In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 876):

The innkeep is more than happy to allow Titus to perform in exchange for food and lodgings for the night.

"The Bone Bowl?" he asks with a shrug, "Times were it was the kind of place for bold ruffians.  Now it's the kind of place for old ruffians, and there are no old bold ruffians."

You find the named establishment without too much difficulty.  It is a large squat building made of grey brick and great jagged uneven rocks piled with their pointier sides facing outward from a black hole that is the front door.  It is only a story high, with the roof built as an open terrace for sitting and looking out over the fields of dark thorns and the marsh beyond.  The top wall is crenelated so that the building has the look of a very crudely constructed fortress.

There is no sign, rather a small humanoid skull atop a wooden shaft painted bright colors.

The doorway is covered by a simple leather flap and the interior is dark and greasy with the smells of smoking meat, blood and candle wax.  The blood, it appears, is largely in the form of thick red sausages and a nearly as thick pudding which a large woman ladles into ugly broken bowls that do appear to be the tops of skulls.  The beer and reeking black wine too is served in similar fashion.

The lower level is packed earth with thick tattered tapestries on the walls too choked with soot and grease to have any recognizable patterns remaining.

When you ask after Flynn, you are directed upward and a plate of blood sausages shoved into your hands.

When you climb the thin stone steps, you indeed find Flynn sitting in a big wooden chair beside Turncoat Dan.  Between them is an upturned barrel serving as a table, and on it an empty plate and full cups.

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

Well then!  You lot finally show up! Flynn taunts good-naturedly.

Well don't just stand there!  Sit down!  Have something to drink.  He eyes Godrick carefully.  Likely Flynn's already had several to drink today.

You have some money for our Lord I take it?

In reply to Flynn Goodall (msg # 2):

Titus slinks up the stairs completely faking looking at ease.

This is Uldaf's kind of place, I'm glad I have my room sewn up for the evening.

Well you know... we had to worry about interdimensional travel, and wolves, and birds, and demonspeakers, and animated scarecrows that tried to murderfuck us but other than that... peice of cake.

He says with exaggerated nonchalance sliding into one of the chairs and taking over the table with his presence.  He reaches out and swipes one of the skull bowls and takes a tiny sip of the wine.

Enrei does as he's told, sitting at the barrel and taking a drink.  He tucks into his sausages as Titus details their trials, "And a bridge," he chimes in, remembering Arule's state between mouthfulls.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 4):

After securing the horses in the stables and a room for their prisoner in the first tavern where he can "sleep off last night's revelries" -- a room in which the prisoner is bound, gagged, and locked -- Brennan follows the rest of the group to the rendezvous point with Flynn.


Upon arrival, he takes a seat and picks uneasily at the blood sausages for a moment. He sniffs one, tests its firmness and relative "done-ness", then shrugs and takes a bite.

"We've done our duty and then some," he says, swallowing his first bite and debating a second. "The roads on which we traveled were not peaceful. We killed many beasts... and several men. I fear the war grows closer than we'd wished."

Leaving the sausage alone for the time being, he glances at Flynn and the others, as though to assess their injuries or lack thereof.

"I trust your travels went more smoothly than ours?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:51, Mon 17 Aug 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 5):

Along the way, Brennan is able to find a place for the horses for the night as well as a small inn not far from the main entrance in which to "house" the demonspeaker.

These arrangements, due to Brennan's stellar negotiation skills, cost in total a mere 4 pennies (OOC: I took it from your sheet but feel free to get your companions to help pay for your foresight.)

The Bone Bowl

"Truly?"  Traitor Dan asks, eyes agog.  "It sounds as if there is a story or two in there?  Pray tell us, and leave out none of the violent or lusty bits!"

Godrick clears his throat and steps toward Flynn with the sack of money he's collected, but the big man waves him away with a look that clearly says "I don't want to talk work right now, I'll look at your book later."

Dan chuckles.  "And when you're through, we'll see if our own adventures add up to yours.  Be eloquent singer, the gauntlet is down and our journey was not as uneventful as you may think."

The sausages, for those who try them, are thick, mealy and greasy with suet and blood.  The stuff in the bowls and in the large jug set on the floor beside Flynn from which he will fill them, turns out not to be wine but something else.  It tastes vaguely of apples and rye, is the color of watery blood, and is fearsomely strong.

In reply to GM (msg # 6):

Titus arches an eyebrow at traitor Dan and takes a long pull of (formerly) Traitor Dan's drink.

Story or two?  PHEH!

Titus makes a dismissive brushing motion.

You have no idea of what we have been through and seen on this most recent trip, story or two is a horrific underestimation for us.

Titus pulls out 4 pennies and lines them up infront of him.

I've got four stories for you.

He says picking up a coin and spinning it as he says

Each tale.  More Interesting.  More outlandish.  More Bizzare.

He slaps his hand down on all four coins

Than the last. 

He says with finality.  He pushes the coins towards Dan with a devilish smile.

How many stories do you have?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 7):

Dan smiles.  It is the sort of smile a crocodile would give a bird that asked it for directions.

He places four pennies on the barrel, matching Titus'.

"One story, but that is all I need.  As the ladies down the street would agree, length and finesse can more than make up for quantity."

In reply to GM (msg # 8):

Titus cocks an eyebrow.

That good huh?

He lifts up his hand that you saw four coins disappear under to see that there is now only one.  He holds out his hands in the classic magician's pose of nothing up my sleeve.

One story... you made the challenge, you start the contest.

He flourishes his hand and sits attentively listening for a story.

/ooc is this the sort of time I would do a perform roll? /ooc
This message was last edited by the player at 12:15, Tue 18 Aug 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 9):

Sensing the direction the wind is about to blow, Uldaf stands from the table.

If you would be so kind, I have ample need of coin to replenish the medical supplies we used in keeping our

Eyeing Arule directly..

useless escorts alive. If you're angling for me to be able to work magic again, I'll need to visit the apothecary, and set to brewing overnight.

Or we could just take our chances with the party's demonstrable history of vitality.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 10):

Yes, Flynn agrees following Uldaf's gaze to Arule.  I will indeed want an accounting of how you came to be injured.

Once Godrick is satisfied that the ledgers are balanced, you'll all be paid the balance of your contracts.

He looks Uldaf over once more.

And I will certainly not deny you reimbursement for your administrations, nor fresh supplies should you continue to work in my employ.

He turns to Dan.

We have, it seems, a new assignment but we can get to that in a moment.

In reply to Flynn Goodall (msg # 11):

Dan nods and smirks.

"Our tale then, begins much as yours did, with a parting of ways on the road.

For us, the going was easy and none were foolish enough to try anything underhanded.  A few brigands we did see, but they didn't make any moves on so large a band, no.  The real fun began in a small hamlet a few days out..."

Dan is a serviceable enough storyteller, though he relies far more on details of bloody injuries, fantastic feats that are unlikely to be true, and long drawn-out descriptions of the women he bedded "for the good of the company".  He too is more long winded than eloquent, but he holds attention well enough.

In short, the company proper made its rounds of the larger towns at the base of the mountains, collecting taxes with little or no issue.  However, in one small hamlet, they were beseeched to journey into the woods and track down a witch that had begun plaguing them.

When they investigated, they indeed found a young man with the power to summon animals.  When they approached him, all manner of small critters attacked though they eventually ran down and incapacitated the man.  Flynn adds that the witch was also able to summon fire from his fingertips and that poison dripped from his tongue.

The crew then bound the man and brought him along, the intent being to turn him over to the Inquisitors.

He sits now, you are told, under the lock and key of the city watch with Sir Twelvepenny left to watch as well.

"And THAT," Dan concludes.  Is our tale.  Now, are you ready to retract your wager then?"

Enrei sits, rapt, as Dan recounts the company's story, what remains of his sausages are untouched for the duration.  He is the source of many a timely "And then what?" during the story.  When Dan challenges Titus to match the tale Enrei immediately speaks up, "Ooh, tell him the story of the house with the demon.  I like to hear it again," he encourages the bard.

In reply to GM (msg # 12):

Titus feigns a disconcerted look and makes an attempt to collect his coin when Enrei chimes in.  Titus smiles... slow and wide... wiggles his eyebrows at Dan in much the same way a spider would if it had eyebrows.

Who am I to disappoint my audience?

He muses aloud.

I would invite Brennan and Flynn... one from each party to be arbiters of the contest.  Additionally either arbiter may call bullshit if either of us strays too far from the realms of reality.  Agreed?

He asks, all the while gesturing with the Dan's drink that he stole earlier.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 14):

Flynn chuckles and nods.  As a barmaid pokes her head up onto the terrace, he signals for more food and drink.

In reply to Flynn Goodall (msg # 15):

Brennan, too, nods his acquiescence.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 16):

Titus fans himself dramatically and makes a show of taking a drink from the mug that was formerly Dan's.

It began at our bittersweet parting of companies... clearly I knew that our party was destined for great adventure....

Titus embarks on a (relatively) full retelling of their misadventures since leaving. He begins with a warmup of how Arule was injured and tells of his headfirst dive over the side of the cliff to save him.

He then talks about the town that had been put to the sword and were stacked up in a tent around a crystal for some coven ritual.  How they had interrupted it and caused the crystal's destruction which appeared to power the witches.  One with the ability to grow vines, one who could turn cloth to steel and so on (He DOES NOT mention their superpowers, instead showing cleverness, tactics and teamwork to break the witches... complete with a brief demonstration of knife throwing where he casually takes three knives and throws them all at once in a tiny grouping.)

The tale then shifts to the story of the birds and scarecrows, and Titus blends his telling of high heroics and farce, making the whole tavern look at him as he impersonated Brennan's presumed antics to chase away the birds (Titus seeing Brennan smiling slightly to himself).  He tells the story of the demon in the house and children they saved.  He even shows some of the scars from the battles to further his credibility.

He tells about the revel after the slaying of the demon and how the townswomen ravenously pounced on Lump.

The whole tavern is watching and leaning towards him at this point he pitches his voice so that they can easily hear.

I would tell you the story of when I sung the sun out in the middle of the night to face a pack of wolves, or the performance with the king of the mill but you will have to attend my show at the frontgate inn this evening. 

He then tells the tale of the brigands and the one witch they had with them, they tried to capture the witch but he flew away into the night.  He says they brought back a prisoner as well and plan to do a full interrogation of him to determine if he was just a dupe or a willing consort to the witches.

As a counterpoint to Dan's style Titus does not focus on the impossible feats or over description of the events.  The tale that Titus tells was designed with some small sparsity of detail that allowed you to insert yourself into the tail as an active observer.  Enrei got so excited at on point he even cheered as the group of heroes mopped up the big scarecrow, even Dan had curled his hands into fists during some of the fight scenes and you could see him panotmiming the moves he would have done in that situation.

With his story completed Titus sits back and smiles...

Brennan have I told it true?  Do you think that maybe I made that final scarecrow a little too small?

He gestures at Flynn and Brennan...

Gentlemen I leave the contest at your feet... unless of course Dan would like to retract his wager.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:22, Wed 19 Aug 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 17):

Sufficiently unimpressed with Titus's latest attempt to measure his genitals in public, Uldaf shrinks into a corner, taking solace only in the small pleasure that his stein of mead does appear to be made of bone brings.

At least there's some of the comforts of home, for what little they are worth..

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 18):

Brennan looks to Flynn and Dan, as if to defer to their responses before proffering his own.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 19):

Well told, lad, well told!  Flynn cries, clapping silently.

He stands, though he keeps one hand on the barrel for support.  This and the flush of his face tell you he and Dan have been "talking strategy" for some time already this day.

In my capacity as judge, I throw my half of the votes to Titus.  Why, I could almost see the demon in the shack clawing at those children.

He raises his cup in toast and drains it.  Brennan is about to speak but Flynn cuts him off.

And in my capacity as leader of this company, I ignore the good Brennan's vote and declare Titus the winner.  To keep the peace, I'm covering the tab today so neither of you should feel slighted.

Dan does not object, turning the coin over to Titus with a wry smile.

In reply to Flynn Goodall (msg # 20):

A few moments later, more of Flynn's company appear (Harma Smith and "Halfdead") and Flynn, begrudgingly, gives Godrick a few moments of his time to look over the money collected.

They are some short while talking numbers, then finally Flynn claps the mousey accountant on the back and returns to the party.

It is nearly time for the evening meal and the sun is already making dramatic ovations of setting at some point in the next few hours.

The Bone Bowl provides ample, if not quality, drink and food.  The company is treated by Flynn, who it appears knows the owner of the establishment though the connection is not spelled out.

Both Flynn and Turncoat Dan pry more into your adventures, the former being most interested in your prisoner and the latter being most interested in the demons, witches, and how lusty the women of the mill truly are.

The patio of the Bone Bowl is occupied by a handful of other patrons, most of whom seem to be older mercenaries or Men At Arms.

OOC: Flynn pays you the balance of your contracts (as well as an additional Silver Sun to Uldaf for supplies), and notes that there is further work with his company if you are so inclined.  If not, he will bid you farewell and good luck.  Flynn does not immediately offer detail of the next assignment, but notes that he will be back at work the next day.

You are free to do as you please now.  Separately or together as you will.  The patrons of the Bone Bowl, as well as the staff, are more than happy to tell you about Thorngate, the surrounding areas, and local news if you ask, especially if you trade news in return.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:10, Wed 19 Aug 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 21):

Titus smiles and claps the grizzled old veteran on the back.

Well played!

He gives Dan a hug as well

Come by the frontgate inn tonight.  I'll be sure that you get a drink.

Whenever Flynn inquires about the prisoner Titus responds with a flippant

He hasn't said much... he's more of the limp silent type.

Then flashing a toothy grin and laughing while pantomiming someone who is unconscious.

He bumps up to Brennan

As the group coalesces Titus plugs his show at the frontgate one more time and says he would be honored to have them out as special guests of his show.

With that he makes a quick bow and goes to mingling in the pub.  You can tell he is very happy to be off the road and back in his element.

He begins milling in with the people telling them a mix of news, half truths and outright lies.  He tells numerous stories of Lord Fastbender the terrifying new lord scourging the plains, he retells some of their stories sometimes attributing it to others.  He also tells of witches, evil witches and good witches that are fighting them and that a war appears to be brewing between the factions.

In return for this he is looking for news on the town odd goings on, any tale of the bandit camp that the demonspeaker came from, odd goings on, anyone who might have some decent makeup that won't kill you, and any pawn shops or someplace you can get a good deal on some cheap jewelry.

During Titus's story Enrei's expression shifts to being visibly confused, but doesn't say anything to interrupt and the others may have difficulty differentiation the expression from how he looks whenever being spoken to.  Once the tale us finished and judged ge takes a sip of the harsh brew, then refrains from doing so again for the rest of the evening, though he does finish his bowl of sausages.

