The acrid smell of burning fills the hot night air in Borderton.  Smoke plumes ascend skywards towards the faint evening stars from two buidings--an inn and a warehouse--and the two dry, dusty acacia trees that flank the old statue of King Tanoch Dwarffriend are buring brightly.  Crowds mill through the town, aiding in the extinguishing of the fires or merely watching.

The party has attempted to track down the arsonist responsible for the fires, and had arrived at the burgomaster's manor--interpreting a riddle reportedly left by the arsonist giving clues as to the locales he intended to burn.  Shortly after arriving at the manor, a strange, thin man had shown up, garbed as a town watchman.  He had scaled the pallisade wall, attacking the monk Asher with a fireball.  Apparently using some form of magical coersion, he had vanished into the manor...in the company one of the soldiers from the garrison.  Simultaneously, the town alderman Savin Perysinos arrived, and ordered that the manor guards allow the party access to the manor and ordering his own men to surround and watch the manor.  Believing the burgomaster's life to be in danger, the alderman implored the party to find the arsonist and protect the  burgomaster.  Asher and Garryn climbed the pallisade wall in order to follow the arsonist and guard, and Villhalas, Dominique, Caylin, and Aine make their way into the manor from the front--accompanying Savin.  Clearly, the alderman believes that time is of the essence...

OOC:  Those of you who are up for playing, please roll initiatives.  I will post results, and we'll proceed in order.  Note that the manor map is up on the website, with areas that are not visible to the party browned-out.

Savin, Dominique, and Vilhallas enter the manor, to be faced with a large, comfortably furnished entry hall and anteroom.  A large fireplace, unlit, dominates the eastern wall.  Two leather chairs face the fireplace and flank a small endtable with a crystal decanter and several glasses on it.  Rich rugs, apparently Cazistani in design, are scattered about the floor of the room.  A small, simple clerk's desk and chair are off to the west of the manor's front doors, and two suits of half-plate armor flank the doors themselves.  Three doors open to the north--a set of double doors in the center, and single doors to the left and right of these.  Two small, potted pear trees stand on either side of the double doors.  Other than the characters and Savin, no one else is in the room.

Inhaling sharply at a thought that caught him by surprise, Hau'dn fills his lungs with the acrid burning fumes of smoke that throws him into a choked down fit of coughing as he tries to remain silent.  His eyes water badly as he tries to control his body's reaction to keep hidden.  With his focus on that, he is slow to react to much else.

IGA: Initiative 4.

Asher nods to Garryn, "Let's remember that Barbarass is carrying a projectile fire weapon around his neck", as the memory of said weapon still burns his ego as much as his blistering skin.

OOC: I see the dice roller still hates me as well. But glad to be back.

17:09, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 5 using 1d20+3. initiative.

08:55, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 16 using 1d20+4. Initiative Check.

09:02, Today: DM, on behalf of Garryn the Grey rolled 23 using 1d20+4. Initiative.

09:04, Today: Dominique de Vedia rolled 13 using 1d20+5. Initiative

09:04, Today: Caylin Direbrook rolled 24 using 1d20+5. Initiative.

(24)  Moving quickly, the halfling fighter slips through the manor's doors, and stations himself in front of Vilhallas--bow at the ready.

(23)

Poised beside one of the manor's postern doors, Garryn elects to hold his action, awaiting developments and the actions of others.

(16)  Villhalas is up.

10:37, Today: Aine Cliodhna rolled 13 using 1d20+2. Initiative.

Vil will move up to the double doors and have a listen before opening them.

17:45, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 22 using 1d20+8. Move Silently.
17:45, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 22 using 1d20+5. Listen - Manor.

Jas

(16)
Motioning the others to silence, Villhalas glides up to the heavy, paneled wooden doors, listening intently.  The manor is steeped in silence.  Easing one of the portals open, the half-elf reveals an audience chamber of sorts.  Two floor-to-ceiling windows dominate the northern wall, and a rather ornate ceremonial chair is flanked by the two windows.  A stone statue of an armored, kneeling woman is close by the chair.  A large fireplace adorns the western wall, and a mahogany table and chair set is situated close to the hearth.  An intricately patterned woolen carpet rests upon the stone floor, and four coats of arms are set into the stone floor as mosaics.  A clerk's desk, a couple of straight-backed wooden chairs, and a mahogany sideboard are situated along the eastern wall.  The room is lit with carved pieces of wood, about a forearm's length, that are set into wall sconces and burn with a cool, even light--likely magical.

(13)
Aine draws her long and short sword with a soft hiss of steel, and silently pads across the anteroom to Villhalas' side.

(13)
Dominique shifts his wooden shield to a more comfortable position on his right arm, his left holding his wickedly-barbed morning star at the ready.  The Palonish priest stations himself at one of the side doors of the anteroom, easing the door open to peer into the hallway beyond.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:05, Mon 24 Jan 2005.

Asher puts his ear to the door and swings it cautiously before motioning Garryn to follow him in. Asher takes a look around.

8:24,  Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 26 using 1d20+7. spot.
18:24, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 9 using 1d20+8. Move silently.
18:23, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 10 using 1d20+3. listen.

(5)
Listening intently, Asher hears only the sounds of the fires and town outside--no sounds emanate from within the manor.  Carefully easing the wooden postern door open, Asher is greeted by a quiet side hall, with passages leading away towards the west.  A staircase climbs upward to the north, and doors open off of the passages to north and south.  Arresting in its incongruity, however, is a body sprawled in a pool of blood just inside the door.  Asher recognizes the gear as belonging to the soldier that had accompanied the thin man into the manor.  A nasty wound at the base of the nape of the neck appears to be the source of the gory mess.  The monk's eyes dart to the shadows and immediately visible alcoves and potential hiding places, but no other figures or creatures are apparent.

Asher also notes an open door down the hall, and the face of Dominique looking towards him.

OOC:  Hau'dn is up on segment 4, and new manor map is up on the website.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:06, Mon 24 Jan 2005.

Hau'dn considers options for a moment and then nods his head sharply once.  Leaving the shadows, he strides quickly across the street toward the manor until he has reached the gate.

He looks toward the door to see if the people he has found himself working with tonight are in sight and whether he can hear anything out of the ordinary that might indicate a need for aid.

(4)
Moving quickly, Hau'dn slips from the shadows and crosses the square to the manor--his shadow cast before him by the flames of the still-burning acacia trees.  There is some shouting from around him, coming mostly from town watchmen and citizens.  Several watchmen burst forth from a squat, stone building to the west, and begin to move towards the manor.  Other watchmen appear to be stationed outside of the manor, watching the edifice and throwing a cordon around the building.

Hau'dn is able to traverse most of the distance between his starting point and the manor's front doors.  Light streams from the doors, and it appears that the rest of the group has entered only scant seconds ago.  The sounds of the burning trees and shouts outside drown out any sound coming from within.

New round...

(24)
The halfling archer quickly crosses the flagstones and rugs of the manor's anteroom, opening the wooden door opposite to the one manned by Dominique.  Caylin peers through with an arrow nocked on his bowstring, shakes his head in negation and whispers, "Nae sign o' th' wild man, jest some closed doors an' a staircase leadin' down."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:14, Tue 25 Jan 2005.

Garryn glides over to the prone body lying in the pool of blood in the midst of the torch-lit hall.  The rogue checks for a pulse and performs a cursory examination of the body.  "No doubt about it--he's dead.  Pretty effective dispatchment, too--blade driven deep up and into the top of the neck and base of the skull from behind.  Guaranteed a quick death, albeit a fairly messy one."

Garryn rises back up from his half-kneeling position, his drawn rapier at the ready and eyes narrowed as he continues to survey his surroundings.

OOC:  anyone up to splitting up?  3 clear this floor.  4 move upstairs???

