You have been trekking across Allansia, in search of adventure, excitement - and above all treasure! Forsaking the western shores, you headed south, and came to the land of Kallamehr, which is ruled by the noble house of Rangor. Compared to the hardships you faced on the journey Kallamehr promises comfort and rich pickings. Judging by the rounded bellies of the traders you have passed on throad, business must be good around here.

After two months' solid travelling, interrupted only by the occasional skirmish with beasts and bandits, you have caught the scent of the sea in the wind. The road broadens as it approaches the town of Kallamehr, and you see its famous tower looming majestically in the distance. As you draw near the town, you catch sight of the sprawling collection of buildings which huddle beneath the tower. The twisting architecture is strange to your northern eyes; it seems to have no order to it. You wonder how on earth people can live in such chaotic squalor.

An imposing pair of gates loom before you. Strangely, no guards seem to be around, and the gates are open. You can make out the faint sound of shouting from the other side of town, but the houses block your vision and you cannot see what the commotion is about.

As you stand in the gateway, you hear thumping from the gatehouse to your left. Someone seems to be trying to attract your attention.

'In the name of charity, let me out!' a tiny voice implores. 'Surely I, one of Baron Bluestone's most loyal subjects, should have the right to witness his struggle? Let me out!'

Edging closer, you see a man's gaunt face pressed against the door's grille. Manacled hands grip the bars, and tears stain his grubby face. He does not look much like a loyal citizen to you, and he has almost certainly been locked in the gatehouse for a good reason. There are no keys near by.

Abandoning him to his fate, you hurry towards the sound of the crowd, which gets louder as you get closer.  Carts sit unattended, stalls unguarded, and livestock runs free. Minutes after leaving the gate, you arrive at the central square - the scene of the commotion. Packed into the square is a vast crowd (surely the entire population of Kallamehr, apart from the wretch in the gatehouse!). Each pair of eyes is fixed on the top of the tower, where a spindly figure is struggling to free himself from the clutches of a short robed man, who in turn is trying to force the other off the edge of the balcony. The spindly man is teetering on the edge. With every twist and turn the onlookers gasp ever louder. The tension is unbearable.

You are in the throng of townspeople, struggling to avoid being crushed against the sea wall. People are shrieking in disbelief, and pandemonium reigns. You guess that is the Baron up there, fighting for his life. But why?

Nobody seems able to do anything; guardsmen are pounding in vain on vain on the mighty oaken doors of the tower. The crowd just stands and stares.

The sea crashes against vicious rocks at the foot of the cliff below the tower. Now is your chance to demonstrate your heroism. Can you save the Baron? But how do you reach him?

---

Heroes, this your cue. :)

Elstarir moved through the crowd his graceful form dodging most of the crush. He kept close to his brother knowing the wizard would easily loose himself in an empty room such is the way of the academics.

He looked up and saw the commotion at the top of the tower. Not wanting to get involved but knowing he could not walk away from someone in trouble he leaned into his brother.

 "Vithrain are you able to cased a spell to catch the man if he were to fall?" looked over the cliff towards the sea below " Brother do you remember once we crept upon the young elf maidens bathing with the help of your water breathing spell. Could that help if he were to fall into the sea. Granted the fall will probably kill him but still"

The young Elf bowman then looked back up judging the wind and the distance wondering if he could hit the robed man to free the other from his grasp.

then turning to Mannath " my friend would you be able to help open that door for those guards? I here tell you have a talent for that sort of thing" he said with a sly grin on his handsome face. "and Tarrian how fast would you be able to make it up the steps to the top. I would imagine a warrior of your stamina could make it before that villain were to let go of his hostage." again he smiled at the warrior woman

Vithrain looks at his brother, Elstarir and replied, "Hold still with your tongue a moment, brother mine. You always did think two steps ahead of the moment. How do we know which of the two is the town's own man, and which the villain? Maybe both have reason to stay alive."

Turning to one of the people crushing into their small group Vithrain grabbed one by the neckline of his shirt and turned him to face them all.

"Young man, who are these two men, and which needs to be saved for the towns' benefit? Or maybe both? Talk now!"

"as always dear brother you speak the truth of it. Please go forward and ask your questions of the locals to get the feel of the situation .... but brother make it quick as one or both might fall before you finish your gossiping." he replied good naturally.

The Kallamehran man Vithrain has grabbed is startled but seemingly too agitated to be angry (luckily for Vithrain as the youth looks no weakling.) He pulls the Elf's hand off his shirt and points at the two figures fighting atop the tower. "Do you see the man with the red sash foreigner?" You can indeed make out a flash of red on one of the combatants waist - the spindly man trying to free himself from the other's clutches. "He is our Baron and this is his tower; some madman is trying to throw him to his death and the tower doors are locked from within!"

Their is a sudden cry from the crowd as one of the turbaned guardsman finally causes a crack in the doors with his hammer - followed by a moan as the people see how sturdily the doors are still standing.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:22, Fri 04 Jan 2013.

"Quickly.  Let us do as Elstarir says," urges Tarrian.  The daughter of a tribe of plains runners, she has absolutely no doubt she'll make it to the top of the stairs ahead of any of the heavily armoured guards.  "Mannath, see if you can help them with the door."

She pushes her way through the crowd to the foot of the tower.  Once she's there, she starts divesting herself of anything that's going to weigh her down – backpack, armour, boots, sword.

Barefoot, spear in hand, Tarrian starts limbering up for a mad upstair race the moment the door is opened.  Her eyes are transfixed by the struggle overhead.  It seems so desperate.  Every instant counts, and they're not even through the door.  "Elstarir," she calls over her shoulder.  "Can you shoot him from here?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:18, Fri 04 Jan 2013.

As Tarrian prepared herself with stretches Vithrain moves up next to her and explains what he will do. "Tarrian, just before the door is freed of it's frame I shall cast a spell on you to ease your actions."

Vithrain will wait until the door is almost free, with but one or two more blows until it is open, and then he will cast Ironhand on to Vithrain. This provides Tarrian a +1 to all Skill check levels (so her Skill 7 becomes Skill 8) for three minutes.

20:22, Today: Vithrain rolled 8 using 2d6. Target =< 10. cast ironhand on Tarrian.   - Success!

Elstarir moved away from the crowd and took up his bow. He pulled out an arrow and notched it. Sighting down its shaft he targeted the figure in red but held his shot until he saw Tarrian on the roof

At first Mannath just stood there, transfixed by the scene at the top of the tower. Suddenly he heard his name mentioned, and he snapped back into focus as his companions called him to try to open the door. He paused, somewhat reluctant to display his 'talents' in front of such a large crowd. While the mob always appreciated a mighty warrior, adept bowman or conjuring illusionist, a common thief was more likely to take a long drop from a short rope.

