OOC: There is ample opportunity to buy any necessary provisions, prepare disguises, store things at Guillames home etc. Just note it in your post as an OOC aside.


The formidable looking group board a small barge at the dockside and for the sum of a few coppers are transported across the wide muddy mouth of the Shadowspin to land at a rectangular dock hard against the riverside backed by a copse of trees; many roads met here indicating that it was a regular crossing for the small holdings here on the southern shore of the great river.

The companions struck out south, those of a martial bent habitually forming up about those less able...at least to outward appearance.

They received amazed and gawking stares from every person they passed; a blustery sea breeze cam across the fields from the west as they walked and they could see the looming peaks of the Pagan Mountains to their east much closer now than they had been back in the city.

As they crested a great hill Guillame fancied he saw the coastline of Ereworn far across the dark waters, but it was possibly just a bank of cloud.

The good Father had told them that the crofter they were looking for was working lands called Salthold, west of a stand of woods known to the locals as Gradys Tangle.

By mid afternoon they were well south and close to the coast, though the wind had died down. As they descended a hill, they noted the smell of smoke in the air...

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

"THEM?  Again?  They must be a pretty childish bunch to play with fire all the time...."

Dann casts an intrigued look at Kores Varias. He slows his pace and tries to figure out where does the smoke come from.

Brother Jacob sniffed the are there were many types of smoke, from fires, from homesteads, from burning crops, but the one he was looking for was that of battle.

He suddenly became a little more alert just in case they were riding into the aftermath of a raid on the farm they were travelling to.

He suddenly rained in his thoughts, he chided himself he was no longer a soldier he was a priest and he needed to stop seeing the shadow of misfortune in everything. Relaxing slightly but not fully he followed the others down the track

Yamousou enjoyed the country voyage. He drank deeply of the salty sea air, and made mental notes of all the sights along the way. He also took time on the trip to offer prayers to his ancestors, hoping that they would offer him good fortune on his latesr adventure.

As they progressed he chatted quietly to his companions, getting to know them all a bit better. The strange man named Kores was still an enigma, but the others seems like sound enough fellows.

As the smell of fire struck his nostrils he unslung his bow. Pausing, he shielded his eyes from the sun and looked around to see if he could detect where the smoke was coming from. He also sniffed the air to try to work out what sort of smoke it was.

OOC - Guillaume returns to his villa and changes into attire similar to a local freeman from the rural areas south of Glissom city.  He dons his hard leather armour and a hooded cloak.  He ruffles his hair and contemplates shaving his moustache - but only briefly.  He straps his short sword and dagger to his belt.

When he rejoins his companions he winks and says in a broad Glissom accent "Alright pals, Fingal McInnes, at you service."



Guillaume breaths deeply of the sea air, his large nose perfect for such a thing.  He takes in the view as the group marches south.



Guillaume sniffs the air.  "Someone is having a barbeque?  I wonder if they are also dining al fresco?"

He notices the change in his companions demeanor.  "Oh, you suspect the worse?"  He loosens his sword in its scabbard.

In reply to Guillaume De Morvan (msg # 6):

OOC: Ok then, lets go check it out.  Do we need to do a PERCEPTION roll to figure out where its coming from?
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:02, Fri 30 Nov 2012.

Finan grins at the disguise, getting Guillaume and Yamousou together before the leave the villa.
"In order to conceal your identity and protect your person, I have a plan master.  We three will pretend to be Kores guards, deflecting attention away from yourself as much as possible.  When words turn to steel the three of us will remain close, protecting each other.  Kores is obvious enough to make our ruse a good one."

In reply to Finan McRoach (msg # 8):

The Mungodan nodded his agreement.

"Excellent plan!" Guillaume looks at Finan suspiciously. "You 'aven't trained with the spy masters of Algandy 'ave you?"

"Clan Harbingers actually, but that's another story..."

Guillaume raises an eyebrow at Finan. "Indeed? Per'aps I should 'ave conducted more thorough interviews for my 'ousecarls, instead of a few jars of scrumpy!" Guillaume chuckles. "Although I do remember you threatening to kill me if I asked too many questions!  In fact I know even less about our dark friend 'ere"

To Yamousou: "Tell me Master Yamousou, 'ow does a Mungodan learn to speak Visic so well? It is such a long way from your 'omeland."

After some determination Dann and Yamousou believed they located the direction of the smoke and pointed off to the southwest.

The companions moved to investigate, as they crested the next hill they saw a small holding near the coast that appeared to have recently been afire.  There was little left of the main building but the out-buildings appeared intact.

The bodies of two large animals, probably cattle, lay in the open but there were no signs of people about.

"I wonder if this is a regular raid or not. If it is, I am surprised only one building is on fire..." says Dann to Yamousou. "What do you say?"

OOC: How were the animals killed?  bladed weapons, claws and teeth or cauterized incisions?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattle_mutilation
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:59, Fri 07 Dec 2012.

"My former Master spoke many languages from across this strange world of ours. He taught me Visic to help me in my travels to this Isle."


Yamousou hunkered down on his haunches, taking in the sight in front of him. "The smaller buildings may just be for the animals. We should be cautious, whoever did this may still be here."

Standing up into a low crouch, he moved forward slowly, watching all around. He kept his bow ready.

In reply to Yamousou (msg # 16):

Guillaume surveys the scene from the crest. "I wonder if there are any survivors?" He keeps a careful look out for movement, unsheaths his sword and follows Yamousou.

Guillaume De Morvan rolled 11 using 2d10. Perception.

Looking over to Kores, Bael shakes his head and asks "What is wrong with the people up here?  This isn't just debt settling.  This is murder."

Preparing his morning star, he scanned the area for any sign of the raiders.

Dann has seen, and participated in, like raids before.

The focused damage indicates to him a small group, willing to attack a small settlement but unwilling to chance sticking around in case superior forces appeared suddenly.



From this distance the corpses appear whole, so it is unlikely a large predator was involved. The corpses are not smoking or otherwise ablaze.




Yamousou began to descend towards the farm carefully, as he approached he saw no sign of the attackers. Though he was still too far away and there were too many buildings to be sure.



Guillame followed Yamousou accompanied by Finan. The lordly Chaubrettan making a suprisingly stealth descent in his local guise.

His keen eyes were also unable to discern any movement.




Bael made to follow the others down the slope, he also saw no sign of movement.

In reply to GM (msg # 19):

Kores is inclined to go visit, preferably with a queue of cannon fodder to go in front.  He is of course frail and therefore slower to despite his enthusiasm...

Confident that what he sees means only a small group is involved, Dann follows his party mates, while trying to keep discreet as well.

Guillaume will look around for remains of the inhabitants. "I can't read the signs so well, do you think there was much of a fight Sir Bael?"

"I doubt it - I'm guessing these folks were slaughtered pretty quickly by whoever did this.  Cowards.  It can't have been for money either.  Why would you kill a cow?"  Bael shook his head looking at one of the cows.

"These thugs are long gone, let's check the farmhouse in case someone has somehow survived..."

Bael moves with Kores towards the farmhouse, throwing a quick look over his shoulder to see who will follow with them.

In reply to Bael Haywardson (msg # 23):

"...Or whatever did this...  It is unnecessary to speculate on why they did something, since their thoughts and perspectives are wholly different from that of men..."


*Dark grin*


"...I suppose those that did this do not feed on cattle..."

Yamousou kept silent, his usual chirpy character replaced by intense concentration. He pressed forward, keeping his bow ready in case they were surprised.

Dann follows Sir Bael and Yamousou, not wanting to look more of a coward than the former. He keeps vigilant, in case danger has not completely left the place.

Guillaume will inspect the remains of the animals to try to determine how they were killed.  He will then move to follow Bael into the outbuildings, but he makes sure he stays close to Finan too.

In reply to Guillaume De Morvan (msg # 27):

The companions made their way down the slope and through what was a fairly pathetic attempt at a field of turnips.

