The guards leave the Rangers at the open doorway of Hoskar's mother's house and upon entering the braves are met by the sight of Temush sat talking to a woman that both Hoskar and Grundar recognise.

The owner of the house and mother of Hoskar is eating, with food halfway to her mouth when she spies her son.

The far end of the meeting room is in total darkness.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:55, Tue 20 Feb 2018.

At the door, Hoskar gladly gives the guards their two silver bonus for a quiet journey.

Stepping in, his eyes take a moment to adjust to the light. Then his jaw drops. A man trying to smile with a slack jaw looks extremely foolish, but it is unlikely he cares.

Mother! he exclaims eagerly, rushing further in. We thought... Jax didn't say... I mean Grundar said...

He takes a breath and tries again. He inclines his head, touching his fingertips against forehead a moment.

It is joy to see you. It is my hope my trades will do you and the god honour. My hopes are that you prosper in trade and life, as it was those seasons ago. Since you are talking to my friend, you are seeing I find a place to belong. Several places, in fact.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:52, Tue 20 Feb 2018.

Henal also gives the guards a couple of extra silver from the sack. "Good job there".

He acknowledges Temush, but waits for Hoskar to greet his mother before he speaks again.

When the reunion between mother and son is over and it feels appropriate, Grundar welcomes Becx back, Welcome home - I hope your trip was fruitful? As you can see, we have managed to keep things in one piece in your absence and welcome your son and his travelling companions. If I had known they were coming I would have made better preparations, but I have done my best to make them feel welcome. Their various steeds are stabled and arrangements have been made for the rest of their company.

Grundar steps back to allow the conversation to continue feeling he has discharged his duty, and drifts towards the back of the room to watch them. He ponders as he does so on the odd mix of stories that Melock has just told him. This is an unusual bunch of travellers, with much more to them than meets the eye. He definitely wants to get to know them better...

Temush gets up saying I will ask Jax to bring some more food, and steps out

Becx has risen and come out from behind her cloth-covered table, maybe half way across the room to where Hoskar had stumbled forward. She touches his face affectionately once, her pupils wide. I prosper well enough, my lad. It is good to see you back and in company.

My trip went as planned she answers Grundar and I will have a job for my lodgers later.

She looks shrewdly at the newcomers. When they are all here, that is. You seem to be short.

Turning back to her son, she takes his hands in hers seeming about to embrace him when she stops and looks closer. For a long space of heartbeats. Her expression hardens and she turns to the rest of the Rangers present with arms folded.

And now one of you will tell me who is getting my son killed.

Not your version either, my Two-Foot. Don't want it bargained off.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:23, Wed 21 Feb 2018.

As he moves to the shadowy back of the room Grundar stumbles over something unseen and falls into the lap of something very large...

He's grabbed between two very strong arms and deposited safely on the ground. Then, shaking off the shadows two Dark Trolls appear, heavily cloaked, armed and dangerous looking...

'Who's missing,' thinks Grundar, 'and what's this about someone trying to kill Hoskar? Just when I thought I'd started to get a grip on this bunch' Oww! What the blazes! Put me down!! Oh... As his eyes adjust and he realises who has lifted him up and their strength, his squealing stops. Becx, there appear to be two visitors back here. Can you ask them to put me down? Please? Thank you. He dusts himself off, straightens his clothes and tries to regain his composure. Good afternoon gents? It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance - sorry I did not see you there. Are you friends of Bartar by any chance?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:04, Wed 21 Feb 2018.

Melock nods his head towards Becx in greeting, "I'm Melock, unfortunately I wasn't there when Hoskar died as I was else where recovering from the same condition." While he talks, his eyes keep getting drawn to the darkness at the other end of the room and he's just about to ask about it when the trolls appear. Melock takes a half step backwards in shock, but he manages to stop himself before he draws a weapon, partly because he realises his knuckle dusters and dagger would be no use against trolls, but mainly because it dawns on him that if they are here, they are probably friends with Bexc. He relaxes even more when he sees how calm Grundar is.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Thu 22 Feb 2018.

Hoskar takes a breath as if to speak when the Uz come into view, but catches the look in his mother's eye and thinks better of it.

He shows no signs of groping for weapons or tensing up.

Becx doesn't miss a beat at all this.

And these two are your first rent payment. Couple of hours before curfew, they will need an escort to the Argan Argar temple.

