Pulled most abruptly from what was the beginning of a most bizarre outer body experience, Villhalas sits up on the Burgomeister's bed with a Start.  Looking over to Dom with a somewhat confused expression, it takes a moment for the events to settle in with Vil's recently re-charged brainwaves.  Once it does, however, Vil appears to be put in a rather sour mood.  Wincing his lips, he reaches for his flask "ugkh..  Cottonmouth.."  After a quick pull from the Flask, the Sorcerer-Rogue continues in what may very well be perceived as just a tad sarcastic - "Thanks Dom."

Shaking his head, Vil continues "Asher, take this.."  Vil produces an uneaten apple from the folds of his cloak "Just in case our friend has no need of his hands for any more incantations.."  He then throws the apple and a spare piece of cloth over to the Monk.

Vil stands up, in an attempt to make a better assessment of the situation.  Shifting his attention to the now unconscious Thin Man, Vil nods in approval and looks back to his colleagues "Nice work gang."  More to himself than to his companions he adds in a quiet tone "Asshole gave us quite a fight, didn't he.."

IGA:  Vil will take a look for the wand that TT dropped a few moments ago.  Intent is to secure this before the Guards and Savin arrive.

Jas
This message was last edited by the player at 00:52, Mon 07 Mar 2005.

Hau'dn gives Garryn a rather disgusted look, a quickly darkening glare, "I was not the first to attempt a mortal wound, take responsibility for your own actions jackass."

Hau'dn looks pointedly at his blood on Garryn's blade before stepping back to retrieve his dropped mace wincing somewhat as he does so.  Looping each mace on to his belt, he speaks to Dominque "I can aid you with the Burgomaster."

Garryn snorts derisively at Hau'dn's response but sheaths his rapier after wiping the blood from it. He then begins a more systematic examination of the unconscious attacker and their surroundings.

Hau'dn ignores Garryn beyond keeping a wary eye on him as he waits to see if Dominque still desires assistance.

Asher addresses Caylin, "Who's there, Archer?" as he pauses from the business of binding the thin mans hands around the apple.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:03, Mon 07 Mar 2005.

The priest nods at Hau'dn's offer of assistance.  "Indeed.  We must move the burgomaster carefully, and I would appreciate any aid."

Caylin starts to reply to Asher, and then pauses.  "Appears th' big man's come back t' us--in a manner o' speakin'."

Through the door, the halfling continues to address someone unseen.  "Did ye take some other's skin, then, warrior?  Why, ye seem 'most human...a little plain, mayhap, but no shame in that, eh?"

"Ye've missed out on most o' th' slap an' tickle.  Th' fire-startin' wild man's down, an' we seem t' all be 'mongst th' livin'...fer th' time bein'."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:10, Tue 08 Mar 2005.

Hau'dn brushes passed the others, assisting Dominque to move the Burgomaster as directly, taking his time to not jostle the injured man as best as he is able while doing so.  It does not keep Hau'dn from wincing as doing so causes his own wounds to complain against such injust treatment.  He would have time for rest later though as he would live though likely with a new scar, the thought almost causing him to glare at Garryn but Hau'dn remains focused on doing as instructed.

Hau'dn and Dominique manage to carefully maneuver the burgomaster back to his bed.  The man groans once, his breathing somewhat strained, but Dominique's healing skills and minor prayer have stabilized the man, and he will eventually recover.  Dominique arranges the bedclothes around the burgomaster, and sets about adjusting the man so as to allow him the most comfortable position.  At this moment, Savin Perysinos walks into the room, accompanied by several guards.

Savin looks around the crowded bedchamber, his keen eyes immediately noting the injured, prone, but breathing and comfortably-arranged form of the burgomaster on the bed, and the injured, prone, but breathing and bound form of the Thin Man on the floor.  Savin allows a ghost of a smile to cross his face.

"Well done.  Had it been necessary, I would have assumed the mantle of the burgomaster, in the event of his death.  That is unnecessary, and that is a fortunate turn of events.  And you have managed to apprehend Barbaras, and to do so whilst the man yet lives.  This is also a very good thing."

