WotW: A Knot of Thorns IC

[Thattaman]

In the kingdom of Talingarde, many crimes may send you to Branderscar Prison, but the sentence has but one meaning. You are wicked and irredeemable. Each of you received the same greeting when you arrived. You were held down by rough hands and branded upon the arm with a runic F. The mark signifies ‘forsaken’ and the painful scar is indelible proof that each of you has betrayed the great and eternal love of Mitra and his chosen mortal vassals.

Condemned, you face at best a life of shackles and servitude in the nearby salt mines. Others might await the “gentle” ministrations of the inquisitors so that co-conspirators may be revealed and confessions extracted. Perhaps, some of you will be spared this ordeal. Perhaps instead you have come to Branderscar to face the final judgment. In three days, the executioner arrives and the axe falls or the pyre will be lit. Through fire or steel, your crimes will be answered.

You have all been chained together in the same communal cell dressed in nothing but filthy, tattered rags. Manhandled and mistreated, any finery you once possessed is either ruined or long lost. No special treatment has been given any prisoner – male or female, commoner or noble – all of the forsaken are bound and imprisoned together. Your feet are secured by iron cuffs tethered by one long chain. Your arms are secured to the wall above by manacles. A guard is posted right outside the cell day and night. Little thought is given to long term accommodations. At Branderscar, justice comes swift and sure.

Escape seems hopeless. You have all been well searched and every attempt to conceal anything on your person has failed. And if you could somehow slip your bonds and fly out of this prison, where would you go? Who from your former life would want anything to do with the forsaken? Despised, alone and shackled – all that you can do now is await your doom.

For each of you, your old life is over. For each of you, hope is a fading memory. For each of you, justice will be fairly meted. And who can blame fair Talingarde after what each of you has done?

You will have a few posts to introduce yourselves and converse with your cellmates before I move you on.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

One of the prisoners is a plump young human woman, hair the color of oily ink and eyes as green as an emerald. She gazes about as she's led to Branderscar's dungeons, her face contorted in rage. For a brief moment, her eyes become pitch black, like darkness visible. How DARE they? she thinks to herself. How DARE they treat a chosen of Asmodeus so? How dare they deny the sin in their own hearts? I am a gift to them to show them the truth, and they condemn me as a monster? The arrogance. The delicious pride.

She calms down as thoughts of the sins of man comfort her a bit. She looks to her fellow captives. A most interesting lot to be sure. She could see the corruption in their souls. Perhaps if she was lucky, she would get to sample one or two of them before her soul was sent to Asmodeus all too early.

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

Malcolm took a look around the cell, as he had done every now and again since they were all chained together. A motely crew they made. The gruff looking human had stayed silent, his knees drawn up and his arms rested atop them. The only thing that didn't look haggard about the man was his eyes. They were as keen as a hawk and any movement swung his gaze in that direction for at least a second.

There had to be a way out of this place. He didn't believe in no win situations. His eyes kept up that scanning. There had to be a way. He gritted his teeth as he thought about it, the hope looking slim but he never gave up hope.

[Bhaakon]

Gravin

A tall man with lank brown hair draws in a deep nostril full of the fetid prison air, highlighting the row of exposed ribs on his unhealthily lean frame. This place reeks of rot and death. A pleasantly appropriate atmosphere for a group of dead men, if nothing else.

[Starbuck_II]

Reomava

A tall blond girl struggles with her chains gently, a snake-like tongue licking air at times, her body buff but firm. Her eyes scan for light as this indicates fire. She knows at any moment she could draw the flames to her, but other than darkening the room, what use would that do in her. Now if she could just grab a guard... oh the fun that would be had.

So, guess I'll be the first to talk. R' Any of you innocent? She says with a smirk.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

All are innocent, child, Mitriva replies, At least to their friends and neighbors. True guilt is only something oneself can know. So perhaps the person you should ask that question to is yourself. I can smell sin on you, girl. Envy, lust...and maybe a bit of wrath. It is...beautiful.

One of the more "righteous" guards strikes her.

"Shut it, devil whore!"

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

His dour look cracked into a smile finally, as he heard the two speaking. He tilted his head towards them and in a gruff voice he spoke only a few words.

"Guilty as sin, I reckon. Just sad that I didn't kill the bastard, since I've gotta get pulled all asunder for it."

[Bladehunter217]

Galethil

A woman stares blankly at a spot on the wall opposite of her muttering the same words over and over, "Such a pretty poison." She doesn't respond in any way to the other's words. She is a beautiful thin creature, looking malnourished at first glance, slightly more observation makes her out to be merely of a very light build. Her eyes are a vibrant green and her hair a rich brown. She has been as such since being chained with the others, eyes never moving from that spot.

