at that for now.

Sir Rovach listens to the answer Lady Erizhetiana tells him regarding the man called Pothos. The first part of the explaination makes sense. If Rovach himself ended up this far away from home, why wouldn't it be possible for another countryman to have found his way here. It's just coincidence that this evil person happened to know a member of their group. Stranger things have been known to happen in life, or caused by the design of the Gods. But it's the second part of the Lady's answer that bothers him.

"I beg your pardon, but it was more than that." Sir Rovach asks the Lady Erizhetiana. He tries to make his voice and manner non-accusitory, hoping to put her at ease that he will not denouce or attack her because of her answer. Obviously, this is not working though. "I don't remember all that he said word-for-word, but people do not make assumptions based on nothing. There's always a foundation, even if it's false and hollow, for assumptions to be built upon. Why would he believe you had a part of this?" When no answer is forthcoming, Lady Erizhetiana leaving her previous explanation as-is, Sir Rovach is very much bothered by this.

He removes his helmet and looks Lady Erizhetiana in the eye, speaking low as not to attract attention from the others about what he is about to say. He is not angry, and tries to keep his voice neutral. "Call me an idealistic fool, I don't care. These are good people that joined us in this investigation. Their hearts are good & true. I saw it, like I saw it in you. Both of us are strangers here, and we are lucky to have met their kind so quickly. To be able to one day call such people "friend" is worth more than any of those trinkets you like to wear. To throw that away because you're afraid would be a great loss. I think you should tell them everything, my Lady. I think you might find them more understanding than you think."

Looking towards the interior of the barn, Sir Rovach says "I don't believe they'll find anyone else in there." He will then replace his helmet and assist Lady Stephanie in finding rope & restraining the prisoner.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

(OOC: I made the assumption that Rovach was talking to Erizhi AFTER they took care of the prisoner. My error....)

"I beg your pardon, but it was more than that." Sir Rovach asks the Lady Erizhetiana. He tries to make his voice and manner non-accusitory, hoping to put her at ease that he will not denouce or attack her because of her answer. Obviously, this is not working though. "I don't remember all that he said word-for-word, but people do not make assumptions based on nothing. There's always a foundation, even if it's false and hollow, for assumptions to be built upon. Why would he believe you had a part of this?"

"And I beg your pardon, but it was not more than that!" She raises her voice somewhat, but without yelling. "The man was here on this horrible mission, working for whom, we do not yet know. And as you surely know, your idealism aside, many of our people have no regard whatever for anyone or anything not of Immater. A man such as Pothos would not likely fathom that we were trying to actually help these 'barbarians'." Erizhi looks at the paladin, with her hands on her hips. "I do not know the man, I mainly knew OF him. Why he would make any assumption is strictly conjecture now that the man is dead."

He removes his helmet and looks Lady Erizhetiana in the eye, speaking low as not to attract attention from the others about what he is about to say. He is not angry, and tries to keep his voice neutral. "Call me an idealistic fool, I don't care. These are good people that joined us in this investigation. Their hearts are good & true. I saw it, like I saw it in you. Both of us are strangers here, and we are lucky to have met their kind so quickly. To be able to one day call such people "friend" is worth more than any of those trinkets you like to wear. To throw that away because you're afraid would be a great loss. I think you should tell them everything, my Lady. I think you might find them more understanding than you think."

"So far, no one except you is asking the questions, my dear paladin. I respect all of our companions, else I would not be here. I found this a worthy cause, else I would not be here. And as I told you, and Kaelyn as well, at the Inn the night we all met, I am here as an 'unofficial' envoy of the Temple of Ishtar and of the House Iltani. That fool could have made any number of assumptions off that information alone. Perhaps we should drag his corpse back to Lotan to raise him, so that you can ask him yourself?"

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Sir Rovach hears the Lady Erizhetiana's reply back to him about the man Pothos. It appears to him that she is getting upset, which is understandable but something he wanted to avoid. Good Job, Rovach. Well done, he tells himself mockingly. But something still really bothered him about the whole situation. His heart told him there was a connection here, but what it entirely was, he did not know yet. He believed the Lady wasn't a part of this. But couldn't she see there was some sort of connection here? Or understand that he would help her if she needed? Maybe she truly didn't see a connection here, or didn't know that he would help her if needed. This is taking too long, thought Rovach as he looks down at the sleeping prisoner to make sure he's still sleeping.