The immpecably dressed man straightens his black, silver-laced tunic.  "You will, of course, be accorded the hero status that you so justly deserve."  Savin's voice is neutral.  "I find your initial methods...distasteful, but cannot argue with the results.  Appropriate recompense will be provided, and certain of Borderton's resources will be open to you.  Your companion has...left.  We see this as a foul deed perpertrated  by another inmate of the Borderton gaol--your companion was, of course, coerced into accompanying this man.  Once we have established that Ulmo was acting dangerously and under magical coersion, your companion will be exonerated and allowed to freely wander Borderton's streets."

"I see little difficulty with this scenario, and trust you share my views?" Savin asks, his mien and tone remaining politely neutral.

"You will, of course, see to it that this man is afforded a fair hearing and his identity and responsibility for his actions is confirmed," Garryn says to Savin as he regards the prone bound figure.

Asher looks to Savin to guage his response, as he too is interested in seeing proper justice served. Then he looks to Vilhallas, as if waiting to hear a diplomatic response to Savin's generous gratitude.

OOC: No slight meant to Garryn, but Asher's intuition tells him that Vilhallas may be the only character in this motley crew to posses this particular skill; and if you check the character sheets, he is.

(I suspect Hau'dn does as well, but his character sheet is conspicuously missing from the arret site... What are you hiding, ranger? <grin>.)

This message was deleted by the player at 23:22, Wed 09 Mar 2005.

Sensing that the rather poor chemistry he has with Savin hasn't improved any since their last meeting, Vil elects to keep his words short - and briefly respond.

"Agreed Savin.  However, I trust that after the 4 eye-witness accounts you have here in the room - coupled with the capture of Barbaras - our companion will be exonerated quickly.   As our party has suffered significant wounds from Barbaras' treachery, we will require a guest house where we can assess our injuries and be left alone to recover."  Looking over to Aine, Vil Continues - "Based on our Cleric's examination of our Ranger's wounds, it's unclear whether she will recover to the point of being able to ever swing a sword again..  <minor bluff..> This encounter has brought a significant toll on our group Savin..  Now, Perhaps a couple of my colleagues can accompany you - so we may wrap up the transaction.."

... As to the Party's comments regarding Barbaras' fate, Vil's Chaotic nature leads him to care very little as to what happens to the man - left to the will of the Borderton authorities.  In fact, had the bounty not been increased by his live-capture, Villhalas would have much rather seen him dead.  He simply has one more reason now to sleep with one eye open..

 22:24, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 19 using 1d20+6. Bluff.

22:19, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 10 using 1d20+8. Diplomacy Roll - Savin.  (hopefully the situation is such that doesn't require a stellar roll..)

Jas

Totmacher, still disquised, enters the room looking on.

Kev, how much time has elapsed since the bearded prisoner put the spell on Tot?

Savin nods at Garryn.  "Every consideration will be accorded the prisoner, under Imperial law, of course."

The alderman turns to regard Villhalas, coolly.  Clearly, no love was lost between the two men.  "You may appoint whom you wish to accompany me and the guardsmen to the treasury for your rewards.  Before you do so, however, there is the matter of this coersion of your companion.  Barbaras had no direct arcane ability--this was ascertained years ago, and he cannot have learned such in the Montvale dungeons.  Thus, he must have employed some magical device to effect the influence he was seemingly able to exert.  It would facilitate matters...greatly...with exonerating your companion should such proof of magical compulsion turn up."  Savin continues to look levelly at Villhalas.  "Had you encountered such a device, I am sure you would wish to exhibit it as proof of your claim as to Barbaras' culpability in inciting Ulmo's malfeasance, no?"

Vil responds to Savin's query with only a slight nod of his head - choosing not to address his comment verbally.  "Alright - Asher, Garryn - would you please accompany Savin.  The rest of us will make for the quarters Savin has arranged.  Dom - are you in immediate need of any additional supplies?"

Jas

OOC:  Kevin - Vil will not hand over the wand at this point -- nor will he acknowledge that the party has it..

Asher does not make any move to suggest he is about to follow Savin; but rather, he fixes Villhalas in his curious gaze, one eyebrow raised as if silently, but genuinly, asking the question,

"And...?"
This message was last updated by the player at 17:03, Thu 10 Mar 2005.

