"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" the informant screamed as he ran away from you down an alley.

"Get back here!" Siobhan yelled "Keep running and you'll only die tired."

A large man stepped out of the shadows.

"You ain't hurting my buddy!"

"If he tells me what I need to know, I won't have to hurt him," Siobhan replied coldy "All you have to do is tell me were the Shadow is, and I'll go," her hand reached up to to the hilt of her sword over her shoulder "But get in my way and I'll do what I have to"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:05, Tue 07 Mar 2023.

"You're not gonna hurt him," the large man said.

Sioban grip tightens on her sword hilt "Last chance, back away and no one has to get hurt," she snarled.

"No! Don't hurt him! I'll talk!" the informant said.

"But...," the big man started before the informant gave him a look.

"The Shadow's meeting with the Layfette Assassin's Guild," the informant said. "Please, that's all I know."

"See, wasn't so hard," Siobhan said and smiled beneath her helmet "Guess I'll go pay them a visit then."

"You're nuts, Lady! They won't let you walk away," the informant said.

"You got it the wrong way round, I'm the one that wont let them walk away," Siobhan said "Where does the guild meet?" she asked.

"The mansion down by the river," the ratling said, before turning to his massive friend, a member of the Arma clan. "Let's get out of here."

The two left, leaving you alone.

Siobhan clenches her fist after so many false starts it felt like she was getting closer, she turned and headed for the mansion.

You head towards the mansion and you find it. It's an ostentatious mess of red brick and gold coloured trim behind large gates. When you arrive, there's a woman about your age in armour with massive horns, a monkey girl dressed as a mage and a woman with wings also heading to the gate.

Siobhan slowed a bit, trying to gauge what the group was up to, moving closer to see if she could hear what they were discussing.

"You guys ready for justice?" the horned woman asked her group. The monkey girl was reading and didn't answer. The winged woman nodded.

Justice? Siobhan thought to herself, that seemed unassassin like, not did it sound like some thing someone hiring one would say.

She stepped up to the group and called out "What exactly are you planning here?"

"Why to bring all the assassins inside to justice!" the young woman with the horns said. You could see the fire in her eyes and the gleam of the sun on her teeth.

Siobhan was taken aback by that "Ah.. Well I have business inside, as long as you don't get in my way, we can work together." she offered.

"Careful, Makenzie, she is rather sinister looking," the winged woman said.

"Nonsense," Makenzie said. "No assassin would dress like this, she will be a valuable ally."

"Sinister," Siobhan said chuckling "That is one way to put it I suppose. But no I am not allied with anyone within. I am seeking someone who is supposedly meeting with the assassins."

"Let us get to it then," Makenzie said as she forced the large gates open.

Siobhan turned to the Monkey Mage as she drew her blade. "Is she always like this?" she asked as she hurried to follow Mekenzie.

"Yes," the monkey girl said quietly as she began to follow the moose girl, still reading.

Siobhan wasn't really sure how to deal with that and glanced at the winged girl, "Uhh..." she flounders not sure how to express her confusion "She does know that it's going to be dangerous right?"

"Yes, don't worry, she is still oddly perceptive," the winged woman said.

Siobhan was very confused but was trying to not show it, "Well, Okay then." she said as she hurried after the others into the mansion.

There was a group of cloaked figures rushing towards you.

"What do you think you're doing?" one of them demanded.

Siobhan points her greatsword at the leader "I'm here for the Shadow, hand him over to me or die!" she snarled.

(OOC: Initiative time, get a +4 bonus to it.)

((OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 11 using d8+d6 ((8,3)) + 1 (-3 +4) = 12))

(OOC: Go)

Siobhan takes up a stance and she then launches a flurry of blows towards the nearest assassin.

((OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 8 using d10+d8 ((1,7)).
Use the 1 FP to reroll the D10 so total of 16. So 18 Damage.

This message was last edited by the player at 22:00, Wed 08 Mar 2023.

You strike one of the assassins and Makenzie followed it up with a heavy slash from her sword, putting the assassin down. The winged woman fired two arrows from her bow at one of the guards, heavily wounding him. The monkey girl looked up from her book and chanted a quick spells that send a rain of ice at the group of assassins, putting down one of them.

One of the guards attack you, but you managed to deflect his blades. The other assassin attacked the monkey girl who managed to side step his attacks.

Feeling frustrated that these fools were getting between here and the Shadow, She called upon the curse. Darkness spilled from the curse seal in her flesh and ran down her arm and along her great sword as she lashed out.

((OOC: Shadow Strike, self damage is 2. Roll to hit after reroll is 14 and Damage is 20))

The assassin gurgled and fell, with Makenzie finishing off the last one.

"Onward, friends! We will end these monsters!"

Siobhan grinned beneath her helmet, even as the curse seal ached from being used as she moved after Makenzie.

You enter a room that has doors to the north and to the west.

Siobhan glanced at the doors, and then moved towards the northern one, opening it slightly.

"There's one of them trying to be sneaky!" a cry went up and cloaked beings ran towards you.

Siobhan flung the door open, her blade ready "We've got company she said as she took a ready stance.

(OOC: Initiative check with a +6)

((OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 11 using d8+d6 with rolls of 7,4. +6 = 17 Init roll.))

(OOC: Go)

Siobhan charges forward and unleashes a flurry of blows, her Greatsword almost moving to fast to see.

OOC: Activate Bladestorm to gain multi 2. Siobhan De Courcy rolled 12 using 1d10+1d8 ((5,7)).
17 dmg))

The flurry of blows hit two of the assassins, wounding them. Makenzie finished one of them, as annoyed, yet somehow still having a neutral face, the monkey hit one of them with her book, putting them down. The winged woman just missed one of the assassins with an arrow.