They noted the cattle had been killed by what appeared to be spear thrusts to the neck and abdomen.

Yamousou noted the ends of two ropes tied to a small building stacked with dry straw and hawthorn. The ropes had been cut relatively recently to his eyes.

Behind him Guillame and Finan saw the door of a larger outbuilding was broken inwards.

Bael noted numerous bootprints in the mud, itwas difficult to tell which were the inhabitants and which were the raiders but one pair of prints seemed to have the outline of sabaton....very large sabaton.

Dann pulled an arrow from a window frame and looked it over, it appeared to be somewhat rough in construction, the head was iron.  The fletching was magpie, not unusual in these parts. The raiders could be locals.

Kores examined the cattle but seemed disappointed at the way the animals had died, he stalked about regarding the scene of destruction finally turning his gaze towards the burnt dwelling.

Dann checks if he can determine from where the raiders arrived, and where the left after the attack.

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 29):

Dann heads off across the farm and after several minutes he gets the impression that the raiders came from the roadway and headed back in much the same direction. By the length of the strides they were running when they left but walked in to the holding.

Finan will survey the area.  He is looking for the hawthorn bush from which the farmers had been copiceing.  Otherwise the oldest look tree in the direct area will do.  He will approach the tree and stroke the bark gentle, seemingly in some meditational state, and begins talking gently in a low voice.

"I am a servant of the Hearth Flame of Clan Cernach.  We have looked after the land for countless generations.
I respect and revere your wisdom.  Can you tell me what happened here?"

In reply to Finan McRoach (msg # 31):

Well, the attack was recent since its all smoking.  Wonder whether we could follow them.  We need a tracker to do his work.

"Mon Dieu! 'E is talking to trees now!"  Guillaume slowly backs away from Finan.

Guillaume will look at the large footprints, and silently wonder if they might have been left by the very large Lord Diarmud of the Erewornian envoy.  He will join the others if they enter a building (although he won't go in first!).

Finan easily located the massive hawthorn bush.

Kores attention was captured by some small objects attached to the outbuildings, bundles or boughs of rowan and ash were nailed or tied over the doorways and some were bound with red ribbon.

A rounded piece of limestone with a seemingly natural hole through it was tied with twine to hang over the byre door.

After a few moments, Finan returned from the Hawthorn bush.

"The light was coming.  They came at dawn, Twelve men from the large trail.  Two farmers were killed and two more were taken away.  The knight was their leader?  The others talked of bread and milk and women.  Shall we follow?"

*Points this out to the natives in the party*

"What is this?  Repellents for dead spirits?"

In reply to Kores Varias (msg # 37):

Bael looked at the ropes tied to the straw stacked building...

"Why did they leave in such a hurry that they didn't get round to burning this building down?"

He looked to his companions and asked, "are these not fuses to a building readied for fire?"

Dann looks at Kores and Bael. "The only way to know is probably to enter the building. Anyone with me?" he asks.

Finan will examine the charms over the doorway.

Any chance that a Gliss Druid can ID these charms?
09:12, Today: Finan McRoach rolled 11 using 1d20. Intel of 16.

In reply to Finan McRoach (msg # 40):

Yamousou relaxed his bow and put it away, before drawing his fierce looking sword and readying his shield. "I will enter." he stated simply, preparing to follow Dann into the outbuilding.

As he moved to the entrance the quickly studied the ropes and the objects tied with ribbons, trying to gain some understanding of their purpose.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:06, Sat 15 Dec 2012.

"They are just trinkets.  Talismans that the locals believe can protect them.  Pay them no heed..."

Weapon in hand, Dann cautiously enters the building.

"How quaint. Shall we?"  Guillaume makes to follow Dann and Yamousou.

Dann and Yamousou entered followed by Guillame; within the shed were bundles of straw and hawthorn, there were a few implements ( hoe, sickle, axe ) hanging on the wall but little else to be seen. Though Dann did spot a small leather flask wedged behind a timber high on the lintel.

"This knight, the one wearing the sabatons, is very dangerous.  We must find him quickly."

"Thank you brother hawthorn."

Following behind Dann, Yamousou and Guillaume, cautious and ready, but also distinctly behind the pack, Bael overheard Finan and his conversation with a hawthorn bush...



Unsure as to whether he was being toyed with, Bael turned to him and asked "I've heard of magics and wizardry, but what strangeness lets you talk to a tree?  Not even the trees themselves talk to other trees.  Why are you trying to stop us investigating this site?"

Dann meticulously looks in every corner and under every piece of furniture. Then, once reassured that no one else is there, he reaches for the leather flask in order to examine it.

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 50):

Kores waits outside, hoping that he'll hear some unnatural screaming sounds or come unearthly cackling...

Its day time, so he's quite sceptical, as always....

Finan turns on Bael, angered by his outburst.  He speaks quietly but spits the words out with some venom.
"I am a druid of Gliss, from a noble house.  My power is far beyond the comprehension of any knight.
Do not presume to question me again..."

OOC - ooooOOOOOOOooooohhh!!!!  *mimicks a horse prancing on its hind legs*

Guillaume interjects: "Gentlemen, please, be civil."  He turns to Bael.  "Sir Bael, despite Finan's unorthodox methods, I do not doubt his motives.  Trust me, I am a fairly good judge of character - it is part of my job.  Besides, his account does not contradict your own supposition."

Guillaume looks towards the hawthorn bush, then to Finan.  "If what you say is true then the farmers have been taken captive and may still be alive."  He turns to Bael.  "They may be in need of some rescuing.  I suggest we quickly check there are no survivors here then give chase."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:52, Mon 17 Dec 2012.

*Raises an eyebrow in an otherwise disinterested expression*

"Let us save our energy for pursuit of these people"

Confident that there were now no further threats in the immediate vicinity, Yamousou glanced around the room. Turning to Guillaume he said, "I may be able to help in the search. I will go outside, and will require some assistance."

He turned and headed back out of the door. After a quick scan of the surroundings he found a suitable spot and sat down in the dirt.

"We should approach carefully.  I can't see any reason as to why these kinds of people would take prisoners, but if this... Hawthorn bush... tells the truth, we can't give them any reasons to harm the remaining two farmers."

Bael looked at Yamousou, and after his berating from Finan, decided not to question his strange methods.  "Can you track them?"

The Mungodan smiled. "In a fashion. I need someone to stand guard while I perform a ritual."

Bael moved a few metres away from him, nervous about what the 'ritual' might entail and not wanting to get covered in chicken's gizzards and blood or whatever else might be the case.

"We will keep watch, but please make haste."

Seeing that he now had a guard, Yamousou cast his sword and shield to the side, and pulled his dagger from it's sheath. He drew a crude circle around him with the blade's point. Once completed he closed his eyes, and held the dagger tight. He nicked the end of his finger and squeezed a few drops of dark red blood onto the ground, before plunging the dagger deep into the earth. He then began to chant in a low guttural voice, quiet at first but gradually getting louder.

"Oh roho, kusikia wito wangu. Mimi kutafuta elimu na zawadi ya mbele."

He waited a few moments then opened his eyes. However, the eyes were not his, they had been replaced with bright white orbs with no colouration, and seemed to gleam. He rocked back and forth gently.

He spoke again, seeming to be asking a question. "Je yoyote ya wale ambao wanaishi katika eneo hili bado wanaishi?"

After a few moments pause he spoke again. "Katika mwelekeo ambayo inaweza wao kupatikana?"

Again a pause, followed by another question. "Tunawezaje kutambua wale ambao ni wajibu kwa ajili ya mashambulizi hayo?"

He stopped rocking, and sat perfectly still with his head tilted back, as if listening to an unseen voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Fri 21 Dec 2012.

In reply to Yamousou (msg # 59):

Kores keeps a distance, holding a handkerchief to his face and trying to minimize breathing.  Surely manipulation of the flux or extra dimensional forces needn't be so...  crude....