Jas

"If the guards have established an effective perimeter, then I would prefer to clear the lower level before moving upstairs together, however, given his elusiveness, perhaps we would be better served with speed over thoroughness," Garryn says, noting the questioning look on the always scheming sorcerer.

"Given the speed with which this man was undone, I too believe we need to hurry. I think we check these doors," Asher nods to the doors directly north and south of the slain guard, "and ascend the stair."

Asher will cross to, listen at, and then open the door to the north of the body, before ascending the far north stair.

15:39, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 24 using 1d20+7. spot.
15:39, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 22 using 1d20+3. listen.
15:38, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 18 using 1d20+8. Move silentl
This message was last edited by the player at 03:54, Tue 25 Jan 2005.

(Brian's logged on atm.  posting under his userid... Jas)

Smiling with satisfaction at Garryn's emerging telpathic skills, Villhalas nods in agreement.  "Alright.  Hau'dn, would you please work with Aine clearing this floor.  And any lower levels if you run across them.  Don't let anything past you.  Asher, Garryn, Savin and I will move upstairs."

OOC:  voting for notching up the speed a bit..  I say we move out - but still maintain our attempts at moving silently / listening.  also - speaking w/Brian (he's looking over my shoulder as I type this), he's recommending that Caylin posts at the bottom of the opposite staircase - bow at the ready.  I agree..

V
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:03, Mon 24 Jan 2005.

Beckoning Savin to follow, Vil will move for the closest set of stairs leading up - (on the E end of the building - didn't see grid locs on the map) - Rapier *already* drawn & at-the-ready.  =)   30' move should put him a few feet up the steps - ..

Jas
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:16, Tue 25 Jan 2005.

Hau'dn nods, then speaks up quietly in rather cultured tones, "I shall do so."

He walks into the manor, choosing after a moment's thought to not draw any weapons, he then stops and takes in the chamber before him, nodding once to Aine.

(16)
Gesturing to Savin, Villhalas moves into the tastefully appointed audience chamber, and opens the door to the southwest.  The sorcerer-rogue passes through the door and begins to ascend the stairs, his rapier in hand

Savin follows, eyes narrowed and fingering a jeweled dagger with a twisted and wicked-looking blade.

(13)
Aine nods at Villhalas' stated plan of action, glancing back and easily discerning Hau'dn outside of the manor.  She nods in return, and awaits the arrival of the ranger-bard.

"Priest!" hisses the female ranger to Dominique.  "Check on any of those doors you see, okay?  And holler if you see anything or come to grief.  We'll give you a hand."



IGA:  Aine delays her action until Hau'dn's, putting her at segment 4 now.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Tue 25 Jan 2005.

(13)
The little Palonish priest steps into the side hall, watching as Villhalas and Savin begin their ascent of the stairs.  Dominique grips his morning star and opens the nearby door, eyes straining to catch every detail of the scene beyond.

"My friends!" comes the soft voice of the priest.  "A pleasantly appointed dining room...and no one is about, it seems."

(5)
Asher steps towards the wooden door to the north, opening it to reveal a largish kitchen area--complete with a large, fieldstone fireplace; rush-strewn flagtone floor, and a series of tables, cutting blocks, and wooden cabinets.  Numerous barrels and sacks occupy the southern wall, apparently holding comestibles of some kind.  Several smoked haunches of pig and deer dangle from hooks in the heavy wooden beams that criss-cross the ceiling, and numerous sacks of onions, potatoes, and dried vegetables are likewise suspended on hooks and interspersed among the smoked meats.

Asher sees nothing else of note in here.  The monk departs, moving up the stairway to the north, and arriving at a landing some 10 feet above the ground floor.  Five more feet of stair ascend to the west, and end in a closed wooden door.

Hau'dn moves into the lit interior of the manor, taking in the furnishing and arrangement of the manor's anteroom.  Continuing his approach, the ranger-bard draws even with Aine, who nods once again and sets off across the floor of the audience chamber.

Hau'dn sees the audience chamber, noting the arrangement of the fireplace, chairs, table, sideboards, and chair-of-state.

(4)
Aine, having awaited Hau'dn's arrival, sets off across the stone floor of the audience chamber.  Reaching the northwest wall, the ranger pauses and then quietly opens the carved wooden door.  She looks around intently, and then calls back to Hau'dn, soto voce, "Looks like a kinda meeting room, or something.  Doesn't look like anyone's been here for a coupla days, at least."

"Any other doors that you can see?" Hau'dn responds quietly, more out of habit then belief that people are unaware that they are here.

The ranger swings her head around to glance back at Hau'dn.  "Nope.  Just the one I'm lookin' through.

OOC:  Last round finished with Hau'dn's actions, so we are into a new round once more.  This is the third round since the party entered the manor.  Remember, initiative sequence is as follows:

Caylin:     24
Garryn:     23
Villhalas:  16
Aine:       13
Dominique:  13
Asher:       5
Hau'dn:      4

Garryn hasn't checked in since Sunday, and that was the first and only time he's checked in since mid-December.  If I don't hear from him by this evening, I will NPC him and move him accordingly.

--K

(24)
The halfling archer creeps a few feet down the hall, then eases open a partially closed door to his right.  A medium-sized drawing room greets his eye, complete with a carved and heavy game table, as well as a fireplace, sideboard with several crystal flasks half-full of various liquors, and a small collection of books housed in a corner bookshelf.  No apparent occupants are in the room.

Garryn ascends the back staircase with the monk, hoping that their target has the good manners to wait until they have regrouped to reveal himself and wishing they had the services of their axe-wielding behemoth. He pauses at the wooden door at the end of the hallway to listen for any noises.

Vil continues ascent up the stairs - all the while, keeping an eye on Savin..  (truth be told, Vil doesn't totally trust this man).

07:58, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 7 using 1d20+5. Listen
07:57, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 11 using 1d20+8. Move Silently

Jas


ooc:  (just look at them scores would ya?  very nice.)

(23)
Garryn joins Asher on the landing, paused in front of the plain, bronze-bound wooden door.  The rogue inclines his head towards the door, listening for any sounds beyond, but unable to hear anything but his own breathing.

10:49, Today: DM, on behalf of Garryn the Grey rolled 9 using 1d20+5. Listen.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:04, Sun 30 Jan 2005.

(16)
Villhalas continues his ascent of the staircase, the alderman just behind him.  The sorcerer-rogue reaches the top of the stairs, at the eastern end of the manor's second floor.  A marble statue of a young woman bearing a cup in one hand and a sword in the other dominates the eastern end of the hall.

"The princess Branhlin, as she was poised to ascend to the Throne.  The burgomaster is a great admirer," whispers Savin.

Slipping around the ballustrade surrounding the staircase, Villhalas is able to see much of the hallways that run through the second floor.  The light is dim--only a few ensorceled torches give forth their radiance--but the sorcerer's Elven blood allows him to see without any problems.

(13)
Unaware that Asher has already looked into this room, Aine crosses the audience chamber and quietly opens the door to the northeast--her swords at the ready.  She whispers to Hau'dn, "Looks like the kitchen.  Not even a cook or a scullery maid here, now, though."

(13)
Seeing Villhalas and Savin continuing up to the second floor, and watching as Garryn disappears up the back staircase, the Palonish priest elects to move behind the rogue.  The little priest ascends the back stairs, and is soon a few steps away from Asher and Garryn.

IGA:  Dom takes a double move (hustle) to catch up with Garryn and Asher.

Asher glances back at the Rogue and priest as they join him on the steps. The presence of the healer gives Asher the confidence to push on despite the severity of his injuries.

With all the stealth he can muster, Asher mounts the last 5 stairs, pauses to listen at the door, and opens it slowly, peering inside.

