The day has turned toward the early evening when Richard and Orlin return to Redcliffe with a couple armfuls of nug; the two rogues found the traps mostly full, and were able to bag a couple more on the way back home, providing a nice haul for the master butcher. He pays 10 silver for the work, and the pair are soon on their way.

In the tavern, they find their friends at a table with Sexta. Irenia has just set down bowls of what looks like today's (or, possibly, yesterday's) batch of fish stew, and someone was kind enough to have ordered two extra bowls for the rogues.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:43, Fri 24 Apr 2020.

OOC: Take it away, gents! Everyone's in the tavern.

Perhaps it was the fact that there was still going to be a wedding, or the fact that they were all seated out of the way of the others, the tavern was still mostly full. There were other things to focus on then the elven maiden and mage at this time. Mikhail, for his part, was still slowly nursing his first ale. It was a damn good one at that, but the fact that a Tevinter mage was somewhere in the woods nearby gave him a slight pause, souring an otherwise good pint. He had half a mind to go pray at the Chantry instead of this, but it would do no one any good for him to simply run away from a potential problem.

Still, he could just as easily write a letter to the First Enchanter. Even if it wouldn't arrive on time, it would be cathartic to do so. However, that would be for later tonight. "Well... that was about as good as we could have hoped for. We should start planning for what comes next, no?"

"or not ....my friend. We don't actually know what comes next. Would a foreign lord simply demand his property back in the land and to a lord he does not know."

He took a sip of his honeyed water "I mean to demand would be highly disrespectful perhaps they will come to some agreement...even a settlement of sorts. The mother superior would be willing to pay for the girl if it allowed her to be free and would be in keeping with the chantry request for sanctuary"

He looked at the elf girl and smiled " whatever happens I am sure she and our lord will not allow you to go back to them slavery is not a thing we in this land agree with"

Joining his fellows at the table Richard plops down grabs a bowl and begins to eat famished from his hike. After a few spoons of stew, he leans back and breaths. "Well, we got 10 silver for our trouble, my negotiation with the butcher wasn't my best work, I'll blame it on my tired feet." For the first time realizing the she-elf at the table. "It seems her, master, may have Orlesian servants with him, he paid for a week, but will only be around for a few days, and will be headed to Lothering after his brief stay at the Crossroads." Digging back into his stew, he waited for the questions that would surely come.

"Wait, we supposed to be paid for that work?" That was new. He was under the impression it was their part of the celebration. That was beside the point. Those little pieces of information were interesting. "I guess we'll see how his ego and how he highly he holds her stand the test of time. The pride of Tevinter mages created the Black City, if we believe the Chant of Light. I hope that only relates to a minority of the magisters."

In reply to Mikhail Loren (msg # 6):

"Help we did. That does not mean we do not get paid. I mean, if you don't want a share of the coins, I can always use more." He gives Mikhail a grin and winks. Turning his attention to Sexta, "What's your story then?"

The elf-girl pauses, mouth full and eyes wide, looking like she just got caught stealing a pastry from the kitchen. She swallows and manages to squeak out, "Me?"

"Ah, well, my mother told me we were captured by Tevinter slavers when I was very young; my father and brother were sold to a different master from my mother and me. Slave children aren't raised by their parents, but a nanny of sorts, so I didn't see much of my mother after we were taken to my master's estate.

"When I was old enough, I was taken to the servants' quarters to work, serving the senior slaves; eventually worked my way up to being a servant to the master's men-at-arms."

Fost sighed, listened patiently, but soon lost his nerve.
He threw up his hands in exasperation.
"Well ?", he said to Richard, somewhat annoyed.
"What did you learn ? How many men does the Tevinter have, how large is the party ? How well are they organized ? How many Orlesians are with them. Numbers, my friend, numbers. Equipment, attitude, professionalism. The Arl expects a report from you, a report he can make a decision on and act."
"This is a serious matter, can't you see ?"
"And you go off, find those stupid nugs and even take your time haggling for a price ?"

Mikhail held up a hand to try to placate the warrior. "Hey there. I'm grateful that he remembered the happy couple. Last thing we need is for a lot more of the townsfolk getting worried. I do agree, the haggling is a bit much, but he is who he is."

Turning to Richard, he took another sip of his drink before continuing. "Now, he does make a good point. We need to bring the Arl up to snuff on this. Orlesian servants though... that could be useful. I know the language."

Brother Loran listened to the conversation, he wasn't a man of war, far from it but if there was conflict his talents as a healer would be needed.

With only one ear on the conversation he mentally worked out which part of the chantry would be best placed as a hospital, what stocks he had to hand what he would need to prepare all the things he would need.

After the meeting was over he would attend to his tools and boil them and wrap them in cloth to keep them clean for what might be needed

Taking his time, he nodded to Sexta, took a few more bites of stew., sipped his drink, and leaned back. Looking at Fost he smiled and kept quiet for a few more seconds, relishing his friend's squirms. "Including the Lord and Lady, there are 7 of them. The three men-at-arms, two servants. They seemed, familiar with each other, less superior, more equals." Turning now to look at Sexta's reaction, "They didn't seem agitated, worried, or upset to hear she was gone." He paused letting his words hang in the air, waiting for her reaction. Watching her face, looking for any weakness.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:07, Mon 04 May 2020.

Sexta's eyes grow wide with surprise, which quickly turns into an expression of hopefulness. "Do you think they'll move on without me? Will I be able to stay?"

Mulling over this a little, he had to shrug. "That depends on you. If you served a purpose beyond being a simple servant, if you had a talent beyond your status, like magic for instance, it would be a different story." Although, if she had talent, she would know before now. Right? His own talent developed early in his life, after all. "I guess that also goes with this town as well. If you want to stay, you could. I can't say the same for the folk here, but I'm not from here. I can't say anything on their behalf."

Fost was immediately suspicious when he heard that the escaped elf was not missed. The fighters had not made that impression. Suddenly he wondered if this was all a hoax. Did she truely escape or was this all a strange plan to scout out the Arling instead of the other way round.

“The question is are you suppose to stay? You could always slip out. I mean, would an elf really be missed?" His tone was casual, however his focus was dead set on every twitch and movement, listening to every inflection in her voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:26, Mon 04 May 2020.

Brother Loran noticed where this was starting to head, he had seen the fear in her eyes he was sure that wasn't an act "I think it is near evening prayer perhaps this line of questioning can wait for the morrow when we have all rested"

He made to stand "brother Fost as a religious man would you accompany us to the chantry. We can speak to the sergeant of the guard to make sure our guest is well protected for the night and perhaps you would wish to take evening prayer with the brothers I believe mother superior is doing the reading this evening "

Sexta opens her mouth to answer Richard, but closes it when Brother Loran interjects with a proposal. Her lip forms a slight pout as her eyes show confusion at his offer.

Fost frowned, pondering what had just happened.
And it sure looked like Richard had caught on to something, too, so maybe, just maybe, it was not his imagination.
Taunt like a bowstring he observed the elf as Rchard put forth his seemingly casual question... but then Loran ruined it all.
He could not shake the feeling that they had been on to something.
Whatever the reasons Loran had intervened, Fost was fairly sure the Monk was convinced he had done the right thing. Right now, Fost was not sure he agreed.

For now, though, he squinted briefly at Loran. Maybe Loran had caught on, too, but preferred a less direct approach.
"Yes, errmmm, yes of course, Loran. We should indeed do everything in our power to make sure that Sexta is well protected and safe. And I will gladly listen to the Sermon."

---

I assume any potential rolls/tests to see if someone else is lying or if there is something odd, e.g. Intuition, are made secretely by the GM

OOC: Yes, for things where your character wouldn't immediately know the result, I'll make secret rolls in your name.


Sexta looks down at her unfinished fish stew, then back up at Fost and Loran. With a resigned sigh, she stands and moves to leave with them.

Brother Loran realised he'd been a little hasty and laid a gentle hand on hers "please my dear finish your supper we will head to the protection of the chantry after our meal has finished"

He turned to the others "please all let us eat and fill our bodies and spirits before we retire"
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 21:38, Sun 10 May 2020.

With a grateful look in her eyes, she mouths "Thank you," to the brother and returns to her stew.

"I can walk her to the Chantry, if you need to go to the sermon." Mikhail offered, more because he would need to check back in with the Templars before heading back to his room. He would need to draft and send a letter to the Circle. At the very least, he needed to inform the Senior Enchanter that approved his transfer to do this work out here. He needed to give them an out, in case he overstepped his bounds and would need to be recalled.

Brother Loran turned to Mikhail "that is very kind of you but the mother superior has given me leave to attend our guest and as long as we are back before the gate is locked for the night we should be fine."
Knowing only a little about mages and the circle he was aware their mage would have to report to the templars at some point

"Perhaps when we have all finished our supper we can walk to the chantry together" he was probably naive in the eyes of most but he felt magic was given to a person for a purpose and it was the maker who decided who would have such abilities and it was humans that were afraid of it so his simple gesture of walking back to the chantry was his way of giving Mikhail a reason for going without having to bring to everyone's attention that because of who and what he was he needed to report each day

The group finish the rest of their meal and, eventually, everyone but Orlin heads off to the chantry together. The last rays of the sun have finally disappeared behind the horizon, revealing the starry curtain above.

Ser Elias is standing out front in his gambeson and robes, sword still present, but armor tucked away for the evening, as it always is. He’s talking with Owen the blacksmith, who has his daughter, Valena, with him. Elias sees the group approaching, and raises a hand in greeting; Owen and Valena glance at them, the blacksmith acknowledges them with a curt nod, and the young teen smiles broadly. The two men continue talking as the party passes.

Inside the chantry, they find that evening prayer has ended, and that some of the local villagers are still milling about. Loran’s fellow brothers are stowing the sacramental icons and performing the general cleanup that forms the bulk of their duties. A few of the chantry sisters are picking up prayer books from the pews, presumably to return them to the bookshelf in the left wing.

One of the sisters, Winter, appears to be waiting for their arrival and immediately approaches the men and their ward. She bows slightly in deference to Brother Loran (who is her superior) and Mikhail (a “powerful” Circle Mage) and announces, “Brother, I’ve been instructed by Mother Hannah to ensure the elf has an opportunity to clean up, and to show her where she will be sleeping during her stay.”

Sexta, for her part, seems a bit reluctant to be handed off to someone else.

Brother Loran acknowledges sister winter " sister this young lady is Sexta the guest the mother superior spoke to you about" he said part as an introduction and part to inform the sister that the elf had a name.

Turning to Sexta "please be calmed sister winter will lead you to a chamber to allow you to wash and clean yourself. Then a good night's rest will make things seem clearer in the morning. If you need for anything send word to me with one of the sisters"

Fost had accompanied them to the Chantry, but now it was obvious that everything was in order and with everybody already informed and the Superior Mother having taken things in her own capable Hands, Fost felt a bit left out.
He dawdled a bit more, then wished good night to everybody and returned to what had become a home of sorts.

Folks soon settle down for the night. After a lively discussion about the dissonant Canticle of Shartan, Ser Elias and Mikhail are the last to extinguish their lamp and head upstairs to bed.

Mikhail and Loran are startled awake by frantic pounding from outside, as if someone is banging on the chantry door. Ser Elias wakes, too, and gives Mikhail a concerned glance as he quickly dons a robe.

They and a few others (notably the novice brothers who sleep on the first floor with Loran) make their way to the front door, and open it to find one of the arl's foot soldiers and Ser Perth (who looks very tired).

"Is the elf with you?" the knight asks, an urgency in his voice.

It would appear the time has come to deal with this. "She's somewhere around here, I'm sure. Should we get the Mother Superior as well?" Mages as a whole are not exactly on equal footing when it came to speaking engagements. That being said, it wasn't that he couldn't speak on anyone's defense. He just wasn't very good at that.

