Slowly, the group moves along the trail to the Northeast.

The land becomes rockier as you march, with boulders and deep crevaces regularly inter spaced by thick grass and scrubby bushes.

The result is terrain that is slow to navigate, and though you can see quite far due to the lack of trees, there are many places for potential enemies to lie in wait.

Still, the road is well traveled enough that you don't have difficulty moving the small train of horses and equipment.

It is only a few hour before whoever is scouting will see signs of a small town in the distance.  The first things you can see are trails of smoke leading up from (presumable) cook stoves and the like and frequent animal tracks in the road.

OOC:  Pausing here before you can see the town in case you want to scout further before proceeding.

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

So we are just a band of mercenaries and one minstrel looking for food, work and succor?

and ideally a very discreet blacksmith.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 2):

"We're a band of mercenaries, one of which is also a minstrel," Brennan corrects gently. "We're in the business of collecting coin for services, musical and muscular alike."

He addresses the others.

"Which reminds me. Money we collect from now on should go to a common fund, carried and administered by me. I'll keep a ledger and pay out everyone's agreed-upon salaries plus bonuses as applicable. If you're ever unhappy with your arrangement or think that I'm somehow benefiting more than I should be, we can talk about it."

Brennan clears his throat.

"With that settled... Deev, how do you feel about scouting a little ways down the road? I think you're the quickest and the quietest of us all."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 3):

Deev looks shocked, but he nods his head vigorously.

"Yea, I suppose that makes the most sense dunnit?"

He scrambles to the top of a tall rock and peeks over carefully.  When he clambers back down he his not Deev, but a filthy old woman with an impressive mustache and a large warty nose.

Thus obscured, he wanders further down the path until he is out of sight.

In reply to Deev (msg # 4):

As there are few trees, the birds chirp from the bushes as you wait.

In reply to GM (msg # 5):

It isn't long before the old woman comes back, much more pep in her step it would seem than on the outward journey.

As he rounds the last rock, the old woman is once again the young and fidgety Deev.

"Aye... well I got round the point ok, and there was the town.  Well, SOMETHING happened there for sure.  Lots o' the houses is burned, didn't see any bodies.  A lot of hoofprints ringing around too further up, likely a big group of horses or cavalry or something."

Deev looks quite scared, but not much more so than usual.

"Is this what it's always like out here?  It's terrible but it's not dull."

"No, there is not always big group of horses," Enrei informs Deev.  He nudges his horse forward under the assumption that the town being partially burned has not disqualified it as their next destination.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 7):

"No bodies, but... any survivors? Anything worth rummaging through for useful parts?"

Brennan frowns.

"They can't have just vanished. And it takes a great many horses to carry off an entire village double-saddle. Did you see cart wheels? Or perhaps a mass grave?"

He reaches down to his belt, hovers his hand near the cup (which hangs from his belt on a leather thong), then thinks better of it and jerks his hand away.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 8):

Only way to know if there is anything to salvage is to go and rummage

Titus add with sage wisdom.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 9):

Deev shakes his head.

"Didn' see no bodies... nobody lurking about neither... but I didn't get so close as they woulda seen me so could be hiding or locked up tight in their homes."

He thinks back.

"No cart tracks... no big grave neither."

In reply to Deev (msg # 10):

"Alright. Well done, Deev. Thank you for that report."

He turns to the others and urges his horse onward.

"Weapons ready but not drawn. Let's advance, see if there's anybody there to help or anything there to salvage, then be on our way. Northeast to our goal."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 11):

Now I'm interested.

Titus says as he picks up his pace towards the village.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 12):

The road snakes around several boulders and up a small hill before cresting and heading down again.

The land becomes more cleared and shows more signs of human activity, footprints and the like, and in the distance a small cluster of houses.  These are built of stone with thatched roofs.

There are a couple dozen buildings the size of homes and three or four larger structures of the same shape.  There are also, ringing around the town, small low structures all of stone that stand no more than a few feet high.  These are likely storehouses.

All around the town are low wooden fences ringing fields of crops, though they look to be already harvested for the year.

Several houses have no roofs and smoke still curls up from them, but you see no sign of people or animal moving about.

As Deev said, there are a large number of tracks from horses that seem to ring around the small town you are approaching.

You reach the outskirts of the town unhindered and find an eerie stillness to be pervading the place.

In reply to GM (msg # 13):

Titus cocks an eyebrow at Brennan and shoulders his lute.

Shall we rouse the townsfolk?

He awaits Brennan's acquiesence.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 14):

"I... think we're it," Brennan says, slinging his bow to his side as he continues to ride toward the town. "But yes. We came all this way. Might as well say hello."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 15):

There's smoke.

He says simply.  Either they are hiding or they were recently taken.

He starts out by playing low and sweet, his voice not shattering the silence but slowly waking the town to life.  He continues to increase in intensity and volume until he is singing in full throat.  He gracefully dances while he sings to look in all directions as often as possible for any potential audience.

Enrei doesn't stop as Titus does or at Brennan's comment, simply walking his horse straight into town.  The eeriness of the silence and desertion of the town apparently lost on him.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 17):

Deev, as well as Brennan and Bryce hang back while Titus plays his music.  Though he sings loud enough to wake the dead, there is no response.

Enrei continues on deeper into the town alone.  As he moves between empty or burned homes, he encounters no villagers or indeed any other living thing.  The town continues to appear deserted, until Enrei comes around a larger building and sees that there is at least one person left.

This person is a perfectly ordinary, even boring looking, man of maybe thirty years.  He has sandy hair, light freckles fading into early wrinkles and by his dress appears to be a farmer or maybe a low-level artisan.

Aside from being the only person you have encountered thus far, he is made interesting by the fact that he is fastened securely to a series of heavy wooden stakes by a mixture of heavy rope and chains.

He is spread eagle on his back with  each limb tied to at least four stakes by tight lines splaying out several feet from him.  There too is a line going around his neck and holding his head down.  He even has a thick rope wrapped tightly around his face and gagging him.

When Enrei appears, the man looks up at him desperately but cannot speak or move.

In reply to GM (msg # 18):

Titus keeps close to Enrei as the stillness is uninterrupted by his singing.  He gets more and more nervous and more agitated.  Eventually he stops singing entirely, the silence clapping back over the party like red sea swallowing pharoah.

He claps his hand on Enrei's shoulder when they see the restrained young man and appears to panic.

Go find Brennan.  NOW!

he says all in a rush.

Enrei looks at Titus a but confused, "Hello," he waves to the restrained man, following Brennans earlier instruction before turning around and jogging back to where the rest of the party took pause.  "I found someone.  Titus wants you," he shouts to Brennan as soon as the others are in sight.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 20):

Brennan follows Enrei to where Titus is situated, dismounting to get closer to the bound man without risking his steed.

"What have we here?" Brennan breathes quietly.

An accused witch? Or perhaps a sacrifice?

He walks toward the man. "You've made some enemies, it seems. Easy now... there's nothing to be afraid of. Let's hear your story, shall we?"

Brennan carefully approaches the man and, provided the man doesn't convulse like a lunatic, removes his gag.

OOC: Does he have an aura that I can see?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:09, Tue 09 Feb 2016.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 21):

Brennan....

Titus says warningly.

This is exactly how they bound the butcher of Dunn Loring.  You know the one where Magalan had to, personally, apprehend a man who slaughtered a village.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:22, Tue 09 Feb 2016.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 22):

"He didn't do it with his teeth," Brennan says. "But if it makes you feel any better, I hereby give you permission to stab him if he tries anything stupid."

To the man:

"Hello there. We're a band of mercenaries just passing through. Can you tell us what happened here, and why you're bound up like... well... like the butcher of Dunn Loring?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 23):



The man tenses as you approach, clearly straining futility against his bonds but he isn't able to move much.

When Brennan removes the gag, however, he relaxes.

"Oh thank you, thank you!  Now quick, untie me before they come back!  I'm grateful to you, surely I am, but if they catch you helping me..."

In reply to GM (msg # 24):

"Who? If WHO catches me helping you?"

He looks around.

"This is a village. They can't have expected you to perish to the elements here, unless it was meant to remain unpopulated. What happened here?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 25):

The man smiles pleasantly.

"I can tell you're not a rash man.  This is good.

The 'who' is a large band of mounted raiders bearing the standard of ex-prince Xander.  They thus restrained me, then rounded up the rest of the villagers and took them north.  I suspect, however, that they shall return soon and they would not be pleased to find you here.

I ask again, please untie me and thus do me a second favor.  Much to ask, I know, but I will see you repaid to the best of my abilities."

Bryce's face goes sour.

"Fuck... raiders...."  He looks around, possibly hoping to somehow gain the ability to see over buildings.  "He's right, we don't wanna be here if they're coming back."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:57, Wed 10 Feb 2016.

In reply to GM (msg # 26):

"Why would they come back? Do they typically leave a villager like this, ostensibly as a warning to others, and then come back a few hours later and finish the job? That's just a waste of horses. It doesn't make any sense."

He looks at the man carefully, and the wheels in his head turn as he recalls all he's heard about Xander.

After he's finished thinking (this dredge takes but a moment), he turns to the man.

"Convince me that you're worth the risk. Quickly."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:58, Wed 10 Feb 2016.

In reply to GM (msg # 26):

While Brennan is pausing Titus interjects his own question

What made you so special that they left you in this intricate bondage out of a fairy tale?
Titus draws a pair of knives, whether his intention is to cut to free or cut to bleed is uncertain.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:20, Tue 09 Feb 2016.

"And what is your name?" Enrei demands, caught up in the interrogative atmosphere.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:39, Tue 09 Feb 2016.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 29):

Titus' mean visage is entirely broken as he smiles and starts to laugh at Enrei's interjection.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 30):

The man takes a long pause to think about his answer, though he never stops smiling.

Although it is a pleasant smile, it doesn't seem totally natural.

"I don't know if special is quite the word but... well, they see me as a threat.  They're mad with fear.  I never meant them any harm nor to anyone in this village.  They didn't seem to agree.  Once they've led the villagers far enough away, they'll come back to destroy me.  When that happens, you won't want to be here."

He sighs.

"Friends, but that I could thank you properly for loosing at least a few of my bonds.  I can understand why you wouldn't trust me.  If there is nothing I can say to put your fears to rest, I recommend this:  run from this place.  Be long gone when they return."

In reply to GM (msg # 31):

"Do you pose a threat to them? To raiders, I mean? Or only to the villagers? What did you do?"

Brennan furrows his brow, the inkling of a plan forming within his mind.

"I'm asking because I happen to be an employer of skilled, violent people... but I'd prefer they not cause harm by accident. What did you mean by that?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:25, Wed 10 Feb 2016.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 32):

The man continues to smile.

"I offer that I am a threat to none.  Not to the villagers, not to you or your friends, and not to Xander's men.

They would disagree.  Let's just say they fear my words and my influence, but they are misguided."

He strains against his bonds to look around at the rest of the group, but isn't able to move much.

"They wish to silence me, but I tell you I preach only obedience to the King.  If you can tolerate such words, I pose no threat to you."

In reply to GM (msg # 33):

Titus pulls Brennan aside and speaks rapidly

I have no idea what to make of this.  We aren't going to get a good answer one way or the other though and he is creepy as hell.  While I don't care if he preaches obedience to the king or not we have run afoul of his laws more than once, and I'd rather not have a stool pigeon in our midst... and we need to act fast as unless we want to re-gag him and act all friendly like with our neighborhood raiders who drag entire towns away for their safekeeping.

This reeks of fucked upness.

He speaks up for the group

Bryce, are these raiders your boys?

In reply to GM (msg # 33):

"I'm inclined to take this man with us, but I don't want raiders on our trail, Brennan says to Titus quietly. Is there a way to free him such that it looks like he somehow freed himself? Perhaps using a performer's trick?"

Enrei walks up to the restrained man and crouches down over his head, so that they are looking eye to eye, but upside-down to each other.  "What is your name?" he repeats levelly.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 36):

Bryce shakes his head.

"Not our style.  What good is an empty town?  Can't produce nothin'... and the... local talent is all gone.  If you catch my meaning."

The man tries his best to twist his view around to face Enrei properly, but that proves impossible.

"Duncan," he replies.  "What is yours?"

