"It seems the sands blow in the same direction.  It is as if our destinies are intertwined.  By helping you, we help ourselves."  Solomon turned around and looked at each of his companions.  He doubted any of them would disagree, and even if they did, he doubted any of them had a different course of action planned.

"Tell us what you know of Lord Elrand, and the creature he had become.  Was he always such a beast or was he transformed by curse of magic?"

On the heels of Solomon's question Renard jumps in with a question of his own, "You made it sound like he was part of a group or a.. pack.  What are these things and how can we fight them effectively?"  He didn't need to know much else for now and he was anxious to be of further benefit to this foundering city.  He hadn't yet forgotten about their dragon friend, however, and was rather wondering when they would pay a visit to this Kirchhugel place to get him healed.

Kuldar reunited with his trusty War-Boar happily, he looked to Solomon but it seemed Cho'kobo's continued confinement was expected. "We'll get your Bird, I ain't one to leave a comrade behind."

---

Kuldar listened intently while stroking his beard, he had in fact heard of the Shadow Guard during his time in town, what he knew of them seemed admirable enough but...it was not difficult to mislead an oppressed populace. "Lad if what ye say be true than call me a friend, we can't have a pack of those beasts roaming the streets now." Kuldar's grip tightened on his Axe to emphasize his plan for the matter.

00:38, Today: Kuldar Balak rolled 17 using 1d20+14. Sense Motive.

"We of course would have to discuss the possibility of catching one alive.  We have to prove to the courts that they are the monster we claim.  I have a set of manacles, but I know little about our foes or how effective they will be.

In reply to Solomon (msg # 139):

"The easier solution may yet be to pull yer blows then lad- not somethin' you practice often given your usual foes but I've trust in ye."

OOC: After all the -4 for dealing nonlethal damage is slightly bypasseed by Inspire Courage.

"I guess that means no fire?", Skraag comments to the others.

"Lord Elrand can be summarily defined as quite the piece of work." Cristoph's mouth turns upward in an unpleasant grimace as he describes the man. "If there ever was a man to dislike the common folk, it would be him. If anyone not of high birth looked at him the wrong way, he would have them lashed through the streets. A man of many hobbies, though I wish that weren't the case as none of them could ever be considered pleasant by any kind-hearted folk...mainly consisting of torture and The King's Games."

As he looks at the group's faces at the mention of the games and sees no reaction one way or the other, he knuckles his forehead uncomfortably. "Ah, yes...you've likely not heard of the games. A noble tradition possessed by the new nature of the city and transformed into a grisly affair. Where once they were competitions of strength, ingenuity, teamwork, and progress, now they are nothing more than a bloodbath to entertain those lucky enough to avoid the pit themselves. Now, those condemned to the Rat Cellars are often offered a choice; serve their time, a fatal sentence for most, or risk their judgement in the pits, unfortunately, an equally fatal endeavor. Those who choose to participate must fight their way through three challenges and if they emerge triumphant, gain their freedom. There have been precious few, our leader one of them." Cristoph exchanged glances with Avianna at the mention of the man; a knowing look that recalled how the experience had shaped the man into what he was today.

"But I digress. I have no knowledge of how Erland came to be what he was before you dealt with him though I suppose if I had a specimen to examine, I may be able to discern their origin. As to the rest of the creatures, I admit that I personally do not know of their identities or their exact whereabouts, nor do we have much experience with fighting them though whatever tactics you employed against Elrand will likely be sufficient. Some sleuthing will be required to discern these things though you will hardly be alone in doing so. We will pass along any findings of our own to you, of course." Turning once again to the woman besides him, he smiled softly as he spoke, "To this extend, I would ask that you allow Avianna to accompany you. Having a representative of the Guard and a current resident of Burova," his gaze lingered on Temnir for a moment, "will likely be a valuable asset to you."

Standing from his seat, Cristoph placed both hands on the table in front of him and looked the group in the eyes one by one as if measuring their worth. For a man who had originally seem soft and jovial, he had the skill to turn on the intensity when he needed, likely a reason he had been chosen leader of the safehouse. "If you have no other questions, we will resupply you and point you in the right direction. You have a week to bring the King your evidence so I suppose you don't want to waste any more time than you must."