Well, he is the baron. Maybe there will be a cash reward?

With a sigh he moved forward, pushing through the crowd. Tapping the guard at the door on the shoulder, he spoke in a low voice. "Excuse me, perhaps I can help." With that he pulled out a set of picks and knelt in front of the door. He briefly studied the lock before selecting an appropriate pick and then set to work. With any luck he could complete the task and blend back into the crowd before the guard made a mental image of his face...

09:15, Today: Mannath rolled 8 using 2d6+1. Pick lock

It is very difficult - the lock is old and very solid - and when the *click* finally comes for a moment Mannath might think his pick had broken off. Then the doors pondorously swing open. Success!

The crowd at once pushes forward in a well meaning but foolish attempt to storm the tower. The guardsmen are forced to press back to stop people being trampled in the stampeded so it is that only Tarrian and Manath manage to make it inside (or are pushed inside in the case of the wiry thief)...

Vithrain & Elstarir

The surge of people around the doors block your path. Perhaps there is another way to reach the top of the tower?
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:08, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

Noticing his brother had moved away Vithrain scanned the masses until he saw him, standing on top of a discarded hay wagon a short distance from the tower.

Moving over to him, using his staff to clear the path, Vithrain finally made it to the wheel of the wagon.

"The other two are inside just fine. You should see them emerge any moment now. Keep your aim well younger brother, but try not to kill your target."

NOTE:  I'm not sure if I can cast Ironhand on a second person while the first still has the effects of the spell on them...but I would Guess that I can because they are on independent bodies. If this is not the case ignore the next bit and let me know please :)

14:37, Today: Vithrain rolled 7 using 2d6. Target =<10. Cast ironhand on Elstarir. Success.


As he said this last bit Vithrain reached his hand up and touched his brothers leg just above the shoe, endowing him with Ironhand. (+1 to Skill checks for three minutes) He then turned and looked back up the tower to where the men still struggled.

Elstarir took a quick moment to look down at his brother and gave him a smile as he felt the familiar vibration of his brother's magics spread through his body.

He always marveled at the skill and power that his brother welded. He was a practical elf believing in the body to achieve what you needed where as his sibling used his mind to command eldritch power. he chuckled to himself they were two sides of the same coin.

He returned his gaze back up to the tower and relaxing into his stance waited with arrow at the ready to shoot

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:09, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:10, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

Elstarir & Vithrain make an Awareness skill check.

OOC: 20:11, Today:You rolled 11 using 2d6 ((5,6)).
 .
This message was last edited by the player at 21:29, Sun 06 Jan 2013.

OOC: Elstarir has +1 to awareness currently.

I have Skill 4 +1 awareness (forgot to add that into the dice roll comment) Still failed miserably though:

20:54, Today: Vithrain rolled 12 using 2d6. Awareness skill check. target 4+1 (5) Fail

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:11, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:12, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

Inside the Tower...

PM


Outside the Tower...

You can hardly see a thing through the heaving crowd at the door. Nor can you see an obvious way into or up the Tower... unless...

Test your LUCK
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:13, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:13, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

00:02, Today: Vithrain rolled 7 using 2d6. Luck. Target 9. Success

Inside the Tower...

PM


Outside the Tower...

Vithrain, from the corner of your eye you see one of the turbaned guardsmen trying to scale the Tower by holding onto the ivy. He only gets a few feet up before the ivy comes away in his hands and lands in the street with a thump. Obviously he was too heavy but a slender Elf might have more look than a bulky human.

Vithrain deduct one LUCK point.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:14, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

PM

Elstarir looked at his brother looking at the guard falling on his butt and realized what was going through his sibling's mind.

"After you dear brother" he shouted over the mob knowing that if he didn't get in first his brother would eventually persuade him to do the dangerous work.

PM

Inside the Tower...

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:15, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

Inside the tower...

PM

"After I what, Elstarir?" For a moment Vithrain looked puzzled, then he realized what his brother meant.

"Hah! If you think I'm climbing up that, then you have another think coming little brother." Feel free to risk your own neck, but not mine, I have far too many important works to do in my life before I go back into the earth."

 And with that he kept watching the top of the tower.

Realising his brother had no wish to get his delicate hands dirty "Very well I will scale the tower and rescue the Baron"

And with that he slung his bow and lept up to grab a hand full of vines.


OOC:16:52, Today: Elstarir rolled 8 using 2d6. target number 8 or less climb roll
This message was last edited by the player at 16:53, Tue 08 Jan 2013.

Inside the tower...

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:15, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

Inside the tower...
This message was last edited by the player at 11:13, Wed 09 Jan 2013.

Outside the Tower...

Elstarir, you grasp the strands of ivy and begin to climb. You can hear the crowd below gasping at your bravery. But it is a long way to the top of the tower...

After an exhausting climb you find yourself just below a large window. It is narrow but you could probably squeeze in. Otherwise there is a set of larger windows further up, and beyond that the battlements where two figures are still fighting.

Elstarir you can either go in through the First Floor window or keep climbing. You'll have to make a second climbing roll to reach the Second Floor window and a third to reach the very top.

Elstarir pulled himself up onto the window ledge and caught his breath. He first looked down and then up. He realised he had been foolish to attempt a climb like that and blamed his brother. He always blamed his brother for his own stupidity.

To attempt to climb further would be folly, this was not one of the ancient trees in the great forest but a tower of stone and man made which started to make him feel uncomfortable so with a sigh of relieve he squeezed through the small window and into the tower proper.

Vithrain watched as his brother climbed through the window and realized he had been holding his breath.

He let it out. In a sigh.

Then proceeded to wait for any sign of him again, or movement on the top of the tower that wasn't a struggle.

Inside the Tower (Elstarir)...

PM

PM

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Inside the Tower (Elstarir)...

PM


Outside the Tower...

There are sounds of commotion from the back of the crowd as a new figure enters the scene. He wears the turban and dark blue sash of the guardsmen trying to keep order at the tower door but his clothes are of visibly finer quality - obviously an officer. He is vastly tall and powerfully built, bearded and with stern dark eyes that sweep majestically across the assembled civilians and fall upon you Vithrain.

With an unreadable look on his face the officer strides over preceeded by two guardsmen who clear a path through the civilians and none to gently. "You, Elf - are you a spellcaster?" He demands.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:28, Thu 10 Jan 2013.

Vithrain was noticeably cowed by this brute of a man. He was a officer and it was obvious he had gotten to that position through bullying and cracking skulls together! So Vithrain was not about to cross the man.

In a well-educated voice he said "I try to be my Lord. What services can I offer thee? Perhaps you'd like to be invisible? Or maybe you want to glow like a lantern?" As the man gave him a withering look Vithrain cut his next sentence off before it had started. He ended with the rather lame, half mumbled, "As you command."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:24, Thu 10 Jan 2013.

