New Kingdoms #6

[GM Fenrir]

The battle in the barn is over but several issues still remain. One is what to do with the sleeping Immaterian that fell victim to Erizhetiana’s spell. It quickly turns into a question and answer session between her and Sir Rovach however, and so Stephanie heads outside to where she left her horse to get rope from her saddle bags. Aesa, still in bear form, and Butternut fan out to explore the rest of the barn. Kaelyn has yet to say anything but he may very well be making sure he still has a voice!

Butternut spots the loft area, which isn’t nearly as big as in the previous barn. Since this one’s purpose is to store wagons and materials for them, there is little that one would want to awkwardly heft up a ladder. The halfling makes short work of the exploration of the loft and finds nothing of interest. It doesn’t even look like it has ever been used for anything.

Aesa doesn’t smell or hear anything out of the ordinary, but as she gets closer to the back of the barn, the smell of fresh earth reaches her. Not sure what to expect, but most likely not hoping for graves, Aesa comes upon a large hole in the ground almost touching the back wall of the barn. It appears to be almost perfectly five foot square. Peering down, it looks to descend about fifteen feet. A sixteen foot ladder is propped up against one side, the top of it just peeking up over the edge of the hole. From your vantage point the bottom of the hole appears to turn into a tunnel leading north. Several packs and a bundle of unlit torches lie at the bottom of the hole in one of the corners near the ladder.

Stephanie returns with the rope, having seen nothing outside that attracted her attention. It is still the deathly calm as it had been ever since your arrival. Together her and Sir Rovach tie up the Immaterian while Erizhetiana stands watch should he have woken prematurely.

[Aesa]

Aesa:

"So far, no one except you is asking the questions, my dear paladin.

OOC: Some of us are in bear form and, since it is doubtful you speak it fluently, are holding their questions for later.



What's that? Aesa the bear thinks as she plods towards the rear of the barn, picking up the fresh earth smell. Nothing like that should be evident here. So far, no sign of anyone else lurking around. Not sure what else to think, she moves closer. She notices Butternut climbing up into the loft. Good vantage point up there, she notes mentally.

Aesa stares down the hole, looking at.. what exactly? A tunnel, she ponders. It looks well built. How long would it take to dig this out? She's no expert at excavation. Would the Makkees dig this? For what purpose? It's not making any sense to her so time to bring the others in.

"Grumpphhh!!" Aesa says, rubbling from deep within her bear girth. Hopefully that will bring them to her. She will paw at the ground where the ladder is sticking its head up from the hole once the others start arriving so as to direct their attention to what she found.

[Kaelyn]

Kaelyn



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.

The poisoned elf does not heed his words and continues on with his assault. Within a moment his breath is caught in his throat as the elf’s hands curl about his throat. As he gasps for air the Kaelyn can’t help but look into the elf’s eyes as his own hands go up to attempt to get the elf off of him.

“He is strong.” He thinks to himself ashe feeblily as he looks into the elf’s bloodshot eyes.

Suddenly the grip upon his neck slackens as the elf slumps down and the light fades from his eyes. Looking up a little breathless he sees Stephanie a bloody sword within her hands. “Thank you.” He says to the woman warrior as he rubs his neck gingerly.



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.

Seeing the man nearly cut in half, he thinks, ‘This one doesn’t need help’.

Looking about he sees bodies of the fallen laying about, thankfully none of them are his companions. Kaelyn will go to the bodies and look for anything of value while,gathering up weapons, He can’t help but to notice the paladin and priestess debating like an old married couple.Though he understands and shares Sir Rovach’s concerns he does not see Buchard’s body “Perhaps this can wait until later? I don’t see Buchard’s body, he couldn’t have gotten far.” ‘Unless he was communicating magically, he wonders to himself.


"Grumpphhh!!" Aesa says, rubbling from deep within her bear girth. Hopefully that will bring them to her. She will paw at the ground where the ladder is sticking its head up from the hole once the others start arriving so as to direct their attention to what she found.

Hearing the throaty rubble of bear, Kaelyn is curious, "Sounds like Aesa has found something."

[Butternut]

Butternut:

The darkened corners where the men emerged from don't appear to be hiding any new opponents, but Butternut does find the ladder to the loft. The loft is small and it takes but a few moments to determine that nothing of interest is up there. However, it does give a good view of the rest of the barn.

From this vantage point, Butternut notes Aesa in her golden bear form rooting about near the back wall. She seems intent on something, then gives a rumbling grunt audible throughout the barn. It seems clear to Butternut that the bear has found something. The halfling ranger leaps and grabs a beam, dangling for a moment before dropping to the floor not far from the bear.

"What is -- Oh," Butternut pauses, seeing the hole and the ladder as she approaches Aesa. "Strange place for a root cellar." Looking down into the hole, it quickly becomes apparent that this is no root cellar.

Hearing a voice behind her, Butternut spies Kaelyn's approach. "Looks to be a tunnel headed north. Must be how the other guy got away."

[GM Fenrir]

I forgot to add into the last post about the healing done. Erizhi overheals Aesa's wounds with her Cure Light Wounds spell by one point, so the druid is fully healed. Sir Rovach's Lay on Hands healed all but one point of Stephanie's wounds.

The looting of the bodies doesn't take overly long. There is little to find. Kaelyn discovers nothing on the elf's body but his worn clothing. Each of the four villians have a small pouch inside which contains thirty silver galleons. There are three short swords, one dagger, one dirk and the assassin had two braces of throwing knives hidden in the sleeves of his tunic, one pair per arm. Pothos has a case that might be used to hold maps or scrolls secured to his belt at the small of his back. The case is sealed and it sounds like something is inside. All of their clothing is well worn and in need of cleaning as is their footwear. The man not native to the Shining Coast has a locket on a chain tucked into his pouch. It would appear to be a woman's locket made of copper. There is nothing else of note or value on the men.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Sir Rovach begins to walk away from Lady Erizhetiana in order to assist Lady Stephanie in finding some rope. As he walks, he can't help but feel fustration building up inside of him. But he is not sure what he is entirely fustrated with, trying to work this out in his own mind. As it turns out, he doesn't have to walk far; the Lady Stephanie has returned in her quest to obtain rope!

Together her and Sir Rovach tie up the Immaterian while Erizhetiana stands watch should he have woken prematurely.

They tie up the prisoner, Sir Rovach not saying a word and none being said to him. As he does so, he catches himself yanking on the rope just a little too strong. I shouldn't take my issue out on a prisoner. He remembers the Litany of Harmony from the Holy Scrolls of Anu, and repeats this to himself, centering himself once again.

Hearing the throaty rubble of bear, Kaelyn is curious, "Sounds like Aesa has found something."

Sir Rovach cocks his head and tries to listen for what Mister Kaelyn heard. But Mister Kaelyn's hearing must be better than his. And this helm doesn't help either, Rovach thinks to himself. Standing up after they tie up the prisoner, Sir Rovach tries to judge the size of the Immaterian verses his own strength. He speaks to Mister Kaelyn and the Ladies Stephanie & Erizhetiana "If I am able, I will carry him if you wish to join the others. Once he awakes then we can decide to haul him like a sack of grain or make him walk under his own power."

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan -

The Immaterian man is secured and restrained and the questions of the paladin about Pothos fade with the sudden discovery of something by the bear-druidess. There appears to be something of interest, but no promising impending conflict.

Sir Rovach tries to judge the size of the Immaterian verses his own strength. He speaks to Mister Kaelyn and the Ladies Stephanie & Erizhetiana "If I am able, I will carry him if you wish to join the others. Once he awakes then we can decide to haul him like a sack of grain or make him walk under his own power."

