And now, your cast:
- Angeliqué
HP: 9/9
Initiative: +0
AC: 10
BAB: +1 (or +0 melee)
At: unarmed strike +1 (1d3-1 subdual) or -3 (1d3-1)
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +3, Will +2 (or +4 vs. Enchantment effects)
Abilities: Str 9, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 9, Cha 18
Skills: Appraise +4, Bluff +7, Craft (puppet-making) +8, Decipher Script +4, Diplomacy +9, Disguise +5, Gather Information +5, Knowledge (arcana) +4, Knowledge (history) +4, Knowledge (local) +4, Perform (dance) +9, Perform (puppetry) +9, Perform (sing) +9, Seach +5, Sense Motive +3, Spellcraft +5, Use Magic Device +6
Feats: Endurance
Languages: Common, Elven, Draconic, Orc, Sylvan
Special: bardic knowledge +5, bardic music 2 (2)/day (countersong, fascinate, inspire courage +1), spell use (see below), Angeliqué is not proficient with any weapons - Boirin
HP: 5/16 (+3 nonlethal damage)
Initiative: +6
AC: 16 (+2 Dex, +2 armor, +1 prof, +1 defense) or 17 with Dodge vs. one opponent/round
DCon: 1 (studded leather)
BAB: +2 (add +1 to melee, +2 to ranged attacks)
At:
¤ short sword +3 (1d6+1, 19-20/x2 critical)
¤ dagger +3 melee or +4 ranged (1d4 +1, 19-20/x2 critical, 10' increment)
¤ light crossbow +4 (1d8, 19-20/x2 critical, 80' increment)
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +0
Abilities: Str 13, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 15, Wis 9, Cha 14
Skills (modified for armor): Balance +4, Bluff +8, Climb +6, Diplomacy +4, Disable Device +8, Disguise +7 (or +9 to act in character), Escape Artist +8, Hide +6, Intimidate +4, Jump +2, Move Silently +7, Open Lock +8, Profession (bartender) +1, Search +8, Sleight of Hand +9, Tumble +9
Feats: Dodge, Improved Initiative, Quick Draw
Languages: Common, Dwarven, and Orc
Special: sneak attack +2d6, trapfinding, evasion, trap sense +1 - Maelut
HP: 24/24
Initiative: +3
AC: 16 (+3 Dex, +1 leather, +1 prof, +1 defense)
DCon: 1 (leather)
BAB: +2 (add +1 to melee, +3 to ranged/finesse attacks)
At:
¤ cooking knife +6 melee (1d6+1, x2 critical)
¤ cooking knife +4 melee (as above) and cooking knife +4 melee (1d6)
¤ light crossbow +5 ranged (1d8 damage, 19-20/x2 critical, 4 lbs., 80' range increment, piercing)
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +3, Will +2
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 12
Skills (modified for armor): Climb +3, Craft (cooking tools) +6, Handle Animal +5, Jump +5, Profession (cook) +7, Search +3, Swim +6
Feats: Personal Skill (Profession (cook)), Two-Weapon Defense, Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (cooking knives)
Languages: Common, Dwarven, and Elven
Special: spell use (see below) - Tagg
HP: 7/21
Initiative: +4
AC: 18/17 (+4/+3 Dex, +2 armor, +1 prof, +1 defense) or 19/18 with shield
DCon: 1 (studded leather)
BAB: +4 (add +2/-2 to melee, +4/+3 to ranged attacks)
At:
¤ scimitar +6/+2 (1d6+2/1d6-2, 18-20/x2 critical)
¤ short sword +6/+2 (1d6+2/1d6-2, 19-20/x2 critical)
¤ dagger +6/+2 melee or +8/+7 ranged (1d4+2/1d4-2, 19-20/x2 critical, 10' increment)
¤ scimitar +4/+0 (as above) and short sword +4/+0 (1d6+1/1d6-2)
¤ scimitar +4/+0 (as above) and dagger +4/+0 (1d4+1/1d4-2)
¤ short sword +4/+0 (as above) and dagger +4/+0 (1d4+1/1d4-2)
¤ composite shortbow +8/+5 (1d6+2/1d6-2, x3 critical, 70' increment)
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +8/+7, Will +2 (or +4 vs. Enchantment effects)
Abilities: Str 14/*, Dex 18/*, Con 11, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 12
* Reduce Str by -8 and Dex by -2 (spell and fatigue penalties)
Skills (modified for armor): Balance +6/+5, Bluff +3, Gather Information +3, Hide +9/+8, Knowledge (nature) +10, Listen +3, Move Silently +10/+9, Search +6, Sense Motive +2, Spot +6, Survival +8 (or +10 above ground)
Feats: Combat Reflexes, Endurance, Quick Draw (Two-Weapon Fighting in no armor)
Languages: Common, Elven, and Gnome
Special: favoured enemy (goblinoids), wild empathy +5, spell use (see below) - Ulerian
HP: 8/8 (3 nonlethal damage)
Initiative: +2
AC: 12 (+2 Dex) (11 while fatigued)
BAB: +1 (adjust melee attacks by -1, add +2 to ranged attacks)
At:
¤ quarterstaff +0 or -4/-8 (1d6-1) (-1 or -5/-9 (1d6-2) while fatigued)
¤ dagger +0 melee or +3 ranged (1d4-1, 19-20/x2 critical, 10' increment) -1 or +2 (1d4-2 while fatigued)
Saves: Fort +1, Ref +2 (+1 while fatigued), Will +6
Abilities: Str 8*, Dex 14*, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 16, Cha 10
(Fatigue gives a -2 penalty to these scores)
Skills: Concentration +6, Decipher Script +8, Knowledge (arcana) +8, Knowledge (religion) +8, Knowledge (the planes) +8, Spellcraft +10
Feats: Greater Spell Focus (Necromancy), Scribe Scroll, Spell Focus (Necromancy)
Languages: Abyssal, Common, Draconic, Infernal
Special: spell use (see below)
*****
Spell Use
Angeliqué (save DC 14 + spell level)
Level 0 (3/3): detect magic, lullaby, mending, prestidigitation, read magic
Level 1 (0/1): cure light wounds, ventriloquism
Maelut (save DC 11 + spell level)
Level 0 (3/5): detect magic, mage hand, prestidigitation, ray of frost
Level 1 (4/4): identify, unseen servant
Tagg (save DC 11 + spell level, as 2nd level caster)
Level 1 (x1): entangle
Ulerian (save DC 13 + spell level +2 for necromantic effects)
Level 0 (x4): arcane mark, prestidigitation, touch of fatigue (one unprepared slot)
Level 1 (x3): cause fear, color spray (one unprepared slot)
*****
Non-Renewable Resources
¤ potions of cure light wounds (Maelut x1, Ulerian x1)
Adjusted details on 20Mar04.
An echoing cry of two or more birds communicating repeats across the field from the trees to the side of the road. Once clear of the city gates, a mild winter breeze accompanies the band of companions northward toward their destination. Visible breath spirals out from five faces.
The entourage of Tagg, Angelique, Boirin, and Ulerian accompany Maelut back toward his home.
The snow cover is light, and it crunches underfoot. The temperature must have been briefly above freezing recently as it appears a very thin layer of ice sits atop the snow. Currently, however, the ambient temperature is cold; it is cold enough to chill any exposed metal the party carries and numb exposed skin.
A very light fog hangs low to the ground in some depressed areas, but Maelut has no trouble remembering the path to follow back to Sorat-Arlon and they make good time at the outset of their trip. Before they realize it, the sun has reached its zenith, and the pangs of hunger might begin scratching at a few stomachs.
There seems to be no one around for miles. Tagg spots the signs of some animals in the snow, some sort of small deer as well as a few rabbits. By now, they are east of the Wilderness of Wertodertthas proper. Duadji mountain looms in the distance to the north, a shrouded giant sitting on the horizon.
The icy blue sky is now mostly clear except for a few wandering clouds. The familiar river within sight assures Maelut they are heading in the right direction.
"The last time I travelled over this path, it wasn't quite so cold. And I wasn't quite so hungry. The thought of tasting the food at the Traveller's Friend is making my stomach voice an opinion as loud as one of Angelique's songs."
He looks around, trying to gauge how far they are from their destination.
.oO(I love cold weather, no better time of year. Could never see how some people stand the heat of summer.)
"So Maelut, whats your home like anyway? I've never accually heard you talk in much detail about it."
"Well, we've been travelling awhile. Is anyone else up for a break for some dinner?"
"They're not fighters, and so the kobold attacks are especially hard on them since they can't defend themselves. It's a shame that bad things would happen to such a wonderful place."
"Well, I guess I will need to be a little more shocking then, ay? I could get in a drinking contest with someone, or maybe do some "magic" shows for little ones? We could probably worry your folks pretty good, by showing them all the interesting "friends" you've been making in the big city.";)
He adds sarcastically
While breaking their fast, Tagg and Ulerian both notice a discrepancy in the smooth shine of the snow leading down to the river. The line of blemishes in the riverbank’s pristine skin can be traced back up to the stone seat behind Boirin.
"Why don't you have a look?? But be careful"
"This should help brighten up the meal. It's not real cooking, but these'll keep you going until we reach the village."
He sees Ulerian and Tagg looking at some of the snow near Boirin.
"Everything alright over there?"
OoC:Maelut tries to remember how much further it is to the village, and whether he thinks they can make it by sundown.
Ulerian says without looking up from his notes
With slightly closer inspection, the marks can made out as tracks in the snow nearby. They are fainter trails, worn down by the weather and time.
Tagg’s hunter’s insight allows him to read parts of the scene which left its signature in the snow. At least two bodies chased a small animal down to the river. A rabbit, Tagg deciphers, he has seen this set before. The staggered pattern of the animal’s track indicates some sort of evasive maneuvering.
The incident begins to resolve in Tagg’s mind. Yes, two chased the rabbit. However, the elf cannot quite figure what the two are exactly. The imprint and stride of the tracks show they were light and short. The stamps are too weathered to make out much more until Tagg happens across a better preserved footprint. No boot, heavy on the front, as if they ran on the tips of their toes, and almost paw-like marks at the toes.
He looks over at the tracks and gets slightly concerned.
"You don't think that whatever made those is still around here, do you?"
"Although.. I'm not sure if what made these tracks is necessarily a threat. It doesn't look like any animal I know of.. and these made from a bare foot, and two of them were chasing a rabbit."
He runs his hand softly over the clean print, not disturbing the order of it.
"As for whether they are still around.. hard to say. Most are weathered away and undistinguishable, but this one is clear enough. I cannot say when these were made."
He turns his head back towards the group
"I don't suppose anyone else would like to take a look at this and see if they can decipher what kind of thing made these?"
Ulerian puts up his notes, and eats. Soon he is ready to go on.
Once the group is done examining the tracks, Tagg stands up and takes his backpack off. He then walks over to Brie.
"Lle mata am' a're?"*
Tagg tries to determine whether Piper had already fed Brie today or if he should take the liberty of feeding him himself. He decides to compromise, and takes out one of the packs of feed from the saddle. Taking a knife he makes a clean incision through one side. He gives the donkey about half the bag before folding the open side over and putting the package back into the saddle.
"There you go.."
He pats Brie on the head before sitting down and eating his own supper.
*"Have you eaten yet today?"
"We should press onwards, there seems no sense in sitting around here getting cold. The faster we move, the warmer we'll be."
Maelut stands on top of a nearby rock and tries to get a view of the trail ahead.
"I'm ready to press on a bit further before we break again for the night as well."
After the last few hours of sunlight are spent, the group finds they are not near any substantial cover. The area is mostly field, now painted by the last red glow of sunset. The river remains to the east, and a few bushes and bare trees here and there make up the fading scenery.
Maelut estimates they are another three or four hours from the town of Sorat-Arlon if conditions are agreeable.
Ulerian stands with both hands wrapped around his staff, the red glow of the dusk sky causing him to look overly 'dark' and his shadow to fall long across the snowy field.
"Well I'd hoped that we could have reached the town by now, but we've travelled slower than I expected. I think we ought to keep travelling, considering that this doesn't look like a hospitable place to stop. Tagg and Angelique, you two can keep us on course with your superior vision."
OoC: If we continue, Maelut lights his torch only when it gets far too dark to see.
Without the sun, the air temperature drops rapidly, causing some involuntary shivers among the more sensitive party members. For a full hour, they walk on, and Maelut can almost smell the kitchen of the Traveler’s Friend, his parents' establishment.
Abruptly, something draws the young cook’s attention away from his thoughts. The others spot it as well. Tracks, similar to the pawed footprints found before. But these ones are fresh and recent. Tagg guesses within the last ten minutes and surmises this trail was made by a single creature though that is no assurance there aren’t more trails beyond the torch’s reach. The line of prints crosses perpendicular to the rough road, disappearing into the darkness at either end of the torchlight radius.
It dawns on the company that while the burning light allows them to see the road ahead, it also allows them to be seen...
"Those look like what we saw before. Something might be following us, or maybe it's just a coincidence. In any case, we're going to be obvious from this torchlight. I think we should keep moving, but everyone keep their eyes open. Angelique, you might want to stay near one of us in case anything happens."
"Yes.. it would be a good idea to put it out, and quickly. These tracks were made quite recently."
Tagg bids Brie to be still and perks up his ears. He looks around at the surroundings, eyes trying to pierce the darkness for signs of anything askew.
OoC: When Maelut drew his knives, he handed the torch to Angelique (since he doesn't have three hands yet)
"I have a lantern if that would be better than the torch. We could close it if we saw anything. But that would just leave us all blind. Hmmmm..."
"It would probably get going as quickly as possible."
"Yes... I suppose you are right. We should either try to pursue these tracks or to flee from them."
What made those pawprints Tagg? And why don't we just keep going? Why bother to stop for some pawprints? It's getting cold, and the colder it gets the less able we will be to run.
*peering into the thin light as best she can, Angeliqué turns a full circle, trying to see anything else of interest
Maelut, do I keep the torch lit?
"I'm not sure what made them.. its the same mystery creature that made the tracks we found back a ways."
"Maelut, do you think we can reach your town tonight or should we break?"
They aren't diurnal like humans and elves?
About half an hour after leaving the mystery tracks behind, Tagg catches something in the distance to his left. The ranger's elfsight allows him to focus in on a diminutive shadow scampering between two rocks about fifty feet away.
"I saw something move over where I'm looking..."
He whispers his sighting.
"If you want to try some of your diplomatic magic, this might be a good time. Maybe you could tell whoever's out there that we don't want any trouble. "
I don't speak bunny rabbit...how about we find out what this thing is?
I'm going to try and get it's attention. If the scuffling stops, go towards the rocks quietly, but keep your weapons hidden.
*Studying the sounds, she begins a lilting song, weaving the magic with her voice and hands and concentrating on keeping he effect of her spell on the area of the rocks
[OoC: Casts Lullaby and centers th effect on the rocks, concentrating on the spell]
Walk towards source of noise, Move Silently +10
As Tagg approaches the two waist-height rocks, he finds there is no one there to greet him, only a discarded, wide-limbed pine branch askew in the snow. It appears the snow behind the rocks has been swept or raked, distorting any fresh tracks. Although the iciness of the snow prevented the tracks from being swept away cleanly, there are mostly only haphazard streaks left. A trail of small, pawed footprints leads to the general area, but there are no discernable tracks pointing away from the site.
"It's gone. But it made a rather crude attempt to cover its tracks, and it did so sufficiently. Which would mean it is not an animal."
"I'm guessing those scratching noises was it scratching out the footprints, and the area fell silent not because of your spell but because it had slipped away.."
"This is somewhat encouraging. The thing obviously didn't want to fight, and so it ran away. And if its intelligent enough to cover its tracks, then maybe it won't want to bother us tonight."