PM

PM

Inside the Tower...

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:16, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

Outside the Tower...

"I am Captain Jafar." Says the man in a hard voice. He looks you over and gives an unimpressed grunt. "Our Baron fights for his life, can you use your magic to help him?" He turns to squint at the top of the tower and for a split second you catch a flicker of helplessness pass over this brutal mans face. Jafar is obviously frustrated at his lack of ability to intervene and sick with worry for his ruler.

He turns back, expression hard again awaiting your answer. "There was a wizard hired by Lady Carolina." You can hear the tint of hostility in his voice at the mention of that name. "He's missing and for all I know that is him up there. I'll need a mage to tell me if he's bewitched the Baron's mind... and if anyone else is involved."

Inside the tower...

PM

Vithrain notices every twitch of emotion that runs across the man's face and files the details away for future use and dissemination as required. He may have been cowed for a few seconds, but now he, Vithrain, had the intellectual upper hand!

"Captain Jafar, while I have at my command a rather useful and impressive spell, that could quite easily take out this man, the risk to your Baron is not to be trifled with. Should they move it might strike the wrong man; should it hit the right man it might mean your Baron is let go and topples over the edge. I fear me that the risk is just too great! But if you insist I shall of course try.

As to the other matter, there is a possibility that I may be able tell if there is an ensorcelment on the baron. Does he have any magic about his person normally, or any magical items?"

Vithrain straightens his back as he says all this and becomes the imposing scholar that he truly is.

"I will also tell you that three of my colleagues, one of which is my esteemed younger brother, have entered the tower. Unusually I have not had any signal from my brother since he entered. I fear they may be in trouble and would counsel that you get as many of your best men inside as quickly as possible!"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:59, Fri 11 Jan 2013.

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:17, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

Inside the tower...

PM

Inside the Tower...

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:12, Tue 15 Jan 2013.

Outside the Tower...

Vithrain:
Captain Jafar narrows his impressive eyebrows, then nods and barks out an order at two hulking guardsmen who had accompanied him over: "Looks like we'll have to get in the old fashioned way. Saliq, Alexandros get into the tower now, no matter how many heads to get through that mob."

As the brutes move off he turns back to you and drops a huge hand on your shoulder and grunts: "You better come so we don't mistake one of your gang for the assassains."

Inside the tower...
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:18, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

Vithrain goes with the man. Not that he had much choice really, what with the vice-like grip that was on his shoulder.

And he did want to know how his brother and friends fared inside.

So he picked up his feet and walked willingly in.

PM
This message was last edited by the player at 21:37, Thu 17 Jan 2013.

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:18, Sat 19 Jan 2013.

Inside the Tower (Tarrian and Mannath)...
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:19, Sun 20 Jan 2013.

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:19, Sun 20 Jan 2013.

Inside the Tower (Elstarir)...

PM

Inside the tower...

On the first floor of the tower...
This message was last edited by the player at 13:58, Sun 20 Jan 2013.

On the first floor of the Tower...
This message was last edited by the player at 22:25, Sun 20 Jan 2013.

Vithrian:

The Captain, two of his scimitar wielding guards and you enter the tower.

Beyond the mighty doors is a short passage, leading to the ground-floor chamber of the tower. The chamber is sparsely furnished, with a rough wooden table and a few chairs. Hanging against the walls are various cooking utensils, and sides of meat. On the other side of the room there is a large fireplace with a chimney-breast. Around the walls of the room, a spiral staircase ascends to a trapdoor in the high, arched ceiling.

One of the chairs has been knocked over and some cut strands of rope lying nearby on the flagstones. More worrying are the shattered remains of over a dozen large, hairy spiders. The floor is slick with the yellowish ichor from the dead spiders and the smell is beyond description.

Captain Jafar narrows his eyes and curses under his breath: "There's been a fight. You two-" he jabs a meaty finger in the direction of the two guards - "make sure no one else gets in here. You follow me Elf."

So saying he starts moving up the stairs with surprising agility for such a big man.

Lady Carolina, Mannath & Tarrian

Hammet's head flops to the side as you shake him, exposing a thin red line that had been hidden by his beard. His robes feel damp to the touch and suddenly you realise they are not simply naturally dark but stained with blood.

Hammet the Dash, loyal servant of Baron Bluestone and his wife is clearly dead, his throat cut open. Judging by his vacant smile it looks like Nundrum hypnotised him first.

Gripped in the unfortunate wizard's hands is a beautifully carved wooden box with writing inscribed on the lid - apparently in the common tongue though you'll need to pick it up to get a closer look.

Vithrain follows the captain up the stairs. He waits a small distance away from the trap door until the captain has opened it and gone through.

If no immediate sounds of fighting or problems come to his ears Vithrain carefully moves forward to see if anything can be seen through the trapdoor.

Elstarir:



The roof of the tower is made of rough flint stones. A tall flagpole in the centre flies the Baron's emblem - a crowned sea-dragon. As you arrive you catch a fleeting glimpse of Baron Bluestone leetering on the parapet of the tower... but then plummeting to the rocks below! His opponent turns slowly round, chuckling insanely to himself. When he sees you, he scampers over to the flagpole. He grips it firmly - and spins effortlessly up it, right to the top! His voluminous grey robe billows in the breeze and hides his features. He cackles at you.

"Looks like we're a bit late, aren't we?", he squeals. "Your precious Baron's not much use now, is he? He had no sense of humour, anyway!"

Mannath's eyes were drawn to the box. His natural curiosity had made him some coin over the years, and also gotten him into a fair amount of trouble. He approached the body and looked at the box, careful not to touch it yet. He looked at the writing, trying to work out what it said. He know his letters, but was no scribe.

As Vithrain glances carefully in to the room he sees a beautiful, dark skinned young woman leaning over a man sitting on a couch. He is wearing the robes of a scholar.

Vithrain also sees what appears to be Tarrian's bare feet. She is standing at the edge of the trapdoor. Captain Jafar currently blocks Vithrain's view further.

Unsure exactly what is going on, or why Tarrian is standing so still and not doing anything Vithrain backs up slightly so that he is just out of sight. Something doesn't feel right but he's not sure quite what just now.

Moving around under the trapdoor Vithrain tries to position himself so he can see more of Vithrain while not being seen by the dark woman or the scholar. Hopefully the captain will move further into the room.

As he exited the stair well the young elf's stomach sank as he saw the baron fall out of sight. Then his attention was focused on the figure leaping up the flag pole.

From the trap door Elstarir  raced across the roof berating himself for not having drawn his bow before climbing out but with sword in hand he made a swing for the leaping figure neither the less.



