Darus looks angrily at the man.You lie! I was supposed to be freed over a year ago! your just trying to save your life. If i listen to you i will die in here. I cant betray these people after what we've been through. upon saying this dates nods at his comrades

Elora and Kelden can see the warden is not a compassionate man; the warden would never have let anyone go so easily, of this they have no doubt.

The warden snorts and says, "Hmph, fine." He reaches down to his belt, grasping a single key hanging at his side, "This is what you want right? TAKE IT! I know when I'm outnumbered..." The warden tosses the key toward your party, which Kelden catches from the air. "There's nothing more I can do to stop you, but I know that Lord Ivan of Herrod will not rest. You'll be hunted like the dogs you are! Go ahead now, leave."

The warden takes a defensive step back, still holding his sword in front of him. Although his eyes never leave you, he stands there with a spiteful patience, a burning anger in his eyes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:02, Mon 17 Mar 2014.

Biff takes the key, puts it in one pocket, and thinks deeply about whether or not he should slit the mans throat. This man was not a man of justice or of rules, but simply did what was convenient for him. To be far, this what Biff's simple attitude toward life was with the exception of those who have earned his loyalty; on the other hand, Biff didn't make rash decisions and throw guiltless people in a pit and imprison them. No, something had to be done; death might be too extreme Biff thought, but due to his turning a blind-eye to his incarceration, he will remain blind and be kept from the comfort of the sun as he was. "You live, but not as you like." Biff said as he began his work (I'll spare you the details)

Grapple: 19+4= 23
Pin: 16+Str 1= 17

Biff leaps toward the warden with a lightning swiftness; the eyes of the warden widen in surprise at the boldness of this prisoner. As Biff jumps through the air with arms outstretched, the warden swings his sword across, attempting to cut down the prisoner mid-flight, but the blade goes right above Biff, missing as it whistles through the air! Biff tackles the warden hard!

Dropping to the ground instantly, the two large men grapple each other. The veins of their muscles bulge as they wrestle, with no clear dominance. Biff tries to move his leg and pin the warden, but the older man counters the move, still strong in his age. The two fight on the ground in a hurricane of limbs, with incredible strength on both sides!

Kelden takes the key back from Biff (before Biff charged).

Kelden is at first satisfied by the Warden's concession, only for a moment though, before the Warden's subsequent words anger him! "Ivan?! Ivan is the dog! He works to destroy this country and its people. He is not my Lord!"

Kelden is surprised at Biff's response. Surprised that it happened so suddenly, not particularly surprised that it happened however. Kelden weighs in himself how to act. If he leaves him alive, the Warden may pursue them and do whatever he can to defame them. Worse, he may attack their loved ones, likely he would have difficulty getting at Kelden's own family directly, but what about Darus's or what about trying to get Ivan to chase them? If he kills the Warden, he will have more blood on his hands. As horrible as this Warden has been, he would rather not have that on his conscience. "I do not want to become like this man," he thinks to himself, with a furrowed brow, still somewhat unsure how to proceed.

He decides:

Kelden looks about the room frantically for things they could use to tie down the Warden, or tie him too. He also, looks to understand better where they are.

19:21, Today: Kelden the Prisoner rolled 16 using 1d20. Spot Check of Warden's Office.
19:21, Today: Kelden the Prisoner rolled 19 using 1d20-1. Search Check of Warden's Office.

"We cannot let you pursue us warden! give up your sword! I would rather not make you give up your life! Mad-eye! We don't want his blood on our hands, we don't want to become like him. Let's just subdue him."

"Know this Warden! If you plan to pursue or hurt our loved ones you WILL PAY!"

Kelden readies an attack for the Warden, trying to avoid hitting Biff. He aims for the Warden's arm, hoping he will drop his sword. If he does not drop his sword and begins to get the upper hand on biff, or if he damages biff.

19:23, Today: Kelden the Prisoner rolled 2 using 1d20. Readied Attack Against Warden (-4 for grapple, +4 for prone, -2 for aiming, -1 pwr, did I miss anything Ryan? [DM Ryan: +1(Grapple)+4(Prone)+-2(Aim)+-1(Power Atk)+1(BA)+2(Str)=+1, It's a little better than you thought hehe. The '+4 Grapple' is for "pinned" opponents; the warden was not successfully pinned, so only loses his Dex bonus.])=1d20+0? attack.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:21, Tue 18 Mar 2014.

Elora quickly steps forward and readies an aim of her weapon to the warden's nape, if necessary. Her eyes narrow in a sassy fury, ready for the next move.