His face falls as he realizes the other possiblity.
"Of course, it might be going to get others to set a trap for us. We had best be moving on, and quickly."
Boirin's voice trails off, as he scans the snowcovered terrain for enamies.
"We best keep moving though, a moving target is easier to hit."
[OoC: Boirin makes active spot checks while they are moving on, -1 penelty]
[edit: you beet me to it Maelut! grrrr]
Well, it was worth a try. And at least I don't have to learn bunny rabbit now.
*nodding to both Boirin and Maelut, she starts walking onwards towards Sorat-Arlon looking ahead to catch a glimpse of anything else around
Out of interest Maelut, do you happen to know what language kobolds speak?
Maelut tries to imitate the sounds of the kobold language, a sound similar to an angry dog, to give Angelique an idea of it.
OoC:I try to imitate Draconic, the DM can decide whether Angelique recognizes it.
The party decides to get moving again, and another two hours pass quietly in the dark and cold. Maelut can almost anticipate the lights of Sorat-Arlon on the horizon.
As they walk onwards, Brie's feet clopping rhythmically on the ground. The dark wears on Tagg finds himself still wide awake, and notes Maelut's look of growing anticipation.
"Do you think we can still reach there tonight?"
I'm glad you're a cook and not a linguist.
*smiling and giving him a hug to soften her words, she continues towards his home-town, clutching her cloak around her as they walk onwards
"I hope we will make it tonight. I don't like the idea of spending a night with your kobald friends, Maelut."
Ulerian says as they walk along.
The signs of civilization spur the party onward, and they cover the distance promptly. At last the glimmer of lanterns can be seen in the blackness before them.
The road is better traveled here, the snow pressed down into a solid path that does not crunch with each stride. Perhaps this feature is more important than someone would have guessed, as everyone in the group hears a solid crunch of ice that is definitely not of their doing.
Then silence, like the calm before the storm. And then a blur of details.
A yip, fairly similar to the sound Maelut was producing before, reaches the party.
A single figure, maybe forty feet removed and now dashing away at top speed toward the nearest copse of trees. Maelut knows it as a kobold even just by the silhouette crossing in front of the lights of the town in the distance. It is still dark, however, and the figure is fast fading from the limits of human eyes.
*Angeliqué drops back to walk nearer to Ulerian while questioning him
Do you know anything else about these creatures? Are they militant? Do they have a strict heirarchy? Do they like music? Can they cast spells?
*as she is talking to Ulerian, she hears the crunch of ice with the rest of the party and looks up seeing the figure dashing away
Maelut, is that...?
*she shouts to him, then catches herself mid-shout realizing that they might catch it if they hurry
"Well, I won't give up my day job. And yes, we're almost to the town."
Seeing the kobold, Maelut's muscles tense and he instinctively looks around to check for others.
"Yell to it if you know their language, if it wants to talk it'll stop. We can follow it, but we had better be careful. These things have a nasty habit of laying traps for careless pursuers."
[draconic]Excuse me, mister! Can we talk? I have no weapons, and just wish talk.
*she motions for everyone to stop, then whispers to Tagg to keep an eye out as she walks about 30 feet away from the group, hands held out and palm up in a peace gesture
[OoC: Diplomacy +9]
"Angelique, keep trying to talk to it. It might be able to help us find out why the kobolds are attacking again."
Boirin charging out after Maelut puts away his crossbow in one fluid motion.
[OoC: Run action, quick draw to put away the crossbow]
.oO(Maelut and Angeliuqe will never let me live it down.)
By the time the thought crosses his mind, Boirin is half way through the motion of throwing the dagger. Unable to stop his movement Boirin carries through a little later and lets the dagger speed towards the ground in front of him. As the dagger strikes the dirt, Boirin curses, and sits plop on on the ground.
"
!""I agree with Maelut. We should just try to get to Sorat Arlon as soon as we can. From there we can get some more information and have a safer place to rest."
"You're right, lets get going."
As he says this he picks up his dagger and wipes it on the grass. Then starts to walk towards the north and the town.
"For future encounters, simplifly your speech with these creatures. I doubt they speak with such grace and manners, much less understand the meanings.."
Trying to put this encounter behind them, the party points themselves back toward Sorat-Arlon. Within half an hour, they enter the small town. The buildings are of a slightly older style than the ones back in Garic’s, simpler sloped roofs top most of the houses. From the larger structures, lanterns light the way down the main street. Maelut leads them down the path, past a row of closed shops and the modest town square, and toward the place he spent much time in as a youth.
A familiar red-bricked exterior greets Maelut, and he knows he is home.
"Sorat Arlon, home of my youth. The people here are as friendly as any you'll ever meet. The city isn't as grand as what you're used to, but it's a happy place for everyone who lives here."
Maelut takes note of some minor damage to the houses and an occasional scorch mark, reminders of the kobold raids of years past.
Approaching a redbrick house, the faint smell of coriander and thyme wafts through the air. Invisible and ignored by the others, he smiles and knows that it means only one thing: fresh bread in the brick ovens.
"If you liked my cooking, then you're in for a real treat here. The kitchen here is like none other. Come, let's go inside."
Adjusting his travelling cloak and brushing off the dirt from his clothes, aelut steps up and knocks on the door with loud and decisive taps in a staccato melody he's used since he was a baby.
Knock ... Pause ... Knock Knock Knock ... Pause ... Knock Knock
The door is opened by a customer leaving the Traveler’s Friend. Even at this late hour, it seems there are a few patrons lounging away from the cold.
Stepping through the door, Maelut catches the aroma of a delicious vegetable soup, and fresh bread, with pine nuts, if he’s not mistaken.
The interior also displays red brick along the back wall, with a double door leading to the kitchen area and a wide, horizontal opening that acts as a pick up counter. In front of this area is the bar counter where two men sit, finishing the last of their broth.
The other walls are rough plaster with a matching ceiling. Lamps, hang at evenly spaced intervals and a dozen square tables with chairs are scattered about the main room. A strip of raised booths line the side wall.
Elana Spiceslinger, Maelut’s dear mother, hurries over from behind the counter to give her son a hug and the standard motherly look over. Her eyes shine with gladness, her pulled back light-colored hair adding to the effect.
“You haven’t been eating enough,” she says as if continuing a conversation from a minute ago, despite Maelut’s time away.
“Oh, here,” she walks to a back shelf and picks up a garment.
“Tanya from across the street knit this for you,” Elana hands Maelut a sweater, puffy, orange-dyed wool with a stitched mountain pattern around the trims, “Try it on, it’s much too could out to be without a warm sweater.”
“What have you been up to? Why haven’t you visited?” the barrage of questions start.
Elana pauses as she sees Angelique, “And who’s this lovely girl?”
She lowers her voice so only Maelut can hear, “Is she with you?”
Thomas Spiceslinger, Maelut’s father, is sitting at a table seemingly having stern words with a well-dressed man, who is building a small castle of playing cards. Spotting Maelut, his father rises and ambles over to mercifully break up Maelut’s interrogation.
“Maelut! You finally came back,” the strongly built man with uncombed brown hair and light beard claps his hands together and pats Maelut on the back.
Thomas’s eyes turn to Maelut’s companions, greeting each with a smile.
“New friends of yours?” he asks while taking off his greying apron and throwing it over the counter.
“Where are my manners? First, we eat. You must be starved.”
He smiles as his mother unleashes her barrage of questions, and tries not to cringe at the sight of the unusually colored sweater. When she asks about Angelique, he blushes and mumbles something incoherent.
The sound of his father's voice draws his attention, and he turns to greet him.
"Of course I came back, you didn't think you could get rid of me that easily did you? Dad, this is Angelique, Tagg, Boirin and Ulerian. They wanted to come with me when they heard that there had been some trouble. I'm happy to consider all of them my friends."
"And yes, we're all quite hungry. We've been travelling since very early, and it was a rather eventful trip."
Once they sit down to eat, Maelut tells his parents all about Nobodys Inn and his new job. He also tells them about the incident with the goblins, but tries to leave out the frightening parts.
"And that's what I've been up to. What about things here? Is everyone alright, given recent events?"
At the mention of "some trouble", Thomas's face darkens momentarily as if shadowed bya passing cloud.
"Aye, those sadistic little brutes out there. You know they killed a child in one of their attacks? I saw them actually knock down a child."
Thomas takes a breath, and returns to his normal demeanour, "Anyway, there's time to worry about that later."
Elana wanders over to Ulerian, "You alright, dear? You look cold."
Ulerian does not break stride in his writing as he speaks, or looks up.
*arriving in Sorat Arlon, she looks around and seeing only humans, feels slightly self-concious but is glad Tagg came along. Smelling the food, she realises how long they were walking and looks up hopefully as they enter the Inn. Smiling at everyone and being polite, she doesn't laugh at the sweater but her eyes reflect laughter at it's interesting colour. She bows to his father and mother, and greets them in turn as they are introduced, being as polite as possible
Good Evening, it is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Spiceslinger. I am Angeliqué Noel, of the Ranielina.
*she bows again, then follows them to the table, eating politely and with some reserve even though she is quite hungry. She stops momentarily at the mention of a child dying, and looks at Thomas
A child? Would you call these creatures barbaric? Do they kill for sport, or are their attacks here to claim livestock and food?
Ulerian adds in a very cynical tone.
*she looks at Ulerian, a hint of a challenge in her eyes
He leans back placing the palms of his hands together as he relaxes.
"Oh and if I may, what do you base these defenitions of right and wrong on?"
*smiling at Ulerian nicely
These are my personal ideals. If they were more people perceptions of right and wrong, then we wouldn't be here would we?
*Angeliqué briefly looks to everyone else, and resumes eating her dinner
Ulerian lights his pipe and puffs away. He pulls his hood up soon after his pipe is glowing red.
"If i may comment on something, specifically the part about bargaining for the food, if the kobolds were attacking for food, they would be stealing that food so bargaining should not be necessary since the kobolds should be able to get their own without stealing it from others."
"Now, in this case, the kobolds certainly do not seem to care about any circumstances or showing any mercy towards their victims. They killed a child. An innocent child."
"I'm not clear on the details and might be jumping to conclusions, but from what I've heard these certainly don't sound like creatures that are going to embrace such concepts so easily."
.o0(I think I'll sit this one out.)
Eventually, after hearing Tagg's comment, a thought crosses his mind.
"Father, we heard that the attacks had become more organized. Do you think you could tell us about the recent raids?"
"Thank you. Could I get a stiff drink?"
Listening to Ulerian and Angelique, frowning slightly, he mumbles quietly to himself in dwarven.
"To die another day."
.oO(Killed a child! Monsters.
[i]Smiling again and speaking in common again.
"Well we'll certianly have to run out these koblads out of town, though there is probably something bigger organizing them..."
He trails off and aims to get another spoonfull of soup and realizes his bowl is empty, so he eats a chunk of bread.
"Organized, yes, I suppose you could say that. I never thought of it that way," Maelut's father ruminates slowly.
He starts to clear the dishes.
"People are keeping their spirits up, but most are tired of trying or just afraid to fight," Thomas sighs quietly to the group.
The man who was happily playing with his cards at the side table fumbles at the mention of the kobolds. He rises and gives the new arrivals a sort of knowing look before wrapping himself in his dark green cloak and heading out the door.
Elana shakes her head, "Please, Maelut, it's too late to drag all that into the light now. Let's show your friends some spare rooms and we'll discuss it in the morning."
"Your sister is asleep, but you'll no doubt see her tomorrow," Thomas adds.
"You know the way to the rooms upstairs, the keys are behind the counter still."
.o0(He never used to shirk away from any topic...this needs to stop. And a child hurt? Angelique had better work fast, because if I see a kobold anywhere near the village or my sister...they'll pay.)
"Thank you, I'll show my friends to their rooms."
Taking the keys, he escorts his friends upstairs to the lodging rooms, making sure that they are all quiet as they pass his sister's room.
"Goodnight, and we'll make our plans tomorrow morning."
He makes sure that each one of them finds their room, and gives Angelique an extra warm smile and a hug before saying goodnight.
"Thank you for coming with me, this isn't going to be an easy few days."
"You just hope it is only kobolds acting alone.. "
Ulerian wastes no time and get's a full night's sleep, should nothing prevent it. He is ready before sunrise to begin again. He is found sitting by the previous night's fire, restoked, smoking and sipping hot tea.
"G'Morning, anything I can do to help set up breakfast?"
"Goodmorning everyone."
"I thought we'd show your friends a real country breakfast," Thomas says as he prepares thick slices of ham.
"You could help with the oatmeal. I don't know how long everyone will sleep, but you could start serving whoever is here."
Folk trickle in to the Traveler's Friend, many greeting Thomas or Elana by name. Soon the room is filled with light chatter.
To a side booth, the wizard sees the same man from last night in the dark green cloak, a knapsack and small harp case tucked by his side. He is doing some sort of card trick for an older man. Or it might not be a simple trick as there is some coin on the table. Four cards lay face down on the table and the older man seems to be trying to pick one.
The card player waves both hands over the row of cards as if attempting to help the older man in his selection. Ulerian catches the true purpose of the gesture as a card is deftly flicked into the young man's loose sleeve and replaced by an identical card seemingly out of nowhere just at the moment both open hands cross, concealing the sleight of hand from view.
The older man confidently flips over the card, only to be greeted with a different face. He slams his fist on the table once and lets the younger man scoop up the few of coins.
Ulerian places a few gold pieces in between his thumb and fore finger, and holds them up, waving them about. He stares directly at the man and waves him over if he is noticed.
The man pats the older man at the booth on the shoulder, "Better luck next time, son."
"Son?!" the older man leaves indignantly for the counter to find some food.
The other fellow grabs his harp case and sack and moseys over to Ulerian’s table.
“Hey, there, slick. You look like a guy who knows what he wants. What brings you to our little dive?”
Ulerian gets a closer look at the man’s features. He is of medium height and build, but he walks with a sure swagger. Under the green cloak is a short winter jacket layered over a well-tailored crème-colored tunic and dark breeches. His dirty blond hair is combed nicely, but with a touch of a tousle that looks like an artificial attempt to appear attractively rugged. The figure lets his cool green eyes fall upon the somber mage. They seem to shine against his clean cut, fair face.
“You looking for a spot of entertainment, boss?”
Ulerian places teh money on the table but keeps his hand over it.
.oO(Thats strange, he doesn't seem like the socialble type.)
Boirin focuses his attention on the man and Ulerian. Paying close attention to whats happening.
“The one that’s popular for a quick bit o’ fun is Four Door Mary. You see, I lay out four cards that are the doors, one of them being the queen, Mary. I do a bit of back and forth, and you just got to find her again. The other cards are an ace, an' two tens. If you find the queen, I match your bet and you get it all. On a ten, I get your bet. On a lucky ace, no money changes hands. Added that last bit myself, the folk around here aren't big gamblers like in the cities, and a bit of security is appealing.”
As he speaks, he flips a deck of cards between his two hands, the cards leaping from his left to his right as if attached to invisible strings.
“I know the odds seem in my favor, but really, a sharp pair of eyes beats my hands three out of five,” Devon adds the statistic for effect.
He smiles at Boirin, "You next, boss?"
"Possibly, I'm more fond of games of skill, rather than games of chance, but we'll see."
Turning to Ulerian, he states, “Well most persons around here only deal in coppers and silvers. But I noticed you had a gold or two on you. I think I could match that if you wanted to be so bold.”
He removes his hand leaving two pieces on the table
One by one, Devon flips them over, revealing a colorful image of a sun surrounded by birds which serves as the card backings. He starts moving the cards slowly, crossing them in a circular pattern. So far, so good, Ulerian keeps the queen's position in his head.