OOC: 11:31, Today: Elstarir rolled 7 using 2d6. sword attack target 8 or less.
11:32, Today: Elstarir rolled 6 using 1d6. damage = 4 points damage
This message was last edited by the player at 11:34, Mon 21 Jan 2013.

On the first floor of the tower...

"Mannath, leave the box alone," Tarrian urged.  "Let's hasten to the roof.  I'll run this hypnotist through, and we can end this nonsense."

The first floor of the Tower... (Lady Carolina, Mannath, Tarrian and Vithrain)

A large, stern looking man in a turban who Lady Carolina recognises as the Captain of the City Guard pulls himself up through the trapdoor, revealing Vithrain standing on the steps below him. The Captain looks around the room, his eyes taking in the adventurers, Lady Carolina and at the corpse of unfortunate Hammet the Dash sitting on the couch.

Captain Jafar looks first to Lady Carolina: "Are you alright your grace?" His voice is naturally loud and hard. Shooting a suspicious look at Mannath and Tarrian he continues: "Are these two companions of the Elf wizard? Get up here Elf!"

Top of the Tower... (Elstarir)

A brave attempt but perhaps too late as the assassain is already at the pole top, out of easy sword reach. Not that this is your only problem...

Even as you run across the roof you hear a gasp from the crowd far below. A shadow falls over the tower summit. Hovering majestically some twenty meters above your head is a vast marrow-shaped flying vessel. Beneath it hangs a small, luridly coloured gondala, from which trails a rope. The assassain grasps this and pauses to shoot you a mocking smile.

"I do so hate goodbyes. Maybe we'll meet again... or maybe not." So saying he pats the top of the flagpole, and spins up the rope to the gondala.

Something is happening to the flagpole. Almost at once it has begun to move and warp as if alive, the wood turning green and scaly. Within seconds the top of the flagpole has transformed into a serpent's head, the proud pennant of the baron into a flickering forked tongue. The flagpole has turned into a GIANT SNAKE... and with a hiss it attacks!

GIANT SNAKE
SKILL 7 STAMINA 11

Armour: 0 0 0 0 1 1
Attack: 2 3 3 3 4 4

The great reptile is still attached by it's tail to the roof of the tower. If you win an Attack Round you may escape back through the trapdoor rather than inflict dammage.

lady Carolina drops Hammet's body and dashes up the stairs: "Quick, let's go up! the Baron is in danger!"

Vithrain climbs up into the room and looks around. Seeing the man with his throat slit makes him shudder. Violent deaths were never his favourite viewing past-times.

"Manath, Tarrian, who are these two people? No, never mind. Where is Elstarir? Is the Baron saved?"

Then Vithrain's sight lighted upon the box in the dead mans' hands. Within a second he stood over the box and reached out a hand to touch it. When he was a small lad Vithrain had realised he had the ability to know an items magical properties simply by touching them and concentrating. He did this now and because of the years of practice the ability came to him easily.

GM - magical box? (Using Attuned)

The first floor of the Tower... (Lady Carolina, Mannath, Tarrian and Vithrain)

Captain Jafar hesitates, clearly not liking what is going on here but recognising Lady Carolina is right. Casting the companions a dark look the broad shouldered guardsman races up the stairs to the trapdoor leading to the second floor.

The elf stepped back as the pole shimmered and changed. His stomach was in his mouth never had he come up against such evil but he was not going to let that stop him.

Bracing himself against the parapet he swung his sword over his head and brought it down towards the fleshy area where the snake and post were still transforming.


OOC: 12:48, Today: Elstarir rolled 4 using 2d6. 4+8=12

13:03, Today: Elstarir rolled 7 using 2d6. snake attack 7+7=14.

2:49, Today: Elstarir rolled 3 using 1d6. snake damage damage = 3pts No armour Elstarir takes 3pts Stamina 11
This message was last edited by the player at 13:08, Tue 22 Jan 2013.

The first floor of the Tower... (Lady Carolina, Mannath, Tarrian and Vithrain)

The box has the following inscribed on the lid in copperplate writing:

quote:

'If you would see what I contain
And maybe learn some news of gain,
Solve this riddle, drop me in it,
Wait for the click, then pull me from it.
I will be open, then you'll see
The reason for this riddle-me-ree:

'It trembles at each breath of air
And yet can heaviest burdens bear,
It shows no mark when it is hit
And more - you're mostly made of it!'

Taking but a few seconds to read the text on the box Vithrain gives a small smile then picks up the box, which he now knows to be benign in nature. The puzzle was one his human companions could have solved, let alone a scholar and magician such as he.

Vithrain looks around him while his companion and the captain head up the stairs. He is torn inside - part of him dearly wants to head up the stairs to help his brother and friends, but the other part of him wants to know what is in the box.

Speaking to himself out loud Vithrain says, "What if the contents of the box can help us with the current situation!? I must open it and see. Vithrain looked around for a washing basin or water source.

If he sees one he shall hurry over to it and place the box under the water then listen for a click. Once the lid has un-locked he will pull the box out and open it with the opening facing AWAY from himself (hinges towards his body).

"No idea, I thought he was with you."

Seeing the guards following up the stairs his natural instinct kicked in. He help up a hand in a placating gesture, then pointed at the body on the floor. "It wasn't me, honest. Ask her." He pointed at Lady Carolina as she disappeared up the stairs. "I think the Baron's up there somewhere."

Looking back at the box he studied the writing for a few moments. His knew his letters, but struggled a bit with the fancy writing. When Vithrain stepped forward to assist he was happy to hand the box over to allow the wizard to help.

As the elf applied his brain to the situation, Mannath scratched his wounds. He showed the bitemark to Vithrain, and enquired of him, "Can your magicks help with this? It itches like the devil."

Once the guards had gone past he took the opportunity to search the Hammet's body, and then check this chamber for anything useful/valuable/interesting.

OOC - Vithrain, the bitemark is from one of the tarantulas, you would have seen the squished bodies downstairs. On the site of the bite I have a nasty black hair growing out of the wound, which is very irritable and distracting. If you have a healing spell that would be cool.

Leaving Vithrain and Mannath to investigate the scene in this room, Tarrian hurried up the steps after the guard captain, her spear feeling light in her hand.  She hoped she wasn't too late to save the Baron.

"Leave the riddle on a side for now (it is about the water, I think)!!!
The Baron needs our help!!!"
Lady Caroline should be now at the top of the stairs, if she can pick any weapon (even improvised) on the way, without slowing down, she will pick it up, otherwise she'll hurry as much as possible.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:30, Tue 22 Jan 2013.