"I'd prefer to find the elf first," Ser Perth responds. Ser Elias nods and sends one of the acolytes to rouse Ser Faustine and the elven maid, and the knight continues. "Adric here -" indicating the watchman "- spotted someone creeping away from the village about a half-hour ago. He gave chase, but the figure was able to elude him past the windmill. He swears the figure was 'elf-like.'"

"Maybe the figure was that elven scoundrel who 'as been hanging around the tavern in the last few months," Adric confesses. "I didn't get that good a look at 'em, but 'e seemed a li'l small for that rogue."

Holding up a silver coin, he adds, "'E was carrying a sack and dropped this. Fast, too. As soon as 'e reached level ground, 'e was gone."

Brother Loran gathered his robe and put it on and raced pasted the Knights his bare feet the only sound on the stone floor.

He moved quickly to the room that the elf girl had been given and knocked on the door.

"Sexta this is brother Loran can you please acknowledge you are within?" He asked as he leaned close to the door
This message was last updated by the player at 08:44, Fri 22 May 2020.

Loran hears shuffling around in the room, as if someone is getting up out of their bed. Ser Faustine then opens the door, her eyes tired eyes wide with surprise. "She's not in her bed," the templar says. "She's gone."

Meanwhile, Richard comes up behind Ser Perth and Adric. The knight acknowledges him with a nod, then asks, "Did you find anything in your search, Richard?"

He had grabbed his staff as the men went to find Sexta. As a symbol of his status, he felt it was needed for him to display it. That, and the men had their own weapons at their sides. Surely it was only fair.

Catching up to the men and hearing that the elf had fled, he let out a very audible sigh. "Why can't we help out someone and have it go like the stories. Was anyone actually awake and standing watch last night? I swear, I'll start doing night time walks just to keeps people on their toes."

“Sadly no, I didn’t see any sign of her, she is good at erasing her trail. She won’t be able to get far tonight, she doesn’t know the woods like we do. If I was a guessing man she is headed back to her ‘master.’ My only regret is she slipped past me, I was keeping an eye on the chantry, I didn’t trust her. No fault of yours Mikhail, her story was convincing. If anything, its my fault for not pushing the questions further and making my concerns lauder. Do we think she is a risk to the safety of the people? Shall we start a man hunt?”

"She's certainly more than she seemed at the time," Ser Perth notes. "If she is going back to her 'master,' as you think, we can head to the crossroads at dawn."

“Is anything missing? Have you checked to see if her goal was stealing something? My thoughts are it was that or just recon for whatever reason.”
This message was last edited by the player at 15:38, Sun 24 May 2020.

Fost had heard the commotion outside and had been restless anyway as Richard had voiced his supsicions before he had headed out again to keep a watch on the Chantry.
While Fost had been suspicious first, too, he had not seen any signs of mischievousness in the girl and so had let the matter stand.
Looking out the widows he saw the small procession heading for the Chantry and decided to follow.

He was suprised to hear that Sexta was gone.
"If she were a spy she did not learn much, did she ? Maybe she just did not feel safe here after all and decided to go her own way ? If so, however, why sneak away at night ?"
"And I call for is that you do not draw hasty conclusions."

"I blame myself" said brother Loran to onone one in particular. He had vouched for her, petitioned the mother superior. She could have been scared and run again but if she had alterior motives then he held himself responsible if something unpleasant happened next

"You are not at fault, Brother Loran," the voice of Mother Hannah says from behind the group as she approaches. "You showed kindness to one who you honestly believed was in need. There can never be fault in that, my son.

"Brother Gilbert has just informed me that one of our coffers has been emptied of its alms, and some of items of value have been taken. None is of religious value," she says. "This is not to state that the girl was responsible, or knows who is, just that we have something additional to investigate."

"There are enough dangers about at night that I wouldn't recommend starting any search until it's light," Ser Perth responds. Looking at Fost and company, he adds, "However, I will not forbid anyone from striking out on their own sooner, if they feel strongly enough to do so."

"It seems too convienent to simply place the blame at her feet. We should at the very least check the outside of this Chantry tonight. See where that leads us. I won't be able to sleep until I at least see this." He wasn't lying or exaggerating on this part. Her former master was a potential bloodmage, a maleficar. He was perfectly capable of defending himself, sure. However prepared he was wouldn't matter, as one bad mage would further sour the opinions other would have toward him and the Circle. "Could we borrow a torch or two?"

"With permission, of course, Mother Hannah, and Ser Perth," Richard's tone is awkward when addressing Hannah, nervous like she can tell all his sins just by looking at him, Ser Perth doesn't bother him, he is a real treat to drink with. "I would like to follow the footsteps, or possible footsteps, of the she-elf to break-down entrance and exits and put together how, if, she did this. After the investigation of her room, possible routes, and the coffers, determining means and methods, a further search of the exterior and an attempt to trace her footprints, even heading to the crossroads." He pauses for a second thinking. Normally, a job like this Richard would charge his normal rates, but feeling slightly at fault, and frustrated, stealing wealth that he donated to for his village. The job had become personal. That, and how can he claim to be the best, if he can't outsmart this rodent. Especially if it ends up being a damn elf.

"I think you have the right idea, Mikhail, if we split up we can investigate more area. I'll, again with your permission, start in the chantry working my way out of her room, Bother Loren can join me. Mikail, why don't you and Fost start outside. In about an hour meet back here and we can discuss our finds, and decide what to do from there." He gave direction, assuming all would be followed and permission granted, why wouldn't his idea get followed, it was brilliant.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:43, Tue 26 May 2020.

Mother Hannah and Ser Perth exchange a glance, as an unspoken conversation appears to take place between them. After a moment, both nod in unison before the revered mother speaks.

“You may trace her path, but please start with her room first, so Ser Faustine and the sisters can return to sleep.”

“I’ll stick around for a bit, see what they come up with,” Ser Perth offers.

Mother Hannah nods her approval and returns the way she came. Ser Elias offers to help Richard and Loran.

Richard begins his search in the room, examining the bed, the floor, and the door and any windows if it has any. The then follows the most direct path to the coffers, keeping an eye for any other paths that could have been taken. Particularly if there are paths that avoid doors, windows, and are dark. He is looking for abnormal anomalies, signs of magic in particular. Once he had traces the possible paths to the coffers he pauses for a second at the door to gather his thoughts and any insights he may have come across. Also waiting to hear if those with him picked up on something he did not.

Taking a torch, Mikhail led what ever search he could outside. He kept the light close to the ground and the walls, intent on looking for footsteps leading from the Chantry. Maybe even for a cracked window or some other sign as to mark the someone's escape from the outside.

Brother Loran moved to the second floor where the burglary had taken place to see if the thieves might have left something to indicate who they were

19:49, Today: Mikhail Loren rolled 12 using 3d6+1 with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 2, 3.  Perception (Tracking).

19:49, Today: Mikhail Loren rolled 12 using 3d6+1 (3 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 4, 4.  Perception (Tracking).

19:48, Today: Mikhail Loren rolled 14 using 3d6+1 (1 stunt point) with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 6, 6.  Perception (Tracking).

OOC:For all the rolls needed to be made for my above actions.

Within the chantry building, Richard and Loren begin in the quarters Sexta shared with Ser Faustine and the chantry sisters. They find no obvious signs of anything out of the ordinary; Loran knows these rooms aren’t normally locked.

The storage “vault” on the second floor is little more than an extra room that is used for storage, rather than sleeping. Some valuables are kept there, though they’re usually items that are being stored in the longer term, not items that are used daily or weekly. (This amounts to silverware, extra candleholders, and so on, but occasionally would include Andrastean symbols that are gilt in precious metals. By Loran’s count, at least four silver candlesticks are missing, as is a chantry medallion made from blue vitriol.)

Downstairs, they find the actual vault, which is next to where the novices sleep. It is a locked door, but Richard sees it’s not particularly complicated; he does find fresh scratch marks on the lock that are not consistent with a key. Loran is able to borrow the key, and they find one of the three coffers has been emptied of its coin; full, it would easily contain more than a thousand coins, though Loran expects it was only a third full. Richard notices one of the other coffers has scratch marks similar to the door, though the box doesn’t appear to have been opened. (Loran doesn’t have keys to the coffers. Only the senior sister and the reverend mother can access them.)

Given the number of people who have been congregating near the front door after everyone had awakened, there’s no way to tell if she went out that direction; however, Richard also can’t believe that would be possible, since he was watching the front of the building.

Ser Elias mentions an old escape tunnel from the Orlesian occupation. It was normally boarded up, but had been reopened recently, due to a minor vermin problem that was coming from the tunnel. They hadn’t closed it up, and it’s accessible from the first floor storeroom (across the hall from Loran’s quarters in the rectory).

*~*~*~*~*

Mikhail and Fost search around the building. They don’t see any evidence of tracks or other signs of passage around the building, and begin to expand their search slowly. They find nothing out of the ordinary until they reach the tavern, where they discover footprints sneaking about the south side - barefoot - that lead up and out of town; they’re joined by boots digging into the soil, which probably belong to Adric, since he was the footman chasing her.

Going back the other way, though, the footprints stop somewhere in the grass behind the tavern, but with no obvious place of origin.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:06, Tue 09 June 2020.

Fost looked puzzledly at the tracks left behind. He just could not remember if Sexta had worn shoes of any kind or if she had been bare-footed. Naturally he was aware that sneaking without shoes or boots was easier, but then again out therei nthe open, with so much rock, going barefoot was not to be advised.

"Adric needs to come here, we need to cross-check if these are his boot prints.", he commented when they first saw the boot tracks, "Clearly a heavier person than Sexta, or armoured."

Fost then went inside and roused the tavern owner.
"Sorry for waking you, but we need to check the ground floor. Maybe we find some bare-footed tracks. Did you have anyone in tonight who slept in the common room or in the bar room ? And has that potential person disappeared ?"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:05, Sat 13 June 2020.

Ser Perth calls for Adric, who is in the commons area in front of the chantry, as Lloyd calls out from behind the door, "Hold on, hold on! Give me a chance to unlock it!"

Lloyd is "about 30," somewhat heavy set with brown hair. He keeps himself clean-shaven; he said once that the reason was no one wants to find a "curly" in their mug - no one can ever remember how that came up.

A moment later the door opens; he nods at Fost's request, stepping aside to let the group in. "Fost, you know I don't let folks sleep off their drink in here. Ain't no one been in the tavern since I ran off Dwyn and Orlin at, what, one, I think? I locked up right after. Sent Irenia home around midnight or so."

"Well, it seems we should follow the Escape tunnel and see where, and what can be discovered. Other than that, she, and I do believe this was Sexta, is a decent burglar. The one lock she couldn't get. The only other peculiar thing is that she found her way so easily to the coffers, but not so difficult either, not hidden." With that Richard set off to the tunnels letting Ser Elias lead the way.

Fost nodded at Lloyd.
"Sorry, Lloyd. Maybe you made an exception."
"All those you mentioned wore shoes or boots, right ?"

Right, so whoever had lurked outside had not been inside the tavern.
Maybe some sort of secret tunnel that had its entry near the tavern ?

Fost looked at his companion, not sure how to proceed.
"It's too dark to follwo those tracks in the night. On the other hand we loose time if we don't. Either way, not just the two of us. Better get back to the Chantry and see what they may have learned."

With a look to Loran - the unspoken question of whether the brother is going to join them in his eyes - Ser Elias takes a candelabra in hand and heads into the tunnel, Richard not far behind him.

The tunnel is finely hewn and clad with brick and stone for the first 10 yards, the ancient stairs leading down still in relatively decent repair (if a bit dusty), but then turns into a rough-cut tunnel supported by a stone column every 6-7 yards or so. Incredibly enough, even being at such a low elevation (and likely not far above the waterline of the tide), the tunnel is completely dry - almost like it was sealed against it. Richard is no mason, but that seems unlikely, given the purported age and neglect of the place.