“So, you never answered me, why are you folks in town?” Devon asks while shuffling faster and faster.
“It’s pretty cold to be traveling without reason,” his distracting talk continues.
Stopping suddenly, Devon shakes both arms out as if working out a cramp.
“Go on, friend.”
He waves his hands slowly over the cards, “Which is it gonna be?”
Ulerian is fairly sure the queen should be on the far left side now, and he spots no sign of trickery this time, though he cannot be certain.
In Boirin's mind, the queen lies second on the right.
[] [] [] []
.o0(Well, I suppose it's good that they're making some friends.)
"So Dad, how bad has it gotten around here? You looked pretty beaten up last night."
As Boirin speaks he looks up from the cards.
“Pretty bad, son. We’ve been lucky enough to not have had anything serious happen to us specifically, but the raids are hindering the town, like some shadow always on our minds. Sometimes I think I should just stick to running this place as best I can, and leave the rest to others who can do more… but the thing it, there are no others. The elves that you saw last time vanished for the most part. Some are around to lend a hand, but it seems most of their warriors were just passing through.”
“It’s up to us, and that doesn’t sit well. You and your friends seem like you could be a boost to turning things around. I wish I had more information for you, but a lot of the time, we’re caught on the reacting end of things. The kobolds choose the time and place. I don’t know if there’s a way to turn it around. Not many are willing to try to seek out the problem. We all have our own needs to look to,” he pauses.
“Is that Devon over there? I swear if I catch him grifting my customers again, I’ll throw him out myself,” Thomas shakes his head to Maelut.
At this point Maelut’s sister hops down the stairs and spots her brother.
“Maeluutt!” she squeaks and rushes over for an embrace.
His face lights up, and he rushes over to her with open arms.
"I'm so glad to see you! How have you been? Are you still spending time with that lad from the mill? I can't believe how goo you look!"
Maelut's questions quickly become a barrage as he talks with his sister. She responds with her own barrage, and he tells her all about the city and his new job.
Ulerian flips over the suspected card, the one on the left.
"Then I hope you don't run out of luck."
.oO(Inexperianced mage!)
The card is flipped and Devon has a smile on his face as a ten is revealed.
"Aw, tough luck, guy."
He reaches to collect the cards.
Devon's face pales, almost matching Ulerian's complexion.
"Whoa, there, boss," he tries to reason.
Boirin turns over the second card from the right.
Ulerian whispers harshly as he pulls Devon close to him so only he can hear.
"You now know why we are here. You saw us and left quite abruptly after we arrived last evening.. You had better fess up to what you know and who you went to see, or I will make you wish the local authority caught you instead of me!"
He whipsers staring cold, and death like into the cheat's eyes
“H-hey, look, um, alright… Let’s just keep this between us, alright, chief?” he lowers his voice, but there is a slight tremor in his tone that wasn’t there before.
“I don’t know anything in particular about your problem. But I know people who might know something. I…I can help you look for some information. Deal?”
[OoC: Intimidate +4]
Ulerian rises and follows the man, he turns to Borin.
"Stay here.. I will be back shortly... and put that away! Fool.."
"Hold on there, it'll take some doing to find the people, and it'd be a lot better if I went alone. What if I returned here with what I can find out? I have a room here, so I won't be vanishing on you."
"Sorry about my friends, they're a little excitable."
He turns back to his sister.
"So how are you holding up under the pressure?"
Ulerian's tone let's Devon he's not letting him go just yet.
As Maelut speaks to his sister Laura, he notices her eyes wander over to Ulerian's table, following Devon with the hazy smitten look a very young girl can get.
"That will not do my friend. I do not think you will be going anywhere alone until you are a little more truthful. I would hate to give you a chill that fireplace cannot warm.."
Ulerian glares, but remains very calm, and keep his voice down to a low, harsh whisper. The word 'friend' is said with much mockery
He sighs, "Look, nice magic trick, I know a few myself. But I am not trying to be difficult. It really would be a lot faster and avoid questions if I went on my own."
He glances around, "I may not be the perfect citizen here, but I'd like to see those kobolds out of here too."
Devon looks Ulerian in the eyes, "Hinders everyone's business."
"You should hear him play his harp, it's magical. A lot of girls like to watch him play," she says with a tinge of melancholy.
Ulerian's face becomes still as death
"A harpist, eh? Angelique doesn't need a harp with her voice..."
He returns his attention to his sister.
"You have a bit of an...interest...in this gentleman? He has been a gentleman, right?"
.oO(Always going for the bards...)
He sits down and only half listens to the conversation.
"You'd better tell him, he can get nasty sometimes."
Devon looks between Ulerian and Boirin and shrugs.
On the other side of the room, Laura fixes her hair.
"Oh, Maelut, don't be silly. He barely knows I exist, and he probably thinks I'm too young for him."
"Very well .. find out what you can. Come to me before sundown... If you betray me, you will be hunted."
Ulerian waves him off.
As he says this, his voice softens and he chuckles to himself.
.o0(Why is it that the "bad" guys always get the girls?)
Boirin smiles a tad nastily.
"So'll save us both the trouble."
"See you later on," he smiles to Ulerian and then to Boirin.
"I really might need these, but if you insist..." Devon leaves his deck at the table, "I expect that to be waiting for me."
With that, Devon is out the door. A brisk, chill wind wanders in as the door is opened and closed.
Laura watches Devon leave, "He's only five years older than me, brother. When he's thrity-six, I'll be thrity-one and it will be no difference at all."
"Follow him.. find out if he tells the truth.. be careful not to be detected! Hurry.. I will tell the others."
[OoC: Move Silently +7, Hide +6, stays at least 40' away from the bard]
Devon stops in a shop for a few minutes to pick up some wrapped package to place in his pack. Boirin watches him in the shop window from a safe spot across the street. The shop's sign is covered by snow, but Boirin guesses it may be some sort of bakery by the smell.
Leaving this shop behind, Devon marches south toward the edge of town. As the people thin out, Boirin knows he will have a harder time blending with the background.
[OoC: Boirin pulls back to 60' feet from Devon. Spot to see anything for a quick disguise -1.]
The items at hand do not look too promising. Then again, perhaps with the proper adjustments...
Boirin sees they are at the edge of the town now. Soon, there will only be field and farmland. Unluckily for the shadower, it does not look like Devon is headed toward any tree-covered areas.
[OoC: Hasty disguise, +7 plus hasty penelty, now 75' away]
Arriving at a farmhouse down the path, Devon knocks on the door and is welcomed in out of the snow. Boirin limps around the house and finds a side window where he can see Devon conversing with a young man and woman. Devon takes out the wrapped package from his backpack and offers it to the man, who thanks him.
Boirin finds a fence and bush to hide behind, though his fingers and toes start to feel numb.
.oO(I wish my clothes were warmer.)
Breaths on his hands and rubs them together, mindlessly. Carefull to see what happens.
Much time passes, and Boirin's body longs desparately to be warm again.
.oO(Come on hurry the
up! I'm sure they don't want you to sit around and play until the world ends.)With the cutting wind chill, it seems colder than yesterday when the party made the journey to Sorat-Arlon.
There is little around to provide shelter. Just the farmhouse, a locked shed, and the fields.
Finally, the three inside dress up and open the door to leave the house. They start hiking further southward.
Boirin overhears bits of the conversation.
"I think these people mean business," Devon says to the woman, "At least one among them appears to be a conjurer of some sort."
"But do you think they will make a difference?" the woman wearing a thick parka asks.
"I don't know, but I'm going to return with whatever information Matthew has... You sure he's been gathering information of the monsters' movements? The routes they are likely to use?"
"Yes, I'm sure..."
---
[Boirin suffers 2 points nonlethal damage from the cold]
Boirin prepairs to follow the group. He hangs back a bit and then goes on follwoing them, sticking back and trying to remain silent. Prepairing to duck off the road if they turn around.
[OoC: hang back 75' movesilently, and hand.]
Boirin waits, but nothing changes in the scene. He realizes that Devon may very well wait until the end of the day before returning to the Traveler's Friend. In spite of his activity, or perhaps because of it, Boirin finds himself getting cold and hungry by this time.
The cold keeps biting into Boirin, however, as the time goes by. Out here, there is little to break the wind. There are no signs of people leaving the house.
Back at the Traveler's Friend, the morning passes quietly as Maelut is given the opportunity to catch up with his family. His orange sweater makes Laura giggle now and then, but otherwise it is a pleasant respite. As the customers start growing more numerous, Thomas and Elana start readying to roll out the lunch dishes.
---
[Boirin takes another 6 points nonlethal damage from weather]
Boirin starts to head back to the Inn, now moving as quickly as she can without attracting attention.
[OoC: no move silently once hes away from the house.]
Boirin wanders back and as quickly and quietly as he can he trags his walking stick over the tracks. Once everything is in order he heads back to the Inn. This time for sure
Tagg fades away from his trance sometime in the morning. He stands up slowly, and begins to dress, and continues his routine process of a few stretches and finishing up his outfit to its normal state. He proceeds somewhat sluggishly to kill some time before making his way downstairs where he meets with the others and is soon presented with some breakfast.
================
As a few hours wear on after Boirin's departure, Tagg takes the final sip of his now lukewarm beverage, then looks up.
"I wonder if Boirin is ok.."
He muses, more out of curiosity than concern.
"Its bloody cold out there!"
He then walks over to the table and sits down. Collapsing in a chair he undergoes another shivering fit. Still in his begger disguise he pulls his clothes tightly around himself.
"Can I get something hot to drink here, after that some food would be nice."
He smiles a little and nodds to Tagg.
"Good to see your up, I hope you enjoyed your morning more than I did."
"Well, by the looks of it someone ruined your clothing and you were forced to wear this... this cloth thingy you have on."
"Then I would guess that yes, I did have a better morning than you."
He adds a wink at the end.
"Anyways, what happened with Devon?"
"Oh, my disguise for tailing the slimy bugger. Hes up to his gills, that fish."
Boirin drops his voice.
"He deffinatly knows people involved. But we should speak of this when less people are about."
Boirin nods to the crowd of people.
I'm glad you invited me, I don't know what I would do around Garic's witho...
*she trails off, and goes to her room, cheeks flushing. Inside she prepares for her trance and to recover her spells, while basking in the warm glow the hug gave her. She begins her trance, easily slipping into the reflexive mental exercises but they soon give way to a vision of sorts:
"Somehow, kobolds have become peace emmisaries and are sent to the corners of the continent, preaching their peaceful ways. Singing and dancing abound in this world, and a familiar cook keeps popping in and out of scenes carrying cakes and stews. Angeliqué finds herself being taken along by some kobold as they go to a familiar tiny town to bring it joy and happiness."
*awaking with a start, she laughs out loud, before getting ready to come downstairs and finds herself pondering the fact Maelut showed up in her...dream, if that is what it was. Going downstairs, she notices she is the last one down, and Boirin seems to be rather cold, huddling in a corner with an old ragged blanket cast of to one side. Shrugging she goes over to Maelut, and taps him on the shoulder
Morning, how are you? Can I help you with anything?
"Well, we seem to have some juice which needs drinking. Think you could help us out with that?"
"While you were getting your beauty rest, Boirin went out to make some trouble in town. No idea what it's all about, but I'm sure we'll hear about it soon enough. And a singing dragon came by earlier, but you just missed him. Other than that..."
A sharp elbow suddenly appears in Maelut's ribs.
"Oh! This is my sister, Laura. She lives here with my parents and helps them take care of the Traveller's Friend. Laura, this is Angeliqué. She's one of my friends from the city, and is going to help us with the kobolds. And if you're very lucky, she might even sing a little bit too."
"Laura, we'll see you later. We really ought to find out what Boirin and Ulerian have been up to."
Maelut walks with Angeliqué over to where they are sitting.
While Maelut and the others converse, the exquisite smell of food emits from the kitchen. The cooks have begun removing some joints of meat from over the flames. The cooked boar, marinated then cooked in pepper, cinnamon, and wine, provides a delicious aroma.
"C'mon, Maelut," his father calls out, "Let's get some food into all of you before you go about your business!"
Soup follows with plenty of bread, bread baked with walnuts, hazelnuts, and pine nuts worked into the dough, to dunk in the broth. Mead is supplied along with the meal for those who want it. Maelut remembers how sometimes the mead was safer than the water when the river got bad.
"We should head upstairs to one of the more private roooms, it might be smart to not be overheard."
Boirin nods to his companions and heads up to his room, while taking a bite of out of the bread, and a drag from the hot mead. Once in his room he takes a seat on his bed, his feet over the side.
Hello Laura, it is a pleasure to meet you.
*she sees Laura giggle about the orange sweater, and is relieved that she isn't the only one who finds it comical. Going over to Tagg, Boirin, and Ulerian with Maelut she greets them and inquires after their night of rest, being especially nice to Ulerian
"So thats what I learned today."
"Well, it looks that at least he was true to his words. I suggest we wait for him to come back and see if he will give us any more specific information."
"I'm okay with staying inside. Its bloody cold outside."
"It's Devon," a muffled voice says.
"Everyone get ready."
Boirin walks up to the door, and cracks it peering out.
"Hey, there. Got some notes you might be interested in," Devon mentions.
Boirin smiles mirthlessly. He opens the door and motiond Devon in. When Devon is inside he shuts the door and retakes his seat on the bed.
"I got a lead on where you boys can find a good trail of tracks, maybe ten pairs of footprints-" he stops.
"Oh," Devon notices Angeliqué for the first time, "Hello, miss."
He bows to the elf.
"Why would such a pretty girl be traveling with this bunch of ruffians?" Devon steps closer and winks.
"She travels with us because she is our friend. And you'll find she's much less wide-eyed than some of the town girls whose feelings you play with."
"Why don't you just tell us where the tracks are, and then leave us to our business."
"Yah, whose this contact of yours."
Its not a question its a command.
"I don't toy with feelings, sir," he corrects.
A prolonged look between Maelut and Angeliqué follows, but he is soon grinning slyly again.
Boirin's tone makes Devon turn, "You people could learn a thing or two about courtesy too."
"My friend Matthew is downstairs, he said he would take you to the tracks, but he won't be following you further. You need to go west of town."
"Thank you. We'll come downstairs when we're ready. I don't think you need to be here, do you?"
Devon looks a bit dismayed at the way the two men are talking above him. With a sigh, Devon nods. He takes one more step toward Angeliqué, sidestepping Maelut's post.
"I wish we could exchange more words. It's such a shame for us to part. But you know what they say, the more fleeting the flower..."
He crosses his hands at the palms and hooks his thumbs, waving his fingers together to make a bird in flight.
"The sweeter the smell."
Moving the shadow puppet bird toward Angeliqué, he breaks his hands aparts in a flash while humming a few zestful bars. A rose drifts into Angeliqué's hand from out of thin air. Upon examination, she sees it is actually a fragile likeness of a rose made of what seems to be folded red paper.
Devon bows his head, more to Angeliqué than her companions.
"We shall await you downstairs, then."
He quickly exits the room, not breaking his stride as he scoops up his possessions, as if he expects retaliation for his flirtations.
"Neat trick."
Boirin sits on the bed and scratches his beard, lost in thought.
Ulerian stands in the corner of the room, staff in hand.
Boirin stands and gathers his things.
.oO( Ruffians? And he wants us to show him courtesy? )
.oO( Matthew.. I'll remember that name.. I wish Boirin would have explained what he specifically overheard, it would make piecing this together a little easier... )
.oO( Hm.. appparently Boirin thinks ill of this Matthew? All the more to be suspicious.. Although I suppose a "contact" of this questionable Devon is reason enough to be suspicious... )
"Yes I think we should take a look at these tracks."
Tagg begins to put on the rest of his equipment before following Maelut downstairs, and takes a scan of the room for Matthew, and once spotted he takes a careful look at him.