On of the assassins hit the monkeygirl, causing a brief grimace of pain on her face. Makenzie managed to deflect one of the assassin's strike.

Siobhan attacked the closest assassin bring her blade down in a two-handed blow.

(OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 11 using d10+d8 ((7,4)) +1 from skill = 12 Dmg is 17)

Another assassin went down, with Makenzie putting down the other one.

(OOC: Put your arms up and down over and over again. Plus gain a level.)

Siobhan wiped her blade clean and sheathed it again "Damn it, where are they?" she snarled in frustration.

The monkeygirl went to the window.

"It appears many are fleeing."

Siobhan dashed to the window to look out "Is the Shadow there?" she asked as she ran.

It did not appear that the Shadow was there.

Siobhan smashed her fists on the window sill in frustration, "They must still be here. Maybe deeper in?" she said as she looked for a way to move further into the mansion.

There were doors that you quickly smashed your way through, eventually coming to a kennel.

"Looks like we got a problem to death with, lads!" a robbed assassin said as he pulled a level which opened several of the doors.

(OOC: Initiative time)

((OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 9 using d8+d6 ((7,2)). -3 from armour, +4 so 10))
This message was last edited by the player at 10:05, Fri 10 Mar 2023.

(OOC: Go)

Siobhan was angry now, it felt like the Shadow was going to slip through her fingers again. She drew on the curse seal feeling it expanding at eating at her body, and then channeled that power into her blade as she slashed at the nearest beast.

((OOC: Shadow Strike self damage 5, Attack roll is Siobhan De Courcy rolled 12 using d10+d8 ((7,5)). Damage is 17+7 = 24))

The doge was struck by a wave of dark energy. Makenzie followed it up with a powerful strike, leaving it deeply wounded. The monkeygirl summoned her wave of ice to rain on the dogs, finishing off the wounded one and hurting two others. The winged woman finished off a second one with a well aimed arrow.

One of the dogs barely missed you with a heavy bite. While the other remaining one delivered a painful bite to the archer.

"Die, DIE, DIE!" Siobhan screamed as she launched a new flurry of blows at the two dogs.

((OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 9 using d10+d8 ((2,7)). + 1 = 10 Damage = 17))

You heavily wounded one of the dogs, as Makenzie barely managed to miss one. Monkeygirl managed to finish it off with a few whacks of her tome. The winged woman missed her shot.

The remaining dog's bit managed to not get through your armour.

Siobhan flipped the doge into the air and then brought her blade down into it.

((OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 14 using d10+d8 ((8,6) Damage is 18)))

You finish off the dog as the assassin flees.

Siobhan chases after the fleeing assassin "Get back here!" she roared as she ran.

The assassin screams in terror as he ran from you.

"Where is the Shadow?" Siobhan yelled at the assassin "Tell me!"

"He's gone!" the assassin screamed as he fled from you.

Siobhan screamed in frustration and smashed her Greatsword into a nearby wall. "Where did he go? What did he want?"

"I don't know! I wasn't part of the meeting! Don't kill me!" the assassin said, begging on their knees.

Siobhan raised up her blade ready to cut the assassin down.

Makenzie and the others finally showed back up.

"Hold there, friend," Makenzie said. "That is a step too far."

Siobhan brought the blade crashing down into the ground next to he assassin and turned to face Makenzie feeling some of the red mist of anger fade away. "Fine," she said "Then what do we do with him? He's an assassin and has likely killed many."

"We had him over to the guards, for justice!" Makenzie said.

Siobhan sighed and pulled of her helmet, her cat ears twitching "I suppose introductions are in order. I'm Siobhan De Courcy, a knight of sorts. I'm looking for the one that killed my Mother."

"I am Makenzie Kingsman," the horned girl you already knew the first name of.

"I'm Ava Guran," the winged woman said, before gesturing to the monkeygirl. "This is Sheena. The Salu clan don't use last names."

"You're mercenaries?" Siobhan asked "You don't look like guards."

"We usually get pulled along when Makenzie wants to do the hero thing," Ava said.

Makenzie gave a thumbs up.

"Ah.." Siobhan considered that as she pulled her sword out of the floor and replaced it on her back. "So what next?" she asked "Do we need to get out of here before the guards arrive?"

"No, I doubt the guards would come arrest us," Makenzie said.

"Oh right, well that makes things easier," Siobhan said "You have a good relationship with the guards?"

"Mostly...," Makenzie said.

Siobhan started to pace back and forwards "I've lost him again." she said distracted "I was so close, but he slipped through my fingers again"

"If it's about bringing a criminal to justice, we'd be happy to help," Makenzie said.

Siobhan looked uncertain, and then looked away. "I guess if you really want to help, I won't stop you," she said.

"Good," Makenzie said, walking forward and putting a hand on your shoulder.

Siobhan fliched away from the contact "Don't touch me," she snapped. "I'm cursed.. I don't want anyone else to get hurt by it."

"Nonsense," Sheena said.

Siobhan rubbed her arm unconsciously "Its not nonsense, you saw how I can fight, the consuming darkness I can draw out."

"Yes. Curses do not work like that," Sheena said, not looking up from her book.

Siobhan looked taken aback by that "They don't? How do you know?" she asked.

Sheena held up the book she was reading. It said "Garvov's Tome All About Curses".

"Oh," Siobhan said and then looked to her arm "Maybe later you can look at the curse seal then? Tell me what its actually doing?"

Sheena flipped through the tome and then held it out to you.

"A cursed seal is often a short cut to power. It allows the user to exchange pieces of their life force for power. If used responsibly, one can recover from it with potions, magical healing or bed rest."

