OOC:  Please refer to the "Combat map" on the web site for positions.

Cheers,
KO

Attempting to put on the best game face he possibly can, Villhalas, briefly rests a calming hand on Totmacher’s shoulder - and then takes a 5’ move towards the approaching party.  “Aye – Alderman Persinos, thank you for your haste in heeding our call.  If I could have a word with you please?”  Vil motions towards the stables.  Once in place, Vil continues – “As you had predicted Savin, Barabas has indeed come back to reek havoc just as you described.  Our party has taken on the risk of tracking him down – as you have requested.”  Lowering his voice now, Vil continues with the composed, yet pressing tone of a trusted counsel  “It seems that there may be something else afoot here you should be aware of Savin.  We have good reason to believe that Barbaras has been able to gain allies here within Borderton – allies of some Station that would seek to undermine the very Administration you serve..”

Villhalas shifts his speech back to the immediate issues at hand – “Regardless, we have had some success in limiting the damage at both the Inn and the Warehouse where he last struck.  However, his heinous actions have resulted in the needless loss of this man’s life”.  At this, Vil nods in the way of Ulmo’s body lying in a heap nearby.   “Time is short, so I will make this as concise as possible.  Apparently, Barbaras has been invoking some dark art in his dealings here.  He has – for lack of a better term – been able to hypnotize unsuspecting citizens – turning them into his cronies in his mission.  As a result, he has been able to turn them loose on his arson objectives – while he moves on uninterrupted to his next target.  Ulmo here was his latest such victim.  He was duped into setting fire to one of the buildings here – using a bow w/flaming arrows as the initiator.  Apparently, Barbaras’ mind-bending techniques were strong enough to convince Ulmo to fire upon anyone interfering w/his mission – which is exactly what was about to happen until my associate here” – nods in the way of Totmacher – “was able to intervene.   As Ulmo saw that our Female Tracker here” - nods in the way of Aine -  “was moving in quickly to stop him, he  leveled his arrow in her direction and was set to fire..  My partner was left with little choice, regrettably..  This was clearly an act of self defense.”

OOC - So ends Villhalas’ attempts at piecing together what his half-brother has set asunder…  Lol   Tot, let’s see what happens here before we set ‘Plan B’ into action…

Jas

Savin listens intently to Vilhallas' speech, then hisses in exasperation.  "You fool!  Whatever your rationale, you were acting without official sanction!  I had attempted to impress the dire nature of this situation upon you, but your response was to inititiate...what...a dinner date to discuss the details?!  Now, you have managed to kill a Borderton guardsmen...with ample witnesesses...and you offer this so-called explanation as validation?!"

Savin does not move away from the nearby stables, where Vilhallas had initially steered the man.  The alderman takes a breath, clearly attempting to calm himself.  "Had you accepted the charge and responsibility I had extended to you, your actions would have assumed a different character altogether.  Now, you are simply visitors who have managed to kill one of our own constables."  Savin looks at Villhalas increduously.  "I see that my assessment of your group was completely at odds with your level of competence.  For that, I must blame myself."

Once more, the alderman struggles to maintain some degree of calm.  Clearly, the man is absolutely furious.  "The orc-man will be arrested and held.  There is no alternative.  In the meantime, you and the woman are free to rejoin your compatriots.  You WILL find Barbaras--it is your only viable option.  If you can manage this, we may be able to salvage your friend's freedom, and perhaps you may escape with only minor fines."

"My own reputation is at stake here, as well as your own.  Trust me, you do not wish to harness my fortunes to your own, if you wish to continue your descent into ignominy."  Savin's voice roughens from its cultivated smoothness to something that Villhalas recognizes from the slum districts of Cameron.  "Don't fuck this up, boy.  Neither of us can afford that, but you can afford that less than I."

Not allowing Savin any visible satisfaction of the verbal lashing Villhalas just received, Vil responds - in tones only audible to Savin (and Tot if he's close enough..) - "I believe my parties level of competence is the *only* thing keeping you on track to catch Barbaras - *Alderman* Perysinos.  Not only have your constables proven to be completely inept (nods in the way of Ulmo), but utterly unwilling to make any attempts at salvaging your town -- your reputation - from the treachery of Barbaras.   And you speak of *fines*??" Villhalas shakes his head here in disbelief "I'll see to it that Barbaras is detained - as we have agreed.  However, you will not be throwing a member of my party here into the stockade - for a) acting in defense of an innocent woman & b) when he is a key member to the team working to resolve this little problem you've allowed your townspeople to suffer.  I suggest you put your acerbic tongue to better use - in lashing these hapless guards of yours into shape - and get them to follow me to Barbaras' next objective.."