"I am Enrei," he informs the captured man, "It is nice to meet you." Enrei pats Duncan on the shoulder, a somewhat awkward gesture given their positions, then stands and examines his restraints, an almost academic look on the islander's face.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 38):


Certainly.  The way to make it look like he slipped the bonds himself is to retie them the exact way they were tied in the first place.  Hell of a trick with these bonds but I should be able to do it.

Though it may not do us much good if they see a bunch of footprints milling around here. 

He gestures expansively around them to see the footprints (or lack thereof) around them.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 39):

"I trust your ability to disguise the ropes and the footprints," he says to Titus. "Let's be quick about it."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 40):

Titus gives a lopsided smile.

Quick it is.

[Cord + Escape Artist: 3x2]

Titus begins to work at a fever pitch.  He chews on some of the rope to show some damage to the strands, loosens other parts of the setup.  He unties one knot in the rope to allow him to move tying it infront of him as it was behind him.

Hope your flexible.

He says with a smile as he grabs, twists and pushes down on the man's shoulder slipping another rope.  With the man's arm free he pulls on the string to rip one of the stakes from the ground with a satisfying dirt clod to indicate it was indeed pulled from the center.  He unwinds the man with the stake end of the rope.  He then stands him up and has him walk away from both the raiders and their proposed path.  He drags the ropes for several feet and slips all but the ones around his wrist which he wraps up and takes with him.  Finally he takes the gag from the man and drops it carelessly about 70 feet down the road from the circle.  making it look like he took it off while walking away.

That should do.  Do we have time to check for salvage or should we move?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:13, Thu 11 Feb 2016.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 41):

The man waits patiently as he is untied and Titus makes his preparations.

"I thank you, friend.  Others would not have taken such a risk."

As if to answer Titus' question, the sound of distant hoofbeats can be heard coming from the north.  And approaching.

OOC:  If they are indeed headed toward you, you have but a few moments.  Your options include:

1. Running
2. Hiding in the abandoned town
3. Standing in the open to meet whoever it is
4. Something else you can come up with.

In reply to GM (msg # 42):

"No good deed goes unpunished," Brennan mutters. "On the plus side, they'd have seen us even if we left immediately."

He glances around the ruined village.

"When the see the man gone, they will search every nook and cranny of this town. Titus... can you create the illusion of the man galloping away? Or of an army in the distance, for which we would be the speakers? Though be warned if we tried that approach and it came to blows we'd all die..."

He licks his lips.

"We could make a run for it, but we'd be wagering our lives on the strength of our horses. Only two of our stock are likely a match for a military charger."

He waits for Titus's response. If the illusions aren't doable, he'll advocate for hiding.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:57, Thu 11 Feb 2016.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 43):

Army in the distance might be a bit much I'd rather not go that route.

I would advocate for a man galloping off in the distance and we hide our new friend here.  I would recommend chasing the illusion like it stole our horse...

*Titus whispers into the cup at Brennan's belt*

Enrei, in a moment you are going to see a bunch of horses from the men that are coming and one that is running off into the distance.  When you see this horse it is important that you chase it and bring it back here.  Yell and scream at it.  The lady in the cup says it will help.

He points at Duncan

You.  Hide.  Now.

[Intermission until riders appear]

[Illusions 3x2]


Titus looks at Enrei

Thats your queue.

And takes off running while screaming on a path that will take him directly across the first rider.

COME BACK HERE YOU SON OF A BITCH.  I SEE YOU AGAIN ILL CUT YOUR NUTS OFF AND FEED THEM TO GALEENA'S HORSES!

He stops infront of whoever looks to be the leader and gestures towards the circle where Duncan was bound.

Crazy son of a bitch was slipping his bonds when we got here then stole one of our horses.  Man had a creepy smile, real unnerving I assume you were the ones tied him up?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Thu 11 Feb 2016.

Enrei looks at Titus in confusion, "I thought you couldn't hear lady in cup either.". He doesn't press the point, and when Titus ppints out his cue, he is about to inform him that he does not own any cues.  Then Titus takes off running and screaming, and Enrei catches his meaning.  He breaks into a dead sprint after the phantom horse.  He screams a bit as well, but not any particular words.  He just lets out an occasional inarticulate yell, given Titus's vague instruction.  Unlike Titus, he doesn't stop at the line of cavalry, or in fact anything until he catches Titus's illusion or it vanishes on him.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 45):

Duncan listens carefully to the brief plan.  He expresses his concerns for your well-being but Titus is easily able to rebuff him.

Duncan thanks you again, and proceeds to duck into a small home and hide as best he can.

The sound of horses draws nearer.  Deev, peeking around a building, informs you there are seven riders.  Armed.

With confidence that only he can muster, Titus winks at the group and marches out into the open.

Somewhere behind him "Duncan", mounted on a light quick horse, charges off to the south, leaping over small rocks and ducking behind as much cover as possible.

Enrei, presumably, charges after it.

Deev is suddenly nowhere to be seen.  Bryce takes up position behind Brennan.

The Town Square

When the riders appear, it is the standard of the traitor Xander that you see first, then their tall helmets plumed with horsehair.

The men appear to be scouts, they wear light studded leather armor except for metal grieves and knee cops.  They are lightly armed with sword and spear and their horses look to be built for speed and distance over size.  Still, they are a formidable force.

The riders pour into the town and quickly disperse, sweeping the small streets at a trot.  When they spy Titus they surround him.

"Ho!" one of them calls, "Leftennant, he's GONE!"


The Leftennant, whose only decoration is the red color of his plume, scowls at Titus and peers into the distance.

"Plax, Virgil, Cobb, make after him!"

Three of the riders break off and follow Enrei and the phantom.

The rest lower their spears to point at Titus.  The Leftennant eyes Titus carefully.  You notice now that he has a companion upon his horse, the largest and ugliest crow you have ever seen.  Its feathers are hairy and haggred and somehow darker than you would think possible.  It has a missing eye, but the other makes up for it in evil intensity.  When the officer comes to a halt it flaps up from his saddle to his shoulder and cocks its head at Titus.

"YOU!"  the Leftennant demands of Titus.  "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

South

The phantom horse continues to flee, and Enrei continues to chase it.

Behind, he can hear horses approaching.

"HALT!"  one calls.

In reply to GM (msg # 46):

Titus holds his hands up and smiles with disarming charm and assumes a gruff manner and tone of voice he feels would match the character and mesh well with the leftennant.

We are a band of mercenaries in search of work.

He exaggeratedly turns his head to yell to Brennan in a way indicating that he is not going to do anything fancy.

HEY BOSS!!! This may be a job for you.  We heard this town had suffered a terrible fate...

We thought... Hey!  Terrible fates make good money for mercs ya know?

We got here and all we found was that one crazy son of a bitch with the creepy smile was standing right there.

He points.

Well one thing lead to another... and he jumped up on one of our horses and... you know the rest.  He's riding like a bat out of hell.

When Enrei hears the men shouting behind him he does not obey the demand to halt, or even spare them a look over his shoulder.  He maintains his focus on catching Titus's ghost horse.  In fact, the only possible indication he heard them is a loud "AAAAAHHH!" shouted as long and hard as he can without risk of winding himself.  He makes a mental note of asking why Titus instructed he shout at the horse, as he feels a bit silly.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 48):

"Hand to god, if you want my attention you don't have to yell," Brennan says, marching over toward Titus without paying the horsemen much mind. "That horse was expensive stock. Now mount up so we can..."

He looks up at the horsemen, as though seeing them for the first time.

"...ah. Welcome to the village, such as it is. Keep an eye on your steeds, as these hovels are populated by horsetheives. Or at least one."

Brennan positions himself near enough to talk normally but not so close as to be easily speared.

"So. My colleague bellowed about work. Was there something my band of mercenaries could do for you fine gentlemen? I accept all sorts of contracts, for a fair coin, of course."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:00, Tue 16 Feb 2016.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 49):

Town Square

The Leftennant squints at Brennan.  "Stole your horse you say?"

He thinks about this for a moment while the bird on his shoulder shifts angrily.

"If that is so, tell me two things.  First, where did you come from?  Second, how did this horse thief fall upon you?  How is it that he caught you so unaware?"

South

The horsemen go charging past Enrei and vanish after the apparition behind a rock.

When Enrei catches up with them they are at a dead stop, looking about angrily.  The phantom rider has vanished.

They shout angry things at Enrei, but he cannot understand what they are saying.

He DOES understand that when they point spears at him and gesture toward the town, that they likely want him to return with them.

In reply to GM (msg # 50):

Titus looks at the ground and shuffles his feet.

It was my fault you see...

Bossman sends me in to scout and find anything useful to salvage.  I've got a good voice so I figured I'd sing them out.  Nobody came out or nothin' so I hop off my horse and start rummaging around tryin to find something worthwhile; see?  Then after a coupla minutes I look out a window and see this bloke with sandy hair on my horse walking through town.

I run out and say THAT'S MY HORSE!

And the bloke takes off like a bat out of hell.   I told Enrei to chase after the man and then you guys came up as I was trying to head him off. 

Enrei skids to a stop at spearpoint and after a moment raises his hands in surrender.  He stares dumbly as he's shouted at, but it doesn't take much before Enrei raises his own voice above theirs to state slowly and clearly, "I need to catch that horse."  His mission clarified, Enrei attempts to slowly circumnavigate the prickly crowd, his hands raised the whole time.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 52):

"It WAS your fault," Brennan says, raising a hand as though to smack Titus before feigning leniency and refraining. "Just so we're clear, if Enrei doesn't come back with that horse, I'm docking your pay until you've covered the difference. Get used to the idea of counting the valuable lessons you've learned instead of coins for a few years."

He turns to the horsemen.

"We come from all over. Most recently we were lookin' for work out near Thorngate, but everyone's so poor that it's hardly worth the effort. I was hoping there'd be more appetite to the northeast, where people aren't so soft and place a real value on strong hands and practical experience."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 53):

South

The riders block Enrei's path and gesture angrily with their spears.  Possibly they've figured out that Enrei does not understand the language of the Kingdom, because they have given up on talking.


Town Square

The Leftennant considers this for a moment.

"You appear as you say, and you seem unfit to be spies, especially with that dumb dark lout yelling his brains out behind those rocks."

The black bird on his shoulder quorks quietly.  The Leftennant nods.

"Strong hands the north can use.  If it is riches you seek, you would do well to offer your blade to our Lord Xander.  He is generous to those who are loyal and hard of work."

He signals to his men and they raise their spears, then begin to ride south after their companions.

"Travel with caution," the Leftennant warns, "the mountains can be dangerous at night."  He smiles.  "And I've heard stories of Ogres up north."

In reply to GM (msg # 54):

Forgive me if I overstep my bounds... but what happened to the people of that village?  And what did that horse thief do that so concerned you as to come back for him after staking him up?  It must be a hell of a story.

Titus asks with genuine curiosity.

I'd rather not have to make up the story wholecloth.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:38, Tue 16 Feb 2016.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 55):

Town Square

"HO!" The Leftennant yells.  He makes a swinging motion with his arm and the riders swoop around and return to the square, once again surrounding Titus, Brennan, Deev and Bryce.

Their leader stares into Titus, his eyes shooting daggers.

When he speaks his voice is low, quiet and very dangerous.

"Who said anything about staking him up?  Did you not say he stole your horse and ran?"

South

The three riders prod Enrei non-violently but meaningfully with the butts of their spears, and point back toward the village.

In reply to GM (msg # 56):

Titus points at the circle of stakes.

That is very blatently the set up that Magalan used for trussing up the butcher of Dunn Loring.  I've played both Magalan and the butcher in the play a dozen times and told the story at more inns than I can count. 






...Learn to shut up when you've won dummy....
This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Tue 16 Feb 2016.

Enrei lowers one hand to point with his finger just as meaningfully behind the group of soldiers.  When one of them prods him with a spear he looks indignant for a moment, then snatches the spear and wrenches it from the man's grasp, throwing it behind him in the same motion, "I am going to catch horse.  You poke someone else," he states with finality before marching straight between the scouts' horses.

((2x5 disarm))
This message was last edited by the player at 22:11, Tue 16 Feb 2016.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 58):

"I don't know about stakes and chains and butchers," Brennan says, glaring at Titus. "But I do wonder what happened to the townsfolk. Are we likely to encounter more deserted towns as we proceed? That's... not likely to make for good business."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:55, Wed 17 Feb 2016.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 59):

South

Whether fortunately or unfortunately, Enrei manages to rest a spear from one of the riders.