Siobhan considered that "That's how I've been able to use it. It feeds off me, and I get stronger for a moment," she said.

Sheena nodded, flipped the tome back to where she had been reading and continued.

"So, are you all staying somewhere? I only recently arrived in the city chasing down information on my prey," Siobhan said, "I've not managed to find any lodgings yet."

"I have just the place!" Makenzie said.

Siobhan was finding Makenzie a little exhausting to deal with, "We'll I guess, we can go once the guards arrive then," she said.

Soon enough you could see a platoon of guards arriving.

Siobhan glanced at the others as she stepped forward to greet the guardsmen.

"What's all of this then?" the guard asked you.

"Ah, officer so glad are here," Siobhan said adopting the aristocratic drawl he adopted mother used when dealing with officials, "We found a best of assassin's, they attacked us, and well we defended ourselves as you can see."

"Fair enough," the guard said. "On your way then."

Siobhan nodded and gestured for the group to leave "So, where to?" she asked.

Makenzie grinned and lead you down the block to the Drunken Sailor Inn and Tavern.

Sioban eyed the building suspiciously "I'll admit this is not what I was expecting," she said. "I was thinking it would be some church or knightly barracks or something like that."

"Nope! I'm just visiting as well!" Makenzie said. "Sheena has a room to herself, so you can bunk with her."

"Okay," Siobhan replied as she walked into the Tavern.

Sheena heads right up to her room while the others head to get a drink.

"Will Sheena be joining us later?" Siobhan asked Makenzie.

"We've tried," Ava said. "She prefers to spend her downtime alone."

"Ah," Siobhan said "Well hopefully she doesn't find sharing a room too annoying then."

"I doubt she will," Ava said. "She doesn't seem to care for much."

"Ah, so how did you meet? You don't seem the most likely group," Siobhan asked.

"We were in a caravan that was attacked by bandits and stuck together after," Ava said.

Siobhan ordered a round of drinks for everyone. "Then to new beginnings," she said raising her mug.

Makenzie had been talking to the waitress, but turns to look at you, a large smile beaming on her face.

"That's really nice of you," she said.

Siobhan looked away, blushing slightly "I guess? Seemed the right thing to do and I wanted to make a good impression." she said.

"The food's on me then," Makenzie said. "I ordered a lot!"

"Oh, okay," Siobhan said "Should we take some up for Sheena after?"

"She might come down in a bit," Ava said, Sheena being right behind her.

Siobhan didn't quite jump at the sudden appearance but it was a close run thing "Ah good evening Sheena," she managed to get out.

Ava did scream. Sheena nodded as she sat down.

"I'm glad you decided to join us," Siobhan said "Feels good to get to know people you'll be relying on."

Sheena nodded slightly as she pulled out the tome she had been reading.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:22, Thu 16 Mar 2023.

Siobhan was a bit nonplussed at that but accepted it "So could you tell me a bit about yourselves?" she asked.

"I'm the seven daughter and twelfth child over all in a noble family," Ava said. "I need something else to do.

"I was being trained to be a guard, but thought it wasn't enough! I want to help more than just a city of people!" Makenzie said.

"Magic is interesting...," Sheena said.

Siobhan nodded at each answer in turn. "I see," she said. Looking over at Makenzie "YOu're very... forthright." she said "I don't think I've met anyone quite like it."

"It's best to be, right?" Makenzie asked.

Siobhan looked unconvinced"Not always, sometimes life can beat that optimism out of you," she replied.

"I'd just beat it right back!" Makenzie said.

Siobhan couldn't help but let a smile form.

"Any idea what our next move should be?" Ava asked.

"I'm looking for the Shadow, they were meant to have been meeting those assassin, I think we need to track down those that ran, find out why they were meeting them." Siobhan said clenching her fists.

"They have a base in the sewers," Sheena said.

"Ah, well then I suggest we visit them in the morning," Siobhan suggested.

"Indeed. We will end their evil!" Makenzie said.

"Something like that," Siobhan said.

Makenzie flashed you a smile and a thumbs up.

Siobah ate some food in silence for a while, and then stood "I'm going to head to bed I think," she said "It's been a long day."

Sheena followed you upstairs.

"You didn't have to come up with me Sheena," Siobhan said "I feel bad taking you away from your friends."

"It's fine," Sheena said.

Siobhan went to the room they were sharing.

Sheena followed and climbed in a bed, still reading.

"You seem sad."

Sioban removed her armour and padding and then claimed into the other bead. "I'm not sad.. I'm angry," she said looking away.

"The person who was the closest thing to a mother was murdered in front of me, and I couldn't help. Everything I have was burnt to the ground. I was cursed.." she lifted the arm of her shirt showing the curse seal, a spiderweb of lines covering her upper arm that glowed with an inner light.

"All I have left is my sword, my armour, and a desire for revenge," she finished not noticing the tears running down her cheek, or the raw note in her voice.

You hear Sheena get up from the bed and walk over to you. She hugged you from behind.

"You don't need to be sad."

Siobhan initially flinched from the hug, but then relaxed into it. "I said I'm not.." she said and then began to cry in earnest.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:50, Sat 18 Mar 2023.

Sheena said nothing, just hugged you.

The sobs eventually subsided "I'm sorry," Siobhan said "I guess I've been holding a lot in."

Sheena nodded.

"No need to apologize."

Siobhan sighed "I'm not sure why, but you are easy to talk to," she said.

Sheena shrugged and went back to reading.

"Do you like reading?" Siobhan asked Sheena.

"Yes," Sheena said.

"I didn't read much, mother was always nagging at me to expand my mind more," Siobhan said "But I was more interested in wielding a sword and things like that."

Sheena nodded.