Hearing this, Erizhi will offer, "Rovach, perhaps you should investigate Aesa's discovery, without this burden for the moment. It may be important and they may need your sword at the ready. I can watch this slumbering fool and my support of the group can be done at more of a distance than your swordblade." An easy smile comes to her face, as though the previous conversation and questioning was all but forgotten.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Erizhi will offer, "Rovach, perhaps you should investigate Aesa's discovery, without this burden for the moment. It may be important and they may need your sword at the ready. I can watch this slumbering fool and my support of the group can be done at more of a distance than your swordblade." An easy smile comes to her face, as though the previous conversation and questioning was all but forgotten.

"As you wish, my Lady," replies Sir Rovach with a bow, smiling inside his helmet. "Hopefully we shouldn't be long." Sir Rovach will draw his sword and proceed to Aesa's location with Mister Kaelyn & Lady Stephanie when they are ready.

[Kaelyn]

Kaelyn

The looting of the bodies doesn't take overly long. There is little to find. Kaelyn discovers nothing on the elf's body but his worn clothing. Each of the four villians have a small pouch inside which contains thirty silver galleons. There are three short swords, one dagger, one dirk and the assassin had two braces of throwing knives hidden in the sleeves of his tunic, one pair per arm. Pothos has a case that might be used to hold maps or scrolls secured to his belt at the small of his back. The case is sealed and it sounds like something is inside. All of their clothing is well worn and in need of cleaning as is their footwear. The man not native to the Shining Coast has a locket on a chain tucked into his pouch. It would appear to be a woman's locket made of copper. There is nothing else of note or value on the men.

Kaelyn gather’s the weapons and armor and places it before him. Upon seeing the two braces of throwing knives he looks at them longingly until he sees the case that is sealed that may contain scrolls of parchment or maps. Taking it gingerly in his hands, Kaelyn will examine the container(check/disarm for traps) if he thinks it is safe he will open it.

“Sir Rovach, Lady Erizhetiana, it seems that they may be carrying information. As to what, I can not say,” he says as he attempts to open the scroll case.

Though the talk of the prisoner raises a curious eyebrow. “Why not hogtie him and hang him from the crossbeams of the barn? If he falls he will only hurt himself further and the chances of him getting away would be even less with you watching him, Lady Erizhetiana."

Hearing a voice behind her, Butternut spies Kaelyn's approach. "Looks to be a tunnel headed north. Must be how the other guy got away.

“And no doubt trapped, if I know our enemy as well as I think I do. This man we will be following is not to be taken lightly. He would kill his own mother given the opportunity.” In fact I think that he has, if the stories are true, he thinks to himself as he waits to for the others.

[GM Fenrir]

Taking it gingerly in his hands, Kaelyn will examine the container(check/disarm for traps) if he thinks it is safe he will open it.

Kaelyn does not detect any traps on the scroll case and it is simply bound with a cord. Carefully opening it he finds two sheets of parchment, one of which is completely blank. The other has a very crude map drawn in charcoal showing the layout of the farm, rough distances and a dotted line that can only possibly mean the tunnel that Aesa has found. If the map can be believed, the tunnel spans about 500 yards if the measurements are even closely accurate.

Something draws Kaelyn back to the blank parchment, as if there was something there. Further looking doesn't reveal anything, but then he remembers something from his training as a mage. The parchment is of quality enough to have been scribed with one or more spells. The fact that it is now blank means however many were on there have since been cast.

The rest of the party remains split in two at the moment. Aesa and Butternut are waiting by the opening leading down to where the tunnel is. Sir Rovach and Erizhi are still near the sleeping prisoner when Kaelyn reveals what he has found. Lastly Stephanie is lingering by this group as well.

[Kaelyn]

Kaelyn

(Sorry I got carried away with posts as to where he was. Please disregard some of what he said in previous post, IE to Butternut.)

Kaelyn

does not detect any traps on the scroll case and it is simply bound with a cord. Carefully opening it he finds two sheets of parchment, one of which is completely blank. The other has a very crude map drawn in charcoal showing the layout of the farm, rough distances and a dotted line that can only possibly mean the tunnel that Aesa has found. If the map can be believed, the tunnel spans about 500 yards if the measurements are even closely accurate.

Something draws Kaelyn back to the blank parchment, as if there was something there. Further looking doesn't reveal anything, but then he remembers something from his training as a mage. The parchment is of quality enough to have been scribed with one or more spells. The fact that it is now blank means however many were on there have since been cast.

Carefully opening the case, Kaelyn looks inside before carefully pulling two pieces of parchment from it. A look of confusion comes across his face as he sees the blank piece of parchment. Placing it beside him gazes upon the other. Several moments later, he realizes what he is holding, “One of these men was indeed holding a map!” he exclaims to the others. “And a intricate one at that.” Getting up he walks over to Sir Rovach, “This was no mere attack, Look how well it was planned. There are distances between buildings as well as the general layout. This line must be where they entered and meant to escape from.” He guesses as he calls for Butternut, “Butternut,You know this land well?” he guesses by the way the Halfling got us to the farm. “Can you tell us anything that might be in that direction,” looking down at the map but then up,” North?”

Then he suddenly realizes what the blank piece of paper is!, walking back over he pick up the parchment. ‘Spells, but which ones were they?.’ He wonders as he gazes at the now empty parchment. Folding the piece of parchment up he will place it within his pouch, maybe there was a way to see what was scribed there.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Looking down into the hole and waiting for Kaelyn to join them, Butternut grows bored and starts to climb down the ladder. Once she reaches the bottom, she moves toward the bundle of torches, intending to light one and have a look around.

He guesses as he calls for Butternut, “Butternut,You know this land well?” he guesses by the way the Halfling got us to the farm. “Can you tell us anything that might be in that direction,” looking down at the map but then up,” North?”

Hearing Kaelyn's voice from above, Butternut climbs partway back up the ladder and calls back. "How far north?"

{{OOC: Fenrir, if Butternut knows of anything significant in the rough general area described, let me know.}}

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana of Lotan-

Kaelyn manages a discovery while searching the bodies. He finds a scroll case, which attracts Erizhi's attention. Unfortunately it only holds a map and a blank parchment. The map holds a detailed drawing of the farm and shows the tunnel which Aesa found. But no destination indicated. The other parchment is blank which leads Kaelyn to believe ot had magic spells which have been used.

Kaelyn mentions more secure and extreme methods for restraining their prisoner. Erizhi raises one eyebrow at the suggestion. "I am sure I can manage to watch one bound and helpless prisoner that I was already successful in capturing," she says with a smile. "And we should be concentrating on that tunnel and following the one who got away as quickly as we can." Seeing Stephanie linger here, she will add, "They may be needing your talents there as well, if an ambush."

"We still have a chance to catch the one who got away if we hurry," she says to those here in earshot.

[GM Fenrir]

Looking down into the hole and waiting for Kaelyn to join them, Butternut grows bored and starts to climb down the ladder. Once she reaches the bottom, she moves toward the bundle of torches, intending to light one and have a look around.

Once Butternut reaches the bottom, she can tell that the tunnel was recently built. The ground is not packed and still smells of freshly dug earth. The walls and ceiling appear to be excavated flawlessly, and yet there are no supporting timbers that can be seen in the low light down here. She also spots sets of footprints both coming and going into the darkness of the tunnel, but before she can light a torch to better see, Kaelyn distracts her.

{{OOC: Fenrir, if Butternut knows of anything significant in the rough general area described, let me know.}}

Both Stephanie and Butternut would be fairly familiar with this area. North of the farm there is nothing of note except for light woods, the occassional hill and a pond here and there. If the measurements on the map are right, then there would be a small hillside that would be close to the distance of the line on the map.

It's pretty much unclaimed territory and wild lands beyond the Makkee farm, being the northern-most part of the kingdom. It would be easy for a group, like Pothos and his companions, to move through the woodlands and arrive at this northern farm without being spotted by patrols. Especially if they had a guide who knew the lands well (Buchard?).

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Though the talk of the prisoner raises a curious eyebrow. “Why not hogtie him and hang him from the crossbeams of the barn? If he falls he will only hurt himself further and the chances of him getting away would be even less with you watching him, Lady Erizhetiana."