After some distance, the tunnel ends abruptly at a ladder. The wood is old, but still in decent condition and shows signs of recent use.

*~*~*~*~*

Before Mikhail can answer, Ser Perth returns from talking to Adric and confirms that the boot prints that join the others were the footman's, and that the sneak was far enough ahead to be just in sight as he followed.

"Did Lloyd know anything?" he asks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:03, Thu 18 June 2020.

"It would seem that he did not. How about at the Chantry? Anything?" The longer this was going to take, the long whoever did this had to run. "If only I could whip up a spell and track her down. I don't know how else we're going to find her at this point. Has anyone else suddenly gone missing?" It wasn't likely, but it would be far easier to let this blame fall upon an elf. It still didn't quite add up to him, but he hadn't seen all the evidence yet. Primary evidence being any trace of Sexta.

Fost was glad that it were Adric's boot prints.
He really would not have liked the notion that someone from the town had benn helping the bare-footed thief willingly.

"Ser Perth, would you know of any scret tunnels going form the Chantry to here ? See those foot prints ? They just appear out of nowhere. They are not deep enough to warrant the idea of someone jumping down form the roof of the tavern."
"Mikhail, ist there any magic that allows someone to appear suddenly in one place ?"

Naturally Richard uses the stairs and goes up leaving the tunnel, curious to see where it will open to.

What is further curious, how did Sexta know of this tunnel? Was she just lucky?

With that thought he pauses, looking to see if other recent footprints, not just hers are here. And when he crawls out before going out completely, not wanting to disturb the scene, looks for recent footprints not hers, that look like they loitered here, are pointed at the entrance, and have more weight at theirs indicating someone stood at the spot for a moment, or if that someone people her out. Also looking for boot prints leading away from the bare feet indicating assistance, but didn’t go with her. He didn’t want to believe someone could have helped on the inside, but, the questions must be asked.


OOC

Here are three perception rolls I don’t know how many you would need so I rolled three to cover my base.

22:30, Today: Richard rolled 12 using 3d6+3 with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 4, 2. - [roll=1592627413.21898.340889]

22:30, Today: Richard rolled 16 using 3d6+3 with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 4, 3. - [roll=1592627409.91177.340889]

22:30, Today: Richard rolled 10 using 3d6+3 with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 2, 4. - [roll=1592627406.98521.340889]

In reply to Fost (msg # 54):

"Sadly, no. Magic has it's limits. You can increase you speed to incredible heights, but even attempting to pop on over to another city or enter the Fade is beyond us. That doesn't stop the rumors, though we need only look to Tevinter for a reminder on why it's best to avoid such a mistake." That was just a part of the cardinal rules of magic, what can and can not be done. All those who attempted to cheat these same rules met with terrible disaster, but there was no doubt that many would still try to push that limit. "However, you could manipulate the world through illusions to give that impressions. With enough lyrium, you could create a powerful spell to propel you to such a speed that you could perhaps appear to instantly  arrive at a location, but I haven't the foggiest idea on how that would be done. Not without my notes and studies, anyhow."

As they move around the side of the tavern to talk further (to let Lloyd go back to sleep), Ser Perth nods at Mikhail's statement on the limits of magical power; however, his attention is drawn past the others to something behind the building. They look also, and find a hatch lift up to a low angle, with Richard's head poking out of the opening as he examines the ground around his position.

Richard, for his part, doesn't immediately notice his friends and acquaintances near the corner of the tavern building, his eyes focused on the barefoot prints walking away from his very position, and a group of more-recent boot prints stepping over and around them. Only then does he notice Mikhail's night robes and Fost in his shift and trousers, with Ser Perth in a tunic and surcote beyond, standing next to Adric.

OOC: Okay, the party is back together.

Surpised at the sudden appearance of their comrade Fost blurted.
"Well, that explains the tracks' origin."

Fost shared what they had learned, niot that it had been much.
"So I think we can agree that Sexta had a most uncanny knowledge of the layout of the Chantry. She did not realyl have the time to check it all at a leisurely pace, would you not agree ? Yet she found the treasury and the secret tunnel."
He turned to those savvy in the workings of Magic.
"Again I have to ask. Could she have unnatural powers that allowed to achieve these feats ?"
"Anyway, I suggest that first thing in the morning, as soon as we have sufficient light, we set out."

Startled himself by the group just outside the "secret" tunnel, he gets out and holds the trapdoor open for those behind him. He begins his account of what he discovered, keeping his suspensions to himself.

"Yes, it seems our damsel in distress has more skills then she let on. I agree with my hardy friend, continuing a search in the night would only end with us tired, possibly hurt, or lost. We have our suspensions where she will be headed, no need to rush off in the dark. Maybe we can pay our visitor a proper welcome tomorrow."

Mikhail shrugged to Fost, holding his empty hand out. "Who knows? Is there a spell? Possibly. Remote viewing is certainly possible. She could have trafficked with a spirit and learned of it as well. If she was a malificar herself, blood magic can certainly warp a person's mind into doing whatever she wanted."

It was at this point he wished that there were other mages nearby. At least one of his teachers. Learning some more spells would be very helpful right about now.

Brother Loran caught a glimpse of the group near the tavern from the second floor of the chantry window and hurried down to join them.

"did you find her?" he said slightly out of breath looking round to see if she was in fact with the group

Fost shook his head in frustration.
"So everything is possible. Well, guess we'll have to take it in stride then."

The warrior then looked at Loran.
"No, she escaped."

He had to shake his head before Fost was too upset at his answer. "No. Not everything. However, we have no information on her. We can argue the finer details once we know more. Until then, treat her like we would her Master. An unknown and a potential danger." He still didn't believe it, but it would be better for the moment to simply grant their premise in order to move forward with this. Otherwise, they will sit here all night into the morning arguing the minute details while she was continuing to get further away. Without any way to see in the woods at night right now, he reluctantly had to agree. "First light then. We need to be ready to move and track them down at least at that point."

"I'll meet you at the windmill with a few men, in case we're needed," Ser Perth offers.

The knight and footman say their farewells, the former returning to his lodgings and the latter returning to his night watch. The rest of the assembled find their way back to their beds, to get as much sleep as they can in the hours that are left.

Morning arrives all too soon, and, as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the windmill, Mikhail, Loren, Fost, and Richard cross the bridge from the lower village and find Ser Perth and four footmen waiting for them. He gives them a courteous nod, and, soon, they're on their way.

"I suggest to make for the Crossroads straight off with haste. She has a lead on us and she will chosen speed instead of hiding as she could have rightly assumed that no one would be travelling in the middle of the night. The Crossroads is where she will join up with her folk, or that's what I believe. I do no longer think that she is acting vigilante. If so, we will probably never find her. Or we split up, one group hastening for Crossroads, while the others check if they can find her hiding somehwere."

"Agreed Fost, even if she hides for the night, If I were her I would be headed to the Crossroads at first light with haste. Hoping that my lord would protect me. Prepare ourselves, I would think she will stir up trouble fabricating lies about us, and he location. I will also guard ourselves, if she does not believe her lord would protect her then she will cut across the county and we may never see or hear from her again. Still, we must travel to the crossroads."

"I don't know about that. If she takes off, it won't be worth it to track her down. At least, not for myself. I can't track. Heading to the Crossroads sounds like a good plan. Richard, if you could keep an eye out for obvious trails, I'll do my best to support you where I can."

Brother Loran was still dispondent that his faith in someone had seemed misplaced and he still felt partly guilty for allowing the elf to pull the wool over his eyes.
He allowed the others make plans and followed quietly behind

The look of disappointment on Brother Loran’s face isn’t lost on Ser Perth, who gives him a sympathetic smile.

The highlands to the east cast heavy shadows on the pathway leading out of Redcliffe as the party makes haste to the Crossroads. They pass the Rhys’ farm just south of the village gate; the smell of bread warming on a stove wafts onto the trail as they pass.

Minutes later, they approach the old southern gate, with Richard a few yards ahead of the others as he scouts the way forward.

Despite his mood he couldn't help but smile at the smell of bread he remembered back three summers past when he helped deliver the family's third  child and their first daughter, beautiful thing she was with the face of an angel.

The memory lessened his mood somewhat and his side became more confident as he followed the others

Richard moves up and through the gate to continue forward keeping an eye out.

Richard pulls ahead, seeming to move with purpose before he uses the shadows to disappear from their sight. Those who’ve known him for a time understand that he does this when he’s investigating something he’s sighted. Ser Perth, ever watchful, allows his hand to rest on his blade, ready to respond to trouble.


After a short wait, the rest of the group hears a woman’s gasp, followed shortly by another and the unintelligible beginnings of a conversation. Two silhouettes can be seen just on the other side of the gate. One definitely looks like it could be Richard. Ser Perth looks to Fost, Mikhail, and Loren; by the questioning nature of his expression, they infer that he wonders if they should join Richard and his new companion.

What he thought was a moment to tease The young women. He quickly turned to the group putting his finger to his lips motioned to them all to move toward the wood. Grabbing Gemma’s hand he leads her to the woods where he hopes the rest of the group will rendezvous with him, “Gemma the group, the group Gemma,” speedily introducing them. “She just told me there is activity with our visiting friends. They are making to leave. How do you all think we should proceed?”

As the others are waiting together, Ser Perth notices Richard gesturing. "I think he wants us to slip into the trees to the right," he suggests.

"If by friends, you mean those we are pursuing, the faster we get to them, the better. I'm not sure we can beat them in a straight fight if it comes to it, but we need to at least start trailing them quickly." Mikhail nodded to this Gemma lady as she was introduced. "If we can flank them, let's do it. Hopefully, I can get their mage to focus on me. I stand the best chance of dealing with whoever it is, but no guarantees."

Though not a fighter Loran felt it was his fault that things were taken from the chantry so he would make it his business to bring them back safely.

"I will continue with what you believe is the best course of action" he stated in a hushed voice

"My men and I are with you," Ser Perth says, gesturing toward his four footmen. "I'm not keen on the idea of letting thieves get away with desecrating a chantry."

The knight glances up at sky over the highlands to the east, noticing the increasing light. "We should probably get moving, if we're to catch them before they leave."

You fall in behind Fost and Ser Perth. "Right. My magic is pretty good at defending against other magic. It still not the best, but I'll still try to interrupt or protect against what I can."

Mikhail grips his staff, keeping his eyes out for what he could.

“Perfect, I will circle around and get a view of combat starts I will concentrate my arrows on the Mage. Hopefully bringing him down quick. I will wait for your queue.” Grabbing Gemma and with a nod to the others, Richard makes his way  around the buildings. Not jogging or running, keeping a brisk pace.

Richard takes Gemma's hand and leads the way to the Crossroads. The way is familiar enough to most (even Mikhail passed through the Crossroads when he first traveled to Redcliffe), and they once again find a vantage point that allows them to overlook four buildings in the area. The house in question is conveniently separated from the others on the left side of the path, on a raised mound of earth. Hasty activity surrounds it, with a number of folks gathering sacks, chests, and a footlocker in a place next to the door; through the open door, raised voices filter out, though it's impossible to make out from this distance.

OOC: Okay folks, you see the house. Around the outside are five people: two men, and three women. Both men are in heavier gear, and may be the two Tevinter footmen you all encountered yesterday; the three women are all human, and are in the simple garb of servants...however, their manner of dress looks like it comes from someplace closer than Tevinter.

Oh, one more thing. Bear in mind that you're a force of 9 people right now, and only one a rogue with any talent for not being seen. You're a few dozen yards away, and you have some cover, but still. Lots of mages and warriors. And a pretty girl.