For the moment, Vil is choosing a non-response response to Savin's query...

The alderman allows a period of silence to elapse after Villhalas' repsonse.   "Very well.  I and some of the watchmen will accompany those of your number who wish to accept Borderton's remuneration for your services.  The remainder of your group may accompany the other watchmen to the Sparrow and Briar, where lodgings will be arranged to accommodate your party."  Savin merely regards Villhalas as the sorcerer-rogue asserts his claim that Aine's sword-swinging days might be over.  "Is it truly necessary to over-state your case?  Your actions have resulted in Barbaras' capture...I believe that this should provide a sufficient benchmark for success on your part."

The alderman issues a series of orders to those watchmen accompanying him, appointing a contingent of men to search the nearby rooms for dead or wounded manor guards.  "Examine, particularly, the blood trails that lead down the hall outside of this room.  Do all you can to give succor to any who yet survive--Mithran acolytes should arrive shortly."

Savin nods to Asher and Garryn, indictating his willingness to lead the pair to the municipal treasury.  As the other party members ready themselves to depart with a portion of the rest of the guards, a big, dull-faced peasant shuffles in from another room.  Caylin hurriedly speaks up.

"Errr, that un's wi' us...baggage boy an' general roustabout, dontcha know.  Bit slow, an' not much o' th' conversationalist."

The watchmen look frankly skeptical, and look to the alderman for instructions.  Savin merely smiles coolly.  "Of course."  The alderman addresses the group of watchmen ordered to conduct the party to their rooms.  "See to it that accommodations include this group's servant, as well."

OOC:  RFOL - nice.

Garryn and Asher accompany Savin and a small contingent of guards down the manor stairs and out of the manor itself.  The group crosses the Borderton square as the acacia trees that had been set afire earlier are guttering to ashes and skeletal trunks.  Savin leads the way to a small, stout stone building with an iron door.  Unlocking the triple-locked door, the alderman leads the two and four of the watchmen inside, leaving two to man the outer doors.  Savin requests that the monk and rogue remain in an anteroom with a couple of the watchmen, and proceeds into some inner sanctum accompanied by the other two guards.  The alderman returns with a simple, double-sewn and -stitched canvas sack, bulging and clinking.  "This represents the 300 nobles I had initially offered, with an additional 100 nobles as a gratuity for the capture of Barbaras alive, and the rescue of the Burgomaster's life.  More I cannot offer monetarily, as recompense for lives lost and property damage will doubtless be required.  However, I may and will make available such services as you might require from certain experts in Borderton--the costs to be referred to the municipal council, headed by myself.  Furthermore, certain price arrangements on goods might also be arranged, within reason and to a limited extent.  I trust that this will be sufficient.  Please contact me on the morrow, after you have had the opportunity to consult among yourselves regarding your plans here in Borderton, and your desire to avail yourselves of these additional benefits I speak of."  Savin and the watchmen conduct Asher and Garryn back out to the warm, smoke-tinged Borderton night--bidding the two farewell with silent nods while one of the watchmen points out the Sparrow and Briar.

The rest of the party variously walks and limps out of the manor, flanked by a handful of Borderton watchmen.  Skirting the Borderton town square and headed south by southeast, the mixed group arrives at the relatively small but neat inn that is the Sparrow and Briar.  One of the watchmen opens the Dutch-style wooden door and walks into the inn, emerging shortly and gesturing the rest of the party inside.  "Yer free t' sit an' have yerselves a bit o' supper an' some'at t' quench yer thirst, whilst they get some rooms ready fer ye."  The watchman and his compatriots move back towards the manor.

Asher will rejoin the party at the Sparrow and Briar. Once seated and alone with the group, Asher removes the dagger, ring, and amulets from his sash and lays them on the table.

"I do not claim to be knowledgable in these things, but I belive this is a very good dagger. The amulets, we all know well enough, but, I am curious about the ring, do any of you know if it has value?"

We're letting this thread go, gently or raging, into that long dark night.  Please post in the new "After the Fires" thread.

--K