13:23, Wed 26 Jan: Asher Willbourne rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Move silently.
13:23, Wed 26 Jan: Asher Willbourne rolled 15 using 1d20+3. Listen.
13:24, Wed 26 Jan: Asher Willbourne rolled 9 using 1d20+7. Spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Sun 30 Jan 2005.

(5)
Gliding noiselessly up the few remaining steps from the landing to the plain wooden door, the monk listens intently.  No sounds emanate from the space beyond the door, but Asher thinks he can hear the creak of a floorboard somewhere in the manor.

The monk silently opens the door--taking great care to immediately muffle any sounds the hinges might make.  Asher is greeted with a dimly lit room, and the smells of old feces and the sharper, unpleasant odor of urine.  The room appears to be some sort of communal bath and toilet, judging from the presence of tubs, water closet stalls, and some scattered, empty chamberpots.  The room appears empty, and a couple of doors provide exits.

Hau'dn nods, striding off to his right to take a look through the door there.  "What other doors do you see Aine?" as he pushes open the door before him.

(5)
Hau'dn pushes open the heavy, darkly oiled wooden door to the audience room, and finds himself in a hallway, faced with a wooden staircase leading upward.  In reply to his question, the ranger Aine merely shakes her head in the negative--Hau'dn and Aine have eye contact since both are in the same hallway.

New round.  Caylin is up, followed by Garryn on 23 and Villhalas on 16.  I'll  need a Spot check from Vil before he posts his action.

--K

The halfling crosses the room he has just entered, and is able to open the southern door and peer out into an apparently empty hallway.

Good thing Vil has held off on waging his hard earned gold on these rolls...

16:26, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 9 using 1d20+4. Spot - Burgo Flat - 2nd Level.

As Asher opens the door revealing the bathroom Garryn steps past and mmotions for Asher to chech the other door as he moves across the room to the far door (B15) and opens it.

Motioning Savin to stay where he is, Vil positions himself to put an ear to the door to the room just to the left of him..

OOC:  Vil will make a 5' move to the door located at G13 - Listen.  - As long as he doesn't hear anything alarming (which would warrant having the whole team stacked up for entry), he'll open it.

08:11, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 8 using 1d20+5. G13 Door Listen.

Jas

(23)
Garryn manages to slip past Asher and make his way to the door across the room.  The odor within the communal bathroom, while not pleasant, nevertheless is far better than many of the jakes that Garryn has used in the past.  Reflecting on this, the rogue eases open the far door, and observes a hallway just outside.  The rogue sees Savin some distance away, but does not observe Villhalas.

(16)
Villhalas quietly steps towards a nearby closed door, placing his ear to the door and concentrating on any sounds that might be coming from within...quiet, so quiet...

A muffled crash and yell come from within the manor--although not from within the room upon which Villhalas is focusing.

OOC:  Need everyone to make Listen checks (those of you still on the first floor will have higher DCs).  Slightly updated maps on the site.

14:58, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 11 using 1d20+3. listen check.

20:25, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 20 using 1d20+5. Listening...

09:23, Today: DM, on behalf of Garryn the Grey rolled 23 using 1d20+5. Listen.

09:33, Today: Caylin Direbrook rolled 12 using 1d20+5. Listen check.

Still investigating the first floor, the halfling archer does not hear any noises emanating from the second floor.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Fri 04 Feb 2005.

09:34, Today: Dominique de Vedia rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Listen check.

From his position on the stairs, the Palonish priest does not hear anything.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Fri 04 Feb 2005.

09:34, Today: Aine Cliodhna rolled 24 using 1d20+11.

The half-elven ranger brings her head up sharply, looking at a portion of the ceiling somewhat behind her current position.  Aine will proceed to move upstairs during her segment.

OOC:
Those individuals who rolled a 10 or higher on their Listen checks and are on the second floor heard the muffled thud and yell.  Those on the second floor who rolled a 20 or higher on their Listen checks get more information--posted in private messages.  Those on the first floor who rolled 14 or higher on their Listen checks hear the thud and yell, and if they rolled against a DC of 24, they also get more info.  As stated in my last message on the OOC thread, we're still on segment 16, as Vil has another action if he wants to take it.

OOC:  any directional on the muffled yell?

Vil will open the door slowly...
Jas

just enough to get a peek inside...

OOC:  Scratch that - just read my private msg..

Hearing what appears to be a call for aid - Vil calls out to his comrades:  "Oi!  up here!"  With that he motions to Savin and Garyn to follow.

Kevin, Vil will make a double move (as his std action.  which, I think is legal...) to enter the room via the door at E2.

Jas

OOC: ...just wanted to see what 4 pictures of Vil looked like on the screen.  20 charisma and all..

V

OOC:  kinda like a mirror image 1/2 spell isn't it??

OOC:  Enough with the Mirror Images.  Don't make me bring back my Huggles incarnation, Jas.

OOC:  hehehe.. ok ok.  anything to avoid the resurrection of that sickly looking beast.

OOC:

Make it stop! Those eyes! Those horrifying eyes!

13:56, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 19 using 1d20+10. Will save vs. those creepy eyes.

Seriously though, who's up? I'm thinking that it's Aine and Dom? Or are we waiting on me?

13:58, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 30 using 1d20+10. Will save vs fear effects cast by the mere mention of Huggles name.

Oh, sure, now I roll a natural.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Sat 05 Feb 2005.

IGA: Listen check was a 21.  I'll react more appropriately upon my own init.

Upon hearing the cry Garryn will turn towards Asher and say, "Follow me, quickly!" The rogue prepares himself to rush down the hall, intending to push past Savin and throw open the door(?) at the end of the hall(E9).
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:53, Tue 08 Feb 2005.

OOC:  I'm pretty sure Vil is next in the line-up (?)

If so - Vil will go ahead and make entrance into the room..

Jas

(16)
Upon hearing the noise, Villhalas quickly moves away from the door to which he had been applying his ear, and calls out to his comrades as he makes his way towards another door at the end of one of the second floor hallways.

(13)
A sword in either hand, the ranger speedily trots down the hall and ascends the stairs that Hau'dn stands near.  "Trouble upstairs," she says tersely to Hau'dn as she passes by him, taking the steps two at a time.  Reaching the second floor, she glances around briefly and moves behind Savin.

IGA:  Aine takes a double move (hustle) to gain the second story, ending her turn when her movement is used up.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:52, Tue 08 Feb 2005.

(13)
Upon hearing the urgent tone in Garryn's voice, the Palonish priest hurries up the remaining stairs into the communal bath chamber.  Wrinkling his nose a bit, Dominique manages to cross the room and assume a position behind Garryn.

IGA:  Dom takes a double move (40' for him, given his current encumberance) to hustle behind Garryn.

OOC:  Asher is up next, on segment 5.

Asher strides quickly past Garryn and Dom and down the hall to meet up with Savin and Aine. He gives a short nod to the pair. Glancing at Vilhallas and assesing the situation, Asher addresses Aine in a whisper as he passes, "I'll move for the 'flank'."

Asher slips past the pair to stride down the hallway looking for another door leading to the rooms on the north side of the hall (F-2).

OOC: Kev, I believe that this should constitute a "double move" for Asher, taking him 80' to F-9.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:12, Wed 09 Feb 2005.

(5)
Asher moves quickly and deliberately past Garryn, out of the communal bath room and down the hall, squeezing past and acknowledging Savin and Aine in the process.  The monk is searching for a door opening to the north off of the main second floor hallway.  He is successful, and will arrive at the door and be able to open it next round.


OOC:  Hau'dn is up next on segment 4.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:43, Wed 09 Feb 2005.