Enrei is less than informative if Dan or Flynn direct their questions to him.  He's not sure what the demon he supposedly helped fight looked like, he beat the witches, including their pisoner, at fighting (and he will gladly detail how they fought badly, but magical powers are a secondary concern, at best) and the ladies of the mill were all very nice.  When Flynn offers continued work or to bid the group farewell Enrei perks up, "I like mercenary. I am very good at it, yes?" he asks Flynn.  Enrei had only once left a ship's crew without being thrown off the boat, and that was to ply his hand in the mainland. The idea that he might abandon a paying job rife with adventure for parts unknown doesn't quite seem to register for him.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 23):

Uldaf pulls his face from out of his stein long enough to nod curtly toward Flynn.

My continued support will rest almost entirely on the direction your work will have us following, and your guarantee that we may, if we are so inclined to continue in your stead, execute the work independent of our bumbling babysitters.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 24):


Brennan enjoys the company of his allies for a short period of time, then clears his throat and rises to his feet.

"I will consider your offer for additional labor," he says, favoring Flynn with a smile. "For now, however, I'm afraid I have other matters to attend to. Pleasant dreams to each of you."

Brennan then carefully makes his way out of the inn and makes his way back to Frontgate, his expression darkening as soon as the pigsty of a tavern is at his back.

Time to get some answers.

Assuming nothing hinders him en route, he returns to the Frontgate, heads upstairs, and -- after listening at the door for a moment -- enters the room in which he has stashed the Demonspeaker.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:39, Wed 26 Aug 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 25):

Room at the Frontgate

Brennan encounters no resistance wandering back to the Inn.

On the floor is your prisoner, still bound and gagged and looking disheveled and royally pissed.


Out And About

To those in the town, Titus can be seen from time to time popping in and out of shops, chatting with merchants and singing to children.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 24):

Bone Bowl

Flynn chuckles.  North, more than likely, though it's less a 'where' and more a 'who'.  As to 'babysitters', if you refer to our good friend, Godrick, he will not be accompanying us further.  My work with him is done for the season.

In reply to Flynn Goodall (msg # 27):

Frontgate

Brennan proceeds to interrogate the prisoner.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:31, Wed 26 Aug 2015.

"We are going to a who?" Enrei presses Flynn, intrigued by his conversation with Uldaf.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 16:22, Wed 26 Aug 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 28):

The Frontgate Inn

The barman cleans a few heavy mugs.  Nothing else of interest happens.  Absolutely nothing.

In reply to GM (msg # 30):

Brennan picks his teeth and reads quietly. Nothing interesting happens.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:49, Wed 26 Aug 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 31):

Frontgate Inn

A patron drops a penny on the filthy floors.  After a moment of search, he finds it.

In reply to GM (msg # 32):

A man walks into the tavern carrying a bouquet of flowers. He walks over to a table, sits down, and orders two cups of wine. He sits there, anxiously fidgeting, for about 45 minutes before drinking both cups of wine, throwing the flowers on the floor, and walking slowly out of the tavern, his head drooping sadly as he goes.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:59, Wed 26 Aug 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 33):

Frontgate Inn

A few moments later, a woman with a shaved head walks into the tavern.  She is holding a short platinum chain and looks around furtively for someone.

Finding nobody she recognizes, she walks slowly out of the tavern, her head drooping sadly as she goes.

In reply to GM (msg # 34):

Nothing else happens in the tavern ever again.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 35):

Frontgate Inn

For a moment, something considers the possibility of happening.

Then it doesn't.

In reply to GM (msg # 36):

Events at the Inn manage a few cautious steps toward something interesting, then take a nosedive into tedious monotony.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 37):

A man in the inn coughs.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:23, Wed 26 Aug 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 38):


Two men take a seat in the tavern, choosing a table with a good view of the stage and the door. They chat, eat, and seem to be waiting for something to happen.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 39):

A giraffe walks into the bar...

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 40):

Before Titus goes to spread the seeds of discord he leers at Flynn

You say who not where... that sounds interesting.  Who praytell is being extort...erm... having their civil duty thrust upon them?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 41):

Flynn smiles broadly but shakes his head.

There's a reason for everything, I hope.  Anyway, there's a call for discretion here.

He swirls the contents of his bone cup.

Let's just say, we're tasked with finding someone that might not want to be found and that we don't want it getting out that we're looking for this person.

He smiles and finishes his drink, clearly self-satisfied with his non-answer.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:46, Thu 27 Aug 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 39):

Frontgate Inn

The stage remains clear for Titus' performance.




Bone Bowl

The drinking and eating continue.  Flynn, it seems, has accommodations with some old friends and has left the task of finding lodgings to his members.

Arule leaves early, as he is not feeling well and wants to visit a church before finding a place to sleep.

Turncoat Dan and  Harma Smith confess to having no plans for where to stay.  Dan shrugs and suggests they'll find a tavern that doesn't close somewhere in the city.

Templeton Halfdead mutters something about a house by the smelters.

Sir Twelvepenny, Jacob Larelle and the Kattenses are apparently trading off guard duty over the witch.

In reply to GM (msg # 43):

Titus gives Flynn a wolfish smile.

Oh you are a coldhearted bastard... making me curious like that.  I'll have to think about it and see where the events of the day lead me.  That being said if I were to come along with you we would have to discuss my pay... or lack thereof.

He says with a smile and wink indicating that he is serious about wanting payment but not bitter about the initial arrangement.

I'll clear a spot for you and your party by the stage tonight.  I hope to see you all there.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Thu 27 Aug 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 34):

Finally, someone as unhappy to be in this place as I am. But what is she looking for, and why is she so troubled in the face?

With no indication as to his destination, Uldaf nonchalantly steps up from the table and heads out after the woman.

I'll be back in the morning. Don't wait up.

"Oh I am good at finding people.  One time, I found my friend hiding in pig food."  Enrei proclaims, "What does he look like?  I will go find him."

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 46):

Flynn waggles a finger.

You're not half as dumb as you look, he jokes.

In reply to Flynn Goodall (msg # 47):

No he's twice....


Titus trails off.

Pig food?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:27, Thu 27 Aug 2015.

Enrei stares blankly at Flynn for half a beat, "Thank you," he decides, before looking at Titus, "Yes.  I do not think the pigs were happy."

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 49):

Why was your friend hiding in pig food?

"I do not know.  He did not seem happy either." Enrei recounts descriptively.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 51):

Are you sure he was your friend?

"Oh yes, we work on same boat.  He took me to tavern.  It was very good time." Enrei smiles as he apparently reminisces about bars past.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 53):

Titus goes to talk to the city... as a whole... yes all of them.

With Flynn not being especially forthcoming with information and Enrei not being especially skilled at interrogation, the islander suffices to spend the evening in ignorance.  He lingers in the bone bowl hoping the strong drink will turn some of the old ruffians bolder.  After the series of strange encounters involving no shortage of lethal force he was very much looking forward to a simple evening where someone was struck with a chair.  Unless someone specifically comes to fetch him, Enrei is likely to miss Titus's performance; a keen sense of time added to the list of mental faculties he's lacking.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 55):

Titus wanders out of the bar after sufficiently whipping them up into a froth.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:28, Mon 31 Aug 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 56):

Brennan continues to chat with someone at the Frontgate, enjoying a meal and watching the door.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:11, Tue 01 Sept 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 57):

Bone Bowl

Enrei continues to talk, eat and drink with Flynn's company.

As the topic comes up so often, it is made known which bar has the most fights breaking out on a nightly basis, if Enrei is interested.

Frontgate Inn

Brennan continues to chat with someone.


Elsewhere

It's a big town, SOMETHING is bound to be happening...

In reply to GM (msg # 58):

Immediately out of his emotional depth or capacity for empathy, Uldaf searches desperately for words.

Enrei is quite interested in the prospect of routine fights and encourages Flynn for more details, as well as inviting him to show the way, "We can have very fun!  I will fight with you," he stands and gleefully waves his company to join him as if he just heard about a party.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 60):

Titus goes for a mind clearing walk about town.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:31, Wed 02 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 61):

The Frontgate

Drinking and eating continue.

Bone Bowl

Flynn is far too comfortable where he is to wander off for adventure, but Turncoat Dan jovially agrees to lead Enrei into a fight.

Enrei soon finds himself in a more comfortable setting: a small tavern with an open-air biergarten filled with people drinking, singing and telling stories.  A number of men here wear the colors of the city watch or the royal crest.

Much more interesting, however, is a small circle of dirt surrounded by a low fence of solid wood.  In this circle, two scrawny men, stripped to their waists, are engaging in a fierce bout of fistacuffs.


Somewhere

In reply to GM (msg # 62):

Brennan drinks and eats. There is no hidden text below this. I just figured you'd want to know.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:35, Thu 03 Sept 2015.

Enrei is awestruck when he sees the ring in the middle of the tavern, "You have a," Enrei slips into his native tongue as he points to the men fighting gleefully, "I have not seen one since I was little.  Is always 'bar brawl' with my friends," he slaps Dan on the back, "I will show you how we do this in Chal'i." he walks toward the ring, looking for some kind of official as the current bout plays out and having a very different understanding of what's happening than everyone else.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 64):

Titus casually sips a drink while nowhere in particular.

/ooc do these need to be private Jon?  Am I on the verge of any secret truths?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:59, Thu 03 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 65):

Frontgate Inn

Chewing sounds.


Brawl Tavern

Enrei steps up to the ring and is immediately blocked by a wirey man with curly red hair and a bit of root sticking out of the corner of his mouth that he chews on when not talking.

"Who're you lad, big thing aintchabut an where d'think yeragoing lad?"

The man speaks quickly and in a strange accent that confuses Enrei more than most conversations.  Once it is explained that Enrei would like to fight, the man nods and begins to rattle off a long litany of... something.  The only words Enrei can catch are "clean", "wager", "down", "pennies" and "holler".

In the ring, one of the two brawlers lands a solid punch on the other's chin and watches him reel, bounce off the chest-high fence and fall to the floor.  The wirey redhead leaps over the fence and counts to three, at which point everyone watching the fight cheers and the man still standing raises his hands in victory.

The loser is hauled out by some companions while the winner takes a drink of water offered him from the side.

The wirey man leaps back over the fence and gestures for Enrei to enter.


Elsewhere

Enrei stands dazed after his exchange with the redhead, but his stupor is dispelled when he's invited to the ring.  He clambers over the wall before acknowledging the state of dress of his opponent.  He shouts into the crowd for Dan and quickly removes his vest and jacket, as well as the iron bangles on his arms, both knives at his hips and his hatchet.  He takes the bag of money from his belt as well but pauses as he seems to remember something and leans toward the redhead over the wall, hunching low and whispers almost conspiratorially,  then he gives a sheepish expression.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 67):

Titus smells the flowers.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:05, Thu 03 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 68):

Brawl Tavern

Dan laughs heartily, "you don't understand a damned thing do you?"  he shakes his head and accepts Enrei's equipment.  "You get paid if you win," he explains.

Elsewhere

As the day draws to a close, farmers, masons, diggers and miners pack up their equipment and file back into the city or their homes.  The populations in the taverns swells as hungry workers look for a bit of revelry before sleep.

To any watching, the light of the fading sun gives the marsh a strange greasy look, and reflects rather oddly off of the enormous field of thorny bushes that form one wall of Thorngate.

Somewhere in the city a bathroom door slams shut.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:30, Thu 03 Sept 2015.

"Oh," Enrei seems pleasantly surprized by Dan's revalation.   He places hus bag of chips atop the rest of his belongings in Dan's arms and  walks over to his apparent opponent, "Do you get paid if you win too?" he asks conversationally as he rolls his shoulders.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 71):

Wherever


A Super-Legal Brawl

The other man replies by spitting violently.  Apparently his aim is terrible because he misses the ground and hits Enrei in the leg.

He backs up against one side of the ring, raises his hands and someone shouts "Lay on!"

The crowd starts to cheer, jeer, and shout as Enrei's opponent moves toward him very aggressively.

Combat rounds:

The ring is less than twenty feet in diameter.  Your opponent approaches with his fists up.  He's not a big man, but he's all muscle and wire.

Enrei looks at the wet spot on his leg.  It was immediately very uncomfortable.  When he hears the shout he looks up and tilts his head at his opponent's stance.  The raised, balled fists seemed very inconvenient for what they were about to do.  Maybe he was used to bar brawls, they were a very different dynamic.  Enrei holds his own hands open and wide at his sides as his opponent approaches and with speed belying his bulk, surges forward and swings them up to embrace the other man.  Enrei's distraction by his moist leg makes it sloppy, but his hold is firm.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 73):

Somewhere Titus gets very exasperated by someone.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:33, Thu 03 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 74):

Somewhere Uldaf abandons Jon's red herring dead end plot, telling a woman she'll somehow be better off for the experience.

He makes his way back toward actual plot, significantly unenriched for the experience.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 75):

Bar Brawl

Enrei moves faster than the man expected and catches him off guard by grabbing him around the torso and swinging him around.

The look on the man's face is one of total shock but also seething anger.

The crowd yells, but it isn't clear if they're happy with what's going on.

combat round

Pugilist: 1 shock to torso, grappled.

Elsewhere

Enrei pays the crowd no mind, and seems ignorant of his opponent's attitude.  He loosens his grip just enough so that when he suddenly squats down, his arms slide with him before tightening around the other man's thighs.  Then, in one fluid motion Enrei stands straight up and raises his arms up over his head, heaving the other man over his shoulder and to the dirt beyond.

In reply to GM (msg # 76):

Titus begins speaking to a wall in an alley.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 78):

Somewhere


Totally Sanctioned and legal Fight

Enrei's opponent squirms and yells something that the islander doesn't understand, then goes crashing down into the dirt.

He rolls up against the low fence and lies there dazed.

If Enrei was confused before, the crowd only makes it worse now.  They shout, hoot and jeer and a variety of small objects begins to rain on him: fruit, dirt clods, wads of paper, a clay mug.

To one side he is vaguely aware of a familiar voice in the crowd.  Turncoat Dan is yelling and waving toward the door.

Still in Combat

Pugilist: 1 shock torso, dazed.
Angry Mob: armed and angry... but why?

OOC:/ The mob has not yet "engaged" in combat, but are throwing increasingly heavy things, which will soon do some damage.

There is no clear path out of the tavern if that's your goal.  There is at least one entrance through the building, and if you run (and shove past lots of people) you could reach the wall and climb out as this portion is open-air.

IF you have another plan, go for it.