[Griffith!]

Brennus Lowell

A tall, powerful man settles into the shadows on the edge of the cell, his yellow eyes narrow and flinty. He isn't carrying himself like a prisoner, even with his hands manacled - in fact, his demeanor would be better suited to a battlefield than a prison cell. "There is not much chance a single one of us are truly innocent. Don't you know where you are?" he asked idly, his voice low and melodic, "They do not send you to Branderscar for kicking puppies or failing your taxes. If you are in this cell with the likes of me, it is because you have earned it."

The only question is, how many of them can I use?

[Thattaman]

Six armoured and armed guards enter the cell, escorting someone you recognise too well. You recognise Seargent Tomas Blackerly, the man who branded you with the runic F that still throbs on your arm. You remember his harsh laugh as the skin burned away and his mocking tones that he showed while doing it. He snarls at you and spits on poor Gravin's face for the crime of being closest to the door. He then stares at Brennus and starts to speak. “You there! That’s the scum! Get ‘em unshackled. If any of you makes trouble, they’ll earn a thrashing! Today’s your lucky day, scum. You’ve got a visitor. How you ever warranted such a fine lady is beyond me. Seems she wants to say good-bye. Now step lively. We wouldn’t want to keep her waiting.” He grabs Brennus and violently pulls him to his feet.

Make a sense motive check. It's obvious to Brennus that he wasn't expecting anyone.

[Bladehunter217]

A soft voice comes from the frail woman, "Some who have earned don't make it to Branderscar." She then looks directly at Brennus, ignoring the guards and tilting her head, "That is what the pretty poison is for."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Mitriva's expression remains neutral.

Well, this should be amusing, she says aloud.

Sense Motive: [roll]1d20+3

[Starbuck_II]

A soft voice comes from the frail woman, "Some who have earned don't make it to Branderscar." She then looks directly at Brennus, ignoring the guards and tilting her head, "That is what the pretty poison is for."

Reomava

R' you alright madam? I like a little poison in my tea as much as the next person, but it doesn't solve problems. Now fire that solves problems. Make a fire for a man, you warm him for the night. Set a man on fire, you warm him for the rest of his life.
Reomana said, winking at Seargent Blackerly as he passed. In a low whisper to her prison mates: Now there is a man who wants to be warm the rest of his life.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Mitriva rolls her eyes.

Wonderful. My cellmates are a pack of comedians and madwomen.

[Bhaakon]

Gravin

Gravin returns nothing but an unnervingly calm smile back at Blackerly as the spittle runs down his face. A visitor for the condemned? Brandescar has been uncompromisingly cruel to this point, nothing to suggest such a kindness. Could this be a weakness?

He watches as the guards release Brennus from his bonds and haul the man to his feet. If so, I hope he knows how to take advantage.

[Bladehunter217]

Galethil

Galethil looks at Reomava in surprise. "Poison in your tea, Why would you do that? Do you think tall man deserves fate?" asked Galethil, following Reomava's wink.

[Griffith!]

Brennus Lowell

Brennus keeps his tongue as he's dragged to his feet, reasoning caution would serve him better, for now. Funny that, he muses silently, I know of no soul who'd think well of me, least of all now. And less still a fine lady who'd want to say goodbye. Until now all the fine ladies I've known collect their coins and go.

Aloud, he said "Lead on, then, key-keeper, lest her life be made poorer for my absence."

To the other prisoners, "Keep my spot warm, I'll not be gone long."

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

Looking up at the commotion, his eyes keenly flowing from guard to guard...what a strange thing. He had figured they would be left to rot until they were to meet their ends. Perhaps this would be an opportunity? Or maybe they were simply lying and this talker they were taking out would simply be the first to meet his fate.

he gave a gentle tug on his chains, always having hated the things. A sure blast from a trusty musket would shatter them easily, but his strength was no equal to a shot from his favorite means of murder.

"What's the problem, couldn't have just brought the tramp here so we could pass her around for a bit? Be a nice peace offering to a room full of the doomed..."

He grinned wide as he looked up at the guards. No reason not to rankle them, he was dead anyway.

[Bladehunter217]

Galethil

Galethil looks at Malcom's chains and then at hers as though just realizing they were there. She shudders and moves as far from Malcom as possible. "If only we were doomed, death is meaningless."