So. Is someone answering my question now? Sounds like you boys have been in more danger than a mother likes to hear of.

The two trolls stand their ground waiting to see how the Rangers dealt with their sudden appearance. The largest of them radiates power and looks to be of some importance if his runes and cult trappings are anything to go by.

At Grundar's mention of Bartar he nods once in affirmative, before swirling his heavy cloak out of the way and sitting once more on the round cross legged. His companion stands just behind, one hand resting on a heavy mace hanging from his belt.

"Aye, we require an escort to the Temple" agrees the priest. The tunnels are too dangerous at the moment."

Even sitting the Troll's head is level with Henal's.

Well, seeing as I already have a connection with the Temple, I guess it makes sense for me to me part of the group offers Grundar.

Flashing a thankful glance at Grundar, Hoskar does finally speak.

And I bargained with them this morning - I at least know the way and have been here before. I'm in.

Yes. I'm sure you'll be in on it. Both of you. replies Becx. And the rest too unless you want to pay me rent some other way. Like money.

She looks round the room, intent on each in turn for a hard moment.

So it seems I need to wait for the others for my explanation. None too gabby a bunch, are you? I'll let you off the telling, Melock Raven, but I'll not forget to ask again. And if so much as a piece of string round my stock goes missing I will know who to see about it.

Next practical things. If you are looking to buy or trade, speak up - I was half way through a deal with your friend when you came in. And I need to know what sort of trouble are you bringing with you if any. You can at least say if I need more door guards. Or an alibi. At this last, she actually smiles.

In reply to Becx (msg # 15):

"Well with the addition of Grundar here, there are three Ravens on that list. For what it's worth, I don't steal from those I consider friends or family." He looks at the trolls then back to Becx, "I could do with a better one of these," Melock gets out his bronze knuckle dusters, "and maybe a decent blade that won't get me arrested. Does the alibi thing work both ways?" he asks with a cheeky grin. "If you need night time guards, I'm willing to stand a watch or two."

From outside comes the noise of Sables being ridden down the lane and stopping outside.

Temush reteners with a tray of dips and nibbles. The people in the next house seem to get a lot of visits from the Sables... he says Oh, hello. And who are these chaps then?

Henal speaks up "well as Hoskar doesn't seem to be doing much in introduction I am Henal. Maybe after my trade with the greybeards we might need a bit more security with some cash handy here. I think I need some local clothes so I don't stand out so much to the locals as some of them are pretty hostile."

Hoskar goes somewhat red-faced in embarrassment at Henal's words.

You are right. I neglect the introductions but when mother knows who is a raven I guess we are appraised already. Maybe I overdo the shutting up.

I think everyone knows names now, and while I am speaking he turns to face Becx I add that we bring no trouble with us. What trouble arises from our presence I cannot guess though it should be out of your hair as far as I know. Pointy and Hommi are back in town. Hire more guards for caravans as there's a new awful Basmoli spirit on the loose out there. The rest can wait.

He looks edgy, unsure of himself beyond normal, as two parts of his life collide.

In reply to GM (msg # 12):

Henal looks startled at the trolls appearance, but holds his tongue till Becx speaks.

"Things are different here, but it we want to stay we have to adapt".

Those present, sit down on the floor to partake of the food that Temush had brought in from outside, his question about who the trolls are left hanging in the air.

Becx seems relaxed with having so many strangers in her home and for the moment is keeping quiet about the Trolls and where she has been.

"No idea what you have planned for the rest of the day, but make sure you are all here ten o'clock sharp. We can talk more on the morrow....son, you can come with me now. You have some explaining to do."

Their host stands indicating that Hoskar should come with her further into the building for a private chat.

Hoskar looks distinctly sheepish. He moves hastily, turning his back on Becx a moment apparently to bow to his friends but silently mouthing the word "family" to them with an upward roll of his eyes.

He moves to follow Becx to her more private quarters, remarking back to the Rangers as he goes it's mostly import-export here. New clothes you need The Needle - Uleria temple and turn right. Weapons, look around the town square. But avoi...

His final words are cut short by a door closing behind him.

Looking round at those still in the room, Melock realises the trolls haven't left, so he take an over full plate of food to them and with a polite bow, "I am Melock, would you join us?" and he offers the food to the sitting troll.