"You are skilled."

"Thank you," Siobhan said looking at her hands, and then up at the ceiling as sleep began to claim her.

You are awakened by a gentle shaking.

Siobhan awoke with a start "Who?" she said her eyes snapping open and reaching for he sword.

It was Sheena.

"Time for breakfast."

Siobhan breathing slowed and she stopped her progress towards her sword."Right, breakfast." she said "I'll be down in a few minutes then." she said as she got out of bed.

Sheena nodded and left you.

Siobhan washed and dressed before heading down.

The group was waiting for you, and had apparently ordered a rather large breakfast. There was sausages, bacon, eggs, various fruits and porridge.

Siobhan sat down and took a plate of food, "Good morning," she said.

"Good morning, hope you slept well," Makenzie said.

Siobhan nodded "We'll enough," she replied.

"Good, good," Makenzie said. "We'll head for their secret base after eating."

Siobhan nodded and dug into her food.

The others did as well and soon you were ready to go. Makenzie leads the group to the river, which had a large opening to the sewer.

Siobhan felt excitement building "Right, do we know what to expect?" she asked.

"Not really. There's an unknown number of assassins and who knows what else," Makenzie said.

Siobhan drew her blade, "Well I guess we kick the door in and see what we fin," she said as he moved in.

You notice several rats scurrying around as you go. You do notice several oddly dressed in armour that flee, before you are approached by a very large rat in a crown.

Siobhan stared at the rat in surprise.

It rushed the group.

(OOC: Initiative time. +2 bonus)

((OOC:Siobhan De Courcy rolled 5 using d8+d6 ((4,1) -3 + 2 = 4))

(OOC: Go)

Siobhan dashed forward and reversed the sword ramming the hilt into the rats head.

(ooc: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 5 using D8+d10 ((4,1))

Your attack went wide. Makenzie's did as well. Sheena began to chant a spell, releasing a massive bolt of fire at the Rat King, wounding it. Ava missed her shot.

The rat thing bites Sheena, she is clearly hurt.

"Leave her alone!" Siobhan roars and charges at the rat bringing her blade done and shattering stone with the blow.

((OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 5 using d10+d8))

Your attack missed, Makenzie struck the rat king, Sheena got it again with her flame spell and the thing went down.

(OOC: Victory music. Gain a level)

Siobhan breathed a sigh of relief "Are you okay Sheena?" she asked.

Makenzie came over and cast a healing spell on Sheena.

"Good as new," Makenzie said.

"I am alright now," Sheena said quietly.

"That's good," Siobhan said and then bent to examine the Rat. "Any idea what this was?"

"I had heard rumours of a Rat King, but I didn't figure it was anything like this," Makenzie said.

"Very strange and aggressive it seems. Probably better it's dead for the people of the town," Siobhan said and then straightened "Shall we see what is deeper in then?"

The group continued on.

(OOC: Give me an Ins + Ins roll)

(OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 4 using d6+d6.  Ins + ins roll.)

You walk for a bit, before Makenzie suddenly stops.

"I think we took a wrong turn," she said as she stopped and took out a map.

Siobhan moved over to look at the map as well.

Makenzie moved it so you could get a good look.

"I think we're here," she said, pointing at a section of the map. "I think we have to go back to the last junction and then we should have a pretty straight path to the hideout."

Siobhan studies the map and then nods "Okay, let's give it a try."

As you move back along the tunnel and onto the proper path, you find an alcove that was clearly meant to be a guard post, but it is eerily silent.

Siobhan examines the alcove to see if it has been recently used.

Looking closer you see signs of violence and can hear a sudden shuffling.

Siobhan turned towards the noise "I think something is coming," she said.

A group of dead, but still walking assassins appeared, shuffling out of the darkness.

(OOC: Initiative time.)

(ooc: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 12 using 1d8+1d6.  Init roll. -3 so 9)

(OOC: Go)

Siobhan charged forward sweeping her blade in a wide arc.

(ooc: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 9 using d10+d8. +1 from skill = 10 FU re-roll.spent 10 mp to multitrack. 16dmg to two if it hits)

You strike one of the zombies, leaving a deep slash in its torso. Makenzie cuts down the one that you hit. Sheena casts a spell, raining ice down on the zombies. Ava missed her shot.

One of the zombies hit Makenzie with a pretty brutal slash. Another missed you with an attack. The final one got a solid punch on Sheena.

Siobhan moves up to help Makenzie slashing at the zombie that had hit her.

(ooc: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 12 using d10+d8 ((4,8)).
+1 from skill = 13, for 18 dmg)

The zombie went down. Makenzie cut down one as well with a mighty cry. Makenzie killed the last hitting it with her massive tome.

Makenzie began healing herself and Sheena.

"Need to rest," Sheena said.

The beds did look clean at least.

"Okay," Siobhan said "I'll take guard duty while you rest up," she said "Let's move these bodies away a bit as well.. Just incase they are carrying anything."

You manage to move the body as the others settle in. Time passes...

(OOC: Give me an Ins + Ins or Wil + Wil)

Siobhan De Courcy rolled 9 using d8+d8 ((3,6))

You notice a group of rats, normal sized one dressed in clothes approaching you. They appear to be bowing down to you.

Siobhan steps forward and scowls at the rats "what do you want?" she asked.

The rats squeaked as they bowed to you, over and over.

Siobhan looked confused, "Look, I don't speak ah... Ratin. But I don't want to hurt you guys, unless you pick a fight. We're just down here looking for people, bad one," she explained .

The rats talked with each other, then began to point in a direction and headed that way.

Siobhan checks on the others to see if anyone was awake.

No one was awake yet.