Again, it's a shame Enrei cannot understand what they are saying, because it's likely that they are calling on some very creative language.

It is at this point that the universal language of "trying to stab someone means we are upset" takes over.

COMBAT ROUNDS

Enrei is standing on uneven ground armed with a long spear.  Three horsemen stand only a few paces away (within reach of spear).  Two still have their spears, the third has a thin sword (like a saber).

Town Square

The men eye their Leftennant, likely waiting for him to give the order to kill this band of southerners.

A few moments pass with the only sounds being the low squawking of the Leftennant's black bird.

"I... have not heard the story of Magalan so told.  To my knowledge he tied the butcher to six sturdy horses: one for each limb, one for the neck and one for his cock, and had them ride a month in each direction."

He sniffs heavily.

"Very well, go about your business.  With any luck my men have already caught this... thief.  As to what you will find North, that all depends upon whose banner you kneel to."

With that (and unless anyone would like to say anything more), he signals for his men to follow him south out of the town.

In reply to GM (msg # 60):

Brennan claps a hand to Titus's shoulder and squeezes uncomfortably tightly as he waves to the departing horsemen.

"Don't say another word until they're gone," he hisses.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:06, Wed 17 Feb 2016.

As Enrei is about to toss the spear behind him, its former owner draws a sword and the business ends of the other two spears find their way toward him.  This earns a frustrated sigh from the Chal'i.  He glances from each of his opponents to the next until spontaneously he tosses his spear at one of the spearmen and grabs the weapon of the other, which he wrenches free even easier than the first. Hoping for an opening he rushes forward attempting to shoulder between the horses.

((8,10,3,1,10,8,7,5,2.  2x8 if I need to roll to just throw the spear as a distraction, not javelin style.  2x10 to martial disarm))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 62):

Titus stands as if a steel rod was placed in his back and doesn't say anything.  His body language clearly reads


....Not a fucking word from you.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 63):

After the horsemen have taken their leave, Brennan releases a pent-up breath.

"That went a lot more smoothly than it could have, even with that final heart attack."

He looks in the direction Enrei went.

"So... who wants to fetch him?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 64):

Titus says nothing but nods and follows.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 65):

The Town

The rapid drumbeat of hooves almost drowns out the shouting from the south.

Wait, no... the shouting has stopped.  Must be all A-ok then!


South

Enrei tosses the spear casually to the side, raising his arms to fight unarmed.

The horsemen apparently don't take the hint.  Before Enrei can turn to face the first of the spearmen, the other has clocked him across the back of his shoulders with the butt of his spear (4 Shock torso).  In the time it takes for Enrei to react to that blow, another spear butt hits him directly in the gut (3 shock Torso).

The man with the sword adds emphasis to the initial beating by slapping Enrei solidly across the arm with the flat of his blade (4 shock, L. arm)

Combat Round

Enrei is still surrounded by three mounted riders.  Two with spears one with a saber.  We are still in combat rounds but the gestures the men are making indicates they will stop the beatings when Enrei starts walking back toward the town.

Special Combat rules applying:

Spears provide +1 initiative until you close on the opponent (i.e. hit them and stay close.  This is not easy when the opponent is mounted because they can back up faster than you if you do close).

Being mounted provides speed, and unless you have a long weapon, you cannot strike them anywhere but their legs. and lower torso (hit locations 1-2 and 7 are the only valid hits).

In reply to GM (msg # 66):

Brennan cups a hand to his mouth and yells.

"ENREI? You can return to town now!"

He glances at Titus.

"You've got a louder shout, I'm sure. Try to get his attention, would you? I don't feel like organizing a search. We have a village to pillage."

Brennan looks back at Deev and Bryce.

"If you guys want to get started on that, that'd be great. Look for useful materials, supplies, money, anything worth salvaging to make this a worthwhile diversion. Duncan might be able to show you any particularly valuable troves. Then we'll be on our way."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:51, Fri 19 Feb 2016.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 67):

Titus bellows calling Enrei's name as loudly as he can.

I'll see if I can see anything on the high ground.

With that Titus leaps like a cat is on top of the nearest roof in seconds.  He scans and listens.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 68):

Deev nods and vanishes into a building.

It is clear that this sort of task is much more up his alley.

Unable to get between the soldiers while they maintain their spears Enrei gives the spears themselves his undivided attention.  He approaches again and the first spear to lash out he snatches mid-strike, tossing it behind him.

((3,8,8,1,7,3,8,1,1: unnecessary called shot to right arm(spear) with +1 martial init for effective 4x8 to disarm))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 70):

South

Enrei is fast and capable, but so are the horsemen.

As Enrei lunges for one, the other catches him across the leg (5 shock R. leg).  Enrei manages not to give up on the spear, however, and he catches it and easily twists it away from the rider.

The third rider slaps Enrei's arm with the flat of his blade, forcing the Chal'i to drop the weapon to the ground (4 shock, R. arm).

They go back to shouting... something at Enrei.

Combat Round

The Town

From the top of a low roof, Titus can spy the riders moving toward a group of three of them a little ways off who are currently engaged with Enrei.

The blunted beatings seem to be taking a toll on Enrei even as he refuses to give ground against his assailants.  He attempts to snatch at the last spear but he fails to catch it from its owner.

((9,3,1,7,7,3,2,9,5 can't hit either arm to catch the spear even with a called shot))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 72):

Brennan et al. remain too far away to help :(
This message was last edited by the player at 18:57, Tue 23 Feb 2016.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 72):

Titus sees the fracass from the rooftop and points it out to Brennan.

SHIT!  It looks like they are fighting.

Titus takes the fastest possible path to Enrei's location going over or under any obstacle to get to him.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 74):

Swords now raised, two of the horsemen wheel around to attack again, shouting as they do.

The third rears his steed and loops around, moving carefully out of range of Enrei's hands but well within the range of his spear were he to throw it.

Which he prepares to do.

A loud shout echoes over the stones and hills and the horsemen lower their weapons.

Enrei spins around to see the rest of the mounted soldiers barreling down on him.  They quickly circle Enrei, but stay well out of his range and make no further actions to herd him anywhere.

There are words exchanged between them, and then they all ride off further south, leaving Enrei to lick his wounds and wonder what the word "retarded" means.

END COMBAT

OOC:  Enrei, go ahead and remove all SHOCK accrued this combat.  It still hurts.

In reply to GM (msg # 75):

Brennan allows Titus to go collect Enrei while he remains in the town to supervise Bryce, Deev, and Duncan... if the man is anywhere to be found.

"They certainly didn't seem to be bringing the populace back," he muses. "And they did not return the way they came. If they took the people somewhere, where'd they go?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:54, Wed 24 Feb 2016.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 76):

"I've heard rumors," Bryce replies slowly.  "Heard there's a number of towns past the border went abandoned.  Xander's got a lot of forces on patrol or... scouting for... something.  I heard there was a town they did the same, marched everyone north.  Recruits maybe?"

Enrei is wary about the new arrivals, but when they fail to assault him and take his erstwhile opponents away he sags a bit and rolls his shoulders to work out some of the weariness of being battered by soldiers.  Then he scratches his head, not sure if he should continue chasing the horse or inform the others that he lost it in the woods, now that the larger group of riders had likely demolished its trail.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 78):

Titus barrels recklessly towards Enrei.  When he gets within yelling distance of the knot of men he belts out

Leftenant!  STAY YOUR HAND!
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Thu 25 Feb 2016.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 79):

South

The Leftennant along with his group gallop off into the distance, leaving Enrei and Titus to chat.

The Town

A quick search reveals the following about the town:

Only two buildings have been burned, the rest are untouched.

By the state of things, people left in a hurry but did prepare somewhat for their trip.  Valuables such as coin and jewelry are gone, as are most clothes, blankets and all the animals.

However, the bulk of people's property is left, indicating that they packed but traveled light.  You find no shortage of basic tools, food stuffs, pottery, rope, firewood, a book or two and any other basic equipment you might imagine.

OOC:  let me know if you're looking for anything in particular

Duncan peeks carefully from his hiding place.

"Friends, I thank you most warmly for your help.  Few men are so generous with their lives to risk it for a stranger."

In reply to GM (msg # 80):

Brennan will see to it that all the food, tools, and other useful items are divided into organized lots. The books he sets off to one side for later personal perusal.

"Excellent work," he says warmly.

"If there's anything here you particularly want, speak up and it's likely yours," Brennan says to Deev and Bryce, motioning to the piles that are not books. "A finder's bonus, you might say. I'll claim the remainder for the good of the company, to sell or use on later jobs."

He watches to see which items they take, then turn to address Duncan.

"I'm not one to leave someone staked up to die for speaking his mind. Still... I'm not sure how much we really helped you. Your life as you knew it is over."

Brennan scratches his chin for a moment.

"If you have any marketable skills, it's possible I could find a place for you among my men. Every man among us is paid and fed; that's not a bad lot these days. We're heading northeast, toward work and the wilds. A dangerous profession, to be sure, but sometimes profitable. And always interesting."

"They did not let me catch the horse," Enrei informs Titus once he's close enough to speak to at a normal volume, "I do not know where it went.". The disappointment is evident in his voice, as is confusion about what the appropriate course of action should be.  Left no better options, Enrei looks expectantly at Titus.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 82):

Titus pats Enrei on the shoulder affectionately.

Neither did I...

She says that we can make up for it later.

He says in a reassuring manner.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:37, Fri 26 Feb 2016.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 83):

Duncan's smile widens.

"My life is saved for the moment, what more can a man ask for, friend?

I appreciate your offer, but I do not think my skills are in line with your work, whatever that may be."  He eyes Deev and Bryce who are picking through the towns loot.

"But... I suppose as long as you are loyal to the king, that will be enough for me."

He clasps Brennan's hands and you notice that his skin is as soft and smooth as a newborn baby.  If Duncan had done a day's physical labor in his entire life, you'd be shocked.

"But I feel I am being ungracious.  Please, how can I repay you?  Ask any boon and I shall do my best to grant it."

In reply to GM (msg # 84):

Money.  Lots of it.

Titus says with a grin, he then laughs.

One thing you could do for me is satisfy my curiosity, this is one of those cases where the old irritating truism of 'truth is stranger than fiction' and I'm dying to know what they thought you were capable of.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 85):

Deev and Bryce pick carefully over the town's loot, Bryce clearly being an old hat at this game.

They keep their distance from Duncan, however.

Duncan smiles at Titus.

"There is an old rhyme I heard from a child once:

Hey-ho, nobody home,
Meat nor drink nor money have I none,
Still I will be merry, very merry.

I must confess I have no coin.  Truths, on the other hand, I have aplenty."

He turns to Brennan and Enrei.

"And you?  What can I offer you?"

In reply to GM (msg # 86):

Titus makes a playful sour face.

Then my payment will have to wait until later.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 87):

Brennan looks at Duncan carefully.

"Do you know anything about a being called Galandril, a being called Hal-guhn, or runic script?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:12, Mon 29 Feb 2016.

Enrei stares dumbly at Duncan for a moment, a tiny bit of surprise hidden in his slack expression, before finally answering, "I don't know, what do you have?"

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

"So be it."

Duncan smiles at Titus, then bends over and carefully selects a small pebble from the ground.  He wipes it off on his sleeve, squeezes it momentarily in his palm, then flips it casually to Titus.

"When you think of something you need, whisper my name to that token and I will send whatever aid I can as quickly as possible."

He turns to Brennan.

"Knowledge is, perhaps, the best gift one can ask for.  Yes, friend, I know those names, though I have never met either.  Galandril is the name of a denizen of the Dream of Heaven, whom some would call an angel.  Galandril is a wanderer, said to be found helping those in need.  The other name is not one I advise speaking aloud, though in this Dream you might be safe.  Speak it in the Dream of Hell, which is its home, and you will likely not speak again.  It is the name of a great tormentor, a terrible creature to be sure."

He stares for some time at Enrei, then bursts out laughing.

"Ah, yes friend, that is good.  From one who would offer, why not ask for what the one has, for surely that is all-encompassing!"