Solomon nodded when asked to be joined by Aianna.  They would certainly need a local to go to for information.  Temnir, seemed more than reluctant to talk about anything having to do with his past, even if doing so would aid them in the present.  Solomon flashed Temnir a scowl.  Why could the man not be more forthcoming?

"May the gods bless our endeavors," he said muttering a quick prayer to Pelor.

Renard bows slightly in welcome to Avianna before speaking to Christoph once more, "Any supplies I would need are already currently in my possession.  I would make a request that you send some of your surplus supplies up to the homeless.  If our efforts in this place improve their lives then that is all well and good, but if not there is no harm in making smaller steps towards the greater good."  He eyes the rest of this group, hoping some of them will follow his example before continuing, "Other than that.. just give us an idea of where to start looking and we can take it from there..."

Kuldar nodded to Avianna, before addressing Christophe. "Solomon here needs his armor fixed, or somethin' to replace it for the time being. The people of this  town are a wee bit shy, your Guard carries much weight here...is there some way we can get them to warm up to us? Or so they know we be the good guys?"

Solomon had nodded.  With all that has happened he had nearly forgotten about his armor.  Monster hunting would require functioning armor.  It's golden gleam also helps establish a sort of authoritative awe with people, or so Solomon believed.

"And while I respect Renard's morals, strength of character, and dedication to helping the less fortunate.  I personally have a weakness for fresh fruit.  I would love an apple or two before leave."

"Don't worry, Renard was it? This safe house may have a front upstairs but I assure you that it is fully operational as a halfway house for those in need. We supply food, fresh water, clothes, and temporary lodging to those who need it the most. We keep only what we need to supply ourselves and keep the Guard operational. The rest goes to the people we have sworn to protect." Cristoph's face contorts into contemplation at the mention of Solomon's armor needing fixing, even more so when it is revealed that it is magical in nature. "I may be able to assist you in repairing your armor though it would take some time and would not be available to you in the mean time. If you wish, and I would recommend this, we can supply you with replacement armor for the mean time."

"As for the fresh fruit, that is a commodity that we obtain from Tycosia which brings up a whole other monster. We haven't seen a Tycosian ship in close to three months. The last set of ships that made it here were corralled into the harbor, their crews apprehended, their cargo seized, and their boats burned. That is why the water level has risen so dramatically in the Lower City's dock district. So I'm afraid that there is not much that I can do for you on that front." Cristoph seemed troubled as he spoke of the turn of events with the Tycosian ships and their burning though who wouldn't be? He seemed to be leaving something out though it seemed that if Avianna knew anything about it, she was keeping her cards hidden well.

"Solomon, if you are interested in switching your armor out, go see Hanval in the back there by the sparring dummies. He'll know how to fix your broken armor and will be able to supply you with a replacement set. For now, it may be wise for me to check in with our leader to bring him up to speed on current events. When you are ready to leave, let Avianna know and she will get the lift working for you. Good luck my friends." Cristoph lingered slightly to entertain any final comments before heading toward the lift himself, apparently heading topside to contact the leader of the Shroud Guard.

"Sad to hear about the fruit. Solomon, lad let's see if they have anything in your size, eh?" Kuldar gestured toward the back where Christoph had said Hanval waited. "If that's all we be needin' I suggest we take the time to get yer bird before anything else."

Solomon nodded and headed over to Hanval.  He grinned as he handed the man a brooch instead of an actual suit of armor.  Solomon whispered the word that would transform the armor and cringed at the noise of twisting crunching metal.

"We need not worry too much about Cho'kobo.  Once we leave a simple whistle will bring him instantly to my side."

He trusted in Hanval to pick out armor that would best fit.  Though Solomon couldn't help but be disappointed at some of the pieces.  Nothing compared to the golden armor that was gifted by the gods.

"I have no idea how we are to find these hidden beasts.  It sounds like they come down to the lower districts to hunt.  I fear we may only be able to draw them out with bait.  I would still like to see the area they live in, and the rest of the city for that matter, none-the-less," he explained to his companions.