Sir Rovach smiles when he hears this suggestion. "An interesting idea, Mister Kaelyn. But I don't think we need to go to such extremes. I believe Lady Erizhetiana can handle this wretch. What worries me is if he has friends out and about, who might return while we are gone." Looking over at Lady Erizhetiana, Sir Rovach says to her "If this ....person" you can hear the disgust in his voice as he refers to the prisoner, "has friends who return, there is no dishonor for you to fall back when outnumbered, my Lady."

“This was no mere attack, Look how well it was planned. There are distances between buildings as well as the general layout. This line must be where they entered and meant to escape from.” He guesses as he calls for Butternut, “Butternut,You know this land well?” he guesses by the way the Halfling got us to the farm. “Can you tell us anything that might be in that direction,” looking down at the map but then up,” North?”

"I wonder how could they build a tunnel over so far a distance? Such a project is not easily done, even a rough tunnel such as this, without time and alot of labor. And to emerge so close to the Makkee farm without being found out by the Makkee's?". Sir Rovach asks the group around him. "For those of you knowledgable in the arcane," Sir Rovach also looks over at Mister Kaelyn "and from what you know of this Buchard creature, could such a task be accomplished with the magical arts?"

"We still have a chance to catch the one who got away if we hurry," she says to those here in earshot.

"There is wisdom in what the Lady says, my friends. Let us discover where this tunnel leads and what is at the end of it. And if this Buchard person is there, he will be made to face justice for his involvement in what occurred on this farm, no matter what he tries to do to avoid his fate." Sir Rovach will then proceed down into the tunnel (once the ladder is clear for him to decend!) with his sword drawn and ready.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana Iltani of Lotan -

Looking over at Lady Erizhetiana, Sir Rovach says to her "If this ....person" you can hear the disgust in his voice as he refers to the prisoner, "has friends who return, there is no dishonor for you to fall back when outnumbered, my Lady."

Erizhi turns her head to the side and smiles. not really looking at anything. "I have no desire to leave this world so soon, honor intact, or no," she answers. "You will all know if I am overwhelemd, if I am at all able."


“This was no mere attack, Look how well it was planned. There are distances between buildings as well as the general layout. This line must be where they entered and meant to escape from.” He guesses as he calls for Butternut, “Butternut,You know this land well?” he guesses by the way the Halfling got us to the farm. “Can you tell us anything that might be in that direction,” looking down at the map but then up,” North?”

"I wonder how could they build a tunnel over so far a distance? Such a project is not easily done, even a rough tunnel such as this, without time and alot of labor. And to emerge so close to the Makkee farm without being found out by the Makkees?". Sir Rovach asks the group around him. "For those of you knowledgable in the arcane," Sir Rovach also looks over at Mister Kaelyn "and from what you know of this Buchard creature, could such a task be accomplished with the magical arts?"

Erizhi is surprised by this conclusion. She is still very unsure to what end this farm could be any sort of suitable target. And certainly a plan of such detail seemed unnecessary if sheer terror were the goal. Unprotected out here, they had the power to ride in and kill the people in moments. There had to be some answer. Erizhi frowned again and looked at their prisoner. Perhaps he has some information, she thought.

"There is wisdom in what the Lady says, my friends. Let us discover where this tunnel leads and what is at the end of it. And if this Buchard person is there, he will be made to face justice for his involvement in what occurred on this farm, no matter what he tries to do to avoid his fate." Sir Rovach will then proceed down into the tunnel (once the ladder is clear for him to decend!) with his sword drawn and ready.

The thought comes to Erizhi that they should send one or two on the surface in the direction of the tunnel as part of a dual pronged chase, especially since those above could possibly move faster. But they have already spent too much time debating their actions. "Yes, go! Quickly!" she urges.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

There isn't an answer to her question immediately forthcoming from Kaelyn, so the halfling shrugs, drops down from the ladder and lights the torch. "Come on, Aesa!" she calls back up through the hole as she down the tunnel. "Get your ursine nose down here and help me track the other guy!"

Not waiting for a reply, she draws her shortsword and begins making her way down the tunnel, watching for clues and tracks as she goes.

[Aesa]

Aesa:

"Come on, Aesa!" she calls back up through the hole as she down the tunnel. "Get your ursine nose down here and help me track the other guy!"

Aesa the bear huffs in response and proceeds to try to make her way down. Bears aren't the best at climbing ladders, she thinks as she tries to find the best way down, unless I just pretend this is a tree. She can't shape change anymore today, so she has to stay in this form. With this in mind, Aesa will see if she can descend the ladder at all. If it's not possible, she'll just jump and take her chances. It's not that far, she thinks.

[GM Fenrir]

The group has begun to descend into the tunnel. Butternut climbs down first. Lighting a torch from a bundle piled next to the four packs stashed in the corner, she notices a slight depression where two or three more packs possibly sat among the others. She starts down the tunnel, unable to see anything beyond the range of the torchlight (about 15 feet). Still the Halfling picks up the tracks made in the fresh earth:

The oldest set of tracks made she would judge at about 10 people, all adults, came from the other end of this tunnel. Three sets of these tracks appear to be forced, as if they were not walking of their own free will; possibly sick, injured or pulled along.

Another group of tracks seems to be leading into the tunnel from where the player group is currently. It would appear to be five adults, two sets which seem as though those moving through were carrying a heavy or awkward load. There also appears to be two sets of smaller tracks, maybe adolescents, leaving more shuffling prints than clear tracks.

Finally there is one set along the wall of the tunnel where it appears as though a scuffle took place, as if two adults were trying to restrain a third. These seem to be the most recent of all the tracks. Even the oldest of the tracks down here appears made no more than two days ago, if that.


Aesa is the next to descend the ladder. After pawing about a bit she chooses the safest, but hardly the most graceful, of descents by going down backwards, one big paw at a time. Although wobbly, the ladder holds and she soon has four paws on solid ground once more. The smell of freshly dug earth fills her bear nose, but there doesn’t seem to be anyone lingering in the immediate shadows.

Sir Rovach is the next to arrive at the bottom. Since the tunnel appears to be a perfect 5 foot square, he will have to hunch over once he enters it completely.

So far the sleeping Immaterian remains that way. Assuming nothing changes, Erizhi is confident he will remain asleep for several more minutes.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Sir Rovach is the next to arrive at the bottom. Since the tunnel appears to be a perfect 5 foot square, he will have to hunch over once he enters it completely.

After climbing down the ladder into the tunnel below, Sir Rovach draws his sword and see's the size of the tunnel before him. Wonderful, he thinks sarcastically, going underground is never easy. Since he will not have much room, if any at all, to swing his sword he will be ready to use it to thrust & stab if needed. Hurrying to catch up with Lady Butternut and Lady Aesa (What kind of creature is she? he wonders) he hopes that the tunnel size also makes it difficult for this Buchard person to travel with any speed too, assuming he is human as well.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana Iltani of Lotan -

[OOC: Forgot to touch on this in the previous post, so putting it in now. This statement takes place before everyone heads over to the tunnel. Keeping it separate for clarity from current post below.]

"I wonder how could they build a tunnel over so far a distance? Such a project is not easily done, even a rough tunnel such as this, without time and alot of labor. And to emerge so close to the Makkee farm without being found out by the Makkees?". Sir Rovach asks the group around him. "For those of you knowledgable in the arcane," Sir Rovach also looks over at Mister Kaelyn "and from what you know of this Buchard creature, could such a task be accomplished with the magical arts?"

"There are ways that this could be done, but from my knowledge, it would either take one very powerful magick-user or a small army of minor mages. Either that or one very dedicated individual with a a lot of time on his hands. Which begs the question, why so much effort to take out a family of farmers. There is much to learn here that we do not yet understand. And of course, there are magicks that I do not begin to have heard about."