[Thattaman]

"This lady is no tramp" Tomas spits at Malcom. He then drags Brennus out into the 'interrogation' room, across the hall from the cell. He you remember the interrogation room, where you were branded. Although the room has been cleaned, the walls still scream with pain. The woman you've heard about is sat opposite you on the small table in the centre. She is tall and beautiful, her hair is a cascade of white platinum and her face is perfect. She's wearing an elegant black dress that seems to show mourning; covering her face is a veil. Tears cover her face from crying. "Oh, dearest," proclaims the unfamiliar woman. "I’m so relieved you’re alive!" She quickly turns to Tomas. “Could we please have a moment alone, good sir? For pity’s sake?" Tomas goes blank for a bit and then quickly agrees. "Of course, my lady. For you,’ tis no problem."

Brennus, make another sense motive check.

[Griffith!]

Brennus Lowell

Brennus glances at the guard, but dismisses him carelessly. He's not the most interesting thing in the room now that he isn't carrying a burning branding iron. Instead, he turns his attention to the beauty in the chair opposite, carefully studying her face.

No, he finally concluded, this woman is no part of mine. If ever I saw her before, I don't recall.

Aloud, he offered only a meaningless pleasantry -"Well met, my lady. Did you find the journey taxing?"

[Thattaman]

After Tomas leaves the room, all pretenses of grief are gone on the woman's face and she is suddenly all business. She smiles a mocking smile at you as she too is inspecting the poor specimen in front of her. She raises her eyebrow at Brennus's question. "Do you really care about my journey, dearest? Have you forgotten, my love, Brennus?" The unexpected visitor says with a smirk, dropping her pretense of grief. “Call me Tiadora. We possess a mutual friend who would like to meet you and your fellow cell-mates. Unfortunately, our friend is unwilling to visit you in your present rather shabby accommodations so it seems you must escape. Don’t be so dour. Just because it’s never been done before is no reason you can’t be the first.
“If you manage that, cross the moors on the outskirts of town. On the old Moor Road you’ll see a manor house with a single lantern burning in the second story. There our mutual friend waits. That is all I know. He did want me to give you this.” She takes off her silken veil and wipes away a few fake tears with it. “Something to remember me by, dearest.”

[Griffith!]

Brennus Lowell

Brennus nods calmly, accepting the veil. "It would, I suppose, be pointless to ask who our mysterious benefactor is? Or, better, why I should trust you?"

Outside of having no choice, I mean, he added silently, watching her beautiful face for any flicker of emotion besides mockery.

Sense Motive
[roll0]

[Thattaman]

Tiadora laughs at the mention of trust, "When did I say you should trust me, dearest? It's your choice, die or help our mutual friend. Do you want to escape or not? As for our friend, the less you know the better." Her message delivered, she rises and the guards return. Immediately, her demeanor once more changes and she is again a perfect picture of grief. “No, I can’t bear to leave you!” She gives Brennus a kiss on the cheek. The kiss is ice-cold and feels somehow alien and inhuman. Tomas shakes his head. “I’m afraid it’s time, miss.” She looks deep in Tomas’ eyes and says, “Thank you for letting me say good-bye. There’s no need to search my dearest. You are such a good friend for letting me see my dearest one more time.” “Such a good friend,” Tomas repeats his voice almost mechanical. Then the watch sergeant seems to snap out of it and bows politely. “A pleasure, madam,” She leaves unveiled.

Her eyes meet you one last time and she briefly gives you a wicked smile. “Three days,” telepathically echoes in Brennus's mind. “Don’t disappoint me, dearest”. The visitation concluded, Brennus is taken back to his cell by a cadre of guards and shackled once more.

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

Malcolm looked up slowly as Brennus was lead back in. He looked around at the guards and then leaned back with his head pressed up against the wall, almost like he was relaxing.

"We made sure to keep your spot warm. What's the matter, you couldn't convince them to let you bring yer wife or whatever in here to give us all a nice goodbye?"

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Mitriva scoffs at Malcolm's crudity.

You are a boor and a fool. Sharing is not in our nature.

[Starbuck_II]

I for one wouldn't mind an extra female voice here, while Ms. Poison is here, she is a bit daft if I say so myself.
Reomava said with sigh.

So did your woman tell you something important or was this just a quickie before we wait execution?
Reomava replies with smile.

[Griffith!]

Brennus Lowell

"Oh it was was quite quick, but not, perhaps, in the way that you mean." Brennus quips as the guards lock his hands back into place and leave the cell, "The dear lady was kind enough to gift me her favor."