They accept the food, but say nothing in return.

He encourages one of his spiders to climb over his hands as he walks back over to the others. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't plan on staying here till we're needed. I'm going to buy myself some bits and explore this place, anyone want to come with me?"

Henal finishes chewing, then replies to Melock "I'll come with you but I need to stash this bag safely before then."

Melock's eye widen, "Is that the bag with the cash in it?" he rubs his hands together, "I'm sure I can find somewhere safe to stash it."

Henal will not need to fret on the point of his bag if Melock tells us he thinks of us all as friends. As long as he's as good as his word of course.

Henal smiles "this is going into the Ranger's kitty to share. If you are not coming then we can leave it with you as any will know that a Sunhawk can be trusted."

Laughing, Melock looks Temush straight in the eyes, "Why wouldn't I think of you all as friends?" His face becomes serious, "Since when is a Raven as good as his word?"

Well, we all look on you as a friend, and you would not to be Nomad no mates, I'm sure. I feel we may all sleep sound in our tents, or in Hoskar's mum's tent in this case.

"That's good you do, though I have my doubts about Amara." A cheeky gleam appears in Melock's eyes, "Of course you can sleep soundly, you make it sound like I would hurt people while they sleep."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:39, Fri 23 Feb 2018.

"No I don't think you'd hurt someone in their sleep, but I'm not sure you wouldn't borrow their stuff without asking". Henal says and laughs, "Is it possible for a raven to change their feathers?"

"Borrowing things means you plan on returning them." he joins in the laughter.
"I think this is a good time to catch everyone up with what we been doing. For those of you that want to blend in while we're here, I recommend a guy called Garr, he's making me some clothes at the moment, I also found someone who sells small weapons, I'm not sure if we'll get a good deal there though as Grundar won a nice sum of money from him and his mates. If it wasn't for Grundar, I doubt I would have found anyone willing to deal fairly with me, so I suggest making him our guide while we're here, that way we can all get to know each other."

As for what I've been up to: Avalarn is back with her kin folk. They have quite a big house in the Sun Town. The priests there like to keep the rest of the world at arms length, justas you might think. But we got payed for our Care of her. Hoskar will tell us what the coins are worth when he is free.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:29, Mon 26 Feb 2018.

Becx returns with Hoskar and offers the use of her strongbox for the price of 1 silver a week. Paid up front.

She then excuses herself and takes the Trolls into her private room in the back.

Hoskar remains quiet until his mother and the Uz are safely out of the way. He listens at the door a moment to make sure their footsteps are receding, then breaks out into a huge smile.

That went well he warbles happily. I think we have a decent price for our tea. Two thousand five hundred silvers for the Rangers funds. More than doubled our money there. I assume that's alright with everyone not least as I am not sure who else might buy it.

Plus, I got a lead on Krakka bastard Rumble. He's rumoured to have been around the place. Maybe if someone who hasn't met him before asks at the Storm Bull temple they might get the straight word on his location.
A few of us would like to have a quiet word with that man over a little matter of him stealing all our mounts and setting a bunch of Storm Bulls on us when we stole them back again he explains to those who weren't with the Rangers back then.

So, what have I missed? Is it the boozing hour yet? Although best be moderate with Uz to convoy later. Not to mention I must be in good condition tomorrow to see Broosta at midday.

Seeing Temush had been asking about the contents of a pouch just as Hoskar was coming in, he takes a look. Not bad. Not bad at all. You've had a good day too.

Around here, that lot would maybe rent you a house for a season with some very shrewd bargaining, or buy you two big bronze swords depending on the type. I'd consider getting one of those changed for silver if you're going to spend it: start flashing gold around and every cutpurse from here to Badside is taking an interest.

It is for all the Rangers. Who takes care of such things? You, Hoskar? Kobal? Temush shakes his head without looking, No, not you, Melock

Melock looks puzzled, "Why not me? If I'm already looking after it, I can't steal it from myself and who better than a Raven to spot someone trying to nick it?" He shrugs, "While we are staying here, maybe it should be kept in that strong box Becx offered and those that need cash get it from there."

Hoskar looks bemused for a moment, then grins again. You know, I was just going to make Melock's suggestion. Strong box would be safest.

We've never really figured out properly who holds the money. Seems to have been me often. But maybe we need to buy kit while we're here. I mean I'm the only one armoured with plate.