Looking over the scene, Mikhail starts to question this line of approach. "You know... we kind of look like... a fighting force. Maybe we should just, I don't know, pretend we're not here for them? I mean, wouldn't it be easier to catch them if they thought we were not here for them? Could that even work?" Then again, they had a Chantry Ley Brother with them, or whatever Brother Loran's actual title was. Unless they could convince them that he was... no, they would never buy that. He stood out as much as Mikhail himself, and Mikhail was a mage. Still... it might be a better idea than spooking them all into attacking on sight. If a malificar was among them, it would be best to not let on that they knew about it.

Fost calmly readied his longbow.
"If these two are the same we met before any attempt at a ruse is bound to fail."
"How many did you say was the whole entourage?
With Perth and four men at arms they could just claim thst they searched for a thief. Which was true, after all.

rolled 12 using 3d6+1 (4 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {4}, 4, 3.  CUN, recognize garb of servants.

Fost frowned as he recalled what Richard and Orlin had reported.
"There are 7 of them. Three men-at-arms, two servants. Right now we only see these 5, none of which are either Lord or Lady. We van easily take the fighting men. We have six warriors, twice as much. Overwhelming odds. But the enemy mage is troublesome. And we must take prisoners, too, for questioning. Whoever they wanted to meet here to plot has seemingoy not arrived yet. If we wait much longer we won't outnumber them."

OOC: So, Richard's reported numbers might be off, since Fost sees three servant women and two men-at-arms outside the building. A third servant woman may indicate a group of eight, rather than a group of seven.

It's early enough in the morning that the farmers aren't necessarily out in full force. Most may be breaking their fast before stepping out into the fields. And, the three buildings on the right are clustered together, with one building obscuring the common area between them. There may be activity you just don't see (and the farms are beyond that, also not easy to see.

That said, Gemma, who lives at the Crossroads, hasn't reported a massacre of peasants since she met up with you.

Fost, though, does recognize the two men as the foot soldiers the group encountered yesterday. He doesn't see the bowman; and you remember they got a good look at the lot of you.

I can also say that all of you can tell there are at least three different voices filtering out through the front door of the house itself.

"With three servants out there, it may mean eight," Ser Perth observes. Turning to Fost, he asks. "Did those men get a good look at you when you first encountered them?"

Fost nodded.
"They definitely did. I am aure they would recognize us on first sight. That's why I believe a ruse will not work."
"You are a member of the Arl's household, Perth. You could approach them as you are empowered to search for a thief. You may be able to approach unmolested, if you find the elf take her prisoner. If she is not to be found... that's actually what I expect. You could search each home but then we cannot see you and you may be ambushed. Not a good idea. But you may get a better idea of the troops and on an agreed signal we could attack."
"It's risky, but I loathe the idea that we just let them go."
"I don't fear the footmen, but assessing the capabilities of the Tevinter mage is impossible and may bring ruin to us all. Still, dare we let the man just pass the Arl's lands like that?"

rolled 8 using 3d6+3 (1 stunt point) with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 1, 3.  DEX, Initiative.

Only edited typos
This message was last edited by the player at 15:03, Tue 21 July 2020.

Mikhail nods along with Fost. "If these are the same from yesterday, than yeah. They got a real good look at us. We nearly attacked them right then and there as well. I'll see what I can do with regards of keeping them busy and contained. I'm still learning everyday, but I think I have at least one spell that should keep them on their toes. Well, as long as I have the mana."

16:42, Today: Mikhail Loren rolled 11 using 3d6+2 with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 1, 3.  DEX Initiative.

Brother Loran brushed down his robes "I'm not exactly hard to recognise in my chantry robes and as I did a lot of talking when we met and I think I might even have threatened them if they tried taking the girl they would definitely recognise me"

"Don't forget they have at least one crossbowman.", Fost warned as he notched an arrow.

"If it helps, my men and I can go in and get their attention, giving you folks a chance to set up shots," Ser Perth says.

Mikhail looks torn on that regard. "Are you sure, Ser Perth? I don't want to put your men in the danger just to make it easier for us to hit them. What am I saying, of course you're not going down there just for that. It was more you just telling us that is how things might pan out. Sorry for saying anything."

Mikhail waited for the Arl's men to advance, preparing to call upon a spell as soon as he was able to help.

Having discussed Mikhail's capabilities Fost gnawed his lower lip.
"Right."
"Ser Perth, I suggest you approach the village, unthreatening but with determination. You are looking for a thief, after all."
"Try to place yourself in a way so we have clear sight and the enemy is close together. Place your men so they more or less surround those below."
"Tell you are looking for an elf thief and ask whether they have seen her."
"That's when Mikhail will work his magic on them and you have to close fast on the fighters and concentrate on them to dispatch them. That is: put them out of the fight, you do not truly need to kill them."
"Richard will wait on this signal, as will I."
"I would prefer to be with you in the melee but I fear they will lrecongize me and become immediately suspicious foiling our attempt at a surprise attack."
"Still, I will try to rush in as soon as possible.
"I am anxcious about that crossbowman, if you see him, point at thim, so Richard and I can dispach him."
"Mikhail, you know best what to do, help our men to keep the foes unbalanced."
"Loran, same. Unless someone is in deep and urgent trouble, try to keep your healing powers for the end of the fight. The three of us will steadily advance on the foes. If you prefer to hang back that is fine, but keep in mind that no one will be able to protect you should someone be able to break through."
"Are we agreed ?"

He did not want to take command and framed his words as asugegstion, referring to the knight as being the one in command - both for the knight's as for the footmen's comfort. After all, he had no true standing in Redcliffe.

Richard is at the doorway of a house off to the side, crouched down at the door jam, hidden from view of the targets, but can be seen by the group so they know he is in position. Bow in hand with arrow ready.

OOC:
Initiative
07:10, Today: Richard rolled 14 using 3d6+3 with the AGE System (({2}, 3, 6)).

Stealth
07:11, Today: Richard rolled 15 using 3d6+3 (3 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 6, 3.  stealth

Let me know if I did it wrong, I am going back  and forth between this system and 5e.

Ser Perth nods his assent, and, apparently, Richard is already quietly moving to a position near Gemma's house. Gemma, for her part, wishes them luck and backs away from potential danger, content to watch the action from a safe distance.

As he and his men are about to continue down the path, Perth says to Fost, "If you weren't so mercenary, you'd make a good officer." Fost knows Ser Perth well enough to know that's a friendly jibe, and the smile on the knight of Redcliffe's face confirms it.

OOC: We'll give Loran a chance to roll his initiative and position himself before starting. If we don't hear from him before 4pm US Pacific Time (when I knock off work today), I'll roll his initiative for him and we'll say

That said, where are you all going to be positioned? Richard is over in the door jamb of the hunter's hut, (it's not occupied at the moment, as the hunter seems to be away). I'm going to call that 25 yards exactly.

How far back along the path will Fost be waiting, or will he also make for the huts? Where will Mikhail stand?

For your knowledge, with one of his footmen a crossbowman, Ser Perth will likely stand at the front, with the other two footmen flanking him. The crossbowman will likely be standing back a few yards, with a clear shot at the others.

Also, if you remember the layout of the Crossroads, the house in question is the one where you meet Mother Giselle. It's up a set of stairs from the path, so, unless Perth climbs the stairs to talk to them, everyone will have a clear shot without risking hitting their allies.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:13, Wed 22 July 2020.

Brother Loran took a deep breath and followed the group making sure he stayed out of the fighters way.

He held his staff in one hand as he walked and his carved wooden sign of the maker in his other which hung on a twisted leather thing round his neck

Ooc

18:15, Today: Brother Loran rolled 12 using 3d6+1 with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 6, 4.  Initiative
This message was last edited by the player at 19:00, Wed 22 July 2020.

The knight and his footmen head out on the path, looking as conspicuous as possible to give the others a chance to find a place to make their stand without notice. They look around as they near the four structures and, as if seeing activity outside the house on the left, stop to engage the workers.

“Good morning, Serah,” he says in a serious tone. “Did either of you or the servant women see an elf pass by here? Likely carrying a full sack that would’ve clinked and clanked.”

The two Tevinter footmen square up with the soldiers, posturing like birds puffing up their feathers, and the yelling inside the building comes to an abrupt halt.

“Why would we see an elf?” one of them asks.

“Well, we had a little local trouble last night; a servant girl made away with her mistress’ fine silver,” Ser Perth explains as the Tevinter crossbowman encountered before appears in the doorway.

“Sorry, ser knight, we haven’t seen an elf at all. My men and our servants have been busy preparing to travel on to Lothering,” he says, his Tevinter accent strong. “My master has urgent business there, and we must load our carts.”

Of course, as you all can see, there are no carts in sight. And that fact doesn’t seem to be lost on Ser Perth. “If you could just let me check in and around your house, I could rule this out as a hiding place.”

“Why would she hide here, ser knight?” the crossbowman replied curtly.

“You’d be surprised where a small thief could slip through and conceal themselves, or how good folks may take pity on a seemingly helpless--”

“What is the meaning of this intrusion?” bellowed a diminutive man in fine Tevinter clothing as his head pops through the doorway. His accent is foreign, but it sounds...strange. In fact, each of you would bet your reputation that the man speaking it was, in fact, Orlesian, not Tevinter, and he was only (poorly) mimicking a Tevinter accent.

The crossbowman has a look of disbelief on his face, before hanging his head and shaking it ruefully. However, Ser Perth looks confused at the crossbowman’s actions, as if he didn’t recognize the accent as fake.

Fost was surprised by the crossbowman taking the conversation. True, the other two men had not exactly made an impression on him for being bright back when he had convinced them to leave Sexta with them. He tried to remember the discussion amongst them, but failed to recall any indication of who might be a leader type.
Either way, the man was playing cat and mouse with their knight, mostly stalling for time it seemed.
Fost made sure to keep the building in sight, maybe someone wanted to use the distraction to run or sneak away.
Then the self-important man interrupted and Fost was also puzzled by the other man's reaction as if the former had spoiled and ruined his ruse.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 08:18, Mon 27 July 2020.

Brother Loran held back and stepped behind one of the out buildings he didn't want anyone to see him but be close enough to rush forward to administer healing aid if his companions requited it.

Richard readies an arrow aiming at the could be dangerous mage.

***

The redcliffe moves to the side of Ser Perth to get in a flanking position.

He could barely hear the speaking guards over the Redcliffe ones, but Mikhail had to trust that Ser Perth had their best interest in this upcoming fight. He had to do some quick thinking to get the proper distance and sight should his magic be required, which he assumed was an inevitability.

---

The Redcliffe footman shifted his weight between his feet, not exactly liking where this was heading, especially if even half of what he had heard about these people was true

OOC: Moving into combat rounds. Remember, on your turn, you’re able to take either one Major Action and one Minor Action, or two Minor Actions. (Actions are detailed on pp. 50-51 of the core rules.)

Round 1
The telltale sound of magical energy being summoned fills the air. The Tevinter crossbowman rolls his eyes and mutters, “Oh, Maker…” A sudden pop and what sounds like the sizzle of meat cooking in a pan follows and...nothing. To Mikhail's trained ears, it sounds like someone just failed to properly cast a spell, and it fizzled out on them.

(OOC: Everyone, except Redcliffe Footman 1 & Redcliffe Footman 3, recognize that those sounds came from within the house (behind the magister and the crossbowman).)

“What in the name of…?” Ser Perth growls as his sword and shield are out in an instant, his guard up.

OOC: Ser Perth uses a Ready action to draw his blade and shield, and the Guard Up action (+1).

Okay, we have Mikhail detailing his footman’s actions first, followed by Richard’s actions, and then Richard detailing his footman’s actions.