Hau'dn seems torn between continuing the search through the doors on the main floor or investigating the noise he heard.  Seeing that most of the others decided to do just that, Hau'dn calls out to Aine, "What if it is another attempt at misdirection, this fellow seems particularly adept at that."

OOG: Spend the round, refocusing his initiative count so he will be at the top of the order.

Hau'dn quietly calls Aine's attention this possibility, as the female ranger moves past him and begins to ascend the stairs.  "Could be, yeah.  But that council guy said that this Barbaras asshole wanted to kill the burgomaster.  My guess is that's what he's tryin' to do--somebody's yellin' for the guards up there, at any rate--and it don't sound like the thin guy that set the monk on fire."  Aine continues up the stairs.

Hau'dn nods, accepting Aine's explanation, "You have better ears than I."  With that Hau'dn quickly moves toward the stairs and the upper floors.

OOG: Double move action on his init. toward the stairs and up them.

(24)
The halfling, not having heard the commotion from above, cautiously continues his exploration of the ground floor.  Caylin rounds a corner of the hallway he is currently in, and continues down that hall--executing a double move to cover the ground.

(23)
After consulting briefly with Aine, Hau'dn moves up the stairs to the second floor, moving past Aine and the alderman Savin.  The ranger-bard notices that the well-appointed nature of the manor--seen on the first floor with its furnishings, exotic rugs, smooth stone floors, and ornate windows--is mirroed here on the second floor.  Burnished wooden floors are underfoot, and ornate doors and framed paintings line the hall.  A faint scent of lemon oil and beeswax pervades the air.

During his move, Hau'dn can see and note the location of all of his companions except Dominique, who is still within the bath room.

OOC:  Garryn is up next, followed by Villhalas, then Aine and Dominique, and finally Asher.

(23)
Rapier in hand, Garryn moves across the wooden floors of the manor's second story, joining Villhalas at the door from which the shout for help had come.

OOC:  Villhalas is up on 16--sorry for the slight delay (still hoping for Bret to start playing Garryn again), followed by Aine and Dominique, then Asher.  Slightly updated map up on the site.

Realizing their quarry may be in reach, Vil elects to abandon his traditional cautiousness - and move in.

Eyeing Garryn over his shoulder, Vil nods and whispers low:  "Ready?  I'll cut right, you move straight in."  Raising the fingers of his right hand in turn -  1.. 2.. 3!

OOC:  Kev, Vil open the door (rapid / violent opening - as a std action) and move to the right 10', hugging the wall.

Jas

(16)
Villhalas takes a deep breath, and then depresses the latch on the heavy wooden door with his left hand, simultaneously applying his shoulder to force the door inward.  Right hand gripping his rapier, the sorcerer-rogue immediately cuts to his right, only to nearly stumble into a delicately-carved night table holding a scented lamp--his progress arrested by the presence of a four-poster bed that dominates the eastern wall.

The room that greets Villhalas is a richly appointed bedchamber, but the half-elf has no time to fully register the furnishings.  Instead, his eyes are immediately drawn to the spectacle of two men faced off against one another, both armed with daggers.  One man, older and clad in a silken dressing gown, is bleeding and appears to be fending off the other man.  This other...dressed in studded leather and arrayed as a town watchman, long black hair, thin...appears identical to the man who had leapt the pallisade wall and hurled fire at the monk.

The thin man cuts his eyes over to the open bedchamber door and to Villhalas, snarling slightly as he registers the intruders.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:41, Thu 17 Feb 2005.

(13)
The half-elven ranger, seeing the door down the hall opened by Villhalas and the sorcerer-rogue disappearing inside, hurries towards the open door, swords in hand.  Ducking inside the room, the ranger quickly assesses the situation and moves to engage the thin man.  The thin man adjusts his position so that Aine is not attacking him from behind.

OOC:  Aine performs a double move to position herself, but cannot attack this round.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:41, Thu 17 Feb 2005.

(13)
Dominique hurries from his position in the rear of the party, brushing past Savin and Hau'dn with a murmured "Pardon."  The little priest quickly makes a decision and begins to follow Asher down the hallway.

(9)
Seeing that some degree of interruption has occurred, the man in the dressing gown presses a nearby, fist-sized stone that is part of the fieldstone fireplace.  A section of wall swings wide, and the older man attempts to dart through.

With astonishing speed, the thin man whirls back to the fleeing man and drives a powerful dagger thrust home between the unfortunate other's ribs.  With a gasp, the dressing gowned man drops heavily to the floor.


OOC:  Opening the secret door--move action drawing no AOO.  Attempting to flee--draws AOO.  Asher is up next on segment 5.

Asher strides down the hall quietly, still hoping to surprise Zante; hoping he will find him on the other side of the door at the end of the hall.

He pauses for an instant to listen outside the door, assumes the defensive "cat stance", and prepares himself for the worst.

Asher opens the door.

15:11, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 23 using 1d20+8. Move silently.
15:10, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 6 using 1d20+3. listen check.
15:10, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 26 using 1d20+7. spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:28, Thu 17 Feb 2005.

(5)
Asher listens carefully at the panelled wooden door, but hears nothing beyond.  The monk rises to the balls of his feet, then opens the door to reveal a sumptuously appointed study/conference chamber.  Deep burgundy rugs adorn the floors, and a maroon wall hanging depicts a woman, prone, attended by a priest flanked by a two-headed eagle and a three-headed dog--with the priest extending his right hand towards the eagle.  A large, hexagonal conference table of burnished walnut is surrounded by six comfortable chairs, and an oaken desk with a number of quills and stacks of parchment sits on the far side of the room.  Asher's immediately spots a small sideboard in the northeast corner of the room, beyond the fieldstone fireplace.  The sideboard and a portion of the wall have swung outward, apparently leading into another room.  The monk cannot see into that room.  Another door, closed, is found in the northwest corner of the room.

OOC:  New round...

(24)
Caylin continues to move about the first floor, exploring and noting the manor's interior.  The halfling opens one final door, revealing a very official-looking office and records room.  Shelves containing various scrolls, books, tablets, parchments, and loose sheets of vellum line the walls.  A large, heavy, and ornately carved mahogany desk dominates the northern part of the room, and two simple wooden chairs are placed on the fawn-colored rug in front of it.  Caylin notes the presence of a staircase leading upward, and prepares to ascend.

(23)
Hau'dn not hearing any cry of alarm that the intruder had been located, quickly strides down the hallway, opening the door on his left to reveal what lay beyond.

IGA: Move to I14.  Open door on his left to reveal the chamber beyond.

Vil jumps up onto the bed to obtain a flanking position (yet being careful to stay outside of 5' range of the man in Black) - and casts Daze on their opponent..

Jas

(23)
Hau'dn moves down the manor's second floor hallway, swinging open a door to his left.  The scent of old leather, dusty parchment, lemon oil, and the faint overtones of aromatic tobacco greet the ranger-bard's nostrils.  Hau'dn is faced with a small library, complete with floor to ceiling polished wooden shelves half-filled with a variety of tomes, scrolls, and parchments.  Two leather chairs are drawn cozily close to a small hearth nearby--empty of any fire this time of year.  A sideboard holds several decanters of liquour, along with a set of small, fluted crystal glasses.  Multi-colored woolen rugs from Phanar cover the center of the room's floor.  The room appears empty of any occupants.

(16)
Villhalas leaps up on the bed, his footing a bit hampered by the bedclothes and yielding nature of the matress.  Nevertheless, the sorcerer-rogue clambers across the bed, out of immediate reach of the thin man, but close enough for what Villhalas intends.

Mystic words, coupled with several fluid gestures, usher forth from the half-elf.  The thin man spares Villhalas a glance, but no other effect accompanies the half-elf's spell.