Which also reminds me. Anyone else got business with the Humakti? I want to swap mine for something with fewer uncomfortable death marks.

"I've never met a Humakti, can I come with you? I could get a new sword from them."

In reply to Melock (msg # 42):

Hoskar looks sideways at Melock as if his friend has just asked for a Lunar bride complete with seven mothers-in-law.

Why not? You and the Humakti I'd like to see.

"I said I'd be on my best behavior and I" Melock glances at Temush then back to Hoskar and thinks for a moment, "am.. he thinks some more, "going to have another drink," he grins and grabs a cup of beer and drinks it whilst watching the others.

In reply to Melock (msg # 44):

Glancing at the closed door, Hoskar nods.Damn straight, my friend. Though even I can see you promise nothing there. Anything goes missing Becx is charging us double. And she will know too. You do not want to be on the wrong end of her when she's annoyed.

He looks back, puzzled. Is that beer? I was waiting for a dive. Where did that come from?

"I wouldn't be much of a Raven if I made promises in front of a Sun Hawk, would I?" He shakes his head, "As I told your mum, I don't steal from those I consider friends or family." He passes Hoskar a skin with beer in it. "I bought it after Grundar won some cash in Silibar's, I thought everyone might want to try some of the local drink." Melock offers a second skin of beer to the others.

Won some cash? I cleaned them out! exclaims Grundar, flexing his arms and giving an impromptu repeat of his winning moves, not that these look so impressive without the bones themselves. They didn't stand a chance! The imaginary bones are caught and held aloft in a triumphant flurry. And yes, I'm more than happy to be your guide while your in town, between us, the Deadheads and I know everywhere and everyone. It may be a slight exaggeration, but he's feeling excited and more than slightly happy with his recent successes...

Nodding in agreement, "Yes you did, I was worried that they might be unhappy about that and want to share their unhappiness, but luckily they didn't. I don't think we should go there for a while."

One more place you want to steer clear of? You should give some thought to not trying so hard to win... If you get to be a bad smell in the camps where they pay up with good grace, you may feel forced to bet in the ones that don't. Win or lose they're bad news Temush smiles at Grundar's self limiting good fortune I could do with a drink. There's some salt in those dips Jax makes. I don't think we'll look good if we ride guard on the trolls half cut though. We should wait 'till we're on the way back to try this beer.

Hoskar takes a single mouthful of the beer before handing on the skin. He makes a wry face and observes not like kumiss - keeping it in a skin isn't improving the flavour any.

And you're right, Temush: business before pleasure. I am not touching another drop till those Uz are safely where they are going.

Although thinking of business and pleasure, I am missing several conversations. All I am telling mother about our business is that us lot are trying to spread some harmony about the place. Not sure what else she has been told by others or what we want to tell her. Plus has anyone filled Grundar in on what we are about yet?

He glances over at the man in question.

Or are you still in the dark about what brings the different Feathered Rivals into one spot?

You're telling me to restrain from winning? Never! Where's the fun in that. And don't worry, in Pavis, there's always another inn or hideaway to try your luck in!

As for what you're all doing here? Melock said something about escorting a Vingan Princess, is that Amara? And then there was a ransom attempt (Delenda right?) and kidnapping, elves and unicorns, but I can't say I've got it completely straight in my head yet - and no, before you accuse me of boozing as well as gambling, my head's clear on that score. I thought my life was complicated but you lot... well, you make me look like an amateur.

Tell him what we heard of the Harpy, and her heads...

In reply to Temush Blinking-cloud (msg # 52):

Hoskar shakes his head sadly. Ah yes. That.

Right. I am not going to tell it all yet. We make our decisions when we're all here. But mother put you in charge while she wasn't here, Grundar, and that tells me quite a bit. All of it good.

The short version is we're trying to bring some renewal to the wastes. Got some interesting resources behind us, and it looks like all our Feathered Rivals are cooperating. To an extent. We've helped create a new oasis so far, or maybe just renew and old one. Either way, not bad going.

When we're all here, maybe we'll invite you in if everyone's agreed. I for one would be in favour. Can promise you danger, but maybe glory too. Can't promise what everyone will think. We don't really have leaders, but Kobal is the most prominent of those leaders we don't have, I'd reckon. I'm a natural sidekick myself. Well you've met mum.