He croons:
"She calls me from the cold
Just when I was low, feeling short of stable
And all that she intends
And all she keeps inside, isn't on the label."
"She says she's ashamed
And can she take me for awhile
And can I be a friend, we'll forget the past
But maybe I'm not able
And I break at the bend..."
Making eye contact, Devon exaggerates a strum of his hand to point to a side table.
"We're here and now, but will we ever be again
'Cause I have found
All that shimmers in this world is sure to fade
Away again..."
"She dreams a champagne dream
Strawberry surprise, pink linen and white paper
Lavender and cream
Fields of butterflies, reality escapes her
She says that love is for fools who fall behind
And I'm somewhere in between
I never really know
A killer from a savior
'Til I break at the bend..."
There sits a man who looks like he was born in the wilderness settling a snare for game or chopping a tree for firewood.
"It's too far away for me to hold
It's too far away...
Guess I'll let it go."
Matthew is a gruff looking man, maybe in his mid twenties. Heavy stubble covers his chin and cheeks. He is clad in a warm winter coat, trimmed with fur, fraying pants, and sturdy boots. A hunting knife hangs at his side.
"Hello," Matthew says in a coarse voice that sounds like gravel rubbing together, "So you're going after those things in the wood?"
It's hard to hear him over Devon's voice. Matthew lifts his cap to scratch his head, revealing short and curly brown hair.
"It's mighty cold today. There's no shame in turning back if you can't find anything on the first outing. It took me many a hike to even find the trail I'm gonna show you."
*opening her mouth to give him a piece of her mind, she is interrupted by both Maelut and Boirin and doesn't get a word in edgewise until she is shocked again to find a rose in her hands. Left speechless, mouth agape as he leaves, she looks at the rose then puts it on the side table, not really sure how to react to that
*she heads downstairs with the rest, sort of hiding behind the bigger men and trying not to even look at Devon, but she can appreaciate his voice. Sitting at the table where Matthew is she listens to him, while waiting for the discussion on the day's course of action
The hunter takes his seat and a draft of his mead.
"So we have to go west. Past the farms there and heading towards the woods. A piece of the trail starts there, but I'm not sure where it leads, into the forested area I'd guess."
"I'm ready to leave whenever you all are," he nods in a surly manner.
"We should leave at first light, we'll move quickly in the day and the sun should keep us warm. And besides, the light keeps away the dark, if you know what I mean."
"I should probably get something warmer that my current clothes and armor to wear. When we were out last I have froze to death."
Maelut goes over to his mother.
"Do you think you might have some warm clothes lying around for my friends to borrow?"
"I was told that I needed ta get here before sundown, and I assumed you'd be wanting to leave right away if you were after those creatures. If you want to find them, they are usually only seen after the dark."
He shrugs a tired shrug.
"I have business to attend to, I'm not paid to be a guide. Unless you're willing to make it worth my time."
"I think we have a few old coats in the cellar, but they aren't in the best condition..."
She calls, "Laura? Why don't you go down and bring up the old coats you can find."
"Okay, Mother," Laura disappears into the hallway.
Maelut turns back to the group.
"Well then, we leave at daybreak."
He walks over to sit by Angeliqué, bringing with him two cups of cider.
"How are you enjoying our little vacation?"
Meanwhile, Laura returns with three old coats. Brown with padded layers and hoods, the garments appear quite warm, though there are holes and tears here and there. Also, one of the coats seems particularly dingy.
"Here you go," Laura comments.
Judging by the thickness, one can tell that wearing the coats will hamper movement, especially if it is worn over armor of any sort.
"I suppose you aren't willing to wait around until tomorrow. We had better get going, then. Travelling in the dark is no fun, as we've already found out."
Ulerian bundles up and awaits the group outside
The hunter steps to the door while the others are deciding if they wish to risk the heavy and dirty coats.
The cold wind outside doesn't seem to faze him.
"So what's your deal?" Matthew asks of Ulerian while eyeing the mage up and down.
"No.. not literally.. small talk.."
He speaks up.
"I am here to help of course.. and yourself?"
"The raids around here don't help us simple folk carving out an honest living. If Devon says you might be able to do something about it, I'll lend a hand for a smidge," Matthew replies.
"No skin off my teeth today."
He puts on his gloves as he finishes speaking.
Ulerian adds with a touch of malice.
"I'll lead you to the tracks, about half an hour's walk. I don't know how far they go on after that. Hopefully one of you fellers can follow them."
"I am ready."
He says as he pats his shortsword.
"Let's be off."
"All set."
Once under the shadows of the trees, Matthew turns the group north, the direction in which the wooded zone grows wider.
Birds caw and whistle back and forth in the semi-barren canopy above. Tagg discerns where to walk to best use the trees to break the wind, helping to keep the young band a little warmer. Boirin finds his coat a good deal warmer, but it also reeks of something he can't quite put his finger on.
Underfoot, the snow is not quite so thick in many spots, where hard earth and dead leaves can be seen through the frosted blanket. No signs of movement other than that of the party is spotted.
It is a beautiful grove, though, to anyone who appreciates the clean natural state of it. The sun is low in the sky, but it still manages to pierce the winter foliage and filter in as a multitude of hazy shafts of light.
"Over here," Matthew instructs, ushering Maelut and the others down a bit of a ravine.
Near the bottom, past a few fallen logs and an area of brambles, Matthew points out the trail. In the snow and dirt, there is a definite series of marks. Tagg knows them as the tracks they saw before entering Sorat-Arlon. He makes out ten or eleven pairs of prints. Their stride indicates a run, and they lead north along the bottom of the shallow ravine.
"If that's that, I'll be leaving you to your means," Matthew wipes his nose with the back of his ragged glove.
.oO(Boy, what an eye opener.)
Boirin looks around a little, his glance falls on Tagg.
"Where, to?"
Ready when you lot are!
*she walks out cheerfully with the rest, not even looking at Devon, but waving goodbye to Maelut's parents and sister. As they walk along, she sings a light tune to keep spirits up and the cold away. As they get into the forest she quietens down, not wanting to advertise their presence any more than neccessary, and just watches the path ahead and to the sides
How much further Matthew?
*her question is answered almost immediately as they enter the grove, then clamber down the ravine. Peering at the ground and not seeing what obviously is interesting Tagg, she looks around then up at the trees above, looking for the birds that are making the noises
The wind and cold do not relinquish their grip on the forest. Angeligué especially finds herself feeling worn down by the shivering despite her thick cloak. She catches glimpses of the birds above a few times, blackbirds and a chickadee.
Another hour of deciphering the sometimes camouflaged trail puts the group among taller trees and signs of frozen bog here and there. By this time, the cold has worn on others in the group, seeping through their winter clothing and numbing their extremities slightly. Notwithstanding Tagg's knowledge of where to walk and how to break the wind, Maelut and Ulerian find themselves fatigued noticeably.
The ranks of trees thicken as the five progress. Dried winter red berries adorn a couple of mountain ash in bundles, providing blots of color to the stark panorama. Coming to a break in the trees, Tagg is able to spot where the trail leads over snow-covered ice, a possible trap. It may just be a forest stream, but it is hard to tell due to the concealment. How far does it stretch, how wide and how deep, are questions the ranger cannot tell visually.
---
[Angeliqué takes 5 points nonlethal damage from cold, Maelut suffers 4 points, Ulerian suffers 3 points, all three are fatigued]
"Sip of wiskey for the cold?"
Yes-s-s, please. I-I-I'd love som-m-me.
*she grins at hearing the stutter and swallows a few times then exercises her jaw, working some heat into it
Much better, no more stammer. I'd love a d-d-drop Boirin.
*giving him a resigned smile at not conquering the cold in her jaw, she merely extends her hand and looks pitiful
"Theres not much of that left, but its defeninately strong. Almost 100 years old. Good Ironmug Firebeard wiskey..."
Boirin trails off as he looks around as they walk.
You can ... actually drink ... ... that?
*Angeliqué shakes her heas a few times and wipes the tears away while speeding up to fall into step with Maelut, one and a half stides of hers to one of his
"Elves."
Tagg gives a small grunt of frustration as he comes across the icy obstacle. Drawing his cloak closer together to ward off the cold, he closes his eyes and waits for a moment, then turns back to the group to give them a report, muscles taking in a fresh twinge of cold with each movement. He notices many of them are getting quite uncomfortable with the weather as well. Before bothering them with a report of what lays in front of them, he takes a scan of the area to see if he can spot anything that might pose as shelter against the unforgiving wind.
Ulerian's mood is less cynical and he's moving slower than usual.
"Yes.. that big tree over there might be able to help shield the wind.."
He tries to make his explanation brief and to the point to conserve energy. His eyes veer over to Angelique who seems to be having the most difficulty faring against the cold.
"We should try warming up a bit before continuing.. "
"Maelut do you think you'd be able to try making a fire for us?"
"This might attract some company, but this weather is probably more dangerous than anything that might need to share the fire's warmth."
Seeing Angelique shivering, he takes the blanket out of his backpack and wraps it around her, bringing her close to the fire.
"Just try to stay warm, once you're ready we'll start moving again."
OoC: Prestidigitation to evoke flames from fingertips (Tome and Blood details this use of the spell)
Boirin digs around in his pack for something, and promptly produces a set of flint and steel. He then digs around some more and produces a vial of lantern oil.
"Hay Tagg, I'm not to good at starting fires, but I do have the stuff would you mind trying first."
"Well...I thought it might work. I guess I still have a lot to learn. These tracks we're following must lead to somewhere with shelter. Kobolds aren't fans of cold weather either. Once we've warmed up a bit, we should keep going as quickly as possible."
"Yes, I suppose we should get moving if we are unable to get anything going here, but I'll try one last time..."
Tagg accepts Boirin's tools, and bends down to the wood. He puts them down next to the wood, and goes to retrieve a dfferent piece. Taking a knife from his belt, he begins to try shaving off a few thin wood layers to form a more potent bedding. After placing a couple handfuls of shavings onto the main log, he carefully pours a little bit of the oil onto it, then takes the flint and steel and tries to start a flame on the wood, positioning his back against the wind to try lessening the chances of its interference.
Thank you."
Tagg shifts around in his cloak irritably, trying toget into a position where he could seek refuge from the cold but is unable to find any. Giving up after a few moments, he comments to the rest, sensing they all are as uncomfortable, or in some cases, worse, than him.
"All that's left is to keep moving I guess, since there is nothing around here that could help us, and it would be best if we can find some kind of shelter before nightfall."
The remark slips out, and Maelut catches it only after he realizes what Angeliqué's response will be.
"I mean, that is to say that I'm sure they would help us make a fire...since we have Angeliqué here to help us all get along."
.oO( Heh.. )
As the group assembles to keep going, he takes a few steps upwards towards the odd formation he had been stumped on earlier and gives the delayed report.
"Well, I guess it is going to be a little difficult to do any of this.. This is one of the reasons we stopped."
He indicates the icy crossing with his hand.
"It might just be a frozen-over stream, but I'm not sure... it could be a trap left for us I suppose."
"Whatever it is, I have little idea of where it leads or how deep it is. Whatever it is, the things we're following managed to get across it, but I don't know how heavy they are or if the area was exactly like this when they crossed."
Boirin walks on over, with an easy stroll, hands in jacket pockets. He then looks around for any signs of a trap. He digs out his thieve's tools absentmindedly as he looks.
[OoC: Search +8 for traps]
Walking along the edge eastward for several strides, Boirin can just make out where the stream seems thinner, though it must still be at least ten feet wide.
---
"It would appear to be ice, but I doubt if it will hold our weight. We best find another way 'round."
Boirin says at the thinner section of the river.
"We might be able to pass here."
Maelut goes to where Boiring indicated and attempts to cross quickly.
He is fast, but physics catches up with him in a heartbeat. The ice underfoot gives way in a series of cracks, and Maelut finds himself waist deep in water that is colder than a naked arctic gale at night. As more ice fractures around the splash made by the cook, he is bludgeoned with a dual sensory overload: first an exhilarating high as the ice water permeates his boots and pants, and then a shocking, burning pain as the nerves in his lower half are ravaged.
---
[Maelut suffers 5 points nonlethal damage and is in the water about half way out]
"Boirin looks around and grabs the nearest long sturdy stick and attempts to help Maelut out of the water.
"Maelut grab the stick!"
"I th-th-think we need t-to head b-b-b-back t-to the Inn-nn."
"First lets get you out of those wet clothes they'll do you no good frozen."
Boirin helps Maelut get out of his clothes and into Boirin's set of dry ones. Once Maelut is in dry clothes he grabs his bedroll and wraps it around the fighter. He then pulls out his flask and hands it to Maelut saying,
"Drink."
"Disaster without even having to talk down our foes.."
He adds mockingly
Can you still feel your feet? Will you be able to walk?
The closest buildings Maelut knows are the farmhouses outside of town just before the forest. Those are still a good two hours the way they came on foot however, and the sky is darkened overhead.
"Hold this!! Carefully... I will start a fire since our woodsmen seem to be having issues!"
He quickly produces a small, silver dagger and cuts the branches from some evergreen undergrowth. He hands these to Borin
"Get all the snow off of these. all of it."
He hands to Tagg a small candle, mustly burned away from one of his various pouches.
"Shave small slivers like you did with the wood from the outside edges, leave the wick intact in the wax. It must function after you have butchered it. Keep it all dry. Also cut more slivers fron the wood that has been semi dried from the earlier flames. "
He turns to the entire group now. "I must use something, of my own, that is of great value to me, and very precous and costly. If we live to see any monetary gain from this failing expedetion I will expect full payment on my personal materials used before we split anything we find. I assume since we are all of relatively good nature, and our captian's life depends on it, none of you would object. Now, gather small limbs, dead ones, and as dry as possible and give them to me here. Not you lady, tend to him."
He smooths out a place in the snow, with his boot, and dagger if need be, for them to pile the brush. After all the tasks are done, he opens his spell book, and after taking a few deep breaths, he tears 5 pages out of the back of it. These pages contain no writings. Crumbling them into balls, he places them on a small pile of twigs, with his candle upright in the middle. Then he adds the slivers of wax and wood to this, and then the evergreen branches. finally he adds the other gathered wood. He speaks a few words and blows softly on the candle. It's wick lights and soon after the paper......
"Pray my friends, this works..."
{cast that Presdingythingy spell}
He smiles as it manages to maintain its form stably. He basks in the warmth for a few moments, grateful for any heat they could manage to produce.
After the group has warmed up for a few minutes, he notes the sky is darkening.
"Gah.. it will be impossible to head back to the inn before nightfall, and any travel will be difficult.... I am sure the temperature will get even lower. Unfortunately we cannot stay here comfortably for the night either. I'm thinking our best bet is to keep following the tracks and perhaps find shelter ahead."
After his suggestion he looks back up at the sky, attempting to read the clouds and formations hopefully to determine if the weather will be agreeable for them to continue travelling.
[ooc=Survival check to try and predict the upcoming weather.]
Edit:for clarity
As the sun sets beyond the view of the trees, the light of the fire seems that much brighter. The flickering orange and rust tones with which the flames highlight their surroundings add tinge of sobriety to the atmosphere. The dwindling, gentle radiance hints at how we are all burning; the warmth of a newborn, the fever of our passions, the last heated breath of a dying man.
As the five companions try to retain their own heat among the pine and ash, the maze-like quality of the forest becomes more apparent. As dusk arrives, the uneven rows of trees look as if they stretch on in all directions.
"Okay, we have fire. What do we do now?"
Even to his own ears, his voice seems dull and muted by the opressive silence of the woods. Noticing he is out of wood, he goes out and gets more wood to carve and toss into the flames.
Ulerian draws forth his pipe, packs it and smokes as he shivers.