Producing the veil from behind his back he smiles blandly and continues, "I suspect it is meant to be useful, but alas, I haven't a bloody clue how to work it. Unless I'm meant to put it on and make of myself a pretty little girl."

He turns his head so the scar catches the light. "I am so fetching in lace." His smile fades as he grows serious, "Do any of you have a bit of skill with spells and things? I believe our benefactor intends us to escape, and this veil must play some role."

"Quickly, though - there is much to do, I think, and little time to do it in. We have but three days to make good this chance."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Mitriva hushes Brennus.

Do not speak of such things while the guards are in earshot.

[Thattaman]

As you inspect the veil, you see small items stitched into it. The items are: two daggers, a lantern, some rope, lockpicks, a window, a sack of clothes and items, a bottle of something, bag of gold, the symbol of Asmodeus.

I've got an image of it here:
http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s570/Thattaman1/32d4116b-6100-4619-b8c1-6e42240089a5_zps6613288b.jpg

[Bladehunter217]

Galethil seems to open up, her eyes taking in the information around the room now that there was a small glimmer of hope in leaving the cell. "A veil, it is interesting, but I only recognize spells by watching the gathering of arcane energy and the movements of the caster, I doubt this falls into my expertise." She whispered mostly to herself.

If either are the slightest bit useful, i have Knowledge local [roll0] and Spellcraft [roll1]. Galethil isn't a knowledge monkey.

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

Looking over at the thing he produced he shook his head a bit. They had a possible way out, but they had no idea how to use the thing. He looked at it curiously though from across the way.

"Well I doubt they would have given us something we'd have no use for. I'm skeptical about being indebted to anyone at all...but it's better than being pulled apart by horses. Lets figure this thing out."

[Starbuck_II]

Let me hold that, or get it closer, I can cast a simple spell if I can just move my arms right.

Reomava attempts to cast a spell to ascertain the powers of the veil.

[roll0]
[roll1]
Since I have a birth mark trait, I don't need holy symbol.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

I can attempt it. The darkness within me grants me some measure of power.

As the veil is brought to her, Mitriva closes her eyes. There's a sickening wave felt throughout the room, and when she opens her eyes, they've become completely dark, like two lightless voids in her face. She stares at the veil, moving her hands as best she can and muttering in Infernal.

Mitriva attempts to cast Detect Magic on the veil.

Concentration: [roll0]
Spellcraft: [roll1]

Mitriva will attempt to maintain the spell for as many rounds as she can, to try and learn as much about the veil as she can with this spell.

[Thattaman]

You recognise it as a veil of useful items. The objects that are stitched into it will materialise into the items that they show. They will only be created once and can not be turned back into a veil.

[Bladehunter217]

"We all seem to care about Veil, but why? Woman with Veil creates concern, but has not shown her face from under the veil just yet. Why the trust?"

[Starbuck_II]

"Look, you can rot in this place if that is your fancy, but I'll accept any help I can get to escape. So what can you (looking at Mitriva) tell about this veil? Does it shoot fire, melt chains, or teleport us away from this place?"
Reomava said hopeful.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Mitriva smirks as the darkness clears from her eyes.

In this instance, I would say the trust is deserved. This is no ordinary veil. The images stitched into it may be removed to become items for our use. She has provided us with the tools of escape. There are many questions that remain, though. Was this woman's gift intended for you, cavalier, or for us all. And more importantly, what did this friend of yours want in return for your freedom? Nothing is ever free. Also, it occurs to me that we know absolutely nothing about one another. If we are to plan an escape attempt, I would say some introductions are in order.

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

Hearing Mitriva speak he was finally happy with the company of the woman. She had said something useful! Turning his head he looked at the veil again and then shrugged his shoulders.

"Sounds reasonable. Call me Malcolm. Gunfighting expert and general problem solver. I'll be what help I can, given my desire to not be killed in this damned place. Now...I don't suppose there's a firearm on that veil then?"

He grinned, knowing that would be an incredible longshot, but he hadn't gotten a good look at the thing yet from where he was chained.

[Bladehunter217]

Galethil bows her head. "Galethil, I sing the death of my enemies." She sunk back into her resigned state and looked back to her spot on the wall.

[Starbuck_II]

Reomava thinks for a bit, turns her hide sideways, "I guess, my speciality is fire. My name is Lady Reomava, but you may call me Lady or Reomava. I know magic, but I specialize in fire. Well, I can sooth wounds in emergencies but I rarely use that power."