Kelden examines the room in a hurry. On the desk in the center of the room is a quill & ink as well as many scrolls, none of which appear interesting. Behind the desk sits a chair with leather cushions, and the left wall of the room is covered by 2 large bookcases. Beyond this, there is nothing else of interest in the chamber. Thinking of something he could use to tie the Warden with, Kelden can only think of the rope in Elora's inventory. Turning his attention back to the frenzy on the ground, the worst happens...

The Warden violently throws Biff off him [23 vs 18], and scrambles to his feet! Kelden swings down his staff against the Warden's arm, attempting to disable his foe, but the weapon misses and lands on the rug below with a 'thud'. Kelden pulls back his staff in a desperate attempt to attack the Warden while he tries to stand, and Kelden feels the rod drive into the Warden's chest [Dmg 6]. Elora strike as well but misses barely. The Warden loses his breath for a moment as the air is knocked out of him, but he quickly regains his composure and holds his sword up high, trembling slightly.

The Warden screams with fury, "The next one of you BASTARDS come near me, I run this BLADE through you! I will NOT be made a damn prisoner and will take some of your filthy hides with me LONG before I come quiet!!" His voice shakes with anger as he scream at you, and his face turns red, glaring at you intensely.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:19, Tue 18 Mar 2014.

"Warden!, My quarrel is not with you! I will leave you alive if you do not pursue us!" Kelden shouts in response.

Kelden then shouts to his party, "We don't want his blood on our hands, let us leave this place without becoming the criminals they want us to become! Let us show them we are better than that!"

Kelden motions to Allob with a hand, with his eyes still fixed on the Warden, "Allob get the Warden's chair and bring it outside his office."

Kelden speaks to Biff, "He is not worth it Mad-Eye, it will not give you peace to take revenge."

Kelden speaks to Elora, "Save the rope Elora, we will need it for our escape."

[I ready an attack against the Warden if he takes offensive (attacking, not merely offending is what I mean) action [Private to GM: (unless he takes it against Biff because Biff attacks him again.)] I aim for his weapon arm (if I can declare that in a readied action).]

"Elora, Darus search his desk, see if there are other things, like for climbing that we may need. Warden, this better be the right key, or we are coming back."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Tue 18 Mar 2014.

Darus quickly searches the desk for anything useful[13]. He also readys his club in preparation of an attack by the warden.

Darus runs his hands over the desk quickly, hoping to find something, but he doesn't see anything of use. [Private to Darus the Prisoner: One scroll catches Darus's eye. Opening it briefly, his eyes widen at what he's just found. Kelden speaks, "Did you find anything?" Darus see Kelden's eyes are still fixed on the Warden and hastens to say "Umm no, nothing." Unnoticed, Darus hides the scroll in his shirt.]

Allob grabs the chair and drags it out of the room. The Warden glares at you with a silent rage as your party starts to back out of the room, weapons never lowering. Elora stumbles and loses her balance for a second but hurries to straighten up, resuming her 'tough' face. The moment the last person leaves, save only the Warden, Kelden slams the door shut and bars it with the chair, locking in the Warden. Key in hand, the road to freedom is just ahead!

Elora, with a hovering silence, looks at everyone as the door shuts. The silence is broken by a crooked smile and a small, pride-filled laugh. "Biff, Darus," she manages to whisper, "What in the world was that!? That was awesome!" Her eyes shine with a passion for the adventure at hand; much better than the excuse that landed her here in the first place. A glance toward Kelden sets her passion into determination. "Kelden, you lead us out."

Biff glares at Kelden; he has no idea what he has lost at the hand of this man's complacency. Biff doesn't understand Kelden's protection for this man or why he cared what Biff did to him. Biff now glares at the warden with disgust. As the party begins to walk out the room, Biff swipes his hand across the desk, sending the bottle of ink through the air and shattering on the Warden's armor, black ink bursting onto his face. The Warden lets out a yell as the ink stains his eyes. Biff growls, "If I ever see you again, it won't be ink that blinds you." At that, Biff is the last to walk out the room.

After leaving the warden, Allob bars the door, and Biff turns to Kelden, "Why did you protect that man? What is wrong with you, don't you know that he just put people in here unjustly?! Give me one good reason I shouldn've had my way with him."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:22, Thu 20 Mar 2014.

Once they move further from the Warden's office, Kelden speaks to Biff in a low tone. "You may disagree with my decision. I will not see us become like him, revenge will never give you peace. We need to think rationally, not emotionally. If we kill him here today, that will give them another reason to chase us. Another crime to our name.

Is it ours to decide who lives and dies? Many deserve life, many deserve death, but it is not mine to decide that.