The words seem hollow in his ears. He continues to toss the sticks into the fire after he has shaved away the old, wet bark.
Maelut turns to Angelique and asks her quietly,
"If you have any ability to heal up some of the frostbite I've gotten, I would be immensely grateful."
---
[OoC: Note damage from cold can't be healed by cure spells, one has to get out of the cold to recover, a tent would work as well]
In the new position, the elves can make out the features of a small creature with a snout and reptilian features, a kobold like the one they saw before. This one is wrapped in tattered layers of rags and furs. It sneers to reveal gleaming canines.
.oO( Do you think it knows I saw it? )
He whispers to his nearby companions, moving his mouth as little as possible.
"..There is a kobold over in that bush.. its watching us.. I'm not sure if it knows we saw it.. "
He keeps his eyesight from veering over to the figure save a slight glance here and there to check if it is staying in the same position.
wispering
[OoC: Bluff +8, to duisguise actions, spot -1 to notice kobolds]
"Do NOT shoot it. One of you follow it to it's lair.. It may very well be our only shot out of this mess. Go now!"
Turning to Ulerian and glaring.
"Angelique, talk to it! This may be our only chance. And Boirin, you're more than welcome to shoot it, but only to protect us. It's the only link we have to where their camp is."
It replies to the mage in an erratic cadence of yips and hisses barely audible from the party’s position.
”Gra... NOthing tO sAY to you... sstinkING... Your fiRe and sssteel...”
The kobold twitches, ”Death ssoon...GAh. Hsss.”
It starts to back away another step. Only Ulerian and Angelique grasp the kobold’s vocalizations.
Ulerian says in the same language and steps forward
"Tagg.. after him.. let him lead us to the lair!"
"Translate.."
He mutters under his breath to Ulerian before proceeding to state his ultimatem.
"Do not take one more step! Tell us where the rest of your group is sheltered if you wish to keep your life!"
Tagg takes a few more steps closer to the kobold, keeping the bow straight ahead.
---
"Tagg lets go, quickly but quietly, I think we will need to jump the river."
"GO! It is leaving.. soon it will be out of sight"
[OoC: Jump +2]
Kicking up a small cloud of dirt and snow, Boirin falls into a running start at the stream's narrow point. He finds a good grip for his boot right before he takes off and clears the ten odd feet to land on the other side. Boirin lowers in a crouch to keep his balance. The stream does not seem such a big obstacle from this side.
"Let us hope they are better hunters than firebuilders."
He smiles a little and begins gathering his things, and is soon ready to go.
Tagg’s elven vision guides him by the distant firelight and the moon and stars. The trail is fresh, and he follows with a hunter’s precision. Boirin follows suit with the gleam off his crossbow at the ready.
They come upon a bit of a clearing where Tagg can spot the tracks leading toward something of a depression in the ground. Getting within thirty feet, Tagg can see what appears to be a camouflaged and covered dugout. Brambles and a flap of something obscure the certainty of an entrance.
---
Back at the declining campfire, Ulerian, Maelut, and Angeliqué look around for another way to get across, having been chilled to the point that running would be difficult. Surrounding them are the fallen logs they are using as a windbreak, random stones, and plenty of snow and frozen soil. There is a sense in the air that Angeliqué's pacifist policy may be tested soon enough.
"We must ford the stream, and I cannot leap like our hunters. Perhaps we could lean a log across. I cannot lift one large enough be myself..Ideas?"
"If we can move these into position over the river, and use some of the bigger stones to steady them, we could create a makeshift bridge for the three of us. If we hurry, we might be able to catch up to the others."
By the time the trio finishes their project, a very distant squeaking sound is discernible by Ulerian. Too irregular to be mechanical, the noise almost sounds like laughter.
---
Boirin boldly heads toward the concealed mound. He can not see much ahead of him as he approaches his goal. Boirin is quiet, but before he can reach his destination, something goes awry. As he nears within five feet of the flap of hide, that's what he thinks it must be, that marks the spot, he feels his foot catch on something.
The sound of twine pulling taunt and a quick clicking noise alerts him that something is very wrong. His experience with traps warns him to duck, but not soon enough, as an array of spikes zips though the air with a menacing whistle.
The darts rip into a few places on Boirin's frame, piercing his flesh on his left side above his knee, at his bicep, and in the space between his shoulder guard and studded chest armor. He stumbles back a step at the impact of the rusted metallic shards.
Something like a distant reverberating and haunting cackling, like the sound of a rusty wheel turning, echoes from one or more indistinct locales.
---
[Boirin takes 5 points of damage]
Current HP: Ang: 9/9* (4/9 nonlethal), Boi 11/16, Mae 24/24* (15/24 nonlethal), Tag 21/21, Ule 8/8* (5/8 nonlethal)
*fatigued (-2 Str/Dex, can't run)
Area Map
[The mound with the camouflaged hide flap is in 10L. It is about 2 feet tall and looks like a natural bump.
Boirin is in 10K, Tagg is in 10G. "Massive trees" occupy the entire square. "Trees" are thin trees and assorted branches and shrubs, and a character can occupy the same square. The others are to the left and would arrive in spaces 11A-9A]
"I here them laughing.. an ambush or a trap perhaps.. That way! I will catch up soon enough.."
Ulerian points the other two towards the nasty cackling and begins as fast as he is able given the trama his body has been through.
The noises that carried on the wind cease as they move through the undergrowth.
After a few minutes of wandering, guided by Angeliqué's eyes, the three of them catch sight of Boirin and Tagg in a copse of trees ahead.
---
[Everyone is now around 10G]
]Tagg turns his head and looks shocked as Boirin falls victim to the trap. Muttering an elven curse under his breath he runs a quick scan with his eyes, noting that the spikes managed to hit nothing vital. His heart rate begins to quicken. Picking his bow up near firing level, he holds the string taut with arrow in place.
The ranger quickly begins to look around, eyes attempting to pierce the foliage for any signs of the kobolds. He hears the slight rustling of leaves as the other three of the party come to join them, but disregards their presence to keep concentration.
[ooc=Spot to try and see any kobolds or unusual things in the environment]
Angeliqué tugs on Tagg's arm, asking him to lower his bow.
"I am not a healer but the Hightower has given me some things to aid us... Here drink this."
Speaking quietly to himself he searches in his pack. He produces a vail and hands it to Borin as he places his hand on Borin's shoulder to give him support.
"We must keep you in good order...Now, did you find the lair?"
"Thanks, there over..."
He clears his throught
"There over there. In that bunker thing. Theres a trip wire so be careful."
Ulerian adds with a narrow eyed grin.
The forest stands in silence and still no sign of anyone besides the company of five.
The sound of a bird fluttering from a tree behind the group creates a distraction in the quiet nightfall. Tagg catches sight of the bird, a Reisian waxwing if he’s not mistaken, as it takes off into the night.
---
[Boirin heals 5 points of damage]
Current HP: Ang: 9/9* (4/9 nonlethal), Boi 16/16, Mae 24/24* (15/24 nonlethal), Tag 21/21, Ule 8/8* (5/8 nonlethal)
*fatigued (-2 Str/Dex, can't run)
"Talk to them? Inside are the tormentors of your village and what is likely a bit more hospitable enviroment than out here. Even if it is filled with little bloodthirsty beasts, At least there will be shelter, and possibly resolution to your people's problem.."
Ulerian shivers in contempt
He looks with concern at Angeliqué.
"I just know what they're capable of. I'm just trying to protect us."
No reply.
Angeliqué asks, “Hello?” in Draconic again.
“I will not fight you!”
Laughter. Vague, crazed snickering like the shrill creaking of a rusty gate. Many slurred, animal-like voices seeming to come from the ground itself.
Ulerian stands leaning on his staff, frosty breath pipeing from his nose.
"That was really effective."
"Okay, I say Tagg and I head in, me in front to look for traps, everyone with ranged weapons. Then Ulerian follows behind with Angelique in front of him and Maelut heading in last. This way if it comes down to accual combat the mage and our 'negotiator' will be out of the way."
"Then once we get a feel for the surroundings we head into the bunker and kill anything that moves, since obviously they aren't interested in talking."
"On second thought maybe Tagg should go in front 'cuz my sight isn't to wonderful at night."
Maelut slides back the lockpiece on his crossbow, the sound of metal and wood locking into place giving him confidence.
He watches silently as Angelique makes the yipping noises that are apparently a language trying to communicate with the kobolds.
.oO( Ha... let them go.. After what they've put us through.. I'm somewhat surprised Maelut wouldn't want to just tear through that bunker and at least rough the buggers up a bit..)
He gives a small shiver and grimaces as he pulls his cloak tighter together again.
.oO( Although I suppose I understand his claim that we might not be at our best performance in the cold.. And obviously they have adapted to this environment, what with the walking around wearing nothing short of a rag. We might be at somewhat of a disadvantage in combat. Although Maelut suggests they aren't much of fighters.)
After his own thoughts, he zones back into the scene, hearing that Angelique has finished her tries and diplomacy, and the snickering of kobold laughter.
He turns to her after the failed attempt.
"As much as you may want to avoid it, I think this is proof that these things are not going to agree peacably with your words... I suppose we won't necessarily engage the combat, but if they show any signs of endangering our own safety, I..."
He looks around and remembers the words of Ulerian and Boirin
"We if I may speak on behalf of most of our party... will not be holding our punches. We have seen already how they seem to show carelessness towards life. We wouldn't want any of us to get hurt, would we?"
He ends the serious speech letting the last sentence soften in tone.
After letting the words sink in, he listens to the others' plans and nods.
"Yes.. let's go."
Tagg keeps his bow at his side, not bothering to keep an arrow in the string for it would not take long to draw it if need be.
Darkness and deeper darkness, an eerie passage to another world. More than anything, it resembles the maw of some half-buried beast. Some noise can be heard echoing within, and the visible moisture rising from the mouth reeks of blood and refuse. If the entrance is any indication, the tunnel is sized for creatures smaller than a man. One would have to hunch over to move through the space ahead.
"It would be nice to be a halfing.. for once."
"Maybe there is another entrance. If we can find it we can start a fire and smoke them out."
Ulerian follows Tagg and prepares to enter the hole
Boirin pulls out his lantern and lights it. Then follows the party into the hole.
Warily climbing down the squat shaft, Tagg sees the tunnel continues forward for a fair distance. It is less than five feet wide and only four feet tall at its highest. It would take some feat of Elven dexterity to even attempt to use a longbow here. With the backdrop lighting provided by Boirin, Tagg can make out a right-angle branch of the tunnel to his right about fifteen feet ahead. From around that turn, the elf picks up definite, raggedy breathing noises.
When Tagg turns his attention back in front of him, he sees the reflected red glow of two pairs of narrowed eyes. With a bit of squinting, Tagg distinguishes the outlines. A duo of diminutive figures, snarls on their lizard-dog-like faces, wild light in their demented demeanor. The glint of something sharp plays in the hand of the front kobold. It twitches and seems to shake with restrained amusement… or madness.
The lead creature does not advance on Tagg, however, and just creeps side to side defensively. The whizzing sound and motion behind the kobold indicates to Tagg the presence of some sort of sling. The jagged little individual in front hisses in a low speech that Tagg can only assume is a threat.
---
[Tagg 10Lb, others around 10La, tunnel leads from 10Lb to the left, with a branch at 10Jb leading north (up), visible kobolds in 10Hb (1) and 10Ib (2)
b=below
a=above
Initiative:
Tagg 18
Boirin 14
Kobold (1) 8
Kobold (2) 8
Maelut 7
Ulerian 5
Angeliqué 4
Tunnel is cramped for M sized creatures, each square costs 2 squares of movement to enter and attack rolls are at -4]
.oO( Er.. too tight a fit... at least the cold doesn't rech us quite as much down here. )
Tagg keeps moving through the tunnel, and stops to look at the figures in front of him until they become apparrent, wielding the primitive weapons and laughing. Instinctively he takes an arrow from his quiver and in one swift motion fits it to the string of his bow and points it at the front kobold before it has a chance to react.
"Put the weapons down!"
Figuring that since the group would not be able to combat well in the tight tunnel and in the line formation, he tries to scare the kobolds into surrender.
[OoC: Draw arrow to shortbow, point at kobold, Intimidate +5 untrained (+1 Cha +4 size difference) I think shortbow should be fairly manageable in the tunnel, being only about 2 feet long?]
Meanwhile, Tagg hears the scratching of claws on the cold earth to his right. He is now at the intersection of the tunnel with the right angle branch. Down that dark turn-off, which goes for about fifteen feet before crooking a right hand turn, Tagg barely catches sight of three more pairs of glassy crimson eyes.
---
[Tagg in 10Jb in order to Intimidate (standard action), Kobolds in 10Ib and 10Hb still, but Tagg also sees Kobolds at 8Jb, 7Jb, and 7Kb, firing bow or leaving threatened square next turn will provoke AoO]
[OoC: Ready attack Vs. Movement]
She provides light as best she can from her position.
As Tagg is still threatening the kobold before him, Boirin scuttles into position behind the elf, weapon at the ready. The confined space does not hinder the operation of his crossbow, but the awkward stance Boirin is forced into makes his aim unsure.
Not heeding the increased threat, the forward creature lunges into a series of uneasy thrusts at Tagg with its cutting edge. In mid-motion the kobold is forced to duck a shot fired by Boirin. The bolt travels past the kobold’s shoulder to embed somewhere in the wall as Tagg is forced to sidestep the kobold’s assault. Fortunately, the knife fails to pierce Tagg’s studded leather shirt, and the kobold spins back a step to recover its balance. It shouts something in annoyance.
Simultaneously, the hum of sling stones fills the air. One from the slinger behind the kobold with the blade, one from down the right-hand tunnel. Like propelled bees, they buzz past Tagg while he is fighting off the kobold. Dirt explodes where a stone strikes the tunnel wall. They have no time to check, but neither Tagg nor Boirin feel any stinging thumps. They are forced to continue to dance with the kobolds in the confined space.
[OoC:Attack if possible.]
Boirin can't reach melee with kobolds this turn with Tagg in front. Maelut, Ulerian, Angeliqué still to act. But post when you can, and I'll slot it together.]
"I can speak to them.. "
He awaits their next words and transulates for the group in the hole.
.oO( Damn.. it looks like there's a few more of these things in here than we thought.. lets hope they can't maneuever through this tunnel better than we can.)
.oO( Whoa! )
As he avoids the attack from the kobold, he drops the bow, holding the arrow in hand. He slides it into the quiver and uses the same hand to veer over to the other side of his shoulder and draw his blade. Meanwhile, his other hand darts toward the holster on his belt. Taking the blades he does his best to fend off the kobold in the cramped space.
[OoC: Drops shortbow, draw scimitar + shortsword (for most part free actions because of Quick Draw), attack kobold that tried to hit me, +0 on both attacks, 1d6+1 for both]
"Kill them!" "Forward!" "Die!"
Some voices come from further back in the darkness but not much is coherent.
Angeliqué holds the lantern in the entrance to stream modest light into the first leg of the tunnel without dropping on top of Ulerian in the cramped space.
"What's happening?" she asks Ulerian.
She adds, the timbre of her voice imparting a growing sense of powerlessness, "Stop the fighting. Tell them to come out, I'll take the light away!"
"You stay here, and don't take away the light! Our friends need it, and the last thing we want to do is give the kobolds an advantage."
Back within the confines of the tenebrous burrow, Tagg continues to exchange slashes and parries with his smaller foe. The scaly face of the kobold gnarls in anger as it ducks under a series of truncated swipes from Tagg's scimitar and sidesteps the elf's dancing, straighter blade. Tagg finds his natural movements restricted by the earth surrounding him.