Dann interrupts in searching when he hears Yamousou perform his ritual outside. He goes out and looks around. With an astonished voice, he asks Guillaume: "Qu'est-ce qu'il est en train de faire?"

The air around the seated man shimmered and a faint keening could be heard.

Bael tightened his grip on his weapon and looked all around, casting his eyes across the horizon, wishing to himself he was not so close to all this magical behaviour.  If this Yamousou does this sort of thing, who knows what happens when everyone goes to sleep?  Why can't people just be normal?

Bael concentrated on a cloud and tried to keep from letting his inner thoughts become too obvious to those around him.

Yamousou slumped forward for a moment, his energies spent. After a short while he appeared to awake, and stood up before putting away his dagger and gathering up his sword and shield. Looking around at the others he spoke. "I have spoken to my ancestors who guide my hand. They are not always... reliable, but can offer guidance."

He paused for a second, as if digesting some information. "Some of those taken in this attack still live, two I believe. For what purpose I cannot tell. The trail should be easy to follow, and will be true. However, the captors may not be easy to find."

He sheathed his sword and sling his shield before drawing his bow again. Done talking for now, he began to look around the buildings for evidence of tracks or similar.

In reply to Yamousou (msg # 64):

"Maybe they're waiting for us.  Little need to find them."

*Smirks*

The companions moved to the road with Yamousou and Finan in the lead. When they reached the road Bael quickly scouted the edges and noted a place where it appeared a body of men had recently passed out of and in to the woods.

The day was pleasant enough and nothing seemed amiss about the oak wood they were facing.

Kores found a small linen doll at the roadside smeared with what appeared to be blood.

In reply to GM (msg # 66):

Kores, with a dark look glances over before retrieving the doll.

"There is a child with them."

*Tosses the doll to Bael*

"...I wonder what they would do with a child....  ...or who they are..."


Kores wishes he was chasing bipedal cloven hooved types, not a bunch of legless booted types.....

Now that they were clear of the city and in the countryside, Finan sets down his backpack.  He carefully removes a weapon wrapped in finest linen.  A scabbarded sword of traditional Gliss design is encased within, which Finan straps around his waste.
  It is obvious to the fighters that this is a sword of exceptional quality.

Dann has seen his share of violence and child abuse in his life. That makes him all the more uncomfortable when seeing the doll and hearing Kores Varias talk.

After watching Finan bring out his weapon, he adjusts his sword and shield in his scabbard and back. If only to improve his resolve.

Guillaume purses his lips when he sees the doll.  "Sir Bael, the tracks lead into the woods?  Let us make 'aste!"



"You are full of surprises mon ami," says Guillaume to Finan.  "I 'ope you know how to use that thing."

"This thing pretty much uses itself.  I just have to be here..." grins Finan.

In reply to Finan McRoach (msg # 68):

Yamousou smiled admiringly at the weapon. "A fine blade my friend. You are indeed full of surprises."

He turned back to the trail. Bow in hand, he looked ahead at the path. Satisfied that it was right one, he pushed forward.

"Hah! I could do with one of those..."

The group moved quickly through the woods, the trail itself not too hard to follow once they were out of sight of the road. There were a goodly number of bootprints and a clump of long red hair snagged on a low hanging briar.

Ahead the woods cleared somewhat and the path headed sharply down towards a small brook in a heavily eroded gully, Bael and Dann stopped for a moment.

There were no boot prints in the thick mud leading out of the gully on the other side.

Having seen Finan's sword, Bael found himself walking carefully, watching both for the raiders and for any sudden movements from the red haired magic user.  With the small doll under his belt, Bael found himself in a sad silence, quietly following the trail and hoping for a bit of cathartic vengeance.

As the trail descended into the brook and not out of it Bael intensified his search for visual clues.  He scanned both directions of the gully, trying to work out which direction the murderers had gone.

Guillaume whispers in a low voice.  "The tracks end here?  Maybe there is a concealed entrance to a cavern.  Where else could they have gone?"

Guillaume will quietly search the gully for a hidden cave entrance, also keeping an eye out for an ambush.

In reply to Guillaume De Morvan (msg # 76):

"They may know they are being followed...."



Lets revise our battle order!  I wanna' be in the middle!

Dann answers to Kores Varias: "Or they took their precautions not to be followed..." The borderer scans the area quickly to check where the raiders could possibly have gone. He also checks the brook to determine if they could have walked up or downstream into the water.

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 78):

*Grins*

"I prefer to assume the worse, and work backwards from there...  Your optimism can lead us into an ambush or other detrimental consequence for lack of foresight..."

Kores wants to move into the centre of the party, at least any arrows or large flying object might be intercepted by somebody before it hits him....  Not too obviously of course...  He merely wishes to be heard clearly by all individuals in the party...

Both Bael and Dann notice an overturned stone still slick with black ooze on its upturned side and Guillame notes another long red hair stuck on a tree root projecting from the gully wall. Both of these are upstream.

Kores begins to sidle as subtly as possible towards the centre of the group as they enter the gully.

Finan and Yamousou check a small distance downriver, just in case but find no spoor.

"Don't forget, we must protect Guillaume at all times.  Don't get separated, leave the scouts to scout..."
Finan whispers to Yamusou, putting himself alongside the Chaubretton again

In reply to Finan McRoach (msg # 81):

Bael turned to Dann and Yamousou, the two warriors he came closest to understanding in the group - "Are you ready?  I'm doubting this will end in a conversation."

He adjusted his hold on his morningstar and shield as much as for his own preparations as to signify to his companions that he was ready to take action.

Dann looks at Bael with cold eyes, but cannot deny him. He shrugs. "If we are to walk in the gully, we can easily fall in a trap where we will be trapped in the lower ground. If we walk on the side of the gully, we potentially can be easy targets depending on the surrounding. I suggest we split."

In reply to Finan McRoach (msg # 81):

Yamousou nodded to his flame-haired companion. He was at a loss to explain why the trail had died. He looked around, both at the ground and up into any nearby trees, looking for any sign that might help.

Guillaume follows the conversation between Bael and Dann.  "I'll leave the planning to you more martial types."  He unsheathes his short sword.  "I'll be ready to use this wee sword when needed."

"Well we can't spend all day with strategies, these murderers are fleeing as we speak.  I will be continuing upstream.  Follow me if you will or walk at the top of the gully, but before sundown I will be wreaking revenge for the lost child."

Bael sets off upstream.

In reply to Bael Haywardson (msg # 86):

Strong chance of getting ambushed, but if we are going to 'save' a child, best not wait until he's been skinned alive and otherwise prepared for sacrifice.  Kores hurries off after Bael....

If Bael thinks that kid had 'severe' burns Kores will need to be there to keep reminding him that his wounds are 'not too bad'....  Don't want him expiring prematurely since it looks good for bards and contemporary story writers...

Dann made his way along the top of the gully staying low and making good use of the trees and shrubs as he did so, though it was slow going in places. About 100m along he paused briefly and noted a clearly outlined bootprint in the mud leading towards a large oak.

His companions were 15m below in the deepening gully, which seemed to be coming to a close; quickly his eyes flashed over the oak and noted the bark was scuffed in many places as if someone had ascended. As he approached it there was an audible sigh from somewhere above and a stream of steaming golden liquid splashed down on the far side of the tree.

..........................................

Below Bael led the way through the Gully, behind him was Kores closely followed by Guillame. Yamousou and Finan escort the Chaubrettan and acted as rearguard.

Ahead the gully grew darker and less sunlight filtered through the trees above, in places the water was deeper.

Then, abruptly, the gully stopped, water was flowing out of a weathered fissure in the rockface slick with black slime and green algae. It formed a fall of quite sizeable proportions which shadowed the rockface.

Baels eyes narrowed as he noted bare patches on the rock where the slime had been scraped away........