We have the key and that is what we came for. I realized trying to take a hostage would only slow us down and make them chase us more. Besides taking a hostage like that would likely cost more in life than gain; that is not the hill I wish to die on.

You were not trying to take a hostage though, were you?

Forgiveness is greater than vengence. This may even lead this man to one day act favorably toward us and that would help us more than his death."

Elora blinks in awe before trying to hide her admiration behind a smirk. "So... we could get caught for loitering around, sirs. Might want to think about the key and whatnot..." she mutters under her breath. She looks ahead and takes a few paces forward to the exit. With each step, she hears her heart quicken. So close...

"I did not seek his death, that is too easy, but if I did, it would only be fair. I am not like him because I have a reason for my vengeance, where he merely allowed injustice to take place. We need to get out of here. That one was for you, but don't expect a repeat performance; I will follow you out, and for that, I am grateful." Biff said dryly but without malace, for Biff could understand that others had a different walk of life different from his own, but that doesn't mean they can pin those things on him.

Biff sighed and allowed Kelden to assume the lead again and began to follow behind as they walked onward to what they believed to be freedom.

Kelden respectfully, seriously, nods to Biff, without lowering his eyes. After his response.

"To the task at hand, Darus, hand me that torch [Kelden points to the torch Darus put in the wall for him] and grab one for yourself. [He turns to the entire group including Allob] In fact I would advise you each take one, douse it, and store it for whatever may lie ahead. Let us depart this foul place." He moves toward the prison gate with a singular focus and purpose.

He [presumably] takes the torch from Darus and douses it, before stuffing it in the pillowcase sack. Kelden then moves into the gate room. He whispers intently to Cruce and Erusc "How goes it?" After they respond [assumably of no news of guards trying to break in] he replies calmly, "We got it!" and with a smirk holds up the key. "Lets get out of here."

Swiftly, he brings the key to the lock, after holding the quarterstaff up for Elora to hold briefly, needing both hands to unlock the door. Kelden puts the key into the lock and turns it...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Thu 20 Mar 2014.

Kelden turns puts in the keys and turns; it's a perfect fit. The mechanism unlocked, the portcullis is raised into the ceiling, and the entire party cannot help but sprint their way out the tunnel. Racing toward the light, they break out into the sun. The sun. For the first time in years, they feel the warm rays of the sun on their skin, a forgotten feeling. Leaving the darkness behind, they stand atop the ledge of a cliff, overlooking the great city of Herrod. The waves of the sea crash upon the shores down below, the city built on the coast of the Tibryn Sea; the ocean plays to you a long lost music.

A road leads down the cliff, connecting with many roads that can lead to far away and marvelous places, for the Isles of Mercia are a wonderful place fraught with mystery and adventures. The metropolis beneath, a stunning view, shines in the sun with an incomparable beauty. You will remember this for the rest of your life.



Everyone looks at each other in almost disbelief, and several fall to the ground on their knees, overcome by joy. Biff turns away from the others, hiding the tears. The newest party members hug each other in cheer. Elora speaks prayers of joy as quickly as her tongue can allow. Darus sits on his knees, speechless as he gazes at the blue sky. Kelden turns to the others, strong and confident in voice with a great smile on his face, and says...
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:39, Thu 20 Mar 2014.

"My Friends, we have been through so much together. Even though we met only this morning, it seems as though we have known each other for much longer, like we were old friends. I believe it is more than just mere coincidence that brought us together. It was not an accident. This day was ordained. '

"We have escaped one of the highest security prisons in all of Herrod, in all of Mercia! An awesome feat, for which I applaud you, I applaud us. We are still however left with questions. Why were we released? Why were we set free? Who did it? [Pauses] I believe it was for a divine purpose. We still have a problem though. Another obstacle to overcome; what do we do now? Even though we are set free from the physical prison, we have not freedom in our land. We still face oppression. Where can we go to? Regarded as outlaws, they have taken our home. “Lord” Ivan has taken our home, your home. This is our country, our freedom, yet we would be forced to still live like vagabonds in our own fatherland. That is why, I wish to invite you to join me in a revolution. I wish to restore this city to its former glory and return its integrity. I wish to give you all a home, again. I will not let our country be usurped and ruled by men who care nothing for its people. Who care only for the gold in their purse. I wish to see to it that you all have a home again.'