Also, I created a (very crude) map (Group 0) of the immediate vicinity and relative positions, based on my reading of what folks have included in their posts. PC initials are in red, allies in orange, enemies in brown, and non-combatants in light blue.

(Richard is at the Hunter’s Hut; Brother Loran is just above Owen’s Hut; Mikhail is in the trees at the top left; Fost is to the right of the Tevinter’s House, hiding behind a tree. All of the Redcliffe men are near the stairs leading up to the Tevinter’s House.)

By the way, the gray broken line is a low wall, about 1 yard high. It can be used for cover.

Initiatives

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:09, Tue 28 July 2020.

The Redcliffe Footman responds to his superior's action by drawing his own sword and shield, moving to stand beside and prepares to intercept the attackers blows. "Orders, ser?"

---

OOC: Footman follows Ser Perth and uses a Ready action to draw his blade and shield, and the Guard Up action (+1).

With a confident, even cocky, grin Richard stepped out of hiding, moved a couple of steps closer and released an arrow from his longbow on the Lord.

Minor: Move (to the edge/statue)
Major: Ranged Attack
Richard rolled 11 using 3d6+3 with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 2, 5.  Longbow short range vs ma.
Damn:/
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Fri 31 July 2020.

The Redcliffe footman took up a position in the opposite flank to his companion to protect ser Perry's other flank

Meanwhile brother Kiran kept low and out of sight behind the hut

Ser Perth is about to respond to his footman when Richard’s shot streaks overhead. “Stay alert,” he growls, his hopes for resolving the issue without conflict fading quickly.

Richard
That shot would’ve squarely hit the false magister had the house not been in the way. As it was, however, the arrow sticks firmly in the wall, not a half a foot from the man’s face and nearly taking the crossbowman’s thumb off.

RF1
Prompted by the unintentional warning shot, the other footman also draws his blade and shield, and sets himself in a defensive position. If these ruffians start a fight, the footmen will be sure to finish it.

OOC: Redcliffe Footman #1 is taking the Ready Minor Action and the Guard Up Minor Action (+1).

THC
Richard’s shot shakes the civility from the crossbowman, who dives for cover behind the door and grabs his nearby crossbow.

OOC: Minor Action to Move to cover; Minor Action to Ready crossbow. He’s currently out of Richard’s sight.

THF1
The Tevinter footman draws his maul and shield, prepared to strike at anyone who comes near.

OOC: Minor action to Ready maul & shield; Minor Action to Prepare a melee attack.

OOC: Okay, with Loran’s post, we’re now down to the Redcliffe Crossbowman (played by Fost) and Mikhail himself. Fost, you can post for yourself, too, even though the magister acts first.

Redcliffe Crossbowman

Startled by the arrow streaking past him had they not agreed that the knight would start the fight, it seemed he had not listened well enough to the plan - the man muttered a curse and moved behind the wall for protection and readied his crossbow.

Minor Move, Minor Ready

---

Fost
Fost had moved close enough to be well within the short range of his bow and was waiting for the signal when Richard opened up the fight. He aimed at the footman who had not yet reacted and shot.

Minor Aim, Major Attack
rolled 13 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 4, 2.  Long Bow attack, short range, aimed.
rolled 8 using 1d6+5.  Long Bow Damage.

Mikhail summons up some mana and tries to force a small telekinetic burst near the engaged footman. He lost concentration at the last moment when he briefly turned to look over his shoulder to verify Gemma was staying safe and out of the way, cursing as he lost the spell.

---

08:58, Today: Mikhail Loren rolled 11 using 3d6+4 (1 stunt point) with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 5, 1.  Casting Mind Blast.
Spell Fails. 12/15 MP
Move a few yards closer to the fight.

With the Redcliffe warriors taking a defensive stance, Mikhail attempts to knock the Tevinters down, but his spell fizzles and the magical energy is lost from his reserves.

The false magister is spooked by the presence of a mage on the other side, and adjusts himself in the doorway to cast a spell at Mikhail; however, his spell also fails. The mages collectively wonder if the veil is perhaps too strong in the vicinity.

Fost buries his arrow into the Tevinter footman's shoulder. The man cries out, partly out of alarm at the new foe. (4hp gets through) He draws his weapons and moves to near the door, to protect his master.

OOC: Ready Minor Action, Move Minor Action.

Round 2
The strike of a staff blade against the floor can be heard from within the house, and a bolt of snow and ice lances out at Ser Perth, narrowly missing.

OOC: Ranged Magic Attack Major Action. Unknown Minor Action, if any is taken.

Ser Perth appears to have had enough of this magic slinging around, and steps up to engage the footmen, urging his men forward. He brings his blade against the man on his right. His attack is so effective, he's able to bring the blade down with crushing force on the back swing. The man-at-arms crumples to the ground, out of the fight.

Hit with a 14 (5 Stunt Points generated). Spending 2 Stunt Points to Pierce Armor (halve target's armor)

8 damage rolled, 6 hp gets through.

Spending 3 Stunt Points for Lightning Attack. Hit with second attack with a 14. 9 damage (5 hp gets through).

Richard calls out, "I think our elf friend just slipped out the window!"

OOC: Okay, Ser Perth quickly puts down the man-at-arms whom Fost just pierced with his arrow.

We have Redcliffe Footman #2 (Mikhail) & Richard (Fost) going next, followed by Redclifee Footman #1 & two Tevinters.

Damage Taken
Tevinter House Man-at-Arms 2: -15 hp, dying

Initiatives

The Footman presses forward to attack, "Aye, ser. Surrender, fools."

He lashes out and attacks to reinforce his point.

20:19, Today: Mikhail Loren rolled 18 using 3d6+5 with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 6, 4.  Attack with longsword.
20:21, Today: Mikhail Loren rolled 12 using 1d6+6 with rolls of 6.  Longsword damage.

Davy (Evil GM) here. Longsword damage should be 2d6+3 (my mistake). Rolled a d6 on behalf of Mikhail's footman, and got a 6. Total damage is actually 15, instead of 12.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:53, Wed 05 Aug 2020.

Eager to intercept the fleeing elf - he had come to the decision that he felt personally runtled by the presuming she-devil - Richard ran back to the hunter's hut, briefly hesitated to assess the danger in jumping down, and then decided to jumpo or use the stairs instead

Minor: Run, Minor : Move (either the jump/leap itself (then continue along the edge of the pond) or covering more gorund to the stairs)
Richard rolled 9 using 3d6+3 (1 stunt point) with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 1, 4.  DEX (jump ledge if difficulty easy (9) or less).
This message was last edited by the player at 06:09, Wed 05 Aug 2020.

Hiding behind the hut brother Loran heard Richards call and hurries round the back of the hut he was hiding behind to try and cut off the elf girls escape.

He cut a strange sight running between the huts staff in one hand the makers symbol in the other, robes flapping behind him as he went

Ooc

Brother Loran will not head for the elf but  Ut across to try and get in front of her

The Redcliffer steps forward and brings a powerful blow down on the other Tevinter man-at-arms. The Tevinter recoils in pain, though he somehow remains standing. (11 hp gets through)

Richard drops down to ground level with ease and starts after Sexta, who has taken off up the path toward the Outskirts.

(Richard can hop down and move half his speed (6 yards) with the Move Minor Action. He can then use the Run Major Action to move twice his speed (26 yards). This will put Richard at the very bottom of the map (under the 4 on the bar scale, which I've marked with an arrow and Richard's and Sexta's relative distances from that spot).

That said, Sexta’s placement on the previous map is inaccurate, since she also would’ve had a second action to move. Her speed would’ve allowed her to get down to ground level with her Move Minor Action, and 23 yards up the path ahead of Richard’s final position by the end of her Run Major Action. It’s plain to Richard that she’s faster than he is.

I had written something about offering to take Richard out of the fight to pursue Sexta behind the scenes, but with Brother Loran also giving chase on his turn, I’ll leave it in the fight narrative for now.)

The first footman moves up the stairs on Ser Perth’s right, and stands ready to aid the knight’s assault on the house. (Move Minor Action, Prepare Minor Action: follow Ser Perth into the Tevinter’s House.)

The crossbowman, from his position of cover on one side of the door frame, loads his crossbow and takes aim at the footman attacking his compatriot. (Reload Major Action, Aim Minor Action)

The remaining man-at-arms hesitates for a brief moment, as if he’s about to bolt, but steels his resolve and brings his maul to bear. (Guard Up (+1) Minor Action, Melee Attack (-1) Major Action)

Even as he keeps his guard up, he’s able to deliver a hefty blow through the soldier’s armor. (3 hp of damage gets through)


OOC: Okay, we have Loran’s footman, Fost’s crossbowman, and Mikhail actions next. (Brother Loran has already posted his actions; by the way, Loran is further away from Sexta than Richard was before his actions, so, unless he’s trying to cut off a possible escape route to the left (on the map, instead of down), he’ll be playing catch up.

FYI, the map doesn’t yet reflect Loran’s actions, which are still ahead; I’ll include it in the next map.

Damage Taken
Tevinter House Man-at-Arms 1: -11 hp
Tevinter House Man-at-Arms 2: -15 hp, dying

Redcliffe Footman 2: -3 hp

Initiatives

The allied crosbowman loaded his crossbow and took careful aim...

Mikhail focuses once more and releases a mental blast of force into the opening of the house as he walks towards it, letting the magic of the Fade gather as he moves. Then, as if with a bit of luck from the Maker himself, he let loose the invisible force to knock down the Magister.

---

Major Action: Casting Mind Blast, center
12:18, Today: Mikhail Loren rolled 14 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 1, 3.  Casting Mind Blast. -3MP  9/15
Opposed checks: Spell Power 14 vs. Strength(Might)
  Based on where I'm trying to hit, I believe a 2 yard radius(4 yard diameter) will knock down everyone inside the house...
Minor action, move half speed closer to the house.

Moving forward and passing ser Perth the footman swung at the soldier (t1) in front of him

Ooc
22:11, Today: Brother Loran rolled 13 using 3d6+1 with the AGE System with rolls of {2}, 4, 6.  Melee attack.

The third Redcliffer’s blade strikes true, the deep cut taking the man-at-arms down.

(The Redcliffe footmen have a +5 to their attack rolls with a longsword, so the result of the attack is actually 17...not that it changes the fact that it was a hit. For convenience, I also rolled damage; 10 hps of damage gets through, far exceeding what the poor man-at-arms had remaining.)

Brother Loran moves as quickly as his legs can carry them, reaching the path that leads to the cave tunnel and the Witchwood beyond.

(Going across the footbridge and moving to the stairs on the left side of the map will take 21 yards of movement, and 4 more yards get him down the stairs and to the edge of the map. His Move Minor Action grants him 11 yards, so he would need to use the Run Major Action to get to the edge of the map, and he’ll have 7 yards of movement left, getting himself close to the path that leads to the cave tunnel (which is some distance up and to the left, beyond the map). That would allow Loran to cut off Sexta if she decides to double back and head toward the Witchwood (beyond the other end of the cave tunnel.)

Note: The Witchwood is the area of the Hinterlands in DAI where the rebellious mages were hiding.)

Loran is off the map to the left, 7 yards from the tip of the arrow at the base of the stairs.

The trio inside the building is knocked down; the magister is sent tumbling into the door threshold, his mistress against the back wall next to the hearth, and the crossbowman slammed against the front wall as he falls stunned, unable to act.

(The False Magister (15) and his Mistress (14) were able to succeed on their test vs. Mikhail’s spellpower; the Tevinter Crossbowman (12) was not. All are knocked down in accordance with the spell’s effects, and the crossbowman cannot take a Major Action on his next turn.)