(16)
With a lightning-fast glance at his opponents, the thin man hisses, "Meddlers!  Fools!"  With that, he lunges at Aine, executing two devastating dagger attacks against the ranger--the powerful thrusts driven home to Aine's shoulder and thorax.  The ranger gives an involuntary cry of pain, her vitality seriously reduced by the attacks.

OOC:  Anyone not in the room, make a Listen check to determine if you hear Aine's yelp.

(13)
Gritting her teeth against the pain, Aine brings her own blades into play against the thin man, whirling her longsword down in an oblique arc while simultaneously thrusting upward with her short sword.  The ranger lets out a heartfelt, frustrated curse as the thin man twists and turns--barely avoiding both attacks.

(13)
Dominique continues to follow Asher down the hall, hurrying to catch up.

(12)
Garryn, unaccountably lost in his own thoughts, manages to break free from his reverie to note that Aine appears to be suffering from a series of debilitating attacks--the rogue is able to see this through the open bedchamber door.  Steeling himself, Garryn moves to aid the ranger, his rapier in hand.  Springing through the open bedroom door, the rogue moves to Aine's side and thrusts his blade at the thin man.  Again, the long-haired man dressed as a town watchman just manages to avoid the attack.

This message was deleted by the player at 20:17, Sun 20 Feb 2005.

This message was deleted by the player at 21:02, Sun 20 Feb 2005.

Still unaware of the activity in the next room, Asher quietly negotiates the furniture to cross to the secret door.

Peering through he realizes he will not make it to the thin man in time, and instead readies a "Stunning Fist" should the thin man approach.

OOC: Sorry for the caution on my part, DM ruled Asher too far away to enter melee this round. I'll get in there next round.

15:10, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 20 using 1d20+8. Move silently.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:19, Sun 20 Feb 2005.

IGA: Hau'dn Listen 20.

(24)
Caylin makes his way up the stairs cautiously, keeping an arrow nocked on the string of his short composite bow.  The halfling opens the door at the head of the stairs, and steps inside.  Immediately spotting the open secret door and the figure of Asher beyond, Caylin takes a tighter grip on his bow and prepares to join the monk the following round.

IGA:  Move up the stairs, open door, and 5' move inside room.

OOC:  Hau'dn is up

(23)
Hau'dn's sharp ears picked up the sound of a cry of pain just seconds ago.  The cry came from beyond the wall to the ranger-bard's north.

Hau'dn turns striding quickly back the way he came, cutting north back into the hallway had just exited and quickly heading west, following the cry of pain to the best of his ability, he draws both light maces as he walks.


OOG: Hau'dn will do a double move, stepping into the room at E9 if he sees Aine otherwise stopping at E10 to try to get his bearings.  Drawing both light maces as part of his move action.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:56, Tue 22 Feb 2005.

(23)
Hau'dn quickly makes his way eastward back down the hall, and then heads west towards where he guesses the cry he heard had come--his light maces finding their way into his hands as he moves.  The ranger-bard sees Aine through an open door at the end of the hall, apparently locked in combat and bleeding profusely.  Hau'dn moves into the room and takes in the situation at a glance:  a thin man with a wicked-looking knife and several wounds, a downed and very bloody older man in a dressing gown, Asher moving into the room through what appears to be a secret door, Villhalas half-crouched upon the room's bed, and Aine and Garryn facing off against the thin man.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 21:58, Tue 22 Feb 2005.

OOC:  <sigh>

Trying to invoke a flanking attack on the thin man, Vil lashes out at him w/his rapier.

13:02, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 8 using 1d20+3. Melee Atack vs. Thin Man.

Jas

(16)
Surrounded by enemies--and newly engaged by Villhalas in addition--the thin man narrows his eyes and takes in everyone, glancing over his shoulder at Asher, as well.  Fixing his gaze upon Garryn, the man whips out a thin, slightly flexible piece of wood.  "You look the punter, ace.  C'mon over t' my side o' things," the man mutters.  Pointing the thin stick at Garryn, the man murmurs a phrase, and nods with some satisfaction as the tip of the wand glows.

"Stop your comrades from harming me!  Restrain them!  I am an honorable man!"

The thin man calls this out to Garryn.

OOC:  The thin man draws his wand (free action w/the Quick Draw feat), and activates the thing (DC 20 for a Use Magic Device roll).
This message was last edited by the player at 19:01, Wed 23 Feb 2005.

(13)
"Well, fuck you, asshole."

The ranger grates out the words, directing them at the thin man as she brings her swords into play.  Unfotunately, both of her blows are seriously wide of her mark.

(13)
Dominique continues to hurry after Asher, and moves into the room that the monk had just entered.  Seeing both Caylin and the open secret door, the Palonish priest begins to move towards the latter, while nodding at the former.

(12)
Garryn elects to attempt to stop Aine, as the ranger is a bit more physically imposing and capable with her weapons than Villhalas.

"Stop!  We have been mistaken before!  This man is innocent!"

Garryn springs upon Aine, attempting to grapple with her.

The ranger, clearly startled, smashes her elbow into Garryn's face, bloodying his nose.  "Get the fuck away, you moron!  This guy is tryin' to KILL us!"  Her successful blow ends Garryn's grapple attempt.

OOC:  Garryn failed his Will save, and attempted to engage Aine in a grapple as his melee action this round.  Her AOO ended said attempt.  Asher is up next on segment 5.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:07, Tue 22 Feb 2005.

OOC:  I assume Vil's [rather comical] attempt at baiting the Thin Man into a Fencing duel failed..  Lol.  He didn't even *acknowledge* Vil's swing.  RFOL.  that's not good.

V

OOC:  alright - I'm going to preface this with the ever-so-tired comment of, "...without My PHB.." I'm sure I'm not using Asher to his fullest here.  But - here it goes..

Seeing the weak minded rogue fall victim to the thin man's parlor tricks, Asher realizes he must act quickly.  Maintaining his flanking position, Asher releases himself from the bonds of pre-meditated thought & action - and moves in to engage his enemy.

10:48, Today: DM, on behalf of Asher Willbourne rolled 12 using 1d20+5. Real attack roll for Asher.

OOC:  Kev, Brian's out until tomorrow night.  please feel free to tweak the above if needed..

Jas
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:54, Wed 23 Feb 2005.

(5)
Asher springs forward, extending his right arm, piston-like, towards the face of the Thin Man.  A swift, sidewise movement of the Thin Man's head causes Asher's blow to meet only air.

Surrounded now, the Thin Man nevertheless grins ferociously.  Garryn is convinced that the party is making a mistake and is intent on preventing any further harm to the Thin Man, Aine is sorely wounded, and the burgomaster lies bleeding on the floor.  Clearly, the fun has only just begun.

OOC:  New round.

(24)
Caylin, bow in hand, makes his way into the now-crowded bedroom.  The halfling expertly fires into the midst of the combat, trusting to his training to avoid hitting his allies.  Unfortunately, Asher's presence grants some cover to the Thin Man, and the halfling pulls his arrow shot just a bit to the left--and narrowly misses the Thin Man.

IGA:  Move 20' and attack.  +4 AC bonus to Thin Man due to soft cover.

Hau'dn seeing Garryn's behavior after witnessing the thin man's actions, scowls "Ahh rust dung!"

Hau'dn quickly steps further into the room, setting up a flank of Garryn between Aine and himself and lays into Garryn with his maces in an attempt to subdue Garryn without serious injury.

"My apologies Garryn, I do not want to hurt you but you'll thank me for this later."

(23)
Hau'dn, seeing the unaccountable alteration in Garryn's demeanor towards this thin man who had attempted to set Asher on fire, concludes that the half-elven rogue is not acting cogently.  The ranger-bard attempts to subdue Garryn, but the care that Hau'dn must take to avoid incurring permanent and potentially serious damage to Garryn causes his attacks to be ineffective.  Both maces, one swung in either hand by Hau'dn, respectively strike a glancing blow or miss altogether.  Garryn is uninjured by the attack.