Vithrain is still looking about for water when Mannath sticks his arm forward and explains about it itching. Taking a quick glance at it Vithrain shakes his head and says, "You should know, my friend, that I have no manner of healing magics within me. I am sorry, but you will need to seek some other remedy."

Looking at the hair it seems to be course and dark with stripes of beige, much like the spiders hair downstairs. "hrmmm. Humph. Looks like a spider bite that has lodged a hair in your arm. Try pulling it out. Oh, and tie something tightly around your arm just above your elbow to slow down any venom." This last Vithrain says almost matter-of-factly.

And with that Vithrain once more looks about for water.

The first floor of the Tower... (Mannath and Vithrain)

There are, alas, no obvious sources of water in the room.

What there are are rich furnishings, including the opulent couch now sadly stained with the blood of Hammet the Dash. The walls are decorated with silk tapestries, some depicting battles, others great events of Kallamehr's past. A particularly fine one depicts the cityscape braced by two stately figures, a handsome carrying a model of a golden ship and a beautiful woman carrying a set of scale: Solinthar, God of Mariners and Libra, Goddess of Justice.

The floor seems to be laid with tiles but it is hard to make out as it is covered with small scraps of parchment. Picking up one you read:

quote:

'What goes round and round the wood but never goes into the wood?'

Another reads:

quote:

'What is put on a table, cut, but never eaten?'

A third:

quote:

'What is is that you will break even when you name it?'

And so on. Every single piece of of parchment has another riddle on it.

Vithrain, finding no water, decides the box will have to wait. He slides his backpack off his shoulders and kneels down to open the flap. He slides the box inside and as he is doing up the buckles Vithrain notices that the paper on the floor has writing on it.

He picks up the first bit, reads the riddle, mumbling to himself, "Grain....." and then picks up more bits of paper, "...knife....silence..." Once he has them all he folds them in half and slides them under the flap of the bag then stands, swings the bag back onto his shoulders and grasps his staff tightly.

"Manath! Let's go. Nothing more to do here right now!" and with that he strides up the stairs taking them two at a time.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:43, Tue 22 Jan 2013.

The second floor of the Tower... (Lady Carolina and Tarrian)

The walls of this room seem to be made of silvered metal, and have been polished until they are almost reflective. The effect of being in a circular room with mirrored walls is eerie to say the least. The room has larger windows than those of the floor below. A large cage is in the centre of the room, it's door hanging open. The cage, half of which is barred and half walled, stands on a podium which revolves slowly.

Around the podium are five pails of water, with sixth empty pail lying on its side. A strong smell of brimstone hangs in the air and it is warm though far from unbearable.


Captain Jafar barely pauses before racing up the spiral steps to the trapdoor in the ceiling. Judging by the height of the tower that should lead to the roof.

Seeing no immediate threats in this bizarre chamber, Tarrian followed the Captain, taking the steps two at a time.  "Go, go, go," she urged the armoured man, who was not ascending fast enough for her liking.  "Your master is through there!"

Top of the Tower.... (Elstarir)

The GIANT SNAKE strikes blindingly fast and your swings goes wild as you feel on of its fangs slices through your clothing leaving a nasty gash on you left shoulder. Only a last minute step to the side prevented the outcome from being worse.

As you pick yourself up you realise that the monster is thankfully not poisonous and with it's tail melded to the stone of the tower it would have difficult crushing you in its coils. It can bite hard though, and as it watches hungrily, foot long forked tongue tasting the air it seems to be building up to another strike.


GIANT SNAKE
SKILL 7 STAMINA 11

Armour: 0 0 0 0 1 1
Attack: 2 3 3 3 4 4

---

The Giant Snake is trying to swallow you whole. If it gets two hits in succession, including the next round Test vs. Luck or you'll be sent to its gullet in one gulp!

After this round Tarrian, Lady Carolina and Captain Jafar will arrive. The round after that Vithrian will catch up (unless he stops on the second floor.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:56, Fri 25 Jan 2013.

Seeing the elf mumbling, Mannath piped up, "Riddles! I love riddles!" Hopefully when they had a moment he would get the chance to take a look.

For now he cut a length of material off the dead man's clothing and used it to bind a tourniquet around his arm. Hopefully it would delay any venom and allow him time to reach a healer.

Once he was done he headed upstairs after the others.

OOC - how many guards have accompanied Jafar?

"Let's help he Baron first! Let's not waste time!"
Lady Carolina keeps rushing up the stairs, still looking for anything that could be a weapon (even improvised) to carry along, as ong as ths doesn't significantlyslow her down.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:07, Wed 23 Jan 2013.

PM

Lady Carolina picked up an ornate letter opener in the room below, looks around and doesn't exitate to use that improvised weapon to attack the magic snake that is about to swallow somebody...
"Where is the Baron?"

Edit:
OOC:
21:19, Today: Lady Carolina rolled 10 using 2d6+5. Lady Carolina attack.
Please ignore the throw for the snake done in the dice roller as it has already been done (in next post).
Missed.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:27, Fri 25 Jan 2013.

Elstarir stepped back once again pushed back by the counter attack from the snake that slahed his shoulder.

Taking a quick breath he stepped back in to the attack hoping he could hold the anial at bay until the rest had made their merry.... and slow... way upthe tire.


OOC:

21:12, Today: Elstarir rolled 4 using 2d6. sword attack +8.= 12
21:12, Today: Elstarir rolled 4 using 2d6. snake attack +7.= 11
21:13, Today: Elstarir rolled 2 using 1d6. damage. = 3
21:16, Today: Elstarir rolled 4 using 1d6. armour save. = 0
Damage to snake = 3pts stamina left 8
This message was last edited by the player at 21:20, Fri 25 Jan 2013.

Tarrian bursts out onto the rooftop, expecting to see the Baron.  Instead, she sees Elstarir locked in combat with a gigantic SNAKE!

Wordlessly she hurtles into the fray, slamming her spear right into the snake's body.

Tarrian attack strength: 20
Monster attack strength: 14
Tarrian damage: 3
Snake stamina remaining: 5

Jafar burst through the trapdoor, scimitar glistening in one hand. He took one look at the huge serpent and swore. "By Sukh what vile wizardry is this?"

Then he went on the attack. As he slashed at the flanks of the snake he roared "For the Baron!"

---

OOC:
01:45, Today: Captain Jafar rolled 18 using 2d6+8. Attack.
01:45, Today: Captain Jafar rolled 5 using 1d6. Damage.
01:46, Today: The Gamesmaster rolled 4 using 1d6. Giant Snake.

Jafar inflicts 3 STAMINA points of damage on the GIANT SNAKE

The GIANT SNAKE writhed in agony as blades plunged into it's body from all quarters. So violent were it's struggles that more than one of you struggles to keep your footing on the flagstones of the Tower roof, now stained dark with blood.