Ulerian says back up through the hole. He stays behind Tagg and watches their rear for oncoming trouble.
Sling bullets fly in from two angles, one grazing off Tagg’s shoulder with no effect, the other buzzing past his face. Perhaps because of the distraction of the shots, Tagg finds himself leaving an opening in his forest of blades that he cannot react to cover fast enough. The kobold hops sideway and pushes off the tunnel wall at an angle to propel itself into a thrust. The serrated edge of the knife nicks Tagg on the side of his torso as the kobold recovers in a roll to continue their melee. It shakily licks the blood off its knife.
Topside, Maelut holds his torch aloft, emitting fiery light into the shadows of the trees. The cook walks toward the direction Angeliqué noticed the noise. Nothing catches Maelut’s eyes at first but a lucky glimpse of an irregularity in the ground profile enlightens his search. At the base of a massive tree, mostly covered by a mesh net of string and leaves, is a smaller gap in the ground.
---
[Tagg takes 1 point of damage; Maelut finds tunnel entrance at 11C]
Boirin curses at the close quaters and loads his crossbow again trying to get a shot in on the kobalds.
Freezing his assault momentarily as the kobold manages to get a hit on him. He scowls at the small agitator.
Figuring that the tunnels are not allowing enough space to very efficiently wield the two swords, he quickly shoves the scimitar back into its sheath. Alternating the short sword from his left hand to his right, he pulls it back then jumps forward, plunging the sword forward towards the kobold.
[ooc: put scimitar away, attack with short sword, +2 to attack, 1d6+2]
{casts Light on the end of the staff}
The kobold behind the lead one loads its primitive sling. Turning to his right, Tagg sees the creatures down that passage also bearing arms. The many red eyes, glowing off the new light, stare into the elf.
”DRiVe thEM back… NoT aFRaid…” Ulerian is able to translates.
Seeing the scaled critter fall, Boirin loads and raises his crossbow to seek out a target. Letting loose a bolt, he finds his line of sight crisp and decisive. In a blur, the missile streaks past Tagg to lodge in the skull of the second kobold ahead. It falls over, dead before it hits the ground.
A kobold from down the right route screeches and sets free a lead shot which whistles right into Tagg’s temple, staggering his senses for a second. If the kobold’s arm had been stronger, Tagg hesitates to think what might have been the result. As it is, the bullet leaves a slight trickle of blood as its mark. Another shot follows from the same direction but collides uselessly against the tunnel wall.
---
[Tagg takes 4 points of damage]
Current HP: Ang: 9/9* (4/9 nonlethal), Boi 16/16, Mae 24/24* (15/24 nonlethal), Tag 16/21, Ule 8/8* (5/8 nonlethal)
*fatigued (-2 Str/Dex, can't run)
"Tagg I can't get in take a couple steps forward."
[ Reload, when Tagg moves I do then I fire. I realise these actions will take me into the next round.]
[OoC: put away short sword, pick up shortbow, draw arrow to bow (with quick draw, and within reason of how much can be free, maybe all this would count as a move action?), fire at kobold in.. dont know the numbers, but its the one down the tunnel to the north of Tagg on the Plan Map, if north counts as directly Up.]
Despite the poor firing conditions, Tagg homes in on a pair of blood-hued eyes down the north burrow and lets his arrow fly. With a whoosh like a diving bird of prey, the arrow spirals through the space and drives into the next kobold's abdomen. It slouches to one side on the ground, no longer drawing breath.
In retaliation, the duo of kobolds in the same passage release their bombardment. Though Tagg twists his body out of the line of fire, endeavoring avoid contact, the kobolds' shots strike him almost simultaneously. One bullet finds its mark on Tagg's knee, which sends some pain shooting up the leg nerve, but the other lands in the sensitive fleshy part of the elf's throat. Tagg cannot help but cough roughly as it feels like something has been choking him.
During this exchange, Boirin pulls back on his crossbow to reload it and readies to fire into the corridor.
---
[Tagg takes a total of 9 points of damage, kobold in 8Jb slain, two kobolds move to stand in 8Jb and 7Jb]
Tagg gives a painful swallow before taking more actions. He takes a couple swift steps forward, sharp pain shooting up his leg with each footfall. With face twisted with attempted focus through the waves of agony, he draws another arrow to the string. Taking a moment to reallign his aim, he lets the missile cut through the air down the tunnel towards the kobolds.
[OoC: move 5 feet forward down tunnel (north), fire arrow at kobold in 8Jb]
[Attack action, dodge against the other kobald, 17 AC verses it.]
"Tagg I have potions so do not stray to far."
Tagg's arrow is fired in a flash, but he fumbles slightly with the bowstring, sending the shaft off into the dirt wall. Boirin steps up behind the ranger and triggers his more powerful weapon. The thick bolt flies straight toward the waiting kobold, slashing a gash into its shoulder. It screeches and staggers back like a drunkard before lurching forward and whipping a sling stone at Boirin who is ready and ducks easily.
Another bullet comes sailing in, nicking Tagg on the forearm. The kobolds yap some words between themselves. Ulerian catches something like "hold them" in their native language, but the wizard might be distracted by the sounds of steps reverberating from around the tunnel corner ahead of him.
---
[Tagg takes one point of damage, down to 6 HP]
Boirin grunts after he fires his crossbow, he then aims and fires again.
{+3 on listen I believe}
Ulerian whispers over his shoulder.
Tagg nods to Boirin, and lets his bow fall to one hand. He squeezes back through the tunnel over by the mage.
"Potion.."
He manages to utter a pained word to Ulerian, and holds out his hand.
The remaining kobold down the right tunnel yelps in a mad fervor and unleashes another sling bullet before backing off to find cover around the bend. The shot is dodged by Boirin with a tilt of his torso.
"How, ya doin Tagg? When's this company showin' up?"
[OoC: Attack option vs. kobald]
[Edit for clarity]
"I have more if this is not enough"
Boirin expertly reloads and fires once again, but his bolt is lost on the tunnel wall that the kobold is hiding behind.
---
Back up top, Maelut motions for Angeliqué to bring the lamp to the hole he discovered after seeing there is another light in the tunnel. Once they both hurry there, he cautions her to stay close to the entrance and yell if there is any sign of more attackers. She replies with a firm look and appeals to him to find away to stop this folly. Maelut touches her on the shoulder half in reassurance, half in apology.
The cook from Sorat-Arlon pushes aside the coverage to expose the hole at the foot of the tree. He slides in and tries to make his way forward, though finding it cramped...
---
Ulerian picks out another sound from down the next leg of the tunnel. It echoes forth from the darkness around the west bend, beyond the mage’s illumination. This time, not a footstep, but a sharp cry of surprised pain. Strangely, it is one he has before... when Maelut fell into the stream. Tagg and Boirin are the next to recognize the voice.
---
[Tagg regains 8 hp, up to 14 total]
Ulerians turns to say something to the other two but starts at Tagg's condition.
"Here, you are worse than I thought. Borin hold them as long as you can, we must help Maelut, fall back to us but hold them."
He hands Tagg another potion and turns to go down towards Maelut's scream.
"Tagg, come with me.."
He adds calmly
Boirin says as he hears the cooks voice.
"Hay I can't see in the dark, leave your staff or leave a torch or cast that spell agian, take your pick. I've managed to scare off the other kobald for now but it'll sneak up on me in the dark."
Boirin says as the mage heads down the hallway towards their companian. He reloads an cocks the crossbow as he speaks
Ulerian whispers harshly over his shoulder as he continues
A sense of being boxed in seeps into the minds of the three party members, even for Boirin who is reluctantly reminded of his time toiling in Orc caverns. This world below is like an anthill, and they are unwelcome invaders. The dirt of the earthen walls is of a more roan red hue down this branch, and the reptilian stink of musk or something like it is stronger.
Turning the constrained bend, the trio is greeting by a curious sight as Maelut is prone on the ground, apparently straining to even lift his head. A frazzled-looking Angeliqué has also found her way down, shouting at the kobolds to leave Maelut alone. It seems some of the creatures have already made their way further into the burrows.
---
"Hold on!"
Spotting Maelut and Angelique with concern, he swiftly draws another arrow to his bowstring. He aims the arrow carefully at the kobold threatening his companions, then releases it.
[OoC= attack kobold closest to angelique w/ comp. shortbow]
"Tagg again, the other one!"
"You!"he says to the frozen Angelique"Now that the violent ones are here to save you heal Mealut if you are able."
Ulerian keeps his distance from the kobolds, behind Taggford of course
Angeliqué hums over Maelut, laying a hand to send healing sparks into the young man. Unfortunately, Maelut does not seem any better. Angeliqué carefully extracts a black dart by the tail from Maelut's side, dropping it immediately.
."Boirin reloads his crossbow, aims and fires at the kobald.
A mangy brown rat scurries past Ulerian's feet from behind. It pauses to observe the foreign party before scurrying down the tunnel. Edging forward in the path ahead, the group can make out some horizontal crevices dug into the walls at uneven intervals. Matted straw lines what they can only guess are sleeping spaces.
"Stay with him, he's been poisoned I assume"
He continues after Tagg
Covering the rear and priming his crossbow, Boirin is caught unaware by a sling bullet to the back of his Dwarven-style helmet. The shot was expertly aimed and knocks Boirin's head forward in a whiplash as he is already bent forward to fit in the tunnel. It appears the slinger from before is not quite convinced of a kobold defeat yet.
---
[Boirin takes 4 points of damage and 1 point of nonlethal damage]
---
Boirin cries out as the bullet hits his head. He spits, a splater of blood splashes the ground. Growling and spins firing his crossbow at the koblad behind him.
"Ulerian, pick that up on way over!"
He manages to get to the end of the tunnel where the kobolds are waiting. Holding his sword, he waits for them to make an action.
[OoC: drop shortbow, draw short sword; move as close as i can towards kobolds using a standard action, prepare for attack]
Tagg's nimble blade awaits the approaching painted kobold. The elf holds back until the precise moment. The angry savage-looking foe quickly steps forward to engage Tagg while its partner loads up its sling.
Step. Step. Tagg counts down the distance in anticipation.
The kobold raises its sword and Tagg sees his opening. In a flash, the ranger pushes out with his free hand and stabs forward with his piercing weapon. The deadly tapered point intercepted the advancing adversary, seeking to enter a weak point and slide into the vitals to cause death immediately or slowly through blood letting.
This time, however, the kobold swerves to avoid the jab and totters to Tagg's left. As Tagg looks to correct his mistake, the critter drops low and swivels. It slips its arm over its head and delivers an unpolished reverse slash in backhand fashion. The small sawlike blade just brushes against Tagg's thigh as he straightens backward reflexively.
A sling stone is fired from behind the advancing kobold, but misses Tagg by quite a few inches and zooms past to bank off the dirt.
---
[Tagg takes 1 point of nonlethal damage and has new initiative order right before kobold]
[Move action to Tagg, reload crossbow]
[ooc=attack the same kobol w/ short sword]
The tilt of Tagg's shortsword lets the blade slide up under the kobold's ribcage, leaving the creature impaled. It coughs harshly before dying on Tagg. Held up by this action, Tagg is beaned in the collarbone by a bullet fired by the second kobold.
Ulerian lets Boirin pass to get a shot off into the melee. Steadying his breath, Boirin aims at the remaining painted kobold. Something distracts him at the crucial moment of release, however, maybe the squeak of a rat or the slurred shout of the kobold. Regardless, the bolt fumbles off the crossbow and nearly hits Tagg's foot.
Shoving the slain foe into the living one, Tagg uses the diversion to strike with a sequence of rapid thrusts which the kobold is unable to defend against. Gushing blood from different spots, the enemy looks up as if it could see the sky underground and slumps over backward, muttering as its breath ceases.
Ulerian picks up, "InTO... the Fire, tO sleeep..." in corrupted Draconic.
---
[Tagg take 2 points of damage and 1 point of nonlethal, total 12/21 (10/21 nonlethal)]
"Should we go back and check on Maelut?"
"Yes, we had better go check on them and see what happened."
Loathe to put the sword back into its sheathe in its messy state, he carries it in hand and starts to head back towards the site of Angelique and Maelut, following single file through the cramped tunnel behind Ulerian and Boirin.
He hands Tagg another potion
"They are fanatical about death, so I doubt this will get any easier..."
[OoC: Attack action vs. ROUS]
Now Ulerian's ears catch the hint of echoed muttering from that direction as well.
Ulerian sneaks down the hallway a bit, to see around the corner
Prowling forward, the wizard carries his lighted staff to allow him to see. The soft glow precedes him as he skulks ahead past the sleeping holes in the wall. The corridor crooks to the left and then appears to head straight east again.
However, Ulerian’s survey is interrupted by the sight of more short figures. Their eyes mirror the light from Ulerian’s staff, and neither party is caught unaware of the other’s existence. With weapons at the ready, Boirin and Tagg close the distance to reach Ulerian; the three men can observe the creatures facing them. There are two kobolds standing in single file, the front one wielding a short sharpened stick, the rear one grasping an expected sling. Oddly, these two kobolds, indistinguishable from the previous ones in this diffuse light, do not appear frenzied like the rest. They do not shake, they do not appear frightened. If anything, the pair seems calm yet intense.
The only difference in this scene from the previous clashes is the third kobold at the very back. This one seems to be doing enough violent quivering and sadistic twitching and muttering for all three kobolds. It is dressed differently, wearing a red and black dyed fur around its waist. Multiple strips of long, colored cloth are tied to its arms and neck, and they flicker with every standing seizure. Atop its head rests the skull of some sort of cat, decorated with carvings and attached by a series of straps. Flickering red eyes glimmer from the shadow of the skull. A human sized belt runs from its right shoulder to left hip, and several black darts hang and rattle there.
The rat which Boirin scared off is running figure eights around the hopping skullhead kobold’s feet. As the vermin jumps to climb to the kobold’s shoulder, Ulerian, Tagg, and Boirin notice the droning noise that is emitting from the skullhead’s throat; an annoying whirr that resonates through the tunnel.
---
The skullhead kobold twirls on one foot while speaking a strange tongue to garbled for Ulerian to decode. As it gyrates, the affixed ribbons form a tornado of red, brown, yellow, and white. The hues seem to grow brighter until two flashes are flung off. The yellow streaks of light spiral around once before flashing toward the intruders. Quicker than anyone can act, the missiles bore into Ulerian’s shoulder and Tagg’s stomach with the force of ramming cudgel.
---
[Tagg takes 3 points of damage (1 point nonlethal), Ulerian takes 2 points, totals: Tag 9/21 (6/21 nonlethal), Ule 6/8 (3/8 nonlethal)]
Front kobold in front of Ulerian. Others cannot reach melee with it until Ulerian moves.
.oO( Is it possible the kobolds poisoned Maelut? Those darts.. common weapon to be poisoned. Wait! I remember.. Angelique pulling a black dart from Maelut after trying to heal him.. Could it be? This creature carries the same weapon.. Was it the one that poisoned Maelut? )
The slow realization dawns over him. He furrows his brow, anger growing towards the sorceror.
"The spellcaster! Stop it! Those darts on his chest, they match the kind that were in Maelut!"
Not sure what to do in his position in the line, he simply glares at the skullhead kobold through a space in the tunnel between Ulerian's shoulder and the cavern wall. Gripping the sword handle in between his hands firmly, unrelinquishing in his concentration on the mage. For a brief moment, he thinks he hears the voice that had comunicated to him in the park and woods uttering a swift word. Tagg freezes for a moment, tying to decide whether the voice was real or not. Suddenly, green vines begin to seep through cracks on the tunnel's walls and ground near the kobolds. Slowly growing, the vines begin to branch out and try to curl around the kobolds. Soon the thickness of the foliage begins to thicken, cracking the tightly packed earth of the cavern in a few spots to allow more vines and growth to pour through. The rapidity of the plants' growing increases. Soon the vines, branches and whatnot on the floor start to wrap around the creatures' feet, and the vines from the walls start to grab at their arms and torso.