OOC:  Villhalas is up next on 16.

09:02, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 10 using 1d20+3. Melee Attack against Thin Man.

(16)
Crowded conditions and Villhalas' uneven and somewhat precarious footing on the bed help to cause his rapier thrust to go awry.  Cursing his luck, the half-elf recovers from the missed blow and regains his balance.

(16)
Fixing his gaze upon Villhalas, the Thin Man mutters, "Yer next, boyo.  Yer friend's lonely."  Pointing the thin, laquered stick at the sorcerer-rogue, the Thin Man murmurs soft words, and then cries out, "Foul deeds and mayhem!  Restrain your friends, good sir, lest more murder this day shall see!"


OOC:  Need a Will save, Jas--DC of 15.

Vil offers up a mocking grin at the Thin Man    "I don't think so old man..."

12:15, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 20 using 1d20+5. Will vs. Thin Man.
12:15, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 8 using 1d20+4. Spot Savin.

OOC:  Kevin - meant to shoot off a quick spot check to see what Savin was up to during all this.  Roll posted above...

Jas
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:18, Thu 24 Feb 2005.

(13)
Focusing her resolve, the badly wounded ranger lashes out with her swords, taking advantage of her position.  A savage slash of the long sword, coupled with an effective thrust of her short sword, both draw blood from the Thin Man.  The man snarls and grits his teeth with pain.

(13)
Dominique makes his way past Caylin into the room.  Seeing the recumbent, wounded form of the burgomaster on the floor, the little Palonish priest bends down and quickly intones the Minor Canticle for Wholesome Mending (Cure Minor Wounds).  The bleeding man stabilizes and is no longer in immediate danger of perishing.  The Thin Man sees this and growls angrily.

(12)
"Stop it, I tell you!  We'll end up just like the half-orc at this rate--guilty of killing an innocent man!"

With that, Garryn lunges yet again for Aine, trying to restrain her.  The female ranger attempts to backhand the rogue, but Garryn successfully ducks under her blow.  The rogue seizes the ranger, intent upon placing her into a headlock.  With a violent twist and an equally violent curse, the ranger surges out of Garryn's hold and shoves him away from her.

IGA:  Successful Grapple grab, unsuccessful AOO on Aine's part, opposed grapple check is lost by Garryn.

Asher takes another swing with his "stunning fist" (curse you dice roller) and draws his sai.

16:41, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 11 using 1d20+5. Stunning fist.

(5)
Asher offers up a roundhouse kick, attempting to connect with the Thin Man's head.  The Thin Man anticipates the blow, ducking as the monk's foot whistles overhead.


OOC:  Shades of chop-socky, 70's style...

OOC: New round

(24)
The little halfling again sights his arrowhead at the Thin Man, trying to anticipate and avoid interfering with Asher's movements.  This arrow speeds true, striking the Thin Man a solid blow to the shoulder.  Caylin grunts with some satisfaction as he begins to draw another arrow forth from his quiver.

Hau'dn grimly and rather determinedly keeps up his attempt to subdue Garryn as he wields his light maces in a manner that impedes his ability to land a blow without bringing true physical harm to Garryn.

IGA: Attempting to subdue Garryn with a full attack action.
ATK Primary: 10 <miss>.  ATK Off-Hand: 16.  Subduing Damage: 8.

OOC:  I think I'm going to send Vil outside for a quick smoke next round..


22:03, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 14 using 1d20+3. Rapier Attack - Thin Man.


Jas

(23)
Hau'dn once again tries to use his weapons to engage and subdue Garryn--the ranger-bard hopes to render the renegade rogue insensible, or at least keep him from grappling with Aine.  Garryn easily evades one mace blow, dodging aside as the weapon passes through only air.  Hau'dn's second blow, deliberately pulled, hits the rogue, but his armor saves Garryn from any damage.

(16)
Villhalas' rapier lunge finds the Thin Man dodging aside, yet again.  A quick twist and bob by the Thin Man leaves Vil's rapier point some inches from its intended mark.

(16)
Appearing somewhat wounded and a bit less inclined to bravado, the Thin Man targets Aine with a muttered phrase and gesture with the thin, wooden device the man holds.  The tip again glows briefly, as the Thin Man calls out, "Desist!  You harm an innocent man--one who is only defending himself against the violence of others!"

Aine blinks, twice, and elects not to answer verbally, responding with her swords instead.

IGA:  Aine makes her save vs. the Suggestion spell cast by the Thin Man.

(13)
Mouth tensed and grim, the female ranger shakes off the siren's song that the Thin Man's spell represents, and lunges forward again.  This time, she leads with her short sword--as the Thin Man springs away from the thrust, Aine cuts her long sword down and across the man's torso, connecting with a meaty blow.  The Thin Man is beginning to bleed badly.

(13)
Dominique begins to shift the prone, injured form of the Burgomaster away from the melee.  The priest opens a nearby door and finds a marbled bathroom, and drags the recumbent Burgomaster inside.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:54, Tue 01 Mar 2005.

(12)
Garryn again attempts to leap upon Aine, shouting, "Your stubborness with be the death of us yet!  Stop this madness!"  Aine spins and plants a solid blow to the rogue's midriff, halting his attempt at a grapple and knocking some of the wind out of him.

IGA:  Garryn's grapple attempt was obviated by Aine's AOO.

Asher decides to forego accuracy for speed and attempts a "flurry of blows"; he leads with a stunning fist.

17:27, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 8 using 1d20+3. first attack.
17:28, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 18 using 1d20+3. second attack.
17:29, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 3 using 1d6+2. Unarmed damage non-lethal
This message was last edited by the player at 23:49, Sat 26 Feb 2005.

(5)
Asher continues to assail the Thin Man, switching to a combination attack move with his upper body.  A powerhouse blow designed to stun the Thin Man fails to connect, but a follow-through strike with the heel of the monk's hand lands glancingly.

OOC:  New round.

(24)
Caylin, arrow nocked to bow string, attempts another clear shot at the Thin Man.  His view of his target, however, continues to be obstructed by Asher's presence, and the halfling is once again forced to pull his arrow fire just enough to the right...and the arrow shatters on the stonework of the room's fireplace, missing the Thin Man.

Dropping the mace in his right hand, Hau'dn begins to sing, "We are the warriors brave and true.  We are the warriors strong and willful.  We are the guardians true and our bravery comes from our soul."

Hau'dn swings at Garryn again, in attempt to bring him down without harm, his eyes narrowing as once again the blow seems to fall short.

IGA: Free Action: Drop Mace.  Inspire Courage as a Bard via Singing and once again try to slap Garryn upside the head with a single mace strike subdual.  Atk: 14.

OOC:  Ok - definitely time for Vil to try a new tactic..

23:34, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 8 using 1d20+3. Fanning the Thin Man w/my rapier.

Jas

(23)
Hau'dn begins an old Paldorian plain song, originally from the northern reaches of the Empire and hailing back to the Pald tribes of old.  The song's cadence and minor melody line evoke a sense of feyness, but at the same time inspire all within earshot to a sense of enthusiasm for the battle.

IGA:  Everyone that can hear Hau'dn receives a +1 to hit, +1 to damage, and a +1 to saves vs. fear and char effects.

(16)
Villhalas' rapier lunge is again off the mark, as the Thin Man easily slips aside from the half-elf's blade.

(16)
With a quick feint to his left, the Thin Man executes a diving tumble, catching Aine and Asher by surprise and leaving them no recourse for attacking the Thin Man as he begins to tumble across the room.  Villhalas is more fortunate, and can employ his rapier to attack the Thin Man as he tumbles past.