V

OOC:  Kevin - Should I be making another skill check here (eg. Bluff) - or no?  This isn't a bluff truth be told.  Savin's ass is in a sling.  It's Villhalas' belief that he needs whatever resources he can to stave of any more damage done by Barbaras.  Furthermore, from what Vil has witnessed, he does in fact believe that the guards here in Borderton are either not interested in assisting - or are - as G-Mony's interaction led him to believe - possibly acting in collusion w/Barbaras (via a 3-tier Cell structure perhaps -- he's not sure.. hehe).  Also - it's Vil's belief that no one (including the boys) was in a position to dispute his claim of exactly where Ulmo's arrow was directed prior to him being set upon by Totmacher...

(no delusions of grandeur here gang using "my" instead of "our"..  simply shaping the language a bit given the situation..)

Well stated mein bruder.

Totmacher continues to withhold his actions while listening to the Alderman's decision.  Tot locks his jagged molars into the side of his tounge.  The blood traces the inside of his mouth and drips from his uvula.  The briny metallic taste heightens his sensibility.

Totmacher squeezes out some words between his bloodied teeth that should only be audible to Vil...

"Totmacher will not be enslaved."  The thoughts of a leash and shackles bring back vibrant cursed memories of childhood...

Tot sees hallucinatory images of how the events may unfold...Totmacher's hair flowing, muscles twisting, flexing, and billowing, guards arrows whirling through the air, and Tot's Great Axe reaching its mark again and again and again...

OOC:  Ah--he slooshied.

LMAO

OOC:  The original Diplomacy roll was...unfortunate, Jas.  Here we go, then.

Savin pulls Vilhallas closer, keeping a keen eye on the hulking half-orc.  "Do NOT presume to offer some 'innocent woman harmed' story--the woman who travels with you appears strong, fast, and well-armed."  The alderman struggles, again, with his temper.  "Your second point, however, does bear some merit.  You must understand, though...I cannot allow the half-breed to leave.  He must be detained, while Barbaras is apprehended."  Savin stares at Vil, pitching his voice even lower.  "Detention facilities are not always escape-proof, and mistakes can be made.  He MUST, however, come with us now, whatever else transpires later tonight."  The alderman releases his hold on Vilhallas' arm, his eyes hooding.  "Otherwise, there will be more violence...and I can assure you that one of the two of you will die."  The man states this simply, and appears absolutely convinced of his veracity.

The ranger's hand drifts to her sword as she finishes rubbing down the fire-wagon horses.  Her gaze cuts from Totmacher to Vilhallas.

Typical.  The big man hangs on his half-brother's every action...stubborn loyalty, I guess.

The ranger rises up, subtly, to the balls of her feet.  She calls out to Vilhallas.  "What next, sorcerer?  We ready to leave yet?"

OOC:  hehe - the SUSPENSE...  I'm swamped at work at the moment - but Scott and/or I will make a post to address this rather tense situation later this evening...

Jas

Setting his eyes even with Savin’s, Villhalas pauses briefly and then offers a brief nod of acceptance.  “Very well.  However, once we’ve detained Barbaras, I will need immediate access to our colleague’s cell – call it a prisoner visit if you will.    As we would both like to ensure that any further bloodshed is avoided – I would suggest you provide me either a guard who ‘understands the situation’ – or a cell that will be accommodating to our needs…”

With that, Vil briefly updates Savin WRT the events that have transpired to this point.  In addition, Villhalas outlines the suspected target areas.

OOC:  IMHO, I believe we may need to sacrifice a bit of stealth for speed - WRT objective #4 anyway.  Also, before we check off Objective #3 as secured, we may want to consider having a guard or two station themselves at the stables – keep an eye out on the area for the time-being.  Recognizing that his crony has failed, Barbaras – not wanting his riddle spoiled – may very well return to finish the job.  In fact, it may not be a bad idea for Aine to hide out here as well should that scenario pan out.  If the party agrees w/this approach – please see continued Savin Dialog (A) Below.  If not, please see (B) – also below.

(A)  “Given that our party was successful in securing what would have been Barbaras’ third arson site, we have to consider the possibility of him retuning to finish the job – whether that’s done by him personally, or by another unsuspecting victim - as Ulmo was here.  With that Savin, it would be prudent to leave one member of your detail behind with our Ranger to keep an eye on the area – from the concealment of one of these buildings perhaps.  Given her experience in this area, she will know best where to post guard..  For the remaining detail – as it stands, they will be easily spotted by Barbaras.  If they wish to company me North - to the last suspected target – they will need to don something a bit more ..disarming”  Vil nods in the way of the Church nearby.”

-OR-

(B)  “As it stands, your detail will be easily spotted by Barbaras – I suggest you have them to don something a bit more disarming” Vil nods in the way of the Church nearby.  Looking over to Aine now, Vil continues with a calling devoid of any innuendo or code which would be her cue to prepare her for battle “Aye, we’re moving out Ranger.  Once the Alderman’s detail is ready, Mal’ach here will guide you to the rest of our party to the South (OOC: trying to avoid using G-Mony or Dom’s names for the moment)”

“Savin, as for you, I’m afraid your elevated profile may be too easily recognized by Barbaras..  I would ask that you return with my colleague and whatever guards you require – to ensure the ‘necessary’ arrangements are made for him..”  Vilhallas finishes this last statement canting his head forward slightly – ensuring that he receives the  desired response from Savin..  Once acknowledged, Vil asks Savin to take his detail aside and provide them the appropriate briefing.