He bites his lip sheepishly.

Anyway, the harpy.

You may or may not be aware not all harpies are chaos. We rescued a mighty powerful pure one. It's thanks to her I am speaking to you - I got killed to a certain extent while we were attacking the nasties that imprisoned her. But she has an opposite. Vile thing, severed heads at her waist that seemed to writhe and scream in pain and horror at their imprisonment. Seen that one in the sort of visions I hope never to go near again. Seems like the vile one is searching for something. Something bad for the tribes and the wastes and us all, I imagine. And muggins here looks like he will need to be the guide if we hunt her.

And then there's a thing called Ar-cat we ran into out there. Powerful bastard Basmoil spirit that kills for the fun of it. Gods know what that thing's up to, but that's why I am seeing Broosta tomorrow. Got to give warnings.

He grins his lopsided grin.

Have I put you off yet? Or got you intrigued maybe?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Tue 27 Feb 2018.

Temush grins mischievously Stick or twist? Gambler,  ...as if I need to ask

Got no idea what you're talking about - but yes, colour me intrigued. Twist!

Temush laughs. Good. Well, when we're all back, I have one more bit of news to share, so long as it is just us and not a side dish of drunks, trolls or moon boys. Then Grundar may be placed to point us down a trail.

Hoskar winces as he realises he missed a question from Grundar. Sorry. I failed to answer there. The vingan princess is the Lady Angelika Snowspear, wife of our Khan Barrak Earth Shaker. Though you might want to forget hearing that from me: I reckon Amara would be well flattered by your guess.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:24, Tue 27 Feb 2018.

Melock takes another gulp of beer, "You're right it's not as good as kumiss, but until we can find someone who sells it, I think we're stuck with it. We don't have much to do until it gets dark and you know how easily bored I am, so I think I'll have a few more."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 21:06, Tue 27 Feb 2018.

Henal takes the skin from Melock and drinks from it. "Kumiss is better but this will do while we're here. Looks like we've got plenty to put in the strong box after selling that snakeskin to the greybeards".

In reply to Henal Longgrass (msg # 59):

"I'm going to put some of my gear in there as well, I hope it's a big box." Another cheeky grin spreads across his face, "Does anyone fancy having a bet as to which Raven will be the last to get in to trouble?"

Grundar bursts out laughing, On the streak I'm on, I'm definitely in!

"If you bet on yourself, you'll need to be on your most unraven like behavior." rubbing his chin, Melock thinks for a moment, "we'll have to decide what classes as trouble, is it going to mean who ever doesn't need rescuing by the others?"

"Will that be how many minutes between the ravens getting into trouble?" Henal asks gleefully.

Everyone is back together, sat in the front office of Becx's house.

Space in their host's strongbox has been rented, it's magical wardings in place and Melock is informed that it is protected by fell spirits and dangerous traps. It's almost as if Becx is daring him to have a go...

She's leaning on the inner doorway and asks "So which establishment are you lot gracing with your presence tonight?"

"Well, I don't think it will be the Stomp and Brew," Kobal says, with a look at Ohanzee and Amara.  He grins broadly as if he's made a great joke.

"Hoskar mentioned Lilina's...?" he shoots a quizzical look at the priestess' son.

Hoskar glances round his comrades awkwardly, looking more relieved when Kobal speaks up first.

That's right. I was thinking that when we've done our job for you I might try taking our lot to Lilina's for a drink or two. And stop at that.

He starts to babble.

Doubt she'll chuck us out on sight what with the work you hired me out for before. The Stomp's well too rowdy, and on a budget you can't beat Lilina's. Only next door for curfew and it's a busy day tomorrow. Broosta wants to see me at noon, and I don't want to make a bad impression there. Think everyone in trade needs to know what I told you about the Basmoli. it's not about advantage: more about not getting your caravan killed.

His speech dries up at that and he glances round again for anyone willing to take up where he left off.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:27, Wed 28 Feb 2018.

Spoil sport! Exclaims Grundar, I know some of us are competing to avoid trouble, but doing that by not doing anything is boring! He smiles ruefully at Melcok, although despite the protestations he totally understands Hoskar's reasoning. That said, even with 'a drink or two' there should be scope for some fun.



Don't look at me, thinks Grundar, I've still got no idea what you're on about. He begins to think through his various games over the last month to double check he's still welcome next door. He thinks so...