Moving past Garryn, the Thin Man attempts to leap and flip over Hau'dn to gain the hallway beyond.  Unfortunately for the Thin Man, Hau'dn is able to read the man's intentions, and acts to intercept the Thin Man's tumbling trajectory--with his mace.  His attempt to tumble through and among his foes a failure, the Thin Man is forced back into the burgomaster's bedroom.

IGA:  Tumble attempt to avoid AOOs succeeds with Asher and Aine, fails with Vil.  Tumble attempt to move through the square occupied by Hau'dn fails.  Both Villhalas and Hau'dn receive attacks of opportunity against the Thin Man.  Please make those rolls.  The Thin Man still has a standard action left, which I will take when I see Vil's and Hau'dn's AOOs.

Switching abruptly from an attempt to subdue Garryn to crushing the thin man's ribs throws Hau'dn completely off as his flailing swing goes wide by a mile.

OOG:  I guarantee I will not start hitting until at least 6th level, the curse of the die roller is still settled upon my shoulders for any character whose level is under that. ARGH!  Natural 1.

14:17, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 11 using 1d20+3. AO (1).

14:17, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 11 using 1d20+3. AO (2) - Combat Reflexes.

14:37, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 20 using 1d20+5. Listen for the sound of Savin Flushing.   (OOC:  Nice..)

Jas
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Tue 01 Mar 2005.

(16)
His attempt to tumble past his opponents thwarted, the wounded Thin Man engages in a last, desperate, yet calculated measure.  Dropping the wand, the Thin Man whips his hand towards one of the globular pendants dangling from his neck.  "Fire in th' hole, fuckers," the scruffy man mutters as he hurls the golden globe towards the nearby wall.  The little missile detonates, and the room is awash in flame.

IGA:  Tumbling move was a move action.  Dropping wand is a free action, activating magic item is a standard action.  Everyone, please make Reflex saves vs. a DC of 14.  Dom and the burgomaster, being in another room, are outside of the blast radius.  When all results are in, I'll move us along later this afternoon.

(16)
The Thin Man dodges to the side and, miraculously, is able to duck and cover from the blossoming fireball.

IGA:  Successful Reflex save obviates any damage due to rogue's special ability Evasion.

OOC:  Vil's all about the Defense.  Apparently.  Been like a Father to this Character for over 5 years now, and I'm still finding new things out about him.  I always took him for the dashing - I'll poke your beady eye out w/my rapier in one hand - and deftly untie your purse strings with the other -  kind of swashbuckler.  huh.  guess I was wrong all this time.

14:43, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 24 using 1d20+6. Reflex - Incendiary Grenade.

Jas
This message was last edited by the player at 20:52, Tue 01 Mar 2005.

(16)
Aine, already sorely wounded, manages to duck the worst of the fiery blast.  Nonetheless, she is felled by the damage she sustains.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Tue 01 Mar 2005.

(16)
Caylin crouches low and turns his head as the fire rushes over him.  The halfling is able to avoid much of the heat damage, and curses quietly, his mouth set in a grim line.

IGA:  Caylin makes his Reflex save and sustains 7 hp of damage.

Diving beside the bed in a twisting/crouching tumble Asher avoids taking any damage.

15:29, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 21 using 1d20+6. Reflex save vs. Fireball, DC 14.

OOC: thank the Wizards of the Coast for giving Monks "evasion" as well.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 21:54, Tue 01 Mar 2005.

Juggling to keep his remaining mace firmly in hand, after his poorly timed extension that left him ackwardly off-balance, Hau'dn ducks forward to regain his balance as he stumbles backward, the majority of fire and heat washing over and above his back.

Reflex Save 24.

(16)
Garryn, too, is able to shield himself and twist aside from the blast, taking no damage as a result.

(13)
With the detonation of the fireball, the Palonish priest leaps up from his position moving and caring for the burgomaster, and looks out the door of the bath chamber.  Upon seeing the ranger prone, Dominique cries out, "Aine, my friend!"  The little priest glances at the impenetrable combat in which Asher, Vil, and the Thin Man are still locked, sidesteps Caylin, and runs through the open secret door...intent upon coming to Aine's aid by circling around, given that moving through the combatants is simply not possible.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:56, Wed 02 Mar 2005.

(12)
"You imbeciles!  We'll only end up hurting ourselves more!  Aine's down...this guy's acting from self-defense, I say!  Stop attacking him...now!"  With that, the rogue attempts to seize the wounded Villhalas in a grapple.


IGA:  Garryn is trying to initiate a grapple.  I need Vil to make an AOO before I can resolve this segment and move on to Asher.  Cheers.

22:19, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 10 using 1d20+3. Subdual strike against Garryn.

Vil makes a quick attempt at defending Garryn's Grappling move (via an Overhead Sweep technique - which he picked up from the Guild of Grubby Street Fighters in Cameron (GSF-C) - sometimes better known as the *UFC* - or 'Underground Fighting Club... of Cameron).

His concentration is somewhat compromised, however, by the thought that crosses his mind We *Really* should have been practicing our Code more often....  He calls out to his companions in a loud voice: "Mal'ach's delivering Good News..." -- hoping one or a few will interpret his message correctly..
This message was last edited by the player at 04:46, Wed 02 Mar 2005.

(12)
Garryn easily evades Villhalas' blow, but his countermove is badly mistimed, throwing the rogue severely off-balance.  Barely able to catch himself, Garryn stumbles and finds that his hands have seized the bedcovers of the burgomaster's bed, rather than the sorcerer-rogue who was his target.

Inspired by having evaded the fireball and, oddly, by the Bards unexpected break into song, Asher attempts another "flurry of blows" for subdual damage.

05:30, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 20 using 1d20+4. first attack.
05:30, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 14 using 1d20+4. second attack.
05:30, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 7 using 1d6+3. Unarmed damage.

Asher listens briefly to see if he can figure out what Vil is refering to, "Poor soul. He must have taken more damage than I thought. He's hallucinating about his  bird."

05:35, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 9 using 1d20+3. listen.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:10, Wed 02 Mar 2005.

(5)
Asher lashes out with his fist, connecting smartly with a solid jab.  The monk pulls his blow a bit, relaxing the iron concentration that can make such unarmed attacks lethal.  The Thin Man's head snaps back a little at the monk's blow, and an involuntary "Owwf.  Shit!" escapes his lips.  The second punch in Asher's combination misses, however, as the Thin Man quickly weaves and ducks the hook Asher throws.

OOC:  New round, top of the order.

(24)
Caylin puts another arrow in flight, attempting to thread the missile between Asher and the surrounding walls and furniture.  The halfling fails, his shot is low, and the arrow strikes the floor and lodges, thrumming, into the wooden floorboards.

Continuing to sing, "We are the soldiers of duty.  We are the soldiers of honor.  We are the soldiers of truth.  We are the protectors of our family and our homes.  Forever we shall march where we must to keep those who cannot safe from tyranny."

Hau'dn takes a wild swing at Garryn but still blinded by the heat of the passing flame, he is quite wide of the mark.

IGA: Continue Singing to Inspire Courage.  Attempted Subdual.  Glances at the result.  Somehow, I just cannot find a reason to be surprised...

Trying to steady his footing on the Burgomaster's Bed, Villhalas makes another attempt at the Thin Man..

07:14, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 14 using 1d20+3. Melee - Thin Man.