Siobhan balled her first, this is why it was better to work alone she thought and then moved to wake Makenzie "Makenzie, wake up," she said softly "We have a situation."

Makenzie looked up at you.

"Huh?"

"Sorry, but the rat things came back. They seem to want to show us something," Siobhan said "I think they know were the assassins are. But I've got to go now. Can you watch the others."

"Sure, sure," Makenzie said as she sat up.

"Thanks," Siobhan said before heading after the rats.

The rats lead you down the tunnel a bit, before the lead one presses on a low brick and part of the wall swings open.

"Through here," she asked and approaches the tunnel.

Inside you see a small room with two treasure chests.

Siobhan stops and stares at the chests balling her fists in anger, for a moment she sees red. But then lets out a ragged breath and moves into the room to examine the chests.

Inside the chest you find two hundred gold and a zweihander.

Siobhan examines the sword and begins to bag  the coins but pauses to look at the rats "You sure about this?" she asked them.

The rats nod.

Siobhan loaded the coin into a sack and took the Zweihander, before returning to the tunnel.

"Welcome back," Mackenzie muttered as she crawled back into bed.

Siobhan just nodded and took up a sentry post near the door.

Eventually, you feel a hand place on your shoulder from behind.

Siobhan jumped and span round to see the source her hand heading for the hilt of her new sword.

It was Sheena.

"Go. Sleep/"

Siobhan let out a sigh of relief, "You made me jump," she said shaking her head "Be better to call out."

"Sorry," Sheena said.

Siobhan nodded "I'm just jumpy," she said and headed for one of the beds.

It is rather quiet and the bed is soft.

Siobhan removed her armour and was soon a sleep.

You wake up due to a light shaking. It has clearly been several hours.

Siobhan wakes with a start "I'm awake," she said sitting up.

"Time for food," Sheena said.

"Okay," Siobhan said getting up and putting her armour on before joining the others for food.

"It's not much," Makenzie said, handing you some dried fruit and jerky.

"I've survived on worse," Siobhan commented as she ate "And they do say company makes the food better," she added looking away as she spoke.

Makenzie chuckled.

"We should be close to their base now."

Siobhan hurriedly finished her food "Right, lets end this then," she said.

You're back to walking the tunnels, you can see a bright light around the corner.

"Looks like torches ahead, guess we've found them," Siobhan said as she peaked around the corner.

You hear the others ready weapons. You can see four cloaked figures standing before a door.

"Ready?" Siobhan asked then charged forward with her sword ready.

The others rush with you.

(OOC: Initiative roll with +4 bonus)

Siobhan De Courcy rolled 12 using d10+d8 ((9,3)) + 1 = 13

(OOC: Go.)

Siobhan moves forward and launches a series of wide sweeps.

(OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 8 using d10+d8 + 3 = 11 (+1 from weapon +2 from weapon master. Using multiattack and its 20 dmg to each.)

Two guards were struck by you. Makenzie finishes off one of them. Sheena clubs one with her tome and Ava kills him.

Sheena is struck by one of the guards and the second guard badly wounds her.

"Leave her alone," Siobhan yells and attacks one of the guards that had attacked Sheena, she grimaces as she feels the curse eat at her and then unleashes the power it fed to her in a burst of dark energy.

((OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 8 using 1d10.  Shadow Strike self damage. and then the attack Siobhan De Courcy rolled 13 using d10+d8 ((7,6)). +3 So 16 to hit and damage is 14+7+8 = 29)

You cut down one of the guards and Makenzie finished off the other one.

Siobhan sheathed her blade and turned to the others "Everyone okay?" she asked.

Sheena was drinking a potion, but nodded. Makenzie gave you a thumbs up. Ava nodded.

"Okay, then lets move on," Siobhan said.

You enter what almost seems like a house. There were doors on the left and right sides.

"This doesn't look like how I imagined a sewer to look," Siobhan said to the others and headed towards the left hand door.

You find what appears to be a room with at least four chests.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:55, Sun 02 Apr 2023.

"Anyone any good at looking for traps?" Siobhan asked "These are assassin's after all."

"No," Makenzie said. "Perhaps we should save them for later?"

"Yeah, I think so," Siobhan said, "Let's try the other door."

The other door lead into a large hallway. There were several more doors.

"Of course this can't be easy," Siobhan grumbled "Let's start with the doors on one side and work our waythrough," she said.

The first room was large and you see a tank filled with water and several fish of some kind in it.

Siobhan approached the tank "What do you think this is for?" she asked the others.

"Food maybe?" Ava said.

"Disposal," Sheena said.

Siobhan looked into the tank.

Getting a closer look, the fish did have large and pointed teeth.

Siobhan takes a step back "I've not seen fish like that before.. they have big teeth, I'd rather not find out what they eat," she said.

Turning she gestures towards the door "Let's try the next room."

In the next room, see a teenage boy, just in raggedly slacks, manacled to the wall.

Siobhan moves towards the boy "Who are you?" she asks as she examines the manacles.

"...I'm not telling you people anything," the boy said.

"Sorry squirt, but we're not with the assassins," Siobhan said as she drew her Zweihander "You might want to keep still though."

The boy flinched, but did so.

Siobhan brought the blade crashing into the chains holding the boy.

The chains break, freeing the boy.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"As I said, we're not with these assassins," Siobhan repeated "We're here to put an end to them. Now can you tell us who you are, and why they wanted you?"

"I'm Bartholomew G Darrow the third," the boy said. "They wanted information about my father and his schedule."

Siobhan nodded "Okay, so Noble's kid then. We need to hit these guys while we know where they are. So I'm afraid you're going to have to stay with us for the moment. But I promise to you on the honor of the house of De Courcy, that we shall reunite you with your father once we are done here." she said hand on heart "Can you give your word you'll stick with us till then and do as you are asked?"