Becx says her tall chums need to move a few hours before the streets have to be clear, so we should have lots of time to get back in this beer hall once we have got them there. One next door would make it a cinch to get back here.

With a sigh, Becx replies somewhat tartly Just be sober for your job. And remember I share a wall with Lilina. If I am woken late by people singing "Never marry a Lunar - you'll get Seven Mothers-in-law" or suchlike songs in drunken Praxian you'll get a warm reception here. And likely get thrown out by Lilina too.

She looks round the room. And now everyone seems to be here, I repeat my question. Who exactly is getting my boy killed? Maybe Kobal with the mark of Waha or Amara Sky-Watcher or Ohanzee the raven can be more talkative than the rest of you were. My son can jam a rag in it again she fixes Hoskar with a level stare I can do without bargaining over it.

"Didn't the others tell you?" asks Ohanzee having sobered somewhat in his forced march back here. Then remembering something from that march remarks              to himself "Wonder what kind of bucket I pissed in?"

Looking at Hoskar's mum he continues "Easy question, answer is more difficult. You could say he got himself killed on account of joining the Wandering Rangers and being duty bound to kill Chaos. But then aren't we all anyway?"

"Or you could say it's our guardian spirit Emesh-Ga on account of swearing the oath to do so."

"Then again you could say that it was just bad luck or bad judgement that got him killed. Or even his lack of enough magics or good enough armour."

"Or you could say it's the fact that we live where we do and it's a danger of the territory and the neighbours."

"Fact is though it was the Chaos Harpy that did for him and that's the one I'll blame if you are asking who to blame, mind you they're dead now anyway. If you meant which one of us then none."

Becx just sighs.

Ask a question, get an incomprehensible answer she mutters.

You lot had best bugger off to Lilina's I reckon. Just be back here and able to walk upright on time she adds in dismissal.

Becx and the two Dark Trolls are waiting in the front office for the Rangers, both Uz dressed in cloaks and carrying heavy staffs.

There's time for the braves to gather anything they might need before heading off.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:44, Thu 08 Mar 2018.

Feeling a bit light-headed and happy, but fortunately not drunk, Kobal straps on his cuirboilli greaves and vambraces and wears his lizard skin hauberk (given the town's laws against metal armour).  He's retrieved his shield and holds a couple of javelins in his shield hand, sword hanging off his belt.  His manul cat familiar Haaro pads along next to him, looking warily at the trolls.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:05, Thu 08 Mar 2018.

Henal gets his leathers settled and takes a couple of javelins and his wyvern hide shield. He wears his humakti sword andis swaying slightly from his carousing. He settles the hawk gifted by Waha onto a perch for the night. To Rikki and Blue Eye he says"ready now. Keep an eye out for any two legs following us."

"You do not want to arouse suspicion so be careful looking as if you are preparing for war" suggests Becx.

"Thanks for your advice, Wise One," Kobal says to the priestess.  "That was why I made sure not to do anything to contravene the town's laws about arms and armour - we don't want to draw an unnecessary attention.  But I also figured that if someone felt strong enough to attack two trolls, then I'd want to have my shield with me.  If you think the shield will draw too much attention, I won't bring it with me."

He looks to the Rangers gathered in the room.  "Perhaps when we're going to the temple, some of us can walk a bit ahead, and some a bit behind.  One large group walking together might draw too much attention."

Temush takes his club and as usual wears his Ostrich hide armour. "I think my shield might be too prone to show up in the night" he says. "What do we say if we meet the Lunars or their Sables? do they have the same beef with the dark men?"

"If by sables you mean the Praxian tribe, they won't be met within the town. But the Lunars should be avoided a all costs."

" Main streets it is not then" Ohanzee days watching the trolls through enlo eyes.

Then he asks "Do you have one of those cart things? Rolled along under a cover in the back of one of those is pretty out of sight."

He had armed himself with the lead pipe and wears his leathers. After the theft in the bar he has also availed himself off Becx's strongbox, depositing a few pouches containing his most valued items within.

Turning again to the Dark Trolls he asks "Why you not want be seen by red Moon folk?"

Melock puts his usual armour on, with his black hooded cloak over the top. His on visible weapon is his wavey bladed dagger. "I'll be part of the following group."