In reply to GM (msg # 79):

Titus taps on a series of bricks.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:08, Fri 04 Sept 2015.

"Did I win?" Enrei addresses no one in particular as he smacks a mug out of the air before it can strike his head.  The rest of the crowd's refuse pelts him without much reaction as he stands stupidly in the ring.  The reaction was very extreme for one bad throw, Enrei was just out of practice.  Not wanting to abandon the fight before it was over, despite whatever Dan was yelling, Enrei scans the crowd for the redheaded referee.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 81):

Brennan orders another drink.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 82):

Titus looks in a mirror wondering if these robes make his ass look big.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 83):

The confusing Brawl

The rabble continues to pelt Enrei, and the objects are getting larger (1 Shock to L. Leg and 1 Shock to torso).

The redhead climbs over the fence and stomps toward Enrei.  Apparently, the people are nearly as angry with him as they are with Enrei.  He shouts something unintelligible, but his body language and gestures make it clear he wants Enrei to leave.

From behind, Dan siezes Enrei by the left arm and starts to yank on him, trying to pull him out of the ring.

Combat Round

In addition to the redhead, two large and drunk men have climbed into the ring.  They are shouting and waving clubs at Enrei and will be in range to strike next round if they choose.


Frontgate Inn

Clinking mugs.


Elsewhere

Enrei is cery confused.  The crowd kept throwing things, which were starting to hurt.  Then the redhead came back out and look oked like he wanted Enrei to leave, but didn't look like he was going to pay Enrei.  While he wasn't sure he had won his fight, Enrei knew he hadn't lost.  As Dan start to pull on him he moves to regard the mercenary but as the two men with clubs enter the ring his eyes go wide.  Enrei looks at Dan, then back to the men, then grabs Dan by the same arm he is trying to pull Enrei with.  "Yes!" he shouts with a smile, "I will fight with you," he seems to concentrate very hard before the word comes to him, "partner!"  Releasing the other half of his new tag-team, Enrei regards the nearer of the two club bearers.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 85):

"No I don't want a rat familiar, get me the owl."

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 86):

Tavern Combat

Enrei stands his ground, despite Dan's desperate tugging.  The first man comes reeling in, senses perhaps somewhat inhibited by drink and is easily caught by Enrei, flipped over and left on his back.

The second man, however, catches Enrei off guard and gives him a solid smack in the small of the back with his club (6 shock torso)

He backs off a step immediately, either thinking his attack would scare Enrei off or for some other reason.

The crowd continues to pelt Enrei and Dan with all manner of unfriendly objects (1 shock to each arm) as well as insults.  Most of them make no sense due to both language barriers and Enrei's tentative grasp on anatomy, but he does understand the word "Demon" and "Dumbass."

Everywhere there is shouting now.  The redheaded fight manager has vanished into the crowd.

Dan blocks missiles with one hand and pulls on Enrei with the other.

"Come ON you lout!  It's now or I'm leaving you here!"

Combat Round

One foe stands with a club ready.  The man knocked down is now scrambling backward on his elbows, but another is climbing over the fence with a broken bottle.  The crowd continues to throw things.

Elsewhere
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:18, Tue 08 Sept 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 87):

A conversation continues at the Frontgate.

"Why would you leave?  We are winning," Enrei waves to the man with his club keeping his distance, and the other crawling on the ground, "And you have not even done anything." He places his fists on his hips and looks sternly at Dan.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 89):

Titus tries the owl and it claws his shoulder

DAMN YOUR EYES!

How about the frog?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 90):

Frontgate Inn


Tavern Combat

The man with the broken bottle slashes at Enrei and catches him with some jagged glass (2 killing left arm).

Missiles are flying less frequently now, probably because people are running out of things to throw.  Instead, they are advancing en masse.

"You're about to learn something, friend,"  Dan roars.  He ducks backward and starts fleeing through the crowd.

combat round

A man with a broken bottle is engaged with Enrei.  The man with the club is at the front of a largely unarmed, but still large, mob of shouting people.

Elsewhere

As the bottle slashes him, Enrei hisses in pain and turns on his foot, his other arm reeled back.  As soon as the bottle man's face is in view Enrei's arm launches forward in a straight jab dead center at his nose.  There is a crunch, and blood, and then Enrei turns back to where Dan was, "Wait for me!" he shouts as he gives chase.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 92):

The blinding speed of Enrei's attack is the stuff of legends.  The man falls away choking blood and  vanishes from sight as the crowd steps over and around him.

Enrei runs after Dan as best he can.  Half of the crowd moves to let him pass, the other half is more interested in throwing in some sort of punch, kick or taunt.

Using his strength and size, Enrei is able to catch up with Dan while weathering this abuse.  As soon as you make it to the edge of the crowd, the smaller man breaks into a run, beckoning for Enrei to follow.

The pair soon find themselves sprinting down the street and ducking into an alley.  The crowd doesn't chase too long, just long enough that you're both winded when you finally lose them.

End Combat

Crouched in an alley, backs against a small soup shop, Dan hisses at Enrei between panting breaths.

"What... WERE you thinking.... or WERE you?  Ah I say friend..... you need... to listen... to me..."

/OOC:  I have updated Enrei's sheet to relfect the post-combat healing after taking loads of small punches, kicks and taunts on the way out.

In reply to GM (msg # 93):

((This healing is with Resilient considered, right?))

"I thought it was," Enrei repeats the Chal'i words from when he saw the ring, "but the people did not like my throw.  And then I thought we fight together, but you did not help." Enrei's tone rises to admonish Dan for his inaction, "But then it was bar brawl, and you left, and I think I should follow you, because you have all my things." Enrei stretches as best he can, much of his body bruised from his getaway, "It was good fight too.  I think we could have won."

In reply to GM (msg # 91):

Is it supposed to be this slimy?

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 94):

An Alley

Dan leans back, looking up at the emerging stars in the fading sunlight.

"You just... it wasn't that sort of..."  Dan sighs and thinks for a moment.

"There were more rules," he explains slowly.  "Next time I'll tell you the rules."

In reply to GM (msg # 96):

Enrei stands for a moment staring at Dan, before understanding spreads across his face, "Oooh."  He nods sagely for a moment, then swats Dan in the shoulder, his expression one of severe disappointment "You tell me rules now.  I know rules for bar brawl, I know rules for Chal'i games, Uldaf even told me rules for when fighting dogs.  You take me to this place and there are more rules and you do not tell me?!" Enrei sighs and looks back the way they came, embarassment creeping into his posture, "I should tell them I am sorry.  I did not mean to cheat," he looks to Dan for some empathy.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 97):

Dan searches Enrei's face for a moment, then throws back his head in laughter.

This lasts for several minutes, until Dan is wiping tears from his bruised cheeks.

"All right, that's fair," he giggles.  "Next time, next time."

He claps Enrei on the shoulder, an act which requires him being on tip-toes.

"Come, let's go get drunk."

Dan leads the way.

Enrei stares at Dan.  Slowly his worried expression melts to one of frustration as Dan laughs at him, but then a small grin appears as Dan continues, until it appears all is forgiven while Dan wipes away his tears.  "Okay," Enrei acquiesces to Dan's invitation.  Maybe once his friend was drunk they could have a regular bar brawl.  He was better at those.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 99):

Titus heads towards the bone bowl wondering what time it was.

/ooc seriously what time is it /ooc

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 100):

Somewhere


Bone Bowl

When Titus gets to the Bone Bowl, all of his companions have left.  Flynn, Halfdead and Harma are still there, drunkenly singing a song called "The Juggernaut's Junk".  Truthfully, only Flynn is singing, Halfdead and Harma are yelling the chorus badly.

FrontGate Inn

At some point, when the sun is just set, Titus makes it to the Frontgate Inn.

A sizeable crowd is there, many of whom he recognizes though most are strangers.  The bulk of this tavern's patrons appear to be travelers, merchants, or other out-of-towners.  Few locals.

Brennan, having arrived early, is sitting at the bar with the Demonspeaker you dragged here from the Mill.  They are having a pleasant conversation and some drinks.

Elsewhere

Uldaf is...

The Rust Island Wafer?

At least... that's what Enrei is pretty sure Dan called the place.

Either way it's a perfectly good drinking establishment built right into the wall of the city that Dan led to.

The air is greasy and moist, the floor packed earth under filthy straw and the light mostly from candles cleverly affixed to the walls in front of small foggy mirrors that diffuse and spread their light.

At one end is an enormous pile of barrels, stacked on their sides, with bottles wedged in the cracks between.  Each barrel has a tap, and most of these are seeing generous usage by the bartender.  There is no "bar" in front of him, one simply walks up and shouts and a mug from one of the barrels is thrust into ones hands.

The opposite wall has a long bench made from a single log.  Upon this is perched a long row of women.  What they're doing there Enrei cannot tell for they don't seem to drink much and every so often one is taken by the hand and through a flap into the back room.  The back room must be dull, for both men and women return through it not long thereafter.

The REAL excitement is the single long table in the middle.  It is only a foot or so wide but runs the entire length of the bar.  Men stand face to face and rest their drinks on it, talk, or occasionally rest their elbows to arm wrestle.  Every so often, two men will pair off and march through a door into a small yard where they proceed to roll in the mud punching and kicking until one yields.

This is Enrei's kind of place.

Enrei takes a drink from the man with the barrels following Dan's example.  He follows the other mercenary to a seat at the large table as he takes in his surroundings.  It was more rustic than the port taverns he was used to, but had much of the same ambiance, reaking of alcohol and testosterone.  As Dan led them to the bar Enrei had donned his knives, hatchet and vest, as well as securing his sack of coins, but his new long sleeve shirt he had simply carried.  Now, sitting at the long table he investigates the bottle wound on his arm, and confirms that it is bleeding and probably would have ruined his shirt.  Taking a deep breath he follows an old ritual he was tought by some former crewmates.  He visibly braces himself and then slowly pours the entire mug onto his open wound.  As he thumps the table loudly with his fist, he shouts for another round and tries to see how his cut takes to drinking through the stars that rise in his vision.

In reply to GM (msg # 101):

Titus finishes the chorus and hastily asks about the location of Enrei and the other crewmembers, to let them know he is starting up.

With that he scoots over to the Frontgate.  He sees Brennan and smiles.  If he is occupied he slides himself into the table next to Brennan.
He sits and chats for a moment with Brennan unwinding after the emotional wringing he had just done.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 103):

Brennan chats with Titus in the bar.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:44, Wed 09 Sept 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 104):

Rust Island Wafer?

The wound reacts predictably, though in Enrei's defense there's certainly no pathogens can survive in it now.

Another drink is procured, and before long, Enrei finds himself invited outside to a good old-fashioned brawl.  Enrei doesn't ask why the man initiated it, nor what he was talking to Dan about beforehand, so happy is he to be back in his element.  This time, people react much more favorably to his soundly thumping the individual in question.

Enrei finds himself back at the table in no time with yet another drink in his hand.

FrontGate
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:35, Wed 09 Sept 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 105):

Titus nearly spits out his drink when he sees Brennan's guest at the table.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 106):

Titus leaves the table shaking his head and sets to preparing the stage for his show and getting everything in order.

Titus tells a combination of the rumors he was spreading, classic tales of the first men, and the new adventures of Lord Fastbender and his men (read veiled tales of their adventures).  He also tells 'his' version of events that happened to Flynn's portion of the party, complete with animals that are spooked by strange cultist rituals miles away.  He draws parallels to their adventures with the ravens.

Other than that he sings and tells stories leaving his lute case out for tips.

/ooc I'll wait until you guys catch up to the show before doing anything else.  I know most of you are waiting. Sorry that took so long getting information from people can be like pulling teeth./ooc
This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Wed 09 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 106):

Brennan nods thoughtfully.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 108):

Titus leans back to drain his cup before leaving their company

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 109):

Uldaf enters the frontgate inn, and is immediately nonplussed to see the demonspeaker.

Perhaps I concussed him pleasant?

Uldaf grabs two flagons of whatever passes for mead here, and seats himself at the table. He unceremoniously downs the first flagon, before placing the second in his hand.

I assume there's an explanation for this sudden turn of events?

There better be..

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 110):

The demonspeaker stirs uncomfortably in his seat when Uldaf enters.

Enrei seethes slightly after "tending" his wound, and finds the distraction of a simple scrap with the other man welcome.  Afterward, he passes his new drink on to his defeated opponent, congratulating him on his performance.  Despite the ease with which Enrei won he assures the other man that he is very good at fighting, and just needs more practice.  He rejoins Dan, with a slap on the back, "I like this place," he cheers, "I know these rules, is very fun!"

In reply to GM (msg # 111):

"There's always an explanation," Brennan says, steepling his fingers wearily. "I'd like you to meet Bryce, a surprisingly pleasant conversationalist when various misunderstandings are discarded."

He smiles slightly, but hurries on with the explanation.

"Turns out he's a tracker by trade, and chanced upon a modest coven in the wilds not far from here. There he saw a strange stone with markings on it similar to those in my book."

Brennan lowers his voice even further.

"Answers, perhaps. But knowledge nonetheless. I have hired him at personal expense to take me there, that I may see this stone for myself. Fastbender's on board, and I presume Enrei will be glad to help, as well, though I haven't seen him this evening. I would very much like for you to come with us, as well."

Brennan takes another drink before continuing.

"At any rate, the rough location of this stone is on our way to the ruins I wanted to explore anyway. I figure our time with Flynn is at an end, and that we may as well go about the task of solving our various mysteries once and for all."

He looks at Uldaf carefully.

"Bryce can help us with that, at least for a few days. Once we've finished at the coven, we can renegotiate his terms and strike out toward the ruins, as originally planned."

Brennan drums his fingers on the table for a moment.

"We may have another joining us, as well, but you'll have to talk to Titus about that. I know nothing about it."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:45, Wed 09 Sept 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 113):

I'm gone for half a day, and we're in league with a demon summoner and fancyboy is bringing someone in as well? Gods help me.

Fine, but I'll be holding you accountable for his behavior, and I still haven't ruled out eating him if he gets out of line or performs any acts I deem .. demonic.

When do we head out?

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 114):

"Ideally, tomorrow morning, once we're resupplied," Brennan nods, relieved. "We still have the horses, but we'll want food and other supplies."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 115):

On to more pressing matters.

What of the members of Flynn's company who have seen our.. gifts, and know what we can do? Are we truly comfortable allowing them to continue their travels and potentially spread their tale?

He doesn't have the stomach for it. He is not the one to slay the red wolf. We cannot jeopardize the success of our endeavors on the pussified notions of peace, discretion, and trust the windwalker espouses. There can be no chances taken when he for whom the wolf heels is involved.

No chances.