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana Iltani of Lotan -

Several of the group are already at the tunnel or heading there. Erizhi is self-tasked with watching the prisoner, who should remain sleeping for a bit longer yet. She takes up a close position near the restrained and prone Immaterian.

Looking over to Kaelyn and Stephanie, she wonders if they are going to the tunnel as well. She looks back at her prisoner and her eyes narrow as a thought crosses her mind and a frown forms on her lovely features.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Butternut will relay her interpretation of the tracks to Aesa and the others as they arrive. "Looks like there were originally 10 people, with 3 probably being those drugged elves. Later, 5 left carrying something heavy, accompanied by 2 smaller people - probably the Makkees' kids."

She moves up the tunnel a bit. "Looks like there was a bit of a tussle her just recently: two against one. Possibly a prisoner."

If Aesa wants to take the lead, Butternut will allow that, but either way, she'll continue working her way along. The sight of the tracks that could be the kids has her a bit excited and anxious, so she'll move at a decent pace while keeping an eye on the tracks.

[Aesa]

Aesa:

After pawing about a bit she chooses the safest, but hardly the most graceful, of descents by going down backwards, one big paw at a time. Although wobbly, the ladder holds and she soon has four paws on solid ground once more.

Aesa lets out a mental sigh of relief that she doesn't fall or break the ladder. In a different setting her descent was probably comical but with the weight of the current situation no one pays it any mind. Butternut looks back briefly at her as if wondering if she wants to lead. However the halfling doesn't wait and begins to move out once she relays information about the tracks.

Aesa will move to one side of the tunnel and edge her way up. She will use her senses of smell and hearing since the light is throwing off vision for more than fifteen feet or so. Should she pick up a trail she will move as quickly as she can to close on it but will be mindful of pitfalls or obvious traps, hoping she or Butternut spot any before triggering them.

[Kaelyn]

Kaelyn

Sir Rovach smiles when he hears this suggestion. "An interesting idea, Mister Kaelyn. But I don't think we need to go to such extremes. I believe Lady Erizhetiana can handle this wretch. What worries me is if he has friends out and about, who might return while we are gone." Looking over at Lady Erizhetiana, Sir Rovach says to her "If this ....person" you can hear the disgust in his voice as he refers to the prisoner, "has friends who return, there is no dishonor for you to fall back when outnumbered, my Lady."

‘You would if you knew how well some people can get out of their bonds,’ he thinks to himself. But, he soon lets the point drop.

"I wonder how could they build a tunnel over so far a distance? Such a project is not easily done, even a rough tunnel such as this, without time and alot of labor. And to emerge so close to the Makkee farm without being found out by the Makkee's?". Sir Rovach asks the group around him. "For those of you knowledgable in the arcane," Sir Rovach also looks over at Mister Kaelyn "and from what you know of this Buchard creature, could such a task be accomplished with the magical arts?"

‘Magic.’ Simply pops in his head upon the paladin’s first statement, as Lady Erizathaina soon points out as well. “There are spells that allow the caster to do such feats. If one were powerful enough it could take a few days to do such work, that would take others months or even years.”

Hearing Butternut’s question of how long the shaft is, but before he can answer the others are down the shaft and moving forward. ‘Time waits for no man, nor Halflings or bears,’ he jokes to himself as he nods to lady Erizhetiana and proceeds to go down the rabbit hole. Kaelyn will have his swords drawn once within the tunnel.

“It’s 500 yards to the other side,” he says though attempting to be not too loud, though raising his voice. “Be mindful of traps when you reach the exit!” he says hoping the scouts can hear him over the long distance.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana Iltani of Lotan -

With everyone having gone into the tunnel or otherwise engaged, Erizhi will regard her prisoner. Her eyes narrow again. She kneels down to observe the sleeping man. No one she ever saw before, and if she did, she would probably not remember anyway.

Standing up again, she starts to wake the man, giving him a sharp kick in the side to get his attention. She knows that it will take a moment for him to rouse. She kneels down and slaps him across the face. "Wake up, dog!" she hisses.

"I am certain that you heard your companion, the slime Pothos, mention my name. I am Lady Erizhetiana of the House Iltani and priestess of Ishtar. All of your companions are dead and if you do not want to join them, you will answer my questions. I am not in a patient mood, either. And in case you think you are safe because the large warriors are away, I am extremely dangerous when my ire is provoked."

"Now tell me, who are you working for? What is your plan here? Why attack these farmers? I want as much information as you know. Or so help me, I will bury you up to your neck in the woods and let the animals have you. A long painful way to die, I am told." Her face is calm, but her tone indicates that her patience is fleeting.

[GM Fenrir]

With Aesa the bear in the lead and Butternut almost right next to her, they begin to travel down the tunnel. Sir Rovach has to hunch over and so keeps his two-handed sword ready for thrusts since he could never hope to get a swing in such a confined space. As the trio presses on, they see no signs of timber supports. Anyone who has been underground at all knows that any permanent structure would need to be braced. The smell of freshly dug earth continues the entire length of the tunnel, but Aesa picks up no other scents or detects anyone lingering. Butternut sees the tracks into and out of both ends of the tunnel continue on with no sense of concealment attempted.

Kaelyn drops into the tunnel by this point and sees torchlight far ahead. It’s easy enough to follow and he calls out a warning, but so far Butternut hasn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary. The best traps that could possibly be in place would be pitfalls or collapses. There is nowhere to hide a mechanical trap and no panels or walls to spring away or fire weapons.

Eventually daylight becomes visible up ahead and the group proceeds with more caution. As the group emerges from the hole, it opens up right off a hillside. There was no sloping that anyone noticed, so where the tunnel dumps out is higher in elevation than the farm. Looking behind you the hillside continues up several more feet and blocks the view of the farm.

The area is lightly wooded, but Butternut sees where the tracks lead to. Four horses, built for riding, of various browns and grays are tied up to two trees just out of sight of the tunnel entrance. The Halfling can determine there were three other horses tied up at one point as well, but tracks from these lead off to the north. Each of the present horses are saddled and shoed, but they posses no saddlebags or blankets. They are lazily grazing on the grasses within their reach and are not spooked at the group’s emergence unless Aesa the bear gets too close.


Meanwhile, Erizhi has decided to attempt to gain some information from her sleeping prisoner. Upon observing the man closer, she notices this Immaterian’s fingers have some light rash on their tips. Remembering what Aesa had said about the poison, and her own knowledge added in, she can speculate that this man had at least handled the poison after it had been concocted, for raw aelfro berries won’t cause such a reaction.

Kicking him breaks the spell, but it takes a moment for him to come around. The slapping and yelling do their trick. He moans and blinks slowly, still groggy for a moment. Then the realization must hit him that he was in combat and now he’s bound fast.

"I am certain that you heard your companion, the slime Pothos, mention my name. I am Lady Erizhetiana of the House Iltani and priestess of Ishtar. All of your companions are dead and if you do not want to join them, you will answer my questions. I am not in a patient mood, either. And in case you think you are safe because the large warriors are away, I am extremely dangerous when my ire is provoked."

He sneers at the formal introduction, seemingly unimpressed. Even the threat seems to ring hollow for him despite being unable to do much of anything.

"Now tell me, who are you working for? What is your plan here? Why attack these farmers? I want as much information as you know. Or so help me, I will bury you up to your neck in the woods and let the animals have you. A long painful way to die, I am told." Her face is calm, but her tone indicates that her patience is fleeting.

“What do you know of ways to die, temple girl?” he retorts in heavily accented Common. “You’re just a spoiled false princess wallowing with pigs. Our plan here is as you see it. It’s done. You failed these pathetic barbarian dogs. Why you would sully yourself to help them is beyond sense.”

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana Iltani of Lotan -

Erizhi is not surprised by the man's sneer, as she begins her interrogation. She puts it out of her mind, not letting this cur's attitude affect her in the slightest. The thought of trying to charm this bandit crosses her mind, but she thinks that it is unlikely given the current situation. She may have to resort to more violent means to get her answers.