Duncan wipes a tear from the corner of his eye, then spreads his arms and legs dramatically.

"As you can see, I have no material possessions but the clothes on my back, and those I think would suit you poorly.  What I DO have of great value, however, is purpose.  It has been said that purpose is more valuable than anything, for it is the thing which drives us to have anything else."

Duncan smiles even more brightly than before, a feat you did not think possible.  Gently, he reaches up and takes one of Enrei's great hands, then pulls him down slowly so that they are squatting side-by-side.

With Enrei's finger, Duncan draws a simple looping pattern in the dirt.  Duncan's face goes dark, though his smile does not waver.


"See this symbol and memorize it, for it is the mark of the beast.  Wherever you find this symbol, there comes the Dream of Hell.  Your purpose is this: destroy those who bear this mark."

Duncan pops up onto his feet and brushes off his hands.

"There, then friends.  There may be no reward worthy of the aid you have rendered, but I have done my best.  If you are going North, then we must part ways.  I fear North is no longer a safe direction for me."

In reply to GM (msg # 90):

Brennan nods and smiles, looking relieved.

"Pleasant travels to you, then, Duncan. Be careful, wherever you're headed."

After the others have rested briefly, he collects what loot remains and pack it among their possessions.

"This turned out to be profitable after all," he says. "Let's continue onward, before the raiders decide to return and do a more thorough search."

Enrei stares at the symbol Duncan has had him draw for a very long, quiet time.  Eventually he looks up at Duncan, "This," he points at the symbol, "This means they are not people?  Killing people is bad.  I do not want to do this."

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

Titus brushes in.

Yes it means they are not people.

Knowing that this may become salient and it is best to ensure there are no shades of gray to confuse the point.

Duncan.  Do you know anything of the wandering haunts?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 93):

Duncan smiles.

"Aye know much of them and nothing at all.  I suspect my knowledge on them, though extensive, would not be... practically useful to you."

He taps his chin and thinks.

"They say one of the three is an Angel.  This is true.  They say the second is a Demon.  This also is true.  They say the third is neither.  This is only part of the truth.  The third is, or was, a man once.  Now it is not."

In reply to GM (msg # 94):

Titus nods sagely to the news.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 95):

Duncan smiles, bows, smiles again, then marches purposefully south along the general route you came.  What his plan is to avoid Xander's troops you have no idea.

"Weirdo," Bryce comments.  Deev only nods.

The pair help Brennan pack up what supplies might be useful, which is largely food, and you see about getting something to eat before pressing on northeast.

You have a decent lunch, as there is food that would not travel well and might as well be eaten now.  Fresh meat and bread as well as some soft cheese.




OOC: Supplies updated

As the party eats, Enrei looks at Brennan thoughtfully, "Did water taste better from the cup lady?" he looks at his drink with a bit of disappointment, "I think it made beer taste better."

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

Agreed Enrei, Brennan does this mean that this is a horrible idea to drink from it?

And yes... weirdo.  But a potentially powerful weirdo.  I'm not sure if we did the right thing or not....

His attitude changes to playful indignation

Brennan, you've been holding out on me!  What do you know of Galandril or Hal... maybe I won't say the rest.  One I've heard of peripherally; the other, not at all.  Come on.  Dish.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 98):

"Nobody's making a habit of drinking from this cup," Brennan says, moving a hand guardedly to make sure the cup is in fact still hanging from his belt.

"I... feel similarly. But you saw what happened to its previous owners when they came to rely on it too regularly. We will partake sparingly. If you cannot do this, you will not partake at all. It is the only way to ensure our minds remain clear."

He turns his attention to other matters.

"They're both names of power and importance. The cup is linked to the former, and our colleague to the latter."

Brennan looks toward Bryce.

"I would very much like to know how you knew to ask for him specifically."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 99):

Bryce grins wickedly, his rotten teeth making him look something like a hairy Jack of the Lantern.

"Let's just say we have a... working relationship.  No more, no less.  I were introduced by the Witches who taught me to speak.  Seems he owed them a favor... or maybe the other way around.  Hard to tell with demons."

In reply to GM (msg # 100):

Titus beams like a child on Christmas.

Come on damnit!  Someone other than me tell me an interesting story.  Theres a bunch of shit going on out of legend and thats all I get?

Enrei looks a little perterbed at Brennan's denial of the chalice, but accepts the wisdom of his decree.  At Titus's outburst he looks around the group, "Oh, is time for stories?" his face brightens with his own dose of childlike interest.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 102):

"You want a story to pass the time?" Brennan asks idly. "Stop me if you're heard this one. I... think I remember the rhyme scheme."



Brennan falls silent, a pleased smile crossing his features as he continues to ride.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 103):

Titus laughs heartily

He's deflecting... I'll find out sooner or later.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 104):

Once your preparations/lunch/looting are completed, you continue your journey.

For a while, you follow the road north.  Without even rudimentary tracking skill, it's easy to tell that a lot of horses, animals, and people recently went this way.

The road is beaten earth and the going easy with a gentle incline.  By late afternoon you break off on a smaller road that winds ever more east and gets ever more rocky as you cross into the shadow of the mountains.

OOC:  You will have a day or two journey, let me know if there's anything in particular you want to do/discuss in that time and I'll jump forward.

Enrei is happy to be traveling, trusts Brennan's judgement of the questionably beneficial chalice, and is happy to keep up conversation with the rest of the party, but rarely has cause to start one.  Whenever the group makes camp he takes time to trace the symbol Duncan showed him in the dirt, or just drawing it in his mind's eye on a smooth stone to ensure he remembers the apparently important image.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 106):

Titus continues to pump Brennan for information regarding the angel and demon he asked about.  If Brennan feels like volunteering any info.........

Other than that he passes the time as Titus would pass the time.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 107):

Brennan will usher the group onward toward their next destination, parting with little in the way of useful information at this point.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 108):

Stupid Brennan

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 109):

You continue on your journey to the North East:

With each passing mile, the road becomes thinner and the terrain rockier and steeper.  The thick bushes and grass are replaced by thinner scrubbier grasses and lichens that cling to every rock.

The first day passes largely in silence, including the fauna which are few and far between.  While you walk, you do sight an elk here and there in the distance and a few birds, but little else.  By night, when you make camp, you hear distant wolves and far stranger sounds, but none of them bother you further.

Late morning on the second day, the path vanishes at the foot of a large bolder.  Glancing up, you can see hints of a switchback trail that rises up and up, vanishing between two peaks a few hundred feet up.

"And it is here we must decide," Bryce notes with a nod.  "The horses'll not make it further.  Given good strong men, we can be up to the Witches and back in a day, though it would mean relying on their hospitality for the night."

Bryce smiles cruelly.  "Any as you haven't been acquainted yet, you'd best bring something to trade if that's how you want to start off your visit."

CROSSROADS

You will need to decide a few things:
1. What to do with the horses, or who to leave with them,
2. Start climbing immediately and plan to either spend the night with the witches or climb back down after dark OR wait until the next morning to climb and camp where you are.

In reply to GM (msg # 110):

I vote we camp where we are, make it up and down in a day.  The idea of spending a night with a witch... is not appealing. Unless Bryce wants to ploy me with tales of their bacchanals and hospitality...

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 111):

"We should only send as many as we have sufficient gifts to support," Brennan says after a moment. "But I agree, we should camp for night and make the journey there and back in one go."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 112):

What kind of gifts are they looking for Bryce?  Are we talking about a pile of gold?  The head of a dead bunny?  The laughter of a child, or a fish with a harp for a heart?
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 16:27, Mon 07 Mar 2016.

"If they want blood, someone else should give this time, Enrei suggests firmly.  Though certain he could make the climb, Enrei is more than happy to mind the horses, especially his "collateral" per his agreement with Brennan.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 114):

Bryce laughs.

"Right you have it Titus, what would tempt a witch?"

He looks around at the rocks.

"Gold?  I doubt very much they'll be running across any merchants here to spend it.  Dead animals I'm sure they have aplenty, and likely you wouldn't enjoy what it's said they do to children."

He thinks.

"Information is always valuable, though the trivialities of mortal affairs likely don't interest them much.  Tools or herbs that are difficult to find perhaps, or anything touched by the other dreams so to speak.  And the going rate on servitude is always strong..."

In reply to GM (msg # 115):

"Let's make camp," Brennan says, dismounting his steed. "We'll use the evening to discuss what to offer the witch when we visit. At first light tomorrow we'll head to the hut and hopefully return by nightfall. Deev, if you'd rather be spared a visit with witches,  I'd appreciate it if you stayed behind to watch the horses and guard our supplies. Enrei, you may do the same if you prefer, or you may tag along -- it's entirely up to you. Bryce, you and Titus I'll definitely need to make the journey with me."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 116):

Bryce nods.

"Aye, and at that time we'll need to discuss my fee.  I feel I've done a proper job so far."

It being midday, you have plenty of time to make camp.  There isn't much in the way of firewood but there is plenty of kindling (dried moss and lichen) and you have enough time to scrounge together some flammable odds and ends.

In reply to GM (msg # 117):

Deev nods violently.

"Not that... I WOULD certainly go with you to help if you asked me but... I don't delight at meeting a witch.  I'll guard the horses if that suits."

He is clearly relieved.

In reply to Deev (msg # 118):

Titus smiles consolingly at Deev.

We know you would.

He says for Brennan's ears only .

As far as payment for the witches... I do have one item touched by the dream if they would be willing to accept it.  Though it is a dear price to ask.

I'm not much of a mind to leave behind my blood or a promise of service unless its purely mundane in nature...

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 119):

The night passes with little incident as you tend to the sparse fire.

The mountains block the chilly winds that have plagued your sleep lately, and the wolves seem more distant.

IT IS THE 12TH DAY OF THE QUEEN'S MONTH

Though the sun rises, you are in the shadow of the mountains and so the light is dim until late morning.

There is no need to break camp, but you will need to decide what to leave and what to take with you.

In reply to GM (msg # 120):

Rope.  Torches.  Food.  Water.



......Payment.

Titus adds the last word like a judge passing a sentence.

Anything else you can think of?  Do you think they would want any of that janky shit from the inquisitor?

in an aside to Brennan

What will we owe our guide at the end of this?
This message was last edited by the player at 12:13, Wed 16 Mar 2016.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 121):

"Coin, same as any mercenary," Brennan shrugs. "Seeing as we had him at our mercy before hiring him, he had a strong incentive to cut a reasonable deal."

He clears his throat.

"In terms of payment, I'm thinking labor wouldn't be such a bad thing. Better than blood, at any rate. If the witch wants other trinkets we can discuss it."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 122):

OK.  Then pack your trinkets... and lets bring some torches in case it gets to be late and we can't see well on our way back.

Lets do this.

/ooc: OK Brennan, that's Titus' wish list, he's ready to go.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:35, Wed 16 Mar 2016.

As Brennan and Titus make ready to scale the mountain, Enrei is rather tranquil as hei es about tending the horses.  He even pulls out a brush he scrounged from the abandoned town and while it might've been originally meant for pots, the horses don't seem to mind his application of it.

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

After some quick repacking, Brennan and Titus begin their ascent with Bryce while Deev and Enrei remain behind with the horses.

The Mountain Pass

At first, the going is not overly strenuous: tight switchbacks weaving between a few trees and large boulders broken up by the occasional scrabble up a rock.

Around the two hour mark, it is more climb than walk with little or no hint of a trail.  The wind picks up as you lose the protection of trees and here and there you are given the opportunity to peer down at the trees and valley below from stunningly dangerous vertical drops.

OOC:  Body + Endurance or Athletics to resist exhaustion.

Bryce moves cautiously, and is extremely careful not to look down.  He has clearly done this before, but that isn't to say he takes to it fondly, cursing the wind and the rocks along with Titus and Brennan.

At last you come to a level region between two higher peaks, which shield you from the wind somewhat.  Here there is rough dirt thick with clay, patches of scrubby grass and a single tree.

Bryce raises his hand and moves forward toward the tree alone.  When he gets within twenty paces of it, there is a loud hissing that nearly causes Titus and Brennan to jump out of their skins.

Bryce says something in a strange tongue and the hissing repeats.  With a loud thump, a long dark shadow drops from the tree and slithers toward Bryce.  The grasses part to reveal an enormous serpent, black as coal apart from glowing red eyes.