Hoskar is wearing only his body leathers, and those inconspicuously. He carries no weapon but his trader's staff should look innocent enough: using it to walk with and as a sign of cult and very little coin.

If it's the alleys, I agree with Kobal - one or two of us to go on ahead looking all innocent. As I can seek out enemies of our guests magically and have a modest chance of sensing an ambush, I guess I'm in front. Can stop at each corner and put my arms up if all's clear: no-one is noticing a stretch and yawn at this hour.

If I talk loud, or sing like a drunk, try a different route and I'll leg it back here. Anyone else for the scouting end or got better signal ideas?

One of the Dark Trolls approaches Ohanzee when he speaks and takes the braves jaw in his massive hand.

Turning his face back and forth he answers in rough Praxian "You have the eyes of a slave how did you come by them?"

"Not at such short notice no" replies Bexc.

"Aye," nods Kobal in agreement.



"I'll join you, Two-Feather."  Kobal still has his shield slung on his arm.  He figures that since most of the others haven't brought theirs', one or two of them with shields won't look too out of place, particularly if he's walking ahead.  He looks around.  "Unless you all think that, since I'm one of the tallest in the group, I might fit in better walking alongside our guests."



And the height of a troll slave, thinks Kobal, with an inward smile.

It is disconcerting to have your head held firmly in a hand that could encompass the whole thing, especially when you think the owner of that hand could likely lift you up by the head or twist it off!

He answers "From a dead enlo. He didn't need them so I took them and I dreamed they were my own."

"Ho ho." laughs the troll "Then you shall be your friends' eyes in the darkness."

"As for your question, be glad I do not eat you for your impudence Enlo."

To the room he announces

"I am ready."

"If Four Paws is coming with us, she could stay with whoever is with the trolls,
that way you can let them know if there are problems ahead." Melock watches Ohanzee's interaction with the troll and feels relief that the troll didn't talk to him earlier.

In reply to Melock (msg # 87):

Melock may not have drawn Hoskar from good humour earlier, but this time he has worked the trick for a moment. Take her on this? he asks with considerable acerbity. Think again. I throw her back through to here when Erish-El returns me and you believe I risk her when a yawn will do? For a moment his fists clench, then he stops. And thinks. And grins. Actually, a fair point. She can hear me from here, and we are not going too far. Leave our familiars behind where we can hear them and there's no risk.

Sorry there. Let affection run away with me. Good plan as usual.

I'll go with the main group" Temush says. "at night folk of all sizes may make it look less of a threat"

"At least you got her back" he mutters grumpily, but he raises his hands in surrender realizing he has accidentally hit a nerve. He manages to return Hoskar's grin, "No need to apologise."

In reply to Melock (msg # 90):

Moving towards his friend, palm open, Hoskar shakes his head; looking contrite. Yes there is. We have never quarreled till now. I still miss Taya too.

Melock takes the offered hand and pulls Hoskar in for a hug, "We can still get her back, all we need is a live rubble runner." he chuckles, "and a way to stop it attacking everything around it until we get back to the temple, though I do wonder if I can summon her here as I know her spirit?"

Temush taps his forehead exchanges a glance with Grundar. "These Rangers as all nuts" he says

Before Hoskar can do more than return Melock's hug, he gets a ding in the back of his head that knocks their temples together.

You pair can climb into bed later if you must. First you get on with the job. Preferably before curfew.

And take some advice. Next time, set up your plans before the last moment when your employer is listening. Makes you look like amateurs.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:15, Thu 08 Mar 2018.

Rubbing his head, Melock can't help but laugh, "I've got some bad news for you Becx, we are amateurs."

Temush  starts shooing gum flappers towards the door Well if we want to stay under Becx' roof we have to work for it. That makes us Pros for the night. So let's hit the streets.

Melock bows to Temush, "Lead the way, light of my life." Straightening up, "Who's walking in shadows with me at the back?"

"Aye, c'mon.  We've got work to do."  These trolls are used to being obeyed.  He walks out into the night and does a quick check of Sword Street for any potential threats.  Haaro, you'll have to help guide the way in this Darkness.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:11, Fri 09 Mar 2018.

Hoskar hurries out with Kobal as the advance party.
Give us eighty heartbeats start, I'd say he opines to the rest of the Rangers.

And let's hope we get a bit of light spilling out of buildings.