The false magister seems to panic at his predicament, and attempts to cast a spell that produces flame, but only a tiny spurt of magical fire puffs from his fingertips and winks out. Now in a real panic, she scrambles to his feet and returns himself to his place behind the door. (Cast a Spell Major Action, Move Minor Action)

OOC: Fost is next to close out the round. Both footmen are down. The crossbowman is partially visible from his current vantage point (though with some cover, due to two allies being in the way of the shot; this will impose a -2 to Fost's ranged attack roll from there).

Damage Taken
Tevinter House Man-at-Arms 1: -15 hp, dying
Tevinter House Man-at-Arms 2: -15 hp, dying

Redcliffe Footman 2: -3 hp

Initiatives

Fost had wanted to drop the bow but seeing the enemy warrior defeated he feared the crossbowman more. Thus he notched another arrow and released the string. The arrow streaked towards the partially covered crossbowman...


rolled 9 using 1d6+5.  Long Bow Damage.
rolled 11 using 3d6+1 with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 1, 6.  Long Bow attack, short range w/-2.

The warrior’s shot strikes the edge of the door jamb and deflects onto the ground next to the one of the footmen, who gives Fost a rebuking glance.

Round 3
The woman inside the building screams, “Mourir!” and thrusts her staff forward. The same bolt of snow and ice streaks past Ser Perth, to the same lack of effect. (Move Minor Action to stand, Ranged Attack (Arcane Lance) Major Action)

OOC: Those of you who speak Orlesian understand that mourir means “die”.

The knight of Redcliffe, quite done with snowballs being repeatedly tossed at him, stalks into the room, ignoring both men just inside the doorway, and says, “Stop. It.” He points his blade at her, ready to strike her down should she do anything threatening. (Move Minor Action, Prepare Minor Action: Melee Attack)

The readied footman follows his knight into the house, and stops to face the Tevinter crossbowman. (Activated Prepared action to follow Ser Perth into the house.)

OOC: Okay, Mikhail’s footman & Richard (Fost) are next.

Damage Taken
Tevinter House Man-at-Arms 1: -15 hp, dying
Tevinter House Man-at-Arms 2: -15 hp, dying

Redcliffe Footman 2: -3 hp

Initiatives

Realizing that the fleet-footed elf was faster than him, Richard stopped, notched an arrow, briefly took aim and shot.

Richard rolled 15 using 3d6+3 (5 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {5}, 2, 5.  Long Bow attack, short.
If already long range then 13
rolled 12 using 1d6+6.  Long Bow Damage.
rolled 6 using 2d6 with rolls of 3,3.  5 stunt points, lethal blow.
If no hit, use all 5 stunt points to move Sexta 10 yards nearer or into sight of the others


This message was last edited by the player at 17:45, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

The footman strides forward and move to strike the crossbowman, intent on making sure Ser Perth's threat is seriously considered. Ultimately, he didn't want to kill the man, just wound him enough to keep them from getting up and fighting back.

---

Minor Action: Enter the house with Ser Perth
Major Action: Attack the crossbowman
11:32, Today: Mikhail Loren rolled 15 using 3d6+5 with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 5, 2.  Footman Attack.
11:32, Today: Mikhail Loren rolled 10 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 5,2.  Damage longsword.

The footman moves up and into the doorway, then drives his blade into the crossbowman’s shoulder. (7 hp of damage gets through)

Richard stops and nocks an arrow. His pull is smooth and his aim is true, and the arrow buries itself between the she-elf’s shoulder blades. Her body immediately goes limp as its momentum continues forward, skidding to a halt along the path. (all 18 hp of damage gets through)

With his fellow footman covering the crossbowman, the other Redcliffer within the house turns to face the false magister and orders him to surrender. (Move Minor Action, Prepare Minor Action: Melee Attack if false magister tries anything stupid)

The crossbowman, wincing in pain from the stab, raises his good arm up in surrender.

OOC: FYI, a success is required to take advantage of stunt points.

OOC: Up next are Loran’s footman, Fost’s crossbowman, Brother Loran, and Mikhail.

Also of note, Loran could see Richard’s shot and Sexta go down.

Damage Taken
Sexta: -15 hp, dying
Tevinter House Man-at-Arms 1: -15 hp, dying
Tevinter House Man-at-Arms 2: -15 hp, dying
Tevinter House Crossbowman: -7 hp

Redcliffe Footman 2: -3 hp

Initiatives

The Redcliff crossbowman advanced cautiously keepinghis aim at the enemy.

Minor Move, Minor Prepare (aggressive Action/no surrender, shoot)

The footman moved in after ser Perth and stabbed at the crossbow man in the hut

Occ

10:28, Today: Brother Loran rolled 15 using 3d6+5 with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 1, 6.  Footman attack.


 Brother Loran gasped as he saw the arrow hit sexta. With renewed speed he ran towards the fallen elf girl.

She might be a thief but there must have been a reason for steeling.

If only he could make it to her he might be able to safe her life.

Head down with no regard for his safety or the battle around him he ran as fast as he could
This message was last edited by the player at 19:51, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

Mikhail strode forward. Now that the soldiers and the Knight were inside the home, he decided it would be best to be more careful with his attacks. Reaching into the Fade, he sent a bolt of force out to strike the lady in the rear of the home attempting to cast spells, calling out to her in Orlesian. "You aren't playing in the Grand Game over here. Surrender."

---

Minor Action: Move closer to the house
Major Action: Attack with Arcane Lance
11:22, Today: Mikhail Loren rolled 9 using 1d6+4 with rolls of 5.  Arcane Lance damage.
11:22, Today: Mikhail Loren rolled 16 using 3d6+4 with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 6, 5.  Arcane Lance attack.

The third footman in the room emphasizes his fellow’s point with the point of his own blade. (6 hps of damage gets through)

The Redcliffe crossbowman moves closer to the stairs, keeping his weapon ready to fire.


Brother Loran runs as fast as he can to the down she-elf. (He’ll reach her with a Move and a Run)

OOC: Mikhail won’t be able to see the woman with a single Move Minor Action; he’ll need to move an additional 15 yards beyond that to get in line of sight and range of the Arcane Lance. Since the primary effect seems to be to get her to stand down, I’m going to say Mikhail used the Run Major Action to get into position, and while he doesn’t fire off his Arcane Lance, he still attempts to tell her to stand down.

The false magister drops his staff and puts his hands up in surrender. “We surrender. We surrender!” he says with a thick Orlesian accent.

OOC: Folks, please roll damage when you roll your attacks.

Fost is next, and then we’ll go to the top of Round 4.

Damage Taken
Sexta: -15 hp, dying
Tevinter House Man-at-Arms 1: -15 hp, dying
Tevinter House Man-at-Arms 2: -15 hp, dying
Tevinter House Crossbowman: -13 hp

Redcliffe Footman 2: -3 hp

Initiatives

Hearing the annoucment if submission, Fost closed with those in the house. Still at the ready and wary of betrayal.

Minor Move, Prepare (betrayal, shoot)

Fost takes up position near the others at the base of the stairs, his eyes open for trouble.

Round 4
The magister’s mistress, for all her vitriol, symbolically drops her staff in surrender. Ser Perth lowers his blade and kicks it aside; both know the woman doesn’t need a staff to cast magic, but this the ritual most often followed, the mage declaring with the lost staff that they would attempt no magic and the captor acknowledging and accepting the surrender.

“Men, secure them; ensure the magister and his woman’s hands are bound well,” he orders. To his crossbowman, he calls out, “Get our young healer over here; I’d like to save the two footmen, if we can.”

The three footmen set to their duties, each man taking responsibility for one of the three ambulatory prisoners. The crossbowman looks for Brother Loran and sees him sprinting past the house.

“Oi, Brother Loran!” he says as he jogs out into the path. “Ser Perth needs you to look at the downed Tevinters!”

OOC: We’re not out of combat rounds, as they’re important to who lives or dies, but I’ll take over the actions of the Redcliffe soldiers from here.

That said, I’m not going to enforce strict order of action; so, what is each character doing for their Minor and Major actions in Round 4?

Damage Taken
Sexta: -15 hp, dying (Round 3)
Tevinter House Man-at-Arms 1: -15 hp, dying (Round 2)
Tevinter House Man-at-Arms 2: -15 hp, dying (Round 2)
Tevinter House Crossbowman: -13 hp

Redcliffe Footman 2: -3 hp

Initiatives

Richard nodded to Loran and said with firmness.
"Sexta first, Loran, we need to get behind her story."

Mikhail started to walk toward the knights, keeping his staff ready, just in case of foul play. He decided to stand by and see if his help would be required, especially if it turned out they would prefer to speak in Orlesian. Still, there was also the problem of rogue mages here. Chances are he would need to assist the Templars or the Circle as required, but this felt like something that was far above what he would be tasked with.

As Fost and Mikhail stand by in case of trouble, Brother Loran continues his sprint up the hill to reach the dying she-elf's side.

Richard, meanwhile, stays near the base of the hill, ready to assist either group.

Round 5
The mages are bound and the men-at-arms weapons removed; the crossbowman offers no resistance. Ser Perth motions Mikhail over and asks him to interpret for him, so there's no "misunderstandings."

"He's an Orlesian? Where was his Circle?"

Fost sees a number of locals emerge from their cottages. One of the farmers - Gemma's brother-in-law, he thinks - calls out to him, "Fost, what's going on with the visitors?"

The arrow is buried deep in her back, clearly a mortal wound, but Brother Loran recognizes it'll do as much damage coming out as it did going in. He'll need to work quickly and carefully to save her - not an ideal combination.

OOC: The offending arrow must be removed first; Brother Loran has two choices: use a Minor Action to pull it out, and make any attempt at healing her more difficult (+2 TN for mundane healing or casting Heal), or use a Major Action to carefully remove it, and risk that she dies this Round. (A character at 0hp dies after 2+Con rounds.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:17, Sun 16 Aug 2020.

Mikhail shrugs as he speaks to Ser Perth. "I believe the First Enchanter serves the Empress as an advisor on magic, so that should be right in the heart of Orlais itself. At least somewhere around there."

Stooping down to look over the bandits, he had to wonder why they would like to try to disguise themselves as Tevinter. Still, he had to wonder what would have happened had they fought them earlier. "You're pretty far away from home. Stealing from the Chantry is pretty low, even for criminals. Why did you ask someone to do it?"

Brother Loran dropped to his knees by the elf girl tears running down his cheeks hestarted praying to the maker as he worked to save her life.

His nimble fingers tended the body as he called upon the years of knowledge he'd learned tending the sick

All the time his prayers grew louder and louder calling upon the maker to save this wayward child to allow her the chance to atone for her crime

OOC: The arrow needs to be removed first before the wound can be healed. Since Loran is going ahead with healing, I'm going to assume he went with a quick removal and healing in the same round, increasing the TN to successfully cast Heal by 2.

Brother Loran rolled 12 using 3d6+4 (3 stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {3}, 3, 2.  Heal (TN 12).

Evil GM, on behalf of Brother Loran, rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,5,1.  Healing Effect.

Sexta is healed for 10 Health

Thanks to his relative solitude, Brother Loran is able to work his miracle without interruption or unwanted attention. He removes the arrow quickly and immediately pulls a healing poultice from his medicine bag and spreads a quantity over the carnage left behind. Placing his hand over the wound, he recites a familiar prayer of healing, and the poultice melts away from both hand and wound, leaving behind a scar that will fade over time. Sexta begins to cough roughly, but her breathing soon returns to normal even as she remains unconscious. She'll need some time to fully recover.

Meanwhile, the mistress fires off a vitriolic retort. "What has the corrupt Chantry ever done for us? Deny us our birthright is all!"

"Lille, please," the false magister pleads. Turning to Mikhail, he adds, "She is not wrong, though; how can one hold in high esteem a Chantry that suppresses a whole class of people, and abuses an entire race, pitiful as they may be? We hold no loyalty to your Chantry, cloister."