The Shroud Guard armorer that Cristoph sent Solomon to seemed like a competent enough man though his wares were far from the quality of his divinely blessed armor that he had given up for repair. Hopefully the burnished copper banded mail that he supplied him would keep him from harm while his brooch was being taken care of. After he was equipped with his new protection, the group followed Avianna up the lift and into the streets, following her in relative silence except for a few murmurs about what they were going to do once they arrived until they reached the street that led them up to the gate of Estage Paar.

Five guards stood watch in front of the gate, and realizing that the King had granted them access to the entire city but had neglected to give them any way to prove that they were allowed into the different walled districts, Avianna came in handy by showing them another of the Shroud Guard's passageways. She led the group through a back alley a few streets down from the gate and quickly opened a cellar door, leading the adventurers down the steep steps quickly and shutting the door behind her. There were a few rows of things being stored in the room though nothing of major importance jumped out to them. The most that could be said for it is that it probably houses a couple of kegs of cheap wine and perhaps a few dusty heirlooms with no value to any but their owners. "There's a small tunnel in the back corner behind the-" Avianna was cut off mid-sentence as a shadowy figure stepped out from behind one of the large wine casks.

"It seems that I was correct in waiting for you here," the voice seemed familiar and the fluid motions spoke of a nimbleness foreign to all but one person that they had come into contact with recently. "I see you've made friends with the Shroud Guard. Unfortunately, that puts you and my employers at odds and it would be bad for business for me to let you pass this way. But I am not an unreasonable man, nor am I one who is above a favor for an old friend," the word seemed foreign in Inori's mouth  as the spat it towards Temnir's direction. "Turn around and leave. Leave Burova. Leave Derevaan. Seek shelter in the warm bosom of Tycosia and await the coming storm in whatever way you see fit. Else we may have a problem and that would be... unfortunate."

Kuldar followed Avianna in silence for now, there were still many unanswered questions but they could wait to talk. Kuldar was not a fan of all this sneaking around, it wasn't what he was trained for...so when Inori showed his face and revealed his own goals countered theirs, he was more then glad for a chance to make some noise. He bounded forward between Avianna and Solomon, a Dwarven Throwing Hammer seemingly appearing from nowhere into his main hand. "I ain't got patience for slime like ye! Now crawl back into your twice-damned snake's nest before I teach ya the difference between a Bard- and a Dwarven Bard!" Kilgur rushes forward making predatory snarls at Inori's feet mirroring his master's Ire.

19:21, Today: Kuldar Balak rolled 17 using 1d20+14. Intimidate.
19:22, Today: Kuldar Balak rolled 13 using 1d20-3. Kilgur: Aid Another Intimidate(?).
19:22, Today: Kuldar Balak rolled 3 using 2d4. Gallant Inspiration: Intimidate.

Total 20(22 if Kilgur can aid)

"I would be quite keen on leaving this foul city behind and doing just as you suggest.  Unfortunately, your king has banned us from doing so.  If your employer is who I suspect, you should know this.

Solomon held his warhammer down near his hip, ready to defend himself, but not quick on the offense like Kuldar.  He moved to stand near the end of the wood pile.  Certainly this man did not think he could stop them all.  Perhaps the room was trapped, or maybe he had allies hidden.  Solomon took a quick peek around the corner of the wood pile.  "Careful of what may lay beneath the rug," he warned his companions.

Perhaps Temnir could talk sense into this man.  They seemed to have shared a past.

18:04, Today: Solomon rolled 3 using 1d20+2. initiative.
18:04, Today: Solomon rolled 12 using 1d20+2. perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:06, Fri 05 Apr 2013.

A sour look appeared on Renard's face.  Was there no end to the constant stream of misfortune that had befallen them upon entering the city?  He had thought they had enough enemies in this place without this fellow turning on them.  Not that it was particularly surprising of course.

Standing at the back of the group he hopes that the others' words provide enough of a distraction.  He murmurs a few words and suddenly steps forward, a section of his ponderous chain held out in one hand.  A single ink disconnects itself and shoots towards Inori like a bullet from a sling, deforming and reshaping mid-flight into a metal band that threatens to hold the man tight.