The monster might be dying but it is not dead yet. With an enraged hiss it darts out, trying to bite it's original tormentor in two.

GIANT SNAKE
SKILL 7 STAMINA 11 3

Armour: 0 0 0 0 1 1
Attack: 2 3 3 3 4 4

---

The Giant Snake continues to attack Elstarir, who rolls to attack first. After Elstarir the order of attack goes: Lady Carolina, Tarrian and Captain Jafar.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:19, Sun 27 Jan 2013.

Finally reaching the roof, Mannath spied the giant serpent. Seeing hat the others were engaging it, and not wishing to get bitten again, he stayed back and skirted around the edge of the tower. The baron had to be around here somewhere, didn't he?

Seeing the others rush out of the stair well Elstarir renewed his efforts and went back in for another attack.


OOC:
09:21, Today: Elstarir rolled 3 using 2d6. sword attack +8. = 11
09:22, Today: Elstarir rolled 6 using 2d6. snake attack +7. = 13
09:22, Today: Elstarir rolled 1 using 1d6. snake damage.  = 2

Elstarir stamina is now 9

But his relieve at seeing the others had gotten the better of him and in a moment of madness he opened himself up to another attack this time the fangs sunk into the fleshy part of his thigh and crying out in pain once again staggered away from the beast.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:26, Sun 27 Jan 2013.

Vithrain reached the next room, though even before he'd stepped foot inside his senses were hit with the pungeant smell of brimstone. He also heard the sound of battle from further up the tower.

Seeing the empty cage and the buckets Vithrain put two and two together and came up with the square root of Pi, accurate to 20 decimal places. "Ah-ha! Whatever is up there was down here, and the liquid is for use against it!"

As quick as he could he grabbed two of the buckets, tucking his staff under his armpit as he did so and made his way up the stairs.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 11:11, Sun 27 Jan 2013.

Lady Carolina, looks at Elstarir and repeats her question, screaming: "Where is the Baron!!!"
Then she carelessely throw herself against the Giant Snake, armed only with the letter opener she picked up in the room below.

OOC 10:32, Today: Lady Carolina rolled 12 using 2d6+5. Lady Carolina attacks the Giant Snake
Missed.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:36, Sun 27 Jan 2013.

Tarrian was nearly yanked off her feet as the snake thrashed away from her to snap at Elstarir.  It was all she could do to hold onto the spear still embedded in the giant snake's monstrous trunk.  Blood spurted out all over her as she fought to keep both her weapon and her footing.

OOC: Tarrian attack strength: 12

Captain Jafar's swing went wild as by misfortune he skidded in a pool of blood. He was on his feet in seconds but the opportunity to strike a blow was lost...

---

OOC: 01:07, Today: (Captain Jafar rolled 10 using 2d6+8. Attack.

Amazingly the GIANT SNAKE still lived despite the great number of opponents it faced. With a hiss of triumph it once more shot forward to try and swallow Elstarir whole, it's dim and violent mind obsessing over defeating this troublesome prey

GIANT SNAKE
SKILL 7 STAMINA 11 3

Armour: 0 0 0 0 1 1
Attack: 2 3 3 3 4 4

---

The Giant Snake continues to attack Elstarir, who rolls to attack first. After that attacks may proceed in any order though Vithrain may not attack this round (unless he throws a bucket at the snake) since he has both hands full.

Vithrain places one of the buckets on the floor, letting his staff drop safely next to his foot, which he places partly on top to stop it rolling.

Using both hands Vithrain throws the first bucket of liquid over the snakes body.

Do I need to roll for this?

Vithrain throws the contents of the bucket over the GIANT SNAKE... only to see it roll off the serpent's scales as ordinary water. The huge creature seems completely unharmed and is so intent on swallowing Elstarir it might not even have noticed the 'attack'.

As The young Elf warrior went back in for an attack to try and finish the creature off he noticed out of the corner of his eye the image of his brother throwing a bucket of water over the snake.

He was so shocked at the action he faltered and left himself open. The snake whipped round at incredible speed and before anyone could react the Elf as swallowed whole.

OOC:
07:01, Today: Elstarir rolled 6 using 2d6. sword attack +8. = 14
07:01, Today: Elstarir rolled 9 using 2d6. snake attack +7 = 16.
07:02, Today: Elstarir rolled 6 using 1d6. snake damage.  = 4

Elstarir's stamina = 5
This message was last edited by the player at 12:54, Mon 28 Jan 2013.

Tarrian clung to her spear as the giant snake lunged at Elstarir.  Dragged off-balance, she was unable to stop the monster swallowing the elf!  "No!"

OOC: Tarrian attack strength: 16.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:14, Mon 28 Jan 2013.

"Curses!" Vithrain mutters as the water sloshes harmlessly off the creatures' scales. "hmmmmmm.! Ahh! BARK! Of course! now lets see...." he mutters then shouts out.

vithrain knees down and grabs the handle of the bucket with his left hand and moves the staff so that it is laying across his now bent knee next to his stomach. He then mutters a few words while moving his right hand about in the air.

All of a sudden Vithrain, the bucket and the staff disappear.

Taking the now invisible staff into his right hand Vithrain stands up and moves around the other people on the roof. He heads over to stand directly in front of the beasts head, waits until its mouth is wide open in a hiss then throws the water and the bucket into its mouth.

Vithrain then moves over to where his brother lays against the parapet and kneels down. He places the end of his staff firmly against a raised edge of stone in the floor and points the other end towards the snake.

Concentrating he then places his now empty left hand on his brothers chest and mutters some words.

Elstarir disappears also.  Vithrain keeps his position and a hold of his brother and the staff to protect against the snake should it guess at their location.

Vithrain will move away from the spot where he threw the bucket from, and away from his friends and wait to see if the bucket of water has any affect. He will hold his staff up and ready to attack with it.


Roll one for invisibility on myself:
12:46, Today: Vithrain rolled 7 using 2d6. Cast Invisibility. T<=10.  PASS.
Roll two for invisibility on Elstarir:
12:52, Today: Vithrain rolled 7 using 2d6. Invisibility on brother. T=<10.  PASS.

This message was last edited by the player at 13:04, Mon 28 Jan 2013.

OOC: 12:55, Today: Elstarir rolled 2 using 2d6. luck roll target 10 or less.

Mannath continued to search for any sign of the Baron. He also tried to get behind the snake, and see if he could get in a sneaky strike from behind.

Lady Carolina once more throws recklessly herself against the Giant Snake, but it is really difficult to harm such a beast with a letter opener as a weapon...
She keeps screaming loudly: "Where is the Baron!!!!"


17:50, Today: Lady Carolina rolled 13 using 2d6+5. Lady Carolina attacks the Giant Snake.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Mon 28 Jan 2013.