"The honour of what?" the boy asked.

Siobhan sighed "The house of De Courcy," she said "A noble line from the northern cities."

"Ah good, another proper person," the boy said.

Siobhan sighed and grumbled to herself as she headed for the next door.

There was a massive man in the next room, he's dressed in a leather mask and apron.. The boy flinches and hides behind you when he sees him. He hasn't noticed you yet.

Siobhan charges in "Surrender!" she bellows as she levels her blade at him.

"Wot's this? Ooo are you?" the man asked.

"I am Siobhan De Courcy, and I am here for the Shadow." Siobhan declared "You will tell me everything you know."

"I don't have to answer to you!" the man said.

"This," Siobhan waves her blade "Says otherwise, your main base is already gone and soon this place will be as well, your only chance is to talk."

"Hey! You gits get in 'ere!" the big man shouted as three cloaked figures came running in.

(OOC: Initiative roll please, +4 bonus)

(OOC: Init Roll Siobhan De Courcy rolled 3 using d10+d8 ((1,2)) + 4 = 7)

(OOC: Still good enough.)

Siobhan drops into a guard stance and then charges at the cloaked figures focusing on thinning the crowd a bit. As she nears them she slashes the blade in a wide arc.

(OOC: Spend 10MP to use Multi-attack. Siobhan De Courcy rolled 11 using d10+d8 ((7,4)) + 3 = 14 and damage will be 21 to each)

The attack hits both. Makenzie deeply hurts one of the ones you hit. Ava barely hits that one with an arrow. Sheens begins casting a spell, hitting several of them with large chunks of ice and putting down one of the cloaked figures.

The first cloaked figure misses Ava with an attack. The second one misses you with an attack. The torturer brings down a massive cleaver you barely manage to duck under.

Siobhan moves forward and slashes at one of the cloaked figures, bringing her blade down in a fierce two-handed blow.

(OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 17 using d10+d8 ((10,7)). + 3 = 20 to hit and 24 damage)

You cut down another of the cloaked figures. Makenzie wounds the other one. Ava catches him with an arrow and drops him. Sheena begins chanting and flames rush towards the big man, striking him in the chest.

The man chugs something from a weird gourd and suddenly spits burning oil at you, Makenzie and Ava.

(OOC: All three take 23 damage.)

Siobhan cries out in pain, and then moves to intercept the Tortuer, she calls upon the curse feeling it sapping her life energy and then turning that into power before bringing her blade crashing down on her foe.

(OOC: Initial roll was 4, spending FP to reroll. New roll is Siobhan De Courcy rolled 12 using d10+d8 ((7,5)) + 3 = 15 and damage is 14+7+6+2 = 29)

The man roars in pain as Makenzie's blow bounces harmlessly off him. Ava barely misses an arrow as Sheena tries her spell again. wounding the man.

(OOC: In crisis.)

The man's cleaver attack wounds Ava as he swings at you and misses.

Siobhan dashes forward and slashes with her blade in a feint only to grab the blade and use it as a quarterstaff and bash the Tortuerer in the side of the head.

((OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 8 using d10+d8 with rolls of 3,5. + 3 = 11. If that hits forgoing damage to inflict Weak (Drops might dice by one))

You attack strikes deep and the man falls to his knees and screams before collapsing.

"Damn it, he better not be dead before he tells us what he knows," Sibohan said.

"I ain't tellin' you a thing!" the fan said as he coughed and died.

"No, damn it," Siobhan cursed and then moved to search the body.

You do find some paper on him.

Siobhan examined the paper.

It read: "Find out where the boy's father is hiding the idol and report to me as soon as possible!"

Siobhan handed the note to the others and then showed it to Bartholomew. "Do you know what this note is talking about?" he asked him.

"I don't know anything about an idol," Bartholomew said.

"Perhaps it's just a distraction or code," Siobhan said "Let's finish clearing this place"

(OOC: Make a Ins + Ins roll please.)

(OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 4 using d6+d6 ((1,3))))

You missed what exactly, but Bartholomew made some kind of noise.

Siobhan looked at Bartholomew in concern "Are you, okay kid?"

"Yes, yes, totally fine! I know nothing!" Bartholomew said.

Siobhan closed her eyes and rubbed them, "Look. if that note is right, then these people are searching for your father and whatever the thing is he has. If you want to help him, then telling us where to find him is your best bet. We want to stop the assassins after all." she said.

"At our estate of course, but I know nothing of an idol! None. Not a thing. At all," he said.

Siobhan shook her head "You are awful at lying you know," she said.

"I am not lying. There is no idol," Bartholomew said.

"I'm sure," Siobhan said "We can talk about that after we get out of here," she added and began to move towards the door.

There were a few doors left.

Siobhan headed for the next door.

There was what appears to be an office. There were shelves of books and a desk with stacks of paper on it.

"Right, let's see," Siobhan said as she began to examine the papers on the desk "Could you check the books see if anything is useful?" she asked the others.

The others were on it, leaving the papers to you.

(OOC: Give me a roll you can justify for it)

(OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 6 using d8+d6.  Ins+Wis Use a FP to reroll the 1 and get 3 so total of 8)

You find several letters and notes about more idols.

Siobhan showed Sheena the notes "It looks like they were trying to collect Idols I think?"

"That sounds important, but I have no idea why," Makenzie said.

"Well if they want them that bad, then stopping them will be good," Siobhan said, "See anything else worthwhile Sheena?"

Sheena pulled a few books off the shelf and put them into her bag.

"Yes."

Siobhan looked at her for a moment and the guessed "Some new books?" she asked.