It flicks its tongue at Bryce a few times, then slithers slowly away.

Bryce turns to face you.

"That, naturally, is one of their servants.  It won't hurt us."

He marches after it.

"Perk o' being a witch I suppose," he chuckles, "all sorts of creepy company."

Base Camp

For many hours, nothing in particular happens.

Deev spends his time looking up the mountain and fretting out loud about what might be happening to your companions.  He breaks this up with bouts of flicking small rocks at larger rocks.

Enrei takes his time tending the horses.  As Deev frets, he deflects each worry matter-of-factly.  They were just going to talk, maybe the climb took them a while, they're probably just talking, everything is fine.  Once finished with the horses Enrei joins Deev in flicking stones for a little while before sighing heavily.  The fact of having nothing to do for really the first time in weeks suddenly sinking in, "Do you know any stories?" Enrei ventures.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 126):

Titus arrives panting and winded but no worse for the journey

That was bullshit!

16:53, Today: Titus Blackwell rolled 13 using 5d10 ((4,3,1,2,3)).

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 127):

Base Camp

Deev thinks for a moment, looking Enrei over carefully.

"Well, I do know one story you might not have heard... wherever you're from."

He proceeds to tell his story, though not with any particular skill:

"Once, there was a great general, known to all as a fierce warrior.  Time and again he would lead his soldiers into battle against impossible odds:  hordes of western savages, battalions of demons, Ogres from the frozen north, you name it he fought it.  His attending officers thought him almost as great as the First Men, and attended to his every word so they could learn from his example.

One captain, after a particularly bloody battle, asked the General:

'Sir, I have oft noticed that you are very attentive to your routine before combat.  I know that a warrior is always well prepared, as has spoke Magalan, but your routine has one quirk the significance of which eludes me.  Why is it, sir General, that before each battle you don only a red shirt?'

The General stared down his captain, then nodded approvingly. 'You see,' he explained, 'The General is the heart of the army, and the soul of the men.  To see me at the front lines, felling foes without being wounded, it inspires them more than any banner or war cry.  And so, I wear a red shirt, such that no man can see me bleed.  This makes me seem more than mortal, and inspires the men.'

The Captain nodded in approval, seeing the wisdom there.

And so it came to pass that weeks later, the General's army was faced with it's most terrible foe: an army of corrupted men led by the demon Baal.  The enemy horde was so deep that their footfalls shook the earth, their combined breaths caused a tornado, and their arrows blotted out the sun itself.  Behind them all stood Baal himself: as big as a mountain and as terrible as the end of the world.

The General stood and took this all in, while his officers rushed to prepare him for battle.  The faithful Captain rushed to his master's side:  'Sire,' he asked, 'shall I bring you your red shirt?'

The General gazed upon the enemy and shook his head.  'No, good Captain, bring me my brown pantaloons.'"

After this, Deev falls into a fit of laughter.

Enrei listens intently to Deev's story, nodding along slightly.  When Deev falls over laughing, however, Enrei simply cocks his head curiously.  After a moment he speaks up, "Brown pantloons...look funny?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:24, Fri 18 Mar 2016.

In reply to GM (msg # 125):

Brennan catches his breath without too much trouble, and remains alert as their meeting with the witches becomes imminent.

[Body + Athletics: 2x4]

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 130):

"No, I..."

Deev stares at Enrei for some time, then finally nods.

"Yes, brown pantaloons are funny.  VERY funny."

In reply to Deev (msg # 131):

The Summit

Bryce follows the great black serpent past the tree and along a wide grassy path that winds between the two peaks.  Titus and Brennan keep close behind.

"Not far now," the demonspeaker comments.

A couple hundred feet later, you have passed through the gap and are on the other side.  Here it slopes more gently (though still dangerous to climb) down into a deep valley and the wind picks up again.

Rather than descend, the snake hooks right around the southern peak.  Here there is a wide ledge  to walk upon.  To one side the stone wall of the peak becomes more and more sheer.  On the other side, the dropoff becomes equally stark.  Though the view is vertigo-inducing, the ledge is wide enough for several men to walk abreast and so you can stick close to the rock if desired.

The grass fades into dusty stones and a well-worn path is visible.

After skirting the cliffs for most of an hour, the ledge widens out and once again there are living things.  Tough gnarled vines sprout up and climb the rock wall to the cliffs above.  Some have flowers, but the flowers are dark and wilted.

In a particularly overgrown patch of wall, you make out the entrance to a cave.

Flanking the entrance are two figures.  They might be mistaken for ashen corpses, but when the serpent approaches they lurch to life.  One drags his left foot horrible on the ground and both reach toward you with dried and rotted fingers.  They open and close their lipless mouths as if speaking, but they make no noise.


They twist dessecated heads atop rotted necks as the snake slithers by.  They reach toward Bryce's neck and for a moment he hesitates.  Slowly he takes a single step forward and the figures back off, allowing him to pass.

He steps to the mouth of the cave, ducking slightly and turns back.

"Here it is lads, no turning back after this."

In reply to GM (msg # 132):

Titus throws a gleeful look at Brennan.

We are so going to die here!

He follows on Bryce's heels.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:01, Mon 21 Mar 2016.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 133):

"We'll be fine," Brennan murmurs, looking at the corpse-like creatures intently before following Bryce inside. "For certain values of we and fine."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 134):

Brennan swears that as Titus was swallowed by the darkness all that remained was a cheshire cat smile.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 135):

The Cave

The cave reveals itself to be a tunnel, one which opens up a few feet in so that you can stand comfortably.  For several paces you walk easily, then you round a small bend and the light of the sun is quickly swallowed.  Your shuffling footsteps echo in your ears.  "Keep up then," Bryce intones over the scraping of sand.

Though blind, you are able to navigate safely enough by extending hands and following the gentle contours of the tunnel and your progress is marked by the occasional root or crack in the rock.  It is not long until you round another bend and your eyes begin to adjust to a soft flickering glow.

"Oh, and I wouldn't draw weapons if I were you," Bryce warns with a hint of mirth.  "It would be rude."

The tunnel slopes down slightly, narrows, then opens into a chamber in which you find yourself.

The chamber is roughly oblong and around the size of the keep of the hairy siblings.  The ceiling is dotted with stalactites and so makes movement around the edges of the room where the ceiling is lower very difficult.  This ceiling domes upward, getting to at least two man's heights at its peak.

The walls are a mix of shadow, but here and there are candles and weak lanterns throwing reflections off of a small collection of books, tools, jars and small metal objects hanging off of forked sticks leaning against the walls.

In the center of the room is a wide circle of fitted rocks encompassing a bed of glowing coals.  Atop this are several small pots and pans.  Though they bubble, they do not smell like much.

The pervading smell in the room, trumping the earth and roots of the tunnel, is one of rot, sweat and unwashed human, likely caused by the two figures crouched on the far side of the cook pit.  They sit hunched over the fire pit, their hands working at something unseen beneath feathery black robes that are pulled up over their faces and fall down across bandy knees that poke out.  You can see the glitter of eyes turning up to greet you and here and there in the flickering light make out the tip of a pointed nose or a warty chin, but otherwise cannot see much detail about the figures.

The walls are in shadow, but there appear to be other tunnels leading out.

The great serpent you followed has vanished... somewhere though the tingle at the back of your spine tells you it isn't far.

To all this, Bryce bows slightly just inside the chamber.

"Mothers, I have returned.  I thank you for permitting me enter.  It has been too long."

A rasping sound comes from one of the figures and Bryce steps quickly to one side, gesturing back at Titus and Brennan with a sweep of his hand.

"And I have not come empty handed.  My gift to you, good Mothers: travelers from the west and people of some interest I believe.  They wish to speak with you."

OOC:  If there is anything you want to prep/make ready before you enter the chamber, go ahead, but Bryce has suggested you do not draw visible weapons.

Base Camp

Some time after lunch, there is a rustling in the bushes that nearly gives Deev a heart attack.

You freeze and wait...

After a breath or two, a thin dirty goat pops out of the brush.  It looks almost as surprised to see you as you it.  It pauses, chewing on something, and stares at you.

Though the rustling in the bush causes Enrei to catch his breath, the appearance of the goat causes a gasp from the islander eho looks at Deev, "I know this, is good for milk, yes?" he asks quietly, but does not wait for a response before lifting himself from his seat into a low crouch and taking a careful step toward the animal before leaping bodily at it, arms outstetched to grab it.

((5,10,1,7,2,3,1,3,4,8 2x3 to grapple the goat with +1 martial initiative))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 137):

Titus makes sure his weapons are free... but not drawn

My weapons are bared at all times....

He steps out of the shadow and takes a bit of an affront at the mention of himself and Brennan as 'gifts'

That's disconcerting...

Though he takes it in stride.  He somberly bows towards the ladies and speaks in reverential tones and is on his best behavior.

My ladies, my name is Titus, my friend here is named Brennan.  We have traveled long and far and would speak with you regarding changes we have observed in the world of late.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 138):

Brennan nods slightly.

"The knowledge we seek involves a particular stone and the writing upon it. We come ready to trade for it -- or for information concerning it -- via a variety of currencies."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 139):

Base Camp

Enrei sails through the air like a muscular bullet, tackling, capturing and rolling with the goat.

Though it will likely be a subject ultimately left for scholars to wonder without any further empirical evidence, the goat appears to be the most surprised a member of the Bovidae family has ever been.

So surprised, in fact, that it takes no further action immediately.

The Witch's Cave

The two figures shift about the dull embers and one of them replies.  The words are in the King's tongue, but the sound is as much like cloth tearing as it is like a human voice:

"Many stones and more we have seen,
as up and down the cliffs we have been.
Describe for your mothers this rock,
only then on trade can we talk."

In reply to GM (msg # 140):

Brennan describes the rock as Bryce described it to him.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 141):

Witch's Cave

The two figures shuffle and cluck to themselves.

One reaches out a long bony limb and stirs the coals with an equally bony finger.  You can see in the dancing shadows that mixed in with the coals are fragments of bone.

The hand retracts into the figure's cloak, then re-emerges with a round flat stone which, though the cave is dark, seems to always be in the light.  You can just make out that there are carvings on its surface before the hand snatches it away again.

"A stone have your mothers,
like it there are no others.
Do you come offering a gift,
or will you insult us with your thrift?"

In reply to GM (msg # 142):

Titus sits next to the women near the fire showing no fear he tries to get a glimpse of what they are working with their hands.

Mothers, we have brought several things that could be gifts, however, we didn't know what would best suit your tastes.  I can offer songs and tales of this world, the dream, and other realms yet to be imagined.  Both of us have strong arms and strong backs willing to work.  We have some silver though it does not seem to be of much use to you... if these do not suit we may be able to offer something else.

To that end... I place myself at your service.  What would you ask of me mothers.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:04, Thu 24 Mar 2016.

"I got it!" Enrei shouts triumphantly, though a bit surprised himself.  "A rope.  Get a rope," he demands of Deev as he holds the goat in his impromptu bearhug.

((1,1,10,6,7,7,7,8,8,10: 2x10 or 3x7 if the goat tries getting away))

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 143):

Witch's Cave

The two figures shuffle and cluck when Titus squats beside them.  Something about the shadows seems to obfuscate the details of their visages no matter how close you sit.  However, Titus can make out sunken features, sharp teeth and leathery skin.

This close, he also notes that each wears a tiara or metal circlet of some kind.  The material looks to be dull and tarnished steel.  However, on the front of each is a small glowing fragment of bone.

One figure responds in a rusty voice while the other nods in approval.

"Of song or silver we have no need,
from such wants we have been freed.
It may please your Mothers, you to use,
If to services bound, you would choose."

The second chimes in.

"The stone is precious, this is true,
We dance the Dreams, we wise Mothers few.
The cost is dear, but can be paid,
If some villagers can be swayed."

The two touch long leathery fingers together above their cookstove, and in the air the shimmering image of a town splashes into view.  You can see that this town is large, with fortified walls of logs and appears to be down in the valley you passed on your way to the cave.

"Down in the valley you see below,
lies a town, it's people slow.
They do not see the true flow of dreams,
yet they impede, like beavers on streams.

Around their village is a wall of wood,
but this concerns us no more than it should.
Rather, the barrier of precious dust,
This you must break, this magical crust."