"Bravo! Well said old chap" Guillaume says quietly in Elleslandic, as he muddles his languages and accents in the excitement.

 

"I'm glad I didn't wear my finer clothes." Guillaume whispers, "what is it? What do you see up a'ead?" Guillaume cranes his head to see past Kores.

Bael walked around the edge of the water to look behind the waterfall and inspect the rock.  Possibly local animals feed on the rock slime?

Carefully getting closer he noted the scrapes seemed to be due to traffic, and then he saw that there was a void behind the waterfall. He stepped quickly back in case there was an observer there in the dark...

Dann immediately puts himself under cover of a potential foe in the tree. He alerts his companions: "There is someone in this tree! Careful!" Then he tries to locate the source of the golden liquid pouring without exposing himself too much.

Finan frees his hands, stepping to get a good view of this tree above.  He begins to chant on a low gutterul voice...

Bael turns away from the waterfall to look up to Dann, quickly scanning the tree, trying to locate the source of the golden waterfall trickling from the tree.

Guillaume looks at Finan out of the corner of his eye. "Are you talking to that tree too?"

Hearing the alert, Yamousou scanned the area with his bow held ready. If he can locate a target he may well take the shot.

In reply to Yamousou (msg # 96):

Kores looks for something to hide behind...

........................................



At Danns words there is a sudden burst of frenzied movement above and the stream becomes a scattering of random droplets shortly followed by an intensely loud and booming sound of metal on metal. The alarm echoes through the tree and is amplified by the narrow gully walls.
...................................................

Almost immediately as the alarm sounds an arrow flies out through the waterfall, luckily the water arrests most of its force and it clatters to the wet stones after shying off of Baels armour.



Finan, from his low vantage point is able to note a sudden repeating flash of metal through the foliage when the ringing starts. He completes his chant and there is a sudden blast of frigid air which rips through the leaves above bringing a cry from within the treetop.



Baels perusal of the tree is interrupted by the arrow striking his shoulder.





As the leaves fell from above Yamousou was able to note a figure amongst the trees branches.



With Yamousou and Finan moving to position Kores is able to scuttle behind Guillame.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:23, Sun 20 Jan 2013.

Hearing and feeling the sudden movement and the rallying noise, Dann immediately grabs his javelin and aims it at the figure in the tree with all his might.

GM, on behalf of Dann of Clan Valin, rolled 2 using 1d20.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:14, Thu 24 Jan 2013.

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 99):

Kores would prefer to find something more stable than a moving meatshield...  Bearing in mind arrows flying through the waterfall and that people are getting alarmed in the treetops....

Kores will try to find some mature, thick tree trunk and hide behind/below it...  until he can find something better, and preferably dry....

Guillaume flattens himself against the side of the gully. "I will follow your lead Sir Bael!"

Guillaume will follow Bael if he advances through the waterfall.

Finan turns his attention to the waterfall...
"Out of the way.  Cover your faces!"

More hand gestures and chanting proceeds from the Druid before he points at the cave entrance.
An immense ball of fire shoots from his hands!

Trying to push both Kores and Guillaume clear of the area near the waterfall entrance, Bael dives away, careful to avoid the pool of water while wearing plate armour.

"Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuckkkkkkkk!!!!!!!"

Spying movement, Yamousou quickly drew his bowstring and loosed an arrow at the unseen opponent.

15:11, Today: Yamousou rolled 19 using 1d20. Bow attack vs unknown target.
Not modified this roll at all, and no idea if it is a hit or not...

In reply to Yamousou (msg # 104):

OOC:Kores was always looking for cover.  Preferably dry cover.  Maybe he has to evade Bael's grasp?

He figures theres going to be a lot of stuff flying around..  possibly dismembered limbs, arcs of blood spray and projectile bears.....
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:29, Tue 22 Jan 2013.

Danns light spear flies into the tree branches and strikes through, a man falls silently from above his breeches about his ankles and odd patches off frostbite on his upper body.

He lies crumpled at Danns feet.

The ringing has stopped.

Kores is unable to find anything dry or wooden to hide behind until he spots a fallen tree they had passed some 30m back, he heads towards it at speed abandoning the others to their fates.

Flame blossoms from Finans hands boiling away the water and revealing a dark cleft in the stone for an instant before a great cloud of steam obscures everything again.

There is a pitiful scream from inside the cave and a man stumbles out; his flesh red raw and peeling before he stumbles into the pool and lies still.

Bael shields Guillame from the blast though it seemed the man was in no real danger as Finan concentrated to focus the fire.


Distracted by the commotion Yamousous arrow flies awry and strikes a branch far above; Yamousou looks in wonder at his bow......he's not sure he remembers ever missing with it before.

Water begins to fill the falls again....

Picking himself up and then helping Guillaume to his feet, Bael offers his apologies, "I'm sorry sir, I meant only to protect you from the magics", before turning to the waterfall to make sure that noone else seems to be coming out from there.

"Sacre Bleu!" Guillaume stares in amazement as the man stumbles out and collapses.



"Merci!  Your courage is unquestionable!"  Guillaume quickly looks around and makes a snap decision.  "We are at a disadvantage 'ere."  He ducks through the waterfall, flattens himself against the wall or in a nook and surveys the cleft that the man emerged from.

Dann brings out his dagger and approaches cautiously his foe. He checks if he is still conscious and able to fight.

"No.  We have the initiative now... ATTACK!"

Finan does not charge himself though, slipping his shield from his back and into position instead.  Striding purposefully forward, Finan then draws his sword and follows the others into the cave.

Hearing Finan's call to arms, Yamousou notched another arrow and followed the others into the cave.

Bael isn't sure whether this is foolhardy, but at the sound of his companion's battlecry he finds himself running into the cave, ready with his shield and morningstar.

"Gatanades be with us."

Kores's ears almost prick up like a dogs...  Upon hearing them scream 'attack' he realizes something might go wrong without his masterful coordination and all.

 He turns and proceeds to follow the last man into the cave.

 OOC: About 2 combat rounds behind the last PC...
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:53, Fri 25 Jan 2013.

By the angle of the mans head Dann judges that his fighting....and breathing days are well and truly over.

Within the entrance to the cave it is dark and cool Guillame finds Bael beside him and Yamousou and Finan just behind. They can vaguely see the shape of Kores making his way slowly towards the falls down the gully outside.

Within, the light fades after a few metres but there are definite sounds of movement deeper in. In the dimness they are just able to make out that the rough tunnel splits as it goes deeper, one branch dips sharply downwards over a jumble of collapsed rubble, the other swings right around a damaged stalagmite....

There is a fallen bow and scattered arrows at Guillames feet.

Carefully and quietly, Guillaume will approach the split in the tunnel, keeping to the wall.  He will listen to determine which way the sounds come from, and what sort of sounds they may be.

Bael turns a hand to silence his friends and whispers, "No lights yet, we should listen and try to gauge how many there is and where they are..."

Guillames keen ears pick up the sound of boots on gravel a long way off in the downward tunnel.

He turned his attention to the upper path and was unable to hear anything at first then he caught it. Bowstrings....badly maintained bowstrings but they were under tension.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 10:56, Fri 25 Jan 2013.

Having readied both sword and shield, Finan ensures his Patron is afforded some protection by it.
Whispers to Guillaume

"We know how many Sir Bael, 11 men plus the Dark Knight. One is outside with Dann, One I boiled alive,
which leaves 10 ahead.  lets us not tarry and press our advantage."

OOC - Boy!  You lot are REALLY scared of getting killed, aren't you :oP

Almost disappointed, Dann puts his dagger back to its sheath and recovers his javelin from the dead body. Then, noticing that his companions entered the cave, he brings out his sword and shield, and cautiously moves to join them.

Dann had quite a walk as he had to head back down along the gully until it gre shallow enough to jump down into.

OOC: Will take about 5 min.