Once the above is underway, Vil will shift his attention to his hulking half-brother.  Vil moves in close – so that only Totmacher may hear his next remarks “Well Tot..” smiling slightly, Vil crosses his arms – smoothly inserting his left hand into the folds of his cloak “Your axe will be sorely missed this evening.  Once we’re free and clear of this wretched town, remind me to work with you on that whole “Subdue without Slaughtering” tactic we had been practicing, OK?  In the meantime, ‘a gift’ – should you need it…” Vil then adjusts his stance slightly so that he is standing aside Totmacher – with his left hand resting on his brother’s back. Vil releases the sheathed dagger which he just untied from his wrist and inserts it securely between the chainmail covering Tot’s torso and the belt around his waste.  (OOC:  positioned opposite the guards’ line of sight..)

Waiting for Savin to complete the debriefing and the inevitable approach of the guards, Vil tries to offer Tot a bit of solace - “You’ll be out and dining on Mutton and Lager before sun-up.  I promise you that.”

V

OOC:  Kevin, intent is to choreograph the scene in such a way as to minimize the guards’ attention on Tot – hence, Vil’s request to Savin to provide the briefing to the guard detail.  I’m hoping the encroaching darkness will be of assistance here as well…

OOC:  Jas, please roll a Sleight of Hand check for Vil.

Seven bells.

13:45, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 15 using 1d20+5. Sleight of Hand.

Savin nods slowly at Villhalas' words.  "Two of the guardsmen will remain with the woman ranger--in the event that Barbaras or some other returns to replay the arson.  I and the rest of the guardsmen will escort the half-orc to the gaol.  The alderman lowers his voice, and quietly comments, "If you can manage to apprehend or kill Barbaras, I foresee only small difficulties with the current situation.  Understand, you will not receive any official accolades, but you and your group will be recompensed and will be free to move about Borderton, or leave, if you see fit.  However, should Barbaras escape..."  The man trails off ominously, then raises his voice again.  "Take custody of this man," indicating Totmacher.  Four of the guardsmen approach the big half-orc, with no small amount of trepidation.  The foremost one speaks.  "Lay down your weapons, sirrah...in the name of the Emperor and Southern Paldor."

Once Tot is underway, Vil sends his familiar aloft - directs it to head to the Northern most 'human nests' of the town - and moves out in search of Asher, Dom and Haud'n.

Jas

"Search him thoroughly.  We wish for no...unpleasantness."  The alderman glances at Villhalas, and shakes his head fractionally.

OOC:  ROFL.  That bastage.  Sounds like old Savin has more Street experience than we gave him credit for..   Hmmm.  Wonder if he's in need of an apprentice...

Sorry Tot - I tried..  Hang in there.

Jas

Vil offers Savin a slight smirk and shrug of his shoulders - as if to say:  *You knew I had to at least try*

Jas

OOC:  Sometimes the rolls just play things out a certain way...I was surprised that Savin rolled as well as he did, but it's hard to argue with a natural 20.

Cheers,
Kev

OOC:  Aye - and quite easy to argue with when it's a natural roll of 2 in Diplomacy as I've come to find..  Yeah, Vil may be charming, but he's no Stuart Goddard apparently..

To Quote Temple:  "The best rules to form a young man, are, to talk little, to hear much, to reflect alone upon what has passed in company, to distrust one's own opinions, and value others that deserve it."

Yeah Right.

V

Without a word, Tot will throw down his Great Axe.

The guardsman who had spoken clears his throat, saying, "An' the gauntlets, sirrah...along with whatever else might be concealed about your person."

In anticipation of what would surely happen next, Vil intervenes quickly before Tot creates a rather uncomfortable situation - not only for himself - but for the immediate crowd of onlookers as well - "Ah, Tot - our friendly guard here doesn't mean *everything* concealed on your body.  Just weapons..  Wood or Metal Weapons to be more specific.."

With that, Vil moves out at double time for where he believes Asher, Dom and Hau'dn are stationed (near the Manor)..

Jas

Tot looks up at Vil while he removes his hands from his codpiece...

Tot detaches his Gauntlets and holds his arms outstreched as though ready to begin a sermon, waiting for the guards to complete their search.

The guards quickly search the big half-orc, divesting him of his backpack and various items that could be used as weapons...including the hidden dagger, as well as equipment such as Totmacher's crowbar, hammer and grapple, etc.  Then, two of the guardsmen draw Totmacher's hands behind him, and place manacles around his wrists.  Savin and four of the guards then begin to escort the barbarian from the square, while two others load the decapitated corpse onto the firewagon.  Yet another two guards remain behind with Aine, keeping an eye on the firewagon stables and an eye out for the possible return of Barbaras or some other arsonist.