Current/Max HP: 76/76  |  Current AC: 20   Touch: 15   Flat-Footed: 17
Buffs:                 |  Debuffs:
Actions: Cast hold person (DC 17)
Target: Inori
Rolls: 17:18, Today: Renard Waywynd rolled 17 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

Skraag moves along behind the group and up to the edge of the bearskin rug laying on the floor. He is careful, after his fellows warning, not to step on it.



OOC:
10:46, Today: Skraag rolled 17 using 1d20+5. Initiative.
Move as far 'left' as possible and still be at the edge of the bearskin rug.
If possible cast 'Mage Armor' as he moves.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:48, Sat 06 Apr 2013.

"I would be quite keen on leaving this foul city behind and doing just as you suggest. Unfortunately, your king has banned us from doing so.  If your employer is who I suspect, you should know this." Solomon made the hint at his guessed connection as obvious as possible but Inori's face betrayed nothing. Sarcasm dripping from his voice, Temnir reaches into his robes for spell components, "What a surprise." Inori merely smiles maliciously in his direction until Kuldar and his steed burst forth from the back of the group, causing his smile to vanish, his composure faltering slightly. "I ain't got patience for slime like ye! Now crawl back into your twice-damned snake's nest before I teach ya the difference between a Bard- and a Dwarven Bard!" As Kuldar pushed his way forward, Avianna took the diversion to move backward to the edge of the room and tried to make herself looks as much like a wallflower as humanly possible. "Careful of what may lay beneath the rug," Solomon advised as he scoped the room out for possible dangers.

Just as Inori's mouth opened to likely mock the futility of their actions, Renard did the unexpected. A length of his chain shooting out and expanding, it slammed into the man, knocking him against the back wall as it wrapped around him, pinning his arms to his side. Finding that his legs are no longer working either due to the magic infused into the iron band, all civility drains from Inori's tone and his demeanor becomes aggressive. "Then you have chosen to die for a world that is already beyond saving! If you think things have been surprising so far, Temnir, I invite you to redefine the sensation!" With a short, sharp whistle through is teeth, movement begins to come from the dark corners of the room as figures begin to sauner out from the shadows. Each figure is robed in intricately runed coats that give off a yellowish-brown aura, almost like pollen, and wear hoods that end in decayed bone beaks for masks, the only thing visible through them are the eyes. While still obviously human, not undead, every set of eyes shimmers dully with the same color of their auras. Some have weapons strapped to their hilts, swords primarily, though none have reached for them yet.

Then comes the deep growling from behind the bar in the corner of the room closest to the party. The wooden structure shakes as it is hit with a thud and bottles fall from the top to shatter on the floor. As all eyes fixate on the noise, a toothy maw extends from the entrance to the bar, followed by a horrifyingly twisted cross of an alligator and a dove with pure white feathers and piercing blue eyes. Yx'raul waddles his way forward with predatory slowness. As realization hits the group, the master joins the servant. Or at least his visage does. "Strip the flesh! Salt the wounds! Let's see if we'll finally get a taste of that Dwarf flesh!" A crazed look sat in Raznik's eyes as he hoisted himself up onto the bar, crouching in an almost feral manner as if he were ready to pounce, and licked his lips while staring Kuldar down.







Initiative:
21 Temnir
19 Kuldar
17 Renard & Skraag
16 Yx'raul
15 Inori
13 Cronies
10 Avianna
  6 Kilgur
  3 Solomon & Kraan

Cumulative Party Status:
Avianna:Full HP
Kuldar:Full HP
Kilgur:Full HP
Renard:Full HP
Skraag:Full HP
Solomon:Full HP
Temnir:Full HP

This message was last edited by the GM at 22:13, Fri 12 Apr 2013.

Gesturing towards Inori for the benefit of whoever can see Renard calls out, "Take him quickly, the spell will not last long!"  He then turns his attention towards the other man they had once called friend, Raznik, "I don't know why you fight with them, Tayn, but only regret will come of it, be it mine or yours."  He grasps his chain again and mutters the word of a different spell, his already-intense demeanor sharpening just that much more.