Guillaume motions pulling a bow to the others and points towards the upper tunnel.

 

Guillaume nods at Finan. He looks around for a large rock and if he finds one he will toss it into the tunnel mouth, hoping arrows will get fired by nervous bowman
This message was last edited by the player at 05:01, Sun 27 Jan 2013.

At Guillaume's gesture, Bael raises his shield in an effort to defend both himself and his party from any missiles.

Turning to Finan he whispers "If those fire magics come natural to you this might be time for another one," nodding towards the upper tunnel before moving with Guillaume to shield him as he searches the ground.

Holding his shield high and cruching low, Finan advances with Sir Bael.

"No Sir Bael.  Not in a confined space such as this.  I will save my ability for the Dark Knight.  I think we'll need it."

Guillame pitched the sizeable pebble ahead and was rewarded by the sight of an arrow skipping off the edge of the stalagmite.

There was a muttered curse from around the way...

Yamousou bent to examine the bow, trying to ascertain the quality of the weapon. He also scooped up the arrows and put them in his quiver.

He then proceeded to follow the others, keeping low with an arrow ready.

OOC - how many arrows did I find.

OOC: 4 arrows. The bow is serviceable but has been damaged by the damp atmosphere...it looks a little pathetic next to your own.

As soon as Guillaume's rock has triggered the arrow firer's nerves, Bael quickly turns to Finan and whispers, "Let's keep them scared," before charging forward into the upper tunnel, shield ready and morningstar raised.

Bael charged forward and rounded the stalagmite cluster; two arrows flew towards him out of the darkness.  One flew well past his head to shatter against the stone, the other struck his breastplate but skated off the metal plate to clatter to the floor.

Barely he could make out two or three figures ahead of him and he noted the sound of three bows dropping to the uneven floor..

OOC - Finan, you coming?

Guillaume will charge in behind Bael (and Finan?).



Guillaume will move to engage one of the bowmen.

Finan charges with Guillaume, shield raised, and sword high!  He means to kill one of these archers quickly!
This message was last edited by the player at 07:43, Thu 31 Jan 2013.

Bael kept charging towards the men, ready to engage.

In reply to Bael Haywardson (msg # 134):

Kores will start burning up the place with DRAGONBREATH if more people engage when he arrives, otherwise he'll let everyone else deal with the situation.

Guillaume lunges at one of the men with his short sword.

22:06, Today: Guillaume De Morvan rolled 6 using 1d8. Armour bypass.
22:06, Today: Guillaume De Morvan rolled 9 using 1d20. Shortsword attack.

In reply to Guillaume De Morvan (msg # 136):

Bael swings at one of the men, his teeth gritted for the impact...

01:54, Today: Bael Haywardson rolled 5 using 1d6. Armour bypass.
01:53, Today: Bael Haywardson rolled 7 using 1d20. Morningstar attack.

OOC:  ALRIGHT!!!

The men in the dark struggled to draw their weapons, neither group able to see well in the darkness.

Guillames blade lashed out slashing deep into one of the mens shoulder sending him to his knees with a cry.
Baels weapon crushed the skull of the man beside him spattering brains and chips of bone over the stone.
Finans blade whispered through the blackness and neatly took the head from the last man, it tumbled to the floor as his body collapsed jetting blood over all present.

Deep within the caves all was silent.

Finan steps over the decapitated corpse and points his shiny blade at the cowering man. "Up!" he hissed.
"Do as I say or I'll cut something off you too! This fellow will lead on in case they have more bowman..."

Yamousou followed the others with his bow still drawn. They had made light work of the enemy so far, but their companions were probably now alerted to the impending danger.

As he moved passed the bodies he looked them over to see if anything of interest stood out.

OOC - I am not searching bodies, just looking at them as I go past.

The man reluctantly struggled to his feet, " Stitch you, Jimmy. I ain't goin' nowhere.'

The men appeared to be locals or perhaps from northern Ereworn, dressed in woolen tunics and hose their was little about them to distinguish them from any other working man. Their weapons were cudgels and a flail....commoners weapons as was expected.

Bael raised his eyebrows.  This man obviously hasn't sized up Finan very well.

Hearing the tumult of battle, Dann makes his way as fast as possible towards his companions.

Finan had the tip of the blade at the man's throat.  He flicked his wrist. "Stitch that back on!"
He aimed to slice the ignorant peasants ear off!

18:23, Today: Finan McRoach rolled 7,5 using 1d20,1d12(+3) with rolls of 7,2. Torture.  9 under Attack, brutal ABR.

The man grunted in pain and clenched his teeth, blood sheeted down his neck from the raw wound at the side of his head. Still he looked up at Finan with steady eyes and remained where he was.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:03, Mon 04 Feb 2013.

Stubborn git!!!

"Finan! 'Old your blade!"  Guillaume looks at the man, then at the two corpses on the ground.  He holds up his own blade, watching the blood drip from it.  Guillaume sighs deeply.

"I think in the excitement of the chase we 'ave forgotten our place.  In a civilised land it is the King who dispenses justice, or his agents.  I am a guest in these lands, and can not presume to act for the King.  These men are just peasants.  They have performed wicked acts, it is true, and should be punished - but not by me.  Otherwise I am no better than them.  We will take this one back to the city."  Guillaume looks at Bael, hoping for assent from his fellow nobleman.

Guillaume addresses the man.  "Why did you attack the 'omestead?  Where are your prisoners?  If you cooperate things will go better for you.  Speak!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:54, Tue 05 Feb 2013.

The man seemed momentarily dumbfounded by Guillames accent, " I'll no speak. Blade or fire its all the same end."

" Blackie'll see to you anyway."

Bael looked him dead in the eye and gave a confused look, "but Blackie's dead..."

He remembered a campfire tale about this kind of lie causing prisoners to reveal all.  He could only hope he had done it right.

The man fixed Bael with a look, " Yer not the smartest lad are ye?"

"Enough! Lets 'ope this Blackie 'as more sense than this one."  To Finan, "Tie this one up. Use 'is rags if you 'ave to."

"Now, lets find Blackie and the rest of 'is cronies.  We will proceed differently now, I think."

In reply to Guillaume De Morvan (msg # 152):

Kores, grinning to himself in the darkness watches the interrogation with an air of disappointment...  After they resign themselves to tying him up...


Kores steps in, tittering to himself...  eyes glaring and shooting about randomly into the distance as if he's blind...  saliva drools down his chin as his hands move spasmodically down to brush against the guys face...

"hh-heh... h-heh...  ...eat your soul I will!  hh-heh...  hh-HEH!  I will suck your eyes out!  The hellions will eat your soul! hah!  Hah!  HAAHH!"

Kores will ruffle the guys hair, drool all over him, sniff behind his ears and comment about how some third person will enjoy devouring his soul...  and lets see how he reacts....

Finan uses what he can off the peasant's own back to restrain him, a belt, a girdle, a shirt, binding his hands behind his back and his feet together tightly.  Finan whispers to the man as he does so.
"You have chosen your fate.  You will die slowly and painfully..."

Guillaume steps back from Kores, giving him space and a disconcerted look, not sure if this is an act or not...

OOC: what's the light like in here?  Did the peasants have any torches or lanterns?

" As you say, Sir. As you say.  But a mans soul can only be taken the once.", the man grunted seemingly amused that the mad mans antics were as disquieting to his companions as they were to him.

" Your not half as mad as ol' Darian was....though he did smell better..."



" Aye, Lad.  But that was on the cards from the beginning."



OOC: Its dark, the only light is what is filtering through the waterfall and thats growing dim as the full flow returns. None of the men had lanterns or torches that you can see.

Bael spat and turned his back on both the captured man and the rest of the party.

When he felt he had regained his dignity he asked his companions, "There's a strong chance they've got the captives down there with a knife to their throats now.  Does anyone have any ideas?"