“What do you know of ways to die, temple girl?” he retorts in heavily accented Common. “You’re just a spoiled false princess wallowing with pigs. Our plan here is as you see it. It’s done. You failed these pathetic barbarian dogs. Why you would sully yourself to help them is beyond sense.”

"Do not speak about what you do not know, dog," she says firmly. "And do not dare, especially in your precarious position to insult me. I will not stand for it!" She slaps the man again and then stands up and transfers her flanged battle-mace to her right hand. "You slaughtered innocents, and have admitted to such, and by immaterian law you could be put to death here and now. I would rather see you answer my questions and rot inside one of these barbarian prisons. But I will kill you where you lay, if i must." She walks around the man as she speaks. "What do I know of ways to die? I have been in conflict with the pirates of Dead Eye Cove and more. They have learned some horrible ways to put people to death during an interrogation." She regards her mace for a moment, as she speaks. "And I am a priestess of the goddess of War, fool. I know how to kill and have done so many times. You would just be one more worthless bag of flesh who's lifeblood spills into the earth."

She moves into a close position. "The terrorists of Dead Eye like to take advantage of a vital artery near the armpit that when ruptured causes quick death." She points to the man's shoulder with the tip of her mace. " I am not so skilled as them, so this may take some time to reach, and I only have this weapon and not a precise cutting instrument." She will smash the man in his right shoulder with her mace. Then she will move away again.

"This will take a long time to achieve the desired effect, as you might imagine, but that is entirely up to you. I asked questions. I want answers. If you want to retain use of your arm, you will not anger me further, scum." Her tone is very even this time and she does not raise her voice the slightest. "Now do you need further prodding or are you ready to talk?"

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Butternut will relay her interpretation of the tracks to Aesa and the others as they arrive. "Looks like there were originally 10 people, with 3 probably being those drugged elves. Later, 5 left carrying something heavy, accompanied by 2 smaller people - probably the Makkees' kids."

The area is lightly wooded, but Butternut sees where the tracks lead to. Four horses, built for riding, of various browns and grays are tied up to two trees just out of sight of the tunnel entrance....Each of the present horses are saddled and shoed, but they posses no saddlebags or blankets. They are lazily grazing on the grasses within their reach and are not spooked at the group’s emergence unless Aesa the bear gets too close.

Finally emerging from the tunnel behind Lady Butternut and Lady Aesa, Sir Rovach looks around expecting combat with the forces they were pursuing. But...he see's nobody but his companions and a few horses tied to some trees a distance away from the tunnel exit. Seeing no enemies immediately about, Sir Rovach takes a moment to stretch his back after being hunched over the entire time through the tunnel, yet keeping his sword drawn in case of attack by hidden forces.

Feeling fustrated at the situation, he turns to his companions (and still feeling just a little odd speaking to a bear....) saying "It looks like we arrived too late to catch our foe here. The way I see it we have a choice to make, how best to help those children: immediately continue our pursuit, heading into an unknown situation yet having the trail is still fresh and our quary ignorant that we are after them. Or head back to the Ladies Erizhetiana & Stephanie and pursue this Buchard later when we are all together, recovered and at full strength with a plan of action. Or a third option would be to split up, and try to accomplish both." Sir Rovach would know what a Knight would do, but that might not be the best option. He's not back home with his fellow knights, nor is this quary an honorable enemy he would meet on the field of battle. To be overly rash might get the kids killed. But to wait too long, and they might disappear from this world without a trace.

After pausing a moment to think this through, Sir Rovach asks his companions "What do you say?"

[GM Fenrir]

"Do not speak about what you do not know, dog," she says firmly. "And do not dare, especially in your precarious position to insult me. I will not stand for it!" She slaps the man again and then stands up and transfers her flanged battle-mace to her right hand. "You slaughtered innocents, and have admitted to such, and by immaterian law you could be put to death here and now. I would rather see you answer my questions and rot inside one of these barbarian prisons. But I will kill you where you lay, if i must."

“Then take me back to Lotan and have me tried,” he pursues, gaining confidence. “Our ruling council will not view these barbarians as innocent anythings. I will not be convicted of any crime, and you know it. Unless of course you are no longer Immaterian and instead are sleeping with dogs.” OOC: this by the way, Erizhi will know to be largely true. Very few on the Shining Coast would bat an eye to one of their people killing any they consider beneath them.

She walks around the man as she speaks. "What do I know of ways to die? I have been in conflict with the pirates of Dead Eye Cove and more. They have learned some horrible ways to put people to death during an interrogation." She regards her mace for a moment, as she speaks. "And I am a priestess of the goddess of War, fool. I know how to kill and have done so many times. You would just be one more worthless bag of flesh who's lifeblood spills into the earth."

The man almost laughs at your boasting of battling pirates. “Any boy of ten years can beat those ‘pirates’,“ he japes. “Now I have heard what you temple wenches of Ishtar are good for,” he adds with a leer.

She moves into a close position. "The terrorists of Dead Eye like to take advantage of a vital artery near the armpit that when ruptured causes quick death." She points to the man's shoulder with the tip of her mace. " I am not so skilled as them, so this may take some time to reach, and I only have this weapon and not a precise cutting instrument." She will smash the man in his right shoulder with her mace. Then she will move away again.

Before he can respond further, you smash him with your mace, holding back on using all your might since you don’t want him dead, yet. He grunts at the blow (1 pt dmg) but doesn’t say anything further. His eyes focus on you and are filled with hate.

"This will take a long time to achieve the desired effect, as you might imagine, but that is entirely up to you. I asked questions. I want answers. If you want to retain use of your arm, you will not anger me further, scum." Her tone is very even this time and she does not raise her voice the slightest. "Now do you need further prodding or are you ready to talk?"

He doesn’t respond but you can see that he seems to be losing his bravado. Possibly the thought of being slowly bludgeoned to death isn’t appealing to him now that he sees it might become a reality. It still isn’t enough to loosen his tongue to what you are looking for though either, at least not yet.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

Facing the woman he takes one of her hands in in both of his, holding it gently and looking her straight in the eyes. "My dear Lady....I give you my Oath that if it is within my power to help you, I will."

Sir Rovach spends a moment thinking about the current situation and what must be done. Then he thinks back upon the promise he made to the old woman who reported her suspicions to the constable. Remembering back on this conversation, his path is clear to him on what he must do.

Sheathing his sword, Sir Rovach states to his friends "I made a promise to an old woman that if it was within my power to help, I would. Circumstances now show this might be a longer investigation than originally planned. But I didn't promise to only help if the task was easy. Therefore, I am going to follow these foul villians the best I can. To the ends of the world if needed." I made a promise....

"Now these beasts cannot carry me armored the way I am, and I will not leave our other companions in this venture without letting them know where I am going. Therefore, am going back to retrieve my own horse and equipment & to let the Ladies Erizhetiana and Stephanie know what has happened. Then, I will continue this pursuit on horseback, the best I am able."

Sir Rovach begins to re-enter the tunnel, stops, and looks back to the others. His voice is serious but quiet. Almost like he's embarressed to speak the next few words. "I don't fear death, but in this matter I dread the thought of failure. Any help from my friends would be would be appreciated." Sir Rovach will then re-enter the tunnel and proceed back to the barn.

[Aesa]

Aesa:

The tunnel leads out into the side of a hill. There is no more climbing to be done and the area looks quite peaceful. As a bear, Aesa smells the horses before she sees them, so she stays away not wishing to scare them. However, there doesn't appear to be anyone else around either, so really staying in bear form is no longer advantageous. A moment later and she is as she was, with her heavy bladed sword in one hand and her staff in the other. During this time, Sir Rovach seems to be laying out some options for the group and then a moment later seemingly comes to a conclusion and path of action on his own.