Current/Max HP: 76/76  |  Current AC: 20   Touch: 15   Flat-Footed: 17
Buffs: +4 CHA (80/80)          |  Debuffs:
Actions: Cast eagle's splendor
Target: Self
Spells/Day:
1: 8/8 (DC 16)
2: 5/7 (DC 17)
3: 6/6 (DC 18)
4: 4/4 (DC 19)

Rolls:

Notes: Hold person (Inori) rounds left: 7/8

Kuldar glared at Raznik but felt a twang of sadness for the young man, even when he was talking about eating him. "Alright- Kilgur keep that snake company." Kuldar made a line around the carpet with his hand just in case Solomon's instincts were correct. "Don't go killin' him now." He added wondering if Kilgur could take that order.

Kuldar turned back to Raznik and his crazed beast as he banged his hammer on his shield and called out. "Alright lads! We've taken these bastards down before- and now they're desperate enough to use our own friends against us! Now show them what we're made of- and double-time!" He chants while filling everyone with an arcane speed.

Move: Activate Inspire Courage(everyone after Init 19 benefits this round)
Standard: Cast Haste(everyone after Init 19 benefits this round)

Kilgur: Move next to Inori, avoiding the carpet and AoO as much as possible. If done within a single move action either a Nonlethal Gore, or standing over him readied to knock him down if he breaks free of the magic

Party Buffs: Inspire Courage +2(Attack, Damage, saves v Fear)
Haste(+30spd, +1 AC/Attack/Reflex, plus one additional attack when full-attacking)

There was little reason to try and talk their way out of the situation.  Kuldar and Renard had both reacted with haste, but perhaps that was for the best.  Inori seemed intent on stopping them.  Was his earlier offer of aid a simple trick to try and get close to them?

Solomon felt the speed and grace of Kuldar's magic take hold.  Still, he called upon Pelor, "Grant me the elusiveness of your dancing flames O' God of the Sun."

Solomon ran forward dancing and spinning past Inori's cloaked subjects and skirting the edge of the rug.  As a wanderer of the desert it was only instinct for him to hold his breath as he passed through the cloud of yellow-brown dust.  He jabbed the heavy end of his Tetsubo into Inori's solar plexus.

Swift action - cast Grace to avoid AoOs
13:16, Today: Solomon rolled 14 using 1d10+5. damage.
13:15, Today: Solomon rolled 17 using 1d20+11. attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:28, Tue 09 Apr 2013.

The others moving forward prevents Skraag from using his most effective power, so he decides to improve his defenses for now casting another spell. And wait to see what develops on the battlefield. Melee is not his strong point.



OOC:
Cast Shield, + 4 AC.
Initiative: 17

Current/Max HP: 50/50
Current AC: 21
 - Touch: 16
 - Flat-Footed: 17
CMD: 17
This message was last edited by the player at 11:01, Thu 11 Apr 2013.

"Inori I expected as much from, but not you Raznik. you had your…quirks, but I did not think you had evil in you." Temnir spoke as he moved toward the man and his eidolon, almost off-handedly throwing two rays of blue fire toward one of the cultists who looked to be moving toward the group a little too quickly for his taste. The first hit the man in the shoulder though the second struck the large wooden chest as the cultist dove behind it for cover. "I don't know why you fight with them, Tayn, but only regret will come of it, be it mine or yours." Renard added in with a tinge of sadness. Focusing on the most important task at hand though, Renard made a few gestures as and immediately looked as though the entire ordeal of traveling, fighting, and the business with the King had never happened. In fact, he looked almost regal himself in a way now. Pointing towards Inori, he spoke to his companions, authority in his voice, "Take him quickly, the spell will not last long!"

"Alright- Kilgur keep that snake company." Kuldar instructed the boar. He may have been talking about Inori but he had eyes for Raznik at the moment, sadness at the circumstances of their reuniting. Almost as an afterthought, he called out to Kilgur who had already made it halfway across the room, "Don't go killin' him now." The boar slowed its advance, looking over its shoulder with a puzzled look before turning back and closing the rest of the distance. While Kilgur tried to avoid the bearskin rug, he wandered a little too closely to one of the cultists who tried to take a haunch off of the mount with a speedily-drawn shortsword. He succeeded only in nicking the boar but even then, Kilgur almost stumbled as his legs buckled slightly before he powered through it and made it to Inori where he rammed his head sideways into the man, slamming the sides of his tusks into the traitor's ribs. Looking over his shoulder once again to Kuldar, he looked for approval for his actions.