Captain Jafar takes his time to judge his blow as the GIANT SNAKE is busy being distracted by the invisible elf. When the moment is right he slips around and buries his scimitar into the back of the serpent's head.

The monster trashes horribly but the blow is a fatal one and it's great head falls to ground. The great reptile twitches spasmodically but there is no doubt it is dead.

---

OOC:18:49, Today: Captain Jafar rolled 17 using 2d6+8. Attack.
18:50, Today: Captain Jafar rolled 2 using 1d6. Damage.

18:52, Today: The Gamesmaster rolled 4 using 1d6. Giant Snake.
The Giant Snake takes 3 STAMINA points of Damage.

As the serpent ceases it's death throws you set to work cutting Elstarir free from the monster's gullet. The elf emerges soaked in blood and semi concious from his horrific ordeal but still alive and after a few moments in the open air his eyelids flicker open as he comes to. The experience has left him with one lasting memento - Elstarir's hair has gone pure white!


As all of you are concetrating on reviving Elstarir you hear the distant sound of shouting from far below. It doesn't take long to see the cause - in the distance a strange marrow shaped airship is flying off into the wild blue yonder. It is only as your companion regains conciousness that he can fill you on the events he has witnessed.

---

OOC: Everyone who hasn't read them already read msg #68 and msg #74 in this thread. I'm assuming Elstarir fills you in what happened but we can cut the explanation scene itself.

At the well aimed blow of Captain Jafar, Lady Carolina hails him: "Well done, my Captain!"

When the Giant Snake falls, first of all Lady Carolina addresses the injured elf, despite her deep sorrow: "You have been the first to come and help the Baron: I will never forget it. Too bad you were alone."
Then she imposes her hands on him and his wounds stop bleeding.

[Elstarir re-gains 4 stamina points]

She then hurries downstairs to the Baron's body.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:13, Mon 28 Jan 2013.

Making himself visible once more Vithrain takes his brother's soggy head into his lap and absently strokes his now white hair. "I came as fast as I could little brother. You did well. Father would have been proud!"

Once Elstarir had explained what had happened Vithrain replied, "That explains why the brimstone worked not. What had been in the cage on the middle floor?"

Elstarir took some deep breaths before explaining what had happened. He lay back and rested it had been an experience he did not want to think about.

He looked up as his brother" it was a bloody fire elemental.... for the love of god big brother you are the brainy one couldn't you have worked it out a cage surrounded by buckets of water, in a tower .....um let me think ....looks like a light house to me..." he then patted his brother's arm gently... "come brother help me down and out of this god forsaken place."

As she stood he staggered over to the snake and taking his sword he dug out one of the monster's teeth and put it in his pocket "well brother lets go"

Vithrain blushes slightly. "I had to act quick and I figured whatever was up here must have come from down there. Obviously I was wrong. But it turned out well."

Helping his brother up the two of them make their way down to the room below. Vithrain sits Elstarir on one of the steps at almost floor level and says "I just need to test a theory, won't be but a few moments."

He walks over to one of the remaining buckets of water and kneels, sliding his pack off his back and opening it. Taking out the box he then lowers it into the bucket of water and waits, listening carefully.

The top of the Tower is a mess with the corpse of the Giant Snake stretched out across the flagstones and blood and water everywhere. Captain Jafar is looking out over the battlements shouting something to guardsmen far below on the street though his voice is so whipped at by the wind you can scarcely hear it only a few meters aways.


Meanwhile Lady Carolina rushes through the Tower - past the empty cage, past the tragic Hammet the Dash, past the kitchen where she herself had been held prisoner so recently - all without so much as glancing at them. So she emerges out the front door of Ragnor Tower, a beautiful young woman whose silk dress is now splashed with blood and ichor. Before her a platoon of turbaned guardsmen are keeping back the people of the city. Sorrow is written across every face and many are openly weeping. As the young Rimonese princess appears the crowd cries out her name in mixed grief and joy, thanking the gods that at least she lives.

From somewhere in the distance the cry has gone up to summon priests and healers but for Lady Carolina's husband it is far too late.

Baron Bluestone lies where he fell on the cobbles of the street, the red cloak of a guardsman laid across his noble features.  The Baron of Kallamehr is dead.

Lady Carolina bends on her husband's body to see if she can do anything for him, then raises her face, in tears: "Is there anybody here that can help him?"

As nobody replies, she takes the decorated knife from the Baron's belt, raises with a resolute, now tearless face, slashes her wrist and lets the blood drip and mix with her husband's: "I, Carolina Bluestone, Baroness of Kallamehr, swear on my blood that I won't take any pleasure, nor my soul will rest until you will be avenged!" Then she pauses, tense, before adding: "Your bloodline will keep governing this city!"

She then looks around at the citizens, still holding the bloodied knife: "We have now to expect an attack from our foes, as they may think this tragedy destroyed our morale. They will see what the people of Kallamehr is capable of!
The Guards, the Navy and the Army will have to keep their positions.
Who wants to go and avenge your Baron?
I'll speak with the volunteers after the Council meeting. Great prizes and honour will expect the avengers."

Lady Carolina then starts giving orders to take the body to the Palace and summons the Council for an urgent meeting, never letting the bloodied knife out of sight.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Mon 28 Jan 2013.

Vithrain hears a click from the box and pulls it from the bucket of water. Placing it on the ground Vithrain says out loud, "'It trembles at each breath of air
And yet can heaviest burdens bear, It shows no mark when it is hit, And more - you're mostly made of it!'  Well now, that says to me that the contents of this box is water. But why should that be when to open it the box must be submerged in water also. Well, let us see shall we?"

Vithrain turns the box so that the hinges of the lid are towards his body and the opening will be pointing at a wall away from himself and his brother. And then he opens it slightly, just a crack, just in case a trap should be present. If nothing happens he shall lift the lid higher and then when he is sure it is safe turn it back round so he can see the contents.

Nothing happens when the box is opened, save that it reveals it contains a piece of perfectly dry parchment written in the same elegantly flowing script as the inscription on the lid - and for that matter the scraps of paper you discovered. The parchment reads:

quote:

I always believe in giving people a chance. After all, without Chance there is no Luck, and without either where would I be? You can try to follow me, if you want to avenge Bluestone's death. And I won't stop you. In fact, I'll provide the transport. But to pay your fare, you'll have to gather three trinkets and feed them to the God of the Sea at Brion's Bluff. What's more, the trinkets aren't even hidden. All you have to do is solve my riddles to find where in Kallamehr they are. I hope you're lucky. Then again, I hope you're unlucky. It's all the same to me.

What am I?

A white-winged fish that parts the waves
I ply the sparkling waste.
I'm bound by ropes, and pulled by cloth,
Lest merchants lose their haste.