In reply to Bael Haywardson (msg # 157):

Kores freezes...

*Sniffs*
*Frowns*
*Looks at the peon*

"I'm sorry old fellow, sometimes I really lose control...  Its a medical condition..."

Kores wipes his beard and stands up, no hint of palsy whatsoever....

Yamousou kept quiet, trying to blend into the darkness. He looked around, making sure there were no surprises.

Guillaume squats and wipes his sword on a rag from one of the dead.  "They are a contemptible lot, it is true.  'Owever, we should give them a chance to surrender and release their captives.  If they refuse then... they will get what they deserve."

He stands and sheaths his sword.

"We may need light to continue.  I came for a walk in the country unprepared for this encounter.  Does anyone 'ave a torch or lantern?"

Guillaume looks around the tunnel they are in and notices Dann enter.

"Ahh, mon ami.  We may have need of your sword arm."

OOC: Is this tunnel a dead end?

Once Finan has finished restraining the peasant he steps close to Guillaume and whispers.

"Speaking as your advisor my lord, you are mistaken.  This man is more scared of 'Blackie' than he is of us.  There will be no negotiations.  They will fight to the death for 'Blackie', who must be the dark knight we are searching for.

We either leave now, or attack with full force and no mercy.  There can be no middle ground."

Turning to the warriors.

"There should be 8 men left with the dark knight.  I've already killed 1 and dealt with 2 others.
When are you big strong warrior types gonna earn your bacon?"  He quips sarcastically.

Still angry from the bound peasant's insult to his intelligence, Bael turned on Finan, standing face to face, and growled, "Do you not see the blood on my weapon smart-mouth fool?" before turning to Guillaume and the rest and agreeing, "He is right though, there will be no discussions with these barbarians, only bloodshed."

Reaching in to his backpack for his lantern, Bael looked to Kores - "Would you carry this to give us light to fight by?"

In reply to Bael Haywardson (msg # 162):

"Certainly."

Kores is only too happy that Bael is fired up and ready to kill... Naturally he'll be there to remind him to quit griping about minor grazes, sword and axe blows...

Dann nods at Guillaume when entering the cave. Discovering the cave, he cannot help to say: "Que s'est-il passé ici?"



Dann frowns. "Don't think you are the only one who is able to fight here. I have killed as many men as you did, with less effort. I have seen that those who brag the most are not necessarily the bravest in battle as well!" He accompanies his words with a sarcastic smile.

"Good!" grins Finan, pleased that his goading has produced the desired effect.
"Now we can focus our attention on 'Blackie'.  Lead on Sir Bael!"

As before, Finan stays close to Guillaume, protecting the money!  "Stay back." he urges Guillaume.

The group advanced squeezing through a narrow opening beyond the fallen enemy into a short passage.

Ahead it opened up and there could be seen a number of carcasses hanging from the roof; in the dim lantern light Dann and Bael could make out two hares, two goats and a number of chickens hanging on the right.

On the left, hanging well away from the others was a long pale carcase that at first they took for a yearling swine.....then they noted the toes and fingers...

The centre of the room was dominated by a massive slab of fallen ceiling and was fairly clear of other rubble.

On the far side a tunnel continued into the hillside...

Shaking his head, Bael kept walking as soon as he realised the stripped corpse was human.

"These sick animals.  Acting like Mungodans."

He marched on further into the tunnel, Dann at his side, even though the barbarian made him uncomfortable.

A few steps along he realised what he had just said and that Yamousou was behind him...

"Why can't people just be normal?" he thought to himself.

Yamousou grinned at Bael's comment, flashing his sharpened teeth. Almost every pale-faced person he had met had regarded him as a savage, so there was no reason why this one should be different. Speaking quietly, just loud enough for Bael to hear, he said "No, not like Mungodan... the fingers and toes are the best bits on man flesh."

In reply to Yamousou (msg # 168):

"It appears we may not be dealing with men....  but something else that feasts on men..."

Oblivious of the exchange between the would be knight and Yamousou, Dann cannot help but to agree with Kores Varias. "Surely those who did this are not human, or have forsaken their humanity. And their right to live."

Brutality was something the reiver was accustomed to, and he took part of enough violent assaults himself in the past. But this was far beyond what he could consider acceptable.

As Bael and Dann continued through the chamber they noted that the tunnel ahead stopped after a few metres and ran off to the left, listening for a few moments they heard nothing. A quick glance to the left as Kores caught up to them showed a thin high sided cleft running left for almost ten metres to end at what looked like a dead end from this distance.

A small hollow was noted to the right, both Bael and Dann noted that someone had stood here fairly often and the fine dust was worn away to bare stone. The cool, moist atmosphere was pleasant against their skin.

Finan will walk backwards slowly, mindful that enseen side tunnels could allow the enemy to outflank them.

09:44, Today: Finan McRoach rolled 13 using 2d10. Perception.

Turning to Kores, Bael mumbled "Keep that lamp high," as much to confirm that Kores' was still close as to ensure that there was sufficient light.

"Slowly", he whispered and made his way carefully down the cleft.

20:25, Today: Bael Haywardson rolled 18 using 2d10. Perception.

(OOC: See OOC thread.)

This message was last edited by the GM at 11:35, Fri 08 Feb 2013.

Whether it had been the order to Kores to keep the light high or whether his senses were heightened by fear of ending up hanging from a ceiling bael noted three things in the brief flash of lantern light along the tunnel.

- There was a rough knotted rope ladder hanging down the face of the 'dead end', halfway along the tunnel was a silver Erewornian florin propped against a stone and just before it was a thin taught line of twine or string across the corridor at ankle height.

Guillaume shivers when he passes the hanging corpse. "Mon Dieu," he mutters and he crosses himself.  He holds a kerchief over his mouth and nose as he inspects the corpse.

"I will 'eed your advice Finan, these fiends deserve no mercy."

Guillaume will then squat to examine the hollow to the right.

14:08, Today: Guillaume De Morvan rolled 10,13 using 2d10,2d10. Perception - examinecorpse, examine hollow.

Guillames close examination of the body reveals it is the headless corpse of a young male some 10-12 years of age.

As he examines the hollow he determines that someone had stood here for a protracted time. A sentry position?


OOC: Didn't really need the rolls as details there are to find are fairly evident.

Guillaume stands in the sentry position to see if it affords any special vantage of the room.

Bael held his hand up to signal everyone to stop and whispered to his companions, "Stop. Kores' raise your lantern so that everyone may see the tripping string in the tunnel ahead.  The florin remains there and each of us must step carefully over the string to avoid any further warnings to these deviants."

With that he walked carefully forward, stepping over the trip wire to inspect the rope ladder at the end of the tunnel.

Guillame determines that the position allows someone to remain concealed in shadow yet see others entering the 'larder' chamber.

As Bael walked forward carefully the rope ladder began to travel rapidly up the face of the 'dead end', his eyes flicked upward and he noted a gap at the top through which the rope was being pulled....

Guillaume will remain in the hollow a little longer, watching the activities of the group but also keeping an eye out for anyone approaching from the entrance.

Seeing an opportunity disappear, Bael ran at the rope ladder and jumped in hope of dragging it back down.

15:42, Today: Bael Haywardson rolled 3 using 1d20. roll under REFLEXES (8).

Bael leapt forward and seized hold of the rope, there was a sudden gasp from above at the extra weight on the rope then unseen hands began, with difficulty, hauling Baels armourclad form up the cliff face.

In reply to GM (msg # 183):

Bael braced himself for combat.

This suddenly no longer seemed like a good idea...

Dann, in a whim, tries to grab the ankle of Bael in an attempt to pull him down.

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 185):

Kores tries to find a place to hide...

With Danns added weight Baels ascent ground to a decisive halt.

Looking down to the others Bael quickly cried "Yamitzu!  Quick!  Help us pull it down!"