The image shows silhouettes of people moving around the town.  A few of them, you can just make out, are spreading something powdery on the ground in a circle around the town.

In reply to GM (msg # 145):

Deev hustles to get a rope and the creature is quickly bound.

"Now what?"  Deev asks nervously.

"Is it... I mean is it JUST a goat?"

Enrei looks at Deev quizzically after hus question.  He is about to respond to him as he would Titus but stops himself with a grin, "No," he says, quite pleased with himself, "It is our goat." He crosses his arms over his chest and takes the moment to bask in the new acquisition.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 147):

Titus nods

Mothers... if I may a moment with my colleague?

He waits for their acquiesence, assuming it is given he pulls Brennan for a quick aside.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 148):

The Cave

The figures do not respond nor do they make any motion to stop Titus to whispering with Brennan.

Bryce, standing nearby, is clearly interested in what is being said, but you can avoid him if you wish.


Base Camp

The goat kicks and bleats but is unable to escape.

Deev accepts Enrei's decision wordlessly.

After observing the goat proudly for a little while Enrei leans toward Deev, "How...where do you get the milk?"

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 150):

You and I both know a request like this is never innocuous.  It may be physically easy but I have no idea what it could cause downstream... and we have no idea what their intentions are, and even if they told us I doubt we could understand until too late.

We can do this... or we can offer them something else...

Titus looks at Brennan imploringly, confused, trapped, unsure.

I feel like we are lose-lose on this.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 151):

"I know what's at stake. The dust protects the village from demonic attacks," Brennan says grimly. "If we disturb it, the village will fall prey to the whims of whatever they were keeping at bay."

He makes no effort to exclude Bryce from the conversation. The man had been faithful to this point and his nascent mercenary company needs men.

"But without the stone, I will have a harder time with the next phase of our journey. And the village will fall either way, should we fail on the road ahead. I suggest we do the deed, and hope we can make up for it in the future."

He grins slightly.

"Besides, that village may have need of skilled mercenaries in the near future..."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Thu 24 Mar 2016.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 152):

...but there will still be people dying in that village as a result of our actions...  There would be new orphans, and we...

Titus is clearly grappling with some inner conflict.

Would be no better than the wandering haunt.

he perks up.

There is something else we can offer... though I am loathe to do it.

Titus fishes the chain around his neck to show Albert's finger.

They may be interested in this. 

He looks down at it and back up at Brennan thoughtfully

I may be an asshole, but I'm not 100% a dick. 
This message was last edited by the player at 13:32, Fri 25 Mar 2016.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 153):

Deev steps forward and give the goat a closer inspection, carefully dodging it's flailing limbs.

The creature bleats in frustration.

After a moment Deev looks up.

"It's not... it's a boy goat."

In reply to Deev (msg # 154):

Brennan looks at Titus for a long moment, the wheels turning inside his head.

"We may well need to do some unpleasant things before our time together comes to an end. Did you think that none of those we've fought to-date sired children prior to our engagement? Shall we make a point of inquiring in the future, to ensure they have a surviving spouse before we kill them?"

He shakes his head.

"That was unworthy of me. I apologize. Understand that this isn't about being an asshole or a dick. It's this... journey we're on. It's bigger than you and me. It's bigger than our wants, needs, and desires. If you want to offer that up as alternative payment, I won't stop you. But we may sorely require its power someday. And without adequate protection that village will burn regardless our actions."

Brennan gets a far-away look in his eyes.

"Ask them and see. Perhaps you can save some lives today, and grant them a respite, however brief. It may behoove us to determine what makes the village worth destroying, as well."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:46, Fri 25 Mar 2016.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 155):

Titus' defenses come back online and he is back to being invulnerable and cocksure.

Damn you and your logic that I can't argue with.

He sneers with a half smile.  He puts the bone charm away and sits back down unperturbed by the witches.

Mothers, may we ask what town this is and why you would request us to break its protective circle?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 156):

The Cave

The two hunched figures chuckle together.  It is a thoroughly unpleasant sound.

"A trade this man wants to make,
yet free knowledge he asks to take.
His head is small, he sees one Dream,
We find him greedier than he did seem."

"Well if boy goat has no milk, what is it good for?" Enrei inquires as he looks at the distressed animal.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 158):

Then educate me mothers.

He says with slight acidity to his voice.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 159):

"I..."  Deev frowns and stammers, cycling through several methods of explaining the ideas of goats, meat, cooking and meals to Enrei.

Ultimately he shakes his head and lets his arms drop to his sides.

"Look, if you don't know where food comes from... I'm not going to be the one to break it to you."

In reply to Deev (msg # 160):

The Cave

The figures stir, rising slightly.  You make out the glint of eye, tooth and sharp steel in the shifting light.

The voice that follows is no less inhuman, but more threatening:

"He asks a boon, we name a price,
the Mothers shall not answer thrice.
Begone you fool, do this task,
or else for mercy you'll next ask."

Bryce, you note, is already half out into the passageway.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:22, Fri 25 Mar 2016.

In reply to GM (msg # 161):

The anger leaves Titus relatively quickly...  He heaves a heavy sigh and nods to the witches.

It will be done 'ere you next see us.  Mothers.

with that he bows and follows Bryce out the caves.

In reply to Deev (msg # 160):

"I know where food comes from!" Enrei replies indignantly.  "There is no milk, what food does it make?" he asks, possibiy undermining his original claim.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 163):


Brennan lags behind slightly, then hurries down the passage toward the others.

"Come on. Let's get this over and done with. I want to get the stone and be on our way."

He turns to Titus with a sigh and a long-suffering grin.

"En route, we're going to have a discussion about the art of tactful negotiation."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 164):

I offered nicely. 

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 165):

Bryce leads you quickly down the tunnel and you are zoon thrust into painful sunlight.

As your vision readjusts you are caught off guard by the silent monstrosities guarding the entrance and you nearly piss your respective breeches.  They threaten and mouth unheard cries, but do not attack.

In reply to GM (msg # 166):

"I..."  Deev searches Enrei's face, then continues with a note of caution in his voice that anyone but Enrei would be able to pick up on.

"Are you... is it wrong if we kill the goat?"

Enrei puts his hands on his hips and looks at Deev like a misbehaving child, "Why do you want to kill goat?  We just caught it!"

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 168):

Titus rapidly regains his composure and stares down the guardians.  Making sarcastic faces at them as he walks away.

Bryce... What the fuck?

is all he says for a while.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 169):

"We knew we'd have to grant them some boon," Brennan shrugs. "These sorts of people can be touchy. Do we know where the village is?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 170):

Fucked if I know.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 171):

Deev stammers for a moment, then wanders off.

"No, you're right..."

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 171):

The Cave Entrance


Bryce sneers.

"You asked to consort with witches lad, how did you imagine it would go?  Frankly, I expected them to tear you limb from limb the moment you set foot in their cave."  Bryce shrugs.  "But seeing as they didn't, I expect it's about time you paid me my due."

He points back the way you came, along the thin ledge.

"We'll follow this back to the pass between the peaks.  Go east, that's down to where your horses and the idiot are waiting.  West is a slope down to a long plateau.  There you'll find the village you seek."

He crosses his arms.  "That last bit o' knowledge I give you for free."

In reply to GM (msg # 173):

Fair enough.  You want to tag along with us see if you can find some mercenary work?  Once we get out of the hinterlands I'm sure this stone of Brennan's will lead us someplace very interesting.

He smiles his most winning smile.

You'll be paid out like one of the crew, and I'll even pass you a few drinks once we get to a decent tavern.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 174):

"You've earned your freedom," Brennan nods. "And some coin besides, which we can pay out once we've completed our time with the witches and are on our way elsewhere. If you'd like to try your hand at earning more, I'd certainly be willing to work out a contract with you. If you're rather return to your lord instead, that's your call. But there's much we can still teach each other."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 175):

Bryce raises one brow.

"I dislike waiting and dislike shifted deals even more.  If you intend to wander down into the valley that's your business.  I can wait with your horses as collateral.  If you die, I get the horses."

In reply to GM (msg # 176):

"Shifting the deal?" Brennan repeats, his voice flat with a hint of anger behind it. "I know precisely what we agreed upon, every word. It is my blessing and my curse, to be unable to forget."

His tone changes as though speaking through a veil, as someone distracted while watching something off in the distance. Brennan closes his eyes for a moment and smiles slightly.

"I can see it plain as day. Recall that you were a prisoner when first we spoke. During our first conversation together at Frontgate, you said that the witches are in position of a queer stone, veined and dark, similar to that which I was seeking. I said that I was willing to offer you your life and a bit of knowledge in trade for the route there. I stipulated that if everything goes smoothly, there'd be coin in it for you as well."

He motions back toward the cave, and then down at his belt where the chalice now hangs.

"Everything has NOT go smoothly, has it? But for all that, we came through it well enough, and you fought at our backs faithfully when blood was on the line. I am grateful for your loyalty. I would like to pay you for that, in coin and knowledge, and offer you a position to remain with us if you'd like with terms to be negotiated. You would be fairly compensated, as are the rest of my men. If you'd prefer for this to be where our roads part, we can settle up once we return to the horses. Never fear about that. I have never reneged on a contract, Bryce. And I do not intend to start with you."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Tue 29 Mar 2016.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 177):

Bryce seems taken aback by Brennan's diatribe.

"Well... that's good then.  If it's all the same to you, there's no profit for me in that village down there.  If that's where you head next, I will wait with the horses and the idiot."

In reply to GM (msg # 178):

Titus who appeared a bit shaken after the witches and their strange guardian squares his shoulders and bares his face into the chill sun smiling.

Bryce...

Titus says with measured care in his voice

What do you know about this town that we don't?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 179):

Bryce frowns.

"Possibly nothing.  I saw it many years ago when last I visited the Mothers, but I've never been into the valley.  They told me the locals wouldn't take kindly to my skills so to speak.  It's people are a mixed descent: Nor and propper King's men.  Beyond that, you know what I do."

In reply to GM (msg # 180):

Titus smiles a skeweed manic grin.

Then don't let them know your skills.  Its not hard....

Not a word out of you Brennan.

Come on... it'll be fun.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 181):

Brennan smiles at Bryce, gives him a reassuring nod, and heads back toward the horses along with the others.

Provided they arrive without incident and that the others are still there, he'll explain the bare bones of what happened -- glossing over the implications of destroying the circle.

"We can't get the stone we need unless we do them a favor in the village below," he concludes. "Let's get this over with. As soon as we're done, we'll meet with the witches a second time. Once I have the stone, this portion of the journey will be over and we can talk about the next phase of the journey. And that means new contracts for everyone."

He turns to Bryce.

"Speaking of which, how much would it cost to tempt you into accompanying us until at least we have finished meeting with the witches? I'm loathe to lose your assistance at all, but particularly not until after this leg of the journey is well and truly over."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Sun 03 Apr 2016.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 182):

Base Camp

The travel down from the witch's cave is not without its dangers, but nothing more than lose rocks and tough climbs that you had on the way up.

OOC:  Not sure what Enrei did with his goat... Deev is done suggesting things.

Along the way, Brennan attempts to ply Bryce.

"Well, the way I see it, the first thing is to pay me for gettin' ya here in the first place."

He scratches his scruffy beard.

"Once that's seen to... I could be tempted to linger with you a while, but I won't help you breaking the circle.  Could be you give me one of the horses as mine and I stick with you as long as I can.  Sharing in the profits you see."

When Deev gives up on the goat Enrei shakes his head and shrugs.  He watches the beast's struggles, and if it calms down before the others return, he will see if it's willing to eat any of the horse feed or perhaps let him pet it.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 184):

The goat, after a few hours of gentle treatment by Enrei, has gone from shock and confusion to frustration.

It bleats and kicks at its ropes periodically, but isn't able to make headway on its grand schemes of escape.

It accepts the food Enrei offers, and also tries to bite his fingers off.

In reply to GM (msg # 185):

While walking Brennan notices Titus making strange gestures with his hands and mouthing words.  You can tell he is rehearsing something.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 186):

Brennan chats with Titus freely, using strange hand symbols every so often.

At some point, he also turns to Bryce.

"We are agreed. Take any horse that is not Enrei's as your own, in exchange for your continued services."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 187):

"Fine by me."