[Bhaakon]

"Gravin", mutters the leans man near the door. "Bane of the weak and undeserving. Now if you want a biography, I'd be glad to provide one once we're free and gone. Until then, I think we have all the motivation needed to work together at least until we're beyond the wall."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Mitriva looks the veil over as best she can.

You will have to be dissapointed, Malcolm, the only weapons that appear to be stitched into the veil are a pair of knives. The rest are presumably items we will use to make good on our escape, the one we should use first probably being the lockpicks. I am Mitriva. The name means "Mitra's Gift," but it was a gift he foolishly gave, for my soul was fused with a devil's and I embrace Asmodeus as my master while my body transforms to match my spirit. A spirit that carries the very darkness of Hell with it.

[Bladehunter217]

"A single knife could go a long way, two might even be enough."

[Starbuck_II]

Does anyone have any skill with lockpocks? I haven't the foggiest. Malcolm you look like you have good hands, would you kindly be a dear and try to pick your locks.
Remava said curious.

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

the man lifted his chained wrists and had a look at them for a moment. He turned his head and looked over to Remava.

"No harm in tryin'. I've only but seen picks do their work, though. Toss that thing here and I'll get to work."

[Griffith!]

Brennus Lowell

"I am Brennus, formerly of House Chrom," he said, mentally adding as though they'd ever claimed me before going on, "I was until just recently a knight in service to the crown. And now I have every intention of bending the crown in service of me."

He pauses to let the gravity of his words sink in. "I know as little of our benefactors as any of you, save for this - we have been given the task of escape and the instruction to attend a meeting some distance hence - within three days."

"I care not a whit if you trust her or even me - if any of us intend to make an attempt at escape we will need each other."

"So there you have it. Are we on the same page?"

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

Looking at the Veil for a moment he shrugged his shoulders and looked up to Mitriva. Luckily the veil was just close enough for him to be able to get his hand upon the image of the lockpicks...he had experience seeing magic, but feeling it was something different. As the item drew forth his eyes went wide.

"I'll be damned. Again i suppose. I was waiting for it to just be a farse."

He turned to Brennus and nodded his accord with what the man said.

"Your point is surely valid, we do need to work together. Now let's see about these chains."

His hands went to work, deftly trying to suss out which tool to use and how best to get them to free him.

Disable Device!

Here goes nothing.

[roll0]

[Thattaman]

Your manacles open and fall to the ground. Malcom's hands are now free. The lockpicks seem to be particularly fine quality and the other manacles fall off easily. One makes a loud noise but you only hear a few sounds coming from the guardroom and luckily no one exits.

Well done. Your hands and feet are now free but you're still in the cell.

[Bladehunter217]

Galethil seems to regain some of the lucidity she had a minute ago. "I do not like those things. That was fine work, Malcolm, correct? Perhaps you can do just as fine a job with the door."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Mitriva takes back the veil.

Indeed. Now, who here will get the most use of what? I have my spells to aid us, and as I am not a priest, the symbol of Asmodeus holds little value for me outside of sentimentality.

She holds the veil out for the others to take what they wish.

[Bladehunter217]

"It all depends on who the best fighters are, I can infuse any weapon I weild with magic, but I'm not the greatest fighter so If anyone is a good fighter, I would suggest they take one as well." Galethil touches one of the daggers on the veil.

[Griffith!]

Brennus Lowell

"I will have need of a knife." Brennus says quietly, massaging his wrists, "Any blade, in fact. It stands as a poor substitute for my flambard, but needs must, and all of that."

He holds out a hand for the dagger, "Quickly. We do not know when the guards patrol or the watch changes. It would be best to move with some expedience."

[Bladehunter217]

Galethil touches the second dagger on the veil and hands it to Brennus. "Take it boy, we can use whatever strengths we have. Let us move, like you said, I would hate to lose the little freedom we've gained so far."

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

As his manacles snapped free and he went about the room unfastening them from everyone else, he had a cocky grin on his normally reserved face.

"You can save your undying gratitude for later. Lets get this show on the road."

His eyes went to the veil and he blinked a little bit. Something was odd about this veil. Something...

"Now wait just a darn second here. The hell is there a window on there for? Don't make no ruttin' sense if you ask me."

He picked up a pair of Manacles and hefted them. He shrugged a bit as he kept them close. No sense in not having something to swing at enemies.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Presumably to make an exit where there is none.

[Starbuck_II]

"You can save your undying gratitude for later. Lets get this show on the road."

Agreed, who wants point? I can fight, I'll just a manacle 2 handed till we get something better.
Reomava said getting her self stretched as a fight was surely coming.