"Yes," Sheena said.

"I think we should find out what one of these idols look like," Ava said.

"Maybe we should check the last few rooms?" Siobhan suggested, "They might have already got one."

You head toward the last room. There is a fancy bedroom there. Inside you find a well dressed man, holding a rapier and dagger.

"Now then, I shall finish you annoyances off."

Siobhan shrugged "Your guildsmen have done poorly with that so far," Siobhan said. "Why don't you save yourself a beating and talk."

"Stupid woman, I'll show you the power of the assassins!" the man said.

(OOC: Initiative roll +2 time)

(OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 6 using d10+d8.  Init roll. +2 -3 = 5)

The man breathed poison at you, Makenzie and Ava. However, the group manages to dodge out of the way.

(OOC: Go)

Siobhan charged forward and slashed at him.

(OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 8 using d10+d8 ((7,1)).
+ 3 =11)

Your attack missed. Makenzie struck the man with a heavy blow. Ava's arrow was deflected by the man's sword. Sheena chanted a fire spell, which struck the man.

The man struck out, hitting Makenzie and Sheena.

Siobhan charged forward and after fienting with her sword delivered a powerful upper cut to the mans jaw.


(OOC:Siobhan De Courcy rolled 15 using d10+d8 ((7,8)) + 3 = 18, forgoe damage to inflict Dazed)

The assassin was dazed. Makenzie stuck the man with an absolutely powerful blow. Ava followed it up with an arrow in his arm. Sheena missed with her book.

The assassin struck back, hitting Makenzie hard.

(OOC: She is in critical)

"Just give up already damn you," Siobhan cried and slashed at them, once more burning her life energy away to increase her power.

(OOC: Shadow Strike 6 dmg to self. Which puts Siobhan in Crisis. Siobhan De Courcy rolled 11 using 1d10+1d8 ((6,5)). + 3 = 14 to hit. And damage will be 28)

The man looked hurt. Makenzie missed her attack. Ava missed as well. Sheena was the third one to miss.

The assassin missed Makenzie and Ava.

(OOC: Shadow Strike damage is 7 O_O...  Siobhan De Courcy rolled 15 using d10+d8 + 3 = 18 to hit and damage is 31)

Siobhan continued to eat away at her own life force, the brand greedily drinking it away and rewarding her with ever more strength. She focused it and then expended it in a powerful vertical slash that cracked the floor with its force.

The attack struck the man. Makenzie hit the man, Ava missed. Sheena summoned the last of her magic and blasted the man with fire. Dropping him.

Siobhan dropped to one knee, using the sword to hold herself up. "Are..." she began and coughed "Is everyone okay?" she asked.

Sheena held out a potion to you as Makenzie drank one.

"Thanks Sheena" Siobhan said as she drank the potion and slowly stood.

The place was quiet now. No sounds at all.

Siobhan moved over the the fallen assassin leader and began to search them.

You find a note describing everyone in your party. Odd the assassin had it.

"Well apparently," Siobhan said showing the others the note "They know about us."

"That's not surprising, we have caused them plenty of trouble," Ava said.

"I guess that makes sense, and it didn't do them much good in the end," Siobhan said with a feral grin.•

"What do you think we should do now? Try to get one of these idols?" Ava asked.

Siobhan nodded "Let's save the kids father and find out from him what this idol is," she suggested.

"Y-you can't!" Bartholomew said.

Siobhan looked at Bartholomew "Why not?" she asked "I mean you said you don't know anything about idols."

"My father will kill me!" Bartholomew said.

Siobhan sighed and rubbed the tip of her nose "I don't want you to get in trouble, but the fact these people want these idols, tells me they are bad new. We can't let them be used to hurt people." she said "Besides if your father tries to hurt you he'll answer to me."

"Let's get going, it's not fine to find their estate," Ava said.

Siobhan nodded, "Right, lets go then."

After some navigation through tunnels and then busy streets, you find yourself outside of an estate so massive, you can't see the house from the fence.

"Well this is impressive," Siobhan said "Will we find your father in the main house?" she asked.

"...yes," Bartholomew said.

Siobhan nodded "Then lets go," she said "Show us the way please," she asked Bartholomew.

Bartholomew headed inside and began walking down the road, headed for a small forest.

Siobhan followed keeping an eye out as they went.

The group entered the forest.

(OOC: Ins + Wil please)

(OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 8 using d6+d8.  Ins+Wis.)

You notice figures moving in the trees.

Siobhan quickly warned the others "Watch out, someone in the trees," she said.

That is when a group of assassins rushed out of the trees.

(OOC: Initiative roll +2)

(ooc: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 4 using d8+d10.  Init roll. +2 -3 = 3)

The assassins got the drop on you. The first missed Makenzie. The second missed Makenzie. The third missed her as well. The fourth managed to hit her.

(OOC: Go)

Siobhan took a quick step forward and swung her blade in a wide arc, dark energy roiling off the blade.

(ooc: spending 10 mp to multi attack. Using shadow strike 9dmg to self. Siobhan De Courcy rolled 12 using d10+d8 ((5,7)). +3 = 15 to hit. Dmg will be 14+7+9+2=32 to 2 targets

You strike two of the assassins. Makenzie missed. Ava missed. Sheena chanted a spell and zapped three of the assassins with bolts of electricity. Seriously wounding two of them.

The first assassin missed you. The second assassin lobbed a vial of poison that missed Makenzie, Ava and Sheena. The third assassin struck Makenzie. The fourth missed Makenzie.

Siobhan closed in on one of the injured assassins and struck with her sword.