In reply to Uldaf Asbjorn (msg # 116):

"The only way anybody who wasn't with us would know about them would be through Titus, and the storyteller has been known to embellish. That leaves Arule -- a man of faith who is unlikely to talk of witchcraft -- and Lump, who is not one for speaking at all. And Bryce here, of course, but he was aware of witchery before he even met us."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 117):

Titus steals Brennan's drink from over his shoulder and takes a swig

Remember that thing I told you about hiding in plain sight?  I've told the stories so many times to them in so may different versions all they will think is that he is confusing my lies for truth.  Plus now you have a full village that will swear they heard those deeds from a storyteller and they are Lord Fastbender and his men.  A good story but nothing more...

To further confound I have planted the seeds of 20 different stories in the minds of 100 different men.  Soon they will be telling their own stories of Lord Fastbender.  Each one swearing he was there.

he goes back to buzzing around the common area swapping stories and generally lying through his teeth to anyone who will listen.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:53, Thu 10 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 118):

"If we're all agreed, let's meet here in the morning. We'll gather necessary supplies, collect our horses, and... hold that thought..."

He grabs Titus by the shoulder, firmly but not unkindly.

"Please tell me you did not break this false witch out of an Inquisitor prison."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:29, Fri 11 Sept 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 119):

Titus pauses a moment and then makes his face look aghast and brushes Brennan's hand off of his shoulder.

I'm insulted you would think I would do anything so wreckless!  I just gave him a file thats all.  Nothing wrong in that right?  Ohh and I'll likely not be here in the morning... on an unrelated matter *Titus looks lustily after the barmaid* its amazing how being nearly killed several times can ignite certain... appetites.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 120):

Brennan nods, satisfied.

"Very well, then. Until morning!"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 121):

Unless you have anything else for me I wish you a good evening.

Titus will go flirt with the barmaid unless someone needs him for something.  He will be circulating around the crowd continuing to seed the tales for Lord Fastbender.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:11, Mon 14 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 122):

Frontgate

Titus' show is very well recieved and he spends much of his grand exit gracefully accepting praise, coin and questions from patrons.

OOC:  I have nothing planned for the evening, you are free to find lodgings, resupply or do whatever other "stuff" you're into.



Rust Island Wafer?

The crowd ebbs and flows as the night gets later, shifting toward more in the back of the establishment than the front.

OOC: As above.

Enrei enjoys the bar and its crowd to his fullest.  He participates in any further scraps he is invited to, and cheers for a few he isn't a part of.  Any conversations are met with his usual half-sense, and broken tales of fights past.  It is not until very late that the point of lodgings becomes relevant.  Considering himself still in Flynn's employ and having been promised a bed as part of his pay, Enrei refers to Dan as the resident representative of Flynn's company for where they are spending the night.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 124):

Gentlemen, I bid you adieu for the evening.  While I am highly interested in what Flynn is up to I believe I am far more intrigued by tales of ancient stones offered by our friend Bryce here.

With an intricate bow and nimble grace Titus sweeps up the barmaid and dances into the back with her.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 125):

?

After a long night of drinking and brawling, Enrei stumbles after Turncoat Dan to sleep... well he's really not sure WHAT or WHERE: there's lots of straw but also many small barrels.  It's chilly but it appears safe and it's comfortable enough.

Enrei thus passes wee hours of the night relatively unmolested.

FrontGate

Titus wanders off to collect some supplies before turning in.


Uldaf, presumably, wanders off to sleep elsewhere.

Brennan is thus left at the inn with a room paid for and his choice of roomates being Bryce or nobody...

In reply to GM (msg # 126):

Brennan shrugs and heads to the room to sleep.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 127):

Titus returns from the evening highly satisfied with his adventures.  He stops by in the common room of the bar and harrasses the serving girl in a loving kind of way until her shift ends; at which point a do not disturb sign is hung from Titus' door and you do not see him again.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Wed 16 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 128):

/OOC:  I'll get this ball rolling and fill in Uldaf's stuff later if need be.

The Next Morning, a supply room of some kind?

Hungover, bruised, and happy, Enrei awakens... somewhere.  He isn't sure where but he seems to be sharing space on a pile of hay with Turncoat Dan and a large dog.

Brushing himself off, he looks around and finds his way out into the street where he pauses to breathe in the vapors of nightsoil, fireplaces and sweat.


Turncoat Dan, yawning, follows soon after and after urinating casually into the street, turns to Enrei.

"Well then.  Shall we... lumber on to rejoin our patron saint Flynn the Finess... ful?  Or do you have anything else to get done today?"

The Next Morning, The FrontGate

"No..." Enrei scratches his head as he replies to Dan, "Mister Flynn says we are looking for a man.  We should go soon," he pauses, not quite sure why they should leave soon, but something occurs to him, "he has big start, we might not find him.  Do you know who we are looking for?" he asks conversationally, "We could ask who has seen him on the way."

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 130):

Titus returns to the alley where he pushes a series of bricks again.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 131):

An Empty Street

"It's not that sort of person," Turncoat Dan teases.  "Flynn wouldn't say, but I found someone who would.  Come, let's find the others."

Unless Enrei objects or stops following, Dan will lead him back to the Bone Bowl.  Though the establishment is closed, Flynn is there giving orders to Elsa and a few of the others.

The Prison

Brennan comes upon the prison to find Titus talking to the guard at the front door.

The guard raises one brow and shrugs.

"I'll need your weapon."  he states simply.

In reply to GM (msg # 132):

"I'll leave you the arrows, but the bow is a fragile thing and I'd rather keep it with me, if it's all the same to you. Useless without the quiver, aye?"

Negotiate: 2x2

In reply to GM (msg # 132):

Titus hands him a dagger, and then his short sword, and then a dagger, and another dagger.  He unbuckles his belt with three daggers and leaves them with the doorman.

He smiles and without waiting for invitation breezes in through the doorway.

This is another one of our cousins; I didn't think you'd make it, Orim.

He says with a hearty wave.  Titus bustles Brennan over to the guard and overwhelms him in a wall of words.  While Brennan is arguing.  Titus enters the barracks with the two daggers that he kept palmed throughout the whole affair.

Let the man have his bow... its an extension of his cock and the miller's daughter says he needs all the help he can get!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:02, Tue 22 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 134):

The Prison

The guard raises an eyebrow, clearly not overly amused by Titus.  Apparently not a fan of Avant Dique theatre.

He does, however, allow Brennan to bring his bow.

The prison is, from aerial view, a rough square with an open yard in the middle for prisoners to run around, be sentenced, beaten, etc.

The building is really just a hallway that runs around the yard, with a doorless archway leading into the yard on each side.  All cells and offices are on the outer side.  There are numerous guards, all city watch, but none of them are particularly aggressive.

Brennan follows Titus past several locked doors and a mix of empty and occupied cells.

You find the prisoner you seek easily, because directly across from his cell are the Katenses.  They aren't "armed" but as each is nearly seven feet tall and carrying a walking stick, it makes no matter.

The twins turn to face you as you approach, but make no comment and don't impede you in any way for the moment.

The prisoner is sleeping within on a bed of rotted straw.

He has a distinct green aura about him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:01, Tue 22 Sept 2015.

"You found one who would say?" Enrei tries to confirm as he fails to quite follow Dan's explanation, though he has no such trouble following his route dutifully.  "What kind of person are we looking for," he addresses the bit he did understand.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 136):

Flynn looks up at Enrei and smiles crookedly.

I didn't say, did I.  Once we're clear of the city, I'll tell you, but until then I'll just say it's someone dangerous.

We leave in an hour from the western gate.  Collect your things and any of your companions as want to come along. 

Flynn is about to start discussing pay, money and contracts but realizes he's talking to Enrei and thinks better of it.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 136):

Morning gentlemen.

Titus says cheerily to the Katenses.

We can spell you from here until the magistrate arrives.  He's not going to be any trouble.  Besides I told Sir Twelvepenny and I don't mind telling you... I don't think he's a witch.  Trust me, I've been accused of it enough.... go ahead, check your pocket...

He gestures to the Katense on the right.  When he does he will find a peice of paper with the name TITUS scribbled on it large childish letters.

Was... never much good at writing.

He says with a sheepish smile to the floor.

"Okay," Enrei responds to Flynn with a smile, "Where are they?" he asks after a moment, looking around curiously.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 139):

Brennan blinks and glances at Titus, hoping he had a better plan than that.

I shall have to think of something fast, if he does not.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 140):

Additionally, Flynn is planning on leaving this morning and I'm sure you boys will need to pack your stuff up.  I don't believe that Brennan will continue on with you, nor will I, so we can stay and sit vigil over the captive while we await the coming of the Inquisitors while you guys get yourselves ready for the road. 

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 141):

The Katenses exchange a glance, then turn back to look down on Brennan and Titus.

"Flynn will be here shortly to meet the inquisitors," the one on the left says in indifferent monotone.  "And to secure our reward.  As I understand it, you don't work for us anymore."

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 139):

Flynn frowns.

Now how in the dream of Heaven or Hell would I know that?

If they're coming, go fetch them, we can meet you at the gate.  If not, there affairs are none of mine.

Enrei furrows his brow as Flynn demands he fetch his friends despite nit knowing where they are.  However he quickly realizes this must be a test.  Flynn won't tell him who they're looking for because he doesn't trust Enrei's ability to find people. "I will go get them," he says, nodding his understanding to Flynn.  He turns back to town and procedes to ask everyone who will spare him the time if they have seen his three missing friends.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 144):

To be honest...

He says with an endearing smile.

I never really officially worked for you.  I was more of a 'useful hanger on' than an actual employee; and my contract runs until Flynn's company departs at which point I will choose to either join you or to strike my own path.  I'm as much Flynn's man now as I ever was.  You'll get your reward I have no interest in it.  I do feel bad for this poor sod though.


Come on... Don't be a pain in the ass.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:00, Wed 23 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 145):

"...never really officially worked for you..." the rightmost Katens repeats.  "And that's supposed to convince us to leave you with our bounty?"

The two exchange another glance.

"Talk with him all you like," the leftmost Katens says with a slight shrug.  "But until Flynn says otherwise, we guard him."

In reply to GM (msg # 146):

Brennan leaves Titus and the Katenses to their quibbling and approaches the stranger in the cell.

"Hello?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 147):

The man was either already awake or sleeping very lightly, which makes sense given he has spent all night ruminating on meeting with inquisitors in the morning.

He sits up slowly and rubs his eyes, which you can see are red and raw.

"Hello... are you... are you here for me?"

In reply to GM (msg # 148):

Brennan shuffles through all the languages he knows in rapid succession, repeating the same question and waiting for a reaction for each.

"Nod if you understand me."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:55, Thu 24 Sept 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 149):

Titus shrugs amicably.

Fair enough.  Do you mind if we get just a titch of privacy, I think I can get more honesty out of him if he doesn't have you two looming over him....


He looks them up and down

I can't say I'd blame him either.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 150):

Prison

The prisoner is bewildered, but nods.


The Katenses exchange another glance, then roll their eyes in unison.

"We'll be just down the hall singer," one replies.  "Whatever your business with him, keep it brief."

They step off down the hallway such that they're out of range of whispers but very much able to return quickly.  From the looks they give Titus, they probably expect this to be some sort of conjugal visit.

The Streets

Enrei begins roaming the streets of Thorngate randomly, looking for signs of his friends.

/OOC:  Enrei is ahead of Brennan/Titus in time so he won't find them just yet.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:23, Thu 24 Sept 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 151):

"Listen to me carefully," Brennan says to the man, using the common tongue. "You are green. Do you know what that means?"

He glances at Titus for a moment, then continues.

"So what I want to know is, can you truly see? What color am I, and what color is he?"

In reply to GM (msg # 151):

Titus sneers at the backs of the Katenses.  He slides over and kneels down by Brennan and Albert.

This is Brennan.  Brennan, Albert.

As you can see he is a friend.

Brennan, Albert had an unfortunately fatal ignition of his talent... which led to the misunderstanding with our troupe.  He can see me he already understands.  I have plans... they're not great and I'm open to anything that you may have.

Primarily, I'm going to try to get him remanded to our custody by the inquisitors.  Maybe even deputize me.  I think that could be fun *broad smile and wink*.

Failing that there are no shortage of things we can do with illusions... fake death... transformation... escape... all of those are tissue paper tenuous and far noisier than I would like.  Then Albert could meet us on our road north.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:55, Thu 24 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 153):

"Titus..." Brennan begins, then frowns. "Look, an Inquisitor needs two things to be official: a Writ of Inquisition, and a Badge of Authority. They won't deputize anybody who doesn't have those things."

Brennan lowers his voice.


"How good are your illusions when it comes to physical objects? Can they be held and moved and inspected, or are they merely ephemeral?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:59, Thu 24 Sept 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 154):

Titus stares for a moment at Brennan in slack jawed amazement, he recovers his composure.

They are ephemeral, I only impact one sense at a time.... however, I can put a gilding on something that is the appropriate size and shape.  I could try to do two but so fare attempts have been unsuccessful.

What are the chances of getting him off scott free with your clever words and my blizzard of bullshit?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:05, Thu 24 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 155):

Brennan shrugs.

"It depends a lot on who they send. Someone younger and inexperienced, we could probably handle. Someone with decades of time in the field -- who has memorized the names and territories of all operatives -- will be much harder to flummox. Especially if they, too, can see as we can."

He rummages around his possessions for something that looks to be the right shape for a Badge of Authority.

"So we'll need to be ready for Plan A, but if I give you the signal that the guy's not going to be con-able, we'll have to have an emergency Plan B in our pocket, too."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:33, Thu 24 Sept 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 156):

What will bring us the least heat?  Transformation into a demon and then flying off?

Albert, what do you think?  Are you willing to do whatever this takes?  You can join with us you will be safe there.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:12, Thu 24 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 157):

Albert listens wide-eyed, snapping his head back and forth between Titus and Brennan.

He nods enthusiastically.  "Oh yes, M'lord!  They'll kill me for sure, trial or no.  Mighty good way to motivate a man!"

He looks over Titus' shoulder at the watching Katenses.

"And... what IS the plan M'lord?"

In reply to GM (msg # 158):

The first and simplest plan is to get you remanded into Brennan's custody.  We will do this with a combination of lies, substance showmanship, and misdirection all held together with a fine mesh of bullshit.

Barring that we then escalate to more drastic means...

Brennan I think if we transform him into a demon that makes a blazing exit it will bring down the least amount of heat on us.  Plus I told the story of the 'demon' with the ravens already.  If enough people see it then it lends creedence to that story, adding to the legend of Fastbender.