Sir Rovach begins to re-enter the tunnel, stops, and looks back to the others. His voice is serious but quiet. Almost like he's embarressed to speak the next few words. "I don't fear death, but in this matter I dread the thought of failure. Any help from my friends would be would be appreciated." Sir Rovach will then re-enter the tunnel and proceed back to the barn.

"I agree that the need to save these children if it is at all possible must be done," Aesa replies. "I have gear with my own horse that may prove to be vital and to leave without it would be nothing but folly."

Aesa will wait to see if Butternut discovers anything important in the area before returning to the tunnel. Assuming there are no hidden clues or ambushes, she will then also use the tunnel to return to the barn since it will be the fastest route, resheathing her sword since it will not be needed and only prove to be in the way.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana Iltani of Lotan -

Erizhi's prisoner is not only uncooperative, but also a bit disrespectful. She does her best not to get angry and keep an even mind through this exchange. The information she is looking for is far too important to her at this point.

“Then take me back to Lotan and have me tried,” he pursues, gaining confidence. “Our ruling council will not view these barbarians as innocent anythings. I will not be convicted of any crime, and you know it. Unless of course you are no longer Immaterian and instead are sleeping with dogs.”

"I unfortunately will not be returning to Lotan anytime soon, so not an option for you, my fine upstanding Immaterian," she says with a huge amount of sarcasm in her voice. "For you the only options remain here, sadly. Death or justice of the Maletar. It will ultimately be your own choice to make."

Eri ignores his insults and slanderous comments, as he is likely just trying to raise her ire. To what end she is not sure. Making her angry will result in his death, but perhaps the man is too foolish to realize that such is the case. If so, then he seriously underestimates the priestess. He does take on a more serious tone after she bludgeons him the first time.

"Your bluster is misplaced, foolish man. If you think I am uncapable of beating you until your last breath, then you do not understand the depth of my own resolve. You are nothing to me." She pauses for a moment to let the realization of the situation set in. "You will not have many more chances to change your mind and tell me what I want to know." He keeps his tongue though the look on his face seems to be wavering as he sees the seriousness of his predicament.

"Further prodding it is." She steps forward again and hits the man in the same place again, this time a little harder, but still hoping that he will break rather than injure him beyond the ability to communicate. "Speak," she commands.

[GM Fenrir]

"Further prodding it is." She steps forward again and hits the man in the same place again, this time a little harder, but still hoping that he will break rather than injure him beyond the ability to communicate. "Speak," she commands.

You smash him with your mace with more force this time (3 pts dmg) and you hear something break. He lets out a cry and you see tears well up in his eyes but he does all he can to fight back the pain. Looking at him though, you are uncertain whether or not he could survive another such blow. However, it doesn’t appear that it will come to that, at least for the next few moments, as his resolve finally crumbles.

“Alright you foul woman!” he nearly screams. “I don’t know what you want. You slew the man with all the information. I never killed any farmers, the elves did that! What do you want from me?”

It’s apparent the pain is overwhelming to him at this point and he is choking back sobs in between his words, many of which are barely coherent.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

"I agree that the need to save these children if it is at all possible must be done," Aesa replies. "I have gear with my own horse that may prove to be vital and to leave without it would be nothing but folly."

Aesa will wait to see if Butternut discovers anything important in the area before returning to the tunnel. Assuming there are no hidden clues or ambushes, she will then also use the tunnel to return to the barn since it will be the fastest route, resheathing her sword since it will not be needed and only prove to be in the way.

Sir Rovach is glad that others feel the same way. Internally, he was torn with what decision to make. When the tunnel was first discovered, he wasn't too hopeful of finding survivors. Then when Butternut called out the tracks she saw, his hope appeared that the children would be found and the other villains would be stopped. And then to emerge to discover they were too late! He wanted to immediately jump on a horse and ride after them, yet he knew that wouldn't be the smartest thing to do unprepared. Not that I always do the smartest thing...
It also appears the others may find clues here that his eyes cannot. Sir Rovach will wait with Lady Aesa for a little while before heading back to get their horses and gear, watching the area impatently.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana Iltani of Lotan -

The prisoner they captured is losing his resolve and another hit of her mace crumbles it.

“Alright you foul woman!” he nearly screams. “I don’t know what you want. You slew the man with all the information. I never killed any farmers, the elves did that! What do you want from me?”

It’s apparent the pain is overwhelming to him at this point and he is choking back sobs in between his words, many of which are barely coherent.

She looks away a moment. Erizhi then scowls and turns back. "You need to stop playing games with me, wretched man. I can end your pain in two different ways and how that happens is entirely up to you. Now pretend you are bravely facing one of those Dead Eye Cove pirates instead of a little temple girl."

She moves back to his side and kneels closer. "You know what I want," she hisses. "You cannot expect me to believe that you and your companions just were out for a walk from Lotan and eventually just happened upon these elves slaughtering the Makee family and captured that one." She puts her hand around the man's neck, but does not squeeze or put pressure. "You have the evidence of contact with the Aelfro poison on your fingers. That which drove the elves insane. Whether they were innocent or not is irrelevant. If I have to hit you again, I will be most displeased since I am not sure you will withstand another stronger blow."

She removes her hand and places her gloved hand on the side of his face for a moment. "Or perhaps I should heal your wound and start the process over again? Would you care to find out how long that back and forth exchange could last? You may not have noticed, but I did not slay anyone here today.... yet. You may be the first."

She leans back again and lets out a breath. "Let's try this again. And no more games, no more lies; just answers. Why were you here, so far from home? What happened here at this farm? Why was this farm targeted? What is Buchard's involvement? Why were the elves involved? Where are the children? Anything you heard or saw, I want to know. I have all day. You likely do not."

[Butternut]

Butternut:

“It’s 500 yards to the other side,” he says though attempting to be not too loud, though raising his voice. “Be mindful of traps when you reach the exit!” he says hoping the scouts can hear him over the long distance.

Kaelyn's voice drifts down the tunnel from the barn. Maybe it's the distance, or perhaps the echoing of the sound along the soft dirt walls, but Butternut cannot make out the words from this distance. Ah well, it can't be very important...

Eventually, Aesa passes her and Sir Rovach comes trailing along behind. After some time, they reach the far end of the tunnel and emerge on a slope facing away from the farm. The crest behind them blocks any view from the farm, which explains why the tunnel was started here. Not far away are some horses, though there had been more. Those they are pursuing clearly rode away on horseback.

Feeling fustrated at the situation, he turns to his companions (and still feeling just a little odd speaking to a bear....) saying "It looks like we arrived too late to catch our foe here. The way I see it we have a choice to make, how best to help those children: immediately continue our pursuit, heading into an unknown situation yet having the trail is still fresh and our quary ignorant that we are after them. Or head back to the Ladies Erizhetiana & Stephanie and pursue this Buchard later when we are all together, recovered and at full strength with a plan of action. Or a third option would be to split up, and try to accomplish both." Sir Rovach would know what a Knight would do, but that might not be the best option. He's not back home with his fellow knights, nor is this quary an honorable enemy he would meet on the field of battle. To be overly rash might get the kids killed. But to wait too long, and they might disappear from this world without a trace.

After pausing a moment to think this through, Sir Rovach asks his companions "What do you say?"

Sheathing his sword, Sir Rovach states to his friends "I made a promise to an old woman that if it was within my power to help, I would. Circumstances now show this might be a longer investigation than originally planned. But I didn't promise to only help if the task was easy. Therefore, I am going to follow these foul villians the best I can. To the ends of the world if needed." I made a promise....

"Now these beasts cannot carry me armored the way I am, and I will not leave our other companions in this venture without letting them know where I am going. Therefore, am going back to retrieve my own horse and equipment & to let the Ladies Erizhetiana and Stephanie know what has happened. Then, I will continue this pursuit on horseback, the best I am able."