"As the Chant of Light says, 'Magic exists to serve man, and never to rule over him'. It was Andraste that sent that warning as she marched on the very Imperium who is known for blood magic and mental domination. I'll take the blessings of the Maker over the domination of a demon any day. As for calling a species pitiful, assuming you mean the elves, I'm unconvinced on that matter. Andraste called upon the Dalish for her March. However, that's more a topic for the Mothers and Sisters. Maybe even a Templar or two."

He could not speak for all the Circles. Each one was only linked by the Chantry itself, meaning that he had no bearing on what the Orlesian Circle was actually like. However, First Enchanter Irving was always fair and balanced in his approach here in Ferelden. "Perhaps we can appeal to the First Enchanter in Orlais. Sometimes, people just need a change of scenery. Obviously, this has to be punished, but I can sympathize with the plight. It's not a life for everyone, but the dangers of magic necessitate a particular mindset. Ser Perth, do you have any questions for them. I will serve as interpreter as needed."

Brother Loran stood amazed his humble skills with herbs was able to save the girl.

As he turned he said a prayer to the maker for guiding his hands.

He then called one of the doorman over to look after her while she slept.

Wiping his hands he walked back to the main group to tend the other wounded from both sides. As he passed the woman "the evil Chantry just saved that young elf girls life" he said through gritted teeth.

Then he spun back to face her "I care nothing of the arguments between magic, religion or slavery. I am a simple brother trying to follow the words of the maker that all life is precious that is why I will tend your men as well as ours. They were following your orders to fight perhaps it's not the religion or the magic but the people that control it that are the issue"

He throw his hands up in anger and exasperation realising he was getting close to blasphemy but unable to articulate his thoughts without crossing the line so gritted his teeth and took a moment "now if you will excuse me this evil change brother has wounded men to tend to"

With that he walked off to assess their injuries

Silence falls over the group, many of whom are stunned by the Chantry brother's rebuke. Ser Perth clears his throat to break it, and asks, "First things, first. What are your names?"

"Guillaume Le Batard d'Aveliard," the magister states he says through the Mikhail's interpretation. "My fiancee is Lille Therioux. The crossbowman is Gaius Secundus; his footmen are Marius and Rufus. I don't know to which family they belonged."

"And the she-elf?"

"Sexta. She's Gaius' property." If they're lying about their names, they're at least consistent.


"Well, given your current situation, she's now your equal in chains. Still, this can't be your first attempt; how many villages have you plundered along the way?"

"Six," the crossbowman replies in the King's Tongue. "The latest was Lothering."

"Have you sold what was stolen?"

"Most of it; coin and ingots are easier to transport than bulky treasures," d'Aveliard answers.

Ser Perth nods. "How?"

"Many merchants on the road are happy to haggle a foreigner out of his finery. Even getting half value on the goods has more than paid for our return home." Is he actually proud of himself?

"To what purpose?" Ser Perth seems genuinely baffled.

"Power, of course. I am the illegitimate child and only son of Comte d'Aveliard." Guillaume's chest puffs out in a show of self-importance. "My half-sister stands to inherit lands that are mine by right of ancient law, but which the young empress won't enforce. To gain what is mine, I must take it by force. These men I met in Denerim, and we devised a plan to convert my somewhat modest means into a tidy sum that would be enough to purchase the loyalty of key members of our house guard, without also making us beholden to another patron."

So much for this fellow simply being a misguided mage.

Meanwhile, Brother Loran examines the two men-at-arms, and finds that both are beyond even his means to rescue from their final crossing through the Veil.

Mikhail shrugs as he whispers to Ser Perth, "If Empress Celine doesn't recognize him, no amount of bluster or sum of gold will change her mind. And, now that he's admitted to these crimes, I doubt that King Cailen will be merciful. Especially if Teryn Loghain has anything to say. Still, we're in Arl Eamon's lands here. We need to bring them before him. Also, we should get a Templar out here. We have a mage that needs to return to her Circle."

"Well I don't pretend to understand much regarding politics," Richard finally responds, "but I am certain I don't appreciate you playing them here.  But I do think your plans to inherit your estate, valid claim or not, may just have been put on pause for a while as I believe you all now have an appointment with Arl Eamon."

Fost did not even know the political situation about his homeland, how was he supposed to know anything about the realm to the West. Such things had no interest for him.
All he registered was that these were villains who had robbed, and maybe killed, innocents.

To the villager he replied.
"These guests of yours have far surpassed Ferelden hospitality. They are robbers, bandits, villains and no mistake because they act like nobles. A trial is due and we'll escort them to the Arl."

He turned to the knight and said in a low voice.
"Let the villagers keep the gear and coins of the dead as recompense. They should bury the dead with all necessary rituals."
"Have the house searched for the stolenitems from the Chantry.", he suggested. For him, Perth was still the one in command here.

"Bah. Orlesians can't keep their hands out of Fereldan pokcets. Been that way for as long as I can remember," he says, spitting on the ground in the false magister's direction. "A good stretchin' is what they need."



Ser Perth nods at the suggestions. "Do you think we can move her to the castle without danger, now that she's bound, and have the Templars meet us there?"



D'Aveliard scoffs, "Meh. Peons. Take me to your betters."



"That's not a bad idea," the knight says. To his men, he adds. "Borrow a cart from one of the locals to carry the injured and the dead. We'll take back all of their gear and stolen items. What can be returned will be returned to the Chantry. Any coin on their persons shall be distributed evenly among the families in the Crossroads. Their weapons and armor will be taken to the castle."

He turns back to the Fost, Mikhail, Richard, and Loran. "I trust you'll help us escort these dangerous criminals back to the castle?"

Fost nodded and affirmed at the knight’s request for accompanying the accosted back to Redcliffe.

Mikhail nods, "Of course. Magic and music have some very similar qualities. Both are easier to do with hands. Nevertheless, I trust we have the time to send the word out to her Circle. I'll draft a letter to send to Lake Callenhad and the Senior Enchanter who taught me. They should know how best to take care of them."

Turning to Brother Loran, he asked after Sexta, "How does she fare?"

Brother Loran wiped his hands on his robes "she is sleeping but will make it. I will accompany you back as I will need to continue treating the wounded"

Richard nods in agreement with Ser Perth before turning to the captured nobles and  stares down at them to point out "You really aren't in any position to be demanding.  Just remember it was us peons who captured you."

The group marches their prisoners to Redcliffe castle, those infirmed and dead carried by the cart with the stolen treasure and other captured goods. Loran is able to ensure Gaius will survive his wounds, while the others keep a close watch on the two mages. Surprisingly enough, they offer no further resistance along the way.

The bodies are taken by the footmen to the undertaker, while the rest are placed in the dungeons below the castle. Sexta remains unconscious throughout, and the guards take care with her, at least.

Soon after, the crew are before Senechael Randon. Ser Perth gives his report to the arl’s gatekeeper and requests an audience with Eamon to determine the fate of the mages and the Tevinter survivors. Randon leaves to relay the knight’s report to the arl.

Meanwhile, sers Elias and Faustine arrive to look in on the apostates; they get information on what the crew saw of their abilities before heading to the dungeon. Shortly after that, Arl Eamon enters the main chamber, with Randon in tow.

“Well, you boys seem to have had a full day-and-a-half,” he says jovially, putting everyone at ease with his demeanor. “Apostates posing as Tevinter magisters, actual Tevinters going along with the ruse, and a string of thefts across Ferelden, perpetrated by their she-elf slave? It sounds like something out of The Dasher’s Men.”

“You read that, my lord?” Randon asks, to which the arl nods with a slight smile.

“Now, what to do with these wayward souls. The surviving man-at-arms will rot in a cell once I pass sentence, but we can’t necessarily keep a pair of mages in my dungeons forever, and we need to learn the culpability of the she-elf. Were her deeds that of a slave under orders by her master, or of a full partner-in-crime?”

"The apostate Guillaume d’Aveliard said she was the property of Secundus, the surviving man-at-arms, my lord.”

Eamon nods and turns to the other four in the room. “What do you boys think? You spent some time with her yesterday afternoon and evening. Did she strike you as a servant or free-willed?”

He looks at each man expectantly, expecting answers from all four.

While he was not particularly pleased by being called a boy Fost was aware that the Arl did not use the word to belittle them. Indeed, that they were allowed to be present at all, never mind being asked about their opinion was something to be proud of.
Fost frowned as he considered the dilemma. Acting on her own accord or as someone commanded.
"Arl, I have not really seen fear in the elf, I did not get the impression that she was forced to act as she did as if she were forced to do so. The initial encounter is hard to set up unless they noticed us before we did them. However, given the time they seem to have practiced similar ruses it is possible. If her flight had been a true one, why get back to them? Of all options she had when fleeing Redcliffe she went back to them."
"I believe she acted willingly.", he finished, suddenly aware that he may have said too much.

Eamon nods sagely at the warrior's response and turns his gaze on Mikhail, Richard, and Loran. "What of you three? What opinions have you formed as to her culpability?" he asks.

Mikhail looks between the Arl and the others in the room, thinking a bit before he answers. "I don't think she acted willingly in the same manner that I don't believe the soldiers of Orlais who occupied our nation acted willingly. There will always be the exceptions of people who disobey orders when given to them, but I don't think I could hold a soldier or knight responsible for following bad orders given to them. So, I can't hold Sexta as responsible for her actions, perhaps even less than I would a soldier since she never would have voluntarily signed away her life to another person. We must make sure that we hold the person who gave the order responsible for the actions of the ones under him, and that goes doubly so for slavers, since slaves, at least from what we hear of them out here, are conditioned for obedience to their masters above all else."

Richard pauses to wait his turn before thoughtfully responding, "I believe she played her part well.  She won our confidence then escaped through a secret exit she found, then ran straight back to report to her master.  She appeared to show no hesitation in the matter."

 Brother loran listened to the others before speaking.

"my lord I believe she played her part in the scheme but I do not believe she did it willingly. When we first met her she showed fear. I believe she went back to them as they have a hold over her in some way"

"That's hardly a consensus," the arl quips. He eyes each of them individually, as if he's trying to gauge their conviction, then strokes his beard with a hand as he moves to his throne to sit. Silent for a bit longer, Eamon finally clears his throat.

"As much as I can empathize with the she-elf's plight, we are taught to believe each person is - man, elf, dwarf alike - responsible for their own actions in the end," he explains. "Sexta will answer for her crimes, but I will take into account the involuntary nature of her previous servitude. Her punishment will not be as severe as the others.

"Now, you young men have gone to great trouble these past two days to protect my village and the Chantry from harm," he says, standing once again and approaching the quartet. "Know you that you each have my favor, and I grant you the right to carry my emblem with you. Randon?"

The senechal comes forward, bearing what appears to be four metal medallions.

"I coin these from steel, so they may endure, as I hope you men will," he says. Handing one each in turn to Fost, Mikhail, Richard, and Loran, the arl adds, "If you are stopped by a man of any bann or arl, simply present this emblem, and they are bound to let you pass without further harassment; however, if I learn you have abused these gifts, you will find my retribution swift and strong."

He turns and nods to Randon, who says they have earned "two days' wages in service to the arl," and pays each man 11sp.

Without further business, the quartet are dismissed, and are escorted out by Ser Perth.

OOC: Any banter as you exit the main hall?

Okay, we've largely completed Story 101. I'm awarding a total of 450 experience points for the adventure, so each of you gets 113 XP. Please update your character sheets. Richard, if you decide to go with a different character, you can apply the 113 XP to them upon arrival.

You also get the moniker, the "Arl's Men." Note that on your character sheet, and also note that you carry the arl's medallion. And don't forget to include the 11sp.

Fost was a simple man and he knew that. Admittedly Mikhail had lost the warrior in his elaboration about in the middle. To him it lookedl ike Mikhail did not answer the Arl's question. Instead, the mage suggested to accost those responsible. Fost could only assume that he meant the false magister. In the end, it sounded like Mikhail did not hold Sexta culpable.