So Albert, I will make you look like the background and you run like hell, being silent.  I can't cover your sound so be silent.

Should he crawl in through my window at the Frontgate?  My room is barred and people think I'm otherwise occupied.

Titus bites his lip in thought

Oh God of heaven and hell don't feel it necessary to call us in today.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 159):

"What is his... talent?" Brennan asks thoughtfully.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 160):

Albert bites his lip and whispers even more quietly.

"They accuse me of summoning animals... squirrels, snakes, stoats and the like.  And of throwing fire and venom."

He looks around, apparently still nervous.

"I'll say that all happened."

In reply to GM (msg # 161):

From where I'm standing here is what we do:

First: Attempt persuasion and trickery.

Second: Attempt extremely theatrical bullshit.  If you see me cross my hands behind my back be ready.

Assuming this works, where does he go, how do we get him out of town, how do we meet up with him?  The way I see it, you run like hell until you can blend in and then walk out of the front gate before the alarm is raised... or you come to my room at the frontgate where I disguise you and we smuggle you out the front door.

Third: We could do the obvious. 

Titus leaves a pregnant pause.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 162):

"We'd have them searching for us high and low if we did that, unless we pinned it on a patsy," Brennan says, shaking his head. "I'm hopeful that Plan A will work."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 163):

We all hope that plan A works as we prepare for another bite of the shit sandwich that is life.

Titus says both philosophically and completely unhelpful.

I think that it may be best to get you out of the city immediately.  Are you any good in the woods?  Able to hide your tracks and yourself?  If not then I'll get you out in plain sight.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 164):

Albert seems thoroughly confused.

"I've lived in the woods all my life, M'lord, if that's what you mean."

In reply to GM (msg # 165):

Thats about as good as I could have hoped for.  If you told me to go hide in the woods I'd be dead within 15 minutes.  On the other hand give me a major city and you would NEVER find me.

I think we have a plan....

First Brennan and I will try to charm them.

If that doesn't work and you see me cross my hands behind my back I want you to scream bloody murder, fall to the ground writhing and moaning in agony.  Act like you don't remember anything that happened since the event.  I'm going the demonic possession route.

If all else fails... I will drop my cloak, take it and get out of the city if you can.  Meet me on the road 10 miles North of here (wherever Brennan is directing us).  At dusk listen for my singing and join us.  Cover your tracks as best you can.

If you can't get out of the city then climb in my window at the Frontgate Tavern (he describes the location of the inn and his room).  Its barred from within, and noone expects me up.  I'll meet you and take it from there.

Are we agreed?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 166):

"If you claim a demon is possessing him, they will either kill him to release it back to the Dream or tie him up so they can talk to the possessing demon first. And then, the killing to release it part will happen afterward."

Brennan frowns.

"So the illusion has to be the demon RELEASING the man, and vanishing, leaving behind the drained, scared husk of a man who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Why, we even have the rough location of a gently used summoning circle he could direct them to... not far from that mill."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:46, Fri 25 Sept 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 167):

Titus taps a finger to his temple.

That was exactly what I was thinking.  Would having it chase me through the streets be too much?

/ooc by the by I'm keeping an eye ont he catenses to make sure they aren't edging around. /ooc.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:07, Mon 28 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 168):

"Less is more when it comes to this, I imagine."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 169):

Boo....  OK.

Albert when I cross my arms behind my back I need you to scream a strike this position until you see the 'demon' leave your body.  Then collapse to the ground lookas terrified and pathetic as you possibly can.

If I drop my cloak... then be ready with fire.

Titus strikes a pose, head thrown back, mouth and eyes wide open in a silent scream, shaking all over.

Unless you guys have anything else our foolproof, ironclad plan is ready.

Albert this is your part:

You are a frightened confused prisoner awaiting judgement by the inquisitors.  You know what you have been told that you have done but have no recollection of doing any of it.  You aren't a witch and you don't know why they would think you are.

You have found two wonderful friends that have decided to try to delay the hand of justice as other strange events have been occuring in the general area including but not limited to strange animal behavior and demon summoning.

If we are unable to get you remanded into custody; then I will cross my arms behind my back.  You are to suffer a sudden fit of demonic possesion and you are to strike this pose *he does the pose* and collapse to the ground gasping crying and acting generally terrified.  When questioned tell them you don't remember anything a day before the events you are accused of until now.

If that fails and I drop my cloak, you help us take care of entourage... then you take up my cloak and leave the city as fast as possible.  Meet us on the road north of the city at dusk, listen for my singing.

Got it?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:26, Tue 29 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 170):

Prison

"I... believe so M'lord," Albert says with a small bow.  "M'lord is clever and kind but... why do I want your cloak?"

Nearby, the Katenses stir.

In reply to GM (msg # 171):

To cover your face and clothing on the way out.  Best disguise I could give you on short notice.

He looks to Albert and then to Brennan.

Brennan what is the best way to meet and intervene with the inquisitors?  Do we just wait for them outside?

He raises his voice towards the Katenses

Just finishing up...

He says with a slightly strained voice followed by a heavy sigh.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 172):

"We could meet with them outside, but then our friend here would not be present to lend his aid to deceptions B and C. I cannot, however, find a way to arm myself without being outside first."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 173):

They wouldn't carry out judgement in here right?  They would have to take him somewhere...  I'll wait in here and plead my case walking and then you meet us outside.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 174):

"Works for me."

Having settled everything, Brennan goes outside and collects his things, but stays near the doorway.

"Waiting for my friend to finish up," he explains if the guards question him.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 175):

Prison (inside)

When it's clear the conversation is over, the Katenses move back to their positions and stand in sullen silence.


Prison (outside)

Outside, Brennan collects his quiver from the guard who shrugs.

"Free to wait," he nods.

/OOC:  Titus, where are you waiting?

In reply to GM (msg # 176):

I'll hang out by the cell or as close as I can without fighting with anyone.  I'll talk to whoever has a set of ears, whether they want to or not.

How far is the door from the cell? READ: How long would it take me to get to Brennan?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:47, Tue 29 Sept 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 177):

Prison

It isn't long before Brennan notices a pair of very conspicuous men approaching the door.

The first is dressed in a long cloak of off-white cloth.  The bottom of the cloak is splattered with mud and dust from travel so that it seems to fade from black to white at his shoulders.  Underneath the cloak are fine looking clothes that seem to fit the style of nobility, but are made of thick roughspun cloth instead of silk or lace giving the look of either mockery of such finery  or something rough and hard made to look deceptively like finery.

The man in white robe wears a helmet of boiled white leather that covers his face, neck and throat entirely, tucking into his doublet in the front and into his robes at the back.  Though Brennan looks carefully, he notices no weapons about the figure, though there are an assortment of metal and leather objects on his belt that could be weapons.

Following closely behind is a more conventional looking man, likely a soldier of some kind judging by the maille shirt and skirt, lobstered metal gauntlets, halfhelm and boiled leather pieces affixed to his shins, knees and elbows.  This man carries a sword and dagger on his belt and a shield across his back.


The pair march quickly through the dirty streets to the door of the prison.  The guard there immediately steps aside and lets them pass.

Once inside, they stop to look around until one of the Katenses waves them over, where they then march toward the cell of your new friend.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:04, Thu 01 Oct 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 178):

Titus takes a deep breath and stands, watching them come towards him.  Each step they take towards him his heart beats faster and faster.  He takes a deep breath to still himself.

He positions himself by the Katenses his face a mask of polite respect.  He looks the newcomers up and down as they walk towards him.

[Illusions: Fail]

SHIT!  I haven't been this nervous since I was twelve.  They aren't down here yet.  Here goes nothing....

Titus reaches back after visibly calming himself

[Illusions: 2x7]

14:21, Today: Titus Blackwell rolled 28 using 5d10 ((1,3,10,7,7)).

THERE WE GO!

Albert's face suddenly looks more haggard, and there are deep trails of tears from eyes.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:28, Thu 01 Oct 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 179):

Brennan watches the pair enter the jail with a sinking feeling in his gut.

Two of them, one a paladin-in-training. Combat is looking less and less appealing...

He glances around in the hopes of maybe spying Enrei or Uldaf just happening by.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:03, Thu 01 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 180):

In the Prison

The man in white stops suddenly and turns his head slowly from the Katenses to Titus to Albert.  Through the eyeslits in his leather helmet, you can sense a fiercely intense gaze.

"This here's the witch," one Katense offers with a wave of his massive hand.

Albert's only reaction is to look even more dour.

The man in white nods silently and focuses his attention on Albert.  "You were wise to alert us," he agrees, "and your loyalty to the King shall be noted."  His voice is raspy but strong.

He gestures and the man in armor.  "Go find the jailer and bring the key."  The man nods and stalks off.

The Inquisitor turns from Albert.

"Tell me now, what transpired.  How you found this man and how you brought him here."

It is absolutely not a question.

/OOC:  The Katenses will respond but I'll give a chance for Titus to interject because I KNOW he wants to.

Outside

Nothing much here.

In reply to GM (msg # 181):

Titus quails slightly at the man's gaze.  However, still has the wherewithal to upstage the Katenses.

Tough crowd...

I would like to interject, alleged witch.  I have spoken to this man at length and gathered his account as well as the account of my comrades.  They allege that this man was calling animals, spewing venom, and casting fireballs from his hands.  In all honesty, I'm a master of prestidigitation, the art of making things appear magic and I believe this man is no more of a witch than I am.

Titus holds up a sheet of flashpaper and blatantly crumples it in his hand.  It bursts into (an illusion enhanced) fireball and he throws it into an empty cell beside him.

FlashPaper, from an alchemist.  Nothing more.  As far as the animals are concerned I have a witness outside who would vouch that we have been beset upon by birds in a small village to the south.  The whole village will back up our claim.  This man was no where near that village.  I have also heard rumors of a demon with faint purple skin, white hair and three breasts being seen in that village.  When going to the epicenter of the murder of crows I did catch glimpses of something... though I wouldn't go as far as saying I saw the demon.

Additionally we have found some strange runic structure near a mill about a day's journey from here.  My witness can tell you more he is extremely...credible.  As I believe he is one of your order, he seems to know a great deal about these sorts of things.

I believe this man is solely a victim of wrong place... wrong time, and is only guilty of the most horrendous luck.  Look at him, he's pathetic.  And scared.  Does this look like a man who can conjure fireballs, venom and weasels at will?

He turns to the Katenses

Did this man attempt to escape while in your custody?  Did he make any threats?  Did he do anything magical at all?  Did he do anything while Sir Twelvepenny was on duty?  Or did he sit there looking wretched and sobbing to himself like he is now?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 182):

Prison

The Katenses mirror one another's stubborn frown.

"He didn't try nothing stupid," one agrees.  "We beat that out of him good."

They then repeat their version of events, albeit quickly and with no embellishment or style.

The man in white clasps his hands slowly in front of him and speaks in a calm voice, though still with confidence and a distinct raspy quality.

"I appreciate your concern," he says to Titus.  "Certainly I have no desire to inconvenience an innocent man and I do not take the burden of proof lightly."  He pauses, then turns to the Katenses.  "I will take this man into my custody and provide him a fair trial.  You will be paid either way for your efforts."

He gestures to the door.  One of the Katenses nods and stomps off to find the jailer for the keys.

Outside

From where he stands, Brennan can see that the initiate, inquisitor, Titus and the Katenses are talking but he cannot see much else.

From a large alley, an old woman approaches with a large cart filled to overflowing with apples.  Mostly red but some are green.

She stops a few paces from the entrance to the prison and appears to be setting up to sell her wares.

In reply to GM (msg # 183):

Titus watches the Katense (singular?) go get the jailer.

Where would this trial take place and when?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 184):

Brennan watches the proceedings for a short while, then turns to look at the apple vendor.

Good a way as any to appear nonchalant. Also... who sells apples outside a prison?

He glances in her direction and waves a greeting.

"Good morning, miss," Brennan begins, waving toward the different varieties. "What've you got there, and at what price?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:57, Mon 05 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 185):

Prison

"I shall conduct my questioning on the road.  Such things take time to suss out the truth."

The jailer returns with the Katense and unlocks the door.  The armored man steps inside and hauls Albert to his feet.  The man looks pleadingly at Titus.

The inquisitor looks at the Katense twins.  "Your reward."  He reaches under his long cloak and withdraws a small leather pouch, which he hands over.

"You," he says looking at Titus.  "Are free to follow along for the proceedings, if you wish."

/OOC:  Next move is going to be for armored guy to lead Albert out of the cell, down the hall and out the door.  If you want to interrupt, go ahead.

Outside Prison

"For a strapping young man like yourself," she answers with a smile, "the first taste is free.  If you like what you find, a penny a bushel will suffice."

In reply to GM (msg # 186):

"I'll buy that bushel, sight unseen," Brennan says, handing her a penny. He quickly hauls the bushel a few dozen paces from the cart, sets an apple on top of it, runs back to the perfect vantage point, draws his bow, and aims at the apple.

OOC: Ok, he's aiming PAST the apple, and at the area directly in front of the jailhouse door, but the applemonger wouldn't know that right?

"Would you like to see a trick, m'lady?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 187):

I think I'll do just that.

He falls into step behind the inquisitors acting in deference and ensuring that they would leave the jail first.

Where will this trial take place?  Will it occur on the road?  Who would be the judge? 
He tries to appear merely interested as he walks behind them.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:11, Mon 05 Oct 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 188):

In the Prison

"Don't think of it as a trial," the Inquisitor rasps calmly.  "The idea is merely to get to know the man and be satisfied that he is not a threat to himself or others."

Outside the Prison

The guard at the door, far more alert now than he seemed before, steps aside and keeps his mouth shut as first the armored initiate and Albert walk through, then the Inquisitor, then Titus.

/OOC:  The guard forgets himself for the moment, and will not offer Titus' weapons back unless Titus asks.

Nearby, an old woman with a cart full of apples watches Brennan, who is apparently engaging in target practice at a bushel of apples set on the ground between himself and the prison door.

/OOC:  Reactions before they wonder if you're pointing at them?

In reply to GM (msg # 189):

As Titus walks out he directly approaches the guard.

My effects.

He holds his hand out expectantly as he straps on his belt and makes some of the daggers disappear. His hand strays briefly to the neck of his cloak he takes a steadying breath and goes about straightening himself up.

My friend over there is Brennan.  The witness that I had spoken to you about.  He had mentioned something of a badge of authority?  May I see yours?

Out of the people who are remanded into your custody, how many of them do you deem not a threat? 


Titus waves friendly at Brennan

/OOC you have NO idea how tempting it is to just out of hand rain death on the this group.../ooc

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 190):

"My, but you're a cautious one."