The Mungodan stepped forward and grabbed Bael's leg and helped to pull him back towards he ground. He kept his focus looking up at the hole, looking for an opportunity. If a target presents himself he will let go and quickly draw an arrow.

Finan, at the back anyway was too far away to help.  Instead he turned to the rear, watching the empty tunnel behind.

20:10, Today: Finan McRoach rolled 11 using 2d10. Perception.

Neither Finan or Guillame on rearwatch saw any sign of pursuit or movement to the partys rear.

There was a strangled squawk from above as Yamousou lent his aid and a muttered word phrase from above, " Jus' cut the feckin' thing."

Moments after there were rythmic vibrations felt through those holding the rope.

In reply to GM (msg # 192):

Guillaume strides along the passage, carefully stepping over the trip wire. He stops where Bael, Dann and Yamousou are pulling on the ladder and clears his throat.

He calls out to above, speaking flawless Visic with no hint of an accent. "I will give you men one chance to surrender. We have slain four of your band so far without breaking a sweat. You are completely outclassed here. I cannot ken what you might want with the farmers you have captive, nor why you have a boy strung up in your larder, but surely it is not worth your miserable lives. Throw down your arms and release your captives! We will let you live. All except your fiendish captain Blackie, who must face justice for his evil deeds. Surrender now or die!"

23:16, Today: Guillaume De Morvan rolled 4 using 1d20. Oratory.
23:15, Today: Guillaume De Morvan rolled 20 using 1d20. Presence.

There is a sudden flurry of whispered conversation above then a tentative voice calls out, " O-ok, I will *Ughk*".

The body of a young man in his late teens tumbled over the edge and landed on the stone beside Yamousou.

" Them was pretty words, but we know whats what. Yer Lordship.", a man above chuckled.

The sawing vibrations on the rope continued......

"There's yer answer!  That makes 6 dead, 5 carrot crunchers left and then Blackie!"

(1 outside in the tree, 1 by the water fall, 3 by the junction, 1 up the rope!)

"These fool people be damned!" blurts out Dann. The borderer then checks if he has enough angle to use his javelin while suggesting Yamousou to use his bow.

Dann is annoyed to find the chamber does not extend back far enough to allow him vantage over the top.

Bael turned to Finan as the rope ladder was being cut and commanded him - "Another one of your fireballs up there quicksmart!  Any other way will leave us so open to attack that we might as well just off ourselves first and save them the trouble."

Guillaume watches the body fall and shakes his head and sighs.  "Mon Dieu" he mutters.



You're assuming there weren't any holding the fort here while they went raiding...



"Yes, we must 'old them back while we climb." Guillaume glances at Dann.  "Or someone with a very good sheild could climb up first."

Yamousou positioned himself to cover with his bow should anyone stick their head over the ledge. While he waited for one of the others to make a move he mentally went through his repertoire of magicks. Right now there was nothing that could help. Then something occurred to him.

In a low voice he spoke to the group. "If they are trapped up there why do we need to chase them up. If we get some green wood we can build up a fire and smoke them out. Either they come down and fight, or stay and choke to death. And if there is another exit, the smoke will come out and show us the way. Worth thinking about?"

Dann listens to Guillaume, then Yamousou, and nods. "Il a raison. No need to rush up there where we are at a disadvantage. They will need to go out one way or another. Except..." He looks up than back at his companions. "Except if we want to save the girl before it is too late for her..."

The border looks back up again, troubled.

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 201):

"Perhaps we need a way to REALLY motivate them to tell us who has been captured..."

Shall we retreat back to where the prisoner was?

There was a sudden slackness and Bael found himself with rather a painful arse as he thudded to the ground beside Yamousou and Dann.

Above, there was a chuckle and sounds of movement away from the clifftop.....

The three warriors at the cliff-base dusted themselves off and looked across at Guillame, Kores and Finan; the dead bandit lay crumpled on the ground between them.

In reply to GM (msg # 203):

"Search him.  Maybe he has a key or something else to indicate another entrance..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:55, Thu 21 Feb 2013.

In reply to Kores Varias (msg # 204):

Yamousou shrugged. It seemed unlikely, but worth a try. He quickly ran his hands over the body, looking for anything of interest.

Yamousou quickly located a length of string, a small purple crystal and a mouseskull.

In reply to GM (msg # 206):

An odd collection...

The Mungodan studied the items briefly, wondering what their purpose was. Some practitioners of the arts used objects to aid their spell casting. Maybe these were for that purpose?

OOC - can I do some kind of roll to see if I can figure out if these object have any kind of purpose?

In reply to Yamousou (msg # 207):

Bael looked at the others and asked "Is it worth checking the other tunnel near the entrance?  Someone should probably stand guard here though to prevent them leaving from here, though that seems unlikely."

Purple crystal?  Wonder if that might have any significance?  Kores will peer over Yamousou's shoulder, assuming they're not chucking things down at us....

OOC: After some moments of studious examination Yamousou ( and his backseat examiner, Kores) is unable to determine if the objects have any mystical significance......they are all worn and stained from many months of handling however.  It would require sorcerous examination to determine anymore..if they are witches items they are exceedingly poor quality ones.

In reply to GM (msg # 210):

"Well now, let us retreat to the hostage we interrogated earlier..." 



OOC: Kores will use the COMMAND spell and we'll bombard him with questions.

Without explaining to the others why he thinks the guy will answer his questions, Kores will encourage the others to participate.  His command will be "Answer all our questions"....
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:10, Fri 22 Feb 2013.

Stumped at the current impasse, Yamousou stuffed the objects in his pocket for later examination and began to retreat.

He looked over at Kores. "Agreed. Someone should stay here and keep watch while we interrogate the prisoner. We should also check outside for another entrance to the cave." from his voice it was clear that he was volunteering to scout outside for another passageway.

Guillaume strokes his moustache. "I don't see why our captive would change 'is mind, but convince 'im if you can. I agree with Sir Bael, we should investigate the other tunnel near the entrance."

"Lets all go back to the entrance." He glances at Finan, "we can watch this tunnel while the others check the other one."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:42, Sat 23 Feb 2013.

Dann nods at Yamousou. He does not see how torturing captive men makes them better then their foes, but he does not want to start an internal quarrel. "I will go with you."

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 214):

An evil, malicious grin takes over Kores's face...  Ah, the dark joys when a servant of darkness has total power over some helpless, brainless soul....

Finan goes with the Sorcerer.

The group retreated back through the larder chamber and to the entryway where they found their 'captive' dead with a single sword thrust through the neck.

Dann and Yamousou continued towards the waterfall....

"Well it seems like I will be the one staying guard here."

Bael watched as the others headed back towards the restrained peasant and the fork at the opening of the cave.

"If you hear me shouting, know that it can't be a good thing and get back here as fast as possible.  I will doubtless be thankful for your aid."

In reply to Bael Haywardson (msg # 218):

Kores looks irritated...

"Still possible...  But I'm not that good at interrogating corpses!"

With a furrowed brow Kores is still taking it all in and wondering how he might make use of what materials he has before him....

Bored but nervous, Bael walks a little away from the hole in the cave roof to keep from being a target from missiles or anything being dropped and listens carefully, seeing if he can hear much movement or conversation in the room or tunnels above.

21:50, Today: Bael Haywardson rolled 14 using 2d10. Perception.

Bael can hear some faint sounds from far away above but whether they are speech, crying or merely some strange underground breeze he can not tell.

Guillaume inspects the 'captive' "Bon chance, Kores."

Guillaume looks around.  "Eh? Where did Sir Bael go?  'E is not still back there by 'imself with those lunatics around is 'e?"

"I don't think we should be alone until the place is secure.  Finan, Kores, will you accompany me while we retrieve our 'eroic knight?  Then we can explore this other tunnel."

Bael scouted the floor for a small stone to pick up and toss up through the cave roof hole, as much to make it clear that someone is down below as anything else.