Richard also talked around the question, admitting that the elf had quite simply bested them in fooling them. It seemed more a personal Chagrin than anything else. Understandable. Fost also deeply resented that the elf had fooled them quite so easily.

Loran anwered like Fost had expected. The man of faith believed in the elf's innocence.

On hindsight it would have been much better to anticipate the Arl's question and decide among themselves before giving this confused opinion.
In the end, offering their opinion was anything but helpful for the Arl and thus his reaction was understandable.
Fost grinded his teeth as Arl Eamon obviously had more belief in Sexta's innocence. Fost could not help but shake his head slightly at the decision. But he was aware that it was not his position to insist or quarrel over this matter. He would accept the Arl's choice even if he did not share his view. That's what being a ruler was all about, right ? After all, who was he to claim that his own view was right.
In the end, all that was left for Fost was to hear that punishment would apply. Law was served, the exact nature of the punishment was irrelevant.

Fost noted that the matter of the false mages was not resolved. What would happen to them ? Except for Mikhail's earlier comment to the knight about a letter to the Senior Enchanter and some murky reference about not keeping them in custody endlessly by the Arl, the matter reamined open.
Fost was quite simply far too intimidated by the presence of these important figures to comment. Still, he would make sure to try to stay informed about the false mages' future.

As the Arl expressed his thanks and favoured them with an emblem Fost struggled to not stare open-mouthed like a dumb peasant. He certainly had not expected such a favour. The imlications of this emblem were quite staggering in his opinion. The Arl's hint about retribution should they exploit the favour was unnecessary and Fost did not like to be reminded. Fost was honest, if not exactly honourable. He would not betray the Arl. Suggesting he might was an affront. But how was the Arl to know his nature ? So Fost accepted the emblem humbly but with a straight back and vowed to honour it.
The coins were of more imminent use.

With a respectful bow Fost left the presence of the Arl and his advisor.

Once outside, Fost said.
"I will be most interested what the exact punihsment for Sexta will be. More so, however, what will hapen nto the false mages. Mikhail, you did mention a letter to your superiors. Do you still plan to write that ?"

To Richard he said.
"In all this tumult I quite forgot to compliment you on your excellent shot. If not for you, Sexta would have escaped us."
He sighed and included Loran in his comment.
"And thanks to you, Loran, she survived. Obviously we are of different opinion about her motivation and admittedly maybe having her escape would have been better. Still, I must say that I am glad she is brought to justice."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:25, Wed 02 Sept 2020.

Mikhail nods. "Oh, their magic is real enough, but I think they are from the Orlesian Circle of Magi. I don't get the higher politics of the differing Circles, but perhaps the Templars can take core of these things. Without needing to resort to... drastic measures. Otherwise... I'm sure they'll end up in Ayenar prison, but that is for them to decide. Still, I'll definitely be writing the letter today. It needs to be resolved quickly, and I hold no real power in this case."

He rub the steel between his fingers as he thinks out loud. "You think I can actually hold a title? I mean, I always assumed I'd give up my birthright when I joined the Circle... It's an interesting thought."

"Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves," Ser Perth quips, his tone friendly. "Being an arl's man isn't really a title...it's not like he's naming you a lord or knight of Redcliffe. I'd hate to think the Circle would give you any trouble for something so minor."

Brother loran looked at the gift as they left, he wondered if a member of the chantry has ever held such a thing. He would have to consult with the mother superior. On the subject he would also petition her perhaps she could persaude the arl to be lenient after all the masterminds were the mages even if she did it willingly she was just a cog in their scheme.

He would also ask permission to visit the elf girl to take her confession if she were to give it or just to give her comfort in what she would soon face.

He looked at Fost when he spoke "yes it would seem we do differ in the subject but let it not come between us. As to saving her I follow the makers teachings all life should be valued. The arrow stopped her but her death would have gained us little as would the death of the wounded soldiers."

 He sighed slightly then chuckled "Perhaps that is the burden the maker has put in my shoulders that I care for all no matter their situation, station or activities"

Fost frowned.
"Rot in a cell or die in battle.", the burly warrior referred to the surviving fighter and his punishment, "Never doubt my preference. When it is my time to meet the Maker I want to hold my sword in hand."

His frown deepened.
"Somehow I doubt you have the Tevinter's thanks for your compassion, my friend."

"All said and done I am glad that these were just bandits and not some major attacking force. I wonder if we will ever learn whom they wanted to meet."

Fost's frown disappeared quickly though. He nudged Richard and winked.
"Let's get drunk."
Fost laughed and headed off to the tavern.
"First round is on me."
"You are welcome to join us, Sir Perth.", he added.

Richard accepted the emblem and the medallion with a simple "Thank you." as he rubbed it in his hands while the Arl finished speaking and any thoughts of potential mischief were banished immediately with the Arl's warning.

As Ser Perth escorted the party outside Richard joined in the conversation, "I hope they get the punishment they deserve, Orlesians causing trouble as they did here in Ferelden." he turned to answer Fost, "And thank you on the compliment, it wasn't an easy shot to make."

He listens intently to the discussion on magic and the potential ramifications of mages holding lands and titles but does not participate, until  "The girl's punishment is out of our hands now but the Arl seems to be the sort who values and upholds fairness.

Then, "I think a round or two of pints sounds like exactly the sort of trouble I could get into right now." he answers Fost as he follows him towards the tavern to spend his newly earned coin.

"I have to finish up a couple things here, but I'll meet you at the tavern in a bit," Ser Perth replies.

Ale begins to flow for the heroes, who are shortly joined by Ser Perth; the knight generously buys a round at the first opportunity. Orlin joins the group at some point, wanting to know how the fight turned out.

OOC: Fost's first round costs him 40cp. Ser Perth buys a pair of pitchers for the group when he arrives (equivalent to another round). How much does everyone want to spend?

The next two days before the wedding are spent helping put the finishing touches on the wedding.

OOC: If anyone need to make some purchases, this would be a good time to update stuff.

For Richard, if you wish to see if Owen has a suit of heavy leather available (that will fit), make a straight 3d6 roll. If you roll a 13 or higher and get 3 Stunt Points out of the roll, there's one for the regular price in his inventory at the smithy. (That's about a 1 in 8 chance.)

If you want to go to the castle armorer, whom I've named Corwin, his base price will be 120% of the normal cost (or 36sp vs. 30sp).

Regardless of who you go to, make a Communications (Bargaining) test, which will be opposed by Owen's or Corwin's own test, to determine how much you'll get for the suit of leather.

Since it's in good condition (hasn't been in a real fight, yet), I'll give you a +1 on your test roll vs. Corwin, since he appreciates the value of leather armor.

Sometime the next morning early afternoon, after Richard has recovered from last night's festivities, he makes his groggy way into the castle to inquire regarding some heavy leather armor from Corwin.

"Good afternoon, Corwin.  I understand you're the person to ask regarding buying new armor, might you happen to have any heavy leather for sale?  If you are agreeable, I wish to trade in my old leather armor to help offset the purchase price."

12:25, Today: Richard rolled 15 [should be 16 as I forgot the +1 bonus vs Corwin] using 3d6+3 (6  stunt points) with the AGE System with rolls of {6}, 3, 3.  Comm (bargaining).  well then

OOC: Richard will spend 2sp, or 200cp, including tip, towards rounds of ale.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:56, Thu 03 Sept 2020.

10:39, Today: Mikhail Loren rolled 7 using 3d6 (1 stunt point) with the AGE System with rolls of {1}, 1, 5.

Writing a letter to inform his teachers and the rest of the Circle seems a daunting prospect at first, but Mikhail would not be swayed in this regard. He was absolutely out of his element when dealing with rogue mages here, especially if they were from Orlais, as he suspected. They likely would not give him their real names, so he opted to instead try describing them. Maybe that could help.

Senior Enchanter Alva,
   I hope my letter finds you well and in good company. I have maintained my studies, my practices and continued to follow your lesson plan for me even as I sit here away from the Tower. Please give my regards and thanks to the First Enchanter for continuing to allow me to study abroad in this manner.
   However, this letter is not a mere status report on my lessons or studies. I have come across a pair of apostates and do not understand how I should act. They have been apprehended and are currently in the custody of Arl Eamon and the Chantry. I do not know how to proceed in this matter, and am unsure as to what is expected of me here. This was not something we generally talked about in your lessons, even after my Harrowing. I also do not know how or if we communicate with the Orlesian Circle of Magi to ask about these things.
   I trust and respect your position and your lessons, so you were the first I thought of to ask for instruction in this matter. I await your guidance in this matter, or that of the First Enchanter if such action is required of me.
   I wish you all the best with the new students.
   -Mikhail

Sealing the letter with wax, he paid a messenger a good coin to hurry with his letter, hoping for a quick response from his teacher.

Brother Loran went to the tavern for one watered down wine before leaving the drinkers in the party to it.

He wanted to discuss things with the mother superior. The coin given to him by the Arl and her view of a member of the chantry being given it.

He also wanted to discuss with her Sexta's situation and if there was anything the chantry could do to make her punishment less. And lastly he wanted to see the elf girl and ask her why she did what she did and to take her confession if cherished to give it

So the brother headed to the mother superior's rooms before evening prayer

OOC: So, you gents are pouring yourselves into your beds at the end of the night... :)

I'm going to move the individual conversations into their own threads (still on 0), and we'll wrap up Story 101 after that.

And, well-written letter on Mikhail's part...it'll help make up for the poor test rolls. ;)

Mikhail goes in search of a courier for his letter; he bumps into Ser Elias, who tells him that, as a somewhat official part of the Chantry in Redcliffe (his de facto Circle, so to speak, while studying abroad), Mikhail is entitled to use Chantry resources to send the letter.

"It just so happens that one of the lay brothers occasionally runs messages to nearby chantries," he says. "You can make use of him for Circle business; he's traveled to the Calenhad fortress before."

Mikhail nods, "That is perfect. If you would be so kind, please ask for my teacher, Senior Enchanter Alva." He also tips the courier a silver piece for speedy delivery.(or tips it to the Chantry, whichever is appropriate)

OOC: Tipping wouldn't be appropriate in this circumstance; however, making a donation to the Chantry is always welcome. Mikhail would know this, even if his player would not. :)

Fost awakens around midday - well, awakens isn't probably the best term; it's more appropriate to say that Fost comes to after somehow making it to his bed in the late hours of the previous night. Much of the evening is rather blurry in his mind, although there was a lot of smiling and laughing at some point.

He stands, still a little unsteady, even following a good amount of sleep, but is able to go through his "morning" routine sufficiently enough to appear (mostly) human by the time he emerges into a too-bright day. He heads to the tavern to get a bowl of fish stew; Owen refuses to let him pay for it or the "day ale" that accompanies it, saying they did right by the Chantry yesterday, and that deserves a reward.

News of yesterday's adventure has, indeed, spread throughout the village, apparently fueled by the soldiers' praise of the four friends who rooted out the mystery & proved to be (in their eyes) the deciding factor in stopping the thieves. It's also passing around that they have the arl's favor, which given his popularity, makes everyone seem to treat Fost, at least, better than they normally would.

Fost nearly threw up at the smell of fish but suppressed the urge. It just would not do to utterly ruin the newly gained reputation. And he did need something to fill his stomach.
Fost was quite surprised that quite a few folks thought that they had a major impact on the fight and he mumbled a half-hearted denial.
"We were lucky that the enemy mages fumbled their devastating magic. Man against man the Tevinter bandits could not stand up to the training of Ser Perth and his men. The Arl can be proud to be served by such loyal man. Me? Did not even draw my blade and it was already over. Richard is a demon with that bow, mark my words for it."