The Inquisitor turns slowly to face Titus.  With one hand he draws back one side of his robe to reveal a small round symbol made of a pure white material affixed to his left breast.  He allows the robe to fall back into place.


"And this witness, he can speak to this man's account?"

In reply to GM (msg # 191):

Beads of sweat form on Brennan's brow as he considers his shot, accounting for the distance, the wind, and even the humidity as his highly evolved mind makes sweeping calculations and adjustments in nanoseconds.

I'll bet he thinks he's so special, flashing his fancy badge like that. I'll bet it's gone to his head... but fortunately, a big head is a big target.

He glares at the Inquisitor, tenses his muscles, and twitches his fingertips, releasing the shaft toward destiny.

[Archery: 10, 2x10, 3x1]

The arrow thrums through the air like an angry hornet, and buries itself in its target's flesh with a sickening THUMP. The impact site squelches, splattering limp, ragged bits of blood-red skin everywhere.

"Bullseye!" Brennan exclaims, triumphantly holding up the skewered apple before using the arrow as a handle to bite directly into the crisp, delicious fruit. He then shoulders his bow and walks over toward Titus and the others, still munching on his apple-on-a-stick casually.

"What's all this about?" he says once the distance is less awkward. He glances at Titus meaningfully. "I'd have thought my associate would have explained things by now. Why's the wretch still in chains?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Mon 05 Oct 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 191):

One can never be too cautious in these days...

he says scrutinizing the circular badge and affixing the design into his mind. 

I have tried to explain to them... however they seem intent on taking him with them.  They would like to observe him on the road.  I have seen his badge and I have every reason to believe it is real.

Brennan has experienced the demonic attacks that I have and may elaborate using what I believe to be more your vocabulary.  Mine is a language of the heart, his of the head.  He can speak on this man's behalf.  I'm but a humble storyteller but I would say all indications are that you are looking for a demon... not a man.

He looks over his shoulder at the Katenses.

You have now gotten your reward.  If you would send my regrets to Flynn and let him know that I will be striking my own path.  Also let him know that when he sees me in future to not make himself a stranger and I would very much like to work with him again should our paths cross.

With a smart pivot he thus attempts to dismiss the Katenses.

And here I was expecting to find seething zealots out of a story.  One could ALMOST convince me they are human. 
This message was last edited by the player at 20:32, Mon 05 Oct 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 193):

"Of course it's real, my friend. Just look at him. Bleached leather, staunchly starched robes, the, er, let's call it the toolbelt in polite company, shall we?, and the loyal paladin... it's all on the level," Brennan says, tossing both arrow and apple behind him without a backward glance. "What've I told you about demeaning authority by badging them?"

His admonishing tone quickly becomes explainatory instead of reproachful.

"But then, I've also told you to never be too careful, so what's done is done."

He walks up to Inquisitor and shakes his hand, requited or otherwise.

"The name's Otthild. At-large field agent. I've been tracking one the Dream's more elusive terrors for months, and I fear our friend here has become the subject of an all-too-common misunderstanding. I've seen it many times, of late."

Brennan smiles, then recounts a longer tale of the demon's exploits, appearance, comings/goings/sightings, and so on, complete with details on the several other poor peasants and farmers he'd been forced to extricate from similarly sticky scenarios.

"So, by all means, let's examine the man," Brennan finishes. "But let's do it here, while he's close to home. We'll eventually release him, given that he's not a witch, and the greater kindness is to spare him a troublesome journey heaped on top of the already not inconsequential bother he's been put through."

"Of course, if you're in a hurry, there's no need to trouble yourself. I can handle the investigation myself and write it up nice and proper with the rest of this month's news when I next report in, and you can be on your way. I'd even give you credit where due, for coming all this way to investigate it. Speaks highly of your character, moral fiber, and sense of duty. Worth a commendation, I'd say."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:46, Mon 05 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 194):

While the Katenses retreat down the street, the Inquisitor studies Brennan carefully.

"If you are At Range I presume you have your orders about you?"  He sticks out one gloved hand.

/OOC:  For expediency, presuming Brennan turns over his writ.

The Inquisitor studies the paper for a moment, then returns it.

"Very well.  I believe I saw the perfect spot to talk on our walk here.  You may accompany us and perhaps tell us more of the accused and this other man who would speak on his behalf.  In what capacity have you known them?"

The Inquisitor begins to march through the trodden dirt, the paladin close on his heels leading Albert by the elbow.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 194):

Titus immediately picks up on Brennan's game and looks at his feet shuffling them back and forth embarrassed.  Even half mumbling an apology.

Sorry sir, I didn't mean nothing by it....

Titus plays at being properly chastised as he follows them quietly but closely.

When Brennan takes his writ back from the inquisitor he notices the note has changed significantly.  At an angle that only he can read it says (silently):



(the 'T' is, of course, highly stylized)
This message was last edited by the player at 12:43, Tue 06 Oct 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 196):

"That works well for me, provided the location is nearby. I'm eager to attend to more pressing duties than putting a falsely accused man to the question. Please, lead the way."

Brennan glances at the writ before returning it to his pocket, and shakes his head at Titus.

By the dreams, now is not the time. Perhaps once we are not in the center of the township, we'll have more leeway to act... if we cannot clear him outright, that is. If he was going to ask for the badge, by rights he would have done so by now.

"As I mentioned, I've been hunting that dread demon for quite some time. Wherever it ravaged the countryside, some poor peasant was strung up by the locals for witchcraft in response. Only a handful actually deserved such a fate, and I've come to be quite hesitant to believe the accusations of the locals as a result. You can speak with the man yourself, of course, and you will likely come to the same conclusion I did. He poses no threat, and wields no power, and just wants to go home. The mob needed blood to sate their appetite for revenge, and the locking this man up sated the fear that was running rampant through his village in the wake of the demonic attack."

Brennan nods toward Titus.

"I chanced upon this man on the road, who is possessed of a marvelous memory. I've found it useful enough to have him accompany me, the better to memorize interviews for my reports. He can tell you more about the interactions we've had with this man surrounding the incident, and I defer to his recollection of the events for the present. You'll hear similar from the accused once we reach our destination, and you'll see -- as I did -- that it all squares nicely."

"Tell him, boy," Brennan orders Titus, his voice taking on a strangely comfortable-sounding imperious tone. "Tell him exactly what you told me."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:25, Tue 06 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 197):

Uhhhh.... Yessir.

Titus says slowly slipping into the role of nervous scribe.  Brennan can see that he is smiling his mischevious smile.

Uncertain memorization savant monkey you want?  That's exactly what you'll get.

Well it all started when I was at my cousins inn down south a ways.  I was entertaining this group of people, see I have a really good singing voice.

He begins a maddeningly tedious and detailed account of his initial meeting with Brennan.  Detailing exact conversations, clothing, accessories, even backtracking to correct himself on some minor point.  Until, finally, Brennan at his most imperious cuffs him behind an ear.

Move on boy.  To the relevant parts. 

Titus bobs his head thoroughly chastised.

Yes sir...

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 198):

The Inquisitor makes little comment as he leads the group through the larger streets of Thorngate, now beginning to fill with the first bleery-eyed shopkeeps and out-of-towners wanting breakfast before heading out.

He turns without hesitation at each junction, clearly knowing exactly where he wants to go and you soon find yourself in a large junkyard of sorts filled with irregular bricks, broken timbers, shattered pottery and staves from broken barrels.  Likely, once the sun is down, all manner of riff-raff will descend once again to pick over the broken bits for scraps, but for now there is almost nobody around.

The Inquisitor halts and turns slowly on his heel.  You are all standing in a relatively clear area about twenty feet in diameter in an alley between the wall of a large brick building with no windows on one side and the city wall on the other.

The way you came in is strewn with debris and quickly thins to a passage where only one man can pass at a time without climbing.  Opposite this is a heap of lumber and brick ten feet high.

The Inquisitor allows Titus to ramble, and gestures for the paladin to seat Albert on a log at the edge of the clearing.

"This, I believe, is suitable," he notes, placing one gloved hand on Albert's shoulder.  He gives the paladin a look and then gestures to Brennan with his off hand.

"It is fortunate we ran into you, Ranger.  I did not expect the appearance of this other one."  He points at Titus.  "But you may assist, it will give me a chance to evaluate you as well."

"He's a witch,"  He says with a flick of his wrist at Titus.  "Kill him."

COMBAT

Disposition:  You are in a clearing roughly 20 feet in diameter.  To the West is a single-story brick building with no windows and tiled roof.  To the East is the city wall.  To the north is a 10-foot high pile of heavy debris, and to the south is a thin path leading out.

Albert is seated with the Inquisitor standing behind him at the southern "exit".  The paladin is between them and Titus/Brennan.  Nobody has a weapon drawn except Brennan but he has no arrow.

Titus, due to your high COORD, you can react to the situation before the first full combat round.  This must be something quick, like drawing a weapon, diving prone, screaming, throwing something already in your hand, etc.  You do not get a move or a full attack yet.

In reply to GM (msg # 199):

Suddenly things get very interesting indeed.

With a half smirk Titus dramatically dives to the left.

With a face twisted in rage Titus Titus darts to the right

With his face a mask of fear Titus falls to the ground covering his head with his hands.

With his face grim and determined Titus charges at the Paladin

With a shocked look on his face Titus turns tail and runs

Another Titus stands arms folded and a wolf's grin on his face this Titus unfastens his cloak and lets it blow away behind him.

You want a witch?  I'll show you a witch!

Min don't fail me now!

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 200):

"What witchery is this?!"

Brennan nocks an arrow but keeps the bow pointing at the ground as he makes a show of not knowing which Titus to target.

"I'll cover the exit," he says, moving over to stand in front of the narrow passage leading into and out of the junkyard. "Now... which one's the real one..."

He does nothing else but look from Titus to Titus. His mind, however, is busily calculating the shot necessary to punch an arrow through the Inquisitor's left eye socket.

AIM action, targeting Inquisitor
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 201):

The defiant Titus pulls out a glowing red bracelet and slowly and deliberately puts it on.

The fearful Titus scurries towards the nearest cover

The Angry Titus draws a sword and acrobatically dives to engage the Paladin.  This Titus moves like a snake and dodges every swing the Paladin will take at him.

The shocked Titus makes it to the pile of debris and begins to climb like an acrobat

The Titus to the left and right both roll as they hit the dirt, are back on their feet, each has a knife in hand.  They run in a pincers motion towards Albert and the Inquisitor giving the paladin a wide birth.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:55, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 202):

As soon as the bracelet is in place on the Defiant Titus suddenly glowing bracelets appear on the forearms of each other Titus.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 203):

There is a bright flash from somewhere, and an odd pulsing sensation washes over Titus and Brennan.

The Inquisitor seems not to notice.  He steps back to put Albert between himself and harm, ignoring Brennan for the moment. 

The paladin draws his sword and steps forward, looking quickly back and forth between the options in front of him, not totally sure which to slash at, but certainly more wary of the ones running at him with knives.

The Inquisitor reaches under his cloak with his free hand and withdraws a small object that looks like a sac made of leather attached to a long needle.

A Titus closes in on the Paladin from two sides while more Titus' roll around, scurry or taunt randomly.

Combat Round

A pair of Titus' flank the Paladin while a few more stand further off.  Both Inquisitor and Paladin are now armed.

In reply to GM (msg # 204):

The Titus that the inquisitor is looking at smiles as he cautiously slides to the ground next to Albert and with a deft slice cuts the bonds from the poor man.

Smug bastard.  You think you have me all figured out....

[Coord+Dodge: 2x5; 2x4]

In case you missed your cue this is where you are supposed to make with the fire and weasels... there have got to be a shitton of rats in this hellhole.

The 3 background Titus' get sucked into the defiant Titus with a disturbing vision of them scrabbling for purchase on the ground.  The defiant Titus aims the bracelet at the paladin and a solid red mist flows from the bracelet to encompasses his head.

The other Titus keeps him involved in whatever melee he is able perform.

The Titus swinging from behind the inquisitor plunges his dagger deep into the inquisitor's right arm

[Melee+Body: location 3, 2x10; 2x5]

Turns out you don't know me at all.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:31, Sun 11 Oct 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 205):

Brennan snaps his attention to his true target, letting the arrow fly and drawing a second almost immediately afterward, without even looking to see if the arrow connected.

[Archery + Coordination: 2, 2x8, 2x7, 2x2]


The arrow buries itself into the Inquisitor's left leg, and Brennan notes that the blood streaming from the man's right arm and left leg give the pristine white garments the appearance of a jester's motley.

"By the dream!" Brennan exclaims with feigned outrage. "The witch can wrest control of projectiles! Be careful!"

Graduation day. Not how I pictured it, but it will have to do. Besides... I can't risk him detecting my own gifts as he did Titus's.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:55, Wed 14 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 206):

Titus responds to the shot by laughing maniacally.

TRY THAT AGAIN ARCHER AND I'LL PUT IT THROUGH HIS EYE!

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 206):


Titus slides deftly to one side and cuts the ropes from Albert's wrists in one stroke.

The Inquisitor growls angrily and jabs the bulb into Albert's neck.

Immediately after this, Brennan looses an arrow that goes clear through the Inquisitor's leg.  He yells and falls to his knee.

A second Titus attempts to rush past the paladin to stab the Inquisitor.  Unfortunately, the paladin is far faster and cuts at him with his sword, hacking easily into the singer's head (4 Shock, 3 Killing to head).  Blood sprays across the Inquisitor.  Titus falls to the ground, dead.

Something shifts...

There is only one Titus, there only ever was one Titus...

Titus slides deftly to one side and cuts the ropes from Albert's wrists in one stroke.

The paladin swings for him, and manages to clip his head, slicing one ear off (1 Killing, 1 shock, Head)

The Inquisitor growls angrily and jabs the bulb into Albert's neck.

Immediately after this, Brennan looses an arrow that goes clear through the Inquisitor's leg.  He yells and falls to his knee.

Albert gets an intense gaze in his eyes, and there is a stirring in the piles of refuse around you.

Combat Round

The Inquisitor is down, his left leg is totally useless.  He is still holding the syringe but it's unclear how much of whatever it was got into Albert.

The paladin is standing, armed and very angry.

Brennan is still standing at the rear, though the Paladin is looking at him with equal menace as Titus.

Titus is right in front of Albert, with the Paladin behind him and the Inquisitor in front of him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:40, Wed 14 Oct 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 208):


Titus looks shocked and distraught as a piece of his ear falls off.

Son of a bitch...

Can you move?

He asks albert.

/ooc waiting for Albert's response before I do a thing. /ooc

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 209):

Albert nods, "Aye M'lord".  His speech is slurred, however.