In reply to Guillaume De Morvan (msg # 222):

"They're everywhere.  We cannot leave Bael alone or we may find his corpse next..."

Yamousou headed back towards the waterfall with Dann in tow. He moved as quietly as he could and began to search for evidence of another path that could be taken. He looked around, high and low, looking for anything of interest or that seemed to be out of place.

Yamousou and Dann exited the waterfall and made their way down the gully in an attempt to find a way up into the forest.

About fifty metres of backtracking later they found a jumble of boulders that allowed them egress, and began following the gully towards the waterfall and beyond...

Guillame, Kores and Guillame went back to the cliff chamber to fetch Bael and convince him to accompany them.

Dann tries to conceal his unease of being alone with a dark skin warrior he does not really know yet. He suggests: "Maybe we should go back to the tree where I made this sentry fall. We might discover interesting clues."

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 228):

"Good idea, you lead the way."

When Guillaume finds Bael, he will speak quietly to him.  "We must be careful Sir Bael, its best not to be alone in these caves.  Unfortunately our captive 'as been slain.  The bandits must 'ave other entrances.  Dann and Yamousou are checking outside for them.  We should stay together, and explore the other tunnel, unless..."

Guillaume looks back towards the wall with the ledge at the top.  He whispers "they might 'ave gone now.  If we are quiet someone can give me a boost I will peer over the top.  Although they will see our light...".  Guillaume frowns.

OOC: Is there any light coming from the ledge?

Negative.

"I'm not so sure that's a good idea," Bael whispered back. "We don't know who's up there at the moment but there's a good chance that someone is keeping guard there.  I think we're better off exploring the other tunnel near the entrance.  It's a shame we can't block this one up, at least temporarily.  Was our captive obliging in giving up any information that might help?"

Yamousou and Dann threaded their way back along the gully until they found the tree and the dead man lying beneath it.

The four of them made their way back to the place where the paths branched and took the lower path, the tunnel was low and much of the rock was slick with moisture. They forrayed down a steep series of 'steps' formed by calcite deposits until the arrived at a jutting shelf projecting into an expanse of black, still water, the ceiling sat just under a foot above the waters surface and they all had the get very low in order to peer into the expanse.

The low ceiling was studded with stalagtites and tree roots projected through it into the water in many places.

Yamousou knelt down next to the body and checked to make sure he was definitely dead. As he did so he looked around, wary of other threats. He then checked the body for anything of interest.

The angle of the mans neck indicates that he is very, very dead.

It appears Dann has already searched the body.

Bael crawled out to the edge of the shelf, using his lantern to see if anything could be seen across the waters.

10:48, Today: Bael Haywardson rolled 6 using 2d10. Perception.

Bael cannot make anything out across the dark water...

"What do you see?" Guillaume gets down to have a look too.

 17:45, Today: Guillaume De Morvan rolled 16 using 2d10. Perception.

Dann looks at the clothes, possible tatoos or jewelry the man could be wearing in order to find indications about where he is from. He also checks the tree, and the possible tracks leading to it.

"I see nothing."

Bael looked back towards the entrance of the cave system.  "Well, I saw some water.  I think we might need to search up above with our barbarian friends."

Moving on from the body, Yamousou continued to search the area.

The man has no real distiguishing features apart from a large scar on his shoulder from some sort of blade.

His pockets and pouches are completely empty.

Climbing into the tree Yamousou and Dann find the lid of a large steel pot suspended between two pieces of rope and a number of flat boards lying over a large branch. A metal rod lies on the planks.



Yamousou and Dann scout back towards the top of the waterfall and find a rope-ladder coiled up under a scrubby bush; the rope is anchored to the bushes roots.

Across the dark water Guillame notes something glimmering in the faint torch light, it is quite distant from where they currently squat.

"Wait, there's something shiny over there." Guillaume points out over the water.

"I'll take a look.  Anyone got a rope?  If so I'll tie it about me and swim across the water."
While Finan waits for a rope, he'll start chanting a spell.

OOC - Cast Stargaze (Air/2MP), allowing Finan to breathe longer underwater and withstand the freezing cold water.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:18, Sat 02 Mar 2013.

"I have no rope, but I can run back and grab the ladder that they cut down..."

Bael braced himself.  Finan scared the hell out of him and now he seemed to be casting another one of his spells.

Finan slipped into the cool water, Brigantias flame in his chest keeping him safe from the chill.

He began to swim slowly across, noting as he did that the light did not penetrate far from the shelf his companions were on. As he swam on soon all before him seemed black, both air and water and he had to raise his hand intermittently to ward off tree roots and stalagtites.

As he swam he began to feel odd sensations on his exposed skin at first tentative and then stronger, something small was nibbling at him..it tickled more than hurt...at least for the moment.

Finan quickly draws his dagger and chants another spell to illuminate the situation.

OOC - Cast Candle 1MP/Fire on my Dagger as a focal point.

Looking around Finan finds even the magical candlelight cannot allow him to see the bottom but he does find the source of the nibbling; hundreds of tiny glass-like fish pluck grime and dead skin from his epidermis as he swims.

The light also illuminates his destination, a great spike of quartz crystal juts into the lake from the cave ceiling...there is something gold glistening within the heart of it.

01:01, Today: Finan McRoach rolled 10 using 2d6. SER Candle.

"The water is deep and cold, with tiny fish that nibble the skin!  The light is comong from a large crystal stalagtite."

Finan will swim towards the crystal to get a closer look.

"I propose we go one after the other, so that we won't be trapped at the same time if something bad happens" proposes Dann, while arranging his things so that they don't hinder him while he climbs.

"Be careful!" Calls Guillaume.

He turns to Bael.  "E really can do the most remarkable things!"

In reply to Guillaume De Morvan (msg # 253):

Kores looks on with a frown as he tries to make out whats happening, and whether something might take a bite out of Finan...  Not that anything he can do can stop such an event from occurring....

Bael looked at Guillaume for a moment with a sense of curious admiration.  Could all Chaubrettans be so worldly yet so kind?  This was the kind of Lord Bael would be happy to serve.

"To tell the truth, the man's powers scare me a little.  Where in the world did you meet him?"

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 252):

Yamousou looked around, then nodded in agreement. "Good idea. You go first, and I will cover you with my bow."

Guillaume chuckles.  "There's a small scrumpy 'ouse, not far from the temple in Glissom City..."

He turns to look back down the tunnel, checking that no bandits are sneaking up on them.

"But the man's a bag of knives and you're a gentleman...  Why travel with someone that could cast all sorts of devilish magics on you in some uncalled for tantrum?"

Bael realised he was a little too distracted and Guillaume's look down the tunnel reminded him that they were still in a point of danger.  He braced his footing and looked around, wondering what Finan might be up to out there in the water.

In reply to Yamousou (msg # 256):

Dann starts climbing with caution, ready to react at any unexpected event.

"I 'ave learnt in my profession that it is useful to have allies from all walks of life. Finan is a dangerous man, it is true, but in 'is capacity as my local advisor 'e 'as proven to be most resourcefull, if 'is methods are somewhat... unorthodox."

Guillaume looks back across the water to the circle of light with Finan at its centre. "I suspect there is more to Finan than 'e lets on," he says quietly.

Gazing at the light, Bael mumbled "That's not exactly comforting," and wondered why all the best society gentlemen seemed to prefer bastards.

Dann made the ascent without incident, from the vantage point he could see a fair way down the gully and across the trees.

As Finan got closer he noted that there was no light coming from the crystal itself but rather its facets seemed to pick up the tiniest light source and focus it on the object at its centre....an object that as Finan got closer he realised was a figure.

it was hard to determine details but it appeared to be a statue or something of the type formed of gold.

Still on his guard, Dann makes a sign with his hand to his companion enjoining him to climb as well.

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 264):

Yamousou nodded and slung his bow. He then took a firm grip on the ropeladder and began to climb.