"Now wait just a darn second here. The hell is there a window on there for? Don't make no ruttin' sense if you ask me."

He picked up a pair of Manacles and hefted them. He shrugged a bit as he kept them close. No sense in not having something to swing at enemies.
Well, if it wasn't an issue of height, we could be on the roof for all we know, we could use window and jump.
Reomava said softly thinking about it.

[Bhaakon]

Gravin

The lean druid shakes his head, "Better not to waste it until we know where we are. For all we know, there's a guard barracks on the other side of this wall."

"Besides, there are some people I want to... speak with on the way out," he adds, massaging the stiffness from his wrists.

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

"Great. Maybe a magic window can save us. I imagine the less guards heads we have to stove in the better. Maybe if we can get down to a lower level quick we can use that silly window and some rope to get us the hell outside."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Mitriva shakes her head a bit.

We don't even know if we're in a room with an outside wall. We might just put the window up and find ourselves in another cell or wing of this place. The first thing to do is get out of the cell and get our bearings.

[Griffith!]

Brennus Lowell

"We have taken quite enough from this veil already - best we save what's left for another time." Brennus says, voice grim, "After all, we do not yet know what price this magic will demand. If we should come to owe more than our lives in the effort of saving them, what then? It's a small victory to escape a prison and find yourself indebted to worse."

He flipped the knife over in his hand, testing the weight and heft, "Malcom, you have some small skill with the picks. See to the door, if you please. But caution - we do not know when the guards may happen by."

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

Looking down at the picks he shrugged and made his way as low and slow to the door as he could.

Stealth!

[roll0]

Once at the door he tries his best to determine where the guard stand and if they move about. also, he readies the picks and checks the door to see if he has to put his hands through the bars or anything else suspicious before trying the lock.

DM!
Can you describe the door for me? Basically Malcolm wants to make sure he's not just blowing our escape attempt. I'll toss up one roll though, in case he simply has the correct conditions for an attempt upon reaching the door.

[roll1]

[Thattaman]

The door doesn't open because you dropped the picks by accident making a loud thud as it hits the ground. You hear the guard murmur about a noise but no one comes out and the picks seem perfectly intact.

Guard perception [roll0]

[Bhaakon]

Gravin

Cringing as the picks clatter against the stone floor, Gravin is sure that his heart stops beating as the mangy collection of prisons waits for the guards to come charging down the hall.

I'll give the clumsy oaf a thrashing for that, once we're clear, he silently promises himself.

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

Grumbling under his breath, making sure to keep it as quiet as he could while he picked the tools up off the floor, he began to carefully attempt to pick the lock again. He only hoped he could keep his grip on the picks this time.

Open Lock!

[roll0]

[Thattaman]

The cell door swings open and you are free from that small part of imprisonment. The hall is long, five other cells are along there, four of them are identical to yours and completely empty. The fifth however, is heavily secured, thick bars and a locked door enclose the sorry individual inside. An ogre is sitting there, bored until he notices you. He smiles strangely at the six people escaping. He stares with disbelief as the door swings open and speaks to you, excitedly but he is surprisingly well spoken for an ogre. "How did you do that?" He asks you in a low, slightly hushed voice, "I've never been able to get out, no matter how hard I pull. I'm Grumblejack, let me out and I can smash some puny little 'uns" He emphasises this by showing off his huge fists.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Mitriva smiles a bit.

We certainly could use a distraction. What do you think, Master Brennus? She says, hoping to attach herself to the power-hungry cavalier as soon as possible. If he were able to take power of any kind, she could ride his coattails back to the good life. Plus, he seemed the most commanding out of the group, the one who'd best make a leader.

[Bladehunter217]

"I like this one, this one can prove useful." Galethil speaks quietly, walking very close to the proclaimed Grumblejack.

[Griffith!]

Brennus Lowell

Brennus follows the others to the ogre's cell, noting the size of the beast. Brushing past the girls, he answers, "He could indeed be useful, if only he were suitably motivated."

To the ogre he says, "We could release you, Grumblejack. We could set you free to revenge yourself against these wretched guards. It would be no trouble to us, to do as my fellows suggest and make of you a distraction."

"I would propose an alternative to wasting your strength, however. Serve me. Agree to do as I say, until at least we have been quit of this place, and I will see you rewarded. I would even see your ills treated, your belly fed. Ally yourself to my goals and I promise, yours will be served as well, whatever they may be."

"But know this as well. If we free you, if we set you loose and you betray us... We are not so weak as these Guards, Grumblejack. If you mean to turn on us, I will not hesitate to cut you down myself. With Asmodeus as my witness, I would burn the heart out of you."