/OOC:  Reciting the Gettysburg address is a free action
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:00, Wed 14 Oct 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 210):

"Don't you DARE glare at me like that," Brennan snaps at the paladin. "It's not my fault you're unblooded, and it's certainly not my fault that this pair of witches has gummed up the air currents around here."

His tone softens.

"We aren't going to die here, friend. Hopefully the blinding pain associated with the drugs and the sword will make it harder from them to affect this shot. I'll switch to melee if the shaft goes wild. Now do you job, paladin -- with a smile, if you can. You won't be an Unblooded after this day is done."

Brennan doesn't bother to AIM this time, instead opting to loose a shot directly at the angry paladin's sputtering face.

[Archery: 3, 2x7, 2x3, 2x2]

OOC: Remove the 2x2 to adjust aiming DOWN to take out his leg, too. Archers hate it when their targets have legs. Keep the 2x7 as primary and 2x3 as backup.


"Geez... I am so, so sorry, Brennan grimaces, even as he strings another arrow. "What're the odds that would happen twice in a row?"

His eyes sparkle dangerously as he glares at Titus and Albert.

"Don't worry. I'll make them pay for this."

Go ahead, walk it off. I'll wait.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Wed 14 Oct 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 210):

Get away from that asshole.

/ooc Wasn't that the opening line of the Gettysburg address?

He gestures to the inquisitor on one knee.

We can out maneuver him now and that paladin is our greatest threat.

With that Titus resumes his assault...

Awww that's so cute... I'm putting the next arrow directly into your leg!  Then I'll kill the ranger and then I'll make you watch as I slowly torture your friend, just to make sure that it sinks in exactly how poorly you have failed him.

So sad to see you done in by the first witch you encounter.

He falls back into a handspring to get himself away from the both the inquisitor and the paladin falling into his normal pattern of acrobatics flipping away with preternatural speed

[Dodge Paladin: 4x6]
[Dodge Inquisitor: 2x9]

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 212):

The Paladin shifts to a two-handed grip on his sword and takes a mighty swing at Titus.  The blow likely would have hacked Titus in half, but the man moves with speed that is simply, inhuman and is able to limbo neatly out of the way.

"Witch filth!" the paladin spits at him.  The insult gives way to a holler of pain as Brennan's next arrow buries itself in his left thigh.  Unlike the Inquisitor, however, though his leg is just as damaged, he refuses to fall to his knees.

From every nook and cranny, rats, mice and worse vermin scuttle and clambor.  They boil en masse out of the rubbish and begin to swarm up the paladin's legs.

"What is this?"  he yells.

The Inquisitor, still on one knee, begins to move back the way you came, using logs and other debris that jut out as handholds to drag his destroyed leg.

From somewhere under his long cloak, a thick white smoke is beginning to to billow...

Combat Round

Albert is now standing beside Brennan, though he's looking woozy.

The paladin is within striking distance of Titus, Brennan and Albert but he'll be slowed by the fact that he's only got one leg to stand on and that leg is currently being swarmed by vermin.

The Inquisitor is a half standard movement away on his knees with smoke coming out from under his cloak at an alarming rate.

In reply to GM (msg # 213):

Titus gives the paladin a lopsided smile.

I told you.  Next one in your leg.

COME AT ME RANGER!  NONE OF YOU CAN TOUCH ME!

Gesturing over at the inquisitor on the ground.

HEY!  YOU THERE!  STOP SMOKING ITS CREEPY!

With that Titus flicks a knife into his face

[Perform+Coord: location 10 2x8 (backed up by 2x1)]

He resumes his dance with the paladin tumbling away from the inquisitor.
[Perform+Coord: 2x10 (backed up by 2x7) to dodge paladin]

Are you sure you guys aren't the witches?
This message was last edited by the player at 13:18, Thu 15 Oct 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 214):

Brennan looses another shaft, this one at the Inquisitor.

[Archery: 4, 2x3, 2x1]


You're not getting away.

He lowers his bow, dismayed as the shaft plows through the injured Inquisitor's arm.

"How is he DOING that?!"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 215):

I ride the winds!  I know the name of all things.  You are no match for me.

Yield Paladin and I may be merciful.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:10, Thu 15 Oct 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 216):

The cloud of smoke around the Inquisitor grows and thickens, concealing him in curling white clouds.

Brennan still manages to put an arrow into his arm, but now he doesn't need to feel as bad about missing the man's head.  Whatever the Inquisitor was planning to do, the shock of getting hit again puts an end to it.  He continues to crawl toward Brennan, though much more slowly.  Brennan is forced to back up to stay ahead of the man.

Titus flicks a dagger at the Pladin, which dings loudly off of his halfhelm, but still draws blood (2 Killing, Head)

The Paladin grits his teeth.

"At least I'll take one of you beasts with me!"

He turns on his good heel and swings at the swooning Albert, hacking into his arm and drawing blood (3 Killing, 3 Shock R. Arm).  Albert screams and topples over like a sack of potatoes.

The vermin begin to scurry away.

Combat Round

The Inquisitor (and Brennan) are in a thick cloud of smoke.  -2d for any attacks into or within.  As the smoke is between Brennan and Titus/Albert/Paladin, he will have the same penalty to shoot at them.

The Inquisitor has lost the use of his leg and one arm.

The paladin has lost the use of one leg and has 2 killing to head.

Albert is on the ground, bleeding and unconscious.  3 Killing/shock R. Arm

In reply to GM (msg # 217):

Titus attempts to do more of his acrobatics but he stumbles over his feet and his knife sails wide.

/ooc all of this agonizing over what to do and I fail it all.... /ooc

[Everything: Fail]

UPDATE: The one good thing Titus does is to stumble into the covering smoke.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Thu 15 Oct 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 217):

Brennan backs away from the Inquisitor, fearful of the man's horrible syringe, and raises his bow again.

[Archery (penalized): 5, 2x8]


"I... didn't want to do this," he says to the Inquisitor quietly, the bravado gone from his voice as he recognizes the pitiful state of his foe after yet another arrow burrows into his flesh. "You're everything I wanted to be, once. But these witches know something about the Dream. Something big. Something terrible."

He nocks another arrow, knowing this to be a battle to the death.

"I tell you true, there's a horrible demon stalking this world, and you won't stop it by killing the witches. We have to learn from them. We have figure out exactly what's coming, what it wants, and how to stop it. But you didn't want to talk to these people about that. You wanted to execute them. That's not... that's now how it should be done."

Brennan looks down at the Inquisitor sadly.

"I am sorry it has to end this way."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Thu 15 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 219):

Perhaps fortunately for the floundering Titus, the Paladin was not planning on doing anything to him this round.  Instead, he steps to the downed Albert and delivers a killing stroke to his head.  The poor man's skull is more crushed than sliced.  Likely this paladin needs to sharpen his sword some.

There is a shimmering of Albert's aura, but it doesn't fully disperse from him.

The paladin hefts his blade from the corpse with a wet sucking sound.

"Now you, scum..." he indicates to Titus, blood trickling from his helmet.

The smoke around the Inquisitor continues to thicken.  Somehow, Brennan lands an arrow direct in his target (Torso 5 killing, 5 shock).  The smoke swirls and envelops Brennan along with the Inquisitor.

"You know NOTHING," the man chokes out as he crumples to one hand.  "NOTHING of what is coming..."

He falls to the dirt but somehow, improbably, continues to pull himself with one arm and one leg... albeit very slowly.

Combat Round

Titus is near the Paladin, both in striking distance.

On the ground, Albert is quite dead.

Brennan and the Inquisitor are in a cloud of smoke so thick you cannot see in or out.  Within the smoke is a -2d penalty for all actions requiring sight.  From outside, or to shoot at something outside, you're basically just guessing.

The Inquisitor has lost the use of his leg and one arm.  He also has a punctured lung.  He is crawling feebly but can't do much else.

The paladin has lost the use of one leg and has 2 killing to head.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:07, Fri 16 Oct 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 220):

NOOOOOOOOO


Titus screams with unironic anguish.

His face goes dark as anger crosses his features.  As if from nowhere a knife blossoms from the Paladin's chest

[Coord+Perform attack: 4x8]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:20, Fri 16 Oct 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 221):

"So tell me, then," Brennan says, nocking another arrow and AIMING at the Inquisitor's head. "What's coming, and how does killing a rat whisperer help?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 222):

Titus tumbles backwards in the smoke to the entrance of the junkyard and pulls up next to the one standing figure... presumably Brennan.

[Coord + perform dodge: 4x8]

You Fucker.

He says calmly to the paladin as he moves into the smoke.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:23, Fri 16 Oct 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 223):

The paladin lunges at Titus with a growl, but ends up hitting only air with a knife in his chest for his troubles (3 Killing, torso).

Titus then ducks into the smoke.  The paladin follows as best he can, being injured and all.

"Run away little rat!" he calls.

/OOC:  from now on, let's take time to draw weapons, such as daggers, before we throw them :P

Brennan holds off on attacking the still slowly crawling Inquisitor.

He props himself up on one elbow as best he can.

"I'll tell the traitor nothing.  But know this... we've SEEN you now..."

Combat Round

Everyone is in the thickening smoke now... and it's getting even harder to find anyone or anything.

Inside the cloud as you are, all actions that require sight are at -3d and you cannot see anything outside the cloud or more than 10' away.

Brennan can see the Inquisitor.

Titus can see Brennan, Paladin and Inquisitor.

The Inquisitor is helpless.

The paladin has lost the use of one leg and has 2 killing to head and 3 to torso.

In reply to GM (msg # 224):

"If loyalty means more to you than saving innocent lives from a demon, that perversion is on your soul, not mine," Brennan says simply. "They've seen me, have they? Good. They've been blind for far too long. By the dream, I even hope they're watching now. That way they understand what happens to Inquisitors who have forgotten their intended purpose -- to protect the people from the ravages of the Dream. I'm going to fix that... and you've finally given me the means to do so properly. Make peace with your soul, sir."

He steadies his aim, gives the man a few seconds to pray or swear or otherwise brace himself to the end, and then executes the Inquisitor with his bow.

[Coup de Grace]

Brennan then quickly walks over to the dead man and retrieves the badge of office before remembering there was another component to consider.

Wait... where did that paladin run off to? I've lamed him, so he can't have gone far.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:25, Fri 16 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 225):

Titus projects his voice

Follow me into my realm paladin!  Smoke and shadows.  You have insulted me twice now.  You will die for it.  Let the knife in your chest bear the agony of Albert until you are banished to the dream of hell!

Titus tumbles backwards, placing himself between the paladin and Brennan and draws his sword.

I'll cross steel with you... you are in my world now.

[Coord + Dodge: 3x2]

/ooc I have been taking multi-action penalties to draw with every attack.  This is what happens when your coordination is crazy bonkers superhuman./ooc

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 226):

/OOC:  Comment withdrawn.

From somewhere in the smoke, the Paladin appears to Titus as a faint outline.

Despite his injuries and the thick smoke, he manages a lucky slice at Titus.  Perhapse using his sword as a walking stick, he manages to lay it upon Titus' Right Arm.

"THERE YOU ARE!" he roars.  Drawing the blade back quickly, he opens a small gash (2 Shock, 1 Killing to R. Arm).

Elsewhere, Brennan finishes the Inquisitor and crouches down over him.

The badge is sewn into the Inquisitor's jerkin.  Brennan has the choice of either cutting it off or taking the man's clothes.

Combat Round

Only the paladin remains standing and is engaged with Titus.

Brennan is lost in the smoke a few paces away tending to a dead Inquisitor (if you want to just cut it off, that wouldn't take any extra time and you can act normally this round.  If you want to strip him down, that WILL take a while.)

In reply to GM (msg # 227):

Titus assumes an overly elaborate fighting stance used for some of the best scenes in "The defense of Losthelm".  He lashes out occasionally but continues to give ground towards where Brennan is located.  He is not so much fighting the paladin as giving the impression that he is fighting the paladin and losing ground.

I can't go toe to toe with this guy indefinitely... where the hell is Brennan?

[Coord+Perform: to shadowbox: 2x4 to dodge]

In reply to GM (msg # 227):

Brennan sighs and tugs at the badge for a moment, frowning at its resilience.

I don't really want to damage it... and this smoke's got to go.

He closes his eyes and whispers something to wind.

[The Name of the Wind: 2x6]


The breeze responds, blowing the smoke sideways (NOT UPWARD) such that Brennan, Titus, and the paladin are in the eye of the hurricane of smoke, so to speak.

"It's over," Brennan says to the paladin. "Lower your weapons, if you value your life. The world needs men of your character to defend it from the demons pressing onward. This false Inquisitor couldn't see that, and has paid for his blindness. A new day is dawning, and the Dream's darker denizens are approaching to ravage the world. We require everyone's help to defend ourselves. Even many whom you would call witches."

He motions to Titus.

"You'll forgive my colleague. Any man will defend himself when placed in a corner and told to fight for his life. Two lives have been claimed. Need there be another?"

Brennan nods toward his bow.

"Because I assure you, I know who the third will be if you are unable to set aside your arrogance and be reasonable."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:03, Mon 19 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 229):

Titus works a smile into his elaborate dance and does not break stride.

He's pure poison with that bow.  I promise you.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 230):

The paladin lunges at a shadow and swings far wide of Titus, hacking a chuck off of a log in the nearby debris.

The wind picks up and soon enough Brennan, Titus, the paladin and the corpse of the Inquisitor are in a clear enough spiral of air with smoke all around.

The paladin looks down at the Inquisitor then back up.

"The true poison here are your friends words," the paladin sneers at Titus.  "An open mind is as a fortress with it's gate unbarred and unguarded.  I have already made my peace with this Dream, have you?"

He shows no signs of a decrease in desire to remove your head from your body.

Combat Round

In reply to GM (msg # 231):

You have?  EXCELLENT!  Why have you made it so hard?!

You see I still have a lot to catch up to in this dream thing, and if you're ready then why don't we send you along and I'll catch up!

Titus places himself firmly between the paladin and Brennan.

[Body + Melee to keep the paladin off of the squishy archer: 2x10]

You are in the eye of the storm paladin.  Thus ends your story.

This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Mon 19 Oct 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 232):

"A fortress is wasted if it protects only the builder," Brennan replies evenly. "You have wasted your life, sir. I do not fear the Dream, nor do I wish peace with it. I mean to defend myself against it, and against the ignorance that prevents others from doing the same."

[Archery: 6, 3x7, 2x4]


OOC: Sacrificing the 2x4 to raise targeting to 7, torso.

The bow sings once more, merciless, and Brennan's mouth twists into a sad expression.