Bryce nods and quickly picks the second best horse as his own.  He looks up at the late afternoon sky.

"It'll be dark far too soon for any more climbing today, unless you'd like to learn the fastest way down."

In reply to GM (msg # 188):

Let's go!

Titus says with his cat that ate the canary smile.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 189):

Bryce frowns and looks  from Titus to Enrei.

"I'm not sure which a ya is slower.  If you want to break your neck in the dark, enjoy yourself, but you'll do it without me."

In reply to GM (msg # 190):

"If it's too dark, it's too dark. Let's make camp."

Enrei looks around the camp he and Deev have occupied for most of the day and seems to get a bit nervous, "But, is not dark yet.  Maybe we go little way before is get dark," he looks at Brennan and Bryce hopefully then his face falls into one of confusion, "Where are we going?"

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 192):

"There's a village in the valley," Brennan explains. "We have to perform an errand there -- quietly -- and then return to the witches afterward. It would be best if nobody there knew what we did, why we were there, or that the witches are involved, so we're going to try not to talk to anyone at all."

He smiles encouragingly at Enrei.

"Where's Deev? And... er... where did that goat come from?"

"I caught the goat," Enrei states proudly, "for milk, but Deev says it does not make milk and he will not tell me what boy goat is good for."

"We should go to this village now," Enrei continues, "No one can see us if is dark," he nods sagely.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 194):

Deev nods and shakes his head slowly when Enrei "explains" the goat "situation".

His ears almost visibly perk up when Enrei mentions moving in the dark and he speaks eagerly, "I can see, I mean, I was always able to get in and out in the dark back in Thorngate.  Might be I could help?"

In reply to Deev (msg # 195):

I'm intrigued.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 196):

Bryce scoffs.

"Even if that kid has torches for eyes, I wouldn't think it a good idea to be on that mountain when it gets dark."

In reply to GM (msg # 197):

How can you help Deev?  Personally I am a fan of going in under cover of night. 

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 198):

Deev looks to Bryce and swallows hard.  He seems to have lost some confidence in his previous suggestion.

"That is... my eyes are great in the dark, I'm sure... unless there's no moon at all... I could climb in the dark...  I guess it would still be dangerous..."

In reply to Deev (msg # 199):

Titus shrugs, unimpressed.

Brennan, what do you think?  Bryce doesn't seem inclined to bring us up the mountain.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 200):

"Perhaps there are things that lurk here at night we'd be best served avoiding. Is that it, Bryce?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 201):

Titus rolls his eyes visibly

Yes and I'm messing with dark forces better left alone...
This message was last edited by the player at 20:43, Thu 28 Apr 2016.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 202):

"Might be," Bryce replies with raised eyebrow.  "Also might just be we're more like to fall to our deaths in the dark."

In reply to GM (msg # 203):

"We're not in a huge hurry," Brennan says at last. "And I don't want to send Deev out alone under cover of darkness. We'll go tomorrow, in daylight. Some of us will take the main path and enter the village as passers by looking for supplies and such. Titus, I believe you can probably pull that off with the help of Bryce and Enrei?

That will leave me and Deev free to approach the town from another angle and disrupt the circle before doubling back to a rendezvous point.

You'll purchase some minor supplies peaceably and be on your way. We'll all meet up afterward, swap tales, and rest before heading back to the witches. Easy in, easy out. Thoughts?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Fri 29 Apr 2016.

Enrei shakes his head at Brennan's plan, "I can go with Deev, we will not fall.  You tell us what is errand, we can be all done and see witches in morning.  This is better.  We do not need to wait."

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 205):

Brennan begins to object, notes the determination in Enrei's eyes, and then stifles it.

"Very well. Enrei and Deev, you may ravel to the outskirts of the village tonight under cover of darkness. It seems my objections have done little to deter you, so... so be it. You will find the village surrounded by a peculiar circle."

At this point, he describes it as perfectly as his photographic memory allows based on the witch's description.

"Disrupt the circle such that it is no longer contiguous -- so parts do not touch each other in at least one section -- and return quietly. Don't be seen, and if you DO get caught, don't explain what you've done. Just say you were lost and hurry back here."

"Titus, Bryce, and I will be waiting here with the horses and supplies. If you don't make it back by morning, we'll have to come after you. Because we'd be forced to assume you weren't able to complete the task. Sound good?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:49, Fri 29 Apr 2016.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 206):

Titus lays out and stretches like a cat.

Or you could stay here and I could tell you stories and sing songs....

He offers.

Enrei looks at Titus with amix of longing and irritation, "Take care of my goat," he instructs the minstrel before wrapping his arm around Deev's shoulders, "We will do errand," he says confidently as he steers the smaller man in the general direction of the village.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 208):

Suit yourself!

He says cheery.

Don't say I didn't offer.  This is a new story about a band of travels who sent two of their members out into the dark night and they got eaten by a grue.

Its brand new.  You could be the first in the world to hear it.

He says with maudlin sincerity.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 209):

He looks at Brennan and mouths

They're dead.

and pulls a face.

He leans back and hums tunelessly

This is going to end in disaster for everyone.

He smiles at the stars and begins to sing a song of knights and dragons.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 210):

"Sing the song of the minstrel who, lacking faith in his allies, found himself without an audience," Brennan says wryly. "I'm eager to learn how it ends."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 211):

It ends with the minstrel marrying into the royal family and sleeping on a pile of gold.

He tends to the pot for dinner and carefully plates it out before enter and Deev begin their nighttime journey.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 212):

Base Camp

Bryce shrugs and mutters something about Enrei visiting the Dream of Heaven, then goes about helping prepare dinner and collecting wood for the fire, which is getting more scarce.

Those who stay watch Enrei and Deev climb until they are out of sight, and soon after the sun has passed behind the mountains and it would be too dark to see them anyway.

Little happens before nightfall apart from Titus' cooking.

Bryce spends some time musing on whether or not Enrei will create an avalanche WHEN he falls to his death.

The Fading Trail

Initially, the climb is easy.  As the light fades, it becomes increasingly difficult and eventually very dangerous.  The dark of night comes just as the climb turns more to scaling and sliding along sheer cliff faces.

Deev, for his part, seems to be making good on his assurances that he can see in the dark.  Enrei not so much.

OOC:  I will need two climb checks.

In reply to GM (msg # 213):

Titus kicks back and sings and tells stories around the campfire whether Bryce and Brennan want them or not.  He tries some new stories about Fastbender and some stories of a new mercenary band may or not be imbued with the powers of the first men.

What do you think?  Some reputation may help us get some much needed coin. 

Enrei does his best at climbing down the cliff.  Though his eyesight is not as sharp as Deev's, a career as a sailor and a childhood of reckless decisions has given him a small knack, and he manages to find his handholds mostly by caressing the cliff face very carefully and progessing relatively slowly.

((9, 5, 5, 4, 4 & 2 check1: 2x5
9, 5, 4, 1, 1 & 1 check 2: 3x1))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 215):

"I'm not opposed to seeding stories here and there, provided they aren't the sort that will come back to haunt us in the wrong crowd."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 216):

Titus strums a cord.

Done.

He looks sourly at his lute

I really need a new one at some point...

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 217):

The Summit

It is slow going for Enrei, who seems to barely fit on the tight ledges.  He is able to avoid falling, however, and well after dark the ground slopes and there are scrubby bushes and a tree that casts long shadows in the moonlight.

Both Enrei and Deev spend some time panting and catching their bearings, but realize you cannot linger long in the cold evening breeze that neither of you deemed it necessary to pack heavier clothes for.

To either side, the mountains rise up black and bleak, but before you is a gap that allows you to see starlight and dark landscape beyond.

Before you have any time to enjoy the rest, however, there is a sudden rustling in the undergrass, and a long shadow darts toward you...

COMBAT

You are on level ground with loose sand and your backs to the edge of the cliff.  Within a round you could make it to some bushes or the tree, and within a few rounds you could make it to the far side of the gap between the peaks.

Your enemy is nearly impossible to see in the dark, but seems to be long and thin.

"Hello?" Enrei offers to the rustling sound, stepping between the shadow and Deev. "We are doing errand, who is there?"  He keeps his arms wide at his sides as he tries to make out their new company.  Though he looks calm his muscles are tense and poised for a fight in the dark.  In a lower tone he speaks to Deev,"Are your eye torches have enough moon to see?"

((3,6,1,4,5,9,7,7,6,1 If it moves toward either of us without reply then 2x7 to grapple with+1 initiative))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 219):

"I... I... it's..." Deev stammers helplessly...

Whatever he sees in the dark, it's got him rooted to the spot.

Deev takes no action this combat, being as he is under the effects of abject terror.

In reply to Deev (msg # 220):

The Summit

Moving with his characteristic speed, Enrei leaps forward and grasps in the dark at his partly seen opponent.  He manages to grab hold of... something.  Maybe an arm?

Grapple: success.

This does not deter the creature from stretching out and wrapping its long body around Deev's waist.

Grapple:  success.

COMBAT ROUND

Enrei is holding firmly to a long scaly black creature, which he realizes now (maybe) is some sort of enormous serpent.  The other end of the creature is wrapped in a solid loop around Deev.

Enrei attempts to grope for a neck after he secures gis grip, only to find that what he is holding does not go up to a shoulder, but down to rest on its own weight.  looking at the end coiling around Deev, Enrei tries to come to terms with what it is they were dealing with. "Is not people," he comments as he tries to think of anything he knew about with tremendous size and prone to wrapping around people.  At first nothing comes to him, and if Deev's night vision is as good as he says (and he can spare the attention) he might even see Enrei sweating under the effort.  Then, in an instant the visions from his dream in mill flash through his mind, mixed with words from his childhood as his grip on the thing slackens.  The moisture over his body spreads into globules impossibly large leaving him shimmering with moonlight before suddenly going darker than he was moments before, with a faint sound not unlike a creaky floor.  As understanding grips him he breathes two words, "Sea serpent."

((did it grab Deev at the same time I grabbed it, or does it have dirty stonking snake hax?
I don't let go, but won't maintain the grab if it tries to break free, since I can't do anything else when I armor up))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 222):

Summit

The creature does not attempt to escape from Enrei, instead focusing on squeezing the life out of Deev.

The latter grunts and groans and somehow manages to wriggle himself free, kicking away backwards on all fours like a crab.

OOC:  It grabbed Deev after you grabbed it.  It's long enough to reach him while still being held by you, plus "holding" a snake doesn't limit its ability to do much other than run away.

COMBAT ROUND

Base Camp

You hear the howling of distant wolves, but that is all.

Bryce is already snoring loudly by the fire.

Enrei drops his section of snake and launches himself at the section coiling around Deev, "He is not a boat!" Enrei declares angrily as he attempts to punch the snake right in it's face.  Unfortunately in the dark all snake looks the same.

((1,7,5,5,2,3,8,5: 3x5 punch.  how many hit locations dies this thing even have?  I can hit 5 or 6 if it somehow has more than two for 2 killy damage.  also i was confusing the rules for being grabbed (which there really aren't any) for the rules on being pinned.  moot point now.))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 224):

Having lost Deev, the creature coils up and prepares to throw its weight at Enrei.  Before it can do so, the Chal'i slams into its body with his mighty fists.  There is a cracking sound more like pottery being broken than like bone.

The creature apparently did not expect to be punched, and is thrown off balance enough that it fails to attack this round.  How much damage was actually done is a mystery.

Deev collects himself several feet from Enrei and the beast.  He awkwardly pulls out a thin knife, and pulls himself to his feet.

OOC:  Yes, the snake has nonstandard hit locations.  10 is still the head, but everything else is "body somewhere" except 1 which is a miss due to its shape.

COMBAT ROUND

"It can crush boat.  It eat whole men," Enrei warns Deev, a hint of excitement in his voice despite the threat it poses.  Enrei again charges to lay into the creature, but either due to his inexperience punching snakes or the strange excitement he only delivers a glancing blow.

((1,10,8,3,9,6,1,1 goddamn 3x1 I can make hit the same spot, but for 1 stunning damage I don't think anyone's impressed))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 226):

Deev swallows hard.

"Is it... where do I...?"

He slashes at the beast with his knife.

In reply to Deev (msg # 227):

Enrei slaps the creature, but the impact doesn't have the same satisfying crunch as before.