Pointing in the direction of the now deceased Pothos, Sir Rovach replies with a smirk "Dragging him might cause too much damage, Priestess. He'd have to be carried. And if I was to do that, his oily skin would definately blemish my armor."

Becoming serious again, Sir Rovach continues in a firm voice. "Now that the ridiculous is out of the way, we can continue." Emphasizing his next few words, Sir Rovach hopes she'll listen to him. "I believe you have nothing to do with what happened on this farm. I believe what you say about knowing this man Pothos. And I would help you if you were in trouble. Because from what I can see, I believe you are being set up!"

The words begin pouring out of Sir Rovach the more he speaks. "You want conjecture, my Lady, then here you go. Pothos believed you were capable of, and a part of, the murders here. He would believe that if he knew you were or if he was told you were. Since you would not commit an act as terrible as this, it stands to reason that he was told this by someone. This would have been told to him by someone carrying the tale or the originator of the tale. Either way it leads back to the originator of the tale. The person who started this either knows you were a part of this, which you obviously are not, or they are making up a lie. So they are making up a lie about you, telling it to others. And why would they do that? I would guess, and it is only a guess, that someone is angry with you or wants to make you look bad here in Dormare. Or make House Iltani, or even Immater itself, look bad here in the region. This is where your help would come in Lady, more than anything short of some cloaked assassin jumping out and saying "It's me!". I don't know the game of noble Houses specifically as well as you would, but I do understand the power games that take place amongst those in positions of power back home. Very well indeed. Who would want to make you or your House look bad? Who would be angry with you or your house? Who would gain by your disgrace?"

Pausing for a moment, Sir Rovach then continues. "Yes, I am the only one asking questions right now. Would you rather have me ask questions, respecting you enough to speak with you, instead of assuming the worse? I think the others, or some of the others, will have questions of their own too, as soon as they have finished here. They're good people, but some might jump to negative conclusions and assumptions about you. I also believe they would help you if someone was trying to hurt you, at the very least just for the opportunity to get to the mastermind of these murders. How you reply when that times comes can determine the fate of many of us here, not just yourself."
"Now I need to help the Lady Stephanie finding rope to secure the prisoner before he wakes up, unless you know there is no danger of that happening anytime soon." Sir Rovach turns his back to Lady Erizhetiana, then stops. He sighs, and says again in a mild voice "Let me know if you need help. I will help you. You have my word." If there is no other discussion, he will hurry to help Lady Stephanie with the prisoner.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

Rovach makes a joke in response to Erizhi's last statement, but becomes more serious again.

He becomes quite verbose in his statement and Erizhi will let him finish his thought, though she has to bite her lip a bit to stop from interrupting on several occassions.

He then tries to stop the conversation with a segue into dealing with the prisoner. Erizhi takes a deep breath, is about to start into expressing her feelings and stops, letting out a puff of breath instead. "At my level of power, this man should be out for no more than ten minutes at most," she says, dealing with the more important issue at hand.

She will follow behind him for a few steps to finish the thought that she never started. "Any number of people or powers could be behind such a dastardly lie. Who specifically I do not know. It could be someone from a rival house. It could be a jilted member of my temple who felt that they were better deserving of this 'honor'. It could be a foreigner who wants Immater to look poorly in the eyes of these people. It could be anyone!" She stops as he continues. "You are trying to extract a level of information that is too vague at this time, I am afraid."

Sir Rovach turns his back to Lady Erizhetiana, then stops. He sighs, and says again in a mild voice "Let me know if you need help. I will help you. You have my word."

She believes the man, but is not sure what can be done at this point in time. She nods, acknowledging his words. But her face holds more of a frown than a smile and she returns to watch the sleeping Immaterian man. She will have her mace ready in case he is awakened before they return with something to restrain him. She will make sure to slide his weapon away from his hand with the toe of her sandal while she is waiting and will remain within striking distance, but not within range of his grasp. "The games of noble houses and even the temples back in Lotan are cunning and detailed and full of intrigue," she says to no one in particular.

[Stephanie]

Stephanie....

...has 50" of rope out on her horse and will go get it. No need for a massive manhunt for any.

[GM Fenrir]

Post Closed