Jas

(16)
Recognizing that he is faced with badly wounded foes, the Thin Man elects to return to his initial attack mode--the wickedly curved dagger in his left hand.  Snarling and pivoting, the Thin Man delivers a precise blow to the monk, then spins again and attacks Villhalas on the bed--likewise scoring a hard, well-placed blow.  Asher finds himself in dire straits, clinging to his remaining vitality by the barest thread.  Villhalas, already weakened by the fiery blast, succumbs to the powerful dagger blow.  With a groan, the sorcerer-rogue collapses on the bed, his lifesblood darkening the bedclothes

(13)
Continuing to run down the hall, the Palonish priest rounds a corner and launches himself towards the open door of the burgomaster's bedroom.  Feet pounding the wooden floorboards, Dominique gains the bedroom and moves past Hau'dn, only to find Vilhallas as well as Aine mortally wounded.

IGA:  Dom, as a full round action, runs to make it back to the burgomaster's bedroom.

(12)
Seeing another of his companions felled, Garryn calls out again, "Only more injury and unhappiness will result from your refusal to cease attacking an innocent man!  Why must you persist?"

Turning on Hau'dn, the rogue loses the niceties of attempting to grapple--that was what you did with your misguided friends.  This man was a virtual stranger, attempting to pummel Garryn with maces.  The rogue employs his rapier, lunging forwards suddently.  The rapier's point catches the ranger-bard high in the shoulder, piercing the armor and drawing blood.

Summoning the full force of his will, Asher takes two more swings at the thin man, hoping against hope to drop him unconscious.

12:28, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 15 using 1d20+4. Flurry 1.

After missing one of his strikes altogether, the dejected Asher swings again and takes a defensive step backwards.

12:28, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 23 using 1d20+4. Flurry 2.
12:28, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 9 using 1d6+3.

OOC: FoB as full round action, 5' "withdraw" to A6 not an action. Let me know if I am not interpreting this correctly, Kev.

(5)
Asher's initial blow is high, and the Thin Man ducks under the monk's roundhouse punch--right into Asher's combination snap kick.  The blow to the Thin Man's head is a powerful one, and he reels backward, eyes glazing initially, but snapping back into focus.  Nonetheless, the man is badly hurt and wobbling on his feet.

IGA:  Asher has now inflicted 16 hp of non-lethal damage to the Thin Man

OOC:  New round

(24)
With an unimpeded line of sight now that Asher has stepped aside, the halfling draws another bead on the Thin Man and lets fly with an arrow.  This time, the missile speeds true to its target, striking home in the Thin Man's thigh.  With a gasp, the man collapses to the floor to lie still and unmoving.

OOC:  Hau'dn is up on segment 23.

Hau'dn continues to sing, though mentally he snarls, ENOUGH OF THIS!, "For the farmers and their daughters, for our families and friends, for our sons and siblings and our mothers we walk to battle, for we must to protect the ones we love from the evil that has come."

Since Garryn appears not to be holding back neither does Hau'dn as he takes a hard swing at the man determined to put him down.

IGA: Atk: 20.  Damage: 5. Garryn.

IGA:  Vil continues to lie... still... on the bed...

Jas

(23)
Haud'dn, his patience at an end, changes his attack mode to utilize his weapons more efficiently--dealing the lethal damage as they were designed to do.  A mace blow descends in an overhead arc, striking Garryn and staggering the rogue a bit.

(13)
Dominique kneels next to Aine, and softly cradles the ranger's head in his left arm.  Deftly reaching into his belt pouch, the Palonish priest pulls out a small, cork-stoppered flask.  Popping the cork with his thumb, the priest begins to meticulously administer the flask's contents to the ranger's slack mouth, massaging her throat to stimulate the swallowing reflex.  Working carefully, Dominique manages to get the contents of the entire flask into Aine.  Sputtering weakly, the ranger returns to consciousness, some of her wounds scabbing over and knitting together.

The priest, during his ministrations to the ranger, still manages to find time to call out irritably, "My friends!  Stop this!  Enough!"

Even Aine, in her weakened state, chimes in.  "Knock it the fuck off, you two assholes," the ranger hisses.

IGA:  Dom administers a Potion of Cure Light Wounds to Aine.  Results are as you see 'em.

(12)
Garryn, hearing two of his companions exhorting him to cease his attacks, complies.  Still keeping his rapier in an en guarde position, the rogue backs off of Hau'dn, disengaging from combat.  "If that guy's dead, we are in serious trouble.  Dom, can you help him?"

The priest takes a glance over at the Thin Man.  Even with his limited ability to see the prone form of the man, the Palonish priest says, "My friend, he is in no danger, although he may have a painful headache and a bruised face when he regains consciousness."

OOC:  Garryn withdraws from combat.  We are effectively at the end of combat time-keeping, unless Hau'dn wishes to continue to attack.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:15, Sun 06 Mar 2005.

Aine sits up weakly.  Dominique pats her shoulder and moves on to Villhalas.  The priest pulls his healer's kit out of his backpack, and prepares to use the entire set of salves, bandages, and healing reagents to aid the sorcerer-rogue.  Drawing on his extensive healing experience, the Palonish man sets about taking care of Villhalas, coaxing the sorcerer-rogue back to consciousness and healing his wounds.

IGA:  House rules...a healer's kit can be used, as a one-time event that uses up the kit, to cure wounds.  DC is a 10 for a Heal check--any points above 10 on the check are healed hp to the individual being treated.  Dom rolls high, and Villhalas is pretty much completely healed (heh, heh).

"He is quite a ways from dead, Rogue. I never struck him with lethal force." Asher addresses Garryn, trying to further set his mind at ease. Asher crosses to the thin man.

"That said, we should unarm and bind him, before he should re-awaken. Garryn, grab his boots and bind his feet."

Asher removes the dagger from the thin mans hand, and the pendants from around his neck. He also looks for any rings or additional weapons on the helpless man. He tucks these items into his sash, out of sight for now.
This message was last updated by the player at 20:07, Sun 06 Mar 2005.

"I'm glad for your restraint Asher, the last thing we need is to compound the error Totmacher made earlier. You're quite correct though, he should be bound, including his fingers, in case he can cast any spells without the assistence of devices," Garryn replies to Asher as he lets the point of his rapier drop though Hau'dn continues to occupy much of his attention as he speaks. Finally Garryn then turns the full of his attention upon Hau'dn, "Are you quite through attempting to brain me or must I stick you again?"

Asher will take the Rogue's advice and reach into his backpack to retrieve his rope. Asher will remove any rings, bracers, gauntlets, and his cloak before binding the man's hands (only after he has stowed the dagger and amulets).

"Dominique, how is the burgormeister? Perhaps someone should attend to him and bring him out here and make him comfortable."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:38, Sun 06 Mar 2005.

Asher divests the Thin Man of his dagger, necklace, and a silver ring.  The rest of the man's equipment is of average quality, consisting of a short bow, a quiver of arrows, a worn suit of studded leather armor, and a longsword.

Dagger:  A curved, black blade with a simple, nickel-wound hilt and a shark's head pommel.

Necklace:  A golden chain with three globular pendants depending from it.  The pendants are shaped like miniature sunbursts, and range in proportion from the size of a BB, a marble, and a ping-pong ball.

A silver ring:  Upon inspection, Asher discerns the forms of various animals etched into the outer surface of the ring:  frogs, grasshoppers, kangaroo rats, and wallabees are delicately represented on the ring's outer facing.


OOC:  Please have Villhalas, Asher, and Garryn make Search checks.

Caylin speaks up, apparently talking to someone west of the secret door.

"Who're ye, then?  Speak quick, man...I've nae patience fer a slow reply."

17:03, Today: Asher Willbourne rolled 17 using 1d20+1. search.

"He is stable and in no danger of passing on, but he needs care, my friend.  I will see to him, and will move him to the bed, if I am aided."  The Palonish priest moves off to attend the burgomaster.

18:19, Today: Villhalas of Cameron rolled 18 using 1d20+4. Search Chk.

OOC:  more action to follow in a follow-up post..

Jas

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