Deev's blade finds nothing but air and shadows.

The creature, on the other hand, seems to be getting a handle on things.  It lunges quickly forward and loops its body around Enrei's torso.

OOC:  Enrei is not pinned or hampered from movement/action, but now the creature can theoretically start to constrict him to death.

COMBAT ROUND

"Ha ha!" Enrei declares as the snake encircles him.  He takes a swing at its face again, but it is too fast.  The impact on its flank is decidedly more solid than his last blow, though.

((2,5,6,7,7,2,9,7 3x7, hit the same spot for 3 kill this time))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 229):

Summit

Enrei's fist makes a satisfying crunch against the creature's body, and he is further rewarded by a thin spray of filmy substance that might be blood.

Deev jabs hopelessly but cannot hit the flailing beast.

A loud high hissing sound comes from its mouth, though it sounds almost as if it were really coming from far away.

The lower body of the creature constricts painfully around Enrei's body, pushing the breath out of him and threatening to crack ribs sometime soon.  This also makes it difficult to breathe. (5 Shock, torso, 1 shock head)

COMBAT ROUND

Base Camp

The goat, left tied up by Enrei, is having a miserable time and bleats mournfully to let you all know it.

Enrei struggles against the constricting serpent weakly, barely managing to groan out "I am not boat too," before the smell of brine suffuses fhe immediate surroundings and with the sound of a crashing wave, water bursts out of somewhere between Enrei and the circumference of snake.

((7,8,3,2,8 gives a 2x8 radial spray to geddit off me))

In reply to GM (msg # 230):

He watches the beast's struggles, and if it calms down before the others return, he will see if it's willing to eat any of the horse feed or perhaps let him pet it.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 232):

If Brennan is awake, he will make it clear that horse feed is for horses and that the goat is either a meal or Enrei's responsibility to feed.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 233):

Titus ruffles the goat affectionately.

If Enrei isn't back by tomorrow I'm going to name you lunch!

He says in that passive aggresive pet voice the people use.

Think we should leave him trussed up like this?  Can't help but think it looks uncomfortable.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 234):

If the beast is hogtied, then yes, Brennen will advocate for tying it up to a post like you would a horse.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 235):

Think it would chew through the rope?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 236):

"Maybe," Brennan shrugs. "Use a chain or use a couple ropes or tie a bell to its neck so we can hear it if it spends too much time gnawing."

He smirks.

"Or we can just make sure whoever's on guard duty keeps half an eye on the goat while they're at it."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 237):

Summit

The force of the watersplosion is enough to distract or stun the dark beast.  It uncoils, falls to the sand with a wet thud, and vanishes into the underbrush.

END COMBAT

In reply to GM (msg # 238):

Deev swings his knife at the empty air several times.

He spins around, expecting to be attacked from any direction.

"What was that?"

In reply to Deev (msg # 239):

Base Camp

The goat was left hogtied by Enrei, but is easily tied to a stake or tree with only a few minor bumps and bruises given to whoever is doing so.

Once so staked, it will stand at the end of its line and bleat continually.

"Is sea serpent.  Is monster," Enrei replies to Deev, before letting out a small sigh, "I wanted to slay it," he says, clearly disappointed.  He takes a moment to take stock of himself, feeling the strange armor he was covered with during the encounter, but apparently approves of it when he gives a small shrug and nudges Deev in the direction of the village.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 241):

Titus finishes tying off the goat.

Do you know how to make it shut up?

He leans back and picks his teeth

So we find the stone, we get all the knowledge of the world and then what?  What is the ultimate goal of a Brennan Otthild?  Walk through the doors between heaven and hell?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:52, Thu 05 May 2016.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 242):

Summit

Deev keeps knife in hand as he follows Enrei to the far side of the gap between peaks.

The chilly wind does not let up and rustles the rough grasses loudly enough to cover your footsteps, and the potential footsteps of anyone else.

The other side of the sandy gap allows a view to a valley on the other side.  The slope here appears to be far gentler than the one you ascended, though it will still not be totally safe in the dark.

As Brennan described, you can make out lights in the valley below that look to be a settlement of some kind.

Base Camp

The goat continues to mewl, only pausing to jerk its head around nervously when wolves howl.

It sounds like the howling is getting closer.

Enrei looks down on the lights for a moment gauging the distance still ahead of them, "Do you see anything?  Is sea serpent near town?" he relies on Deevs purportedly better night vision.  If there's nothing obviously wrong, he will lead the way down to the lights.

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

Titus perks up at the sound of the wolves.

Let me tell you a story...

He goes to the packs and pulls out the marked armor and the sword and hurriedly and begins putting it on.  A tale about a Magalan annointed the first paladin...

He trails off as he buckles up the armor in earnest, keeping the sword close by.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 245):

Summit and Down

The going is easier, but it is still far from a clearly defined path.

Deev, true to his work, continues to guide Enrei as if he could see, reducing the difficulty somewhat.

OOC:  2 more checks.

Base Camp

As Titus spins his tale, there is another howl, or set of howls.

It is clearly a pack now.

The goat's bleating becomes more urgent.

Not used to the bulk of his new armor, Enrei has trouble finding his footing and handholds, even with Deev's guidance.  When one of the sodden wood plates slips against the slope Enrei very suddenly looses his footing.

((2x fail. At least I'm wearing a helmet, I guess))

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 247):

Brennan...

Titus says all pretense dropping from his voice.

I remember this not being very fun last time it happened.  Do we cut the goat loose?  Say it overpowered us? 

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 248):

"Try to calm it down... I need to think."

Instead of thinking, however, Brennan grabs the chalice and whispers into it.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 249):

Its not the time to talk to your girlfriend. 

Titus grumbles as he gathers the sword and rises now fully armored.

Bryce, If you have any prep work to do now might be the time.  Maybe we would have fared better up in the mountains.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 250):

Summit and Down

Perhaps weakened by combat, or perhaps just unlucky, but Enrei finds the descent more difficult than the ascent.

He slips and falls several times.  Fortunately, the results on this side are less dire as there are no sheer faces to fall down, only steep slopes and thin trees.

He manages to bang himself up pretty good.  (1 Shock to each limb, torso and head).

The trip has taken a good amount of time, you'd guess there are now four or so hours until the sun is up again.  For now the adrenaline and the cold air stave off exhaustion, but that won't last forever.

The slope levels off perhaps a mile from the town, which you can see in the moonlight is surrounded by a ring of torches every few dozen paces.  From this distance, the buildings look to be a couple stories tall each.  You see movement to the lights, indicating men bearing torches or the like.

Base Camp

Bryce snorts and stirs from his sleep.

"What's all this?  Prep for what?"

He pauses to listen to the bleating goat and the response from the wolves, now distinctly plural.

"Shit, lads...."

Brennan holds the chalice to his ear.

Sore from the climb down, Enrei still manages to trudge toward the village, stifling a yawn.  He looks at the wavering torches as they walk before speaking to Deev, "Do you think that is circle Brennan tell us about?"

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

Thats what I said...

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 253):

Brennan quickly pours the contents of one of the wineskins into the chalice, swirls it, and takes a sip before handing it to the others.

"Drink, and the wolves shall pass us by."

He glances at the goat.

"Better make it drink, too, if you don't want it to die."

After each of the others has drank (or declined to), he will be sure to collect the cup once more.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 254):

Titus takes the cup and drinks offering it to Bryce before taking it back and (with some difficulty ) forcing it into the goat.

I really hope this thing doesn't turn out to be evil. 

He says handing it back to Brennan
This message was last edited by the player at 19:39, Fri 06 May 2016.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 255):

As if a voice from the sky said something to him...

...I assume I should water the horses as well?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 256):

"Of course."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 257):

You know this is stupid right?

Doesn't stop him from watering the horses with the cup though.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 258):

Brennan just shrugs.

"She said doing this would make the wolves ignore us. It seemed a better option than trying to fight them, and an easy way to protect Enrei's prize. Besides... if it doesn't work, better to know sooner rather than later that we cannot rely upon her protection."

He smiles slightly.

"Though I have no reason to doubt it at this point."

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 258):

The Valley Beyond

"I do not know... Brennan spoke of something drawn on the ground..."  he squints in the dark.

"More like they are protecting their drawing."

In reply to Deev (msg # 260):

Base Camp

Bryce mutters something about fool ideas, but takes a cautious sip.

The wine from the cup is deeply refreshing, cool and perfect.  (OOC: some of your injuries are soothed as well, I have updated your character sheets).

The horses lap at the proffered goblet, but the goat is not quite as trusting.

It takes some wrangling, but you finally manage to jam its nose into the cup until you are satisfied that it has taken in some of the liquid.

You wait quietly, the fire crackling softly.

The wolves howl again.

You wait.

The wolves howl once more, but their sound is receding...

In reply to GM (msg # 261):

Brennan smiles as the wolves' braying begins to fade.

"Thank you," he says softly to the cup before turning to the other. "And thank you all for being cooperative."

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 262):

It is not long before the wolves can no longer be heard and you can, presumably, sleep safely.


OOC:  Set watch if you like, nothing more will happen until you are asleep...

In reply to GM (msg # 263):

Brennan sets a watch all the same (no reason to get sloppy, and besides, Enrei and Deev could return at any time with something nasty on their heels).

"We should find out," Enrei decides, his course veering slightly toward the closest torch.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 265):

Well...

Titus says nonplused as everyone lets go of their collected breath.  When Brennan talks to it he pops his head over his shoulder.

Are you going to give me a better dream tonight?

He says to the cup.

I'll take the first watch...

He holds up his arms in the armor...

I'm dressed for it.

If the group is interested in a story and a song he'll do a quick performance before bed telling tales of paladins.  If not then He'll let them drift off and he will hum to himself as he slowly works his way towards the goat establishing a rapport with the animal.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 265):

Village Beyond

It is not difficult for Enrei to make his way to one of the torches circling the small town.  In fact, as he gets closer, a shout rings out and several more torches come to join the one Enrei was heading for.

The town is circled by a low wall, not much more than waist height, of mortared stones.  At regular intervals are hanging lanterns on wooden poles.  Beyond, Enre can see that the buildings are mounted on thick legs made of tree trunks so that they have a few feet of clearance beneath them.

Enrei is many paces from the wall (2 rounds movement) when he is met by a half dozen torch-bearing individuals armed with spears and wearing clothes made of buck hide.

"HO THERE!" one calls out.  "WHO APPROACHES IN THE DARK OF NIGHT?"

The men stop in a rough semicircle, spears pointing toward Enrei and Deev.

"Hello, I am Enrei.  This is Deev," Enrei gives his companion a gentle pat on the back that nearly leaves him impaled on the bristling spears, "We are doing errand.  Who are you?" he asks congenially of the speaking spear man.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 268):

"I am Robert Stone," the man replies, looking to his companions.  "What errand do you have here in the witching hours?"

"Witching? No, no, we do not even know how to fly," Enrei corrects Robert, "We are looking for town with circle made of...powder?" he looks at Deev to make sure his description of their goal is accurate.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 270):

Deev does his best impression of a person who does not want to run away.

It's only partly convincing.

In reply to Deev (msg # 271):

"A jester, are you?" Robert smirks.  "And if you found such a town, what would your business be there that has you out at all hours... and so far from your home?"

"No, not jester, I am Enrei," he attempts to enunciate his name more clearly, "Our business is mercenary, but I leave home to be sailor," he explains proudly.

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 273):

Outskirts of a Town

Robert Stone frowns and looks to his companions.  They tighten their fingers around their weapons and set their stances.

"I'm afraid you're in the wrong place, then, Enrei.  We have no work for mercenaries here."

Behind the group of men, you can make out more figures moving about with torches.

"It would be best, I think, if you and your friend turned around and left."

"Oh this is okay, I have work.  Brennan is pay me twelve pennies," Enrei states proudly, "He send me to find town with circle to do errand.  If you do not have circle, maybe we can stay the night, yes?  There is sea serpent," he jerks a thumb over his shoulder, "I do not slay it very good at night, maybe is be easier at daytime."

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 275):

"Sea serpent, you say" Robert replies incredulously.  "That's interesting indeed."

He whispers something to one of his companions, who rushes back to the wall and relays some sort of message before returning.

"I would like very much for you to tell me your errand.  If you do not, I'm afraid I cannot let you come any further."