Sir Rovach begins to re-enter the tunnel, stops, and looks back to the others. His voice is serious but quiet. Almost like he's embarrassed to speak the next few words. "I don't fear death, but in this matter I dread the thought of failure. Any help from my friends would be would be appreciated." Sir Rovach will then re-enter the tunnel and proceed back to the barn.

"I agree that the need to save these children if it is at all possible must be done," Aesa replies. "I have gear with my own horse that may prove to be vital and to leave without it would be nothing but folly."

Rovach gets verbose, carrying on and on, most of it sentimental or obvious. Butternut suppresses the urge to roll her eyes. Fortunately, Aesa is far more succinct.

"The trail starts here, so I'll begin following it. Please bring my horse or bag, if you can." Butternut puts actions to her words and moves over to where the horses are, looking for the fresh hoofprints showing which way their quarry has gone.

[GM Fenrir]

Butternut, Aesa and Sir Rovach are the first to exit the tunnel which has been cut into the side of a hill to seemingly avoid detection from anyone in the direction of the farm. As Kaelyn finally emerges, the paladin had first asked, then answered his own question about what to do now with a self-decided on plan to pursue those who have fled on horseback. Aesa returns to her human form and no immediate danger seems present. Butternut suggests the others go back for the horses while she starts tracking their quarry.

Before anyone can get too far however, a crash sounds from the underbrush, followed by more such noises. As the group reacts, Butternut is the first to see a young human girl emerge from the woods about two hundred feet north of your position. Her light brown hair is a mess and she is quite dirty, wearing bedclothes that are tattered and torn. She looks to be six or seven years of age. She freezes as she spots the group, her eyes going wide with fear plain on her face. She frantically looks left then right and appears as though she is ready to bolt.

At about this time a horse and rider appear beneath a cluster of trees another several hundred feet beyond where the girl emerged. When Kaelyn spots the rider, it can be no other but Buchard, his chopped-short dusty-blond hair and his squared shoulders the only things easily recognizable from this distance. He appears to be wearing leather armor and at least one blade is visible tied to the saddle. The grey dapple he is riding rears up at having been so suddenly stopped, but Buchard stays mounted easily enough. He seems to be regarding the group as though he was expecting someone different to be there.


Erizhi seems to have gotten through to her captive that she is quite serious and seeks out some detailed answers. A moment here and there she fears she might lose the Immaterian to the wound or the pain of it, but he remains conscious and coherent for the most part. The priestess however isn’t sure he was really paying much attention to her monologue about poison and elves. One thing does seem to snap him out of it.

She removes her hand and places her gloved hand on the side of his face for a moment. "Or perhaps I should heal your wound and start the process over again? Would you care to find out how long that back and forth exchange could last? You may not have noticed, but I did not slay anyone here today.... yet. You may be the first."

“Healing… yes the pain…” he says, starting to drift off again, then suddenly his eyes shoot open as another wave of pain must have hit him.

She leans back again and lets out a breath. "Let's try this again. And no more games, no more lies; just answers. Why were you here, so far from home? What happened here at this farm? Why was this farm targeted? What is Buchard's involvement? Why were the elves involved? Where are the children? Anything you heard or saw, I want to know. I have all day. You likely do not."

“Pothos,” the man begins, licking his dry lips. “He hired us, me, in Lotan since I knew him indirectly. Thirty galleons each once we arrive, the rest after completion. Others he either knew or was directed to recruit. I know no details.”

The pain seems bearable as his words get a little more coherent right then, “The man Buchard knew this farm. Drew us a map. Said it would be perfect for our goals. Pothos had spells and items to get us in.”

“The elves were the idea all along. Pothos’ assassin, I never knew his name, collected the berries while traveling. Two of us helped him. Followed his instruction,” he starts drifting again. “They were to kill the farmers. Only them…”

His eyes close and then suddenly they shoot open, “A war you see? Pothos was sure it was a woman who was running all of this. Don’t you see!? Why he thought it was you? You’re certainly vile enough…” he says the last and his eyes close again. His breathing is ragged, shallow, but he’s still alive. For now.

[Stephanie]

Stephanie:

Steph picks up her helmet and jogs off to get the rope from her horse. It seems that they've traveled quite a fair distance since arriving at the farm. Finding it silly to walk all the way back again, Steph climbs up on Thunder and rides back to the barn. Once there she hands off the rope so that the prisoner can be secured.

A tunnel is found in the back and Steph rides closer. She wearily takes a quick glance down the shaft, looking away before vertigo can set in.

“No thanks,” she says with disdain. “I think I'll take the overland route.”

Urging Thunder on, Steph roughly tries to ride in the direction the tunnel is leading, but is not a skilled woodsperson and quickly looses track. She'll stop her mount and listen to see if she can hear any of the others or anyone else before deciding what direction to ride towards.

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana Iltani of Lotan -

The man starts drifting in and out from the pain of his wound. She really did not think she hit him that hard. But he finally starts speaking in and out of his delrium. Why could he not have just answered his questions from the beginning and not made this so difficult, she thinks to herself.

“Pothos,” the man begins, licking his dry lips. “He hired us, me, in Lotan since I knew him indirectly. Thirty galleons each once we arrive, the rest after completion. Others he either knew or was directed to recruit. I know no details.”

The pain seems bearable as his words get a little more coherent right then, “The man Buchard knew this farm. Drew us a map. Said it would be perfect for our goals. Pothos had spells and items to get us in.”

“The elves were the idea all along. Pothos’ assassin, I never knew his name, collected the berries while traveling. Two of us helped him. Followed his instruction,” he starts drifting again. “They were to kill the farmers. Only them…”

"You realize you are just as guilty for the death of these people as if you had slain them yourselves?" But the man does not seem to be listening.

His eyes close and then suddenly they shoot open, “A war you see? Pothos was sure it was a woman who was running all of this. Don’t you see!? Why he thought it was you? You’re certainly vile enough…” he says the last and his eyes close again. His breathing is ragged, shallow, but he’s still alive. For now.

"Vile? Why you.....?" She would almost feel sorry for this wretch if he was not so disrespectful and antagonistic. Still that last bit might require some further questions. Likely he did not have the answers, but she had to at least find out. A war, he said. Between the elves and Maletar? What would Immater care about that? "Unless they sought to expand and would try to weaken the surrounding kingdoms through infighting, then swoop in a take out the weakened lands," she thought to herself. Erizhi will cast a Cure Light Wounds on the her prisoner (burn her Detect Evil). She will awaken him again, not so roughly as last time, but forcefully.

"No passing out on me yet," she says, as she jostles the man until he awakens. "What sort of war? Between whom?" She is careful not to lead his answers so he does not just tell her what she wants to hear. "And who is this Buchard? What else do you know?"

Erizhi is starting to get some glimmer of what could be happening and she does not much like it.

[Sir Rovach]

Sir Rovach

"The trail starts here, so I'll begin following it. Please bring my horse or bag, if you can." Butternut puts actions to her words and moves over to where the horses are, looking for the fresh hoofprints showing which way their quarry has gone.

With the waiting starting to get to him, understanding the need to look for clues but wanting to act, he is glad that the Lady Butternut has found the tracks of their quarry. With our guide on their trail, we can now continue our pursuit, thinks a relieved Sir Rovach. He then turns to reenter the tunnel and proceed back to the farm to gather their horses.

Before anyone can get too far however, a crash sounds from the underbrush, followed by more such noises. As the group reacts, Butternut is the first to see a young human girl emerge from the woods about two hundred feet north of your position. Her light brown hair is a mess and she is quite dirty, wearing bedclothes that are tattered and torn. She looks to be six or seven years of age. She freezes as she spots the group, her eyes going wide with fear plain on her face. She frantically looks left then right and appears as though she is ready to bolt.