Tagg watches the spectacle take place, captivated as the plants start to torment the kobolds.
[ooc=cast [i]Entangle[/i]; with the 400+ foot range.. make it so it starts 15' in front of the kobolds and stretch 25' behind them so the 40' radius only affects them]
The skullhead, however, contorts and hops as it evades and climbs the encroaching brambles to stay unfettered.
"ThE grEEen MothER.. gRah!... wIll not BetRay!" Ulerian can hear it scream fervently in its language as it eludes the roots, "FiRe and SteeL tAKe no more!! DarK and meLT and bEast cLean away aLL."
The voice is of a higher pitch than the others, the group can only guess that might indicate a female of the species.
Boirin seems overcome with the indescernable cries fo the kobalds and screams at the kobalds and fires his crossbow at the spellcaster
"I cannot go after it through the vines Gentlemen.. You may try"
Ulerian makes his way back, around the two and searches the hole like bunks for valuables. As he is moving towards them he speaks:"Always be aware of your surroundings"
Ulerian takes his cue to get some distance between him and the front line. Squeezing past his two companions, Ulerian makes it to the nearest sleeping hole to his left, which also happens to be the largest. Sticking to the earthen wall are various pieces of tattered, dyed cloth. Doing a fast search through the straw bedding reveals nothing of value until Ulerian reaches the far end. There he finds several torn pieces of parchment, upon which are scrawled some notes in dark red using the Dragon tongue. The writing is crude, as if written by a child, but Ulerian is able to read most of it. It appear to be a list of some sort, with ticks next to the words.
Elves (2 ticks)
Humans (4 ticks)
Odd humans (7 ticks)
Skeletons (9 ticks)
On the second page, bound by some sticky substance along the edge to the first, is another torn scrap of paper.
Some humans are plants?
There are two more pages following, but the third only has a few half scribbles that make no sense, and the fourth is blank.
More holes are located in the tunnel wall, but Ulerian knows straying too far back would rob Boirin and Tagg of a light source.
Further back, the skull-wearing kobold starts chanting in a long drawn out tempo. It claws at the air in a T-pattern, and a thin, misty shaft of faint azure snakes through the maze of roots. The vaporous serpent springs at Tagg but fails to connect with him, dispersing into the reddish dirt wall.
As Tagg sees the near-miss, Boirin has reloaded his weapon and aims through the confusion. Pressing the trigger vigilantly, the bowstring twangs heavily and the crossbow bolt whooshes into the tunnel. The sharp point wings the skullhead in the cat skull, jolting its head back. It shakes its head a few times before resuming its twitching.
[ooc=move up to 15' through the tunnel so i can get clear line of fire of the kobolds; attack warrior kobold closest to us w/ shortbow]
Forced to shoot at a lower angle than he is used to, Tagg's arrow just overshoots the front kobold as it bobs its head away through the roots. The kobold behind fires up its sling and manages to hit Boirin in reprisal. The lead shot strikes him painfully in the hand.
At this point Ulerian hears a feminine yell of surprise coming from behind. Angeliqué's voice reaches Tagg and Boirin a split second later.
---
[Boirin takes 2 damage, and 1 nonlethal, current total: 10/16 (8/16 nonlethal)]
Tagg turns his head backwards, peering down the tunnel.
.oO( Gah.. I'm a bit too far down the tunnel, I don't think I'd be able to reach back where Angelique and Maelut are quickly enough for it to be practical.. )
"Ulerian, go back and check what happened! Boirin and I will be along shortly after we finish these beasts off!"
"Er.. on second thought could you leave your staff at least halfway between us and you? We need at least a little light."
He turns his attention back to the kobolds, knowing it would be better for him to stay and finish up here before leaving. After all, he considers, Angelique is the easily spooked kind of person. Might not be anything too serious.
[OoC - fire another arrow at that pesky warrior kobold again]
Ulerian and his staff hustle toward Angelique's position
[i]With no light Boirin can hardly see, and knows he probably can't make the shot. However he loads and fires again at the spellcaster of a kobald.[/.i]
At the other end of the tunnel, darkness overtakes the combat. Tagg assumes the roots are still holding the front kobold since he senses no spear attack coming forward. A droning fills the burrow again, and even though it is held by the vines, the skullhead apparently manages to repeat its mysterious assault. For a second, the tunnel is brought to life as two flashes of red fly from the skullhead’s position. The blasts wheel incredibly fast through the roots, illuminating a trail as they go. Though he can see them coming, Tagg is incapable of moving out of the way and is smacked in the chest twice. Luckily his studded cuirass dulls the shocks somewhat.
Boirin shoots in the direction of the kobolds in spite of the unlit conditions, the narrow tunnel finally becoming an advantage as it limits his target angles. The bolt propels past Tagg’s shoulder, and the sound of something being struck is heard, though Boirin cannot know for certain. What he does know is that he has used a good portion of his available bolts.
---
[Tagg takes 2 points of damage, 2 points nonlethal]
---
Further back, Maelut manages to weakly focus his latent conjuring talent, and a ray of cooling frost spews into the face of the kobold threatening Angeliqué and himself. Surely useful in his cooking applications, the fabricated chill takes on a more aggressive function here as the kobold stumbles back.
---
[Ulerian takes 1 point of damage]
{Casts Color Spray}
The one nearest drops its weapon and clutches at its eyes, falling to the floor like a marionette with its strings cut. The slinger screeches but does not drop like its ally. Seeing the display of power, the kobold looks around shakily.
The kobold struck by Maelut takes its opportunity to flee back through the tunnel.
---
[1 point of damage]
[ooc=drink potion of CLW]
He stares into the darkness, only able to make out the slightest shapes. The kobold several steps away continues to be held in place. Apparently it has decided to switch to its sling, and a stone careens awkwardly into the rounded dirt ceiling above Tagg and Boirin.
Through the clamor, the sound of a cork unplugging and liquid being poured hastily reaches Tagg's ears from the skullhead's location.
---
[Tagg gains 3 HP, 3 nonlethal healed as well, 10/21 (9/21 nonlethal)]
"I make bones cold, no great fire, only cold grip...."
He stops talking as the Kobold breaks away. He rapidly goes to Maelut and Angelique to assess the situation
"Maelut, lend me your cross bow, and the bolts.. "
"Heal him, get him out of the tunnel, or defend him. Your weak mind will get you both killed, I will not return again to save you!"
He curses to himself as he turns in search of the others, loading the cross bow on the way.
Boirin says as he reloads his crossbow. His eyes unable to penetrate the darkness Boirin curses.
"Where in the bloody hells is that mage, I can't see in this bloody darkness."
Tagg slowly bends over and puts his bow on the floor, struggling with his eyes to try and make out the kobolds' figures. He stands up, drawing his sword again. He waits for his vision to return to him to go and attempt to slay the reptiles with a more direct approach.
[OoC = drop shortbow, draw short sword]
"Gentlemen... I've done away for the most part with our rear threat for now.. I do fear we will come back to a couple of bodies if that elf does not get a grip with reality. Borin I have more bolts if you need them. I got them from Maelut as well as his cross bow. I will use it, my spells are mostly expired..Carry on."
Pale light blossoms from the skullhead kobold as another vapory viper extends toward the frontline Tagg. This time, the snake explodes into a glittering powder which settles over Tagg. The ranger suddenly feels the strength leave his sword arm, and his appendages feel like lead weights.
Boirin shoots again in the blackness, while Tagg surges forth with his blade. While Boirin has no idea if he succeeds in striking anything, Tagg knows his blade is diverted by a wooden shaft in the lightlessness.
Another lead shot fires past Boirin's ear, close enough that it sounds like an angry bee.
In the space between, Ulerian struggles through the confined passage, coming ever closer to his comrades.
Pressing into melee, Tagg luckily avoids an attack, feeling the breeze of a thrust by his face. Right after, flashes of light discharge from the skullhead again, white and yellow. These spin right into Tagg's shoulder and Boirin's arm, causing aching injuries.
Boirin fires again with no inkling of success. With an adept jab, Tagg feels the solid thud of his shortsword burying into the first kobold. As the elf pulls back, the creature's wiry frame is still being held up by the trapping roots.
Yet another sling stone flies at Boirin, this one is deflected off his helmet with no effect.
Now Ulerian arrives, shedding new light on the situation. The kobold slinger seems nervous now that his side is outnumbered. It is hard to read the skullhead's stance, as it continues in its strange spasms.
---
[Boirin suffers 1 damage, 1 nonlethal
Tagg takes -6 penalty to Strength
Boirin suffers 3 damage, 1 nonlethal
Tagg suffers 3 damage, 1 nontlethal]
Current HP: Boi 6/16 (2/16 nonlethal), Tag 7/21 (5/21 nonlethal), Ule 4/8* (1/8 nonlethal)
*fatigued (-2 Str/Dex, can't run)
"Do nOT forSAke!" the slinger shouts in Draconic.
The skullhead replies with a muttered, "BLacK aSh... All Black ASHhh," Ulerian comprehends.
Boirin aims with the light provided by Ulerian's staff, and squeezes the trigger. The bolt spirals in the air and lodges into the slinger's snout, piercing the brain from the front. It falls still after a few random convulsions.
The last of pulses of the kobold's mind trigger incoherent Draconic words from it's gaping mouth, "SnoW. JumPing. GiVe. GiVE. Graah. DeAth. Wing..."
It fades with a wimper.
[OoC= dispel Entangle, start moving down tunnel following the skullhead]
(Also, how long does that str penalty last?)
As the passage clears, the skullhead breaks into a run at a pace none of the men can match in the small tunnel. Pursuing as best they can, the three are met with a dead end after a short turn to the right. Once Ulerian's lighted staff comes closer, they realize it is another entrance. A vertical shaft leads back to the surface.
The skullhead has already climbed its way out.
---
Exit at T16 on map
[Ulerian gains 4 HP. Adjusted HP totals for Tagg and Boirin (error on my part since armor doesn't have damage conversion against magic)]
Current HP: Boi 5/16 (2/16 nonlethal), Tag 3/21, Ule 8/8* (5/8 nonlethal)
*fatigued (-2 Str/Dex, can't run)
IC Tagg doesn't know how long the penality will last, OoC: a few minutes according to the spell
---
"Continue your hunt gentlemen, when you are done, bring it back to Maelut and Angelique, I am going to look for more parchments."
Ulerian turns and goes back to the sleeping quarters hall for searching
In the final holes, the ones deepest in, Ulerian finds a large spool of uncarded wool, probably worth a fair price. Shifting the straw aside, the wizard finds the outline of a small compartment dug in the dirt wall. Digging through a bit of concealment produces more treasure: five copper trade bars, and three silver trade bars, probably stolen from some merchant.
Ulerian is left with a fair bit of cargo.
---
[Ulerian spends 10 minutes searching, Tagg and Boirin are still at the start of their turns]
Loot (and approximate worth):
-Salt, 2 lbs (total worth: 10 gp)
-Uncarded wool, 30 lbs (total worth: 15 sp)
-Flour, 6 lbs (total worth: 12 cp)
-Copper trade bars, 5 (each is 10 lbs and worth 5 gp)
-Silver trade bars, 3 (each is 10 lbs and worth 50 gp)
-Coins (500 copper, 300 silver, 15 gold)
> Total retail value = 236 gp, 6 sp, 2 cp
> Total weight = 134 lbs, plus the gold pieces
"Do you think there might be a trap up there? Or is that sorceror the last of 'em?"
---
[Tagg regains 4 HP, total: 7/21]
Boirin chuckles grimmly, but winces at the pain of his accumulated bruises.
"Hay you got any more of that magic potion?"
"Sorry mate.. that was the last one I had."
"Anyways, we better keep moving before we lose the kobold."
Tagg starts to ascend the vertical tunnel, climbing with foreign difficulty with his muscles weakened from the spell.
Boirin nods and follows the ranger up the verticle passageway. His trained hands and feet searching for hand and foot holds as he climbs.
[OoC: Climb +6]
Boirin's eyes struggle to see more than black and blue shadow, but Tagg spots the silhouette of a figure running away across the frozen bog by thin moonlight. The elf picks up another moving form among the trees to the northwest.
---
[Tagg and Boirin at T16, one shadow at 8L, one at T6]
Boirin mutters as he peers into the envolping gloom.
"I see two shadows running across.. one must be the skullhead but i dont know what the other is, it might be another kobold or it might just be an animal or something.."
"Either way, let's get a move on before they get too far ahead.
Tagg begins to run through the frozen woods, wincing as the cold air cuts across his face. As he continues the pursuit, he notices his pack and armor weighing down on his enfeebled muscles.
.oO( Damn kobold... )
[OoC = start to run towards shadow from 8L (im guessing thats the one you stated first in your IC description?), 40' total distance, double move action (30' speed decreased by tagg's now-medium load)
[OoC:Move to 5ft behind Tagg]
Soon enough, Tagg reaches the start of the ice and sees the shadow skulking further away. It definitely looks like the outline of a kobold to him.
---
[T6 is actually the one that was headed toward the bog. See map.]
"Boirin.. pick up the speed.. go as fast as you can, dont wait for me. I can't run as quickly as you can from that spell."
[Keep running..]
---
[Tagg takes 4 nonlethal cold damage and is fatigued]
"G-g-give me your crossbow.."
The elf holds out his hand, where Boirin nods and hands the bow to Tagg.
Taking it, he tries to ignore the pain and freezing cold. He lines up a shot, thanking his fine elven vision as he does so, and pulls the trigger. He watches the bolt fly quite a fair distance across the bog.
[ooc=borrow crossbow from Boirin; shoot at kobold. +5 to hit i believe after all penalties taken into account]
Tagg watches with some satisfaction as the missile strikes the distant kobold in the shoulder. It stumbles but does not fall as it continues moving further away, reaching the trees on the other side of the bog. Dismayed, Tagg knows it's only a matter of seconds before losing sight of the creature.
Tagg forces the bolt into the chamber and pulls back the lever. Bringing the crossbow back up, he carefully lines up his aim once more.
.oO( Come on... this is your last chance.. aim.. and take it... )
He pulls the trigger back, letting the missile zoom down the bog.
[ooc=borrow a bolt from Boirin, shoot another bolt at the kobold]
His heart beats in time with some unheard rhythym and the elf steadies his breath. He sees an opening from a hundred feet away and presses the trigger of his friend's crossbow.
The catch rotates, the bowstring pulls taut, tiller jolts back, and the stout arrow launches on its journey. Tagg can almost see along the bolt's path, flying over the frozen blue-green bog, into the cover of the trees, and through a 'V' of thin trunks, stopping in the back of the neck of its target.
Tagg watches as the kobold promptly drops into the snow in silence. The slight breeze through the surrounding darkness is the only sound.
"N'una-er... coiaya... ten'... nunara..."
Tagg then drops backwards, his backpack breaking his fall against the ice. He closes his eyes, waiting for the sorceror's spell to wear off and for his muscles to feel like they can support his weight.
===wait for a few minutes, until duration of ray of enfeeblement ends===
Several minutes later, he opens his eyes. Tagg sits up, then stands up to relieve his lower body from the pulsing cold provided by the ice underfoot. He gives a few shivers, the all-too-familiar cold beginning to eat at him again. After stabilizing himself, he looks out across the vast environment, then turns to Boirin.
"Well, I think we should try and get to the sorceror's body (I think thats what we killed, anyways). I'm interested to see what's on it. Although we need a way to cross to it safely..."
Tagg pauses, thinking of the bone-chilling cold surge of falling into the arctic water.