"I did warn you."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:49, Mon 19 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 233):

Titus dodges with supernatural speed, but this is apparantly not enough for the raw seething hatred the Paladin is able to put behind his blade.  He hacks into Titus' arm once again, this time catching his Left (3 Killing, 3 Shock.  Arm is now disabled).

Brennan's bow thrums.

The paladin now sports an arrow from one leg and from his breast beside a short dagger.  The blood on his temple drips down to mingle with that of his other wounds.

His breath is coming ragged and he has a terrible limp.  Still, he refuses to yield.

Combat Round

The paladin now has lost the use of one leg, has 2 killing to head and 7 killing/5 shock to torso.  He's not going to survive long but he refuses to give up.

In reply to GM (msg # 234):

"Tit-," Brennan gasps as the actor suffers a terrible wound. "-us!"

He nocks another arrow and takes a few steps backward.

"Back away from him. He cannot reach me in time."

[Archery: 10, 5x4]


Barring complications, the arrow flies swift and true toward the paladin's head.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 235):

Titus hisses in pain as he dodges the paladin again and turns it into a foot race.

[Coord+Dodge: 2x10]

No fancy quips... this is now survival...

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 236):

Titus begins his fancy moves once more, swiftly anticipating his opponent's moves.

Until he notices that his opponent is NOT moving, just standing very still while a thin trickle of blood runs down his forehead from that gaping wound the arrow made as it pierced clear through the man.

With a satisfying thump, the paladin becomes acquainted with the ground.

END COMBAT

/OOC:  Half shock damage taken is removed (or all of it for Titus).

Both opponents are very dead.

Both opponents might have shiny things you want.

Albert is dead, and there is a strong glow from one of his fingers.  If you look it seems like the glow is coming from INSIDE his finger.

You are surrounded by smoke for only a short while as it disperses.  From the city wall to one side, anyone standing watch could easily look down and see you, so you might want to hurry.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:57, Mon 19 Oct 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 237):

Brennan quickly drags the Inquisitor and the paladin onto a pile of junk, making it more likely that anyone spying down from on high would see two guys scavenging debris instead of bodies.

He collects his arrows, then loots the Inquisitor, appropriating his torturing implements, badge (jerkin and all), and anything else of obvious value. He'll do the same for the paladin and for Albert, looking for similar items of utility-specific value.

OOC: I want books, writs, keys, rings, paperwork, badges, vials, etc. The money and/or weapons can go to Titus; I really don't care.

Provided they are not disturbed during this time, he'll glance up at Titus when he's finished and suggest they return to an Inn to clean up before heading to the rendezvous. He will also cover the bodies with junkyard debris before leaving the area.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Mon 19 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 238):

Stuff you'll find.

Albert:  Nothing, he was stripped of possessions likely by Flynn and again by the Jailers.  All he has is the clothes on his back (peasant's and not of particular value) and his glowing finger.

Paladin:  Has his arms and armaments:  long knife, sword, shield.  Scabbard, belt, boots, lobstered gauntlets, hauberk, halfhelm, maille leggings as well as leather greaves.

The shield, sword and hauberk carry insignia that identify them as being of the order of paladins.  The knife, helm etc. are unmarked.

He also has a pouch or two with a few coins and a small bible.  He also has a pair of small metal pieces that look like receipts from somewhere.  Likely they have some property left somewhere in the city that these are claim stubs for.

Inquisitor:  He has his "fancy" clothes and a long white cloak and white helmet and gloves.  Sewn into his jerkin is his badge of office.  He carries no weapons but has lots of other goodies.

He has a few small leather scroll cases built into his belt.  Also on his belt are some small pouches containing some coin, some keys, a small notebook, several tiny glass vials, a few larger glass bulbs, writing implements, a tiny blade that fits into a finger piece and the bulb/needle implement he was carrying.

You can take all this, or if you'd like to save time, just take the whole belt with all that attached.

In finishing the pat-down, Brennan comes across a queer contraption rigged into his jerkin beneath the traveling cloak.  It is a set of small leather straps with wooden buckles that holds a long rod of amber between his shoulder blades.

In reply to GM (msg # 239):

"Take the shield, sword, and hauberk, at the very least," Brennan directs Titus, pointing out the paladin insignia on those items. "We'll want those to claim whatever they stored here."

He holds up the metal receipts and pockets them before turning to the Inquisitor, from whom he strips the badge-jerkin, helmet, gloves, the entire belt, and the amber rod contraption.

"Finished," he says. "Now let's get out of here before we are discovered."

Besides... I have a new notebook to read.

OOC: Clearly Titus is going to steal Albert's finger, but Brennan's not interested in that.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:07, Mon 19 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 240):

Titus goes to Albert first and drags him reverently to the pile.  He closes whats left of Alberts eyes and looks at his hand.  He surreptitiously cuts the glowing finger from his hand and wraps it in a peice of cloth and places it close to his heart.

I will see you avenged, friend and brother.

He goes over to the paladin after Brennan drags the inquisitor and makes sure his eyes are open.  He then drags the paladin unceremoniously onto the heap.  He strips him of his hauberk and taking the sword shoves it deep into the paladin's chest.

Hold this for me while I get ready.  Thanks.

He puts on the hauberk, scabbard, and gauntlets.  He cuts the cloak off of inquisitor and fashions it as a bag into which he quickly throws the greaves, leggings, helm (if its not too gross), shield as well as any money the man may have.

He then loads up the cloak with some semi-useful looking crap from the junkyard.

He pulls the sword from the paladin's chest

This sword is christened with the name of Albert.  Its new life begins now. 

He tucks the sword into the scabbard.  As Brennan flips money to Titus he smiles appreciatively.

These will go to that item we discussed on the road.  I'm sure they will do nicely.

Let's go.  Follow my and try to follow my walk. 

Titus hunches into his hood and walks like a rag man come from the dump.  His shambling step is a match for the homeless untouchables in the city he takes back alleys and cuts into the window he left open in his room in the back of the inn.

[Coord + Stealth (or Perform + Command) to sneak home 2x7]
This message was last edited by the player at 01:10, Tue 20 Oct 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 241):

Brennan transfers the Inquisitors tools to himself while Titus makes with defiling corpses and showing the dead some respect.  In that order.

When Brennan moves to unfasten the amber rod, he pauses with one hand upon it for a moment or two, prompting Titus to wave his hand in front of Brennan's face to make sure he's still with it.


Brennan shakes his head and goes about looting.

Soon, you are on your way, Titus with a cloak/sack over his back filled with things.

Totally unexpectedly, you nearly run smack into a large Chal'i in an alley.

/OOC:  The helmet is badly dinged, has a hole through the back and is covered with blood.  The hauberk has a couple holes but that's not as big a deal since it's maille.  The gauntlets are not a good fit for Titus, but they're workable (Coord penalty in some circumstances).  The helmet, hauberk and greaves will fit fine since they 'shape' better to the wearer.

Also... where are you headed?

In reply to GM (msg # 242):

/ooc I was hoping that the equipment would be standard fantasy issue one-size fits all. As mentioned in the post above I'm sneaking in to the inn and going into my room through a window./ooc

Titus continues to trudge past Enrei as if he didn't know him.  Hood down walking as a rag man.

Don't say anything Enrei, don't act like you know us.  Just silently follow us into a quiet corner.


He says without looking at the islander or breaking character.  His voice is pitched so only Enrei and Brennan can hear it.

Just when I thought things couldn't get any better...
This message was last edited by the player at 12:50, Tue 20 Oct 2015.

After Enrei's various inquisitions got little traction, the islander resorted to just rooting around town for his companions.  It's fortuitious that they passed him by, as he was likely to never find them left entirely to his own devices. "Titus?" Enrei's head snaps around when he hears the low voice before his gaze settle on the pair.  "I found you!" he declares, too excited by his success to follow instructions.  He does follow after them though, continuing on despite the clear act Titus is putting forth, "Mister Flynn told me to find my co...com...my friends," he struggles for a moment with his own vocabulary, "He will meet us at the gate so we can go look for a man," he informs the pair, apparently quite proud to provide this relative lack of information.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 244):

Brennan, being uninjured himself, takes a moment to administer first aid to Titus at his first convenient opportunity.

[First Aid: 3x8]


"Good to see you, Enrei! Have you seen Uldaf?," Brennan says quietly as the group moves toward the inn. "Titus's arm needs serious medical attention, more than I can provide. And we need to generally clean up. We... were involved in a scuffle. I'll explain it all when we're someplace less public."

He nods at Enrei quietly.

"I'm not sure our path crosses Flynn's anymore, my friend. I was thinking of tracking down a witch out in the wilderness before heading on to the ruins in the north. Find some answers about our... well... specific situation. If you're not interested outright, I'd be happy to hire you to accompany us."

OOC: What's the rate for natural healing, again? I still have some stubborn damage on me from what seems like forever ago; should some of that be gone?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:16, Tue 20 Oct 2015.

Enrei looks a bit puzzled at Brennan, "But we are mercenary.  We work for Mister Flynn, yes?" Something else occurs to him, somewhat miraculously, "Maybe the man is a witch too.  We can look together!" Enrei seems particularly pleased with this possibility.

((you heal half shock damage after one night's rest and one killing after just over forever))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 246):

Lets go.  Time is of the essence.  We need to get to my room.

Titus' face brightens as he gets an idea.

Brennan, can you identify where those receipts came from?  Do you think we can send Enrei to pickup the items and bring them to us?  You and I need to leave... now.

This might be the worst idea ever...
This message was last edited by the player at 14:51, Tue 20 Oct 2015.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 247):

Brennan glances at the receipts to try to figure out where they came from.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 248):

The receipts are crudely cut metal tabs, about the size of a coin but roughly square.

They have on one side a relief of a horse and on the other a pair of suns.

You'd guess they're receipts for a stable.  Most likely a stable that uses a pair of suns as its logo.

In reply to GM (msg # 249):

Titus glancing into Brennan's hand begins to beam.

OK this is very important Enrei.  Brennan please translate so nothing gets lost.  You go to the stables, and get the horses.  If anyone asks you tell them your boss asked you to get them.  Don't mention ANY names at all.  Take the horses and walk them out of town on the road going North.  Brennan and I will meet you, maybe with Uldaf and Flynn.  Can you do this?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 250):

Brennan translates Titus's instructions into Cha'li and hands him the receipts.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:15, Tue 20 Oct 2015.

"O...okay," Enrei confirms his capability but seems entirely unsure of the purpose for his errand.  He looks at the chits and then procedes to ask anyone nearby who will spare him the time if they know where stables are.  As he walks away from Titus and Brennan he does pause before beginning his inquiries and turns to look over his shoulder, "Mister Flynn will meet you at the gate," he informs them.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 252):

A Short While Ago

Uldaf, totally refreshed after a sound night of sleeping and causing absolutely no trouble, rises and wanders the early morning town.

He takes a moment to look more closely at the dense field of thorns that form the northern wall of the city, then goes about looking for his companions.


Streets

Brennan and Titus head off toward the FrontGate.

Enrei wanders off.  As there are now people about he finds lots of people who helpfully point him to all manner of stables.  Having given no further detail on which one he seeks, he soon finds himself going in circles from one to the next.

Somewhere in this wandering he finds Uldaf, also wandering and cursing the locals under his breath.

In reply to GM (msg # 253):

Brennan arrives at the FrontGate, cleans up as best he can, and EQUIPS the utility belt and the Inquisitor's badge, adding some of his own implements to the belt as much as is possible without overloading it. He stuffs the gloves, helmet, amber contraption, and flowing white cloak among his other possessions, then sets about the task of reading over the Inquisitor's notebook while he waits for Titus to finish cleaning up and changing.

This strange rod of amber grants visions of some sort... and will warrant further study later, but for now... let us see what our late friend was up to recently.

Provided Titus doesn't take forever to prepare and become similarly ready to depart, he will then collect their existing pair of horses and accompany the performer to the mentioned gate.

"Bryce was to meet us here," he explains to Titus en route. "The extra horse will serve us well, provide Enrei can collect them. We'll find you a healer in the next town, and then deal with the witch and ruins in that order. I assume you, like me, have little interest in continuing to travel with Flynn?"

He pauses, looking around for Enrei, then sighs.

"Titus... we are fools.

Brennan stops a passerby and asks which stable is known for its peculiar symbol of two suns, and where it might be located.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:38, Tue 20 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 254):

Frontgate

Brennan is quickly given a very easy to follow set of instructions on how to find that particular stable.

/OOC:  Awaiting Titus to see what he's up to.

In reply to GM (msg # 253):

Titus and Brennan having arrived in Titus' room with absolutely no further incidents?  *FINGERS CROSSED* proceed to jimmy open the window in Titus' room.

Lets repackage everything and get the horses then get the hell out of town and on the road before they start looking for two people who bear a remarkable similarity to us.  I didn't play what one would call a discreet witch.

Titus goes about organizing the material for easy transport.  With that done he then pulls Brennan into the light of the window and sits him on the bed.  He pulls out his (small) arsenal of makeup and other effects and goes about applying them to Brennan and then himself.  His goal is to make them unrecognizable enough... darker hair, deeper lines, ruddier cheeks and nose.

14:41, Today: Titus Blackwell rolled 46 using 8d10 ((1,9,10,6,4,8,2,6)).

[Command+Perform: 2x6]

He then changes into as much of the Paladin's armor as he is able to leaving the halfhelm and gauntlets to pack into a bag.  He then takes his long cloak and sweeps it over his shoulders making sure as little of the armor shows as possible.
Titus follows Brennan outside and sighs heavily at Enrei's absence.

I had a feeling that was a bad idea but he is going to meet us on the road going North.  Maybe hes already there?  (he asks knowing full well he isn't).  Where is Bryce supposed to meet us in this inn?  And when?

I'm fine with breaking from Flynn after seeing how they treated Albert.

I want to get out of this town... the sooner the better, before they close the gates and we have to get... inventive. 

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 256):

"He was just going to meet us at the gates," Brennan says, looking around for the man. "I'll try to find him, then head out of the city. You go to the stables this fine gentleman pointed us to and try to find Enrei. Meet me a mile to the north in an hour?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 257):

Deal.  You go get the horses.  If I can't find him then I'm leaving he's a grown man he can manage.

With that Titus flips up his cloak and disappears into the crowd trying to look completely inconspicuous he keeps an eye out for Enrei or Uldaf.  He heads directly to the stable.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 258):

Brennan dawdles for a little while, looking for Bryce, then departs at almost exactly the right moment to be exactly a mile from the city by the time an hour has elapsed (with or without the freed demonspeaker).

OOC: Unless Flynn intercepts him, I guess. I which case I will need to do other things. Like talk.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:08, Tue 20 Oct 2015.