"Here I give you the truth, my name is Kelden Delcor, of the noble Delcor family, and rightful Lord of Herrod! A Lordship that was stolen by the power-hungry Ivan Steyus. We have the means to incite change! I invite you to go get your families and whatever you can carry and unite with me. I know where we can go. I traveled these lands many times as a boy and young man. If you join with me, we may be regarded as outlaws, but that is not who we are. We are men and women of Herrod, of the LORD! Brought together for a divine purpose! You have heard of King David and his mighty men of olde? Who traveled as men with no home in the wilderness, hiding from Saul, while he pursued them? Heard how God used him to save Israel, how he became King of Judah and later the nation of Israel!? How it was brought to glory and peace! This is now our time in history, our time in this Epic! This is OUR time! We are here by the Will of almighty GOD! We are his people! Let today be proof of it to you! The road ahead may be difficult, but we will prevail! If GOD is for us WHO can be against us! We will keep our families close to keep them safe. Unveiling the truth to the people, we will one day put back what is right! We will have a true home again! In the mean time we will go into hiding and prepare for change. Each will have an appropriate share of our earnings and be treated fairly. I am offering you a 2nd chance on life! Together we are stronger! '

My friends, will you join me?" [Yes or No; this decision will have major impacts on storyline to come. New characters will we made in the following adventure, and the choice you make now is entirely story-based. Join the revolution, or go by another path?]

Elora smirks, chuckling heartily under her breath. "As if you have to ask!" The smirk turns into a genuine (and yet charmingly lopsided) smile. She pushes the stubborn, free lock of hair out of her eyes. Freedom, and a newfound admiration for Kelden catches her-- to which she straightens her shoulders. "Of course I'm in," she kneels, her right hand over her heart, "Sire."

yes i will join you. this is for my family, so my children can live free. darus says to keldan.

Biff sighs silently. He doesn't believe in all the mombo-jumbo with this so-called god and "their lord", but he does know that Kelden's sense of justice doesn't include oppressing others who don't hold the same beliefs and he is all for bringing the current system down; Biff really has no reason NOT to join him. "I am with you, although this god aludes me, you are a man I can support."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:06, Sat 22 Mar 2014.

Thus concludes 'Prelude: It Begins', our first adventure.

Below is all special content provided for individual players during the course of your adventure.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:08, Sat 22 Mar 2014.

Darus's Special Content:

Kelden (Post #140): ..."Elora, Darus search his desk, see if there are other things, like for climbing that we may need. Warden, this better be the right key, or we are coming back."
Darus (Post #141): Darus quickly searches the desk for anything useful[13]...
DM Ryan (Post#142): Darus runs his hands over the desk quickly, hoping to find something, but he doesn't see anything of use. [To Darus the Prisoner: One scroll catches Darus's eye. Opening it briefly, his eyes widen at what he's just found. Kelden speaks, "Did you find anything?" Darus see Kelden's eyes are still fixed on the Warden and hastens to say "Umm no, nothing." Unnoticed, Darus hides the scroll in his shirt.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:02, Tue 25 Mar 2014.

Kelden's Special Content:

DM Ryan (Post #66): P M [To Kelden the Prisoner: Kelden recoils with frustration. "Prisoners..." he mutters under his breath, exhausted by their lack of cooperation. Kelden quickly recollects his calm state of mind, and more importantly, remembers the mistakes of his past...

'...Kelden Delcor, eldest son of the Delcor family, leaves the dining room. Having been born into one of the highest noble families in Herrod, many people would have never thought of Kelden as a revolutionary, whose family had been so prosperous. ...The sound of dinner guests echo from behind as Kelden walks into the garden, approaching a large fountain in the center... Only a few years ago was Lord Ivan selected as ruler of Herrod, a selection which surprised many, for most thought the Delcor family, or at least the Larlben family would have been chosen. Only the very foolish thought the selection was legitimate. Kelden however knew what had really occured, for some nobles in the nation capital who were friends of his family had sent him secret documents of the matter. The truth was...the council intervened...']

DM Ryan (Post #106): P.M. [To Kelden the Prisoner: Stunned by the truth of Alldyde, it dawns on Kelden that there may be more going on here than what it seems, and somehow...he knows it's connected to him. Something to do with the council; he thinks to himself...

'...The Council of Eight, the true rulers of the nation, and everyone knows it. Pirate Lords who became so powerful, that even the King must bow to them; the government and all its lords are now mere figure-heads of the council's will. Apparently Ivan Steyus, now Lord Ivan, convinced the Pirate Lords to intervene in the King's appointment - likely doing something unsavory in exchange. Knowing the Delcor family, my family, was appointed would not stand in his way for the lordship of Herrod. I could not stand for such injustice, such dishonor to my family, so I had to speak, especially knowing the truth. I had to expose to the people what really happened. I knew Ivan Steyus would declare treason, that he'd try to silence me, but sometimes doing what's right requires sacrifice. Somehow though, I'm not certain his attempt to be rid of me is over...this may all be connected. Perhaps time will reveal the truth...']
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:03, Tue 25 Mar 2014.