"...First we should try and lessen our weight as much as possible - such as taking off our packs and unecessary equipment. Then we should probably try crossing it in a prone position. That way our weight is distributed evenly instead of pushing down all in one place. It might be a bit uncomfortable, but safer."
"Although, just because there is the opportunity, no matter how cautious we are, I suggest we space ourselves a fair bit apart so if one of us falls in... we have someone to help rescue us."
Following the ranger's advice, the two men drop their packs and start their crawl across the bog. Going slowly, they find the snow covered ice is solid enough to support them. After what seems like hours of crawling on their stomachs, they reach the other edge of the bog. Moving into the trees, Boirin and Tagg rise to their feet, and Tagg picks up the trail that leads to the body several yards away. Dark ichor oozes from the kobold's head, coloring the snow. It is the skullhead, Tagg can see that for certain now. Rolling the body over, he finds little of worth on the creature except the belts it is wearing, one human-sized, one halfling-sized. On the larger belt hangs a few of its black darts. On the smaller belt, a pouch is attached. It is filled with various things such as small animal bones, a few pieces of some sort of root, and two tiny bottles.
"Nice shot, Tagg, makes me wish I could see in this bloody darkness. Like tryin' to peer through a wall."
He claps the elf on the shoulder, then looks around and rubbs his shoulders and lets out a stream of visible air remembering the cold. He reaches down and picks up the pouch out of habit and starts looking through it.
"What know? I mean we get the potions and darts, and crawl back but then what?"
"Well we came all this way.. lets at least take some of this, if nothing else as for further investigation."
Tagg carefully picks up the belt of darts and puts it over his own chest; making sure the side with the darts on it, however, are on his back.
"Take that pouch with ya I suppose, too."
Tagg gives a deep breath, watching it freeze as it hits the air, preparing himself for another long trip back across the bog.
"Only thing to do is get back to the tunnels... where its warm and we can get some rest."
Boirin slips the pouch into his vest and gets ready to follow Tagg back to the bunker.
It takes Tagg several minutes to find the tunnel entrance from which they exited. Carefully climbing down into shaft, the two men return to the warmer subterranean air, the stars replaced by a low ceiling of dirt. Once in the tunnel, the light from Ulerian's staff can be seen. It appears the wizard has been busy and there is a collection of loot awaiting them.
Maelut and Angeliqué have also made their way into the burrow containing the sleeping crevices. Maelut leans on Angeliqué and the burrow wall for support. A blood-covered Angeliqué looks disheartened and sickened by the bodies she has to step over.
"L-looks like... you... finished it," Maelut struggles with the words, looking very tired.
Helping Maelut lie down in the corridor, Angeliqué turns to the others with an empty stare.
"Take me some place clean," she says weakly.
(elven)"Looks like your stuck that way for a little bit. But just be grateful it's not your own blood there."
He gives a slight half smile
(elven)"But tomorrow we'll head back to Sorat Arlon.. you can take a nice bath there. For now, I think we all need a good rest. Well, as good as you can get in a kobold tunnel. Well, if you think about it, a lot better than what we'd have outside."
Tagg turns around to the rest of the group
"We're stuck here for the night it would seem... It would appear to be safe, but.. Just in case, does anyone else think we assign shifts for lookouts? I don't need much rest, I could manage any slot, really."
"I agree, there might be more of these buggers out there somewhere. I don't want to be caught with my pants down. I'll take either first watch or last watch so I won't be falling asleep half way through."
In the now better light Boirin pulls out the pouch and empties its contents onto the ground.
Once during Boirin's shift, he thinks he hears some random noise from deeper in the tunnel, but nothing comes of it. By early morning, the group feels more fit to travel, though injuries linger from the fighting. Angeliqué still seems distant and saddened, and Maelut still cannnot move very well, his pack is about the limit of what he can lift, but at least he can walk.
---
[Current HP (not including those gained with level up yet):
Ule 8/8 (Str/Dex penalty lowered to -1)
Tagg 12/21 (Str/Dex penalty lowered to -1)
Boirin 9/16]
(New Daily Spells)
0TH: Resistance Ray of Frost Acid Splash Disrupt Undead
1ST:Shocking Grasp Mage Armor Color Sprayx2
Tagg takes off his cloak and uses it as a blanket as he drifts off into his trance.
A few hours later after he has had his fill of 'sleep,' he is aroused by Boirin to begin his shift. The elf stands up, and spends an hou or two standing by where the others are sleeping, occasionally walking down a tunnel here or there.
.oO( Hm.. interesting wall texture... Well that lasted about two seconds. Now what am I supposed to do? This is quite boring just standing around here. I wonder how Maelut is doing.. hopefully that poison is only temporary and doesnt have any long-lasting side-effects. )
.oO( Would it be that harmful if I sat down for a bit? My legs are starting to get a little sore... Sure, what would happen because of that? )
Tagg takes a seat where he had been resting prior. Resting his eyes for a moment, he quickly shakes it off and stands up, lest he fade from consciousness again. He strolls down around the tunnel's edge, to where the vines and roots had once covered. As he is about to turn back, he notices a lone plant still sticking through from a crack in the floor. Intrigued, Tagg goes over by it and crouches down. He reaches out to touch it, but as he does, it starts to wiggle around. Then it seems to grow longer, out of the wall. The plant points straight up, and the voice seems to come back to him.
(Ah.. you seem troubled, why? The threat has passed, and all is well.)
.oO( Err.. what is this exactly.. well it's happened a few times, I think that rules out it being a hallucination..)
(I can hear what you are thinking, there is no point or need to try and hide anything from me. And didn't I tell you Nature can reach to the most forsaken points? Well that has been proven here today.)
(Eh.. okay. Well, can you tell me what exactly you are? And how can you know everything I do or think?)
(Do not answer a question with a question, young one. Tell me what it is that you are troubled with.)
(I guess... I'm a little worried about Maelut.. Assuming you are all wise and powerful, you know who he is? And what's going to happen to him?)
The voice seems to chuckle.
(Yes, I know of the mortal cook. But even I cannot reveal the future.. for the future is determined by the choices of people, not my choices.)
(Well.. maybe you can tell me what exactly happened to him?)
(I suppose I could, yes. But what fun would that be? You have to find out... yourself.)
(Hm?)
The voice seems to disappear, and a huge hand-looking form rushes towards him, bowling him over...
Tagg's eyes snap open, and he looks around. He is back where he had sat down before, surrounded by his sleeping companions. He stands up experimentally. He walks over by where he had imagined the vine to be. As he enters the room, he sees a green blur near where he had thought the plant was. Blinking, he looks back where he saw the blur; and nothing remains there. He shakes his head, and looks back by the rets of the party. Walking back towards them, he wakes up Ulerian to start his lookout shift. After doing so, he sits back down in his resting spot.
prepared delay poison
=====zip back to current time=====
.oO(I wonder if we'll be ending up with more half elves in the city someday. Bloody Hells, if they do I bet Maelut will start the whole pacifism thing. Boy I wonder what the kids'll look like...)
Boirin chuckles quietly and his mind begins to wander. Soon hes close to going back to sleep again, but he rouses himself and he pulls out his tools and begins oil them quietly for something to do.
"I spose we should get heading back now."
He looks around at everything around.
.oO(Only last night is was full of so much chaos.)
"Lead on Tagg."
The single log bridge Maleut, Ulerian and Angeliqué constructed is still in working condition form the evening before, and the five cross very cautiously, remembering Maelut's tumble last time. Maelut coughs frequently and sometimes leans on Boirin or, more often, Angeliqué for support as they tread through the stiff snow. The crunches of their boots fills the forest around them. It is a fairly simple task for Tagg to backtrack their own footprints through the evergreens and mountain ash.
After some time, they find themselves back at the ravine where the trail was first picked up. Leaving the trees behind, the group spot the farmhouses marking their return to civilization. By this time, the chill has started to seep into their clothing, and Boirin and Maelut feel it worse than the others. Tagg bears the cold well, and Ulerian seems unaffected also. Angeliqué exhibits her surprisingly hardy endurance, helping Maelut along with little concern for her own comfort.
The old brick buildings and town walls welcome the five back to Sorat-Arlon. It is sometime before lunch, and a good meal would do much for the party's strength and morale. Marching down the streets, they draw more than a few stares from passing townsfolk. Maybe it's the blood which still covers Tagg armor and Angeliqué's face.
The red walls of the Traveler's Friend soon come into focus. A familiar green cloaked figure leans against the door speaking to another man, who walks back into the inn when the party comes closer. This leaves the bard Devon at the door.
Devon turns his head toward them, "Well, I'll be..."
He opens the door and holds it for the group.
After eating his meal, Tagg gets up and wanders towards Maelut.
"Still not feeling that good, are you? Can you tell us what exactly happened to you?"
Tagg reaches out his hand and touches the back of Maelut's. As he does so, a few diminutive sparks seem to run through the site into the cook.
[ooc=cast [i]delay poison[/i] on maelut]
"What are you guys doing?"
It becomes apparent to the party that the inn fell silent when they entered, and the patrons have stopped what they were doing to observe the group.
"Maelut!" a mother's voice calls, shaking the room back to some normal activity.
Elana Spiceslinger rushes out from behind the counter to check on Maelut.
"Mother of All, you don't look well. Let's get you to bed and I'll call for a healer."
Aided by Angeliqué, Elana supports Maelut as they walk.
"Thank you for bringing him back in one piece," she says to the others.
Maelut's sister follows with her brother's gear.
Thomas Spiceslinger comes out soon after with hot stew and drink for the remaining three party members.
"It's on me," he comments, "You obviously found something. What happened out there last night?"
At this point, Devon makes a timely entrance to stand by the wall and hear the response.
Ulerian says not looking up from his notes
He sits down.
"The mess of the last raid is about sorted out: damage, wounded... dead. Turns out it was a halfling man I saw the beasts kill, not a child... not that it makes much difference. If I never see another one of those little degenerates again, it'll be too soon," he asserts quietly.
"Please, you're welcome to stay the night if you wish. It must be a long walk back to the city."
With that, Thomas leaves the group in peace while Devon takes side of the room where he starts playing a tune and singing softly.
The food is delicious, the party's sense of taste heightened by the long night without real food.
---
A while later, an elderly woman wrapped in heavy winter garments enters, and is welcomed by Thomas then brought upstairs to tend to Maelut.
"Sophia is a very skilled healer, she'll help Maelut," Thomas comments to Tagg and Boirin.
"Angelqué says she kept the dart which struck my boy."
Boirin says between mouthfuls of stew. Its his third helping.
"Anyway I don't want to pass up a chance to eat another Spiceslinger meal, if Maelut is staying here it wil be back to Wealdy's mush for awhile."
[Edit: for clarity]
Ulerian finishes his notes and his meal. He packs his things, takes his share and stands.
"I will not wait. I will likely contact each of you once you have returned to Garic's, what cannot be divided now I assume you will give to me upon division once back. I stay at the Hightower, if I haven't heard from any of you within a week, I will seek you out. Until then.. "
With a slight wave of his hand he turns and walks over to Devon and speaks in a low, quiet voice.
"I request a word with you, outside. It will only take a moment, quickly please."
Ulerian exits and waits just outside the inn's door
"Look, we're square, right? I gave you the right information."
"Yes, you did well enough, but I require more. I found information, I need to know what the kobolds were referring to. What can you tell me of skeletons or other undead in the area."
He stops with the question and stares eye to eye with the conman.
"You're talking about skeletons. Like walking bones? That doesn't make a lick of sense."
To Ulerian's next questions, Devon only shakes his head.
"Not anyone that I know. There's some good stories about singing ghosts in the mountains to the north, but nothing I would put coin on."
"What was it that you found out that stroked you the wrong way anyhow?"
"It was a cold Dvyati Yue day when he first heard the voice of the maiden singing. The man rushed out of his tent and followed the sound to one of the highest peaks. No one knows what happened afterwards, but his body was found frozen in his tent days later when his friends came to check on him."
Devon smiles, "And there are other variations, but they say on cold winter nights, you can still hear the girl's haunting song carried on the wind across the peaks."
The musician rubs his hands together to keep them warm.
"Not that it hasn't been fun freezing out here with you, but I have other things to get to if there's nothing else?"
"Take it. I will return, and pay for whatever information you can dig up. Try your hardest mate and I will reward you. You can imagine how I will feel if you can find nothing..I will be back in time, soon..."
"I'll keep an eye out for sure," he smirks.
"See you around."
Devon bows in gentleman fashion and turns to head down the street.
Ulerian turns and makes his way through the small village. He leaves it behind heading back towards Garic's City
Elana is sitting at the table preparing some tea for Maelut.
"Can you believe this? Dragon bile of all things?," she tells the others, "There was just a tiny smear left on the dart and Sophia was able to identify it with some fancy alchemy tests."
When Tagg takes a close look at the darts he collected from the skullhead kobold, he realizes they are not coated with anything.
Angeliqué makes an appearance as well, having cleaned herself up and spent time alone in her room.
"I'm afraid I won't be able to come back with you guys right away," Maelut coughs, "Thanks for coming here with me and risking yourselves for the town. Sophia says I should be better in a week or two, and there's a lot I should catch up on here."
"But we'll meet again when I get things sorted."
Angeliqué speaks up, "I'm not going back yet either."
"Nothing makes sense right now. So much blood and death. I'm sorry, but I need some time to think," she says with a distant voice.
She curtsies and heads back to her room.
"Poor dear," Elana frowns.
---
On the road back to Garic's, a lone, dark-robed wizard hikes through the cold. The road becomes better the further south he gets. A wagon passes him in the opposite direction a few hours into his journey, but nothing else breaks up the long walk.
Not stopping, he makes good time, but it is still dark by the time the lights of the city appear on the horizon.
[About 3 weeks behind standard IC time]
Boirin packs quickly, but leaves his leather armor and the Spiceslinger jacket on the bed. He then quietly opens his door and heads to Taggs room and knocks, not quietly but gently. He calls out through the door.
"Hay Tagg, are you awake yet? We should probably get going soon."
After waking and eating a filling breakfast of bread, cheese, and eggs, Tagg and Boirin are ready to set out. Saying their goodbyes to Maelut and Angeliqué for the time being, as well as the rest of the Spiceslinger family, the two men stock up on some wrapped bread and sausage and leave the Traveler’s Friend.
They hike down the streets to the edge of town and trudge through the compacted snow on the path past the farms outside of Sorat-Arlon. Keeping to the road, Boirin and Tagg find it easy to walk, or sometimes jog to break the tedium, throughout the day. The sun traces its lazy path through the mostly clear sky over their heads. The few fellow voyagers they encounter pass them by with a brisk hello or no greeting at all.
Stopping for a snack, a sense of unexpected tranquility drifts over the two travelers. The warbling song of several birds can be heard, the silver frost is wafting down from the bare trees some distance off the path, and the coolness in the air invokes a warm glow from the blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Things just feel very… alive.
Our connection to the things around us is sometimes forgotten too easily. The quiet journey reminds the twosome of the simple joy of walking the land.
And so, with perhaps more questions than when they left, and their party’s number cut in half, Tagg and Boirin arrive at the limits of Garic’s City. Night is falling soon, and the wind is picking up again, but the gates welcome them back into the embrace of the city.
Back among the lanterns of the streets, the black and white of the stars fades to grey.
[Back to the city, about 3 weeks behind IC time, one day after Ulerian]
"Almost home, boy..."
As they reach the city gates, he turns to Boirin.
"I suppose our first stop would be Nobody's, I presume? We have to go tell Marroc about Maelut, and we need somewhere to count this stuff."
Tagg and Brie continue on into the streets of the city while he talks.
{OoC: to Elsewhere. this'll be my last post on the thread, just thought i'd post a conclusion}