At about this time a horse and rider appear beneath a cluster of trees another several hundred feet beyond where the girl emerged. ...his chopped-short dusty-blond hair and his squared shoulders the only things easily recognizable from this distance. He appears to be wearing leather armor and at least one blade is visible tied to the saddle. The grey dapple he is riding rears up at having been so suddenly stopped, but <the rider> stays mounted easily enough. He seems to be regarding the group as though he was expecting someone different to be there.

Hearing the crash behind him, Sir Rovach turns and the young girl and the rider. That has to be one of the children. thinks Sir Rovach. Escaped? Looking at the rider, not knowing if this was their enemy or someone else, he draws his sword and ask Anu to give him the sight (Detect Evil) to truely see what this rider is. He will then proceed to walk towards the rider, ready for a surprise attack if it should happen...

[GM Fenrir]

He will then proceed to walk towards the rider, ready for a surprise attack if it should happen...

GM Notes: Just so I understand clearly, you're going to start walking almost two football fields to reach this rider then?

[Sir Rovach]

My error. I focused on this...

...two hundred feet north of your position.

...and I didn't catch this when I was reading...

...another several hundred feet beyond...

It's been a long week. Was hurrying too much going through my emails, with the comprehension part obviously suffering.

He will walk up to the others, minus all the other actions as described.

[Butternut]

Butternut:

Before anyone can get too far however, a crash sounds from the underbrush, followed by more such noises. As the group reacts, Butternut is the first to see a young human girl emerge from the woods about two hundred feet north of your position. Her light brown hair is a mess and she is quite dirty, wearing bedclothes that are tattered and torn. She looks to be six or seven years of age. She freezes as she spots the group, her eyes going wide with fear plain on her face. She frantically looks left then right and appears as though she is ready to bolt.

Butternut begins to scour the tracks, seeking definitive sign of the bandit's path. Moments later, there is a flurry of activity from some bushes to the north, from out of which a young girl appears. From her condition and clothing, there is only one possible conclusion. "Hi, you must be the Makkee's daughter," Butternut says, smiling happily at the girl. None of her companions have yet seen her look anywhere near so pleased.

Unfortunately, before she can say more, a rider appears seeking the girl. Must be one of the kidnappers. Butternut's smile vanishes. Reaching for her sling, she calls out, "You will not harm this child, swine!" She walks steadily forward, intending to let fly if he comes within range.

[GM Fenrir]

Stephanie -

Urging Thunder on, Steph roughly tries to ride in the direction the tunnel is leading, but is not a skilled woodsperson and quickly looses track. She'll stop her mount and listen to see if she can hear any of the others or anyone else before deciding what direction to ride towards.

Stephanie rides out of the barn and wheels her horse northward. Riding past wandering horses, cows and other small livestock she reaches a lightly wooded area. After a few moments navigating the trees, roots and rocks, she isn’t entirely sure if she’s in the right spot or perhaps gone past it. There is a small rise a little ahead of her but also a depression in the earth to her right. Could it be that the tunnel collapsed on this side?

As she moves to investigate, she hears what sounds like Sir Rovach talking at length about something coming from the direction of the rise. They must have emerged from the tunnel over there, or else walked around the small rocky hill itself.

Erizhi -

Erizhi will cast a Cure Light Wounds on the her prisoner (burn her Detect Evil). She will awaken him again, not so roughly as last time, but forcefully.

The spell seems to have healed all of the Immaterian’s injuries caused by the mace (5 pts healed) and with very little prodding, the man’s eyes open once more.

"No passing out on me yet," she says, as she jostles the man until he awakens. "What sort of war? Between whom?" She is careful not to lead his answers so he does not just tell her what she wants to hear. "And who is this Buchard? What else do you know?"

“What, oh,” the man says, all traces of pain gone from his face. He stares at you in disbelief. Apparently he wasn’t expecting you to use healing magic on him. His face softens some.

“A war between these people and the elf kingdom,” he clarifies, the word kingdom is strained as though associating such with elves is blasphemous. “The dead elves would be proof enough, and then missing children to spur things on more.”

He regards you carefully for a moment, then answers questions about Buchard, “I only know he’s from these lands. Guess coin is more important to him than any kind of loyalty - to do this to his own people. Pothos seemed to know when and where to meet him.”

[Erisciana]

Erizhetiana Iltani of Lotan -

After healing the prisoner of his wounds, he comes to again. He seems to be quite surprised at this latest development. A mirthless smirk comes across Erizhi's face.

“A war between these people and the elf kingdom,” he clarifies, the word kingdom is strained as though associating such with elves is blasphemous. “The dead elves would be proof enough, and then missing children to spur things on more.”

"I see," she says, "and both sides would likely have reason to be angry. The elves because their people were poisoned, the Maletar because the elves raided them. Was this process supposed to happen at other farms once you were finished with this one? And where were the children taken?"

He regards you carefully for a moment, then answers questions about Buchard, “I only know he’s from these lands. Guess coin is more important to him than any kind of loyalty - to do this to his own people. Pothos seemed to know when and where to meet him.”

Erizhi thinks for a moment. It is similar to what has happened within her own house. "It is not so uncommon to betray your family and country for the sake of personal power and money. In the end, it rarely ends well," she says. "So Pothos was working for someone else who established the rendezvous with Buchard. And a woman perhaps?" She thinks for a moment. "Where did you met Pothos? Where was he staying while there?"

"And what magick and items did Pothos receive to accomplish this task? How many more men were with you?"

Erizhi considers the situation. The wench Zakiti was not powerful enough to pull something like this off. Likely it had to come from one of the major houses. And the involvement of her own high priest bothered her still. She thought back to her meeting with him. It was an honor, but one without celebration. The word spread through the temple quickly enough, so it was not meant to be kept hidden, but done with no recognition. And the high priest was either complicit with the plans of others or was subject to a directive, meaning it came from high up in the nobility. Or he was bought off at her expense, which also means a high-level house member. An ally of Balathu or an enemy of their house? She frowned. Lots of possibilities and still no concrete answers. She was begining to see the possibility of the situation and if she was correct, she did not much like it. And then there was that other haunting thought. The dread rumor that had recently arose. Could it be true? And could this be part of the reason?

[Kaelyn]

Kealyn

(Sorry internet connection has be fubared lately)

Feeling fustrated at the situation, he turns to his companions (and still feeling just a little odd speaking to a bear....) saying "It looks like we arrived too late to catch our foe here. The way I see it we have a choice to make, how best to help those children: immediately continue our pursuit, heading into an unknown situation yet having the trail is still fresh and our quary ignorant that we are after them. Or head back to the Ladies Erizhetiana & Stephanie and pursue this Buchard later when we are all together, recovered and at full strength with a plan of action. Or a third option would be to split up, and try to accomplish both." Sir Rovach would know what a Knight would do, but that might not be the best option. He's not back home with his fellow knights, nor is this quary an honorable enemy he would meet on the field of battle. To be overly rash might get the kids killed. But to wait too long, and they might disappear from this world without a trace.

After pausing a moment to think this through, Sir Rovach asks his companions "What do you say?"

“I will carry on, though, the way lays in shadow.” He says thoughtfully about Buchard, the guild, his family’s well being.

Before anyone can get too far however, a crash sounds from the underbrush, followed by more such noises. As the group reacts, Butternut is the first to see a young human girl emerge from the woods about two hundred feet north of your position. Her light brown hair is a mess and she is quite dirty, wearing bedclothes that are tattered and torn. She looks to be six or seven years of age. She freezes as she spots the group, her eyes going wide with fear plain on her face. She frantically looks left then right and appears as though she is ready to bolt.

Within moments a rider appears, For half a heartbeat he takes in the features of the individual, then says. “That is the other of their number. That is Puchard!” he says pointing his shortsword toward the rider to emphasize the point.

Kealyn will attempt to move to an unattended horse and mount up. If successful he will ride as hard and fast as he can towards Buchard. Brandishing his shortsword in hand. “Whatever plan you orchestrated dies here with you, Buchard! I will see it that you rot in hell for all time.”

[GM Fenrir]

Post Closed