Where am I?

My first is in south but not in north;
My second is in picture but not in play;
My third is in fourth and also in worth;
My fourth is in book and also in cook;
My fifth is in toe but not in sew;
My sixth is in life but not in death;
And together I'm found where children abound.

What am I?

My belly is round
And bound with iron bonds;
What I carry always raises a cheer.
Murder have I not done;
Stolen not; cheated not;
Yet a peg is beaten into my head

Where am I?

My coat is green and I can speak
Of several things, but mostly cheek.
In such a prison I am set
That has more loopholes than a net.

What am I?

I've neither top nor bottom,
Yet I hold bone and skin;
I hardly ever make a noise,
And yet my name's a din.

Where am I?

Ill-matched is my visage to my frame -
Horns are on my head, the rest a hideous man;
By fume well known through all the Allansian lands;
From man and beast together is my name.

- The Riddling Reaver

End of Scene I

As Vithrain read out the message, Mannath put his brain into action. He used to be really good at riddles, but the itch in his hand was getting really distracting. As he scratched at it he began to throw out some ideas.

"Where am I? S.. or U..." he continued wordlessly, "where children abound... Maybe, a playground? No wait! A school!"

"What am I? A round belly, bound with iron... That's easy! It's a beer barrel! Must be, I'm never wrong about beer!"


OOC - I might be able to get some others, but want to let everyone have a go...

Being unable to actually read, Tarrian found the clever wordplay utterly impenetrable.  Vithrain had been promising to teach her letters since shortly after they met, but the man never seemed to get around to it.  "Speak of cheek?  A fish in a cloth?  These are the ramblings of a madman," she insists.  "He seeks to waste our time, nothing more."

Lady Carolina re-joins you, still holding the knife that she used for her public oath. Four ladies in-wait are following her, with heavy make up.
She tries to keep her face as hard as she can, but her eyes are full of ill-hidden sorrow.

First of all she addresses the injured elf: "What is your name, Sir? What can I do to re-pay your services? Does your heart desire most of all gold? honour? lands? the love of a beauty?" the ladies in wait smile him maliciously.

Then she looks at everybody else in the group: "I think that destiny sent you here on this day. Too bad that the Baron's destiny was already sealed. Will you help me avenging him? The reward will be generous if you succeed."

The young elf looked up from his seat on the bottom step. His attention taken away from his brother's tinkering.

"I am called Elstarir. I ask for nothing save maybe a clean bed and a bath and some time to rest. I am truly sorry that I could not get to your husband in time my heart bleeds for your loss. If I may I will give an offering to the forest spirits for him to protect him in the next life."

Turning back to his brother for a moment" the first one might be a boat bound by rope and pulled by clothe might be a sail. Perhaps it is a ship called the flying fish or some such. The next as our friend has suggested could be a barrel or casket and perhaps the last is something like a drum. But then again my brother you are an elf of learning you should solve the riddles without the likes on me to lead you."

With an exhausted chuckle he turned back to Carolina " please beg my pardon but if I don't poke my brother now and then he would likely as not spend days thinking through the answers to the riddle"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:52, Tue 29 Jan 2013.

"Elstarir, what you asked will be swiftly granted: today and everyday for the rest of your life, as long as the Ragnar dynasty will rule Kallamehr, you will always have hospitality in this city." then, with half a smile: "...and mind that I know that your kind lives very long lives.
If you will accept to help avenging the Baron, much more will be granted."

She then turns to give orders before speaking again to the group: "What about you? What are your name? What are your intentions?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:52, Tue 29 Jan 2013.

"My name is Mannath, my lady. All I desire right now is the services of a healer who can get this fu..., this bloomin' hair out of me."

He scratched at the wound again.

"Beyond that, a warm bed, good food and a bucketful of gold would be nice..."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:21, Tue 29 Jan 2013.

Lady Carolina smiles and calls the court healer to cure Mannath and, later on, he will be granted hospitality for the night.

Tarrian glanced at Mannath with concern; it was extremely unlike her travelling companion to mention gold last when invited to name his reward.  She was jolted out of her reverie when Lady Carolina's gaze stopped upon her.

"Tarrian, my lady," said the barefoot, blood splattered barbarian.  "I am sorry for your husband.  At least we were able to save you.  We are swords for hire; you should pay us in gold whatever you say your life is worth."  Tarrian hailed from a tribe of blunt negotiators.

"Indeed brother. A Boat at a school, a barrel at a parrot in the cage - though i know not what that means, unless it be a tavern? and a drum which is somewhere where there is a statue of a half beast, half man. I suggest we ask the Lady here about these three places.

Greetings Lady Carolina. I am Vithrain, brother to the other. I regret I could not do more than inform the captain of the immediate plight within."

Then Vithrain rolls up the parchment and slides it into a pocket inside his robe.

"Wait a minute brother could the last thing be a coffin not a drum. It is neither at the bottom but holds skin and bone. It donesn't make a noice but coffin could be as in coughing which could make a din.

Then the statue could be a head stone locating which one we need."

"Well done, brother. I wondered if you would work out my deliberate mistake! It's good to see you have been paying attention to my teachings."

Elstarir chuckles despite his aches. "Brother where would I be without you. So we have a boat possibly called the flying fish, a tavern possibly called the parrot cage and a coffin.

Could there be a link for example the boat and tavern could be connected due to sailors and the coffin could belong to the captain of the ship. find one and we might find them all."

"Does this mean that you are volunteering for solveng these riddles and avenging the Baron?"

"My lady I feel duty bound to find the assassin of your husband as I failed to stop it from happening in the first place. I give you my oath I will do all I can to deliver your justice." The young elf warrior replied

"I'm glad that you accepted!
Now you and your friends can enjoy my hospitality and have a good meal.
Who of you wants to participate to avenging the Baron will be taken to the city armoury and, if suitable, new weapons and armours will be given to you.
I will take part to an urgent Council Meeting and after that I will meet the volunteers for avenging the Baron, so I expect to see you then.
As far as I can see, your group is lacking a combat medic... if no other volunteer with that skill will come forward, I'll find one for you.
Now my servant will lead you to your rooms and to your meals.
You are dismissed."
Lady Carolina turns away from you and goes to tend other duties, while her servant cmes forward.

"Well brother it looks like the ladt has spoken and we have been dismissed." he chuckled as Lady Carolina walked down the stairs and out of sight.

Standing he looked at his clothes " I need a bath, this snake goo is starting to stiffen and stink." With that he headed for the stairs and down into the courtyard below.

Vithrain follows his brother silently. Thinking and keeping an eye out for any of the places that might fit the clues. He does bare a second ro two to glance around and check his friends are following too.