Pleased with Kilgur's actions, Kuldar nods to the mount who squeals happily before turning back to keep watch over its charge before turning to the rest of the group. Pounding his warhammer on his shield, the resounding reverberation and words inspiring courage into the hearts of those present as well as feeling like their limbs were made of feathers, rather than bone and muscle. "Alright lads! We've taken these bastards down before- and now they're desperate enough to use our own friends against us! Now show them what we're made of- and double-time!"

The cultists took the bard's words as the only signal that they needed and begun casting and moving forward with sword and crossbow, attacking in force. Yx'raul, his mouth opening and closing in anticipation of blood, was the first to charge the party, stubby legs betraying the creature's true speed as it closed the gap between itself and Temnir. Having forgotten the ferocity of this creature, Temnir stood no chance as Yx'raul charged the robed man, launched itself off the ground with its back two legs and slammed into Temnir, nearly knocking him over. From there, the creature's claws ripped into his torso with sprays of gore while it's toothy maw crunched down sickeningly on his arm, the bone obviously broken. The only mercy Temnir was afforded was that his body was able to fight off the poison that Raznik had told him the eidolon possessed, and that did little to calm his terror and agony at the swiftness of the attack. "H-help…" Temnir muttered weakly, the blood loss weakening his voice.

Unfortunately, Solomon, perhaps the most qualified to act as savior for the sorcerer, did not hear the plea in time, already charging forward toward Inori just as the man finally wriggled free of his bonds. "Grant me the elusiveness of your dancing flames O' God of the Sun." Charging past the advancing cultists, brushing aside attempts at stopping him, the paladin thrust the end of Pelor's Thumb into Inori's solar plexus, knocking the wind out of him and knocking him back to his knees where Kilgur looked over him with a ferocious snort.

The advance of the cultists was swift and without mercy. Rolling out from behind the chest that Temnir's scorching rays had sent him seeking cover behind, the man cast a ray of his own, aimed at Kuldar, striking the Dwarf in the back as he attempted to inspire the party. The ray heated the metal of his armor, burning his back rather badly but as the ray dissipated, so did the metal's burning heat. Two more converged on Renard after failing to stop Solomon, brandishing shortswords. The first bounced off of Renard's mithral shirt as he dodged to the side but the second dug deeply into his shoulder, a deep burning sensation threatening to spread if it found the right purchase accompanying the sharp pain of the sword. At the back of the room, two more spells resounded through the cellar, one line of what looked to be purple smoke nearly stuck Solomon who managed to spin out of the way. Instead, it hit one of the wine casks behind him, the wooden barrel and metal rings immediately rotting and rusting, causing it to break open and spill its contents onto the floor. A second attack, an arrow shot from the palm of one of the cultists that trailed a sickeningly green trail of what was likely some form of acid, missed Kilgur but almost ended up hitting Inori instead, resulting in a few choice curses from the man toward his subordinate. Where the arrow had passed, the wooden boards below began to burn and blacken, sending up green fumes.

In the back of the room, almost forgotten in the din of battle, Avianna slinked through the shadows past Temnir and the eidolon, vaulting silently over the metal chest, using the distraction to sneak past the bar and behind Raznik. "That's quite enough out of you," Avianna hissed. Just as Raznik turned to see the rogue, two short swords entered his stomach. Avianna twisted one of them, causing the summoner to cough up blood and fall backward off of the bar to land on his back on the floor. Through bloody gurgling, the voice that had spoken before softly muttered defiantly, "But…I…..am…Kraan…." before Raznik passed out from blood loss and Yx'raul blinked out of existence like he had never been there at all, leaving Temnir in an awkward position before he fell to the ground in pain.



Initiative:
21 Temnir
19 Kuldar
17 Renard & Skraag
16 Yx'raul
15 Inori
13 Cronies
10 Avianna
  6 Kilgur
  3 Solomon & Kraan

Cumulative Party Status:
Avianna:Full HP
Kuldar:-11 HP
Kilgur:-2 HP
Renard:-6 HP
Skraag:Full HP
Solomon:Full HP
Temnir:-41 HP

Raznik:-64hp + Unconscious

This message was last edited by the GM at 00:32, Sat 13 Apr 2013.