(ooc: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 14 using 1d10+1d8 ((9,5)). +3 = 17 dmg is 14+9= 23)

You struck down one of the assassins. Makenzie killed the other wounded ones. Ava shot a barrage of arrows at the two remaining ones, deeply wounding one of them. Sheena manage to badly wound the other.

One of the assassins hits you. (OOC: Take 12 damage) The other missed you.

Siobhan growls at the injury and surges forward striking at her attacker.

((ooc: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 12 using 1d10+1d8 ((9,3)).
+3 =15 to hit and dmg is 14+9=23)

You cut down the assassin. Makenzie missed. Ava shot an arrow into the final assassin. Sheena smacked the final assassin with her book, putting him down.

"Looks like they are already here then," Siobhan said "Everyone okay to keep going?"

"Yes, let's continue," Makenzie said.

Siobhan nods "Right, lets get moving then," she said.

You finally manage to reach the house. It is quite big.

"Impressive," Siobhan said "Where should we look for your father?" she asked Bartholomew.

"The treasure vault," Bartholomew said.

"Okay, show us," Siobhan said.

Bartholomew leads you inside and upstairs to a bedroom. There he opens a hidden door revealing an overweight man in fancy clothing.

"So, you have betrayed me, boy," the man said.

"He's saving you," Siobhan replied before Bartholomew could reply "Unless you missed the assassin's getting ready to tear this place apart?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:05, Fri 14 Apr 2023.

A large number of assassins then burst into the room.

Siobhan turned to face the assassins"Right then," she said rolling her shoulders "Which of you idiots is first to die?"

There was a bright flash of light and suddenly a deep and evil sounding laugh.

"All shall pay for trying to deprive me of what is rightfully mine."

Bartholomew's father was gone. Now stood a thing nearly triple his size. A horrible mouth in his ample gut.

"What in the hells?" Siobhan said as she turned to face the creature "What is that?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:37, Fri 14 Apr 2023.

"I don't know," Sheena said as the being vomited out a stream of green fluid at the assassins, who let out horrible screams as they died.

(OOC: Initiative with +4)

(OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 12 using d10+d8 ((4,8)) +4 -3 = 13)

Siobhan held the zweihander in a half-sword grip and tried to slam the creature in the side with the blade.

(OOC:Siobhan De Courcy rolled 14 using d8+d10 ((4,10)) +3 = 17, forgoing damage to inflict weak)

You manage to strike it just right. Makenzie struck the thing with a heavy blow that staggered it. Ava put an arrow into it. Sheena missed her attempt to smack it with her tome.

The thing spewed out a horrible green fluid, hitting you, Ava and Sheena.

(OOC: 20 damage)

Siobhan cried out in pain as she felt her flesh burn under the attack of the green fluid, she switched to a standard grip on the sword, and stepped in to deliver a quick blow.

((OOC: Siobhan De Courcy rolled 8 using d10+d8 ((6,2)) + 3 = 11, damage would be 20 Use FU point to re-roll Siobhan De Courcy rolled 11 using d10+d8 ((6,5)) + 3 = 14)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:11, Fri 14 Apr 2023.

You struck the thing. Makenzie then cast a healing spell on everyone hurt. Ava put an arrow into the thing. Sheena roasted it with fire and it was lookin hurt.

The thing tried biting Ava, but missed and then went for Sheena, getting her.

Siobhan felt her anger surging, how dare this thing attack her and her friends, how dare it replace Bartholomew's father. "Just die already," she yelled as she called on the curse seals power.

(OOC:Siobhan De Courcy rolled 14 using d10+d8 ((9,5)) + 3 = 17 to hit, and damage will be 14+9+8+2 = 33)

You strike the thing. Makenzie rocked the thing with a hard hit. Ava shot it with an arrow. Sheena fried the thing with a blast of fire, cooking it. The thing began to fade away, leaving only a small figure made of onyx on the ground.

Siobhan sighed in relief as it died and then turned to Bartholomew "I'm sorry," she said.

"He wasn't a very good person," Bartholomew said.

"What will we do with the idol?" Sheena asked.

"He was still you father," Siobhan said "You're allowed to feel sad. Do you have other family?" she asked him.


She looked at Sheena "Do you think we can destroy it?"

"I do not know. I will have to look into it. I suggest that we do not try anything until i do," Sheena said.

"It's fine. It's just me now," Bartholomew said.

Siobhan nodded at Sheena "Makes sense, so let's wrap it up till you can study it? I think touching it is probably bad."

She then turns to Bartholomew "Oh." she said looking to the others "Well do you want to stay with us at the Inn tonight?"

"No, I'll be okay here, and you can take the idol," Bartholomew said.

Sheena put on a pair of gloves and took out a pair of tongs, picking up the idol and putting it in her bag.

Siobhan nodded "Okay, well look after yourself kid, and if anything comes up. Send a message and I'll come to help you." she said.

"Ah, thanks," Bartholomew said. "I don't have access to much, but here's a small reward."

He hands you two thousand gold.

Siobhan nodded "Thank you, and good luck," she said and then headed backtowards the Inn.

The group arrived back at the inn without issue.

"I will be heading to the library," Sheena said.

"You shouldn't go alone," Siobhan said "Whoever was back there wasn't happy about us interfering."

Sheena looked at you.

"Are you coming then?"

"Yeah, I'll come," Siobhan said getting up to follow Sheena.

Sheena took out her tome and started reading as she led you through the streets to a large building.

"Here," she said.

Siobhan nodded still impressed at how well Sheena could navigate while reading, and moved to open the door for her.

Sheena nodded slightly as she headed in. The library was massive, with many rows of books. You can see a few people here and there.

"Where do we start?" Siobhan asked.

"We should find books on relics, artifacts and similar things," Sheena said.

"Okay," Siobhan said and began to look for the books.