Biff's Special Content:

DM Ryan (Post #56): [To Biff the Prisoner: Biff eyes this new 'friend' (Alldyde) strangely. He seems familiar to you in some way, but you can't quite remember...it isn't a fond remembrance either. Hmmm...]

DM Ryan (Post #63): P M [To Biff the Prisoner: While the party continues to talk, Biff takes another look at that man... His eyes, darkened by his black hair, keep watch over the doors to the room, but Biff could've sworn he saw their glint in his direction, just for a moment. Having been in this jail for many years, Biff's memory of life before these walls has jaded, becoming distant. But something comes back...

'...Biff steps off the ship, taking in his first look at the city of Herrod. The city shines on the coast off the sea, the Castle perched on the cliffs, overlooking the metropolis beneath it. Having sailed from his home island, many weeks have been spent on the water, working on a modest merchant ship for his passage. Biff had little money of his own, but here in the city, there was much more opportunity. This was a time filled with hope, perhaps the last time...'

The memory fades for now, and Biff recollects his senses. "His name is Alldyde", Biff says under his breath. He's not certain where he learned that...Biff struggles to remember more.]

DM Ryan (Post #66): P M [To Biff the Prisoner:

'...Biff walks out of the small store into the bustling streets of Herrod and adds some fresh fruit to the stands outside. Having taken a job at the grocer, temporarily at least, Biff worked and scraped together what money he could for his future plans. He looked out of place in the store, being as tall and strong as he was - more suited for labor, but surprisingly enough, Biff was content. The grocer's family was very kind, an old man and his wife who offered him free supplies often, even renting him the apartment over the store. Sailing the high seas, Biff had seen his fair share of combat, often repelling the attacks of pirates; this was a peaceful respite for his turbulent life. Everything seemed to be going plan for once...'

Biff scratches his head and curses beneath his breath as the memory slips away once more. Having suppressed such thoughts long ago, recalling them is difficult. Perhaps it will return later... ]

DM Ryan (Post #75): P M. [To Biff the Prisoner: Biff's heartbeat starts to quicken with fury at the sharp words from Elora and the feeling of time running thin. The memory of another such time arises...

'...Biff sits upright in his bed with a jolt. The sounds of destroyed glass and a shout penetrate the floor of his apartment from the store below. Moonlight shines through the windows, lighting up the dark of the night. Hearing voices, and not liking the tones, Biff jumps toward the chest at the foot of his bed. Frantically digging through his personal belongings, he draws out an old possession from his sailing days, a sword. Crouching, he lightly steps down the stairs to the store level, the hilt of the blade gripped tightly in his hand, ready for anything...']

DM Ryan (Post #100): P.M.[To Biff the Prisoner:  Hiding in the shadows, his voice, and blood on your hands...the rest of the memory strikes you like a lightning bolt:

'...Mindful of every step, Biff lightly walks down the stairs into store beneath his apartment. The sound of voices travel down the wooden hall, freezing Biff in his tracks. His heartbeat quickens as he peers around the corner into the storefront, seeing the old man and his wife - the good-hearted people who have done so much for him - and three men holding daggers, but they don't appear to be thieves. The man in the center, his face shadowed by a hood, steps forward and says, "Ya haven't paid up this month old man! No one does business here without Red Jack's fee!"

The old man, his voice shaking as he speaks, responds "I...I'm sorry. Business has been hard. The ships from Bariya haven't arriv-." "Shut it fool. Time to make an example outta your ass!" he interrupts. The hooded man steps forward, and the old man clutches his wife, gasping, "I love you dea-." In one swift motion, the hooded man slits the elder's throat as well as his wife's, just before she can bellow a scream.

Biff goes blind with fury, "NOOOOO!" Biff charges the group at an incredible speed, his sword raised high over his head. Another of the hooded men at the side raises a dagger to confront him, but Biff's blade quickly cuts through his chest, cleaving the intruder. Biff prepares to face the other two men, when suddenly something hard, the hilt of a dagger, strikes him in the back of the head. Biff falls instantly to the ground, his consciousness beginning to leave...but not yet.

The third companion looks at the hooded man, who stands over Biff with his bloodied dagger, and says "Alldyde, aren't you gonna kill him?" The hooded man, not taking his dark eyes off Biff, says "Nah, leave him. The guards will find him, he'll take the fall for this shit...C'mon, let's get outta here..." Biffs hears the sound of fading footsteps as he slowly... loses... consciousness...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:04, Tue 25 Mar 2014.