"So then. Will you come with us?"

[Thattaman]

Grumblejack looks up as he thinks about what Brennus has just said. He replies with almost as normal a voice as a human would have. "Grumblejack will work with you if he gets out of this prison alive without Grumblejack's blood eveyyhere." He then gestures at the bars, "But first you have to break Grumblejack out of my cell."

[Bladehunter217]

"Let us help him, he can prove just as helpful, isn't that right Grumblejack? Let us hurry though, I do not believe we have much time."

[Starbuck_II]

What say you, Malcolm, can you pick the lock? You've been decent with those picks so far.
Reomava said with smile.

"So big guy, what crime were you incar, (realizing he probably needs less complicated words) err imprisoned here for Grumblejack. You a murderer or something." Reomava said with interest.

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

Shaking his head as Brennus lays down such terms to a creature whose fist is as big as Malcolms own head, he even had to stifle a chuckle. Oh to be so arrogant as to think you could demand servitude of someone you just met five seconds ago. Even getting him out of the cell would not indebt someone like this Grumblejack so much as that.

Still, it held possibilities. Malcom did so hate to engage in hand to hand combat, and this Grumblejack could easily take on that burden for him. With his mind made up he produced the picks again and went to work on the door.

His voice a whisper as he worked: "Work with us is good enough for me. Lets get you out of there."

Open Locks!

[roll0]

And another, in case I don't pop it the first time.

[roll1]

[Thattaman]

The first time you try, the picks don't manage and make a painfully loud screeching noise. Luckily, the guards still seem oblivious to what's going on in the hallway.

Guard perception [roll0]

Grumblejack replies to you again, "I was living on the roads, taking money off the people with money and killing some little 'uns. But they caught me and gave me this drink and hit me with clubs. I killed four of them before it went black, then I was here and the were locking me up, I killed two more little 'uns as they were locking me. I been here for three weeks, they must be stupid to keep Grumblejack locked up for so long." he says as he leaves his cell, thanks to Malcom picking the lock.

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

As the lock popped open he shook his head. Stupid picks made too much noise...metal on metal might get them captured eventually. He stowed the picks and looked up at Grumblejack.

"Humanitarian work then. Sounds lovely. Let's talk more once we're not inside the prison anymore."

He grinned up at the Ogre and then looked back to the party. They now at least had something decent to hide behind.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

And now to sit back and watch the fireworks...

[Griffith!]

Brennus Lowell

Brennus sulked quietly, disturbed by his lack of effect on the hulking brute, Another day, then. he mused, And we will see if he remains unswayed by reason.

"Alright." he said finally, "Let's see to these guards. Grumblejack and I can take the front, if there are no objections?"

[Bladehunter217]

"Then the back is mine, I'll keep an eye and ear out for any guards. Grumblejack, I expect you are quite good with your fists and know what to do with people in your way." Galethil smiles as at a mental image of Grumblejack ripping a guard in half. "Well, let us not waste any time, even if we get away from the cell, it being empty would reveal our escape."

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Mitriva falls into line behind Grumblejack and Brennus.

I will stay close to keep you alive with my spells. And so I may rain Hell's wrath down upon those foolish enough to imprison a scion of Asmodeus in the making!

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

Looking up at Grumblejack he shrugged his shoulders.

"I'm not as bashing friendly as most, I'll keep at eye on our divine wonder here. Try and make sure no one bothers her while she's raining things on them or whatever."

[Bhaakon]

Gravin

"Let us hope it's a silent storm then. We don't need every guard in the prison coming at us." Whispers Gravin as he takes his place near the rear of the group.

[Starbuck_II]

"Fire can be silent, can we set fire to things along the way?"
Reomava said with her eyes full of hope.

[Bladehunter217]

"Fire can attract attention faster than most thing, it could be a very good distraction later and could alert the guards if used prematurely." Galethil warned, she is now about as coherent and focused as a human should be.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Gravin

"Let us hope it's a silent storm then. We don't need every guard in the prison coming at us." Whispers Gravin as he takes his place near the rear of the group.

Nothing is more silent than the darkness itself.

[Thattaman]

There are torches with fire on lined up on the walls. The door isn't far and Grumblejack seems restless and wants to go through to kill some guards.

Are you guys going through the door where you know guards to be?

[Bhaakon]

Gravin

"Open the bloody door," Gravin hisses harshly to the meat-shields up front.

[Griffith!]

Brennus Lowell

Brennus walks to the door, gesturing to his erst-while companions to get in behind him. Looking to Grumblejack, he hisses, "Make ready."

And with that he throws back the door and steps in.

[Thattaman]

Through the door is a smallish room, with stairs leading down, a door to your left and a huge-almost comically large-chimney that could easily fit an ogre inside. Two guards are sitting on benches near the door. They stare at you in shock.

OK, surprise round.

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

Hefting his manacles in his hands, he kept near Mitriva, ready to stop anyone from attacking the spellcaster.

Actions!

During surprise round, move to stay near Mitriva. Ready and action to attack any guard that gets within range of him if possible.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Mitriva closes her eyes, and when she opens them, they're pitch black again as she begins chanting in Infernal. As she does so, a fog begins to emerge from her mouth, wrapping around her and the others. When she finishes, even Grumblejack is hidden by the obscuring mist.

Mitriva casts (surprise, surprise) obscuring mist.

[Thattaman]

Grumblejack looks very confused at the mist around him, even a little scared. He lashes out and strikes a guard in the chest.

Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]

The fist glances of his armour but deals no damage, the guards are suddenly aware of what is going on.

Surprise round ended.

[Starbuck_II]

Reomava charges swinging her manacle like a metal club:

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Thattaman]

Grumeblejack once again sends a fist into the closest guards face, hoping to kill.

Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1] Everyone (other than Galthil) needs to take their action during the first round.

[Bhaakon]

Gravin hangs back, waiting for an opportunity to use one of his precious few spells. Unfortunately, he can't do anything until the hapless guards draw.

delay action to cast Burning Disarm once the guards draw, preferably on the one that grumblejack just clobbered (if he lived).

[roll0] fire damage

or DC 16 reflex save to drop the weapon (no damage, but disarmed)

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

Malcolm stays with Mitriva, his chains held before him.

Actions!

Ready an action to Attack any guard that comes within reach.

If a guard comes within reach, use this attack roll:

Manacles:
[roll0]

Damage:
[roll1]

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Mitriva begins chanting again and waving her hands. As she does so, a small hiss can be heard as a viper appears on the floor.

Mitriva casts summon monster I to summon a viper.

[Thattaman]

If we are waiting on anyone then I'm going to skip over them and go with the guards turn.

The guard who Grumblejack attacked gets out a longsword and slashes at him. The other guard reaches for the horn that he dropped but luckily is topped by the viper who coils around his arm, causing him to curse loudly.

Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]

[Bladehunter217]

"Cut out their throats!" Galethil hissed before she began to sing a song of victory. A ballad telling the tale of a riot against an oppressive king. She smiles as she sings, accenting the more gruesome parts of the song, focusing on the theme of bloodlust.

Inspire Courage, +1 vs charm and fear, + on attack and dmg rolls.

[Thattaman]

Everyone else can take their turn now.

[Bhaakon]

Seeing that the others seem to have things well in hand, Gravin hangs back to save his severely limited selection of spells and give the ogre room to smash.

[Cleavon]

Malcolm

Feeling a little more bold at seeing the ogre in combat, Malcolm steps up and feebly swings the set of manacles at one of the guards with a sneer.

Attack!
Improvised weapon, ick.

[roll0]

[roll1]

Also Melee. Not my strong suit.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Mitriva hovers away from the melee, trying to avoid getting hit. She had exhausted her most powerful spells. Now all she could do is try to heal others who were injured.

[Thattaman]

Have we just got three people left playing? How many are still here?

[Thattaman]

Grumblejack dodges the blow and swings into the guard once more:

Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva waves her hands and mutters some more. A scream peels out near one of the guards. It's not much, but she hopes it'll serve as a distraction, maybe leave an opening.

Mitriva casts ghost sound.

[Thattaman]

As the scream appears in the guards ear, he puts the horn to his lips and blows loudly. The whole prison knows. The other guard smiles and swings once again at the huge ogre.

[roll0] [roll1]

A guard runs up the steps with a prisoner in tow. A Dark Elven woman with a smile on her face.

Ilvaria, you can join now.

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Mitriva

Mitriva blanches as the horn sounds.

We're dead!

[Ilvaria]

Red, almost pupil-less, eyes glanced at the turmoil about her, after having been dragged up the stairs in what appeared to be a hurry. The smile plastered on her face just grew, and became a bit more devilish. Though fools they might have been, they were strong. A nice little plus from everything else about her. The guards, like the one dragging her about? Weak. By the end of all of this... Ilvaria could only hope the guards would know what it meant to be weak.